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Chromed-out
and spit and polished the Bullitt Mustang, Challenger and Camaro turned some
heads as we paraded south to join up with thousands of fellow Hot Rod Power
Tour drivers. Starting in Newton, Iowa on June 5th the tour made daily stops
to give vendors like ourselves time to show-off our wares and drivers time
to relax and enjoy area attractions. Our final destination, Mobile, AL, came
too quickly. Since this was as close as this bunch is going to get to a vacation
this summer we're sure glad it was as much fun as it was.
-
Feature Story -
HOT
ROD
POWER TOUR
SPECIAL
OFFER
In appreciation of your interest we are extending to you a Special One Time
Disount of 10% Off. This special was offered at our "Back to the Fifties"
car show and is good until July 19th, 2010. Please use coupon code BTTFW to
receive the discount when ordering online. Inventory update: All Mustang parts
are in stock. Challenger and Camaro parts currently 4-6 weeks backordered
(with the exception of Quarter Scoops and Ralleye Vents) Note: A substantial
number of the current production run of Challenger and Camaro parts are sold.
Orders exceeding this run will incur another 4-6 week backorder. Order now
to receive this discount and your Chrome-Tech Accessories for those August
car shows.
On The Road
Hot Rod Power Tour
Day 1 - Newton, IA, Iowa Speedway
Clouds gathered, cars rumbled in by the hundreds into the Iowa Speedway in
Newton Ia. Retro USA lined up our Dodge Challenger, Bullitt Mustang, and Chevrolet
Camaro to show-off our Chrome-Tech bumpers, trims and moldings. Its a bit
entertaining to watch people around the cars. First there is the look of "whoa
there is something different" then there is the walk around each car
which is followed up with the questions. There also seems to be the need to
inform our sales staff what was and wasn't done right on each of the cars.
While there wasn't consensus on what the big three automakers did there was
a general "thumbs up" on our effort to rev up the retro look of
these reborn pony cars.
Must express gratitude for the rains holding off until after the show - it
poured just as the show closed.
On The Road
Day 2 - Springfield, IL
Downtown Springfield
The
Retro USA drivers, Gary and I (Donna), Daryl and Zach rolled out early am
for the 308 mile trip to Springfield, Il, the longest day of the trip. A fine
day for driving. There were fans all along the way but Keokuk, Ia residents
definitely win the award for highest number of people waving us on. We lost
a little rubber at a few lights - just giving spectators what they turn out
to see. I received some great "You go Girl" as I clutched my way
inch by inch in the Mustang. It was inspiring. We found out that touring with
the tour and doing the shows at each location is tough even if you skip the
noon lunch that we heard was great. If you looked for us at the Springfield
stop and couldn't find us we apologize as we arrived too late.
On
The Road
Day 3 - DuQuoin, IL
DuQuoin State Fairgrounds
A
much shorter driving day delivered us into the fairgrounds on time for the
show. It was hot but we had canopies which allowed a chance for onlookers
to linger in shade. Attendees enjoyed this beautiful RetroKit Camaro featuring
our Chrome-Tech™ Bumper. RetroKits installs a class '69 RS front end
on the 2010 Camaro. Again, the tour lost some and gained other drivers. We
met a couple from our St. Paul area in for the long haul in their beautiful
blue Challenger - soon to be chromed out for that '70 look.
On The Road
Day 4 - Bowling Green, KY
Warren County Airport
The
farther we dipped south the higher the temps and humidity rose. Most days
one matched the other. Us hardy northerners got a quick dose of what we usually
don't sweat through for another couple of months. It was uplifting to receive
waves from men standing with arms folded, kids running the length of town,
a sole onlooker perched on his project car. Once in Bowling Green we pulled
into the airport to park next to one of the planes brought out for show. A
short line for the dyno prompted the boys to dyno the
Challenger.
On
The Road
Day 5 - Chattanooga, TN
Chattanooga State Community College
Have
you ever had the experience of coming around a curve and all of a sudden you
can't see the road? Well I did somewhere on a curvy, mountainous road somewhere
between Ky and Tn. A memorable moment. What a great day of driving. Again
we were spared afternoon rain as blue skies greeted us in Chattanooga. Greg
Fondness from Mountain Muscle Cars drove in his retro red Challenger all chromed
out with the complete Retro kit. We enjoyed a tour of Rocket Racing Wheels
(featured on our Camaro). A highlight of the entire trip took place downtown
Chattanooga at the Coker plant/museum. What a great business story and collection
of cars and motorcycles.
On
The Road
Day 6 - Birmingham, AL
Regions Park Stadium
A
rear view mirror catches a glimpse of the tour. You can see more photos of
the tour in our gallery at www.retrousa.net.
Can't believe it is day 6. The Sports Stadium provided some relief from the
heat to long haulers and locals alike. We saw some great spots along the way
and enjoyed a stop at a Bumpers Drive-In (see photo gallery).
On
The Road
Day 7 - Mobile, AL
Downtown Mobile
The
phrase "don't sweat it" just doesn't apply south of the Mason/Dixon
line. Instead you just surrender to sweating and really I have to say walking
around in a sauna all day really loosens up stiff muscles from driving. We
enjoyed some after show time downtown Mobile around a park the size of a city
block with huge trees. Sad to see the tour end.
On
The Road
Closing Ceremonies
Day 8 - Mobile, AL
U.S.S. Alabama
(Long Hauler Awards)
We
didn't make it for the photo but did tour the submarine and the USS Alabama.
I just have to say I have a whole new appreciation for the sacrifice soldiers
of yesterday and today make to keep us safe. A big thank you to those who
have and are serving this country in the armed forces. The time has come to
head north to Minnesota. We certainly enjoyed meeting so many of the drivers
and thank you all for your favorable comments and good wishes.
P.S. We arrived home in time to unpack, repack and show at the Back to the
Fifties Street Rod show in St. Paul. Come see us if you are in the neighborhood.
To see
more pictures of the tour,
just click on this link. RetroUSA.netGallery
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RetroUSA.net
1-877-4RETROUSA (1-877-473-8768) · 11927 PORTLAND AVE., SOUTH, BURNSVILLE MN 55337
