[Bill Kesner]

I guess everyone has their version of what's transpiring with Shelby over the last 10-years. The way I look at it is.......put yourself into the situation. You have a well-known name associated with auto racing, you put together some legendary race cars, an FIA championship, assist a Le Mans victory, and then fade away for several years in Africa. When you return, you still have the desire for cars.......so where do you start?

Going after the replica builders was a bad decision, though think back as to what transpired. He was 1st flattered by company's such as Arntz and Butler building his look-alike cars again. What developed into a small amount of Cobra's, took off to over 100 Cobra builders in time. This would change your perception of flattery to companies taking advantage of something you put together. You don't see many Ferrari replicas's out there and why....because Enzo sued anyone trying to re-create his cars. On the flip side, I have met so many new friends thanks to the replica builders out there....so there must be a compromise at some point. Just think of the numbers out there that wanted to drive and race some version of these nostalgic classic cars. At some point, Carroll will realize that the lawsuits are too late, and must simply compete among them all for business. This is the price he pays for closing up shop for over 20-years.

Right or wrong, if I was in his shoes, I would have done whatever it took to continue my name with cars and racing. Granted there have been many poor decisions along the way, but there is now a reason I believe that Ford wants Shelby back in the picture, and it's simple. Ford wants to capture the baby-boomer market, and what better way to do it with Shelby's well-known name and insight. I along with you all will just have to wait and see what transpires. Good or Bad, you can bet that Ford will always have a better idea at somepoint!

- Bill -