I am going to make the trip down to Deal's Gap for Miatas at the Gap 2003. I've gone two times previously and it's a blast.

I know that some folks here have or had Miatas. I also know that at least one Miata-phile on the deals gap forum thinks the RX-8 looks like a Saturn/SUV/etc and has no comprehension of what the RX-8 is or for that matter what a sports car is - and I know some will never experience the Miata because they think it's a car for females. Spare me the comparisons or dogging the Miata or whatever.

Simply stated, I'm heading out from the 3 state (PA,MD,WV,VA) I guess that's 4 state area early Thursday 7/24. I'll head down 81, hit 64, take the Bluegrass Parkway for a while in the heat of the day, then hit 77 to 40 down through Asheville NC. IF anyone wants to go in their RX-8 (or Miata for that matter) and perhaps meet there or caravan down, let me know.

If you are unaware of what it is, see www.tailofthedragon.com for a little more info. It's about 45 min to an hour south of Knoxville TN and just west of Asheville NC.

Blue Ridge Parkway?

Man, that'll be nice. I took it from the Smokie Mountain State Park (southern start of it, which is right around where you're going) all the way to around Floyd, VA. Took me about 1.5 days (took our time, scenic stops all the way). What a GREAT road to drive the RX-8!
For that reason I guess, I would recommend getting on it for the latter portion of the drive instead of 77 - 40. Don't know how or exactly where - check the possibilities though. Maybe get on it close to/inside the NC stateline. Still a very slow pace but real nice - watch your time schedule though.

BTW, not me. Don't have the 8 yet + I'm on the southside of the world...;)

oops, yes, Blue Ridge Parkway. Been to it's highest elevation following a Gap day before and almost got fogged in. Thanks for the tip. Pace does slow - RV's, fog, scenic outlooks, etc. I need to make sure I get on somewhere where I have an exit within 30 - 40 miles in case I my schedule get's threatened due to the pace!

Hope to see you there in your RX-8. I'll be there in my Miata. My "8" isn't due in for 2-3wks...:(