Next time you’re stuck gritting your teeth in the rush hour traffic, daydreaming about cruising on Route 66 with the desert winds in your hair, don’t despair its not that bad. If you really are a Petrol Head at heart then you should check out the western states. A US road trip can be easily organised, doesn’t have to cost the earth, and there are a host of high-octane events to populate your itinerary. So here are some ideas to get you started on planning your 2011 American Tour. Don’t just dream about it – get motoring!
If you shop around you can find plenty of cheap flights to Los Angeles and this is a great starting point for a serious Petrol Head tour. From sunny California you can take the famed Route 66, heading East, and make a detour to experience the unforgettable sight of Salt Lake Speed Racing. Straight out of the movies, the wide open roads and endless horizons of Arizona and New Mexico will lift your spirits. With a little research you can find motoring events to keep you revved up from coast to coast.
Salt Lake Speed Racing
Once a year the famous Bonneville Salt Flats racetrack, near Salt Lake City, opens its gates to all wishing to emulate the land speed record breakers. In 2011 the Bonneville Speed Week is 13-19 August. All sorts of racing car or motorbike can be seen here, from classic old roadsters to modern carbon fibre racing cars. Bikes range from Harley-Davidsons and Nortons to modern Japanese models. Make sure you bring your binoculars and have a telephoto lens on your camera as spectators must stand well back from the action. Also, be prepared for the relentless glare of the sun rebounding off the crystallised salt.
NASCAR
If you’re into Stock Car racing then you can’t miss Daytona, Florida. It’s the perfect final destination after having started the trip in Los Angeles. The famous Daytona Beach racetrack is the stuff from which legends are made. NASCAR, the official Stock Car Racing organisation, holds events here in February, March and July. The NASCAR Nationwide Series takes place at racetracks from Nashville to Chicago to Phoenix throughout the year.
Monster truck events
You can’t beat good old monster trucks for entertainment value. These massive machines take part in races, demonstrations and freestyle performances at stadiums across the USA. Monster Jam is the biggest event organiser, holding an annual World Final event in Las Vegas in March.
Hiring a car is, of course an essential part of a road trip, and you can book anything from a classic Mustang or Chevrolet to a modern Ford or SUV. If Easy Rider is more your style, you can hire Harley-Davidsons for your big trip, or maybe just for a part of it. With petrol and accommodation being relatively cheap in the USA it’s a wonder you’re not there already!
