Devin Vanderhoof Sells Multi-Time Drag and Drive Winning Fox Mustang – Reveals New Drag and Drive Car Build – Are 5-Second Runs in Store for 2026?
After losing his top (literally) at Sick The Magazine’s recent Sick Summer Presented by Motion Raceworks, Devin Vanderhoof’s well-known ’93 Ford Mustang convertible was returned to South Carolina, and stripped of its convertible frame and gear, and being prepped for a hard top conversion.
Less than two weeks later, Devin had the multi-time drag and drive winning Mustang up for sale, fueling speculation of what might be next for Devin and driver Josh Davis. We twisted Devin’s arm to get the details about his new ride, and the plans for it.
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Devin’s new ride is also a Ford Mustang, but a lighter and sleeker 2017 Shelby GT-350 model. Yes, this car started life as a legit Shelby GT-350 model, the first of twenty production type rides being built by J&E Chassisworks in Michigan.
“Production Car 001 is SOLD! The GT350 has officially found its new home,” J&E Chassisworks posted on their Facebook page on Saturday morning, July 26th.
“This will be an actual purpose built drag and drive car,” said Devin. “These are my favorite cars. The S550 Mustang looks killer to me as a race car.”
Devin mentioned the advantage of the car having a chassis and roll cage that will SFI certify into the 5-second range, while saving weight over his Fox-body Mustang. “I think this car will be about 300 pounds lighter, and a lot better aero.”
Although the original Ford body remains, the front end, doors, side skirts, rear bumper and trunk lid were replaced with lighter Larry Jeffers Race Cars carbon fiber pieces.
When Devin discovered the car and spoke to J&E Chassisworks, he was able to convince them to change some stuff before Devin and wife Laura drove to Michigan to pick it up.
Those changes include mounting 2 Racetec seats, cutting in and mounting headlights, building a trailer hitch, and making aluminum floor mats (roll bars are above the floor structure).
Why are the bars above the floor compared to below? “Above the floor is better, because the underside of the is flat and results in smoother air travel,” said Devin. “But the downside is you don’t have anywhere nice to put your feet!”
With the Mustang now back at Devin’s HCR Innovations shop, he will get a plan together with a goal of completing the Shelby GT-350 ride by November 1st, giving Devin and Josh time to test for the car’s competition debut at next year’s Sick Week Presented by Gear Vendors Overdrive.
“The Shelby will head to Matthew Smith at Performance Fab for all the finishing fabrication work, and turbo kit items,” said Devin. “Then to Jake Tinsley at Tinsley’s Custom Coatings, then paint, and then back to me.” HCR Innovations will handle the wiring, plumbing and finishing up the new ride.
For those wondering about the new Mustang’s paint color, don’t worry. Devin will have the Mustang slathered in his trademark white with a black top.
The one detail we couldn’t pry out of Devin was what will power the new ride, and with the big block Chevrolet combination from PAR Racing Engines sold out of the Fox Mustang before he sold the car, we’re wondering what Devin could be thinking to power the new steed.
“This is the first time I’ve been excited about my own shit in years,” said Devin. “I’ll just say if it all comes together the way it’s looking, we’re shooting for that first 5-second average.”
See more of the new Mustang in Devin’s latest video below:
Written by Derek Putnam. Media courtesy of Sick the Magazine, HCR Innovations and J&E Chassisworks.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com