KANNAPOLIS — Hundreds of Ford Mustangs are expected to roll into downtown Kannapolis Friday night in hopes of breaking the world record for the longest cruise-in. 
The Mustang Cruise In to Kannapolis is part of a weekend of events to celebrate the 50th birthday of the iconic muscle car. Mustang owners from around the world will descend on Charlotte Motor Speedway for festivities sponsored by Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cabarrus Events and the city of Kannapolis.
As of Saturday, 850 cars were registered for the Kannapolis Cruise In. They will start arriving at 6:30 p.m. 
Many of the streets in and around downtown Kannapolis will close at 2 p.m. Friday, including Research Campus Drive and the horseshoe, West Avenue, West B Street, West A Street, Oak Avenue and the parking lots between Oak Avenue and Chestnut Avenue. All streets and parking areas included in the event will need to be clear of vehicles.  
Parking will be available along Main Street and Laureate Way and in most Main Street parking lots and the N.C. Research Campus parking garage. 
Organizers ask fans to remember that parking 850 Mustangs will require time, patience and cooperation. 
As soon as all of the Mustangs are parked, the streets will re-open for a performance by the beach band Continental Divide. Street vendors and restaurants will provide food and beverages. Free trolley rides will be available. 
The Ford Mustang was first unveiled on April 17, 1964. Since then, more than 9 million have been sold. Charlotte is the hub of the eastern USA Mustang celebration while Las Vegas serves as the hub for the western USA Mustang celebration.