Ford CEO Jim Farley, Jr. bestowed the ‘Carroll Shelby Spirit’ award by Carroll Shelby International
Carroll Shelby International honored the tough competitiveness of Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley, Jr. by presenting him with the prestigious “Carroll Shelby Spirit” award during the Monterey Collector Car Week 2021.
LOS ANGELES – Carroll Shelby International honored the tough competitiveness of Ford Motor Company CEO Jim Farley by presenting him with the prestigious “Carroll Shelby Spirit” award. CSI board members Neil Cummings and Aaron Shelby gave Mr. Farley the award at the Team Shelby VIP Experience dinner on Saturday, August 14, 2021, in Carmel Valley during Monterey Collector Car Week.
“Carroll Shelby was a tenacious competitor with interests in auto manufacturing, racing, aviation, philanthropy and more,” said Neil Cummings, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Carroll Shelby Licensing. “He was completely committed to winning and surrounded himself with people who matched his drive for success. Everyone who has received this award, including Jim Farley, exhibits those same winning traits.”
Past award recipients include Bob Bondurant, Allen Grant, Edsel B. Ford II, Parnelli Jones and Dan Gurney.
During his award acceptance, Farley said, “Looking at the list of previous award winners, I’m humbled to join the roster. You’ve challenged me to live up to the passion that Carroll exhibited, and that you continue in the Shelby tradition.”
Since joining Ford Motor Company in 2007, James “Jim” D. Farley, Jr., has risen to president and chief executive officer. He serves as a member of the company’s board of directors and represents Ford on the U.S. China Business Council Board of Directors. Farley also was appointed co-chair of the Future of Mobility Commission.
“Jim Farley and Carroll Shelby had a close friendship, probably because both believed that ambition, hard work and sacrifice were keys to success, said Joe Conway, Co-CEO of Carroll Shelby International and CEO of Shelby American. “They often talked about pushing the performance envelope and leveraging new technologies. That philosophy can be seen at Ford today as it continues to launch world-class vehicles, increase profitability and chart a bold path forward under Farley’s leadership. Everyone at Shelby is excited to work with Jim and his team toward a promising future together.”
Farley has served in various strategic roles for Ford around the world. He has led strategic transformation into higher growth, higher profits throughout his career at Ford with postings that included responsibilities for business units in The Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. He was instrumental in leading the ongoing reinvention of the Lincoln brand, setting it on a path for growth as a world-class luxury brand.
Farley is also a ferocious competitor on the track. He has campaigned vintage Shelby Cobras, GT40’s and Mustangs at venues across the world. The dedicated racer has earned the respect of his peers for his smooth driving skills and tenacious attitude.
The award was announced during a private dinner at Los Laureles Lodge in Carmel Valley. Surrounded by performance cars under the stars, Farley was toasted by fans and Team Shelby members, as well as racing legends Allen Grant, Dorsey Schroeder, George Follmer and Tom Gloy. Other luminaries in attendance included Ford executive Hau Thai-Tang, Peter Miles (son of driver Ken Miles), Carolyn and Craig Jackson of Barrett-Jackson, 1965 Shelby American team member Jim Marietta, current Shelby American president Gary Patterson and Executive Vice President of Carroll Shelby International, Tracey Smith.
The “Carroll Shelby Spirit” award was designed to kindle a desire for excellence by recognizing people who achieve. Working with organizers at events that cater to Mr. Shelby’s interests, it will be awarded to someone who displays exuberance, character, and most importantly, enjoys a high-octane lifestyle. The award is a stunning bronze statue of a Shelby Cobra designed by Rick Hadley. Carroll Shelby International plans to bestow the award annually.
About Carroll Shelby Licensing - Auto manufacturer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby is one of the most famous and successful high performance visionaries in the world. A pioneer for modern automotive licensing programs, he began licensing his name and designs for various products beginning in the 1960s. He founded Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., which is the exclusive holder of trademarks and vehicle design rights for some of the most famous muscle cars and high-performance vehicles. CSL also holds trademark rights for Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. For more information about the company or licensing opportunities, call (310) 914-1843, fax (310) 538-8189 or write CSL at 19021 S Figueroa St., Gardena, CA 90248, or visit https://www.shelby.com/carrollshelbylicensing/
About Shelby American, Inc. - Founded by legend Carroll Shelby, Shelby American, a wholly owned subsidiary of Carroll Shelby International Inc., manufactures and markets performance vehicles and related products. The company builds authentic continuation Cobras, including the 427 S/C, 289 FIA, 289 street car, Daytona Coupe and Shelby Series 2 component vehicles; it offers the Shelby GT, 1000, Super Snake, SE and GT post-title packages for the 2005-2021 Ford Mustang. Shelby American also offers the Shelby Raptor, Shelby F-150 Super Snake and Shelby F-150 trucks, as well as the Shelby F-250 Super Baja. Heritage cars include the continuation 1965 Shelby GT350 competition model, 1967 Ford Shelby Super Snake and 1968 Ford Shelby GT500KR. For more information, visit www.shelby.com.
About Team Shelby - Team Shelby was founded in 2008 by Carroll Shelby to give people an opportunity to enjoy their cars with fellow enthusiasts. Ownership of a Shelby vehicle is not required, only a passion for the brand and lifestyle. With chapters worldwide, the factory sanctioned club provides benefits including exclusive access to “Members Only” areas of the club website (www.teamshelby.com), official Team Shelby Membership Kit, invitations to special events and monthly discounts on Shelby products.
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