Power Tour 2009: Somerset with The Fang Stang

By Austin Knight

Austin Knight

Over 3,000 gorgeous Power Tour cars moved into Somerset, Kentucky on Thursday and we undoubtedly took the entire town over! At first, we got some serious rain, but by around 1:30 PM, the skies cleared up and it was an absolutely gorgeous day for the remainder of the time. Through the weather experience, I learned a small bit about the Power Tour participants—absolutely nothing stops them! While waiting out the rain, I cruised over the Wendy’s and sat in the window, watching the packs of classic cars go by. At first, I had a feeling that I should pack up and go home, but when I saw the guys in 60+ year old cars cruising into town like nothing was wrong, I knew that I should have no problem at all in my 2005 Mustang. And boy am I glad that I decided to stay! Read more about my awesome HRPT experience after the jump.

Sure enough, that weather cleared up and I got back in the car, placed the HRPT pass around my neck, put the top down, and quickly went back to the show. I went through the checkpoints again and turned the corner, only to find the sun shining down on the largest show I’ve ever been to. What an awesome rush! There were literally lots full of cars that stretched further than the eye could see.

When pulling up the hill to put my car back in the show, I came across the gorgeous “F1 Street Car” that’s been making a lot of attention around here. You should have seen the crowds that were gathering around this stunning ride!

Next, I pulled the ‘Stang up into a lot, parked it, polished her up a bit and off I went to take a look at my fellow HRPT Participants’ rides. I’ve never been surrounded with such a diverse and large crowd of cars. Every single one was so unique and respectable – I just couldn’t get over what I was surrounded by!

I slowly but surely made my way down to the main lot and was quickly surprised with some of the coolest cars I’ve seen. First, I saw a stunning blue Mustang that was attracting a ton of attention. Snapped a picture of that, moved around the crowd and saw a small green machine (didn’t think too much of it). But it eventually dawned on me that this was an Aerial Atom! You know, the car that has no roof, no windshield, costs $65,000 and does 0-60 in under 3 seconds? Yeah, that Aerial. A couple had been taking it on the tour and man did I love looking at that car. Here’s a couple pictures to assist your reading….unless you’re just looking at the pictures (thanks, haha).

Next, I made my way to the Factory Five and Mothers booths. That was pretty awesome as well – I got to see the stunning 2010 Chip Foose Mustang that I’m pictured with above (I plan on winning it, so expect more pics). I learned a little something while spending time with these vendors: Even really expensive black cars have tiny swirl marks that can only be seen in bright, direct sunlight. I guess that I might be able to refrain from waxing and buffing my ‘Stang so much now with that comforting information in the back of my head (thanks Chip!).

I continued through all the booths and went to the next set of show lots. Once again, they failed to disappoint me in the least bit. From rare Corvettes that were in it for the long haul (one of which I got to watch make a couple runs on the Mobil 1 Dyno) to gorgeous 2010 Camaros and a Cadillac Drift Car, I saw it all. Eventually, I made my way back to the ‘Stang and talked to a bunch of guys and girls for a while. The people that you meet at these events are so interesting and nice. But what did I expect? They’re car guys!

The sun began to set and everyone slowly started to make an exit. Little did I know, this would be one of the most memorable parts of the entire experience. Parading out with the entire tour was extremely exhilarating. The vendor trucks alone took up the entire right lane! In the end, it was an unforgettable experience that I look forward to being a part of for years to come. Next time, I’ll make sure that I wear a CarDomain shirt though…I never could find any of you guys, haha. Here’s some more pictures for you all.

Photography by Austin Knight.