DAY SEVEN - Tuscaloosa, AL to Tupelo, MS

Hello once again!

This blog may be a bit shorter--those 5:30 wake-up calls are starting to take their toll. We left Tuscaloosa for a 2-hour Motorcade by the Alabama State Police. At the state line, we were transferred to the Mississippi State Police for the escort to our destination in Tupelo. A police helicopter following us most of the way. It was incredible to see the Fireball Run cars traveling together, and we felt like celebrities with all the cars that pulled over for us to pass. I don't know how the officers can coordinate escorting so many cars for so long--it was incredible. They did a great job, and Susie got some really cool pictures of the cars and the helicopter.

We were escorted all the way to the Tupelo Children's Mansion, a facility and school for orphaned, abandoned and disadvantaged children. As the cars pulled in, the children were lined up to greet us. This was probably one of the most touching moments of the Rally. It was sad and inspiring at the same time. The kids themselves were absolutely wonderful, and it made everyone's day to see how excited they were. Susie and I talked with the kids and passed out Trading Cards that show the Team 33 'Vette and a little information about us. Some of the kids asked for our autograph. We all hope that we touched and inspired them in some way, even a fraction as much as they did us. What an incredible experience.

After lunch at the Children's Mansion, we got together with the white Lamborghini and Back to the Future Car to solve 4 missions in Tupelo. We made stops at the historic Hancock Fabric Store, met Krusty the clown from The Simpsons, saw Elvis' birthplace, and visited the store where Elvis' mother bought him his first guitar.

The last event of the day was another Autocross (the serious kind, not the “drunk glasses” kind). I got some wonderful instruction from several new Fireball friends--awesome people whom I greatly respect. I had a good run, but lots of other teams did really well, too. My ranking was decent, and I'm still getting feedback that I drive smoothly with good lines, and just need to focus on speed. Can I claim that I'm a little slower because of a nasty blister I have on my heel (how exactly do you get a blister from lots of driving)?!

We went to the evening Reception at the Tupelo Automobile Museum to hear the Mayor speak and see a great Elvis impression. The food was excellent—some of the best we’ve had, and aftewards we walked through the Museum. It was awesome, with over 150 chronologically displayed antique, classic and collectible automobiles, showing the progress of over 100 years of automobile design and engineering. My favorite, of course, was the 1957 Corvette.

Here's hoping that 5:30 doesn't roll around too soon, and that everyone is doing well!

Cassandra & Susie