This was so much more than we expected! Everything from the number of cars to the types of cars to the experience itself was in a word “more!” 2014 marked the 20th anniversary of the Hot Rod Power Tour and this starting day marked the most number of cars they have ever had at the kick-off party.
I thought it was going to be only “hot rods” in the specific definition of the term and as it turns out, there was a sampling of ALL American cars from ALL eras! There were hot rods, muscle cars, rat rods, trucks, modern corvettes and even the just-unveiled 2015 z28 Camaro!
So you get there the first day, pick up your goody-bag, park & you are part of the show! This was the biggest car show I have ever seen with all kinds of cars. But it was so much more than just a “car show” – it was truly an event! Once you got your “HRPT” badge and wore it around your neck, you felt as if you instantly were initiated into an exclusive club and became a member of a brotherhood. It didn’t matter what type of car you drove or how old you were… just being there made you special whether you were participating for a couple of legs or in it for the “long haul!”
After the car show during the day, you go back to the hotel and participate in the party within the party! The first night in Concord, NC there were 7 sold-out hotels all with connecting parking lots all with amazing cars participating in the 20th Anniversary of the Hot Rod Power Tour. Everyone set up chairs, tents and was tailgating right there in all the connected parking lots – it was so cool!! You build so much camaraderie with people you would never otherwise have the opportunity to meet.
Then there’s the ride! The course takes you through state routes for a scenic view of gorgeous scenery & iconic small towns. This is an enjoyable leisurely ride with your new friends that is an absolute blast!
Then there’s the ride! The course takes you through state routes for a scenic view of gorgeous scenery & iconic small towns. This is an enjoyable leisurely ride with your new friends that is an absolute blast!
As you drive along, you realize you ARE the parade! So many people in these small towns, sitting in lounge chairs on the side of the road simply waiting for you to drive by! “Welcome Hot Rod Power Tour” signs all along the route and entire Fire Departments with their lights circling to welcome you through their town!
Then you reach the next city on the Tour and participate in the show yet again! Car show celebrities (like Cherielynn Westrich from Overhaulin’ & Rutledge Wood from Top Gear) whom you see on TV are amazingly friendly and enjoying the same experience as you are… participating in the fun and the spectacle!
Then you reach the next city on the Tour and participate in the show yet again! Car show celebrities (like Cherielynn Westrich from Overhaulin’ & Rutledge Wood from Top Gear) whom you see on TV are amazingly friendly and enjoying the same experience as you are… participating in the fun and the spectacle!
Each new city brings new participants and even more wicked cars to see and hear! Some join for the next couple of legs, some just attend this one show. Even though we travel during weekdays, people LOVE cars and will take a day off from work to see this epic event!
Then you spend the night in that city, hang out with your new friends & load up to hit the road the next morning! Even the cars on display in the Vendor tents are participants driving along side of you as you trek from town to town! You never know what you'll see... maybe even a guy filling up a keg with gas! You keep up with everyone along the way through Twitter, Instagram and YouTube! #HRPT14 and #HotRodMagazine insures that you don’t miss a thing! (and of course www.YouTube.com/GladiatorsRadiators!)
If you are a “car guy” (or gal) then this MUST be on your “bucket list!” At some point in your life, grab a friend and go on the Hot Rod Power Tour! Well, we not only marked this off my bucket list, we plan on going again next year! See you soon!
See you Soon!