Power Tour 2008

[ProdigyCustoms]

Bill Just called, next Year Power Tour will leave from Little Rock, Arkansas and End in Madison, Wisconsin, They did not announce all the stops, but did say Lincoln, Nebraska is the middle stop. Dates to be announced but it will sometime in June.

[negcreep]

Sign me up!!! I just missed this years due to revamping my transmission situation. I installed a TKO 600, so no more 3000rpm at cruising speed. I was even preregistered this year, and just couldn't pull it off. I don't mean to rub it in, but another local power tour stop suits me fine.

[toxicz28]

WTF is wrong with the people at HRM???? Do they have any imagination left?
We'll see how long it takes for me to get from the former home of "Slick Willie" to the current home of "Slick Willie" this weekend.

[shmoov69]

Springfield, MO is the second stop again. Needless to say, I am happy for that one! When it comes around, I will have my garage avaliable if anyone needs to do some work on thier car! Maybe some hamburgers or pizza or something also!

[Nine Ball]

why in hell would they have us roll through the Little Rock ghetto again next year? Surely there has to be better venues than that.

[va72mlibu]

In all honesty, I'm guessing it is just a way to minimize the amount of work needed for planning. Not very exciting though.

[camcojb]

In all honesty, I'm guessing it is just a way to minimize the amount of work needed for planning. Not very exciting though.

sure it is, if you like to put your life in danger. What a friggin' pit, absolutely no reason to go back. Takes 60-90 minutes minimum to get in, while you're sitting still in the worst neighborhood imaginable, getting stared down by gang-bangers. Sounds like fun to me...................... :guilty:

[Cruiser]

I really hope that all of you don't judge Arkansas or Little Rock by where the tour took you through. I for one and others from here could not figure out what they heck they were thinking when it was to end there?

One thing is for sure it surely brings to light that all our citys have this same problem. I am just sorry they had to put it on parade here. I am not from Little Rock. I live about 100 miles south in a sleeply little town in the boonies. There are plenty of places they can leave from next year in the Little Rock area. I personally would love to see it Leave south of Little Rock in a city called Hot Springs.

If your writing Hot Rod to complain which would be unstandable just ask them to keep it here but move the starting point to someplace else that is not the arm pit of Arkansas. There are many places here that would welcome the Power Tour and would be great venues and can show case our state.

Joe

[BADVELLE]

I really hope that all of you don't judge Arkansas or Little Rock by where the tour took you through. I for one and others from here could not figure out what they heck they were thinking when it was to end there?

One thing is for sure it surely brings to light that all our citys have this same problem. I am just sorry they had to put it on parade here. I am not from Little Rock. I live about 100 miles south in a sleeply little town in the boonies. There are plenty of places they can leave from next year in the Little Rock area. I personally would love to see it Leave south of Little Rock in a city called Hot Springs.

If your writing Hot Rod to complain which would be unstandable just ask them to keep it here but move the starting point to someplace else that is not the arm pit of Arkansas. There are many places here that would welcome the Power Tour and would be great venues and can show case our state.

Joe

Yea, like Northwest Arkansas, up by Springdale and the lake area.

Why can't they go back to the Cali to Detroit route, maybe start it later and end it at the Woodward Dream Cruise!!

[camcojb]

I really hope that all of you don't judge Arkansas or Little Rock by where the tour took you through. I for one and others from here could not figure out what they heck they were thinking when it was to end there?

One thing is for sure it surely brings to light that all our citys have this same problem. I am just sorry they had to put it on parade here. I am not from Little Rock. I live about 100 miles south in a sleeply little town in the boonies. There are plenty of places they can leave from next year in the Little Rock area. I personally would love to see it Leave south of Little Rock in a city called Hot Springs.

If your writing Hot Rod to complain which would be unstandable just ask them to keep it here but move the starting point to someplace else that is not the arm pit of Arkansas. There are many places here that would welcome the Power Tour and would be great venues and can show case our state.

Joe

I agree Joe, most cities have areas like that. But no reason to hold the event there, so I really hope they are looking at other options.

I am pretty positive they will get a lot of "feedback" on that stop. Even without the area issues the 1-2 hours needed to get in, cars overheating, steep hills killing clutches when you can only move a few feet at a time, etc. make it a bad location.

It was mentioned by some that they are looking to move it somewhere else in Little Rock or that general area, so I'm hoping it's true.

Jody

[Joey_H]

Once again the west coast is totally ignored. :crying:

[jknight16]

Once again the west coast is totally ignored. :crying:

Indeed, you would think the west coast and surrounding states were plagued with bad weather, dingy cities, a lack of hot rods & muscle cars, and a dearth of scenic-and generally well paved-roads. But since none of that is true.....:screwy:

Oh well, off to play my tiny violin...

[WILWAXU]

I'm planning to go next year.. just not sure what I'll be driving.

I'd like to see a San Diego to Bremerton trip :fingersx:

[Cruiser]

I agree Joe, most cities have areas like that. But no reason to hold the event there, so I really hope they are looking at other options.

I am pretty positive they will get a lot of "feedback" on that stop. Even without the area issues the 1-2 hours needed to get in, cars overheating, steep hills killing clutches when you can only move a few feet at a time, etc. make it a bad location.

It was mentioned by some that they are looking to move it somewhere else in Little Rock or that general area, so I'm hoping it's true.

Jody

For all those that return I bet the exit will be quick. Also above a mention to move to North Arkansas would be a good choice. Some very pretty area up that way. Also just a note......I would love to see something going west since I am from San Diego and since I plan to be on it next year and following years I would love to go west!!

Joe

[Pro-touring towncar]

Wow hotrod actually coming into Nebraska something has to be wrong. isn't it sacrilege for the power tour to venture so close to the west coast anymore.


generally well paved-roads. But since none of that is true.....

Oh well, off to play my tiny violin...

Some of the worst roads I have ever seen are in Illinois and Michigan.

Tim

[69Pony]

They should have it start in Mountain Home area. Some beautiful land, mountains, lakes and roads in that area of Arkansas. Sorry but Little Rock has very little to offer.

Cruiser - I have family in Mountain Home and Van Buren County / Clinton Ark. Those be God's country.....

[jknight16]

Some of the worst roads I have ever seen are in Illinois and Michigan.

Tim[/quote]

Agreed, I was saying that we have typically good roads on the west coast and surrounding states, which sure makes for a more pleasant touring experience.

[ozzycoupe]

Does the Power Tour always run in the Arkansas neck of the woods? Wouldn't it be more interesting for everyone if it was shared around and moved towards the west coast, then back over east and then just run the route across the country in a different location every year. Surely there's a ton of cool places to visit, that would love to see the Power Tour roll through town?!

Dave

[65protourgto]

Im suprised HRM is doing the power tour in the midwest again.
I have family there so I could stop in and see them before the tour, but
his is another let down. I dont want to have to travel halfway across the country. When are they going to try the west coast?
I figure it will be worth it though, just trailer the car out there and drive it on the tour.

[streetk14]

Indeed, you would think the west coast and surrounding states were plagued with bad weather, dingy cities, a lack of hot rods & muscle cars, and a dearth of scenic-and generally well paved-roads. But since none of that is true.....:screwy:

Oh well, off to play my tiny violin...



I also want to know where the hell the west coast power tour is, you would think the birthplace of hotrodding would be a great place for the tour. Not to mention the weather is always good (no excessive heat and humidity) and you have a bitchin' coastal drive up highway 1 through the Big Sur area. That drive is one of the BEST in the country, and would be a ton of fun in our P-T cars.

My vote would be to start in San Diego or somewhere in Orange County and head up to Portland or Seattle. Will it ever happen?

Andy

[Damn True]

They should have it start in Mountain Home area. Some beautiful land, mountains, lakes and roads in that area of Arkansas. Sorry but Little Rock has very little to offer.

Cruiser - I have family in Mountain Home and Van Buren County / Clinton Ark. Those be God's country.....

Mountain Home, Idaho would be a better idea.

[jackreggers]

Have a PowerTour East, PowerTour West, and PowerTour Central. The key is that every 3-5 years the HRM crew syncronizes the dates so we achieve harmonic covergence in one spot for 24 hours. Off-years are for training and conditioning for the big one, "PowerTour USA".

[Damn True]

From Reno headed East.
From Pittsburgh headed West.
From New Orleans headed North.

All three meet in St. Louis or Kansas City or something.

[Reckn8]

I still believe the heat scares the majority of the crowd. They still think that cars should never have anything but 185 thermostats. They'd freak out here in Phoenix when it's 110 and I'm cruising with the A/C on and the water temp is 210 or 220. The LS7 is feeling just fine.

[showme]

From Reno headed East.
From Pittsburgh headed West.
From New Orleans headed North.

All three meet in St. Louis or Kansas City or something.

Now you got something!!That would be cool!!!To have them all come together in the middle!(What a gathering!!)

[va72mlibu]

From Reno headed East.
From Pittsburgh headed West.
From New Orleans headed North.

All three meet in St. Louis or Kansas City or something.

That would be soooo cool, but I can't even IMAGINE what kind of venue could hold that many cars. The current venues are already packed to the gills. Traffic would be absolutely unmanageable.

[BADVELLE]

That would be soooo cool, but I can't even IMAGINE what kind of venue could hold that many cars. The current venues are already packed to the gills. Traffic would be absolutely unmanageable.

Kansas Speedway, where they hold the GG event in September.

[jeff s]

I hear it's because 90% of HRM subscribers and most of the advertisers and sponsors of HRPT are in the eastern 1/2 of the USA>

[trapin]

I hear it's because 90% of HRM subscribers and most of the advertisers and sponsors of HRPT are in the eastern 1/2 of the USA>
Bingo.

[PhillipM]

Bingo.

Lamo!

Wish we could go back to the longer distances. More cruising and less walking around mostly lame venues.

[THEBLUE1]

im not complaining one bit. that is right in my back yard

[fairlane347]

I like that its closer for me, I am going to MN and driving to WI. Hope the truck or Marauder will be ready.

[72monteman]

I still love it; this will be my 4th year running as a Long Hauler. For me it’s not about where we go but that we go. It’s a chance to see friends from all across the country that I only see on tour. For once a year we can get together and enjoy our cars. To me it’s not about the venues it’s the journey getting there and the party in the hotel parking lot after. Meeting new people and making new friends and driving the snot out of are cars. That’s what it’s all about.

[camcojb]

I still love it; this will be my 4th year running as a Long Hauler. For me it’s not about where we go but that we go. It’s a chance to see friends from all across the country that I only see on tour. For once a year we can get together and enjoy our cars. To me it’s not about the venues it’s the journey getting there and the party in the hotel parking lot after. Meeting new people and making new friends and driving the snot out of are cars. That’s what it’s all about.

that's it with me also. This will be my third year, and I don't really care where it goes. It's the funnest car-related thing I've done, and the feeling of cruising down the road with thousands of old muscle cars, past towns with people lined up at the side waving, banners on overpasses, etc. just has to be experienced to be understood.

Jody

[whytry]

It's something I have a goal of being able to take a car on this. My 66 Nova I got recently is what I am hoping to take on this trip. I read about it in all the magazines and see the pics and then read all the posts from you guys on the tour and it just sounds like so much fun.... I am hoping to go 2009....

[Jim Nilsen]

Have a PowerTour East, PowerTour West, and PowerTour Central. The key is that every 3-5 years the HRM crew syncronizes the dates so we achieve harmonic covergence in one spot for 24 hours. Off-years are for training and conditioning for the big one, "PowerTour USA".

Meeting in the middle is the easiest way to get more people together and this is a great idea, but do they have the staf to pull it off?

[64ss496]

Yea, like Northwest Arkansas, up by Springdale and the lake area.

Why can't they go back to the Cali to Detroit route, maybe start it later and end it at the Woodward Dream Cruise!!


Cali to Detroit for Woodward?? That'd be the best idea EVER!!!!! :seizure:

[hotrodf1]

Meeting in the middle is the easiest way to get more people together and this is a great idea, but do they have the staf to pull it off?

I could be wrong here, but I'm pretty sure that the street rodders have been doing this sort of thing for years - It's caller Americruise I believe.

They start from different corners, and meet in the middle for a grand hoopla. Then "everyone" is happy. Sort of.

Don't know if that is still around, but it's the Power Tour of street rodding, at least it used to be. :cheers:

[Pro-touring towncar]

My vote would be to start in San Diego or somewhere in Orange County and head up to Portland or Seattle. Will it ever happen?

Andy
HRM will never let it happen again.


Cali to Detroit for Woodward?? That'd be the best idea EVER!!!!! :seizure:

Been done years ago but not for Woodward. LA-Detroit and the next year Detroit to LA but that was the last real long haul. I guess that HRM thinks all the trailer tour cars can't make it more then 300 miles in a day.

Tim

[novaderrik]

does anyone have an official route for this thing?
i can't find an "official" map.
i'm thinking about taking a couple of days off work and heading down to Iowa to tag along to Rochester, MN, and then break way and visit some relatives in LaCrosse, WI, for a couple of days.
i don't want to be an "official" part of it, i just want to be on the road with all those cars in either my 74 Monte or 84 regal t Type.

[Van B]

http://www.hotrod.com/powetour/index.html

[novaderrik]

thanks, but is there an "official" route, or is it just "we'll meet here and have hamburgers" type of thing?

[trapin]

I hope to do this tour some day. I do miss the Cali to Detroit days. I used to head down to Mount Clemens every year to see all the long haulers. Those were good days. Wonder if they'll ever do that again.

[critter]

FYI, they stuck it at the fairgrounds in Little Rock because it was the only venue big enough to hold that many cars. It won't be in northwest Arkansas or anywhere else unless the car clubs in those areas go out and activly recruit the event like Little Rock did.

I'd also tell you that the Little Rock folks had arranged for police to block off all of Roosevelt Road that leads into the fairgrounds in order to keep traffic moving from the interstate in. That police presence was canceled by the managment company hired by HRM. They told organizers here that it wasn't needed since the folks would just be drifting in with groups of 10-20 cars. WRONG!

Local folks learned their lesson about HRPT last year. For one, my car club will not be helping with event. Our volunteers were talked down to and generally treated like trash by the managment company. No other car club wants to work with them this year because of our experience. The local contact has assured me that she's not listening to them this year about traffic control. She's doing it her way with the police shutting down the side roads.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience last year but trust me, it wasn't the local folks fault. Talk to Family Events if you want to bitch. I doubt it will do any good. They're only interested in one thing, making money.

[camcojb]

FYI, they stuck it at the fairgrounds in Little Rock because it was the only venue big enough to hold that many cars. It won't be in northwest Arkansas or anywhere else unless the car clubs in those areas go out and activly recruit the event like Little Rock did.

I'd also tell you that the Little Rock folks had arranged for police to block off all of Roosevelt Road that leads into the fairgrounds in order to keep traffic moving from the interstate in. That police presence was canceled by the managment company hired by HRM. They told organizers here that it wasn't needed since the folks would just be drifting in with groups of 10-20 cars. WRONG!

Local folks learned their lesson about HRPT last year. For one, my car club will not be helping with event. Our volunteers were talked down to and generally treated like trash by the managment company. No other car club wants to work with them this year because of our experience. The local contact has assured me that she's not listening to them this year about traffic control. She's doing it her way with the police shutting down the side roads.

I'm sorry you had a bad experience last year but trust me, it wasn't the local folks fault. Talk to Family Events if you want to bitch. I doubt it will do any good. They're only interested in one thing, making money.

thanks for the info. We met a lady at the Memphis stop last year that said she was coordinating the Little Rock stop, maybe it's the same person. She promised no lines getting in, etc. She was wrong......... :eek: it was by far the worst (and most dangerous) leg of the tour.

I really hope they have that figured out this year. We are actually starting in Memphis this year because it was so much fun, and then driving into LR on Saturday, hopefully missing the crowd.

Jody

[critter]

I don't think so. The local contact was in Little Rock that day. You don't want to know how upset she was about the whole fiasco.

Oh, and those were the better neighborhoods in south Little Rock. Those boys are *****cats. You folks need to get out more. :) :) :)

[camcojb]

I don't think so. The local contact was in Little Rock that day. You don't want to know how upset she was about the whole fiasco.

Oh, and those were the better neighborhoods in south Little Rock. Those boys are *****cats. You folks need to get out more. :) :) :)

we've got bad areas in California too. Still, it's uncomfortable having several gang banger-looking dudes staring you down at every corner, with major hills up and down and only being able to move 15 feet at a time. Clutches melting, engines overheating for 1-2 hours to make it 2 miles into the venue.

Jody

[shmoov69]

Had I been in the Camaro, it would have been dead! It would have melted down WAAAAY back! but the 58 did pretty well in the heat and traffic lines. But, if something don't change, I am getting pretty sick and tired of the poor (or lack of) orginization of the whole event. It pretty much has become a cluster&*^k and not worth it! But I will try it one more time....

[critter]

Again, from being there as a long hauler and working the event, I know. Your complaints are not with the locals or the HRM staff (for now). The company HRM hired is Family Events. This is WAY too big for the magazine to run without professional help. That said, they're not very professional. They will let the participants suffer if they can squeeze another buck out of it.

Here's an example. We PLEADED with them to open multiple gates into the fairgrounds to move participants in faster. They wouldn't do it. Why? Because the photo "vendor" of the event was set up to take a picture of every car as it came through the gate. If there was more than one gate they'd have to have more than one photographer. If they didn't get every car then they'd miss out on selling their package of photos of long hauler cars at every stop. I bet they sold all of about 25 of those package photos.

So for an extra buck or two you get to suffer, stop light to stop light.

Tell the Family Events folks what you think. Tell HRM staff what you think. Just don't take it out on the locals. For the most part they are volunteer car guys and gals, just like you. They don't deserve your abuse.

Like I said, our club learned its lesson. We will never help Family Events again. I don't car what they bring to town. Personally I'm voting with my money. I'm never doing the Hot Rod Power Tour again until they change the managment company.

[camcojb]

Again, from being there as a long hauler and working the event, I know. Your complaints are not with the locals or the HRM staff (for now). The company HRM hired is Family Events. This is WAY too big for the magazine to run without professional help. That said, they're not very professional. They will let the participants suffer if they can squeeze another buck out of it.

Here's an example. We PLEADED with them to open multiple gates into the fairgrounds to move participants in faster. They wouldn't do it. Why? Because the photo "vendor" of the event was set up to take a picture of every car as it came through the gate. If there was more than one gate they'd have to have more than one photographer. If they didn't get every car then they'd miss out on selling their package of photos of long hauler cars at every stop. I bet they sold all of about 25 of those package photos.

So for an extra buck or two you get to suffer, stop light to stop light.

Tell the Family Events folks what you think. Tell HRM staff what you think. Just don't take it out on the locals. For the most part they are volunteer car guys and gals, just like you. They don't deserve your abuse.

Like I said, our club learned its lesson. We will never help Family Events again. I don't car what they bring to town. Personally I'm voting with my money. I'm never doing the Hot Rod Power Tour again until they change the managment company.

in case you misunderstood, I was not taking it out on the locals. I understand how the event works, locals are for the most part volunteers from car clubs, etc. that try to help out for extra manpower.

What amazed me is after the Friday fiasco getting into LR, I thought for sure they wouldn't have a repeat on Saturday for the Long Hauler awards................ I was wrong, exact same scenario. So they aren't even smart enough to learn their lesson from a big-time problem, they go right out and make no changes for the second day and expect a different result......... :screwy:

I am very curious how this year will go.

Jody

[critter]

Oh, I understand. I just want everyone else reading this thread to understand. If you see someone with that managment company riding around in a golf cart barking orders at some guy with a flag who's trying to direct you on where to park, give that guy in the golf car a piece of your mind. The guy with the flag would sure appreciate it.

And we're curious as well. Since we're not involved this year we'll be in the same boat with the rest of you. Let's all hope they listen to local input this time. I wouldn't count on it.

[Charley Lillard]

Family Events is hired by whoever owns Hot Rod. Did your club ever let Hot Rod know ? I know that Hot Rod staffers that were on the tour saw what was happening but I'm not sure if they know of your explanation as to the "why".

[mburrow]

I must have been on a different tour or something, the complaints you guys have I just didn't see EXCEPT when we left Cleveland, it took two hours to get to the main road. That was the only thing I had to complain about.
I'm with the guys who said just go and enjoy, nothing in this world is perfect, just enjoy the rides and car stories, not the gripe stories.
Have a blast this year and don't sweat the small stuff, remember it's all small stuff. mburrow

[camcojb]

I must have been on a different tour or something, the complaints you guys have I just didn't see EXCEPT when we left Cleveland, it took two hours to get to the main road. That was the only thing I had to complain about.
I'm with the guys who said just go and enjoy, nothing in this world is perfect, just enjoy the rides and car stories, not the gripe stories.
Have a blast this year and don't sweat the small stuff, remember it's all small stuff. mburrow

you must not have gone to Little Rock. Or you got there at a completely different time than everyone else. It was an issue both Friday and Saturday. I guess you could call it a small problem, but anyone that was there wouldn't............. :help!: This is not just about 2 hours to get in a venue, it's two hours stuck in the wrong place.

By the way, we had no problem getting out of any of the venues; we don't do the drivers meetings, just turns into a huge traffic jam.

Jody

[critter]

So come see the good part of our city:

June 6, 2008
2nd Annual Cruisapalooza
6 PM - 10 PM
River Market District


Hosted by the Arkansas Pontiac Association and the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau

Hot cars, trucks, street rods & more!

Cruisapalooza kicks off with a structured cruise from the Araknsas State Fairgrounds. Staging begins at 4:30pm on Friday, June 6. Sign up by e-mailing your name, address and vehicle type to [email protected].

Door prizes, ESPN2 (taping a Mother's sponsored show), Magic Man Derrick Rose, Adult Trike Race, Sweet E The Clown and Caricature Artist Jim Tindall.

Free admission!

For more information, contact Carol Doaln at 501-370-3201 or 501-517-1966, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.CruisinLittleRock.com

I'll be there on Friday night but not participating in the cruise this year. Family obligations prevent it.

[shmoov69]

Ok, who is for sure going (at least part way) on the PT. And if partway, where? I am definately going on the first few legs and have a room reserved the whole way, but don't know if I will go the whole way. Due to gas $ and if the traffic is stupid again. Last year really burned me out with all the traffic and lack of traffic controll.

[Charley Lillard]

I'm going.

[slenning]

I'm joining in Lincoln and going through to Madison.

[shmoov69]

what'cha taking this time Charlie?

[Charley Lillard]

Red Witch.

[72monteman]

Im going, leaving early Friday, is any one from the Charlotte area going?

[Reckn8]

Charlie, we'll see you in Little Rock. Only 2 more days of work on the Cutlass and we should be done. I'll get Phillip to post some more pics.
paul

[shmoov69]

I'm sure I will be in the wagon again this year. Got a/c in it now! Along with lots of Second Skin!

[Tony_SS]

I'll be at the Springfield location snooping in peoples windows and kicking over cry baby dolls.

[BonzoHansen]

Red Witch.
That old thing? You bringing it to Carlisle again?

[teamplex65]

Im doing the long haul this year. Looking forward to it.

[Charley Lillard]

I'm going to Carlisle but no car.

[Nine Ball]

I'm doing my 5th long haul, in the viper coupe. Look for it in the Nitto Tire booth at each stop.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/11092134670-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=134670)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/11092134669-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=134669)

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/11092107854-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=107854)

[camcojb]

I finished my Chevelle but had an oil seal issue with one of the turbos that could not be repaired in time. So I have to drive this pile......................:angel:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/49-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/22-1.jpg

Jody

[thedugan]

Where's the AC.....

[Van B]

If I remember correctly, it's down low on the passenger side.

[shmoov69]

If you guys need anything in Springfield, let me know! I will do what I can. Parts, garage, food ideas or whatever.
Cell four one seven- 860-five seven three nine

[camcojb]

Where's the AC.....

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/06/0011-1.jpg

Jody

[whytry]

Have fun everybody down there, send as many pics as possible!!!

[vintageracer]

The Bonaroo Music Festival and kid obligations will kill my long haul this year. Since I cannot long haul I have decided not to go at all. I guess I'll see what Chevellabration offers this weekend here in Nashville.