2023 celebrates the 75th anniversary of Hot Rod Magazine and the 29th anniversary of The Hot Rod Power Tour. As a Long Hauler, we enjoy the entire event whether it is 7 cities in 7 days or the new format of 5 cities in 5 days. This year, the HRPT started in Atlanta with stops in Columbia, SC, Rockingham, NC, Concord, NC and finishing up in Bristol, TN.
We headed to Atlanta a day early and visited family plus a quick stop at 'Old Car City' in White, GA (US 411 just north of I-75). Old Car City could be a full day if you want to take in all of the old cars/trucks and more. Our HRPT Long Hauler experience this year included running the Amsoil sponsored booth for all 5 days. Bringing plenty of inventory, we decided to drive our RAM filled with product. It was also a great way for us to sell both old and new friends. The Long Hauler family is really great and the Amsoil family is really great, so the experience was exceptional.
Jim Bledsoe drove his '34 Dodge Panel and I was able to get him a reserved parking spot next to the Amsoil booth. It really was a win-win having his rod parked at the booth and a prime parking place. Jim was even featured in an interview on the nightly news at Columbia, SC. While 4 of the stops were at a racetrack venue, Columbia was at the South Carolina Fairgrounds in the shadow of the University stadium.
The most unique vehicle could be the airplane car, actually a custom car built on a Dodge Minivan chassis. A great sight on the Long Hauler route this year. Amsoil corporate sent two representatives to assist us and we were honored to have two of the best sources to answer questions.
Each day of the event, we had give away items provided by Amsoil corporate. So, we gave out 1) shop rags, 2) disposable funnels, 3) lip balm, 4) bandanas, 5) stickers, and 6) complete product catalogs. In addition, Direct Performance Group provided a Long Hauler drawing each day for a goodie bag of all the giveaways plus free products (valued over $100). Then on Friday in Bristol we drew a last name for $100 gift card for product through Direct Performance Group. Nearly 5000 giveaways were handed out during the event and we are glad for the Amsoil support.
The finish line was crossed in Bristol, TN on Friday. We were able to claim our "Long Hauler" awards and enjoyed the great venue of Bristol Motor Speedway. At our Amsoil booth, I brought and displayed my Bristol Champion Driver Flag, signed by legends and drivers who have won at Bristol. Michael McDowell signed the flag on Saturday afternoon before the race and said that it might be what he needed to win the race in 2023 --- AND he did take the checkered flag.
The Power Tour is truly an experience that families and car enthusiasts agree is the experience of a lifetime. We are proud to have the support of Amsoil who was the first in synthetics and staying ahead of the entire industry with quality lubricants. For over 50 years we've seen Amsoil develop and produce the best. Today thousands of dealers around the country are involved with Amsoil. Having a very diverse product line, it's sometimes difficult to find the product you want. So, Amsoil has come up with a unique way to order exactly what you want, pay about the same as the dealer pays, and get FREE SHIPPING on orders over $100. Similar to a buyers club, you can become a Preferred Customer for $10/6 months or $20/year and get more benefits. Just click here for more information.