I hope that lead photo was taken during an organized photo shoot with the road closed!
By David S. Wallens
Jun 20, 2017
Quick, name the best driving road in North America. You probably picked the Tail of the Dragon.
Located along the North Carolina-Tennessee state line, this mountain road packs 318 curves into its 11-mile length–all without a cross street, driveway or other interruption. It has been a destination for car and bike enthusiasts for decades.
So, we thought, why not plan a week around this road. And, to make it more fun, why not invite our readers. The end result is our Smoky Mountain Tour, a weeklong road tour based in Highlands, North Carolina, that debuted June 11-16.
“These tours are not our primary business, and in all honesty probably don’t even make good business sense,” admits Classic Motorsports publisher Tim Suddard. “Our corporate mantra is that we wish to provide an insider’s guide to the sports car world. Absolutely nothing does this better than vacationing with a select group of readers on the ultimate car tours to get to know them, show them our world, and share stories.” And have fun together we did.
The tour started in Greenville, South Carolina, with a visit to BMW. Together we toured their plant, strolled through the Zentrum museum, and even got to visit their super-secret warehouse. “I never tire of plant tours,” Tim adds. “Watching the robots build BMW bodies was amazing.”
From there the group ventured to Half-Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina–with a stop at a private Ferrari collection along the way. Once at Half-Mile Farm, the group ventured to the nearby attractions, including the Biltmore House, Tallulah Gorge and, of course, the Tail of the Dragon. Connecting it all were America’s best driving roads, with most participants conceding that the Dragon paled in comparison to the undiscovered, winding strips of perfect tarmac we guided participants along.
Want to join us on the next one? Keep an eye on our website. “We are planning an Orange Blossom Tour the second week of march in Florida next year and a Smoky Mountain Tour the second week of June,” Suddard adds. “We may surprise readers with a third tour as well.”
In addition to our participants, we need to thank our partners in this endeavor: Chubb, Reliable Carriers, BMW, Automotive Restorations and Vintage Racing Services. We also need to thank our staff. Tim was joined by Rick, Nancy and Tom.
I hope that lead photo was taken during an organized photo shoot with the road closed!
Absolutely!
This tour was a lot of fun. We had a really fun group this year. The folks in the Daytona turned out to be two of the most fun.
Tim Suddard wrote: This tour was a lot of fun. We had a really fun group this year. The folks in the Daytona turned out to be two of the most fun.
It's been my experience that Ferrari owners that actually drive their cars a usually just regular car guys (and girls) with larger than average toy budgets.
APEowner wrote:Tim Suddard wrote: This tour was a lot of fun. We had a really fun group this year. The folks in the Daytona turned out to be two of the most fun.It's been my experience that Ferrari owners that actually drive their cars a usually just regular car guys (and girls) with larger than average toy budgets.
Leah and I had a great time. Tim, Tom, Nancy and Rick put on a first class event. Lots of REALLY great roads.....even better food, drinks and conversation.
It's a driver quality car with fender flares, rust bubbles, imperfect paint and door dings. mechanically as safe and reliable as I can make it.
Thanks again for a fun week, looking forward to another. Bill
In reply to Dogdish:
It looks like a beauty in that pic and I bet it is fun to drive. I'd just be happy to hear it drive by.
I need to get the RX3 together so I can run either this event or the Orange Blossom Tour with you guys.
Dogdish wrote: It's a driver quality car with fender flares, rust bubbles, imperfect paint and door dings. mechanically as safe and reliable as I can make it.
Awesome! While I appreciate concours quality cars (and have contributed to the building of some) they don't get me excited like cars that get driven.
Hey Dogdish, it was an absolutely great event and all the team did a swell job of it. It was great getting to know you an Leah for a little while. I absolutely love your car as well. The sound of the V12 can't be beat. Not even by my Healey. ha ha. And yeh, they're meant to be driven. Dave.
Dave, Nice meeting you and your wife. Very cool Healy, with that great 6 cyl howl. We'll try and do another sometime and hope to see both you again soon.
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