The Joplin (Mo.) Globe has a good story about the eventful weekend recently for 4 Women on the Route of Galena, Kan.
The business had a devil of a time hauling around Tow Tater, the tow truck that become the inspiration to Tow Mater in the movie “Cars,” to and from the Route 66 Festival in Litchfield, Ill.
Judy Courtney called the trip to the festival “an adventure.”
She and Melba Rigg said their truck blew a head gasket, and the engine locked up. Courtney’s husband, Larry, provided another truck, which on the outskirts of St. Louis was caught up in a police chase. They said they were unable to get out of the way in their truck, which was towing the trailer. As they approached Litchfield, they blew a tire. The trip, which they expected to take six hours, took 12 hours.
On their return trip on Interstate 44 near Strafford, Mo., their truck crested a hill, and traffic had stopped. They said drivers were trying to pull over to avoid other vehicles, and their truck ended up striking the back of another truck. They said they had some bruises and aches, but no serious injuries.
It wasn’t all bad for the business by a long shot, though. 4 Women on the Route was honored as the New Business of the Year at the Will Rogers Awards. And it was given a new neon sign that a few roadies paid for and commissioned.