It all starts here at the Tempe Diablo Stadium. On this first day, after leaving the stadium, the cars drive to Flagsaff via Payson, Strawberry, Pine, Lake Mary Road, and Happy Jack. A night at the Drury inn completes their first day.
Lined up!!! Ready to roll.
Nope. This is not a participant, but you know Tom, he just cannot pass up a car that is photo worthy! This lovely was in the parking lot.
Eight Highway Patrol Officers are selected to help along the route. They are selected based on their high activity or involvement with extra activities with Department of Public Safety. Their bios are featured in the participants' handbook and one would imagine that they love the trip as much as the drivers.
The rally has numerous sponsors, such as Bell Lexus. The 'grand' organizers of the rally are the Men's Art Council, whose mission is to raise money for the Phoenix Art Museum and partners with the Men's Art Council. Each year, the Copperstate 1000 and the Men's Art Council donates more than $150,000 to the museum.
Each car is uniquely numbered and generously described in the participant's handbook. This is a 1973 Porche 911 S, recently completely restored and flaunting a rare gold metallic paint.
These vintage automobiles are vetted and each year brings more and more applications. Not all applicants get selected. Drivers come from all over the country and pay a fee to participate.
Steve joined Tom to photograph the cars as they left their second night location in Sedona. For a portrait photographer he captures some great images of cars as well.
This is a support car that travels with the vintage car . . . just in case!
Show off!!
Thumbs up! Well, of course.
There is more to photographing this kind of event than just standing by any road and hoping a cool car drives by. Both Steve and Tom looked for safe vantage points that also offered good backgrounds. That is harder to come by than you think. The owner of this property gave them permission to stand in their driveway to take photographs.
The field across from Sunset Point. A rare sight indeed! Tom was able to get some good landscape photos while waiting or driving to one of the rally locations.
So, get yourself a good vintage car and participate in the Copperstate 1000 next year!