The Big Show: by Bill Howell VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3
Well, I must first apologize for being late on this month’s article. I’m new to this writing game. I told Steve today that I must be having writer’s block or something ‘cause nothing was coming to mind. Then I told him that I have been all tied up with the upcoming event. Steve said, “There is your editorial right there!”
Last year, I mentioned to Larry Callahan that we should do an event for his website, pro-touring.com. After discussing it a for a couple of months, we decided to go for it and gauge response. The turnout was pretty good for a first event. We ended up with less than 20 cars and 40 or so friends for a cookout and a fun time at the local drag strip. This year, with our new company, MuscleRides, LLC involved, we decided to step things up to a new level-especially after witnessing the pros and cons of so many other car events. The conclusion? We had to offer more than just a car show and drag racing. While checking into things, I found we could rent a local round track and set up an autocross course with ease. More research turned up a local group of hot rodders that auto-crossed their cars regularly. These guys will help make our new and improved event a reality. So, for 2006, we have a comprehensive, exciting event with a great “Tour Thru the Hills” cruise, drag racing, and slalom racing, We planned a bigger better event, and interest from enthusiasts was immediate and overwhelming. Hot rodders want to realize their cars' full potential.
Picking a date was the next hurdle. We decided to hold the event on the same weekend as a famous Pigeon Forge event known as the Fall Grand Run. That way, there will be plenty of car show entertainment for even the worst car junkie. To top things off, we called on a good friend who does several charity BBQ’s to provide a southern style cookout. Car show, cruise, drag race, autocross and barbecue—We are putting on one hell of a party.
We first planned the event around 75 participants. Boy, did we underestimate the numbers! Now we have over 150 people signed up to attend. We thought that last year's small turnout was pretty cool. This year, the tour has grown to more than 60 cars, with over 50 cars signed up for the drag race. The first year autocross race is overbooked at 43 cars! I guess I wondered if this event will be successful. As I type this, I think it is already a success. I am blown away that I will have about 200 friends joining me in my hometown for a weekend of fun. I’ve been a car nut since birth and this is certainly one of the highlights of my car-guy life.
My new venture, Musclerides.com, has certainly helped bring all this together. The contacts I’ve made this year have helped bring some high profile people and cars to the event. It really makes me proud to have Bob Johnson and his Street Machine of the Year in attendance. Detroit Speed and Air Ride are just two nationally known companies that will also put their cars through the paces. These big names will run head to head with everyone else. A major TV show even called about covering RTH2. The scheduling did not quite work out, but who knows, a show might materialize. Of course, Larry has graciously agreed to come again, and we have talked Steve Rupp, editor from Popular Hot Rodding, into attending. He can go home and tell the world that California is not the only place that knows how to have a car party.
My MuscleRides, LLC partner, Steve Chryssos, lost his father this week and I was worried if he would be able to make the show. Things have worked out. Steve will attend. I really hope this show will be good medicine for him right now. Horsepower makes everything better.
So, now that everything is on autopilot and the event is going to happen, I just hope I can slow down and take it all in. Stay tuned for all the reports coming next week, and set this week aside next year so you can attend too.

Bill

ARCHIVES:

August 2006: Ouside The Box

July 2006: Couch Potato