RtthIV

[Larry Callahan]

Here is a link to some more pictures. http://www.ridetech.com/more/2008/09...u-the-hills-4/

Toasting the fuel gods?

[jimhamptons]

What a great weekend!

First off, thanks to Bill and Melinda Howell for organizing this event and opening their doors to every one who came some distance to Pigeon Forge. It was nice to meet so many people who converse over a message board and to be able to put names to faces.

The event was way more than I expected it to be and I would strongly suggest to anyone who is on the fence about coming to future events, just do it! The atmosphere is friendly and there is no pressure to perform. It is about good people and good cars and using those cars in ways you can not do in every day driving.

Kudos go to Jay (Bucks69) who blew me, Vinnie, Steve and Jake away with his help and the generosity of his time devoted to helping out fellow car guys. Jay, if you are ever in the NY area, give us a shout.

We have a great community of enthusiasts here and this event is indicative of that.

Now, I need to learn to drive better!

[stealth71]

Sounds like everyone had a great time. I can't wait to make it out next year.

[PARKERRS]

It took me a while to pull my thoughts together and post since there is so much to say about this event.

First and foremost thanks to Bill, Malinda, Larry, Yancey, and all the others behind the scenes for putting on such a wonderful event with such a down home pull up a chair and stay a while atmosphere. Everyone was welcome at Bill's toybox for everything from tire kicking and bsing to repairs and the use of the shop. What a great host and a great place to hang out and have a beer. Thanks to Frank for the beer and his never ending willingness to help out those who needed it in a pinch.

For those who haven't attended this event before you should really make the time and effort next year. This was the third one that I've attended and they just keep getting better every year. Don't worry about your car making the grade (because there isn't one) or not being fast enough. These guys and gals bring everything from primered unfinished projects to SEMA stars and everyone runs and beats on them equally hard all weekend.

Although it is a competition for times and a few trophies thats not what it's all about. It never feels like a competition or race, it's all about the people first and foremost. No body looks down their nose at anyone elses car or times, it's like a big group of good friends. We all compare each others modifications and equipment both on and off the track to see what works best for each type or style of car, give encouragement or suggestions to one another on driving style to help better one anothers times and the like. Just a big ole good time for all with a couple of prizes for those who really deserve them. So don't be intimmedated by some of the cars you see on the board, come on out to this event and have a good time, that's what it's all about.

As I said the people are the greatest thing about it all. I met friends I've made there the year before and renewed the aqauntance along with making many new friends. Darrin it was nice seeing you again and I really enjoyed meeting Matt, although I thought we were going to have to wash Vinnie's car when he got through LOL. I had the pleasure of meeting Jason and his Dad from G-Force customs and all I can say is his Dad was above and beyond, rescueing several members from breakdowns with their rollback and never asking for a thing in return. Just a big smile and "Thats what I do, hope you get it fixed".

I had always heard that people from New York were rude and short tempered, but let me tell you the crew from New York will make you feel like one of the family. You couldn't ask for any nicer guys than Steevo, Vinnie, Jake and the new member this year Jimmy. These guys are as cordial as it gets and car guys through and through, always willing to help out and Vinnie with that mile wide grin and always a funny upbeat comment. It's always a pleasure to hang with this group, thanks guys for being who you are.

You don't even need your car to enjoy this event, Just ask Jay (Bucks69). He was in there all weekend having a good time and really came through the entire weekend helping the New York crew out. Met a few guys from Texas who's name I didn't catch but had a good time hanging out with at the toybox. I can't mention everyone but you get the idea, it's just a wonderful group of people having a spectacular weekend.

The vendors and their crews are just as down to earth as the rest of us. Always nice down to earth and ready to talk cars or help out, even give a few rides or test drives. And customer service from these companies is top notch as I witnessed all weekend. Bret's crew changing out the air springs on a members car to straighten out a problem on the newly installed set up at Bill's, Kyle and Stacey Tucker helping with advice on cars with their set ups to tune them in, and all with nice comments about the other cars there. Wonderful people with great products that they stand behind 100% and deserving of the patronage they have.

So if you haven't made plans to attend next year or felt a little intimmidated by some of the higher end cars, quit worrying and show up. You'll be greeted like family and shown a good time and some beautiful country along with a lot of really hot cars.

Thanks again to everyone for making it such a great weekend and for all the new friends, I met Allen (ZBugger) and contrary to all the harassment we gave each other all weekend he truly is a nice guy (just doesn't want anyone to know it) and whether he knows it or not a picture of his old black second gen, Camaro on this sight was the inspiration for my car 3 years ago.

Tommy
Dang that was long-sorry

[Steve Chryssos]

By the way Bill,
I'm happy to publicly open mouth and insert foot. I complained about the "75 mile" rule. (Driving a minimum of 75 miles to the event earns 5 points towards KOH). It seemed unreasonable to have an extra guy on hand to drive an empty truck and trailer.

Well Jake and I unloaded about 95 miles out and waited for Jay and Steph Wiggins to show up and drive Jake's two car tri-axle gooseneck (no small feat). As soon as we hit the road, I knew I was wrong. Jake and I had a blast! We traded the lead many times on our 95 mile banzai run--stereo blasting some old Gilby Clarke. Tennesee highways are silky smooth and the skyline can't be beat. Felt like a mini-Power Tour. ....And we made two great friends in the process.

Oh yeah, I bitched about the People's Choice" segment and Vinnie wont that. Not sure how to fit two feet in my mouth. I stand corrected.

And thanks again Jay and Steph. If you need anything--EN NEE THING--just ask.

[bret]

Hey Steve...My wife [among others] tells me that I ought to be used to being wrong...I don't know WHERE they get that!

I liked the comment I read somewhere that this is the grreatest car club in the world. I agree totally. There was certainly NO pretentions about whose cars was fasterprettiercoolermoreexpensive. In fact I'm thinking that around midnight on Friday night any of the people who were still upright would have traded cars with the other ...just for sport!
For me, the best parts were, in order, 1. hanging with everyone at Bills place Friday and Saturday night. 2. the cruise through the mountains to the resturant on Friday night. 3. the Autocross on Saturday 5. the drag race on Sunday.

There are quite a few places that we can drag race and autocross...there is only ONE Bills Toybox!

[oestek]

Bret's right - hanging at Bill's is a great experience. It's too bad it's only once a year!

[parsonsj]

x3. The best part of the weekend was hanging at Bill's place. I'm looking forward to next year!

jp

[Steve1968LS2]

After hanging out at Bill's Toy Box I got home and spit on my garage.. lol

That place rocks!

I sent all the videos and over 200 pictures today to Larry so he can post them up. I screwed up the engine sounds on the vid but the video picture is great.

Is it next year yet?

[YancyJohns]

I just wanted to tell every one Thanks. Me and my son had a great weekend and that's all he talks about. I coldn't ask for a better friend than Bill, he has really taken me under his wings. Everyone I've met as been so kind and had great advice. I have the privileged of being at the Toybox every day, but without great friends, It's just a BOX.
Yancy

[datsbad]

This is hands down the BEST event I have been to.
Everyone was great. Wish I could have spent more time with you guys but I brought my family along and HAD to do some fun things with the kids and wife.

Thanks again to all that helped Bill out.
Bill pre-register me now for next year !

[RodDawg]

I posted this on the pic/video thread yesterday, but wanted to put it here to thank you guys again.

Herb (Yelcamino),

Thank you again for letting Zach ride along at the autox. That was funny hearing him in the video. He has already told so many people about his friend "Herb" and his yellow "truck", as well as "Frank" at Prodigy helping him get the ride. It was definately the highlight of his trip. I heard someone in the other video ask the question "why does all the kids want to ride in it". Zachary is a tractor and truck little boy. He loves anything to do with trucks and thinks the El Camino is just a really cool truck. That's the first car he commented about when we got to the hotel, and then he spotted it again at the autox. When Frank told him to pick out a car to ride in, it was non doubt that your El Camino was it and I appreciate you letting him ride.

We both enjoyed ourselves very much. I really wanted to meet more people, but am not the greatest at introducing myself. Maybe next year when we return with our car.

We hated to leave the drag racing early on Sunday, but my wife called and told me that we had considerable damage to our home that morning from the remnants of Ike, so we headed that way. As of today, we are still without power, but thankfully everyone was fine.

Thanks again Herb and Frank. I will post a picture link soon.

Rod

[Bow Tie 67]

Hmmm

If I'm not mistaken isn't that Franks head in front of the Keg preparing another toast?

Toasting the fuel gods?

[compos mentis]

I hope to be there next year, but my concern is from the tone of these posts that there was hugging taking place?!

[ProdigyCustoms]

Hmmm

If I'm not mistaken isn't that Franks head in front of the Keg preparing another toast?

I bought it so I had to make sure I got my monies worth! LOL! We might need 2 kegs next year!

[Yelcamino]

I posted this on the pic/video thread yesterday, but wanted to put it here to thank you guys again.

Herb (Yelcamino),

Thank you again for letting Zach ride along at the autox. That was funny hearing him in the video. He has already told so many people about his friend "Herb" and his yellow "truck", as well as "Frank" at Prodigy helping him get the ride. It was definately the highlight of his trip. I heard someone in the other video ask the question "why does all the kids want to ride in it". Zachary is a tractor and truck little boy. He loves anything to do with trucks and thinks the El Camino is just a really cool truck. That's the first car he commented about when we got to the hotel, and then he spotted it again at the autox. When Frank told him to pick out a car to ride in, it was non doubt that your El Camino was it and I appreciate you letting him ride.

We both enjoyed ourselves very much. I really wanted to meet more people, but am not the greatest at introducing myself. Maybe next year when we return with our car.

We hated to leave the drag racing early on Sunday, but my wife called and told me that we had considerable damage to our home that morning from the remnants of Ike, so we headed that way. As of today, we are still without power, but thankfully everyone was fine.

Thanks again Herb and Frank. I will post a picture link soon.

Rod

Rod, I'm glad to hear Zach enjoyed the ride! I'm not really a kid person (I don't have any) so I didn't know what to say when you asked if he could ride along. It turned out to be fun hearing him giggle as I went around the course. It's funny, before the starter said go, I was 42 years old and Zach was 5(?) but the second I hit the gas I swear he and I were the same age for 39 seconds! He's welcome anytime!

On my next run a lady walked up to me with her son and asked if he could hop in... I guess word got around that the yellow Elky was the carnival ride! That's ok, I was having just as much fun as the kids!

[BA.]

That's very cool that the young'uns got a ride at the Auto Cross. The earlier we get them hooked the better!!! :-D

[Danny Thomas]

What a weekend. Bill thanks for the friendship and the ability to spend time at the Box each week. Sorry that I didn't get to spend much time with everyone. I didn't realize the time it takes to shoot a car for a magazine. I did learn alot on how a magazine shoot is done but at the expense of making new friends and talking with old ones. Thanks to my photographers for there time and expertise - can't wait to see car in Camaro Performers. Out if the 400-500 pictures taken I wonder how many will make it. This was a 10 hour shoot over two day - man I'm tire - Ha Ha.
The autocross was awesome but my car failed to pass tech due to the fact my optima battery failed for the second time and the Auto Zone battery didn't fit in my DSE battery tray right and couldn't be secured enough for the autocross - Thanks Steevo. It was still fun watching all the others in the 100 degree weather. Couldn't make the drag strip.

I want to thank DSE for the great coolers that they gave us. It will be well used. Also want to thank all the others who worked or contributed behind the scene. Also want to thank Steve Crisp for the great conversation Friday nite at dinner. What a great time and place to eat at Carvers. Man I'm glad I get to live here all the time.

Can't wait till next year - you can bet that battery will be secure.

Danny

[Steve1968LS2]

I hope to be there next year, but my concern is from the tone of these posts that there was hugging taking place?!

It did stop just short of heavy petting though...

[compos mentis]

It did stop just short of heavy petting though...

I believe there is a provision under 'The Man Laws' to allow for a quick hug, unless one or more of the participants is openly weeping!