Mustang enthusiasts have asked for a magazine that has no ads, no sales pitches, and no bogus “fillers” to eat up space. They have asked for a magazine that is free, easy to access, and nothing but focused on Mustang pictures and content. They have asked for a magazine produced and written by Mustang owners. They have asked for a magazine that highlights the daily drivers and the average Mustang that is driven and is not a trailer queen. They have asked for the chance to one day have their ride, their group, their club, or their cause to be recognized in print or online. It is our absolute pleasure to meet these standards and to give you STANG Magazine. We hope that both our message and our image will be seen in every Mustang community out there. Thank you Mustang fans and enjoy your ride! - Daniel Ramey, Editor-In-Chief
Mustang enthusiasts have asked for a magazine that has no ads, no sales pitches, and no bogus “fillers” to eat up space. They have asked for a magazine that is free, easy to access, and nothing but focused on Mustang pictures and content. They have asked for a magazine produced and written by Mustang owners. They have asked for a magazine that highlights the daily drivers and the average Mustang that is driven and is not a trailer queen. They have asked for the chance to one day have their ride, their group, their club, or their cause to be recognized in print or online. It is our absolute pleasure to meet these standards and to give you STANG Magazine. We hope that both our message and our image will be seen in every Mustang community out there. Thank you Mustang fans and enjoy your ride! - Daniel Ramey, Editor-In-Chief
CAR OWNER
STEVE GRIFFIN
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
PEDAL COMMANDER - 2019 MUSTANG GT
NOT JUST A MACHINE, BUT A SYMBOL THAT WOULD INSPIRE PEOPLE TO NEVER GIVE UP ON THEIR DREAMS...
This is my story. A journey through cancer. Back in January 2021, I received the shocking news that I had stage four melanoma cancer. This type of cancer had spread widely in my body, and I found out I had eight tumors in total. It was a tough pill to swallow. Over the next year, I went through three surgeries on my brain, which was incredibly scary. During this time, I struggled with my ability to walk and, for about a year, I really couldn’t walk at all. There were moments when I came very close to dying - three times, to be exact. I spent a lot of time in and out of the hospital throughout that entire year, and it felt like I was on a rollercoaster of emotions.
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
At one point, I honestly thought that this might be the end of my life. In my darkest moments, I found myself pleading with God to save me. I promised that if he helped me overcome this battle with cancer, I would use my life to glorify him in everything I do. That year was certainly one of the hardest times I’ve ever faced. A lot of people don’t truly understand what it’s like when a doctor walks into your room and tells you that you have brain cancer. It’s a moment filled with fear and uncertainty, and I had a million thoughts racing through my mind.
What made everything even more difficult was the fact that it was right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of the restrictions in place, not many of my friends or family members could visit me in the hospital. I felt very alone in this fight, and it was a battle I had to face mostly on my own. But throughout this tough journey, my faith became my anchor. It gave me strength and hope when I needed it the most.
Laying in that hospital bed, I had a lot of time to think about my life. I found myself wondering what I could have done
differently. Like anyone, I had some regrets. There were also many things I still wanted to achieve before my life came to an end. One big dream that kept coming to mind was my desire to build a really awesome car. I wanted this car to be something special - not just a machine, but a symbol that would inspire people to never give up on their dreams, no matter how tough life gets.
For me, that car became my “therapy car.“ It represented hope, resilience, and the idea that even in the face of life’s greatest challenges, we can still create something amazing. It was a project I dreamed of completing, something that would remind me, and others, to keep fighting and to believe in themselves, no matter what obstacles they face. Through this
CAR OWNER
STEVE GRIFFIN
CAR
NAME–YEAR & MODEL
INFO
PEDAL COMMANDER - 2019 MUSTANG GT
journey, I learned that life is precious and every day is a gift. I want to share my story to encourage others to keep pushing forward, even when things seem impossible.
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
I’ve given my car three makeovers so far, and let me tell you, the third one was really tough. By that time, I had already done a lot of changes and upgrades to the car, which made it challenging to think of something that would be better than the second makeover. I realized that this new build would require a lot of effort, time, and money. On top of that, I needed to find sponsors who could help me improve the car even more.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
The second design was a big step forward for me. It really opened up new ideas and possibilities for what I could do on the street. I loved the design that Carolina Tint and Wrap created for my car; it was unique and eye-catching. However, I knew I had to come up with something even better for the third makeover. That’s when PEDAL COMMANDER reached out to me with an amazing offer to wrap my car again. Even though it took some time to figure out the perfect design, I’m really happy with how it turned out. Krooked Wraps did the installation of the wrap, and they did an excellent job.
For this build, I also decided to add a Trufiber hood, which really enhances the look of the car. I replaced the front end with a Triple Seven GT500 style, which makes it look even more aggressive and sporty. Liquivinyl was generous enough to supply all the splitters that I added around the car, and MBRP provided an exhaust system that gives the car a wicked sound. It really turns heads when I drive by!
One of the most exciting parts of this makeover was designing my own wheels. They are from RVRN and are forged, which means they are both lightweight and strong. The car has also been tuned by Toland Motorsports, making it perform
even better. I installed NRG racing seats to give it a more race-inspired feel, and I added a Roush coil-over suspension for better handling and comfort on the road. Additionally, I upgraded the brakes with Power Stop, which helps me stop on a dime.
In the end, we decided to go with the APR for some extra aerodynamic enhancements. This third makeover has truly transformed my car into something special. It is not just about looks; it’s about performance and how it feels to drive. I’m really proud of all the hard work that went into this build, and I can’t wait to see how it performs on the streets!
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to Irem from PEDAL COMMANDER. This amazing journey wouldn’t have been possible without your support. You are
CAR OWNER
STEVE GRIFFIN
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
PEDAL COMMANDER - 2019 MUSTANG GT
not just a good friend; you are someone I can always count on, and I truly appreciate having you in my life. Your encouragement has meant a lot to me.
I also want to extend my gratitude to Luke and Leland from MBRP. You guys are absolutely incredible! Thank you so much for everything you’ve done. Your help has really made a difference, and I’m grateful for the partnership we have.
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
Next, I want to thank Chris and KC from APR Performance. Your expertise and support have been invaluable. It’s great to know I can rely on you both. And I can’t forget to thank Brenden from LiquiVinyl. I appreciate all the communication we’ve had through emails, and your support has been so helpful during this process.
Another person I want to thank is Michael Capaccione from Cappy’s Premium Lubrication, who is also an Amsoil dealer. Thank you for not only being a great friend but also for taking such good care of me. Your kindness and support mean a lot.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
I’d like to give a special shout-out to Shea from Krooked Wraps. The work you do is truly amazing! I have to say you are one of the best wrappers in the business, and I’m really impressed with your talent.
One of the most important people I want to thank throughout this entire build is my main photographer, Bryan Santana. Thank you for being there from the very beginning. You have done such a wonderful job capturing photos and videos of the car, and your work really stands out. I’m glad to have you as a friend.
I also want to recognize Rivers Rudolph for creating great pictures and videos. Your creativity and skill really shine through.
And a big thank you goes out to Bryce Carithers for the fantastic photos you’ve taken of the car. I really enjoy our conversations, and I appreciate how you’ve always been there when I needed help.
I also want to give a big thank you to JJ Cusack. Your support has been invaluable, and I truly appreciate everything you’ve done for me. Each of you has played a significant role in this journey, and I couldn’t have done it without your help and encouragement. Thank you all so much!
Lastly, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Ben Hobson. You both made my dream come true, and I truly appreciate it. The time I spent with you at the James Dean celebration party was unforget-
CAR OWNER
STEVE GRIFFIN
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
PEDAL COMMANDER - 2019 MUSTANG GT
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
table. Your passion and enthusiasm inspired me to pursue my own dreams and I am grateful for the impact you’ve had on my life. Thank you for being such amazing role models and for sharing this incredible experience with me.
I want to dedicate this magazine to my dad, Colonel George F. Griffin. My dad has been the biggest supporter in my life, and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for me. He was always there to lift me up when I felt sad or discouraged. Whenever I faced challenges or felt like giving up, he was right by my side, encouraging me and reminding me of my worth.
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
My dad taught me many important lessons that I will carry with me forever. One of the most important things he always told me was to never give up on my dreams. He showed me that even when life gets tough and things don’t go as planned, it’s important to keep pushing forward and to stay strong. His words gave me hope and strength during difficult times, and I am so grateful for that.
I feel truly blessed to have had such an amazing father in my life. His love and support have shaped who I am today, and I will always carry his memory in my heart. Even though I lost my dad on February 3, 2025, his spirit lives on in everything I do. This is why I am dedicating this magazine to him - to honor his memory and to share the impact he has had on my life.
Through this magazine, I hope to celebrate his life and the values he instilled in me. I want to inspire others to believe in themselves and to never lose sight of their dreams, just like my dad taught me. His lessons will continue to guide me, and I will always remember how he encouraged me to be the best
version of myself. Thank you, Dad, for being my hero and my role model. You will always be in my heart, and I hope to make you proud every day.
PHOTO CRED:
JJ CUSACK
BRYAN SANTANA
CAR OWNER
STEVE GRIFFIN
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
PEDAL COMMANDER - 2019 MUSTANG GT
MEMBERS
OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
CAR OWNER
STEVE GRIFFIN
CAR NAME–YEAR & MODEL INFO
PEDAL COMMANDER - 2019 MUSTANG GT
MEMBERS OF THE STANG MAG FAMILY ARE MORE PASSIONATE ABOUT FUN AND INCLUSION THAN THEY ARE THEIR CARS AND THAT SAYS A LOT!
If you asked me if I thought I’d be writing an article for STANG Magazine for my car this time last year I would’ve said no. If you asked me if I would be writing it about a different car than the 2005 Roush Mustang I had I would’ve said hell no. I loved that car but acquir ing this one reinvigorated my passion for car shows and events!
CHUCK DEKETT
CAR NAME
DARK KNIGHT RISEN
PHOTO: RIVERS RUDLOFF
TWISTED BOMBSHELL
SALUTE TO OUR MILITARY
GEORGE F. GRIFFIN
UNITED STATES ARMY RANGER - 82ND AIRBORNE
HE WAS ALWAYS THERE TO LIFT ME UP...
I want to dedicate this magazine to my dad, Colonel George F. Griffin. My dad has been the biggest supporter in my life, and I can’t thank him enough for everything he has done for me. He was always there to lift me up when I felt sad or discouraged. Whenever
I faced challenges or felt like giving up, he was right by my side, encouraging me and reminding me of my worth.
My dad taught me many important lessons that I will carry with me forever. One of the most important things he always told me was to never give up on my dreams. He showed me that even when life gets tough and things don’t go as planned, it’s important to keep pushing forward and to stay strong. His words gave me hope and strength during difficult times, and I am so grateful for that.
I feel truly blessed to have had such an amazing father in my life. His love and support have shaped who I am today, and I will always carry his memory in my heart. Even though I lost my dad on February 3, 2025, his spirit lives
on in everything I do. This is why I am dedicating this magazine to him - to honor his memory and to share the impact he has had on my life.
Through this magazine, I hope to celebrate his life and the values he instilled in me. I want to inspire others to believe in themselves and to never lose sight of their dreams, just like my dad taught me. His lessons will continue to guide me, and I will always remember how he encouraged me to be the best version of myself. Thank you, Dad, for being my hero and my role model. You will always be in my heart, and I hope to make you proud every day.
