Some Mustangs are built in a season. Others evolve over decades. Craig M.’s Atlantic Blue Mustang has been part of his life since December 2002, going from a daily driver to a car-show standout and, eventually, an 8-second street-driven drag car. More than 23 years of ownership have brought countless changes, but one theme has remained: Craig is always chasing the next improvement.
Today, Craig’s 1999 Ford Mustang GT is a far cry from the car he purchased more than two decades ago. With a turbocharged Coyote under the hood and an impressive racing résumé, this garage-built Mustang has become a proven competitor while remaining street-driven.
Follow Craig’s Build: BnB Motorsports
One Mustang, More Than Two Decades of Memories
Craig bought the car in Appleton, Wisconsin, while home on military leave in December 2002. He then drove it to Florida for his final duty station. Back then, it was a daily driver, not the drag car it would become.
As the years passed, the Mustang served different roles. It transitioned from daily transportation to a weekend car, earned recognition at car shows, appeared in magazine features, and ultimately became a purpose-built race machine that Craig still drives on the street.
That long history is what sets the project apart. Rather than replacing the Mustang when his goals changed, Craig kept adapting the same car to suit the next chapter.
From a Stock Two-Valve to a Turbocharged Coyote
The engine history reads like a timeline of modern Mustang performance. Craig started with the stock two-valve modular V8, then added a supercharger. A four-valve swap followed, then a supercharged four-valve combination, and eventually a built four-valve setup with a race-oriented blower.
The latest chapter is a Coyote V8 swap with an 83mm turbocharger, a serious departure from the Mustang’s modest beginnings. It reflects years of experimenting with different combinations and refining the car as his racing ambitions grew.
The transmission evolved alongside the engine. The original T45 manual gave way to a TREMEC T56, then a 4R70W automatic, and finally the TH400 that backs the current turbo-Coyote setup.
Atlantic Blue, Saleen Styling, and an 8-Second Purpose
The Mustang’s Atlantic Blue finish, full Saleen body kit, and four-inch cowl hood give it an unmistakable presence. Craig also maintains separate sets of Weld wheels for street driving and racing, allowing the car to serve both purposes.
For track duty, the Mustang is equipped with an 8.50-certified roll cage and a parachute. Despite its extensive transformation, Craig continues to enjoy the car on the street.
Proven on the Track
Craig regularly competes in quarter-mile index racing, where consistency and precision are just as important as horsepower. His Mustang has proven capable of delivering both.
In 2025, Craig captured the 8.50 index victory at FL2K25 and followed it with an 8.60 class win at the Ford Spring Nationals. Those accomplishments reflect years of development, countless hours in the garage, and a combination that has become increasingly competitive.
The Pursuit of Perfection
For Craig, the Mustang has never been about reaching a final destination. Every combination, modification, and trip down the dragstrip has been another opportunity to learn and improve.
More than 23 years after purchasing it while home on military leave, Craig is still finding new ways to push the car forward. What started as everyday transportation has become a reflection of his dedication to the hobby and the satisfaction that comes from building something with his own hands. And judging by the Mustang’s history, the next chapter is probably already taking shape in Craig’s garage.
Build Highlights
- Owner: Craig M.
- Color: Atlantic Blue
- Body: Full Saleen kit and 4-inch cowl hood
- Engine: Coyote V8 swap
- Power adder: 83mm turbocharger
- Transmission: TH400
- Wheels: Separate street and track sets of Weld wheels
- Safety: 8.50-certified cage and parachute
- Competition: Quarter-mile 8.50 and 8.60 index classes
- 2025 wins: FL2K25 8.50 index and Ford Spring Nationals 8.60 class
- Ownership: Since December 2002
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