The Sandhills Open Road Challenge is a 55-mile open-road race that challenges drivers to navigate hazards, straights, S-curves, and ninety-degree turns. The race is made up of various speed classes based on driver’s ability and car safety equipment. Suffice to say, it is one of the most harrowing events of its kind in the United States. And that goes for any racer, especially Jonathan Dewar of Canby, Oregon.

Johnathan began restoring his 1963 Ford Falcon back in 2009. In doing so, he opted for a suspension kit from Heidt’s Hot Rod & Muscle Car Parts. Johnathan used Heidt’s Mustang kit, and it has performed exceedingly well. The Mustang didn’t just increase the Falcon’s handling abilities, but also the performance of its controls.

Dewar became paralyzed in 1996 after falling out of a tree, so he and his brother, Mark, designed a system of hand controls for his Falcon. The two of them were able to race The Sandhills Open Road Challenge this past summer in Arnold, Nebraska.

The folks at Heidt’s Hot Rod & Muscle Car Parts were able to catch up with John and Mark recently and discuss the kit they used, and how things went at Sandhills. They highlighted the interview in a recent press release that can be seen below.

Official Press Release:

“Oregon man’s Heidt’s Suspension modified Mustang kit earns a solid performance at Sandhills Open Road Challenge.

Lake Zurich, Illinois: When choosing a suspension kit for a rebuild, you want something you know will last.

“It was really good,” Dewar said. “I got a Mustang kit and talked to one of [Heidts Suspension’s] techs” for advice about modifications.

The modifications worked well, not just for the suspension but also for the Falcon’s controls. The Ford performed well in the half-mile shootout. They were happy enough with the results that they “already signed up for next year.”

Even 10 years after he bought the suspension kit from Heidts, Dewar says he’s still pleased with the performance.

“It really was a good experience,” he said,” and I had an awesome time talking to the tech.”

If you’re interested in learning more about the Heidt’s Mustang kit or any of its other high-quality performance parts, check out the Heidt’s website, here.