You have to get out here and experience it to see what products need to be developed. — Dario Orlando, Steeda

When you hear the name Steeda , you think of sharp-handling, fast Mustangs. The company made its name creating speed parts and tuner cars designed to improve performance. While those mods and cars are most often geared toward better handling the company has gear for straight-line rides as well.

Wanting to get out and see what its street and drag race customers are up to, the company hosts the yearly Pony Wars, which pits all of the big-three brands against one another for a day of 1,320 fun.

We see a lot more street cars. — Scott Boda, Steeda

“It’s good to mingle with the customers, see what their demands are and what they would like to see in the product,” Dario Orlando, President of Steeda Autosports, said. “You have to get out here and experience it to see what products need to be developed, what needs to be expanded on, and to see what the customers want because we are here for the customers. That’s our number-one goal, is to make our customers happy with the best possible products.”

Pony Wars Winners Car Show Best in Show: Clabe Hall, 1991 Mustang LX coupe Best Ford: Doyle Stanley, 2008 Shelby GT500 Stick-Shift Class Winner: Chris Crosby Termiantor-swap 2001 Mustang Runner Up: James Jordan, Cobra All Motor Winner: Zane Owen, Fox Mustang Runner Up: Bill Lee Jr., Palmetto Police Fox Mustang True Street Winner: Larry Albright, Fox Mustang Runner Up: Tony Whetstone, Fox Mustang ’vert Open Comp Winner: Rusty Satterfield, 2003 Mustang Mach 1 Runner Up: Jody Scott, S10 Pickup

“We see a lot more street cars. It used to be that when you saw and 8- or 9-second car, you could tell by the sound of it, but now they look like street cars and run those numbers.” Scott Boda, Director of Manufacturing, added.

Of course, hosting the event at South Georgia Motorsports Park near the company’s manufacturing center in Valdosta, Georgia, allows the company to give back to the local area and its customers.

“We are here because it’s good to get with the community,” Glen Vitale, added. “Where else can the people in Georgia and northern Florida go and run their cars for $25.”

We stopped by SGMP on our way back from the Motor City to soak up the action, so check out the highlights we spotted on a sunny Georgia Saturday…