Bill Elliot was attempting to break his 22-year-old NASCAR qualifying speed record at Talladega Superspeedway in an E-85 powered FR500C Mustang but a cut tire sent the FR500C into the wall damaging the suspension and right front of the car, Elliot was unhurt. The damage to the car was unrepairable in the amount of time they had so the event was canceled. Even though the event ended on a sour note all was not lost, Elliot did set the E-85 speed record at 174.206 mph during the two laps he ran.
The FR500C will spend some time in the shop getting repaired for the next attempt. The Ethanol powered FR500C is owned by Brent Hajek of Hajek Motorsports. Ford Racing provided assistance preparing the car for this record setting run.
“I wish I could tell you what happened,” said Elliott. “It was one of those things where you get that shake and you know what is coming, but there is nothing you can do about it. I really didn’t know what to expect from this opportunity. Even in just the short time I spent in the car, I already see some things that we can do better if we only have a little bit more time to think things through. Ford has done a good job supporting this program and Brent Hajek and all the guys at their shop have done a really good job. They will get this thing back to Oklahoma and get it beat back out and we’ll work on this thing again.”