All car trends come and go; it's even cyclical. What was once cool becomes old and what was once old is cool again. Even so, one movement stands out in that it's been growing steadily over the years.
I'm talking about the Pro Touring scene. Some call it a trend, but I think it's not really fair to put it into that category. Instead it seems to be more of a way of life, and a cool one at that. It's a bunch of car guys putting together completely functional cars comfortable enough for a long haul yet are absolute animals on the track.
I'm sure most will agree that for a while there, it seemed like anything with big wheels and brakes and had a lowered stance was considered a Pro Touring ride. I'm proud to say that this is where things seem to have changed for the better. While many were simply going for the look, I'd argue that these days most are actively building for improved performance.
And with the impressive rise in autocross events popping up all over the country, more enthusiasts are beginning to check it out for themselves. This is where people are learning how well their cars perform while improving their driving skills at the same time. Seriously, there's little concern for running into any barriers, and if you happen to hit a cone, at worst you get a scuff mark-easily cured with a bit of wax and elbow grease.
Being competitive is only...
Being competitive is only human nature, but having fun is the real goal of any motorsport
Add in the fact that we now have access to a number of reputable suspension manufacturers, our muscle cars are handling better than ever; as a matter of fact many of these cars won't flinch and will easily outperform modern-day sports cars. Yes, folks, that says a lot about the direction we're going in. This type of event, while certainly competitive, still offers an incredibly fun atmosphere for everyone involved. More importantly, people are getting out and driving their cars!
The one thing I hope more people will start to understand is that Pro Touring is more than looks. It's about setting up your car to your own performance level. I've seen some pretty cool rides laying down stout autocross numbers with the most basic suspension and tire upgrades. So yes, it can be done.
Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems to me that Pro Touring has firmly established itself, and I for one am really happy to see that. Do you care? Share your thoughts by emailing me at the address below.