RtthIV

[zbugger]

Here's how cool it was. I was on the cruise to dinner with Payton King and he had just replaced the serpentine belt he had tossed earlier in the day. Well, the car seemed to be running just fine and Payton decided to make a fun little blast. Well, it started coming off again. So what happens? We pull over, fix it to get to dinner and go. Thanks to everyone, literally everyone, who stopped and offered help. Well, it happened again and once again we had around ten cars stop to help us out again. How close is this crew?



Yup. That's Frank doing some emergency surgery against a power pole. It's a great group of guys out there and all willing to help each other out when others are in need. And there was no shortage of this as we had at least six cars in need of a doctor over the weekend. I was very glad to be a part of it. And Payton, your car is incredible. I hope your minor issues get worked out.

[bucks69]

[quote=Payton King]
I also feel since Jimmy Spencer retired that his nickname should go to Vinnie. Always a crowd pleaser ...you are here by dubbed "Mr. Excitement." I did not know a big block could spin to 8000 rpm and still hold together. You should have seen Vinnie, Steve, Jake running down the parkway on the way back friday night, but that is another story.

Jake, I still want to talk to you about your rear end. LOL

I had the sheer pleasure of catching a ride with Jake on the way back from eating, because I didnt have a car and was one of the guys following along in the pickups. There is no way I can describe the ride I got either. This was also my first ever ride in a HOT ROD of any kind, and I believe there was no better person to ride with than Jake. Blasting down that parkway at insane speeds with the "Blue Hairs" running to get out of the way of Jake, Vin, Steve, Payton, and Jimmy was just indescribeable. And I have to tell you that car of Jakes that has his front sub-frame and his soon to be released rear setup, handles and rides beyond belief. As fast as we took some of those curves, it was beyond real how the car felt like it was on rails.

I have to give a big thanks to Bill, Melinda, Larry, and anyone else involved in setting this event up because I had a blast the whole time I was there. Like I said earlier I drove my truck and my wife and I were just spectators, but we had the time of our life.

The cruise in the hills took us thru some of the best scenery a person could imagine seeing. The spot to eat was also a great little find that was pretty unique. The food was great, and the chance to talk shop with the guys I met from the board was also a great experience.

The auto-x was also an awesome time. To see all those cars out there getting beat on in a big way was just amazing. We watched everything from purpose built race cars( Jeff Schwartz Ultima, which cannot be described how awesome that car really is) to Full on show cars (Frank from Prodigy, who beat the crap out of it also), and everything in between getting run to their fullest potential. There was great participation from companys that cater to the pro-touring crowd. The Detroit Speed cars did as expected, and put down some good times, but there were other manufacturers that showed up and put on a good show also. Air-Ride was out in full force, and as always did great. The Roadster Shop also put there Chevelle thru the paces and did an outstanding job. Jake also put his car (THE BEAST)thru the paces and did an outstanding job as well. I will have to say though there was some awesome cars out there that just belonged to individuals that did great. It goes without saying Vin put on a great show, but there were others from the board driving the wheels off of their rides.

The drag race was also a lot of excitement to watch also. The track reminds me a lot of our local tracks here, so we felt right at home there. To say the finish was exciting is a huge understatement..LOL

I believe that any vendor that is serious about this market should try and make this event if at all possible. You may not get the foot traffic of a regular show, but you will definately get an idea of how your equipment measures up to the competition, and will get word of mouth from real enthusiasts and not tire-kickers.

I also believe that anyone who enjoys these cars, and the pro-touring movement should make the future RTTH events at all costs. The insight I learned, and the friendships that were started, made this a wonderful experience that should be shared by everyone here. I was amazed at how when there was trouble, or a breakdown, everyone tryed to help everyone else, even if they were the competition. It makes me proud to be a part of this great group of people.

I have to also give a huge THANK YOU to special group of people My wife and I met and had the chance to hang out with all weekend. Vin and Tina, Jake and Kelly(Jakes Rod Shop), Steve-o(Twist-Machine), Jimmy(Hoover69), and David Sloan(Road Killer Customs). You guys were unbelieveable and I cannot say thanks enough for putting up with us. Hanging out with you guys was great and something we look forward to doing more of in the future. You guys really made us feel like one of the gang.

About next year as we was leaving, the clerk at the Mainstay asked about next year, and without even asking me anything, my wife booked us for another week next year(DANG HER...LOL) So yes we will be back, and I will try at all costs to have my heap there, so we can be one of the "COOL KIDS".

Sorry for the long post but I have more that I could write, but I have took up enough of your time. There is just so many things to say about this event and the people involved that I could write another page full...LOL

[MrQuick]

yep, she's a keeper!

Glad you and the wife had a great time. Thats what its all about right?


vince

[Steve Chryssos]

According to the gauge in Vin's new Duramax, ambient temps at the autocross track were pushing 111 degrees. We know that because, at times, we escaped the heat by hiding out in the air conditioned truck. On the DVD player was Vinnie and Tina's favorite movie: Talladega Nights.

As Ricky Bobby's daddy liked to say: "If you ain't first, yer last!". And that right there sets the tone for the fourth annual Run Thru The Hills event. Heat and perseverance were directly proportional. The hotter it got, the harder we all tried. Tenacity.

Vinnie's car, "Shocked!" came into this event with 10.30 E.T. slips, road course usage, and Year One Experience Autocross winner status. So winning the King of the Hills competition was important to Twist Machine as well as the Twisted Idiots car club (Jake, Vin, Jimmy, my partner Frank, myself and our newest idiot from Arkansas...Jay Wiggins--Bucks69). Despite an extraordinary effort by all, we missed out by 1.01 seconds collectively.

...And that's a good thing. It means that the Run Thru The Hills event format is exciting, challenging and competitive. It means that we can all build pro-touring cars with the knowledge that our efforts will yield more than just car shows and cruising around at the speed limit.

We fought vapor lock issues followed by a Howard Stewart Race Pump that refused to prime. That led to a dead starter which--with the help of Frank and Michael Serafine from Prodigy Customs and David Sloan from Road Killer Customs was replaced in a Sunday morning thrash that you would just not believe unless you saw it in person. Vapor lock prevented us from competing in the top five autocross shootout--a last chance contest to unseat the fastest autocross car. Vin made it into the top five in the number two position--one second behind Kyle Tucker and his second gen Camaro.

On Sunday we made it to the drags in time to make one run before the 12:30 cut-off. The time on the E.T. Slip? 12:29 and 58 seconds. Unbelievable! Though faster than Kyle, Vin's car ran .01 second slower than Brett Voelkel in Velocity. So second in the drags (by .01 second) as well as second in the autocross. With people's choice, cruise, and 75 mile points, Vin tied Kyle for 1st place. The tie breaker, as stated, was the autocross time. There you have it: 1.01 seconds.

I can't say give enough praise to Jay Wiggins (Bucks69) and his wife Steph. Prior to the event, these two were complete strangers to us. They agreed to meet us 75 miles north of Pigeon Forge to drive our truck and trailer so that Jake and I could compete in KOTH. Then they stuck it out all weekend providing immeasurable assistance at every turn. With heat, time and a demonically possessed GPS working against us, Jay and his wife helped us push thru.

Congratulation to Kyle Tucker on his King of the Hills win. Kyle, Stacy, and the entire Detroit Speed team make it look easy.

[Payton King]

Where are you from in Arkansas? I was born and raised in Arkansas and grew up in North Little Rock...I went to college at the U of A, Fayetteville. All of my family still live there.

[KevMc]

Sounds awesome. Definatley going to have to make the RTTH event instead of Shades of the Past next year.

[bucks69]

Where are you from in Arkansas? I was born and raised in Arkansas and grew up in North Little Rock...I went to college at the U of A, Fayetteville. All of my family still live there.

We live in Northeast Arkansas, just south of Jonesboro. Steph and I both graduated from Arkansas State. it was great meeting you and everyone else on the trip.

[Steve Chryssos]

Regarding the King of the Hill competition, I don't want onlookers and newcomers to get the impression that the event is cut-throat. Don't let KOH intimidate you or prevent you from attending. Run thru the Hills is a casual hot rodding event--not a professional race. We all show up, share each others' company, and run our cars for fun. It just so happens that timers are running for the auto-x and drag race segments. And those times are collected. As such, it is possible to compare times amongst cars/drivers. There's a basic set of rules in place to ensure that when times are analyzed, the comparison will be equitable and on the level.

KOH is an event within an event. But it is entirely possible to attend--with or without a car--and have a great time.

[bret]

You all have heard me use the term "fun squared" ...this is the event that I was talking about! I have been doing races and shows since the late 70's [professionally since 87] and have never experienced such a laid back, stress-free, pure good time as this. The Year One event approaches it, but Bills event adds the cruise through the beautiful mountains and relative absence [at least for me] of corporate responsibilities. His garage party was the best one I've ever been to in a dry county. THIS is why I work!
Thank you Bill, Melinda, and the local Pigeon Forge guys who made it possible for us Yankees to drop in a sit a spell!

[DSE/SC]

Some RTTH photos are up on www.detroitspeed.com.

Although we shot over 500 pictures and tons of video of RTTH, it's virtually impossible to post them all so we've picked some out for everyone to see.



We hope you enjoy them!

[Scott Wahlstrom]

Hello All,
Just wanted to drop a quick note and tell you how nice it was to meet and hang out with everyone this past weekend (RTTH).
Thanks to Bret and the guys at air ride for opening up a couple seats for a ride on the cruise Friday night. I have to say that was one of the best cruises I've ever been on.

Bill, you and the gang did a fantastic job of planning and hosting this event and I just wanted to thank you again for your generous hospitality all weekend. I'm glad we have been given the opportunity to become friends.

I can't tell you how impressed we were with the caliber of machines at the event. The part I like the best though is that all of you enjoy driving and having fun with your cars....that's something long over due in our hobby/business. I've seen enough trailer queens to last me a lifetime so it's very refreshing to see people who enjoy driving their cars more then polishing them.

It was good to see some old friends and make a bunch of new ones as well. What a fun night hanging out at Bill's shop with everyone chipping in to get cars repaired and back on the road again....and the beer was great too....thanks Frank!

Thanks again for letting us be a part and making us feel so welcome. We had such a great time we can't stop talking about it here at work.

Let me know if any of you need any catalogs and we'll be happy to send them out to you.

Look forward to seeing you all again real soon.

Scott Wahlstrom
Lane Automotive/Motor State Distributing/Allstar Performance
269-463-4113 Ext. 243
[email protected]

[crazyfireman]

Well the trip was a little more expensive then what I had planned, in Montgomery my truck lost 3rd and drive in the tranny. So I was faced with the dilema of renting two trucks plus one dolly to tow the truck, trailer, and Camaro or ease back nice and slow to Florida. Well 1st and 2nd held out through the back roads at a blistering 30mph but eventually made the 2 hour trip in a long 7 hours. But it was well worth it I just need to find a 4l60e to put in the truck or have mine rebuilt.. or better yet buy a big ol diesel!!

[Yelcamino]

Carol and I had an awesome time (and the 'ol Elky did me proud ) and we're already looking forward to next year! It was great seeing everyone and their cars! This has to be the best event going! Thanks Larry, Melinda, and everyone else involved in putting this together for all of us to enjoy!

[Ron S]

Its funny,I usually only take car pics,but I couldn't help but snap this one of our gracious hosts,Thanks again guys,Ron

[jb@ridetech]

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

[cmraman]

I wanted to just say thanks to Bill, Melinda, and Larry for putting on such a fun event. This was my first one, even though I worked, it was great to put faces to names and to see everyone enjoy themselves and the hobby. I'll definately be back next year. Hopefully with my own car. Thanks to all for your hospitality. Here is one picture that I had posted of the autocross, I will post more as time permits.




BTW, thanks for the ride Jeff.

[Vinz68]

Wow what can i say? We had alot of struggles over the weekend and with the help of friends from the forums we were able to make it! I felt guilty accepting help from so many people. Lets see ,Ron (Hemicuda57)and his brother inlaw Paul helped on Fri night when the VAPOR LOCK problem started along with Jason(G-Force) and his Dad,then on Sat afternoon They were right back helping again along with Jay(Bucks69) David Sloan(RoadKiller)The Prodigy Crew Frank and his son Michael.But my poor car must of had enough of me for the day...lol Then Sunday morning we started priming it and the starter went, I couldn't believe it!!So we pushed it on to the lift in THE TOY BOX(what a cool shop)and began to take it out and try the one from Steevo's car...it didn't fit....(really) I almost lost it!! Thank God they left me in the car on the lift!! I really couln't do much , I was 10 feet in the air.So they let me down and Michael(Prodigy) and I ran to Advance Auto Parts and get this huge starter which I never thought would fit. It almost didn't, we had to unbolt the headers and use a floor jack and a 2/4 to get the thing in!!So now we were off to the races....what do you know Vapor Locked again on the way on a one lane mountain road (possesed GPS).... We finally made it with in seconds to make one pass in the time allowed! So needless to say we had the time of our Lives!!! I would do it all again in a heartbeat!!Bill and the crew are 1st class with the way they run the show and there hospitality!!Thanks for everything. I can't believe I actually typed this much!

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey guys.. as always I had a BLAST at the event... I feel this deal is the real thing, car guys/gals getting together to beat on thier rides and have fun. It has a grassroots feel to it and even though it's a competition it's still laid back and friendly.

This is why I push the books to cover the events and as long as I'm there I will insist that it gets the ink it so deserves.

I also want to thank all the vendors that chipped in to make this a reality. I'm sure it makes everyone happy to know they are regular car folk like the rest of us.

Oh, and Vinnie is freaking insane.. I really think he hates his car. lol

I have video that I'm going to get to Larry. Unfortunatly I had the volume set wrong and the audio is crud, but the vid is great (the little camera hooked on the car). I also have lots of unused pictures I will send to Larry so he can post.

It was great seeing all of you and I can't wait until next year. Hopefully I can get Penny there for some of the fun.

[Y-TRY]

Kudos- This sounds like the exact type of event and cars that keep me believing in the genre.

I'd love to make it to one of these but, even sitting here, I can't help but feel intimidated by the level of cars, owners, and drivers out there.

But, it sure seems that the guys there are SOOOOO cool that I'd forget that their cars are SOOOOO much cooler than mine.

Do any of you remember feeling star-struck out there?

[zbugger]

Kudos- This sounds like the exact type of event and cars that keep me believing in the genre.

I'd love to make it to one of these but, even sitting here, I can't help but feel intimidated by the level of cars, owners, and drivers out there.

But, it sure seems that the guys there are SOOOOO cool that I'd forget that their cars are SOOOOO much cooler than mine.

Do any of you remember feeling star-struck out there?

It's hard to be star struck when the guys there talk to you and treat you like an equal. The best thing is that nobody acts like they're better than you. I didn't have my car there, but nobody put me down for that or treated me any different. Kyle and Stacey Tucker are some of the nicest people you could meet, and even Bob Johnson was ok to deal with. Frank and Lisa are extremely nice people, and I wish I could have had a few more drinks with them. Hell, even Jim was cool. And I never thought I'd be able to see, let alone go for a ride in Payton King's car. And he's a great guy to boot!!! There's no reason to be star struck. The guys are all nice and willing to talk and hang out. Having a cooler car makes no difference. They're all looked at pretty equally. It doesn't matter if it's painted either. They're all damn cool in their own right. Just go there and have fun!!