This is it, the last day of the 2014 Power Tour. Today we went 203.3 miles from Bettendorf, Iowa to the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. Our own Jim Holloway led our Mothers Polish group in the Lingenfelter LS3-powered Magnuson supercharged Vista Cruiser.
In keeping with our routine we started the morning by topping off our thirsty beasts with fuel and filling our ravenous bellies with the finest snack cakes, beef jerky, candy and chips that a roadside mini mart has to offer.
While we were gassing and gorging we stumbled upon our friends from Ringbrothers and their latest creation. Do believe that this is the heartiest party bus you’ve ever seen. Don’t believe me? Check out yesterday’s post for more pictures of this bad boy.
At the Bettendorf BP we were all a little perplexed that the diesel-green pump handles were attached to the unleaded tanks. Unless Shane actually put diesel in our rental Navigator, which should help give us the low-end grunt required to keep up with our group. Problem solved!
In more ways than one. Come on, people let’s rally to bring back the honeycomb taillight treatment.
Out on the road we saw the Ariel Atom from the Magnaflow booth. These guys need some sort of award, recognition, medal or at least a knuckle pound explosion for long hauling in this track day special.
I really adore this ’57 Chevy with what appears to be a tubbed rear end.
As we rolled into the charming city of Maquoketa, Wisconsin, the town folk rolled out the red carpet and the burn out box, complete with an emcee and a loudspeaker goading the Power Tour participants into an impromptu burnout contest at the four-way stop sign.
Our friend Steen Gilbertson looked like he was going to serve up a big burner in his mean 572ci Chevelle SS. A hearty chirp was all Steen gave us and I can only assume it’s because he didn’t want to risk the wrath of Mrs. Gilbertson in the event of moving violation. Happy wife, happy life.
If our friend Brian Thomson hadn’t already married his wife Janet, I would urge him to do so immediately. And here I can’t even get Shane to make me a sammich.
The tag reads, “UD LOSE.” I don’t doubt it, sir.
Once again we saw Hot Rod’s super shooter, Wes Allison doing a crouching tiger, hidden photographer thing on the side of the road.
Before we stopped for lunch, we made a quick trip to Walgreens so Forrest could pick up a commemorative refrigerator magnet. Only five more and his collection is complete!
Which wagon would you rock? Remember, our rented Navigator has retractable side steps!
Nothing to see here, just a tractor rolling down the main drag. Welcome to America’s Dairyland.
Today’s route was a great one, tracing a path across undulating two lanes with the best combination of curves and elevation changes.
All was great until we hit a slight snag going into the venue. And by “slight snag” I mean a two-hour wait to cover the last three miles. This was our view as we sat, after nearly 1,700 miles, just out of range of the venue. No matter as it gave me a chance to nap while Shane drove, a few inches at a time.
So close and yet, so far. As much as I wanted to grab a wicker chair and belly up to the bar, there was work to be done.
I really like this Gran Torino Sport with a blown 429ci from Brian Schlitz.
This rolling chassis from our friends at Rad Rides by Troy demonstrates their beautiful work.
Funny, my driver’s license has the same thing.
Some of Factory Five’s finest lined up on display.
L&L Street Rods’ “Mob Boss” is a 1950 Chevy Surburban with a 468 big block Chevy.
Our own Steve Polen doing work with one of our polishers.
The Power Tour wouldn’t be the same without our own Forrest Tosie on both the stage and screen (big screen, that is).
With the conclusion of the Power Tour, so ends our daily updates from the road. I hope you’ve had nearly as much fun reading about our Power Tour experience as I did documenting it. Stay tuned for a final recap from our time on the 20th Annual Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour as well as some information about our involvement next year.
In the meantime click here to check out even more great images from Day 6.
