Kyler Calera
AKA the "Tintassassin"
President of RPM (Richmond Performance Modifications), RIMPROS, Advanced Tint, Co., and the XM Cafe "The World's Only Import Performance Edy's Ice Cream Parlor" www.rpmsuperstore.com
* Off and on since `99
* It's a break from the grind, an awesome road trip with like minds. $20k in my vehicle; $8k of it in custom Alpine audio blasting away to XM radio and my iPod. I get a scenic view plus viewing all the other tuners who tirelessly prepared their vehicles for the Tour; doesn't get any better than this. Last year I wanted to go, but could not complete my vehicle in time. All in all, the personal satisfaction of all the hard work that I put into my vehicle is complete when my fellow tuner gives me a thumbs up.
* As a shop owner, I pick up and share so much information on trends, styles and individuals who display their vehicles to go above and beyond to test the limits and create new ideas to try something new.
* My only disappointment was that the many times I have participated, one of my goals was to finally end the trip with the circle around the Atlanta Motor Speedway, and when we arrived due to the rain, the gate keeper said he was just instructed not to let anymore vehicles enter due to safety reasons. We were a minute late! Anyway, now it gives me a another goal and reason to return, not that I need one for Super Street.
* Google maps Atlanta Motor Speedway to Richmond, VA: 10 hours and 35 mins ($300 for entire trip); finely tuned V8 SC400 with Soarer Badges: 7 hours and 40 mins ($20K); K40 Baby! (Priceless!)
Ryan Dino
Middletown, NY
* This past year was my third straight year and I can't wait for next year.
* Every year I put in my vacation time at my job, my coworkers always ask me, "Why are you driving all the way to Georgia for two days? Are you crazy?!" (I am from upstate NY.) I tell them we take about 100 cars from all over the East Coast put them in a big parking lot, give all the drivers unlimited NOS Energy Drink, hit the road and become friends on the way down. There's no feeling like pulling in to Atlanta Motor Speedway representing the North!
* Favorite part about the Tour has to be the Sheraton in Greensboro. When you tell your friends how much fun you have before you even get to NOPI they seem to want to go the following year.
* This year went very smooth; met a lot of new people, went through a lot of rain like every year. We left our town in NY at about 11 p.m. the night before so we could arrive in Greensboro by 1 p.m. Thursday with no tickets.
* If anyone has the chance to be a part of this, you should put it at the top of your list for sure. Thanks to Super Street again for putting this on and all the sponsors who made it possible. Let's make next year the biggest yet; represent the North Leg!
BIG DADDY
For over six years, Ron and his crew have been making the journey to the NOPI Nationals with the Super Street Tour from Longview, TX to meet other people from around the U.S. who share the same passion for cars. He has become like a second father to our West Leg and, in fact, he gets kidded about having the largest extended family in Longview.
Ron's list of current cars includes a `92 B-18 powered Civic putting down 430hp, an 01' JDM Type R, an 03' Accord (which also belongs to his daughter and took first in the Accord class at NOPI this year), an 05' Ford F350 (trucks are mandatory if you live in Texas), an 05' STI with 330hp and his newest toy, an 06' CLS AMG 55. All of which have been on the Tour at one point or another
When asked what his favorite experiences from the Tour are and why he returns each year, Ron stated, "The people, celebrating my 50th birthday, driving the Barber Motorsports track, sharing stories and making new friends, some of whom I only see once a year." We'll see you next year, Ron!
WE NEVER GOT A TOUR BAG--WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?
For all of you who didn't get a chance to pick up a 2007 Tour bag--well, that was our fault; half our expected shipment was held up during transit, and that means we still have a lot of bags to unload. If you're looking to add to your collection of Tour memorabilia, please visit Pacific Rim at www.iloveracing.com to order your Tour bag. These will not be sold on our website or anywhere else; get yours today!
Special Thanks To:
SPEC CLUTCH www.specclutch.com
HD DESIGNS www.hd-inc.com