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Giveaway #33 Winner Profile:

Michael Serrano and the 2021 Shelby GT500

Michael Serrano has collected Mustangs since high school. When he saw 717 Supply’s 2021 Shelby GT500 giveaway, the retired police officer and Tracy, California, resident couldn’t miss the opportunity. “I just couldn’t bear to think that I could pass up on a chance of trying to win it," Serrano explained. "And honestly, I didn’t think I had a chance.”

Serrano’s purchasing pattern has supported his Shelby dream, much to the dismay of his daughter, Nicole. “He’s been buying too much stuff," she admitted during the winner interview. Despite his investments in 717 Supply merchandise, Serrano maintained realistic expectations. “The odds are hard for anybody,” he acknowledged, but he remained optimistic and helpful. “If you believe in something and you manifest it and you pray about it…you can.”

Nicole was less convinced at first. “I told him it was a scam,” she said bluntly during the reveal. Her skepticism isn’t unusual for many of the 717 Supply giveaway winners’ family members. However, seeing the GT500 in person changed her perspective. Serrano teased back, “We’re sitting here in front of a scam.” Serrano’s second daughter, who remained home in California, shared Nicole’s initial doubts. “She was pretty much hesitant, too,” Serrano noted. 

 

Serrano’s first moments with the Performance Blue GT500 underscored his excitement. “Oh my God, it is so beautiful,” he exclaimed, taking in the Carbon Fiber Track Pack and factory racing stripes. “It looks so much better than it did in the pictures. I love it.”

Even though Serrano already owns a Mustang and Camaro, he was impressed by the GT500’s uncommon specifications. “This one is extremely rare just because of the carbon fiber upgrade,” explained 717 Supply team member Bobby, during the reveal. He added, “These are like $10,000 wheels plus the wing and everything. It is a gnarly upgrade.”

Serrano was equally delighted by the other details, like the Cobra logo projecting from the door puddle lights. “That is so cool,” he remarked. These features, along with the Recaro seats and rear seat delete, add up to ‘bitching’ styling in Serrano’s words. He found the Recaro seats to be surprisingly agreeable, a bonus because years of law enforcement and warehouse work left him with physical ailments. “The seats aren’t going to kill your back because they’re so comfortable," Serrano commented.

 

Exploring the engine bay, Serrano noted the Ford Performance strut tower brace and the JLT cold air intake, commenting on the supercharged 5.2-liter V8 setup: “It matches my 717 bracelet and my shirt I have on.” 

Serrano is certain about the plans for his new ride. “I’ll keep it forever. This one’s a keeper. Definitely," he stated without hesitation. “It’s his new daily driver,” Nicole confirmed with a laugh. His advice to potential entrants combines spiritual conviction with everyday wisdom: “God willing, everybody has a chance to win it. When you see something on 717, just give it a try.”

About the 2021 Shelby GT500

Serrano’s GT500 represents one of Ford's most powerful production Mustangs, powered by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 producing 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque. The forced-induction engine features a hand-built assembly process, with each powerplant carrying a plaque signed by its builder. Meanwhile, the TREMEC seven-speed dual-clutch transmission routes power to the rear wheels through an electronic limited-slip differential.

The Carbon Fiber Track Pack elevates this GT500 into rare territory with an approximately $18,500 factory upgrade. The package includes full carbon fiber wheels—a $10,000 standalone option—that reduce unsprung weight dramatically. “If there was no rubber on them, you could hold them with just two fingers above your head. They’re so light," noted Bobby from 717 Supply as he walked Serrano around the car, which is punctuated by a massive carbon fiber rear wing.

Interior highlights include optional Recaro seats with white accents and Miko suede bolstering. The rear seat delete—a factory weight-reduction option—removes unnecessary mass while creating additional storage space. An Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and carbon fiber dashboard trim complete the track-focused cabin.

717 Supply enhanced the GT500’s capabilities with a Corsa exhaust system and a JLT cold air intake, modifications that maximize the factory supercharger's performance. The Ford Performance strut tower brace adds structural rigidity to the independent front suspension, which uses MagneRide adaptive damping.

 

The Performance Blue exterior features factory-painted over-the-top racing stripes, not vinyl reproductions. Brembo brakes add a pop of red while providing stopping power that keeps this Shelby’s acceleration abilities in check. While Serrano’s track-ready prize hails from the 2021 model year, it has only 1,700 miles on the odometer, leaving him plenty of road ahead.