Annika Carter 2014 Mustang V6 Track Build

Annika Carter's 2014 Mustang V6 Track Build

Meet Annika Carter. She's local to the Atlanta, GA area and owns a 2014 Mustang V6 track car! Living so close to Road Atlanta, it's only natural that one becomes a corner-carving fan, right? This car has been gone through to take this regular S197 V6 Mustang to an entirely new level that takes on some tough competition on the track.

We were honored to have Annika here at our Valdosta, GA location to go over her track car, supply her with the right parts to succeed on track and dial in that alignment to spec. Check out all about Annika and her S197 Mustang track build below!

About Annika Q&A

How did you get into racing?

I got into racing on a whim. I first got into the car world by modifying my car and working on it myself (I didn't want my car to look like everyone else's!). I had a few friends who worked as corner marshalls at Road Atlanta, and they kept pressuring me to do a track day after I installed my first set of coilovers on the car: "You can't have suspension like that and NOT take your car to the track!" So...I took my car to the track! I did a track day in December, 2016 and was hooked!

What cars have you owned and/or raced?

I have owned 6 total cars (1992 Mazda Miata, 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth, 2014 Ford Mustang V6, 1990 Spec Miata, 2011 Ford Expedition, 2008 Ford F250), of which I still own 5 (all but the Expedition). I have owned two race cars, but have driven a multitude of cars in track settings, including an R32 GTR, Spec Iron 3V Mustang, Radical SR1, and Porsche 718 Cayman.

What's the story behind your Mustang?

The Mustang was my first car. My parents convinced me to go to college in-state by buying me a car. At first, my dad told me I could NOT get a Mustang...but over a year of looking at cars, I was able to wear him down. We purchased my car "used" with 127 miles -- the previous owner had bought it for his daughter and she had insisted on returning it for an S550. When I got the Mustang, I immediately wanted to modify it because I wanted it to be different from others on the road! My first modification (and first time working on my own car)? Lowering Springs!

Have you attended any racing schools?

As a self-funded racer starting out, I was unable to attend any racing schools as a participant. I have coached at a couple schools now, and hope to expand my coaching repertoire in the next few years.

Suggestions for those who may want to get into racing but they’re not sure where to get started.

If you are looking to get into racing but don't know where to get started, reach out for help. I could go on about how i got my license here, but most people are just going to glance over it. Find me on Instagram and send me a message! Or message another racer you know. We always love to see others getting into our world, so we are always happy to help! If you think it's not possible for you -- it is!! The world of racing isn't as scary or as unobtainable as you think.

Tracks Visited:

Road Atlanta
Virginia International Raceway
Barber Motorsports Park
Florida International Rally and Motorsports Park
Daytona International Speedway
Carolina Motorsports Park
Roebling Road Raceway
Gingerman Raceway

Plans to race in the Gridlife Touring Cup (GLTC) Series in 2021.

The Build

Annika has done a stellar job of taking her run-of-the-mill Cyclone-powered S197 and turning it into a track beast! With a slew of parts from Steeda, and some other awesome vendors, Annika's car is set up to tackle any corner ahead. Check out the build list below!

From the Factory: