Sometimes, things need to change.  Whether it be a fundamental change in beliefs, a change in attitude due to external forces, or just a simple "I like it better this way", change is inevitable.  Such is the case for BullittBoys Racing, out of Georgia.

Mike Calvert, head BullittBoy, is the leader of this fearless pack.  28 years old, hailing from McDonough, Georgia, he's the owner/driver of the beautiful 2001 Mustang Bullitt seen in the accompanying photos.  I was lucky enough to spend some face time with Mike at the recent World Ford Challenge, at Gateway International Raceway.

Mike's been racing for about 6 years, and has had a few choice cars to harness his ability.  Mike originally started with an 87 LX 4 cylinder, after years of watching his father street race a 65 2+2 Fastback.  Now there's a car!   He gutted the 87, installed a 302, and went racing.  He was a local track rat for a while, running a carburetor and N20 on the 87, and finally stepped up to the big boy Bullitt he currently campaigns in FFW's Street Outlaw class.

Mike currently runs a turbo setup from Precision Turbo and Engine, in Indiana.  The biggest challenge to the racing program so far has been the change from N20 to the fuelie turbo motor.  Mike says, "It's like going back to school all over again!"  But thanks to the help of Harry and Dan from PTE, he's currently number 5 in the FFW standings. The car was built by John Bonner at RaceFactory, and is an absolute work of art!  Covered in Metallic Grey, and built to the rigorous 25.1C chassis specs, this baby is gonna rock once the bugs are tuned out.

One of the team's biggest accomplishments to date is being able to be competitive in the Outlaw class.  Before Mike got involved with Outlaw, he was a fan, like the rest of us.  He used to look at, in awe, the wild wheelstands from the likes of Mike Murillo, whom he now competes against. He has no fear, though.  His words to me were "I don't have any fear at the line.  Bring 'em on!"  The eventual goal is to be a world champ with FFW, and hopefully go NHRA ProStock racing in the future!  

I did ask Mike what he thought of the current rulebooks, and he answered very candidly.  He thinks the rules need to be left alone, so that some of the other, lesser known players can catch up to those who are at the forefront, and have full car counts at every race. He stated, "It's expensive to build a new car every year, why not just leave well enough alone?"

The list of people to thank is extensive, but let me make sure I forget no one (Mike's a pretty big guy!).  First and foremost is God, for giving him the ability to race, and stay safe throughout every run.  His lovely wife Joni Calvert, for putting up with him and the time he spends working on/racing the car.  Also Crew members Terry Cain, Brandon, and Natalie.  Harry and Dan at Precision Turbo and Engine, for an awesome turbo setup.  Neal's Transmission, and also Marty Chance from Neal Chance Racing Converters.   A HUGE thanks goes out to John Bonner from RaceFactory for helping to build such a beautiful car!   Other friends at the track include noted Pro 5.0 racers Brit Floyd and crew, Doug and Jo Mangrum, John Gullett and Brent Frazier, and also Jason Fields, Chip Havemann, and Brad Brand of Atlanta Chassis Dyno.  

Keep your eyes on this team, they will soon be a force to be reckoned with!  Hardcore50.com wants to wish the best of luck, and safety, to the BullittBoys Racing team this season!  We hope to see you at the races!