We had our first annual Florida Syclone and Typhoon gathering in Naples, FL this past Saturday. We had 8 trucks show, one from Gainesville, four from Tampa area, and three from Miami area. The smaller-than-expected turnout was partly a result of the weather forecast, although the 8 brave ones did not experience rain, at least at the meeting.

We gathered between two restraunts. When the Tampa gang arrived, Miami group was in the restraunt. We walked and talked for the first 30 minutes. We had four Syclones, two green grey Typhoons, and two white Ty's, one all white and one white grey. Great color combo for the pictures we planned on taking.

After our showing, we went into Chilis for some lunch. We had a blast talking about cars and sharing information. Josh Branch kept us all on our toes, and gave us someone to laugh with. He was very frustrated with his truck's performance. That combined with his great personality made him the center of attention after the lunch.

After lunch we were back into the parking lot. I personally thought people would leave; instead, Josh wants people to "launch" his truck so we can diagnois his problems. The group takes turns running Josh's trucks up and down the parking lot while he urges the drivers to do it harder what a character.

Then everybody was "launching" their trucks in the parking lot of a strip mall. We had four wheel burnouts, 10 psi launches, free rides for owners, and the first annual Josh Branch stereo compitetion. You can never guess who won with three 12 inch Punch style speakers in the back of his truck in an enclosure the size of Montana. He had his share of rags telling him we all figured out why his truck was slow, "becasue of the extra 300 pounds and 1800 watt amp draw!!!" :-) We love you Josh.

After more fun and tech time, it was time to call it a day. We left the parking lot around 4:30 pm. I must say, it was more fun than I thought we could have with 8 trucks. The guys that showed from the Miami area are great. Josh, you are one of a kind, and my Tampa friends came up with the most in attendance award.

Thanks to all that showed. We will plan on having another sometime in early Winter, except this time we will have more trucks than the Reno gathering.;-)

From left to right: Dave (Miami), Tom Argue (Tampa), Keith Gill (Tampa), Gary Shanock (Miami), Steve (Miami), ?? (Tampa), Chris Pearson (Tampa), Josh Branch (Gainesville)

Chris Pearson
Typhoon #0366 White/Grey
Tampa, FL
FL ISTA member #69