Documentary on Protouring, Events and Roadtrips, everyone in here please

[Bill Howell]

OK guys, we are just in the early stages of the planning but far enough along to talk about it and hopefully get some input from everyone.
We are planning a cross country road trip, like we did last year from Nashville to El Toro, for the RTTC event. The twist though is this. We will have a true, professional filming company along for the ride. Then, when they get to El Toro, they will film that event also. Possibly, film more footage at RTTS, RTMC, Motorstate Challenge, and other 2011 events. Then, they will compile all this footage, plus some they already have from 2010 events and make a true, honest documentary about what Pro-touring is all about, some of the people involved, and what it is we do with our cars that sets us apart from other car guys in the hobby. This is a huge opportunity for us to shine. It cost you nothing to be involved, get some camera time, and become famous, just show up. We may ask you to put stickers on your car from sponsors that will be funding this project, but that is about it. I personally will make nothing on this, just want to help promote the hobby as we know it. We are sending out emails to potential sponsors soon and want them to see how involved this forum is with the movement and that we have quality cars and members to pick from.
I am asking you to think about joining in for a day, or three if you like with us on the roadtrip across basically I-40 from Nashville to California. We would love to have several cars, even if you are not going to attend RTTC or drive that far to take a day or two out of your schedule to be part of something that will explain to generations what we are all about. I will have a more detailed route and dates soon, but think about what you can participate in. We would love to have stops along the way to eat, do photo shoots, etc. Think of it as our own PowerTour, without all the posers, and trailers. We want real cars, real people and real dirt on the quarters to show what we are all about.
So, think about it, see if it fits your schedule and think about places in your area we could stop for either a quick photo op or lunch or dinner or night stops. Please, I know I will get lots of suggestions, but remember, we only have about 3 or 4 days max, so we can't be taking 1/2 day side trips, no matter how cool they may be. I would think after our last roadtrip at SEMA we will definately stop at the Grand Canyon again, just for the photo op with as many cars as we can get there.
Of course, if you are already part of RTTC, you will get plenty chances to be a star, interviewed if you like, etc but if you want, come backtrack an extra day or two that week and help us finish up the cross country cruise.

Thoughts? Ideas?

[SicMonte]

man....living in Maryland is begining to suck. At least we got the RTTS event...but I want to be on TV!!!!!

[Yelcamino]

Bill, this sounds like a great idea and a great opportunity to push the PT movement even closer to center stage! Not sure if I can participate, but I'll keep on eye on this thread just in case I can join in the fun!

[JEFFTATE]

Well , I'll be at RTMC and RTTH .
Of course , I will be at PSMC also .

I wish I could go with you guys to El Toro , but the Camaro isn't ready .
Maybe I could take the Vette .

[Nessumsar]

Bill, that is a fantastic idea and I would love to participate. With living only 30 minutes from El Toro, not sure how much I would be able to though. haha

I will try to think of some possible spots in the Long Beach area for you guys to stop at; one that comes to mind would be Signal Hill, with it overlooking the coast and the Port of Long Beach. It is only a 5 minute drive from the 405.

I don't know if it would help, but I could run some stickers for the Friday cruise and for my Saturday at RTTC.

[Bill Howell]

I think you can expect to see this crew at other events, especially the first part of the year, so just because you may not be at RTTC or the road trip, you may still get your 15 seconds of fame. :)

[SicMonte]

I think you can expect to see this crew at other events, especially the first part of the year, so just because you may not be at RTTC or the road trip, you may still get your 15 seconds of fame. :)

Im just messing with ya!! If my car is worthy of stickers id be more than happy to put some on at the RTTS event.

[73z-6sp]

I might be able to drive north and meet you guys when you go through Arizona. I'm in Tucson but would love to meet some of you "superstars" and say hello! Keep us posted on what days you expect to be where?

[critter]

I40 goes through Little Rock. Are you coming my way? Hmm...

[79-TA]

Bill, that is a fantastic idea and I would love to participate. With living only 30 minutes from El Toro, not sure how much I would be able to though. haha

I will try to think of some possible spots in the Long Beach area for you guys to stop at; one that comes to mind would be Signal Hill, with it overlooking the coast and the Port of Long Beach. It is only a 5 minute drive from the 405.

I don't know if it would help, but I could run some stickers for the Friday cruise and for my Saturday at RTTC.

The Vincent Thomas Bridge and that area of Long Beach can be pretty scenic. I always like driving down the Shoreline Grand Prix route.

Maybe the Southern Californian contingent should drive out a few hours to meet the convoy.


Man, I need to figure out a replacement transmission more than ever now!

[tommycomfort]

Send them up to my place for a week and they can see what the between event or winter thrash really looks like! Maybe they can bring tools and briefcases full of money too! :cheers:

[69camarokid]

No! i live like 20 minutes from el toro.... i want to go soooo bad and bring my car for this, but i just blew up a connecting rod and killed my engine. i will def stop by to watch though. minus my camaro

[SLO_Z28]

Ill be at the RTTC event. Maybe a trip up the PCH is in order, would make for some great footage.

[Scott Parkhurst]

What a cool idea!

Naturally, it starts 1,000 miles from me, and finishes 2,000 miles away from me!

I'll make a few events this year, though. Hopefully we'll cross paths somewhere along the way!

[tazzz25906112]

You Know I'm in Bill,,,, Call me please.

[79-TA]

No! i live like 20 minutes from el toro.... i want to go soooo bad and bring my car for this, but i just blew up a connecting rod and killed my engine. i will def stop by to watch though. minus my camaro

There's an LT1 ripe for picking in the Pick Your Part on Katella. That doesn't help you for RTTC though . . . that event filled up before your engine's death.

[Flash68]

That is awesome and sounds like a blast!

[shmoov69]

Sounds super cool Bill!! Sheesh, just about 5 years too late!! Dragging 2 kids under the age of 6, with all their stuff, and mommy and her stuff across the country in the Camaro is just not fun!! Lol. Where was this when I was doing the Power Tour every year?!? Lol!
Really tho, this sounds like a blast and I think it is awesome that something like this (along with ALL the other events) is happening!

[Ron S]

Taking media whore to a new level, now you are a Martin Scorsese (whore).LOL Sounds really cool Bill. Man I need to retire, so I can hang out more and do more cool stuff. If it wasn't for my fear of homelessness, I'd do them all. Ron

[JEFFTATE]

I need to retire too .
or just live off the draw ..

How many days is the total trip , from Pigeon Forge to El Toro , the event time , and then back ???

[Matt@BOS]

The Vincent Thomas Bridge and that area of Long Beach can be pretty scenic. I always like driving down the Shoreline Grand Prix route.

Maybe the Southern Californian contingent should drive out a few hours to meet the convoy.


Man, I need to figure out a replacement transmission more than ever now!

I'd be willing to drive out several hours to meet the convoy. Also, Bill, have you thought about about ending the cross country drive at the Santa Monica Peer. It is now the official terminus of Route 66 and might make a fitting conclusion to a cross country road trip which closely follows the old Mother Road from from OK westward.

And before I forget, stop by Oatman, AZ on your way out here. Today it is a bit of a unique tourist attraction because it has a huge population of local donkeys that wander into the city during the day to mingle with (i.e. get fed by) people, and then leave in the afternoon when all of the tourists have passed through. It is an old western looking town with raised plank sidewalks. I-40 loops right around Oatman. To get there you just take a little detour along old Route 66, which consists of some twisty roads and fairly steep grades. Back when cars had gravity pumps they would have to go up the little pass in reverse!

You might also want to stop by the Hackberry General store, which is a sort of living homage to American roadside culture. The place has an old Vette parked out front beside a collection of antique gas pumps and road signs.Neither of the two spots are far off of Interstate 40, and both would offer opportunities for great photos and footage as you roll through. At the very least search for the two places on google images to see what they look like.

Matt

[JEFFTATE]

Ok , it's official.
I am going on the trip .
I have been skipping some of the events for the last two years to concentrate on paying off my house (and repairing the roof , siding , etc.. )
I am obsessive . So , I have to concentrate on one thing at a time.
Well , my wife has insisted that I go on this trip. ( probably because I'm driving her crazy).

Anyway , now I just have to decide which car to get ready , '69 Camaro or Z06 ...
Hmmm , decisions decisions ..

[Chad-1stGen]

Duh the Camaro!

[Nessumsar]

Duh the Camaro!

Co-signed!

On a side note, where have you been Chad?!

[Flash68]

Ok , it's official.
I am going on the trip .
I have been skipping some of the events for the last two years to concentrate on paying off my house (and repairing the roof , siding , etc.. )
I am obsessive . So , I have to concentrate on one thing at a time.
Well , my wife has insisted that I go on this trip. ( probably because I'm driving her crazy).

Anyway , now I just have to decide which car to get ready , '69 Camaro or Z06 ...
Hmmm , decisions decisions ..

The ZO6 is too easy!! Take the Camaro!

[tazzz25906112]

Jeff ya gotta bring the Camaro bud,,,,, we'll be going over with three of my cars to the event...
If trouble should arise,, we'll pull one of my cars out of the 48" enclosed and place the other
car on the trailer..

[JEFFTATE]

Jeff ya gotta bring the Camaro bud,,,,, we'll be going over with three of my cars to the event...
If trouble should arise,, we'll pull one of my cars out of the 48" enclosed and place the other
car on the trailer..

Roger that , Albert .
All it needs is the fluids changed .
And the dent fixed on the drivers door .
And the pesky fuel smell addressed .. ( I think the tank is leaking )
It'll be a nice long test for me and my trusty steed , to see if we can go the distance.
I'm excited..

If I can't get the door fixed , I'll just drive it with it's war wounds..
They're badges of honor anyway ..

[PT Sportwagon]

I would love to join if my car was more finished.

Tim

[Road Tour Express]

We are the film crew Bill referred to in his original post, and we are really getting excited about this project.

When we started Route 2 Media late last summer, this project was on our minds. We've been considering just how to pull it off ever since.

It is just now that we are ready to announce our plans.

Our business is centered around helping automotive aftermarket / performance companies create video projects that help sell product. While these projects are ultimately about selling parts, we are so fortunate to be working within a field where the products are exciting and directly related to the passions of the companies, customers and ourselves. In other words - we aren't making commercials for toothpaste here - we get to work for great people, making fun videos about things we are passionate about, to help sell exciting products to gear-heads just like ourselves. We REALLY LOVE OUR JOB!

This project, however, is different. It would be similar to professional a car builder, there are projects that pay the bills, and then there is that personal project that you build just the way you want to... something very special.

As we talked to Bill Howell about this in the past, it was natural to see where the vendors might be interested in helping produce this story, and he stepped up to help sign-em-up to fund our efforts (see his previous post) - just because he thinks it would be good for the community.

While we GREATLY appreciate Bill's willingness to find funding, we have decided it would be best to self fund this adventure and leave sponsorship out of the equation so the story remains "pure".

We're not thinking this is an event coverage video, a product endorsement video, or even a personal profile of select individuals. Our goal would be to represent pro-touring through video.

We want to express how pro-touring relates to other forms "Hot Rodding" as a modern form of automotive personal expression. We would cover some history of how pro-touring developed, what defines it, and what is means to the people involved. We would do this through first hand accounts from "heros" in the movement as well as "average joe" folks. Of course there will be plenty of awesome cars & driving action too.

We see this project taking the better part of the spring and summer months to compile and a few months after that to produce - creating a "just-in-time-for-Christmas" DVD release date.

We would really like to make a 3000 mile cross-country and back trip to the RTTC the backbone of the story, because we think it is the most dramatic and "extreme" expression of what pro-touring is. Then we would seek out influential folks over the next few months to further embellish the account.

However, here is the rub in the rhubarb, this journey / investment on our part only makes sense if there is reasonable content to point cameras at during the drive out. So over the next few weeks, we need to get a good solid idea of who can take part in this adventure. We don't have a specific number in mind, we're just playing this by ear.

If it doesn't work out for the RTTC, we're still going to be looking at doing this for other events as well.

So who can join us on this adventure and "Show the Drive"?

Scott Payton
812.573.6087

Michael Julian
812.480.5920

[aronhk_md]

Guys....would it be possible to sell/promise your end product to SPEED CHANNEL, and thus perhaps have a sponsor that doesnt have a stake in pro-touring at all? The TV exposure might draw out some of the big guns in PT....and also still attract lots of the little guys. Footage could be included from some of the past PT events, as well as maybe a spotlight on one or two current builds going on. I'd tune in for an hour show.....and so would others I know not even involved in PT specifically.

Personally I'd be excited to see a Battle of the Supercars episode focusing on a few PT cars pitted against current supercars. I know, I know...I'm quite simple arent I? lol

[tazzz25906112]

Scott, Michael,,,,, like all things Pro-touring I think we'll really get a sense at the last minute how many are coming.... I'm sure there will be individuals that are part of the way across that will jump in (and possibly out) of the tour and as all Pro-touring drives go,,,, it be a blast.

[rockytopper]

How about clarifying the dates of this event for us rookies that have not been around PT'ing long. I would be interested in joining up along the route although I believe you would better serve the Lone Star State if you took an I-35 route through the DFW area and then north to I-40 via us 287. There is a lot more of us in DFW & Houston metro areas than Amarillo which is a day drive one way. If that is not an option I will be looking at joining up in little Rock or OKC which is closer to us.
Rocky

[Bill Howell]

Run to the Coast happens February 25-27. Friday-Sunday.
It would be hard to make this drive in less than three days, meaning last minute leaving would have to be on Tuesday. My thought is this, since most anyone that would be going would be taking that whole week of anyway, I would love to meet up in Nashville and leave on Saturday the 19th. That would give us plenty time to cover the country, then when we get to California, we could have a couple days to sight see, etc. Personally, I have plans to take Melinda to Catalina Island and be a tourist one day while we are there.
Now, I can do whatever others making the trip want, but no need in not making a vacation out of this and seeing the country in not such a hurry. I am sure there will be photo chances, like Grand Canyon, etc. Plus, it would give some that may not do the whole trip to join in, and ride along. Remember, the journey is half or more of the fun of an event, and I feel the documentary will show that as Michael and Scott do their story. Again, I can do pretty much whatever others want, and will be all about driving straight and quickly back home the following week, but lets make an adventure out of the trip out.

[tazzz25906112]

X2 Bill, I'm good with a Sat Departure and yes taking the time to really enjoy the ride will only make it that much better indeed....

Lynn and I plan to also stay after the RTTC2 event to do a north bound trip up through California and into Oregon as well... The combination of these two tours/rides will likely be the most extensive road trip
I have been on (or likely ever will be on). Having the "good" fortune to do this trip,,, I'm trying to find a ways for the RatPack to raise money for less fortunate people without it being too intrusive on us. My wife and I have long wanted to do a "Major" tour and sight see much of the West so it's a belated 25th wedding anniversary present to each other... Now don't get me wrong here, she likes the cool places most women do (Grand Canyon, Carmel, San Fran, the Napa wine region etc) and also enjoys a good drive,,, but she'll parachuting in and out of the overall long haul... Me on the other hand can't wait to do the whole run...

[Bill Howell]

LOL Albert. Melinda and Charise are flying to LA, so they won't be on the trip either.

[Bill Howell]

TTT guys, IF you are interested in being part of this road trip, I need to hear from you.

[Nessumsar]

I am a broke newly wed with a car torn apart at the moment; but if the car and wallet are willing, I would drive east a short bit to join up with you guys. If not, I would love to join up as you come into the LA/OC area.

As I mentioned earlier, there are a few cool photo-op places in the Long Beach area. Signal Hill overlooks the coast and the Port of Long Beach. Heck, the Port of Long Beach would be cool as well with all of the containers and cranes. There is also Shoreline Drive in Downtown, where the Long Beach GP is held.

[dhyde22551]

We will be keeping up with the plans. We live in Memphis, TN . Sounds like maybe the trip should bring you thru Memphis. Several years back when Mini Takes the States they came thru here with the bus and all the cars on that leg of the trip. They pulled off the bridge and into a visitors center at the river to take a potty break. Several local vendors set up tents to hand out snacks, water, etc. They caravan stayed about 30-45 minutes for photo ops with the river and the bridge, then left on the next leg of the trip. Darrell Hyde has the most beautiful 87 Monte/Aero Coupe, fully restored and ready to be in your next calender. The car is on this website. We will stayed tuned in to this forum for more details. Thanks

[67MAL]

Bill would it help with numbers if I run with ya'll from Nashville to Memphis in my
Econo-Touring 67 Chevelle?

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2010/12/RTTH2010-1.jpg

Malcolm

[Steve1968LS2]

Well, that sucks since I'm already here! lol

Meet you in Vegas??

[Bill Howell]

OK everyone, time is getting close and we are nailing down dates, etc.
The crew will leave Nashville Feb. 21, on Monday and arrive in Los Angeles on Thursday. So far I think there are 5 or 6 cars committed to the full trip. Others are talking about day tripping with the crew. Check your schedules and join the fun. Time to get this party started...

[rockytopper]

Bill PM sent.

I contacted the owner of a small road course track down here in Fort Worth Texas to see if they would be interested in letting you guys run the course on your way out. He just now responed to my email asking the dates. If it something you could fit in this trip or latter down the road may be good for all. I sent you his contact info.

Here is his response.

"Possibly interested.... what is the time frame?"

Jack Farr
President
www.motorsportranch.com
www.wakesportranch.com

[tazzz25906112]

How about clarifying the dates of this event for us rookies that have not been around PT'ing long. I would be interested in joining up along the route although I believe you would better serve the Lone Star State if you took an I-35 route through the DFW area and then north to I-40 via us 287. There is a lot more of us in DFW & Houston metro areas than Amarillo which is a day drive one way. If that is not an option I will be looking at joining up in little Rock or OKC which is closer to us.
Rocky

Rocky you spoke and we listened,,,,, the Road Trip will see us stop on Monday evening the 21st at the La Quinta, Fort Worth NE Mall, 653 N.E. Loop 820...... We plan to stop for the evening and then head out the next morning to El Paso, Texas.
So call you friends and come on down and say Hi,,,, we'll see you there.....

[tazzz25906112]

For members of the board that are interested,,, this is the list of hotels stops we plan to make each evening all things equal..... Come on down and visit the gang as we head west to "The Run To The Coast 2".....

Monday 21st Night one:
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Fort Worth NE Mall
653 N.E Loop 820
Richland Hills, TX 76118
Phone: 1-817-595-4442
Fax: 1-817-595-4443

Tuesday 22nd evening Two:
La Quinta Inn & Suites El Paso Bartlett
7620 North Mesa
El Paso, TX 79912
Phone: 1-915-585-2999
Fax: 1-915-585-1667

Wednesday 23rd evening Three
La Quinta Inn & Suites
Phoenix I-10 West
4929 West McDowell Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85035
Phone: 1-602-595-7601
Fax: 1-602-595-6451

[rockytopper]

Rocky you spoke and we listened,,,,, the Road Trip will see us stop on Monday evening the 21st at the La Quinta, Fort Worth NE Mall, 653 N.E. Loop 820...... We plan to stop for the evening and then head out the next morning to El Paso, Texas.
So call you friends and come on down and say Hi,,,, we'll see you there.....

I will be there for sure. Do you guys have a rough ETA?
Thanks
Rocky


This is some track footage from the road course I mentioned above. This was shot by a friend here at work running the course for the first time in his gen 4 SS.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AptOFzynXgg

[tazzz25906112]

Way cool Rocky.... Timing???? Guess it'll be a function of when we get out of Nashville... I'd imagine we'll be in around 7ish in the evening all things equal....

[TonyHuntimer]

This sounds really cool. I guess I should try to make it to one of the events...even if it's without my car.

Tony Huntimer
RaceHome.com

[73z-6sp]

gbhnjmk

[tazzz25906112]

Aaron we'll be following that schedule buddy so feel free to swing by and see us.... The journey begins today in Toronto as I'm getting ready for a nice breakfast with my wife, double checking the load and off to Nashville to hook up with Brian & Nicki for the weekend......

[73z-6sp]

gbhnjmk

[tazzz25906112]

Cool Aaron we'll look forward to seeing you at the LQ in El Paso I take it...... if not we'll see you in Phoenix.
The cars are pretty much set to go in the morning,,, Greg has thrashed his Ass off and the blue car will be in Nashville in the morning to start our journey.

On another note, we wish Jeff Tate well as he pulled his back pretty badly and had to step down from the run across America with us.... Jeff be well my friend and if the back is feeling better don't hesitage to fly out and join in on the fun pal...
I'll try to post prior to departing and while on the road in the next couple of days gang (one finger and pc challenged but we'll try LOL)....

[JEFFTATE]

Cool Aaron we'll look forward to seeing you at the LQ in El Paso I take it...... if not we'll see you in Phoenix.
The cars are pretty much set to go in the morning,,, Greg has thrashed his Ass off and the blue car will be in Nashville in the morning to start our journey.

On another note, we wish Jeff Tate well as he pulled his back pretty badly and had to step down from the run across America with us.... Jeff be well my friend and if the back is feeling better don't hesitage to fly out and join in on the fun pal...
I'll try to post prior to departing and while on the road in the next couple of days gang (one finger and pc challenged but we'll try LOL)....

Thanks Albert ,
I hope my back quits hurting ..
I have some pain pills though , LOL !!

[73z-6sp]

gbhnj

[73z-6sp]

gtyhbnjmk

[rockytopper]

They were a NO Show in Fort Worth too. They must have been hanging around with George (NOSHOW) Jones in Country music city.
Albert was stuck in Nashville still waiting on folks last I talked to him on Monday afternoon at 4 pm. They may have taken another route to make up time I would guess.

[73z-6sp]

gtbhnjmk

[tazzz25906112]

We did leave very late and appologize for communication breakdown (Aaaron please read my PM to you).... We're all ok and thank you all for your concerns,,, chalk this one up to me dropping the ball,,, my appologies to the board.

On a positive note, we are in Phoenix at a different La Quinta as the race is in town and with delays in the earlier part of the trip I was reluctant to book rooms ahead only o find out rooms along the way were sold out as well....

Brian and Nicholle Finch come in today and Greg Tholen and Toni are here so the morning plan is to head for Irvine and see the rest of the gang...We will be goning to dinner with Todd from Baer and Frank from All Pontiac here in Phoenix tonight...

[JEFFTATE]

Wish I could have made it ...
Keep us posted ..

[73z-6sp]

sfdgh

[tazzz25906112]

Thanks Aaron and again my apologies buddy...... Do me a favor and resend your address info and contact numbers as I changed my US phone and went now to an I-Pad. This has resulted in "IDE Errors",,,, more commonly know as Idiot Driver (navigation) errors as I learn this thing LOL....

For all, it is way easier to reach me at [email protected] than here as I can't seem to keep the mail box from over filling..... Larry does a great job with this system and as soon as I have a website finished to point people too, I will sponsor his efforts and the mail box issues will no long be a difficulty.....