Since we have gone through a transition of systems to better deliver your online version of Street Rodder, this Road Tour installment is being posted a bit later than usual. However, down the road it will be much easier for our staff to upload your latest sneak peek at the exploits of the Driver Guy, along with our weekly updates, and also more web exclusive content. Thanks for your patience!
We are midway through the 2002 edition of the Street Rodder Magazine Road Tour. With 10,000 miles on the odometer and five events behind us, it was time to head to Pueblo, Colorado, home of the NSRA Rocky Mountain Nationals. A check of the calendar and road map helped me decide that I should head west a bit early and make a first time visit to the huge event we know as Back to the 50's in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Minnesota. Staged by the Minnesota Street Rod Association, this event draws over 10,000 pre-1964 vehicles for a weekend of food, fun and cars.
My route also enabled me to stop at some of the manufacturers that have made my life very comfortable in this year's Road Tour convertible. Stops at Heidt's Hot Rod Shop, Tea's Design, and Dakota Digital gave me a chance to thank the folks who provided the suspension, seats and gauges that have made my summer travels much more bearable.
After Back to the 50's, I paid a visit to Bill Smith in Lincoln, Nebraska, and got a personal tour of his new Speedway Motors facility. The walk through included the Smith Collection, Bill's unbelievable gathering of nostalgic racing equipment and automobilia. I also made a quick stop to see the folks at Colorado Custom, who made the very cool wheels that the Road Tour convertible rolls on. I even managed to fit in a lunch stop with veteran rod journalist and street rod legend Neal East in Englewood, Colorado.
The Rocky Mountain Nationals drew 2,000 street rods to the town of Pueblo. And as you can imagine, the Colorado State Fairgrounds was covered with participants and spectators all weekend. But, after three days of rod run fun it was time to head home. I had witnessed another two weeks of adventure and excitement on the Road Tour.
One of the things that made the long days go by quicker (and more pleasantly) was my new Alpine XM-Radio receiver. If you get a chance, check out XM-Radio. Broadcast from two satellites, the signal is available clear across the country, and you can choose from 100 different stations! This is the future of radio. You can read about all the details of this trip in the December issue of Street Rodder, which goes on sale during the last week of October.
I actually had a few weeks off before the NSRA Nationals in Louisville, which offered time to visit a few local rod runs that I had been wanting to check out. Hey, I guess this stuff is in my blood!
Following a month to recover from Louisville, we head out on the biggest adventure of the summer: four events in five weeks, during which we crisscross the country twice! Follow all of our adventures here at www.streetrodderweb.com . . . See you on the Road Tour.
I was greeted at Heidt's Hot...
I was greeted at Heidt's Hot Rod Shop by almost 25 local street rodders.
In La Cross, Wisconsin, I...
In La Cross, Wisconsin, I checked out this steamship replica, the Julia Swain, which tours up and down the Mississippi River.
I spent an evening at the...
I spent an evening at the Kalahan ranch with Wings, the NSRA DJ and his wife, Mona, who are regulars on the circuit.
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds...
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul, attracted over 10,000 pre-1964 vehicles.
I stopped in Sioux Falls,...
I stopped in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to visit Dakota Digital, providers of the Odyssey II gauges in this year's Road Tour car.
Bill Smith gave me a personal...
Bill Smith gave me a personal tour of the new Speedway Motors facility in Lincoln, Nebraska.
I spent Tuesday evening before...
I spent Tuesday evening before the Pueblo event in Fort Collins, Colorado. Owner Al Manes and manager Bill Hancock greeted me and gave me a tour of Colorado Custom. The Road Tour 'vert rolls on a set of their "Whiskey" wheels.
Just south of Denver lies...
Just south of Denver lies Colorado Springs, home of the Air Force Academy. This fighter jet on display (with Pikes Peak in the background) makes for an inspiring image.
The Marriott in downtown Pueblo...
The Marriott in downtown Pueblo was the headquarters for the NSRA Rocky Mountain Nationals. Downtown Pueblo has gone through rejuvenation in recent years and many of the older buildings have been restored.
Over 2,000 street rods covered...
Over 2,000 street rods covered the Colorado State Fairgrounds, as spectators enjoyed the sights and sounds of the cars all weekend.
With ceremonies beginning...
With ceremonies beginning at 2 pm on Sunday, Event Director, Pat Newell, handed out special plaques and awards to the owners of over 30 vehicles.
On Sunday evening, it was...
On Sunday evening, it was time to head home to Ohio. With Colorado being one of the most picturesque states in the union, the Rocky Mountain Nationals is a great reason to visit this wonderful place.