STANG Magazine February 2026: Editor's Choice Issue
FEBRUARY 2026
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Mustang enthusiasts have asked for a magazine that has no ads, no sales pitches, and no bogus “fillers” to eat up space. They have asked for a magazine that is free, easy to access, and nothing but focused on Mustang pictures and content. They have asked for a magazine produced and written by Mustang owners. They have asked for a magazine that highlights the daily drivers and the average Mustang that is driven and is not a trailer queen. They have asked for the chance to one day have their ride, their group, their club, or their cause to be recognized in print or online. It is our absolute pleasure to meet these standards and to give you STANG Magazine. We hope that both our message and our image will be seen in every Mustang community out there. Thank you Mustang fans and enjoy your ride! - Daniel Ramey, Editor-In-Chief
Mustang enthusiasts have asked for a magazine that has no ads, no sales pitches, and no bogus “fillers” to eat up space. They have asked for a magazine that is free, easy to access, and nothing but focused on Mustang pictures and content. They have asked for a magazine produced and written by Mustang owners. They have asked for a magazine that highlights the daily drivers and the average Mustang that is driven and is not a trailer queen. They have asked for the chance to one day have their ride, their group, their club, or their cause to be recognized in print or online. It is our absolute pleasure to meet these standards and to give you STANG Magazine. We hope that both our message and our image will be seen in every Mustang community out there. Thank you Mustang fans and enjoy your ride! - Daniel Ramey, Editor-In-Chief
CAR OWNER
MICHAEL WAGONER
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
JAEGER - 2022 MACH 1
GIVING IT EVERYTHING I’VE GOT...
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
I’ve always had a deep passion for Mustangs - their heritage, performance, and the way they reward drivers who are willing to push themselves to be better. For me, it’s more than just owning a car; it’s about building, refining, and driving it with purpose. My family is a huge part of that journey, supporting the late nights in the garage and the long weekends at events. Whether it’s the Shine Run, Dyno, Autocross, Shotgun Alley, Drag Racing, or the Car Show, I enjoy pushing the car in every environment and sharing those experiences with the people who stand behind me every step of the way.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
That passion, fueled by my family’s support, is carrying me into competition as I’ll be competing in King of the Smokies (KOTS) at Ponies in the Smokies 2026, at the end of March. With events ranging from Autocross and Drag Racing to Shotgun Alley and the Dyno, it’s the ultimate test of both driver and machine. I’m committed to showing up prepared, focused, and ready to represent my family and the Mustang community the right way - by driving hard, staying consistent, and giving it everything I’ve got.
The mods are way too many to list but special thanks to my wife - Robyn Wagoner for having to put up with me through all of this, Ken @ HPR, Darrell Wengerd tuning, Love and Sargent Body shop, Ceramic Pro Franklin, Wayne Kerr, and many others.
PHOTO CRED:
MICHAEL WAGONER
KILL BOY
BLAKE HOPKINS
ROBYN WAGONER
MIKAYLA WAGONER
ANABELLE WAGONER
LUCAS WAGONER
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
ARMANDO PETRUCCELLI GOLD RUSH - 1985 MUSTANG LX
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
IT GIVES ME A RUSH EVERY TIME I DRIVE IT...
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
This is my 1985 Ford Mustang LX Notchback. This is a street legal, purpose built for the track Mustang. Built by my good friend Robert Scocca with my help. Robert, myself, and some friends race a 1987 Ford Mustang GT convertible in the 24 Hours of Lemons race series. The car is based in New York. It always gets lots of attention everywhere I go and people always love that it’s a track car that drives on the street. Interior is very basic as I stripped it down as much as possible to reduce the weight. It only has some Scott Rod rear seat delete panels, no carpet, and two Corbeau race seats with 5 point harnesses. It also has a Scott Rod aluminum dash. I called it Gold Rush because it’s gold and it gives me a rush every time I drive it. It’s so raw, loud, and wild!
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
This Mustang was purchased as a shell and built from the ground up. The build took about 2 1/2 years to complete. Paint and bodywork was done by my friends at Magic Collision in Whitestone, NY. Paint color is called Austin Gelb and is from the BMW M3. This car is a blast to drive and drive hard. The more you give it, the better it performs. You can see more info on my IG @4ifox1985.
Modifications include Maximum Motorsports Max Grip package (front to back), Brembo Cobra R front brakes and Cobra rear brakes, Ford Motorsport aluminum drive shaft, Torsen T2r differential with Motorsport 3.55 gear set, Tremec TKX transmission, Ford Performance 363 crate motor, Edelbrock
Performer Dual Plane Air Gap intake, Holley Sniper II fuel Injection, American Racing long tube headers with 1 3/4” primaries/3” collector, Full 3” X pipe going into 2 1/2” tailpipes, 3” Dynomax Bullet Mufflers, Holley 12” Pro Dash, S&W 10 point roll cage, extended steel fender flares custom blended into the body, 275/35R/18 Continental Extreme Contact tires on 18” SVE GT350 rep wheels, and the car weighs 3,196 pounds with all fluids including full tank of gas and driver.
PHOTO CRED:
JIMMY HAYDEN
ARMANDO PETRUCCELLI
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR OWNER
STEVE BOWDER
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
ELEANOR RIGBY - 2008
MUSTANG GT
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
THE TRUE ALLURE OF THIS BEAUTY EXTENDS FAR BEYOND...
My name is Steve Bowder and this is my modified 2008 Mustang GT called “Eleanor Rigby.” I am the creator of the “Come Together Band”, celebrating the music of the beatles and I had to have the license plate to match (CM2GTHR).
This custom-built tribute GT350E to the Eleanor captures the essence of driving a classic Mustang while offering a unique and personal touch. It is equipped with a Cervini Eleanor body kit and a professionally tuned stock 4.6 liter engine and this vehicle delivers some impressive horsepower. With no supercharger, it was dyno’d at 391 hp. However, the true allure of this beauty extends far beyond its performance specifications.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
CHUCK DEKETT
My passion started 20 years ago when I bought Mustang #1. I am not one to just experience these cars so over the past 20 years we have bought and sold 13 or so. A retired graphic designer and a band playing musician, my current Stang is a tribute to the band I created 15 years ago... “Come Together Band” - music of The Beatles. www.cometogetherband.com
This Mustang has the looks and enough power for me. I have nothing to prove when the younger generation pulls next to me at lights...
