[bret]

I have been attending automotive events...races, car shows, road tours, etc., since 1978...since 1987 professionally. I have done over 1200 events since 1987. I can safely say that this 2016 Cars N Cones Roadtour was the most fun I have had by a lot. I would have to reach back to the early days of the Car Craft Street Machine Nationals in Indy, Springfield, and DuQuoin to find an event that came even close.

The level of organization and execution by the FM3 staff was exceptional [as usual]. These people are hotrodders...they get the FUN factor and know what matters to us. The auto dross courses were fun for all..not intimidating for the rookies, not boring for the experienced. The "day off" we had on Thursday to do the Bourbon Trail tour [or whatever anyone wanted to do that day] was very much welcomed. The meals and tours we had each night at the various sponsors facilities gave us all a unique look into how these companies are run. The generosity of the sponsors product awards are a reflection of how much they understand and appreciate the customers who have allowed them to thrive over the last several years.

But if ALL that went away for some reason [and I know it won't] the camaraderie of the participants would be more than enough for me to put this event on my permanent annual event list. I have been fortunate to get to know thousands of people in the drag racing, manufacturing, pro-touring, and car show worlds over the years. Amazingly, I only had previously met about 1/3 of this tour's participants. The new friends that I met were just a great group to spend a week with. They are a group that I would welcome into our facility at any time for any need...and I feel they would reciprocate if necessary. Rob McGregor at No Limit proved this on the Sunday before the event when he opened his shop for me to work on my GSX on the way to Charlotte. Kyle Tucker and Bruce Raymond proved that on Sunday night when they drove 3 hours to rescue me more than 100 miles from their shop. While my gratitude for this is extensive, I was not surprised...Rob and the No Limit crew, Kyle and the DSE crew, as well as Bruce Raymond Performance, have been there for me [and many other hotrodders] anytime there has been a need. They get it.

I would like to place my request right now to renew the RideTech sponsorship for the 2017 Cars N Cones Roadtour...and to renew my personal participant entry. The challenge will be to see how we can top this year's event!