Okay, the 2007 Muscle Car 1000 is nearly officially over. (I think the only “official” activity is for the rest of the participants to check out of the Beverly Hills Hotel tomorrow morning.)

But … there will still be Day 4 pictures posted, and a Day 5 summary plus photos. That will happen on Friday. Then, over the weekend I will post (1) a link to my photos (a highlights link and full set link), and (2) a link to a site where we can all post our photos for everyone to share.

So please keep your eyes posted here for a week or so until all the final updates are posted and available.

Yet another jam-packed day of driving, friends, laughing and luxury began this morning with the local television station interviewing Chris and a number of the drivers. As we left the Desert Marriott, a few of our “less restrained” drivers peeled out as they passed your humble camera crew, leaving not only the skid marks… but some good footage as well.

After the obligatory stop for fuel, the caravan worked it’s way through the hills, through the windmill farm, and over the same railroad tracks about 8 times to the California Speedway in Fontana. Racing began almost immediately, although some drivers actually had their lunch, and some had their cars cleaned.

We had a few mechanical failures (i.e., a broken driveshaft) for the first time in the MC1000’s history, but everyone was safe — the most important thing. We made the curvy drive up to Arrowhead along the Rim of the World highway, and had a fantastic winemaker’s dinner at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.

Starting from the wonderful St. Regis, we headed up Orange County’s favorite twisty route: Ortega Highway. From there, we proceeded on up Highway 74, through fantastic canyons, pine forests, and out into the desert. Eventually we ended up at the Palm Springs Air Museum, to a most incredible catered lunch under the wing of a B-52.

The cars were parked around an older Mustang aircraft … perfect in that we have a number of Mustang automobiles in the rally. Lots of pictures were taken, and then we made the short trip over to the Desert Springs Marriott. Here (where I write this), we took a boat to our restaurant. Somehow tonight devolved into a wonderful party of sake, beer, dancing and karaoke … one of the most fun, wild parties I’ve seen in a long time.

Here again are a few somewhat random photos from today. (After the rally is over, stay tuned to the blog … links to ALL the final photos will be posted here for you to see.) Again in chronological order, some photos from Day 3:

For a dozen participants, the first full day of the Muscle Car 1000 started at 5:30 am. They arose early, and drove in the dark over to the USS Midway, an aircraft carrier docked in San Diego, California’s harbor.

In an amazing experience in itself, the cars were craned up on the deck of the carrier. From there, they were driven through the middle, and over to an “elevator” larger than most houses. The elevator raised all the cars on deck, where later they were drag-raced down the end of the carrier!

The group was also treated to a catered lunch on the deck, and an amazing talk by one of America’s true heros, Medal of Honor winner Tibor Rubin — wow. Fox Television did 4 live feeds (at least) covering the event, and there were many interesting discussions with the producer Lindsey and reporter William William La Jeunesse.

From San Diego, the rally headed about 50 miles north to The St. Regis, where I have personally experienced some of the best service I can ever remember. Our cocktail reception was again surrounded by classic Muscle, and all the teams seem to be having a great time.

Following are a few photos, in chronological order.

I just noticed that I need to update all of the headers and blog information … that may/may not be forthcoming, as the trip is off to a fast and furious start … but I am aware, and we’ll do our best to get it updated for you. Thanks!)

Today, the 2007 MuscleCar 1000 kicked off at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego! After a cocktail reception around the guady-yet-loveable Superbird, a dinner reception introduced all of this year’s participants. Here are a couple of photos from today…