Today we starting a day by day report from the 2019 Hot Rod Power Tour. No, Katrina and I are not there but Michael Callahan, Mr. Bonneville, is and he is going to be providing photos and daily updates on his newest adventure. Today is the day before with everything kicking off tomorrow. Mike has no fear of putting miles on his Spoiler II or going fast. I am sure that over the next week we are going to get some interesting stories. Here is his first report.
Friday, June 3, 2019: day zero; the day before the start of the 25th anniversary of the Hot Rod Power Tour. 7 cities in 7 days. 1300 miles of cruising the back roads of America with over 5000 America hot rods.Every hotel for miles around becomes a car show with people coming from all over the U.S.
My 500 mile trip from Cincinnati to Concord NC went well. Some people travel thousands of miles just to get to the start of the HRPT. With the HRPT you can chose to travel all the stops or just a couple depending on your time and budget. I had always heard and read about the HRPT but never did it until about ten years ago when there was a stop 30 miles from my house. No more excuses. I worked a half day, went home, got my car and drove up to check it out. I have been going every year since.
Every year the HRPT goes to different areas of the country. This year it starts in Concord NC and goes to Martinsville, Bristol, Ky/TN speedway and Indy. Today I checked out Charlotte Motor Speedway which is across the road from where the HRPT starts on Saturday. It is huge and an impressive, a first class race track. Sure would like to take the old Merc out on that track for a couple of high speed laps.
To be continued: Tomorrow, Day One
It was built to be driven. That’s why wheels are round.