As the end of July approaches, more details are coming together to make this year's Americruise event (July 28-30) at the State Fair Park in Lincoln, Nebraska, much more than another lawn chair event. The East Coast and West Coast tour legs are being finalized and are looking to provide some interesting scenery and stops along the way (details are listed on page 28, but check our Web site for any added info).
During the event we'll have driving activities that'll keep you entertained as well as test the limits of your hot rod or custom. The first driving event will be an autocross course set up with cones in the parking lot. Each driver will be timed on each lap through the course and, not surprisingly, the fastest time wins bragging rights and a trophy. This should be almost as much fun for the spectators as the drivers, as we're sure there will be plenty of tire smoke and wild action as the hot rods are pushed to their limits.
The opportunity to test your car's acceleration and braking will be available during the Go & Whoa contest. Your reaction time will be important as you accelerate in a straight line (we hope) and brake just in time to stop within a preset area marked with two lines. The car and driver who can do this in the quickest time wins. Specialists from ABS Power Brakes will be on hand to answer questions or suggest improvements for your brake system if it seems to be out of balance or isn't performing to the level you think it should. Smoking the tires right up until the time you have to slam on the brakes will most likely bring the best response from the crowd.
If participating in these two events sounds like something you need to do, your car must have seatbelts and go through a quick inspection to make sure it has stuff like working brakes and throttle return springs. If you have a roadster or convertible and want to participate, you'll need to bring a helmet (you know how insurance companies get).
We're looking forward to hitting the road and seeing you in Lincoln.
Getting Your Money's WorthWhere else can you have this much fun for just one Andrew Jackson? Pre-registration is only $20 and includes a vehicle, driver and co-pilot credentials (kids 15 and younger get in free), a goodie bag, and your chance to take part in any of these activities:East and West Coast ToursGo & WhoaAutocross CourseDyno ChallengeSaturday evening at the SmithCollection Museum sponsored by Speedway MotorsRod & Custom Magazine Rod of the Year CompetitionRod & Custom Magazine Custom of the Year CompetitionInternational Collector Auction on SaturdayManufacturer RowSuper Prize Giveaways
East Coast TourSponsored by Air Ride TechnologiesDay One-Saturday, July 22Kickoff Barbecue Dinner at Fatman Fabrications in Charlotte, NC
Day Two-Sunday, July 23Depart Charlotte, NCTour Linville Caverns (www.linvillecaverns.com)Night stop-Middlesboro, KYDistance-270 miles
Day Three-Monday, July 24Depart Middlesboro, KYDinner and shop tour at Air Ride TechnologiesNight stop-Jasper, INDistance-300 miles
Day Four-Tuesday, July 25Depart Jasper, INEarly dinner and shop tour at Bickel Race Cars in Moscow Mills, MONight stop-Warrenton, MODistance-260.62 Miles
Day Five-Wednesday, July 26Depart Warrenton, MO Tour Jesse James Museum in Stanton, MO Tour Pony Express Museum in SaintJoseph, MO (www.ponyexpress.org)Night stop-Saint Joseph, MODistance-250 miles
Day Six-Thursday, July 27Depart Saint Joseph, MOEnd in Lincoln, NEDistance-150 miles
West Coast TourSponsored by TCI AutomotiveDay One-Saturday, July 22Depart from Westech Performance in Mira Loma, CANight stop-Mesquite, NVDistance-315 miles
Day Two-Sunday, July 23Depart from Mesquite, NVTour through Zion and Bryce Canyon National ParksNight stop-Salina, UTDistance-220 miles
Day Three-Monday, July 24Depart from Salina, UTNight stop-Glenwood Springs, CODistance-300 miles
Day Four-Tuesday, July 25Depart from Glenwood Springs, COShop tour at Streamline Hot Rod Parts in Denver, CO Shop tour and dinner at Pinkee's Rod Shop in Windsor, CONight stop-Cheyenne, WYDistance-260 miles
Day Five-Wednesday, July 26Depart from Cheyenne, WYNight stop-Kearney, NEDistance-320 miles
Day Six-Thursday, July 27Depart from Kearney, NETour Pioneer Village (www.pioneervillage.org)End at Lincoln, NEDistance-135 miles