The introduction of a new category within the NMRA specifically for 5.0L Coyote-powered vehicles has been discussed for some time and all but a given for 2012, but on Friday, Promedia, the parent company of the NMRA Ford Nationals, made it official with the announcement that Strange Engineering Coyote Stock presented by 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords Magazine will make its debut this season.

Photo courtesy: NMRA

Coyote Stock will be a heads-up, spec-engine class, utilizing a sealed version of Ford’s newest high performance engine, the 5.0L DOHC “Coyote,” paired with a spec, sealed processor. The class will be open to all vehicles of Ford make, 1954 model year and newer, and each competitor will be required to weigh in at 3,200 pounds.   Vehicles competing in the class will run on a true 10.5-inch tire and will have a choice of a variety of Ford OE and Tremec manual transmissions with a single-disc clutch or the C4 automatic transmission.

From the beginning, the concept of Coyote Stock was create an affordable venue for both the rookie and the veteran racers and tuners to come together in a competitive, heads-up environment without involving expensive engine programs and full-on race cars. “Coyote Stock is a great way to return race cars to the track with an affordable engine package. It speaks to the original spirit of NMRA racing,” said Jesse Kershaw, Drag Racing and Competition Manager at Ford Racing, “The Coyote engine is about half the cost of a competitive Factory Stock engine and about one third the price of a Pure Street engine. It also requires far less maintenance.”

A number of racers have already indicated their excitement about competing in such a class that’s sure to bring together some of the best in late model Mustang performance. “I’ve got a couple cars in my shop getting ready for [Coyote Stock]. I’m looking forward to that build process, actually,” said noted Pure Street racer Steve Gifford. “I’m looking forward to seeing all the different cars and builds. I think we’ll have a CobraJet or two in the class, and possibly a Maverick. The beauty of this class is that as far as equipment goes, the performance difference between cars will be nothing that can’t be made up on the tree and with decent driving.”

The preliminary rules for Coyote Stock can be viewed on the NMRA Digital web forum by clicking here. The 2012 NMRA Ford Nationals tour kicks off March 1-4 with the 18th Annual Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout Presented by Steeda at the Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Fla.