2008 Year One Experience - Southern Hospitality

Much to my surprise, a former GMHTP feature car popped up in the car show. The 455-cube LS1 '02 TA, formerly owned by Jon Obrizok, was just as immaculate as ever. While I was not able to locate the new owner, it did have a North Carolina inspection sticker and all the indications that it has continued to be well taken care of.

Frank Estro of Charlotte, NC, is the proud owner of this '87 IROC...

...A 383 from GMPP, 3.73 gear, headers, exhaust, and built tranny give the Z28 much-needed enhancement in the performance department. While Frank made the spoiler, subframe connectors, and strut tower brace himself, the slick HOK Cinder Red paint with silver flames are compliments of 704 Bodyworks.

The lines for the parade laps were substantial, but well worth the wait. For the average Joe or Jane, this may be the chance of a lifetime to lap his or her hot rod around Road Atlanta's famous 2.54-mile Grand Prix road course. The F-bodies lined up along the fence, most with their hoods up, belonged to Year One and could be seen burning up the track throughout the event.

John Fain came ready to race in his six-speed '05 GTO, as Hoosier and BFG road-racing slicks were mounted on the stock rims for extra grip. The LS2 Goat had other slight enhancements, such as a cold air intake, relocated battery, and nitrous. John said he plans to swap the nitrous for a turbo kit in the very near future, though.

Believe it or not, this '85 S-10 is LT1-powered...

...Adam Moore of Buford, GA, shoehorned a 355 LT1 into his S-10 and even threw on a set of Camaro wheels and sticky tires. The truck sounded awesome and was really cooking around the track.

Corvettes were a dominating presence at the Air Ride Technology autocross competition from this '08 C6 to...

...Don Ondejcak's '03, who won the late-model category with a time of 26.97 seconds. Paul Barrow took runner-up with a best of 27.01 in his '01 Vette. Air Ride said over 1,500 laps were made from Friday to Sunday.

Only the big players came to play down the road at Atlanta Dragway (in Commerce, GA) for Year One's Outlaw Racing Street Car Association (ORSCA) race Saturday and Sunday...

...Six to 8-second big-blocks and small-blocks were as common as apple pie. Friday afternoon and evening was an open test-and-tune session for Year One participants.