So, up and at ’em. We blasted-off this morning from Gainesville and headed for the Peach/Peanut (pick your favorite) State. Along the way we spotted locals watching life and the Tourers going by.

Arriving early, before the rest of the Tour has its advantages when it comes to seating.

The pits soon filled with Tourers,

with many waiting for the chance to run what they brung.

Match-ups were purely chance, with your opponent being someone in your league,

or a little out.

Fine european cars can often meet their match when it comes to pure horsepower.

Even though it was a “test and tune” session, it was still taken quite seriously by some.

Don’t get in that man’s way!

After watching our old buddy Todd from MSD greet Michelle from Hot Rod,

we left and returned to the route taking us to today’s stop, Perry, Georgia. Driving this pre-production M Coupe

brought a real smile to Geoff.

He runs our new towel and brush program. Cuts a pretty mean corner, too.

Pontiacs,

Chevys old,

new,

and those made to look old.

Ford Mustangs, old

and new,

the occasional Mopar,

including a pickup

packing a few too many cylinders

courtesy of a Viper,

and a wise SRT-4 owner using our Showtime Instant Detailer.

I’ve always had trouble ID’ing cars older than I am. Is it a Nash or Hudson or Henry J? I can’t tell.

I think it’s a Henry J.

Arriving late meant you ended up in the weeds.

But sometimes it’s appropriate.

Second generation RX7s were adequately powered cars, but nothing to write home about.

But this Corvette drivetrained convertible is worth a few words.

Fits easily, wouldn’t you say?

Bring pets along on the Tour has always been a popular way to pass the time while touring. This is a rare breed called the “camshaft daschund.”

When someone yells “what a pair,” everyone looks. Meet Paris and Nicole.

And their owner.

Remember smiling Todd from MSD? Here’s what he’s driving this year — a supercharged Cadillac CTS.

I still think I can take him, though.

Geoff quit smiling after trying some boiled peanuts,

and Ken did his part to clean up the trash around our trailer

while my daughter Pamela guarded the cookies the Cookie Fairy brought him last night.

After cleaning up, Ken even was able to meet the world famous Geico gekko.

With the stage in full swing, standing out in the sun frequently meant sunburns on tender areas. Innovation is the mother of invention, they say.

They laughed at Alexander Graham Bell, too.

Thelma and Louise from Baer Brakes gave their handy travel tip of the day to Joe,

while the crowds continued to fill the fields with cars,

and the asphalt with bodies.