What could go wrong?
For most, something as simple as bad weather would cancel any would be plans for driving a Ferrari, much less driving a 1986 328 GTS on a 1,832 mile road trip. But when the Ferrari Challenge is at Circuit of the Americas, and your daughter is on Spring Break, you make a few exceptions.
Starting in Southlake, Texas (a Dallas suburb) with the first destination being COTA in Austin, Spring Break 2019 began at the crack of dawn and was immediately tested for the first 70 or so miles with heavy thunderstorms and even hail. This can be discouraging as you are driving 80mph down Texas interstates, but lucky for the 328, there was no apparent hail damage upon arrival. And thus began the sunny, beautiful weekend of Ferrari Challenge at COTA – the first of several stops along this memorable Father/Daughter road trip.
The day began with a Ferrari rally after catching some of the Challenge Practices, with many different Ferrari models represented. Perhaps the most noticeable out of the bunch were the new Pistas, and although they were primary attention-grabbers, there was another, arguably more special Ferrari present; A custom one of one Gated 6 Speed 430 Scuderia that ended up taking so hot laps around the track!
The trip continued through Austin and into Louisiana as the Bayou began to beckon. After a stay in Lake Charles and an energy outburst at a trampoline park, the 328 was primed for New Orleans – but not before it was time to stop down for some good old-fashioned Cajun at Prejean’s in Lafayette, LA.
Now it was time for a classic Louisiana experience – Bourbon Street. This adventure included the usual New Orleans happy hour stop with a dash of street performances and a heavy dosage of delicious food. Round it out with a haunted carriage ride and a live jazz performance and there’s no better way of spending your time in New Orleans.
As the 328 ended its time in the Bayou, the trip pressed on to the Magnolia State where a stay at an original plantation house was in order. But first, a tour of the BB King Museum in Greenville was on the to do list; a place of great historical significance where many notable bluesman have hailed from. A stop by BB King’s grave was the last one in the state of Mississippi before heading to the Talimena Trail of Arkansas - where it was time to really push the 328 into gear.
The stop down in Arkansas was deep in the hills at the Lodge at Mount Magazine where a well needed pit stop and mountained viewed meal was the main priority. Once the meal was done, it was time to hit the road again, but this time - in the astounding rolling hills of Arkansas that Road and Track ranked as some of the top driving roads in America.
As the 328 flowed through the rivers of pavement in the gorgeous Ozarks, then end of the trip drew closer and closer. Eventually, it was time to head back home to Dallas, and with endless straight interstate ahead, there was nothing else to do but reflect on one of the most incredible trips between a father and daughter.
Road Trips hold a special place in the hearts of all Petrol heads - it’s as if they carry some sort of magical significance, because realistically, they do. These experiences are remembered, cherished and held throughout life. Spending quality time with someone through the medium of a road trip is always special, no matter the destination.. It can be as memorable or insignificant as you are willing to make the experience. Just make sure you make it in a Ferrari ;)
