Mustang Shelby GT500s vs Ninja H2R and Hellcat: A Drag Race Comedy You Can’t Miss

Owning a high-octane beast is one thing; mastering its power is a whole different ball game. This couldn’t have been clearer when two Ford Mustang Shelby GT500s took on the mighty Ninja H2R bike and a formidable Dodge Hellcat, thanks to a video captured by the avid auto enthusiasts at the Wheels YouTube channel.

Located at the iconic four-lane Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this drag race was set to be a showdown of supercharged American power. Our initial contenders? A stealthy matte black and orange Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 against a uniquely styled burgundy Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat. Both cars, now out of production, are legendary in their own right due to their robust platforms and brawny V8 engines – a 5.2-liter for the Shelby and a 6.2-liter for the Hellcat.

At first glance, the stage was set for an epic battle. The Challenger's gray hood, roof, and gold rear wheels contrasted against the Shelby’s aggressive design, promising a rivalry worthy of Mopar and Blue Oval fans' wildest dreams. Yet, the actual race turned out to be more of a comedic skit than a fierce skirmish. The drivers' sluggish reaction times and apparent jitters led to a stumble off the line for one, and a hesitant recovery for the other. The result? A rather underwhelming 13.37 seconds for the Shelby against 13.65 seconds for the Hellcat, trapping at granny-speed velocities.

Hoping for redemption, our attention shifts to the second round. Enter another Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, this time flaunting a blue exterior, gearing up to take on the Kawasaki Ninja H2R. The pre-race theatrics were promising – a massive burnout cloud suggested that this Blue Oval driver had a better grasp of their ferocious machine.

However, it wasn’t long before disappointment struck again for the four-wheel enthusiasts. The Ninja H2R, with its insane power-to-weight ratio, rocketed off the line, effortlessly pulling ahead. By the time it clocked in at a blistering 10.79 seconds at 151 mph, the Shelby was nowhere close, lagging behind at an unremarkable 14.04 seconds at 92 mph. The wide gap was almost humorous – you could have parked several buses between them without risking a collision.

These races serve as a stark reminder: while a machine’s spec sheet might promise adrenaline-pumping performance, the actual outcome on the strip rests heavily on the driver’s skill and composure. Both Mustang GT500s, despite their roaring supercharged hearts, paled in comparison to expectations, leaving onlookers to chuckle and sigh in disbelief.

So, what went wrong? Was it a question of driver error, failed setups, or incompatible track conditions? Regardless, this episode at Las Vegas Speedway underscores the essence of racing: it’s as much about human precision and mastery as it is about engineering prowess. For the car aficionados and racing fans, this race will be remembered for its unintentional hilarity and the unexpected lesson it imparted – sometimes, the power is too wild to be tamed at the drop of a flag.

For a closer look at this amusing match-up, check out the full video on Wheels' YouTube channel. Whether you're there for laughter, lessons, or an appreciation of engineering marvels, this drag race has a bit of everything.