Hot Rod Power Tour 2010 Coverage - Day 5

We arrived at the Chattanooga State Community College to grey skies and rain clouds. Unfortunately, the rain delayed some of our Long Haulers and the crowds started out a bit sparse, but our techs were ready and waiting to engage in some interesting tech conversations.

The rain also forced us to forgo our Big Wheels Race today. Even though it had quickly become a crowd favorite at the other stops, we resisted for the safety of our participants. However, we received several wonderful coloring book submissions from our COMP® Kids today but our winner presented us with not one, but three beautifully colored pictures.

By 2:30 the sun was finally out in all its glory and you could almost see the rain puddles evaporating in front of you. You could, without a doubt, feel the 100% humidity level in the air. A sigh of relief came over our Engine Builder crew when they got the go-ahead to lay out all the parts and accessories for the Engine Build: Round 2. Everything had to stay under wraps until the last minuet to avoid the rain. Both of the day’s teams had already come by the tent to make sure the build-off was still going to happen; these guys were ready for battle. And battle they did, with flames, falling head bolts and all! Our winning team came in at 32 minutes and 19 seconds! And yes, that was the team whose engine caught fire!

Later in the day, Mr. Corkey Coker took the main stage and welcomed us to his city. He even invited us all to a big after party that his company, Coker Tire, was hosting in downtown Chattanooga. While we took off for the next stop, some of our crew stayed behind for the party, and they were happy they did. Coker Tire opened their facility, which featured a Coker Tire Museum that provided endless photo ops of classic hot rods, memorabilia and tire history.

By the time we hit the road that evening, the rain was threatening us yet again. We seemed to follow the morning’s storms right into our next stop, Birmingham, Alabama. But we’re here now, and we’re ready to ring in Day 6 – rain or shine!



We loved this custom chopped trailer.


One lucky Long Hauler will win this banner signed by all the Long Haulers to put up in their garage!


This was for sure today's "most unique" hot rod.


The second Engine Builder Duel is well underway


The competition definitely got hot for this winning team!


Both Engine Builder Duel teams with CPG crew


One participant with Miss Hot Rod being interviewed on the live radio show


Tour goers check out an Inglese EFI system


Not THAT's dedication!!

[DAVECS1]

The engine duel was a blast!!! Even though we came in last. 39 minutes for a couple of hefty desk jockies ain't bad in my book. It started and idled hands off. Let me tell you it is harder than it looks. I was physically exhausted by the time I started adjusting the valves. The Comp cam guys were AWSOME! Thanks for the opportunity. It did not help it was like a million degrees out. Me and my bud ate pizza in our hotel rooms that night we were dog tired after that. Hats off to the winners they busted that thing out.

Change the bum cam bearings Comp dudes. That gave me fits when the cam would not rotate.