Critical Focus - 2000 Ford Focus

The red rocket is no stranger to the track having unleashed its fury at numerous Las Vegas Motor Speedway Midnight Mayhem events, test-n-tune nights and Street Wars races. "The very first time out at the drag strip, I was joking with people about breaking into the 15s," Arnett says. "On the second run I posted an 11.3 at 127 and all the giggling stopped. So far, e.t.s have been consistent 11.2s at 129 mph, spinning first through third gears. After working out the traction issues, 10s should be in the near future. Driving the car on the street is a whole different story. With the average torque being so high, spinning the tires on the freeway at 80 mph is something you just get used to. Even better is doing that while passing proud V8 guys. The thing people don't understand is how much isn't done to this car. There are some flashy parts on this, but the Focus, in reality, could be duplicated for a lot less. I'm still on the original driveshafts, ignition, radiator, transmission, and all but one motor mount. No blown head gaskets or sleeving the block here. I'm not even using the higher flowing SVT head. We've always believed in function over looks. This car has been nothing but reliable and it flat-out goes to prove that there are other solid platforms than the typical and expected cars that you see all day long."

Ford is up against the ropes, taking a beating and bleeding profits like an out-classed journeyman boxer. The company has little currently to entice import enthusiasts and nothing at the recent round of auto shows indicates things will change in the future. While the Focus is certainly not a frontline trooper in the sport compact scene, this creation vividly illustrates that there is potential behind the Blue Oval when well-selected hard parts and boost join the fight under the command of a precise tuning regime. For the feverish Ford fanatics out there, low-mileage 2000 and 2001 ZX models can be had for under $5000. So if you have to have a Blue Oval, we offer the Silver State Motorsports Critical Focus as the target to lock-in on. Turn and burn.