Hot Rod Power Tour 2012: Day Seven, Arlington, TX

Can you believe it is the last travel day for the 2012 Hot Rod Power Tour? I know I can’t. Traveling to Arlington, TX feels like a dream. We met up at a diner that was no dream, but just simple good food. We gathered our wits and filled out stomachs and headed out on the road!







Saw a cool little gas station on a short detour around a bridge being built.







We were able to go thtrough a bunch of small Oklahoma towns on the route today. You never knoew what was going to pop up.



Unfortunately it was after passing a cement truck and scaring a Firebird that the Imperial lost a belt. So we got a old one put on temporarily and we limped the old girl to the next town to get a replacement. Which they actually had!



After getting the belt on and cleaning up a bit, we filled our gas tanks and made our way towards Texas. But not before being informed by Ms. Vicki Ashton and Mr. Bob Ashton of a Dodge Travco coming up on our route! So for a half hour I had my camera at the ready. And luckily got the shot.










Shortly after that, we hopped on the highway to catch up to the Tour. We got caught up in some serious backups because of construction. So much so the 71 Charger R/T was doing it’s best bird impression with flapping its doors!




And then it happened, we entered Texas!






The group eventually made it to the venue. It was nice and clean, but hot as all heck. Mike and I decided not to go hop on the trolley bus to get signed in, and ended up walking across the whole damn place.








We got everything checked in, signed, stamped and dated. So we were basically done! Nothing to do now but enjoy the rest of the day.






Caught Brandon from Hot Rod Magazine shooting one of the MoPowered Tour gang! He said he’s been working on his moves and he is getting better. I asked him who has been lying too him, has been cruel. We laughed.

Shortly there after we got to the hotels, crashed for a bit. Then made our way to dinner at Chop House Burgers from 3-D. They were quick and pretty good. But the real news was what was in the parking lot. A local Mopar group decended up the establisment, and brought some awesome cars.




They brought a group of pretty cool cars. From a 73 Dart Sport with a overdrive transmission, sun roof and fold down rear seat. To a real 1969 Hemi GTX Convertible. The car had sat outside for 20 years, then was sitting in the guys fathers garage for another few years. He finally gave it to his son, who got it running and drives it around. Has some real character!




Even a picture of me! I know, the horror!










Unfortunately by the time everyone was done eating and had gotten outside, the Sun was setting. And with Mike already asleep in the Challenger. We wished everyone good luck and headed back to the motel. They were at last check installing a new clutch fan on the 71 Charger R/T.





Well tomorrow is it! We go into the Long Hauler awards, get our signs or something and then head the 18 hours home…. after a stop over in St. Louis for Monster Mopar!
Tomorrow we are meeting up at Mama’s Daughters Diner right near Quik Trip park.
Of course you can see all of today’s pictures below
http://flic.kr/s/aHsjzUhnRW