Shelbyfest shifts Ford enthusiasts into high gear.

Most people actually feel it before they hear it. It starts as a low, vibrating rumble that palpitates one’s diaphragm. Quickly, it elevates to a grumbling growl underscored by an undefinable sense of restrained energy. Then, finally culminating into a full-throated roar of power, it peaks to maximum decibels in a screaming crescendo. No, it isn’t the Mormon tabernacle pipe organ; it’s Shelbyfest’s Moment of Horsepower, where hundreds of high-performance engines rev in unison as a tribute to veterans and first responders.

The annual Ford Enthusiasts Nationals Shelbyfest and Rally is hosted in beautiful downtown Jefferson City and named after legendary race car driver and automotive designer Carroll Shelby. Shelby is best known for his1960s affiliation with the Ford Motor Company Racing Team and his design work on the AC Cobra and Mustang models. His success on the international auto racing circuit is historic. In 1966, Shelby and his team of hot-shot drivers placed first, second, and third in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans Grand Prix Road Race. It was the first win for an American-built car in a European race in over 40 years. The story is chronicled in the 2019 movie “Ford v Ferrari,” starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale.

Shelby was instrumental in building the Ford Mustang brand. Through his design and performance enhancements, he helped establish the Shelby Mustang model’s legacy as an American muscle car.

Shelbyfest was founded in 2007 by Kyle Caraway.

“When I was a kid, around 10 to 12 years old, I was enthralled by these cars,” Kyle says. “I wanted to own one. And the more I got to know about them, the more inspired I was to do something to continue their legacy.”

And just what is a Shelby? It’s a Ford factory-built Mustang that has been fitted with Carroll Shelby-designed or inspired performance and appearance upgrades.

The first seven rallies were held in Hermann, Missouri. In 2015, Kyle realized the festival needed more local infrastructure, so he moved the show to Jefferson City and hasn’t looked back.

“It’s a good fit,” Kyle explains. “…the downtown look, the prison site, easy access to highways, community involvement, and hospitality. It’s got so much to offer.”

Kyle credits Diane Gillespie, executive director of the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, for helping him make that transition. Kyle became so enamored with the city that he even moved his residence here.

“Until you’re a resident, you really just don’t know all this community has to offer,” Kyle says.

Festival participants have also come to embrace Jefferson City as a premier destination for Shelbyfest

We have people who come from as far away as Washington state, Rhode Island, Florida, and Texas,” Kyle says. “And they all talk about the hospitality of the Midwest and our Jefferson City community.”

“It takes a lot of support to make an event like this happen,” he adds. “We’re so appreciative of the Jefferson City Police and Fire Department for their participation, and the downtown merchants who welcome and accommodate thousands of visitors; it’s really amazing to see.” Kyle says the local rally regularly draws between 400-500 participants and has welcomed as many as 700.

“This is not just a car show,” he explains. “It’s a three-day automotive event. It’s about building a community of people who admire and appreciate the Ford/Shelby history and are inspired to buy those vehicles and continue the legacy of that name.”

Shelbyfest begins with a Friday Night Kick-Off, which also serves as a fundraiser for a charitable cause. Saturday features the Show and Shine, where owners showcase their cars along nearly eight city blocks downtown.

“Car people are very generous with their time and vehicles,” Kyle says. “They love showing off their cars.”

The Show and Shine provides attendees an opportunity to get up close and personal with the machines and their owners, get a look inside the vehicles, and ask questions about features and specs. And attendees don’t have to be motorheads to enjoy the event.

“It’s intentionally intended to be a family-friendly environment, entertaining and educational,” Kyle says. “The focus is on the people and those who share a love and passion for these things. Ultimately, it’s like a big family reunion.”

However, Shelbyfest differs from more traditional car shows in that it’s not a competition. A few recognitions are given out for things like styling, but there’s not any element of winning or losing.

Other on-site activities include things like remote drag racing, a kid’s area, and assorted merchandise offerings. And, of course, the event concludes with the thrilling Moment of Horsepower. It really is something to be experienced to believe.