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The Power Tour isn’t the Power Tour until you start putting some miles under your tires (or steps onto your Fitbit, as Shane likes to say). Today we went 262.5 miles from Kansas City, Missouri to Newton, Iowa. This also gave me the opportunity to finally say, “Fo Fo (my pet name for Forrest), I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.” Now geography (or anything else, for that matter) has never been one of my strengths, but I do know enough to realize that we were in Kansas City, MO, and not Kansas City, KS. But saying, “Fo Fo, I don’t think we’re in Missourah anymore,” lacks the same punch. Add to this, that this year’s Tour won’t even get to Kansas and you can see how my hands were tied. So I ran with it, saying it as often as I could to Forrest today (and his little dog too!). 
This morning, we were anxious to get on the road so we exploded onto the route, like Usain Bolt coming out of the blocks! That is, until we remembered that we had to gather our friend, Matt Boice from Hot Rod’s Mother Ship, TEN, at his palatial accommodations at the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza. And with that, our 2017 Power Tour start was less like a track sprinter and more like an old man trying to get out of his Barcalounger to answer the door. At least Glen’s Outlaw Mustang looked good on the InterContinental’s swanky drive. 
Once on the road, we got down to business. The early morning light cut a welcome swath across our freshly polished hoods. Well, all but the bug splattered bonnet of our rental Suburban. Thanks, Obama! Obama is my pet name for Shane, since his weight loss gives this fat kid hope against all odds. 
I got this great pic (#notsohumblebrag #hashtagsforeli) of Jim in the Shelby Terlingua Mustang and just as I was about to shoot the rest of our crew… 
Shane had to stop for gas. You’re killin’ me, Smalls! Smalls is another pet name I have for Shane. Have you not seen how much weight he lost? 
At our gas stop, Steen was under his Chevelle to check a coolant line, but I like to imagine him doing something to get even more power from that 572 for even bigger tire shredding antics. Mrs. Steen disclaimer: professional driver on a closed course. 
Before we left the station, Forrest made one last attempt for Matt to take home some literature about Our Lady of the Sacred Car Care Church. Matt was almost on board until Forrest told him he’d have to give up his Four Season’s visor for a red shirt and black shorts. 
Everybody have snacks? Gas? Calls of nature answered? Finally. Now, let’s get this caravan to Iowa started! At this point I felt compelled to question our group’s understanding of the term, “caravan,” since we all went in separate directions after the gas stop. A pleasing side effect of this separation is more nappy time for me. #carnapsftw #hashtagsforeli 
With more than 1300 miles to cover in only six days, the wear and tear of the Tour can take its toll. However, in this case, the wear, as well as the accompanying tear, kicked in around mile 4. 
This was a first for us. A man taking a casual stroll across four lanes of traffic. Even as our rental Suburban bore down upon him, our highway man didn’t even shoot us a sideways glance. This is clearly a man with zero cares to give. I’m using “cares” in this instance because I’m not currently liquid enough to afford to give to our swear jar. All my money’s currently up in extra packs of gum that tastes like Swedish Fish (we live in marvelous times!). 
Sadly, my kids will never know the chest-swelling pride that comes with being raised by a cool dad. Be thankful, Chevelle Kid, it could always be worse. I could be your dad. 
I somehow managed to nap from Kansas City to Newton all while Shane and Matt squawked their way through a medley of eighties new wave power ballads. 
Iowa saw even more limited edition t-shirt designs (#whatisspeed #hashtagsforeli) and I saw more than my fill of Iowa. 
Our own Nicholas showing the quick and easy process for our headlight restorer. 
Not be outdone by Nicholas, Jeff and Tyrone set about detailing our entire big rig. Thanks to our new Speed line of products, even a job this big is quick and easy. And with that, I want to thank you for reading our shameless plug. 
Our friends Glenn and Keith working hard on dialing in their synchronized car care routine. 
This is Shane’s idea of pigging out after a long drive. 
While I take the concept of pigging out just a bit more literally (#oink #hashtagsforeli) 
Our own Jim Holloway put the Shelby Terlingua Mustang through its paces on our Mothers Polish Driving Experience autocross. Jim showed that he knows What is Speed, by setting one of the fastest times of the day. 
The autocross in the Iowa Speedway infield attracted all sorts of rides, from Vipers… 
To Family Truckster wagons… 
And even this Jeep! 
One of our Mothers Choice Award winners, this Ring Brothers Pantera looks to be long hauling the entire Tour. This does our hearts good. 
You know, in case you forgot (#neverforget #hashtagsforeli) 
One vs. Two. 
This little red Miata belongs to Jerry Pearson. 
Under the hood lies a 351 Windsor that’s been stroked to 427 cubic inches. When I asked him about the increased weight, Jerry told me the Miata currently tips the scales at 2,250lbs saving some 500lbs when compared to stock. Less weight, more power? It’s the Shane of Miatas! 
Gotta love the Dubster. 
I highly doubt any of this will rub right out, but I have to admit, this Invicta does have character. 
I’d ask Shane if we could rock a Suburban like Jeremy Lilly’s ’72 with a Procharged LS swap, but I fear there isn't enough stow space to handle his dried fruit game. 
Darrell Waltrip tribute car. Boogity, boogity, boogity! Let’s go Power Touring, boys. 
Loving the sticker. Even if it hits a little too close to home for me. 
I need that pit bike in my life… And the Bronco too. 
That wraps up our Day 01 coverage. Tomorrow, we’ll be going 166.2 miles to the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport, Iowa. In the meantime, please enjoy our gallery of Day 01 pics here. John Naderi for Mothers® Polishes•Waxes•Cleaners facebook.com/mothersusa
