Team Name: Wiley Racing
Team Instagram Account: @w1l3y_racing
Team Members: Rich and Dan Wiley

Team Hometown: Cromwell, CT   
 

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

Father and son team for 18 years.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

We had an excellent time on the rally in 2022 and 2023.
 

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

I've enjoyed cars for as long as I can remember.

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

Maybe we shouldn't put the car prep on the back burner all the time.

Favorite road trip food? 

Pizza, as long as it's not from a gas station.

Team Name: That Blu Malibu
Team Instagram Account: @that_blu_malibu
Team Members: Daniel and Ryann O'Neill    

Team Hometown: Vernon, CT   
 

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

Friends since 1998, together in 2019, married since 2022.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

Interest in rally came from a coworker who has competed in the past  2 years. Sounded like a great adventure. Now that we have a vintage car, we had to give it a shot ourselves since we love to travel and do road trips. Fall foliage drives are Ryann's favorite, so this was perfect for both of us. 
 

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

Interest in vintage cars started at a very young age. Had my hands on a couple rust buckets over the years,  but now I've finally got a nice ride. 

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

Purchased the car in August after it sat for many years.  Been going through all systems to make sure everything was rally ready.  Lots of long shake down runs followed by late nights in the garage.

Favorite road trip food? 

Beefoctane jerky is always in the car for long drives. Pit stop favorites are pizza or burgers. 

Team Name: Flamingo Rally Sports
Team Instagram Account: @flamingo_rally_sports
Team Members: Dan and Gloria Curtis

Team Hometown: South Daytona, FL
 

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

We became a team in 1992.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

Friends participated in 2023 and it looked like fun, so we thought we'd give it a try.
 

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

My dad was a Shriner and bought a 1949 Willys Jeepster in 1962 for parades.  I’ve been into old cars ever since.

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

The '49 F1 had a few issues but then second gear went out in the tranny. I talked to a few people down here (Daytona) and really didn’t have that warm and fuzzy feeling so, I had Pete Lamoutain bring it to Rob’s Automotive in Dudley MA. Rob worked his magic just in time for the rally.

Favorite road trip food? 

None.

Vehicle: 1986 Chevy Corvette

Powertrain: Tuned-Port Fuel-Injected 350 V-8, 4-speed automatic transmission, 3.07 gears.

Options/Features: Z51 suspension, "rare" cloth seats, vintage American Racing Wheels 

Background: My father bought the car in 1999 shortly before he passed away. We got it back on the road in 2020.

Vehicle: 1966 Chevy Chevelle Malibu

Powertrain: 400 SBC V-8 with dual quads, Muncie 4-speed manual transmission.

Options/Features: None.

Background: Puchased car in August 2024.

Vehicle: 1949 Ford F1

Powertrain: 226 flathead 6, manual transmission.

Options/Features: None.

Background: I’ve had the truck for 3 years. I’m a Harley rider and a riding instructor for Daytona Harley Davidson. While looking for a vehicle to bring to cruise nights this truck kept popping up so I eventually bought it.

Team Name: Blacked Out 53
Team Instagram Account: @joycrusso
Team Members: Andy and Joy Russo

Team Hometown: Marlborough, MA   
 

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

Been together since high school, married since 2001.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

We had a absolutely great time on the rally last year and are looking forward to this year.
 

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

Always into old cars. Member of the Rattlers Car Club.  

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

None.

Favorite road trip food? 

None.

Team Name: The Roaming Roemers
Team Instagram Account: @theroamingroemeers
Team Members: Rob, Michelle and Jake Roemer

Team Hometown: Dudley, MA   
 

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

We have been married for 21 years and we added Jake almost 16 years ago.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

We participated in the rally last year and had a blast.
 

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

I have been in to old cars and trucks since I was little. I got my first old car when I was 15 years old, it was a 1970 Ford Mustang. 30 years and dozens of cars and trucks later here we are. Michelle's first car was a 1979 Chevy Malibu 350ci. Over the years she has owned many Lincolns and her 1966 Ford Mustang. Jake was born in to it. Jake is currently restoring his first truck, a 1992 Ford F-150.

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

No challenges just some regular maintenance.

Favorite road trip food? 

Beef jerky and coffee.

Team Name: BummerBMW
Team Instagram Account: @Skyler02Auto
Team Members: Skyler Austin

Team Hometown: Burlington, CT   
 

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

ME, MYSELF and I looked at each other in the mirror and said yup we are going again this year.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

Motivation for the rally is just to meet new and interesting people while enjoying a peaceful drive through the outside world.
 

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

I've always admired vintage cars, ever since I was a wee lad. 

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

During rally prep my e30 underwent a rigorous inspection. Found drive shaft and transmission leaks. ended up replacing the transmission output seals, performed a flush on trans and rear end. I then had a look at the brakes and ended up replacing them all. 

Favorite road trip food? 

Slim Jims.

Vehicle: 1953 Chevy 3100

Powertrain: LS V-8, 4-speed automatic.

Options/Features: S-10 running gear.

Background: None.

Vehicle: 1966 Ford Mustang coupe

Powertrain: 302 cu V-8, C4 automatic transmission.

Options/Features: None.

Background: Michelle has owned the car for 6 years and had 48,000 miles on it when we bought it. The car was originally a 6 cylinder car and the previous owner put a 302 in it. We converted it to 5 lug wheel and upgraded the front brakes to disk with 4 piston calipers. In the rear we installed an 8 inch rear end with a 3.08 rear gear for highway cruising. All new suspension front and rear. The steering was converted to a Borgeson power steering box.

Vehicle: 1987 BMW 325i Convertible

Powertrain: M20 straight 6, G260 5-speed manual transmission.

Options/Features: Optioned out with everything you could ask for. 

Background: I have owned this vehicle now for 2 years. Purchased from a man named Mike O'Brien of Time Was Garage Restoration Shop in New Hartford CT. He and his wife owned the car since 2001, and she drove the car everyday to work; as long as it was nice out. 

I am doing this drive with my e30 as a memorial drive for Mike and Connie O'Brien.

Team Name: VAIR FORCE 1
Team Instagram Account: @vair_force_1
Team Members: Dan and Mike Hill

Team Hometown: Southington, CT   

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

Since 1961 when Mike was born. We have been a team ever since.
 

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

We both retired from working about a year and a half ago. We are both adventurous and have traveled together throughout the years on various adventures in various locations. Retirement offered a more expansive exploration opportunity. We traveled to Australia and New Zealand for a couple of weeks earlier in the year, and recently returned from a week and a half in Banff, Alberta Canada. Neither one of us are “shoulda woulda” people, we are “do it” people, so when I saw the ad for the rally pop up, I immediately called my brother who said “yup, book it!” Dan also has a vast map collection. He was born for this!

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

Because we are vintage as well. We both lived in a period of great automobile styling and chrome! Who doesn’t love chrome?! Over the years, we both have collectively owned dozens of makes and model cars from the late 50’s though early 70’s. Let’s face it, the 80’s vehicles sucked, and the auto industry has gone downhill every year since. 

Simplicity, that is why we enjoy the hobby.

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

We had no tunes in the car, and this was a “must have” requirement, so getting a capable old school blue tooth capable radio for a '66 Corvair was 1st on the list. Luckily, Dan prevailed!

Favorite road trip food? 

Anything that is not going to stain the white interior! Diners and dives are always good stop off locations! Nothing fancy for us!
 

Team Name: Malaise B Bodies
Team Instagram Account: @porklops
Team Members: Michael Brodeur and Paul Poitras
Team Hometown: New Bedford, MA   

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

Been friends since elementary school.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

Saw the rally on Facebook. We are both car guys, so it looked like something cool to do.

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

Friends and family were into them, so we grew up around it.

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

Dang brake lines.

Favorite road trip food? 

Burgers and fries.

Team Name: Nastang
Team Instagram Account: @jordan_carguy
Team Members: Jordan Chokshi and Kira Fitch
Team Hometown: Farmington, CT   

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

Spur of the moment.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

This is my 4th rally and Kira likes cars and fall foliage. 

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

I eat, sleep and breathe vintage cars. 

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

Brand new to me vehicle less than 2 months ago.

Favorite road trip food? 

Wendy’s, jerky and Starbies.

Vehicle: 1966 Chevrolet Corvair Monza 

Powertrain:  2.7 liter Horizontally opposed Air-Cooled Dual-Carb Flat-Six Cylinder 110HP Aluminum Engine. 

Options/Features: Convertible, telescopic steering wheel, factory clock, bumper guards, and wire wheel hub caps. 

Background:  Vehicle was purchased about a year ago from an older gentleman in West Virginia. Seller purchased the car 5 years prior after a “major rebuild” and just was ready to let it go. We flew down, test drove it for about 30 minutes on the highway, and it performed well. Dan purchased the car, and within 1 mile called Mike (still back at the buyers house) and said the car died in the middle of an intersection. Mike drove down in the rental “chase” vehicle and determined it was vapor lock (I guess the major rebuild forgot to install the phenolic plates under the carbs). One lesson learned was everyone was incredibly helpful in the south! People stopped and asked if there was anything they could do to help! No one was upset he was blocking an intersection and even got out to help push us into a nearby parking lot. After our faith in humanity was restored and we proceeded to make the entire 650 mile journey home to Connecticut with the use of a can of starting fluid at every stop.
 

Since then, an electronic ignition was installed, a tune up, new brakes, oil change, and the ever so important phenolic plates installed. Hopefully she, we called her “Dolly”, is ready to go on this adventure! Dolly spent part of the summer of 2024 as an extra filming scenes in an upcoming major motion picture called Summerhouse staring Malcom McDowell which was shot in the Danbury area. 

Vehicle: 1979 Chevrolet Impala

Powertrain: Original 305 V8 2 barrel engine, 3-speed automatic transmission.

Options/Features: Not many. Pretty base but has sweet metallic brown paint!

Background: Owned it for 5 years. Bought it from friend who bought it from a retired constable.

Vehicle: 1989 Ford Mustang LX

Powertrain: Built 5.0L V-8, 5-speed manual transmission.

Options/Features: Drag racing front and rear suspension.

Background: Purchased 2 months ago. It belonged to the owner of Lebanon Valley Dragway.

Team Name: Ann & Jeff's J53
Team Instagram Account: @amguilford
Team Members: Jeffrey and Ann Guilford
Team Hometown: Belfast, NY   

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

We're celebrating our 33rd wedding anniversary later this month. We became a team October 26, 1991.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

Jeff's interest and motivation in participating in the Rally stems from the time he spent working on vintage cars with his Dad.

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

Jeff developed an interest from the time he spent working on vintage cars with his Dad.

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

Our biggest challenge during Rally prep was finding a soft top for our vehicle. We finally had the Amish make one. 

Favorite road trip food? 

Our favorite road trip food is pizza. 

Team Name: Stranger Roads
Team Instagram Account: @smokin88fox
Team Members: Brian and Hanna Lowell
Team Hometown: Needham, MA   

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

Been living together for 12 years and use to carve the canyons together when we lived in California.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

Never did a rally and looks like an opportunity to see new places, meet new people, and enjoy driving classic cars.

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

Always been into cars and seemed to have aged into it from owning the Mustang since 1996.

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

Not really, replaced some vacuum lines. A pet peeve of mine is not having a running vehicle so it should be good to go but there could always be something. 

Favorite road trip food? 

Pancakes, milkshakes, and french fries.

Team Name: Team Gutentight
Team Instagram Account: @gutentighte30
Team Members: Phillip, Artemis and Yianni Christou
Team Hometown: Mt. Laurel, NJ   

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

I have three sons. The third Leonidas could not make the rally due to a scheduling conflict. My sons and I have worked on many projects together which include home remodeling, vintage car restorations and many other Father & Son projects. They are also my favorite golf foursome.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

In October 2022 we started our latest car project, a 1985 BMW 325e. We completed the first phase of the project when I received an Instagram about the Fortunato Rally. I thought what a great way to enjoy all the work we have put into the car over the past year. This will be our second rally in this car. My sons and I really enjoyed last year’s rally and hope to continue. We were going to register a second car but could not find a fourth driver. It is our 1974 BMW 2002tii. Hopefully we can bring it next year.

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

 I have been a car enthusiast my entire life and it has definitely rubbed off on the next generation. This includes Matchbox cars, Hot Wheels, model cars, go karts, slot cars, RC cars and vintage cars.

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

Fortunately this year there have been no challenges during rally prep. We have taken the car on may road trips the past year and had no issues.

Favorite road trip food? 

Our favorite road trip food is Pizza, Tastykakes, Reese’s peanut butter cups and coffee.

Vehicle: 1988 Mitsubishi J53

Powertrain: 4 cylinder diesel, 4-speed manual transmission.

Options/Features: 4-wheel drive.

Background: We bought the J53 in 2023.

Vehicle: 1988 Ford Mustang

Powertrain: Power train is mostly period correct, short block, transmission, and rear end is original.  Has a GT40 intake, GT40P heads, BBK long tube headers, Hurst shifter, under drive pullies, Dynomax exhaust, all 90s vintage.

Options/Features: The front seats were the same seats in Saleen Mustangs of the same vintage and are finished in NOS OEM fabric of what came in the car.

Background: Been a fan of fox body mustangs since reading the first issue of muscle mustangs and fast fords back in jr high.  Opportunity came up to purchase one that needed some work while working in a junk yard in 1996 and it’s been with me ever since.  Best vehicle I’ve owned as smiles per miles go and love that my kids are into it too.

Vehicle: 1985 BMW 325e

Powertrain: 2.7 liter M20 “stroker” motor. The stroked from the factory 6  cylinder bottom end with the high performance heads from the 80’s 325i.  Mated to a Getrag 5-speed manual transmission, and a swapped LSD  differential from a BMW Z3.

Options/Features:  The color and interior of the car are stock. The car was repainted the original color by the previous owner. The car has the original factory radio that works including the tape deck..

Background:  I purchased the car November of 2019. My wife and I spotted the car during one of our morning walks with a For Sale sign on it. I knew that my sons were looking for this particular model for a specific project they had in mind. We drove the car as is for a few years while we began our research into what we wanted to have done. The project began in October 2022 and includes the following modifications:

• Engine swap. Removal of stock motor and replaced with 2.7 M20 Stroker
• Differential replaced with LSD 3.63 ration from an early 2000 BMW Z3
• High performance fuel pump and injectors
• Megasquirt ECU with wideband 02 sensor
• All rust repair performed on firewall and floor boards. I taught myself how to weld and performed rust repair.
• Updated all suspension components including bilstien b8 front struts, H&R springs, control arms, bushings, rear springs and shocks, rebuilt Z3 quick ratio steering rack and tie rods
• New front and rear brake calipers, rotors, pads, steel braided brake lines
• New exhaust system with long tube equal length headers
• New clutch, pressure plate, clutch master and slave cylinders and hydraulic lines.
• · Alpina steering wheel
• · Recaro bucket seats

Team Name: Team TBD
Team Instagram Account: @car_ram.rod
Team Members: Chris and Debbie Benjamin

Team Hometown: Factoryville, PA   

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

We have been married for over 20 years and Debbie will do almost anything with me.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

Looking to expand and see new people and places.

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

Growing up in the Malaise Era of cars we were always hoping for better. I have pretty much always been a car tinkerer upgrading and making “better.”

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

During the prep I was having a miserable time tracking down parts for my 1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe. This led to a last minute vehicle pivot. I acquired a 1994 Ford Mustang GT that was sold as a mechanics special.  While bringing the car home on a U-Haul tow dolly I had a tire blowout 70 miles from home. U-Haul customer service gave me a full refund and some money to get dinner and advised I was on my own. This led  to the first shakedown run in the car.  All went well on that journey home and the car has done pretty well since I did some tweaks to it. So I think it’s ready now. 

Favorite road trip food? 

We enjoy taking in the local cuisine.

Team Name: Highway Hooligans
Team Instagram Account: @quarlesdaniel
Team Members: Daniel and Trish Quarles

Team Hometown: Hudson, NH

Team Q&A

How did your team become a team? 

We have been married for 29 years.

What was your interest and motivation in participating in the Rally?

I saw a Facebook post and thought it would be really fun to take 3 days driving around New England. It was also motivation to complete the work needed on the car with a deadline.

How did you develop an interest in vintage cars? 

I cannot remember when it started but it was very early. One of my first cars was a 1965 Chevy Impala 2 door which my parents owned but did not run. I asked if I could drive it if I got it running and they agreed.

Any challenges during Rally prep to highlight? 

Originally planned to participate in the Competition Class with a 1983 Jaguar XJ-S. The Jaguar developed a brake problem a week before the rally start that we couldn't get fixed in time, so we transferred to the Observer Class and brought the Subaru.

Favorite road trip food? 

M&Ms and coffee. We like to stop for Waffle House or Sonic if we have the opportunity.

Vehicle: 1994 Mustang GT Convertible

Powertrain: 302 V-8,  5-speed manual transmission.

Options/Features: None.

Background:  30 year old 7 owner (now 8) Ford Mustang GT convertible purchased from a Cadillac dealer. 

The car is the first year of the SN 95 body style. 30th anniversary of Mustang.  Car and Driver named this the 1994 car of the year. The 1994 and 1995 used the push rod 302 carried over from the Fox body chassis. 

Vehicle: 2023 Subaru Legacy

Powertrain: 2.5L 4-cylinder, automatic transmission.

Options/Features: None.

Background: Last minute replacement for the 1983 Jaguar XJ-S.