Pro-Touring well represented

[Steve Chryssos]

Maybe Power Tour is getting to be old news, but my brain is still buzzing from the experience. This morning while finalizing our little racing video, it occured to me that our group did a fine job of representing the true nature of pro-touring.

The average Power Tour vehicle was chugging along in the right lane at 60-65mph--presumably as a form of self preservation over the long haul. Conversely, our group of pro-touring cars would buzz past them in the fast lane at 80-85mph. Triple digit blasts were common. I can see how others might label pro-touring enthusiasts as arrogant. Envy will generate that kind of reaction. At one point, Hot Rod was photographing one of these 60mph packs when our group unknowingly blew past them at speed. David Frieburger was driving the Hot Rod Trailblazer SS while Wes Allison was riding shotgun and taking pix. They abandonded the pack of traditional cars and chased us down to take "at speed" pictures of our cars. That was a cool feeling. Charlie, my co-pilot said "Hey, slow down. They wanna take our picture"

Likewise, a good number of Pro-Touring cars flexed their muscles at the various dragstrips on Power Tour. Our cars are traction limited, so E.T's were less than stellar, but it was clear that true pro-touring enthusiasts are more than willing to use and abuse their cars. "Mile An Hour" numbers told the tale on traction. I now have a serious bug up my ass to improve my car's E.T. without sacrificing other performance aspects.



At each events, pro-touring cars clogged up the manufacturer booths as display vehicles. We would come in filthy and road-worn, shine up the cars, then put on a show. I'm not much for car shows, so I was blown away by the response. Flowmaster chose Bill Howell's GTO for their calender, then asked him to represent the hobby on FOX News. And Jason Huber's "Fuel" 69 Camaro was shot for a full Hot Rod magazine feature.

With the exception of Sam's AME chassis'd 55 (which suffered a failing rear), all repairs were limited to "nut & bolt" issues. Parts came loose, we tightened them up--and were on our merry way.

Drive, race or show, I wrapped up Power Tour with a sense of pride in my car, my friends' cars and our build style as a whole. This "well rounded performance" stuff just plain works. I gotta thank Hot Rod for hosting an event that helped me expand my perspective and enjoy this great hobby.

By completing Power Tour, you and your car will be better off.

[ProdigyCustoms]

Very well written. This should shut up the Nay Sayers. Pro Touring in my opinion should be just that, Touring! Street Fighter, Street Machine, whatever. Your car Steve (the original street fighter), We had the Goat (the couch), Jasons car (the new street fighter touring coupe), Sam's 55 (the street rod inspired touring sedan that will kick 99% of everythings ass), and Bob's Cuda (the new benchmark for street machines), and of coarse the Mule (the Holy Grail of Pro Touring) made is 3rd power tour, and countless others. And as you said, other then Sam's unfortunate rear end problem none could expect, all the cars took names and kicked ass.

Seeing Bob beat on a car with more hours in it then a habitat for humanity home, Watching Sam (in his mid 60s) beat on that 55, Bill's countless burnouts, Jason daring his untested car to break, that was it.

Try as many may to define "Pro Touring", every car listed is very different, but in my opinion, VERY PRO TOURING!

[Steve68]

Here, here, both comments very well said,

[rob07002]

Well said indeed... Maybe some others will see the light!

[Blaster11]

I wanna go....I wanna go, the cruising video gave me the itch now I will have to deal with a drag racing video too, thats it I am going to the garage.

Bruce

[Beegs]

It's hilarious when I go to the local cruise deals and start talking pro-touring: "Lower your car?" "That's stupid." "Why would I want disc brakes, my drums work fine." LOL These responses seem to be quite common around here, I usually give it ONE shot to explain it. If I get the light in the deer eyes look, I drop it.

The concentration of pro-tourers here makes one believe that most car guys are into pro-touring. Then you do local gigs and hear comments like above. In a way I like it because my car kind of sticks out among the local rides. Exposure of these cars is surely making a difference. There is a guy on camaros.net, he has been a "stock" type of guy that has recently asked about pro-touring and what it takes to build one.

[6'9"Witha69]

Most guys look at a PT car like some kind of oxymoron. "Themm cars were never supposed to be like that" is always a favorite. And as much as I hate to admit it, PS type cars are still abundant. Funny thing is, they drive from Ontario to Pasadena (about 30-35 miles) and talk about how treacherous it was. Only doing 50-50 mph and those skinny tires to nothing for stability. I drive 360 miles to Phoenix and all I can complain about was my factory seats being to hard and hurting my a$$. Oh, and I did it in around 4 hours.

As stated previously, well said. Hopefully they will start to come a little this way and I can join the fun too!

[CAMAROBOY69]

Like always, very well said Steve. I agree 100% our pro-touring cars are the best way to completely enjoy every fun event and still drive home. Yeah we could build a car just for drag racing or just for a road track. But to do that most of those cars are going to get horrible gas mileage being driven home or they will simply be trailered. We can drive our cars to any of these events then still drive home with our girlfriends, wives, or whatever in the seat next to us. It really doesnt get any better than "The pro touring way"
Yes you guys truly represented too. Thats when you know your car is built well when you can attend the Power tour and still drive home. I am proud to say that in the 4 years that I have owned my Camaro I have NEVER been towed home from any event. I have driven to EVERY single event, beat the hell out of my car, and always drove home. How many people can say that?

[rob07002]

The only problem I have with protouring is that now I have to spend more $$ on the things I previously couldn't care less about. So in addition to a big motor, bullet proof tranny, and rock solid rear I have to make it stop, steer, and be comfortable as well pft! what a PITA!










only joking of course!

[69rs]

Very well put! Send that in to Hot Rod and see if they will print it!

[rockdogz]

Witnessed from the front lines.. awesome Steve.

[Steve Chryssos]

Very well put! Send that in to Hot Rod and see if they will print it!

David and I had a similar conversation in Roakoke. Rest assured, he gets it.

[Damn True]

David and I had a similar conversation in Roakoke. Rest assured, he gets it.

Did he lend any insight as to when/where that PT shootout might take place?

[shmoov69]

You guys suck!! You are making me feel bad for not going this year!! Espically since I have went on at least a "leg" of it since 96! I have thought what you said the whole time! With the exception of I have had to do MAJOR, repeat MAJOR reapirs on the trip (anyone remember Memphis in '99!!??), and decided to be trailered home once two years ago. I just wish that more of you guys would have went BEFORE this year!! So I could get to hang out also!
Anyway, well put!
BTW- Adam, you had better knock on some wood after that last comment!

[Steve Chryssos]

Did he lend any insight as to when/where that PT shootout might take place?

They are tight lipped on the subject.

[69Nova]

Well said Steve. For the short time I ran with you guys my car did ok for not having a overdrive tranny. But I'm working on selling some 4speed stuff i have to fund a 4L60 with your shrifter. I'm even more hooked on pro touring than before. And my dad who just thought pro-touring was just big wheels and whatnot is now ordering alot of stuff for his car to make it more enjoyable and safe to drive.

[Steve Chryssos]

You guys suck!! You are making me feel bad for not going this year!! Espically since I have went on at least a "leg" of it since 96! ........I just wish that more of you guys would have went BEFORE this year!! So I could get to hang out also!

Don't feel bad. Parking next to Bob's cuda was really annoying. I put so much effort into getting my car low to the ground and that 'cuda comes along--man it is just stepped on! Makes the rest of us look like we're driving 4x4's!!

One can only stand that kind of psychological torture for so long.

[Steve Chryssos]

Well said Steve. For the short time I ran with you guys my car did ok for not having a overdrive tranny. But I'm working on selling some 4speed stuff i have to fund a 4L60 with your shrifter. I'm even more hooked on pro touring than before. And my dad who just thought pro-touring was just big wheels and whatnot is now ordering alot of stuff for his car to make it more enjoyable and safe to drive.

Thanks Andrew. Your car looks killer.

[69Nova]

Thanks Andrew. Your car looks killer.

Thanks. I do have a question. Do you have any pictures of your rear spoiler. I am going to copy your's cause it kinda matches the front one I made for my car. I took a couple pictures from the side but I need some close up pictures and even some pictures from under the decklid would be great.

[CAMAROBOY69]

BTW- Adam, you had better knock on some wood after that last comment!

Yeah I thought about that after I said it but its the same way with my truck. I have driven my 79 truck and beat the hell out of it for over 6 years and I can still take it to any event and drive it home. I mean that engine has been abused big time. Somehow the truck starts right away and still doesnt smoke. Just amazing!! 6 years and never got towed home in that either. I still drive it on occasion take our quad out for fun.