Hoofbeats Across America, A 7,000 Mile Journey In Memory Of A Friend

Rick McGraw and “Dixie” his 1965 Fastback GT350

“Hoofbeats Across America” is the sound of Rick McGraw and Dixie, “A 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback”, hitting the pavement in April.  A pony drive with a purpose. Rick McGraw has planned to travel 7000 miles across the United States in the Mustangs Across America road rally to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang. Why??  Well Rick knows firsthand the memories and bonds created from being the owner of a Mustang.  Rick’s pony drive is to celebrate the life of his best friend Jimmy Bankston, who he met through the common love of Mustangs they both shared.

“Dixie” arriving at her new home

Rick McGraw’s Mustang journey begins in the sleepy town of Liberty, Mississippi in 1974.  He awoke to a wondrous surprise. There in Rick’s drive way was a red 1966 coupe with the pony logo on the seats.  Rick’s father had purchased his young son his first ride.  As Rick’s father hands him the keys he says, “You are going to pay me back”.  So there Rick McGraw was at the age of fourteen, the proud owner of his first Mustang. Not licensed yet, but the Gillsburg road was calling Rick and his new pony -a temptation he could not resist. So Rick and his father shared their first Mustang ride together that morning. The first of many Mustang memories to come.

Engine in now time for the exterior touches.

Two years later the Pony, Rick McGraw and his family moved to McComb, Mississippi.  On a sunny day in McComb, driving North bound on I-55 a red blur sped past McGraw. With a challenge laid down, he smiled with a grin of acceptance. At this point McGraw says outloud, “Oh heck no”. The chase began, 0wnership of this strip of country road up for grabs.  Stang to Stang they lined up wheel to wheel, revving engines to the point both rides shook. McGraw’s Pony screamed out the hole leaving his challenger in the rearview mirror.  “That little two barrel was drinking gas like a thirsty horse that ran a marathon.” McGraw, knowing his Stang would not let him down. After schooling his challenger they came to a stop to give the Stangs a breather. A handshake in the Mustang world the ponies now at rest Rick McGraw met his new best friend Jimmy Bankston, the owner of a 2+2 hi-po 3 speed 1965 red Fastback that pushed Rick McGraw’s pony to the limits on this sunny day. A friendship born that would bring many happy times and Mustang memories that Rick McGraw would cherish always.

 

Rick McGraw and his Girl “Dixie” ready for the Pony Ride of their life

Fast Forward to 2009, 34 years later. McGraw called Jimmy Bankston’s father in search of him, to renew his friendship he cherished during his youth with his Mustang friend. Words of sadness were delivered to Rick this day when he was told his beloved friend had passed away at the age of 41 from stomach cancer.  McGraw’s heart sank at this moment. Taking time to process this he decided his life needed to have purpose. So the dream began, bringing him to 2013 when McGraw purchased a 1965 Fastback to take on as a rebuild project. A project with a purpose. To celebrate the life of his best friend Jimmy Bankston.  In the words of McGraw, “Life is short and hills seem so hard to climb in life. So I bought ”Dixie” to make my ride up that hill a little easier”!  “Dixie”, the name given to the pony with a purpose.

In memory of Rick McGraw’s best friend “Jimmy Bankston”, Dixie is ready to hit the pavement in April.

A rebuild of six months in the making now coming to a close and ready to be presented to the world. Dixie will Gallop to Mississippi. In mid April 2014 ”Dixie” and McGraw will be with 500-plus Mustangs in Jackson, Mississppi taking part in Mustangs Across America. As part of this pony ride McGraw will be picking up Jimmy Bankston’s 82 year old father, “Mr. Carey”, in “Dixie” the 1965 Fastback GT350 rebuild along with twenty five other Mustangs to give him a ride of a lifetime. Mr. Carey currently is the owner of a rusted out 1966 coupe that rests in his backyard that he cranks up every couple of weeks to keep the Stang alive.  Mr. Carey not having the energy to rebuild the Stang keeps the pony as it reminds him of his son Jimmy. Rick McGraw and Mr. Carey brought together on this year to celebrate the birthday of the Mustang and the life of Jimmy Bankston.  A pony ride with a purpose.  “Dixie”, the Stang Rick Mcgraw has breathed life into for the love of his best friend who challenged him 39 years ago on a sunny day. Two ponies destined to meet.

About the author

Bridgett Davis

Growing up in Greenwood, Indiana a short distance from the world famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, my dad would take me to local car shows and events. Through this I gained my passion. Along with cars, I have always loved photography, writing, and graphic arts. However when attending college I did not pursue my passions. I played it safe and majored in business and marketing. After a few years in this field I determined this was not for me and began to pursue a writing and photography career. Landing me here with Power Automedia. I am also now the business owner of Bridgett's Toxic Creations. Specializing in automobile showboards, custom license plates, logos, and website headers. Living and breathing the Mustang life everyday in everyway. To be able to work in my field of passion is amazing and fun experience everyday. The best part is sharing a common passion with others.
Read My Articles

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