Now that the 2012 Hot Rod Power Tour is in the books, we wanted to do a quick recap and show off a few pictures that we snapped along the way. Coker Tire was a proud sponsor of the Day 2 stop in Muskegon, Michigan, which included a spectacular day of action. The weather was just right and we had a blast. Thousands of cars, and thousands of spectators came by for the day, and many of them stopped by the Coker Tire booth to check out what we had to offer. In addition to tire displays, we had Corky's brand new '54 Buick on display, as well as an 1908 American Simplex Indy racer and the Honest Charley rat rod pickup.
[caption id="attachment_2560" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Corky's '54 Buick is awesome...just looks mean with those wide whites and black steelies!"]
The Honest Charley Garage guys are getting my Honest '54 Buick ready for the Hot Rod Power Tour. Coker Tire Company is the official host and Cruise Night sponsor for the stop in Muskegon, Michigan. The folks at Coker are really looking forward to it! And...I have a big treat for those who come to Muskegon. You see, I love Bluegrass Music. So...I have secured my buddy Audie Blaylock and Redline to come to Muskegon to put on a show. Check his music out on youtube! They are awesome! They are car guys too!
--Corky
If you follow our blog, then you know that we're passionate about vintage automobiles. We're even more passionate about getting out and DRIVING these pieces of automotive history! Aside from casual driving to local car shows, what's the best way to get out and enjoy your old car??? Well, we might have a biased opinion, but the answer is the Great Race!
[caption id="attachment_2366" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="Check out the map for this year's Great Race!"][/caption]
More notes from the road from Great Race Director, Jeff Stumb:
DAY 3 -- Elliott Lake and Sudbury
We left Sault Ste. Marie bright and early to make the drive over the bridge into Canada. We were through customs in less than 20 minutes, which included a 10-minute trip inside to see the head Mountie about that funny looking gear and cable hanging from our rear wheel. Once we told them we were measuring the course for the Great Race and gave them some hats, T-shirts and programs, we were sent on our way. During the race next year as participants, you will be entering Canada on a pleasure trip and not the business trip John and I were on. And we are working with local officials to have a list of all entrants to the custom officials to speed the crossing up as much as possible. John assures me that no one will get hung up and miss a start (but if you do you can always turn in a time delay).
On the way into Elliott Lake, our lunch stop, we followed the north shore
After acquiring the Great Race, we have been very busy, making sure we uphold the legacy and the tradition that Tom McRae established many years ago. Just after the 2011 Hemmings Motor News Great Race, Coker Tire is proud to announce a new Director of the Great Race, longtime rally enthusiast and all around car guy, Mr. Jeff Stumb. Jeff will also be heading up the Coker Tire Marketing Department, so we'll definitely keep him busy! He is away from the office right now, on a trip to the Great Lakes to meet with host cities, so sit back and enjoy some of his commentary as he rides up and down the road.
As soon as the annual Coker Tire Challenge ended in Chattanooga Sept. 18, John Classen and I hit the road to visit city leaders, check out hotels and map out the route for the 2012 Great Race.
As you may know by now, the Great Race will start in Traverse City, Michigan, on June 23, 2012, and circle the Great Lakes before returning to Michigan the following weekend. Plans have been