Ford Insists Mustang Shelby GT500 Owners Take Driving Lessons, Will Pay For Them

The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is not your average pony car. With 760 HP (771 PS) and 625 lb-ft (847 Nm) of torque cranked out by its 5.2-liter supercharged V8, it’s closer to a supercar than a base Mustang EcoBoost.

It goes without saying that one should know very well what they’re doing behind the wheel of a beast that can rocket from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.5 seconds and do 0-100-0 mph in 10.6 seconds.

The automaker is aware of that so it is offering exclusive complimentary driving instruction to GT500 owners at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. The Ford Performance Racing School has set up a new operation there to teach Shelby GT500 owners advanced driving techniques through track- and drag strip-based sessions, as well as classroom instruction.

Watch: Bone-Stock 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Does The Quarter-Mile In…?

Called GT500 Track Attack, the complimentary program is the latest in a long line of similar owner programs offered by Ford Performance. By taking the course, owners will be able to learn firsthand the capabilities of their cars thanks to professional training from instructors in the classroom, on the road course and its a four-wide drag strip.

During the one-day course, drivers will learn cornering, braking and launch techniques focusing on the dynamics of the Shelby GT500, including its drive modes and launch control feature.

“With its supercar-level powertrain, the all-new Shelby GT500 takes Mustang to a performance level once reserved only for exotics,” said Dave Pericak, Ford director of enterprise product line management. “GT500 Track Attack is absolutely essential in helping owners understand how to get the most out of their cars. This promises to be an exciting experience – one that owners will never forget,” the representative added.

Shelby GT500 cars to use in all exercises will be provided by the Ford Performance Racing School. Drivers will be able to choose an optional second day of on-track instruction in Ford Mustang GTs equipped with upgraded Ford Performance suspensions and brakes. Ford will cover costs of the driving school in its entirety, while owners will have to pay for their travel, hotel, and optional-day Mustang GT course.