Mid US Ramble

The 2010 MUSR went off without the proverbial hitch.  The 11th annual Mid US Ramble at the Tail of the Dragon was attended by over 50 core 914 enthusiasts.  Being a premier 914 club event, Automobile Atlanta, of course, had to make an appearance.  We are sure glad we did.  

In an attempt to increase attendance, Auto Atlanta promised to bring the 916 prototype out of safe haven if 40 people pre-registered.  It worked wonders, and brought the enthusiasts out of the woodwork.  In addition to the priceless prototype, Auto Atlanta also brought the cars doppelganger, a 916 clone car, and one our Porsche Technicians arrived in his own 914-6 conversion, a flared 3.2 liter car.  Representing Auto Atlanta was Owner and President George Hussey, his brother Pete Hussey, Creative and Marketing Director Reid Bianchine, and Technician Jeff Merrick.  

Beginning on Thursday evening, there was a meet and greet with an impromptu “park and chat” at the hotel in Vonore, Tennessee.  After a hearty breakfast on Friday morning, the real fun began with an all out assault on the dragon.  Two groups went up and down the tail’s exhilarating 11 miles, hitting 318 apexes each way.  Riding in the passenger seat of Jeff’s 914, Reid succumbed to motion sickness shortly after noon.  George even took the 916 out for a jaunt, which proved difficult, and somewhat scary, due to old dry tires and suspension bushings.  

Saturday morning began with the Show and Shine.  Many fine examples of the Mid-engined classic were shown, and we were glad to see them all out and being enjoyed as they should be.  Again splitting into two groups, the 914s hit the Cherohala Skyway for a second day of thrilling mountain driving.  Upon returning from Saturday’s trip, there was a 914 technical quiz, which was won by Atlanta native Al Meredith, with George coming a very close second.  Afterward, the awards banquet was conducted, and we were pleasantly surprised to win the award for Best Stock 6 Cylinder, and even more surprisingly, the Elegance Award.  

Finishing out the event with a “blind autocross” on Sunday, Pete Hussey came in second place as a blindfolded driver being led around a course by his passenger.  Winding down, everyone made their rounds, said goodbyes, and swapped just a few final stories and memories.  Pictures were taken, and everyone packed up and readied for the long trip home.  We all had a ton of fun, next year, you should join us.