What a night! The CPG Road Warriors left Rochester, MN at around 6:45 for about a 220 mile drive to Madison, WI. We had heard rumors of the storms and flooding that were affecting the city, but we had no clue what was in store for us. On Interstate 90 into Madison, the right hand lane was flooded and the water was still rising as we drove by on the shoulder. We made it through around midnight before the interstate was shut down sometime in the early morning hours. After driving in some nasty rain, we finally made it to Madison (about six hours after we left Rochester) and went to get some much needed rest.
The Alliant Energy Center was a huge venue but we managed to pack the parking lot regardless. Cars just kept coming. Today dawned cloudy and cool as it has for the last three days and then the clouds disappeared and the sun peeked out. Temperatures were slightly cooler than they have been, but it felt wonderful. The night’s storms caused serious delays for the long haulers, and everything today was backed up at least an hour to give people time to make it to the venue. These are dedicated people though, and even though it took some of them literally all day to make it to Madison, they were determined and stuck it out. This is what makes Power Tour special – the people who make the trip again and again, no matter what it takes to get it done, whether it be the high gas prices or Mother Nature. We’ve seen the most dedicated people this week, and we thank you all for being willing participants in the 2008 Hot Rod Power Tour and allowing us to be part of it.
Tonight’s giveaways were fun, and we presented two young ladies with our COMP Kidz 500 award tonight. The winners were Trystan Rudolph and Chloie Killeen. Our Deal or No Deal Trivia was a little different tonight, too. Hailey promised the crowd if the contestant couldn’t answer the second trivia question worth a $100 gas card, she would then open it to the crowd. Roger Pennington of St. James, MO walked away with a $100 COMP Cams product certificate, so the crowd was given the opportunity to answer a second trivia question about COMP Cams. Alan Haug of Grayslake, IL answered correctly and received the $100 gas card. All in all, our giveaway time on the stage has been fun for the actual participant, as well as the crowd (mostly because they can make fun) and it’s a way that we can give something back to those who support us.
Friday’s Winners
COMP Kidz 500 Coloring Contest: Trystan Rudolph and Chloie Killeen, both age 8
“Deal Or No Deal” Trivia: Roger Pennington of St. James, MO ($100 COMP Cams product certificate) and Alan Haug of Grayslake, IL ($100 gas gift card)
Thanks again for the privilege of making this trip with all of you. We’ll see you next year!
