Slipstream - January 2004

Maverick Mini-Rally & Tour
By Bill Middleton
The morning dawned crisp, clear, and bright. The sun glinted off
the bright surfaces of the row of precisely prepared machines,
patiently awaiting their appointed time to roar to life and off
into the day’s adventures. Pilots and navigators gathered in small
groups to discuss the plans for the day over steaming cups of coffee.
An opening scene from a WWII movie? Nope. The opening scene of
the November rally and tour!
On Saturday, November 22nd, a group of 9 Porsches and their
enthusiastic drivers and navigators showed up at University Park to
participate in the last rally and tour of the season. Organized by Teri
Davis and her highly capable co-rallymasters, the event was billed as
a scenic rally and tour through some of the best local roads in the
areas southwest of Fort Worth. As with the Palo Pinto Tour some
months back, this was an excellent opportunity to discover some
GREAT driving and touring roads right at our own back door.
most of the first leg, Teri and her white Honda kept all of us in the
Porsche train behind fully involved in just keeping her in sight!
Between getting fleeting glimpses of the rear of the white Honda
disappearing around the next curve ahead, trying to listen to
instructions from my navigator, and keeping the 930 from going
into tailswap, we had a handful – but was it fun!
At the noon stop, the Madison Grill provided great eats, a quiet
place to gather ourselves, check progress and scores, and for some in
the rally group to decipher where they missed some instruction or
turn. The lineup of Porsches in the front lot provided great ‘eye
candy’ for the other guests, and from the number of turning heads I
doubt the locals regularly see such a display of automotive excellence.
...suddenly, the city vanished into rolling
hills, winding roads, and ranches...
Once opening formalities (and the prerequisite coffee and pit
stops to Starbucks!) were over, the rally instructions were given, car
numbers assigned, and watches synchronized. Done as a ‘tulip’ rally,
this was to be an event with enough challenge to keep everyone
interested, but at the same time have enough free time in the car to
enjoy the scenery and roads.
Photo by Elaine Cash
Cars in the Tour group followed Teri’s lead
Photo by Dave Frick
The second leg turned out to be just as challenging, but also
different – longer roads, less surprise snap turns and course
changes, and some really super elevation changes with spectacular
vistas of the surrounding areas.
It all ended too soon as, with the sun starting to drop in the
West, we breezed back into downtown Granbury for closing
scoring, trophies, and homemade desserts on the courthouse square
at Anderson’s. Other than a surprise attack by an antique table that
didn’t want to be moved, it truly was a sweet ending to a great road
day. Very unique ‘steering wheel’ trophies went to the top three rally
teams, and kudos to all for not getting lost!
Many thanks to Teri and all her helpers in putting this together
and the participants for making this a great fall day in the country!
Following is a summary of participants, places taken, and most
importantly, those who did all the hard work!
Participants intently listening to the Rally-meister’s instructions
The rally group departed at 10:45 AM to begin the first leg
of the course. The tour group, led by Teri acting as sweep car,
departed 10 minutes behind the last rally car. We headed out west
of Fort Worth on I-30, turning south onto the 820 loop, off at
Chapin Road – and suddenly, the city vanished into rolling hills,
winding roads, and ranches. Over the course of the next two hours,
we were treated to wide open grazing land, little winding back roads
through trees and valleys, and spectacular views from hilltops we
didn’t even know existed.
Little did we know that, in doing the tour leg and following Teri
through the course, we would wind up feeling a lot like Alice from
Wonderland pursuing the white rabbit through the garden! For
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Photo by Matt Platts
Both Rally and Tour groups stop for lunch near Granbury