“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 Jones won Le Mans for Porsche. That same year he finished second at the Indy 500, but only by inches, .006 seconds. For years Davy was the only American driver to have won Le Mans. Davy also set several world records in the Jaguar X220. Unfortunately, Davy suffered a serious neck injury that took him out of racing.
He has never returned to the level of racing that he once enjoyed, but he still has all the credentials, skills, and knowledge. He now instructs and puts on clinics mainly for Jaguar and Toyota.
The Ozark Tour participants are impressed with his presence and blessed with the driving tips they pick up from him on the trip. Davy has attended 10 previous trips with the intention of returning for more, schedule permitting.
One year, Davy was followed by Denise McCluggage, writer, and founder of AutoWeek magazine. Denise raced with Carol Shelby, Sterling Moss, and many other greats. She was another fabulous driver and fan of the trip. Some of Denise’s articles about our tour appeared in AutoWeek and can be found in the participants’ tour book.
After a long downhill run with Denise stuck to Davy’s bumper, they drove through a little town. Davy said, “Jack, we followed all the safety rules and were under the speed limit going through the town. There was a police car in front of the general store, and they watched us crawling by. We tried to remain inconspicuous, but all you could smell was clutches and brakes.”
The point being the trip accommodates (entertains) everyone from the world’s greatest drivers to inexperienced drivers out to enjoy fresh air, the open road and camaraderie. Every level of driving skill is welcomed and accommodated.