Drivers Project IV: California Road Trip for Monterey Car Week

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Drivers Project IV: California Road Trip for Monterey Car Week

By Sam Du//Published On: September 23, 2022//

@duspeed

Additional Photography: Kyle Crawford

@mrkylecrawford

The Drivers Project is a road trip and driving experience Pit+Paddock hosts for industry partners and media guests.
Every Drivers Project has been different. The fourth edition consisted of a six-day itinerary which included a scenic drive through Paso Robles, group outings and meals, and exclusive access into the premier events and activations surrounding Monterey Car Week.
Special vehicles participating in The Drivers Project IV include IND Distribution’s British Racing Green BMW M4 from Chicago and Precision Sport’s BMW M3 from Florida.
The Drivers Project: Monterey Car Week is made possible by presenting partner Hawk Performance and supporting partners Akrapovič, ARP, Fluidampr, Gates, Moton, MSS, SPAL, and Turbosmart.

What is the Drivers Project?

The Drivers Project is an organized road trip Pit+Paddock hosts every year where a small group of partners within the aftermarket sector get to experience a unique program that involves driving spirited backroads, networking with industry leaders and influencers, and enjoying other memorable automotive-related experiences.

Destination: Monterey Car Week

For the fourth edition of the Drivers Project presented by Hawk Performance, we developed an exciting program that circles the famed Monterey Car Week. With a history dating back to the ’50s, Monterey Car Week is a week-long celebration for car enthusiasts, old and new, which encompasses over 20 other established car shows and events. Guests of the Drivers Project were treated with exclusive access to Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca, Legends of the Autobahn, and Werks Reunion.

LA Kickoff Event

A first for this Drivers Project experience was a preparty, and pop-up car show hosted at Auto Conduct in downtown LA. Named “Prelude to Drivers Project” and presented by Vibrant Performance, the event welcomed more than 150 guests from Southern California’s car community.

Start Line at ARP Bolts

One of the Drivers Project’s main partners, ARP Bolts, hosted the start line where the party of 20 staff and guests were surprised with a private tour inside one of ARP’s manufacturing facilities. Unfortunately, no photo or video was captured inside the Santa Paula facility due to confidential equipment and practices; however, we did enjoy breakfast at Hozy’s Grill – an adjoining café operated and owned by the owner of ARP.

Epic Canyon Drive

Most caravans from Southern California to Monterey consist of long, scenic cruises up the California coast. Since we knew the route would likely be congested for Car Week, we planned a new course that traveled through Ojai into the Los Padres National Forest via CA-33. This group of roads is a well-maintained and untapped stretch of twisty highway where you won’t spot another car for miles and won’t have cell phone service for over an hour. The spirited drive concluded with lunch at the hideaway resort Buckhorn Cuyama.

Paso Robles Wine Country

After a long day of driving, nothing beats resting at a high-class hotel, which the Paso Robles Inn provided. Guests enjoyed a comfortable stay and an unforgettable dining experience with local wine tasting and a multi-course meal.

Final Stretch to Legends of the Autobahn

Unlike other Drivers Project adventures, our Car Week edition included four days of activities in Monterey, so we kept the driving portion to a minimum of two days. Half the group departed from Paso Robles early to exhibit at the Legends of the Autobahn event, while the other half enjoyed a coastal cruise up CA-1 through Big Sur.

Thank You Partners

We want to thank our partners for making it possible, which includes presenting partner Hawk Performance, and supporting partners Akrapovič, ARP, Fluidampr, Gates, Moton, MSS, SPAL, and Turbosmart.
Stay tuned for more coverage of the Drivers Project: Monterey Car Week.