Panoz Driving School instructors...
Panoz Driving School instructors in Audi A4s led the parade laps. Participants followed to see where the instructors braked and accelerated around the course while following the proper racing line. Each car in the group had a chance to be behind the instructors for a few laps by rotating the cars through the group. You can see this black '67 fastback moving over to let the AMX and the rest of the group get in front. Once the '67 fell into the last spot, the group ran a few more laps and rotated again, giving everyone an opportunity to follow the instructors' lead.
Year One is a business-there's no denying that. But if you've ever met a Year One employee, they'll tell you working there is like working for a big family. And if you've ever purchased parts from the company, you can be sure you've felt this family feeling from the phone reps as well, all of whom are true car nuts. So it comes as no surprise that when Year One puts on its annual Year One Experience show at Road Atlanta (and Atlanta Dragway, too) that the event would have something for everyone. From straight up drag racing to autocross and hot laps around the famous Road Atlanta, to vendor midways, a car show, kids' play areas and more, there's plenty to see and do over the course of the event's three-day weekend.
Because Year One puts its efforts into many facets of the performance and restoration aftermarket, you never know whom you might spot at the show. Over the years, we've seen recording stars, movie stars, and famous people within our hobby, like Chip Foose and Linda Vaughn, at this event. You just never know who's going to be attending with their own special ride, and because they're car people just like you and me, it's not uncommon for them to spend time talking with bystanders about their favorite cars and their latest projects.
Of course, there are the cars, too-we can't forget about them. Sure, a field full of Mustangs and other classic Fords would put a smile on our faces, but in the long list of catalogs that Year One publishes, we Blue Oval types are the young pups. Year One has been specializing in GM and Chrysler products for over 20 years, but the company's Ford catalogs have been around only five years or so.
All weekend long, participants...
All weekend long, participants had the opportunity to stretch their car's tach to the top of the scale in spirited parade laps on Road Atlanta's full course. For a small fee, Year One offered rides in many of its now-famous company-built hot rods, including its Boss Hoss Mustang, powered by a supercharged Four-Valve modular.
If you appreciate any well-built machine, you've got to come to the Experience and see some of these great looking cars yourself. We hitched a ride with Randy Bolig, editor of our sister magazine Mopar Muscle, and his Gear Vendor overdriven '67 Valiant. Hopefully next year we'll be able to bring project Snake Charmer for some autocrossing fun! See you there.
For more information about next year's Year One Experience, be sure to watch our Ford News column for event dates. You can also visit www.yearone.com for the latest news.