Craftsman Race of Gentlemen
*Sponsored Blog*
Do you like classic hot rods? Do you like racing? Do you like classic hot rod racing? Do you like to win things? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any or all of these questions, I have something to share with you.
October 2-4 2015 The Race of Gentlemen, T.R.O.G for short, will be held on the beaches of Wildwood NJ. The race dates back to the late 40’s when a small group of young automotive enthusiasts decided to start the Oilers Club. Never heard of them? Well, some of it’s members later came together to form a little organization called the NHRA. If you haven’t heard of that organization, you can stop reading.
This year Craftsman tools is sponsoring a build inspired by the Ford 999, the car that helped Henry Ford get started in the automotive business. Craftsman is also making history by bringing a woman in to drive it, Jessie Coombs. She’s a fantastic choice as she happens to be the fastest woman on the planet right now. Not to mention an inspiration to female gear heads around the globe. Good choice Craftsman. In fact, she will be the first woman to race at T.R.O.G. History in the making if you will.
Hot rodding has been around just about as long as the automobile itself. In fact, I think it could be argued that the automobile has it’s roots in the self starting, gear head types that made the first automobiles. Since humans have been creating automobiles, they’ve wanted to raced them. I think it’s part of human nature to want to be ‘first’, or ‘best’ at something. A race is a definitive way to prove just that. Put the 2 together and you have hot rod racing. Cool.
Me, I’ve been tinkering with a Ford project of my own. My 1979 Ford Fairmont sleeper build. My plan is deception. It will look like an old mans car, but keep up with most modern sports cars when it comes to performance. In the process I’ll be modifying many things on the car to make it do what I want. I’ll be upgrading the suspension, steering, brakes, transmission, rear end, tires, and of course, the engine. Here’s some pictures of my progress. The Mustang is my donor car BTW.
What does this have to do with T.R.O.G you say? Well, I’ll be busy building my car while the race is going on. You on the other hand have the opportunity to win and all expense paid trip for 2 to The Race of Gentlemen to see the aforementioned Ford and Jessie Coombs race. They’re also throwing in some time with the pit crew and a lap in the racer. In addition, they’ll take some pictures for you to hang on your wall when you get home to validate the experience. Not to mention you’ll be there to witness some automotive history as Jessie Coombs races. How does that sound? Yea, I figured I had your attention now.
You can enter every day if you like. Just click this link and you’ll be whisked away to the entry form. I hope you win. If you do, share those pictures with me at the Craftsman Club when you get back. Your entry will also enlist you in the Craftsman Club. That will make sharing those pictures easy when you get back.
In the mean time, feel free to share your thoughts using these #’s.
#MadetoRACE #TheRaceOfGentlemen. You can also connect with Craftsman @Craftsman & @CraftsmanClub on Twitter and Instagram, and facebook.com/Craftsman on Facebook.
One last thing, good luck Jessie! You’re an inspiration to gear heads of all genders, including myself.
Be Safe
Have Fun
Stay Dirty
