The Hot Rod Power Tour has become an annual father/son road trip for me and my dad. This year a made a few upgrades to the Cutlass that should improve drivability. I added a Holley Sniper EFI system, modern fuel tank, and electric fuel pump. With these changes happening just days before our journey, I had to keep a close eye on things to keep us off the side of the road.

This year’s trip would be a little different. A few of my buddies from previous tours weren’t able to make it this year… adulting. My dad and I planned to only spend one night in a hotel. The other nights would be spent with family that lives near the tour stops. Also, we were attempting our second Long Haul of our Power Tour careers. I was nervously excited for this.

We started the trip a day early, so that we could get from Columbus, Ohio to Atlanta and pick up our registration packets the day before. We met at 6am with Central Ohio friends Colin and Big Dave, midway between Columbus and Cincinnati. Colin drove his Dodge Challenger and Dave was in his GMC pickup. We headed south and made good time along the way. It was the weekend, so not much construction and no work day traffic. We did encounter a lot of rain while driving through Kentucky. I think it rained the whole state.

Once the rain cleared up, we really started moving. We needed to make the check-in deadline and we had some ground to make up. I always enjoy driving through the mountains, especially when I get to do it in the Cutlass. I get to truly appreciate the suspension and brake upgrades I have made along the way. I kept monitoring the fuel consumption, because I was curious to see if EFI would improve my gas mileage. At the first fill up, I was at 12mpg. On my previous Power Tour trips with the Holley 600 carburetor, I averaged 14mpg. It was still early in the trip and the system was still learning.

It was a long day, but at the end of the 10 hour trip, we made it to Atlanta Motor Speedway. This was my first time at the venue. Last year, the Power Tour ended in Atlanta, but we only did the first 2 stops. The parking lot full of enthusiasts checking in, got me excited about the week ahead. The check-in process was fast and simple. Many commented that it was the smoothest check-in and shortest lines they could remember. We got our long haul credentials, and headed towards my uncle’s house where we would spend the next couple of nights. Tomorrow would be day one, and the beginning of a new adventure.