Mooresville, NC – What a beautiful September weekend in eastern Tennessee for the 8th annual Run Thru The Hills 2012. Hot Rodders came from all around the country to tear up the track at Pigeon Forge, TN.

The weekend started off Friday with a full day's worth of autocross driving instruction. Kyle Tucker and Ryan Mathews from the DSE Team and Brian Finch and Billy Utley provided instruction for anyone who was just starting out autocrossing or even for people who were just looking to trim a few seconds off of their time. The now famous "Tail of the Dragon" cruise through the Smoky Mountains ended at Precision Rod and Customs for the traditional BBQ dinner.

Saturday morning started bright and early with a driver's meeting in preparation for the autocross competition. Detroit Speed had the 1969 and 1970 Camaro Test Cars, the Chevy II Test Car and the new 1966 Mustang Test Car out at the track. The autocross lasted all day and everybody was able to lay down some great times on the track. The top 16 drivers from Saturday would qualify for a shootout that was to be held Sunday. Going into the shootout, Kyle was 2nd, Ryan was 3rd, Stacy was 5th, and Matt was 11th.

Sunday brought out the best in everyone on the autocross track and the top 16 battled back and forth all day long for autocross supremacy. In the end it was Detroit Speed's Kyle Tucker finishing in 2nd place just behind Britt in the 48 hour Camaro. Ryan Mathews from Detroit Speed ran hard as well finishing right behind Kyle in 3rd place. Stacy and Matt also rounded out the standings with top ten finishes. This was a great showing for Detroit Speed and the Test Cars. Congratulations to the other Detroit Speed "Equipped" vehicles of Billy Utley, Bob Bertlesen, Terry Neuville, Steve Merriman, Michael Tucker, Mark Turner, Ray Thompson, Tim McGilton and Paul Atkins.

After the autocross, Sunday afternoon brought the Speed Stop Squared competition where competitors test their braking capabilities. Terry Neuville and his Detroit Speed "Equipped" 1968 Camaro came away victorious in this competition.

We would also like to congratulate Breanna Finch for driving her first autocross laps on Saturday in the Detroit Speed Mustang with Stacy riding shotgun. She did so well in the Mustang, she backed it up on Sunday driving her dad's 1971 DSE "Equipped" Camaro with Stacy again. Great job Bree!

This has always been a great show that we have had the privilege to grow up with. We have been going to this event since its inception and have watched it grow every year. Thanks again to Bill Howell and the ASCS team for putting on another fantastic event. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

See more pictures from the event on page 2.

Autocross Shootout Official Times