Parked just outside our motel room is Summit’s killer Mustang. Hot Rod Publisher Brad Gerber has the reins to this pony for the entire trip.

Unlike previous years, there are no morning driver’s meetings. When the time comes, we just get in our cars and take off.

Looking back, down the Cajon Pass towards the cloud covered L.A. basin.

Welcome to Interstate 40 — also known as old Route 66.

We are greeted at the Arizona border by a couple of diehard hot rod fans.

Just across the bridge, we get a view of the Colorado River as it heads south towards Baja.

The Arizona Visitor Center — just over the state line.

Many original parts of old Route 66 still exist. Relegated to frontage and service road status, in many areas, it runs alongside Interstate 40.

Driving the BF Goodrich Suburban are our friends Todd Rydan and Ed Monte of MSD Ignition.

Did you know that K-Mart carries Mothers® products? Our Mag Polish, Chrome Polish and Cleaner Wax to be exact. Actually, we didn’t stop for product. We stopped because Gary needed new tennis shoes and CDs. I’m concerned about running late, but Gary assures me that he’ll be out in ten minutes. 45 minutes later, he’s still inside the store. They must be having a blue light special. Hopefully it’s for something useful, like marbles. That way he can replace the one’s he’s obviously missing.

Finally, back on the road again.

We start to hit heavy truck traffic as we approach the turnoff for the Grand Canyon.

Williams, Arizona. I never really liked Williams. Back in the mid 80’s, when the Arizona speed limit was only 55 mph, I got a speeding ticket in Williams. I was only going 62 mph. But even more annoying, the Highway Patrol Officer wasn’t in his car when he clocked me. He was standing on the side of the road, giving two other cars tickets.

The road into the Skydome parking lot in Flagstaff, Arizona.

“Do you have a polish that will fix my paint?”

“Sure, it’s called GOUGE-BE-GONE®.”

An extra-clean fastback Mustang.

This Oldsmobile’s window reads, “Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour West. St. Louis to San Bernardino to Nashville.”

Some breeds of dogs are simply smarter than others. This Russell Terrier has been bred for its uncanny fashion sense. Here we see the dog on the hunt. . . 

. . . moments later he rips the hat off this unsuspecting Petersen Sales Rep.

At the hotel’s front desk, useful informative abounds. Here we demonstrate to our hotel staff how proper presentation of travel brochures can really spice up an otherwise mundane display.