When we arrived at Gateway International Raceway for the driver’s meeting, the rains were making a statement.

The statement? If it rains, they will need to buy some Mothers products to clean up their cars and trucks.

I can live with that.

The one thing I noticed was how Doc Riley, announcer par excellence, was signing many more autographs than in previous years. Here’s Doc (center) with a couple of his faithful followers:

Unlike OJ, though, he doesn’t charge for his John Hancock.

A quick perusal of the Weather Channel showed we’d be in this overcast all day. Ever wondered how boring gray sky could be? Here’s what it looks like in St Louis.

I’m sure some graphics guy can tell us exactly what the Pantone shade is.

Finally, at 9:00 a.m., we blasted off. But, blasting never lasts long on the Power Tour, because soon we were standing still.

Guess why?

And if that weren’t bad enough?

Will they never learn how to pick a route?

Driving small back roads 200-plus miles leads to many opportunities to see how folks survive. Here’s the local franchisee for “Hoods ’R’ Us:”

I love that terrific in-stock selection.

Other Tourers took the opportunity to pick up parts at more reputable establishments.

Iowa may be lovingly referred to as The Corn State, but they have nothing on Illinois. We saw corn, more corn, still more corn, and fields of corn.

Corn as far as the eye can see.

These fine folks elected to watch the world (okay the Power Tour) go by.

Routes less traveled can bring an expanded view of the world, too. Just check how these spectators have expanded their view of Power Touring.

Now that’s excitement!

My all-time favorite, the winged wonders of Chrysler, a Plymouth Superbird

and her sister, a Charger Daytona (this one a Hemi).

The class of enthusiast was improving, too. Thanks to Martha and her household tips, the classy hot rodder has a towel that matches his paint.

And to think I could have bought a ’67 GTO like this for only $600 back in the ’70s.

I’m still kicking myself.

I can't remember the last time I saw a Cosworth Vega.

Ken regaled you the other day with a comparison of the RK Machine canine and a city version. Here’s the Iowa-sized version.

Save me! Save me!

Despite the crowd,

folks were still able to find plenty of food. Here’s the ever-so-popular Big Block BBQ.

Step right up for a Big Block Burger to go!

Doc wasn’t the only one signing autographs on the Tour. Our old friend, Ed “The Full” Monte was doing land-office business in the MSD booth.

It looks like the long roofs (aka wagons, to you non-enthusiasts) are still hot. Orange never looked so good as this ’63 Impala wagon.

Too bad they spent all their money on the paint, and didn’t have any left for door handles.

Short persons were having a great time, too. It’s never too soon to start terrorizing the neighboorhood on your training wheel-equipped chopper.

And, ever since “Fast and Furious,” nitrous has been in stlye. I guess you're never too young for a little gas.

After all that driving, we decided we really hadn’t made any progress, though. Check out the sky in Davenport, Iowa — it looks just like St. Louis did this morning.