The largest hot rod road trip in the world rolls through the Southeast June 9-15, and it’s making a stop in Chattanooga.
Classic hot rods will travel more than 1,300 miles, stopping in seven cities over seven days, for the 24th annual HOT ROD Power Tour, which draws about 3,800 “long-haulers” – those making the entire trip – along with around 2,000 local and regional cars joining at each stop.
Experience the spectacle
When: June 10Where: Chattanooga State Community CollegePeople can come for free as a spectator, or pay a fee to join the tour for as many stops as they want. Register for the tour at hotrod.com/events. For more information, follow HOT ROD Power Tour at hotrod.com.
The route’s starting point is determined by the previous year’s tour, picking up where it left off and traveling along two-lane roads whenever possible. The goal is to see small-town America from the seat of a vintage car, says Phillip Thomas, senior staff editor at HOT ROD Magazine, which organizes the event. The tour also exposes the hot rod culture to different types of people and a new generation.
The caravan sometimes causes traffic jams as it passes through small towns, where residents often set up lawn chairs to sit back and enjoy the procession. “For the kids watching, it might be the moment they get into cars,” says HOT ROD Network Editor Jacob Davis. The sounds and smells put off by the classic cars create a complete sensory experience, says Thomas. “It’s a step back 30-40 years,” he adds.