Firecracker Rally 2007

by Jim & Charline Moon, Rallymasters

Sunday, July 22, dawned as a beautiful morning and it only got better when we arrived at the Fresh Market a little after 10:00 a.m. to find the parking lot lined with two rows of gorgeous LBC’s. After registration and a short drivers’ meeting, everyone was off to enjoy our scenic mountain roads. The rally was a three-stage event that ended at Carole and Gene Carter’s lovely new home for a delicious cook out, comraderie and award presentation.

Gene Carter presented Teresa and Mark Farver the first place award for getting all the questions right on the “fun” stage. Neal Weinmann guessed the closest on the third tiebreaker at 126! Yes, there really were 122 turns on the 6+ miles of Jeter Mountain Road during the "tour" stage.

The Time/Speed/Distance stage was especially challenging with all the tourists, Sunday drivers, horse trailers poking along but everyone made it to “Harmony Korners” except the Hollars who had a dead battery at the Fresh Market. Many of the “novice” drivers and navigators did quite well and every novice car finished. A special Congratulations to those folks. The first place trophy for T/S/D was awarded to George deWalder with Todd Fisher navigating. This was George’s first event in his pretty little MGB fresh our of the restoration shop. The second place winners were Steve Miller and Toni Tocco in their “made in the colonies” Riata. The new traveling award, the DAL, was “won” by our last place car driven by Alvan Judson and navigated by Mike Hobbs. They had to leave early so their “award” will be presented at the next monthly meeting.

A special “Thanks” to Carole and Gene for their culinary endeavors and gracious hospitality. A good time was had by all. We would especially like to thank Gene Carter for his help in so many ways in putting this event together. Also, thanks to David Adams always being available when we needed a helping hand. Lastly, thanks to all the drivers and navigators who rewarded our efforts by showing up and giving us a great turnout for a competitive and fun event.