“Jack, I’ve driven every major track in the world, and I’ve never had more fun behind the wheel of a car than on this trip.” Our trips have been honored by the presence of Davy Jones. Just in case you’re not familiar with Davy Jones (not the Monkee), let me enlighten you. In 1996 Davy [...]
Being at the higher end of touring, one must question the value of what is being offered. How about the following? A 170-page book of instructions, recommendations, and sound advice. A first night safety lecture based on common sense. 40 plus years of organized touring experience. Selection of driving teams based on ability, preference, and [...]
A few tips on basic performance driving should make the experience a little less stressful. Please realize that you have four patches of tire not much bigger than the flat surface of your palm and fingers holding 3,000 pounds to the road’s surface. Your tire contact patches are all that separate you from disaster. Maybe [...]
This trip is designed to enjoy driving in its purest form. The perfect drive is neither the fastest, nor the slowest. The perfect drive is the triple distillation of automobile, roads (Car and Drivers’ Ten Best), and driver input (rhythm created by you). It is a rapport between you and your vehicle that transcends merely [...]
“Incontinence hot line; hold please.” One of the most challenging issues on a caravan is the forced pit stop. When nature calls, nature calls. This became apparent from the very first trip. While average speed is essential in our forward progress, comfort cannot be overlooked. The well orchestrated caravan takes several dry runs. Literally. Any [...]
Going for a ride is almost a lost art. When was the last time you recall genuinely enjoying hour after hour of driving just for the fun of it? Finding the right environment to challenge a high-performance vehicle is typically limited to a racetrack. Racetracks provide a relatively safe environment for spirited driving. Should you [...]
You would not put a pair of wing tips on a sprinter. All the components in your expensive sports car are there to make your tires work. Want a quicker lap time? The biggest bang for the buck is improving your tires. Why risk thousands of dollars in body shop bills trying to get another [...]
While at a non-scheduled pit-stop on my annual Ozark back-road driving tour, a regular participant inquired of the owner if it was the oldest general store in Arkansas. We’ll call our participant Joe (name changed to protect the guilty). Our group has ingratiated itself to the proprietors of these charming little spots over the years, [...]
(a road trip for you and your sports car) The January edition of Car and Driver in 1983 hit the news stands in late November of 1982. This was C&D’s first “Ten Best” edition. In it, Larry Griffin wrote about the ten best roads in America. Arkansas 7 made this list and was within [...]
What can the first time participant expect? A kid in the candy store may well describe the first time participant. This is both good and bad. First timers are, by far, the most fun. While the caravans are engaging, the real driving is an unparalleled experience. The safety lecture the day before is to impress [...]
