Thursday, June 7
Evensville, IN to Memphis Motorsports Park, Memphis, TN
“Oh, the Pane!”
Another day, another traffic jam.
Remember that jam that prevented us from getting to the hotel last night?
It was still there this morning.
The word is they’re doing bridge work and won’t be done for six months.
For everyone’s sake in Evansville, I hope they work fast.
There is no fast way to get from Evansville to Memphis, but once again the crack folks at Hot Rod came up with an outstanding route that was scenic and fun. It was just as good as the two previous Illinois days.
Once we cleared the bridge, it was clear sailing. I guess you could say we were really making hay. Like this fella did.
After putting a few miles under our belt, we decided on a nice healthy breakfast at Cracker Barrel. Strawberries are in season right now, and I love strawberry pancakes. Extra whipped cream, please.
As we walked out, Mark searched in vain for his keys. I spotted them right where he left them — in the ignition.
I think Mark was actually disappointed that no one in town thought enough of the ’65 Oldsmobile Jetstar convertible to take it.
Try it in New Jersey and see what happens, Mark.
Kentucky calls its limited access, non-federal interstate roads “parkways.” It’s like that age old rhetorical question — why do you drive on a parkway, and park on a driveway.
Regardless, we were more than happy to drive on the parkway towards Memphis. Rolling hills, gentle curves and light traffic made for a really great drive.
Other Tourers thought so, too.
We never saw a single trooper or sheriff in Kentucky after the construction.
Before we knew it, it was good-bye Kentucky and welcome to:
No matter your ride, it was stylish in Tennessee.
The locals even paused to take in the cars.
I guess there wasn’t much to do on a Thursday afternoon.
Ever seen those coffee table books of old barn photos? I think I can publish one from this trip alone.
About 80 miles out, Jim called to let me know they were closing in on Memphis. That was amazing, considering they left Huntington Beach at 5:30 the previous morning.
We pushed a little harder, wanting to arrive before them. After all, we had less than 300 miles to drive; and they drove, uh, a few miles more than that.
Fortunately, we made it, and were there when the latest and greatest Mothers car unloaded for the first time in public.
Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting the ProPane:
Jim gets a hearty handshake from the folks at Hot Rod TV.
528 cubic inches of small block Chevy, making well over 1,000 horsepower. All on clean burning propane.
Cool logo, eh?
With a few last minute touch-ups,
she was ready to fire. The dually looked a bit neglected over to the side, but I’m sure the rest was well deserved.
Video
Here’s a video clip of the first motor start in public — now that sounds like 1,000 horsepower! Leaning over the engine is Peter Ellmers of Propane Performance Industries in New Zealand, who flew in to help tune the ProPane using software not available here in the States.
Paul Gonzalez’ wife, Loretta, filled-in the Hot Rod TV folks on the sacrifices she and Paul made during the build.
Weekends at the shop, late nights, early mornings — well, you get the idea. Everyone played a major part to get ProPane to Memphis for the Tour.
While they buttoned the car up, I trekked to the stage to receive my accolades for another weather forecast well done. Actually, most of the Tourers were well done, since it was over 90º F and humidity to match.
After teasing Chad a little,
I talked the ProPane up, and invited everyone down to Beale Street in Memphis for a little party.
(Don’t tell anyone, but another company was hosting the party. We were all just crashing it for the fun and frivolity.)
Here are a few pics from Beale Street. There’s not an unhappy face in the crowd.
Video
And a few more videos from the night, including with builder Paul Gonzalez of PGCC,
Video
Here it is well after midnight as I write this. Tomorrow’s the last driving day (to Little Rock) and while I won’t miss the lack of sleep, I will miss the fun, friends, and cars.
Here’s to a fair weather day, with the wind at our backs.
Video
