by Susan Frissell
Chicago, IL
In October of this year, the media were invited to join thousands of Jeep owners and prospective owners to learn the basic skills of off-road driving.
Expecting to host some 3,000 people here in Chicago, DaimlerChrysler’s Jeep Division hosts the event in the top 10 markets every year. Traveling to 23 cities, Jeep 101 varies in what it offers, depending on location. For instance, in select cities, Chrysler Proving Grounds educates attendees on the rich heritage and products of the Chrysler brand, such as 300M, Concorde, LHS, Sebring Convertible and Town & Country minivan.
Activities are available for all ages, including a Jeep history and technology display, agility driving course, outdoor wilderness exhibit, golf driving range, interactive mountain bike display and a mini Jeep 101 course just for children.
Before participants are allowed to drive the course, they must attend a 15-20 minute orientation, given by veteran Ann Crawford. In her animated style, Crawford goes over the do’s and don’ts of driving the off-road course, gives a basic understanding of the vehicles involved, and educates on transmissions, suspensions and basic auto components.
Time is left for question and answer, and Crawford makes it a point to address the No. 1 concern among consumers: Tip over! If you understand Jeep’s capability, and drive responsibly, Crawford assures the audience, you’ll never turn over.
New for 1999 is Jeep’s Quadra-Drive. Exclusive to Jeep, Quadra-Drive suspension replaces the first generation suspension and is available only on the Grand Cherokee.
Available for driving were the Jeep Wrangler, Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. In reviewing the course with the brave of heart, Crawford went over the high spots. And I do mean “high.”
The course looked something like this (imagination required here):
TILT
Up and Over
Pot Holes
REVERSE TILT
Whoops
(Whoop-dee-do)
SKYVIEW **
Canyon
TILT
Rock & Roll
TILT
LOG BRIDGE
TILT
Rocky Road
TILT
LOG JAM
TILT
the final
CAMEL BACK obstacle!
TILT
FINISH…….!!!
**Screaming Allowed
The caps are mine and are added for emphasis. At all TILTS, the driver cannot see over the hood of the vehicle. Here is where drivers are instructed to take their foot off the gas, let the vehicle carry them, and let the engine act as brake.
The reason for 8 TILTS on the track is to prove, once again, that the vehicles will not turn over. Spotters were all around the track to assure drivers received the most help possible; which was needed around the Log Bridge. Navigating between 2-3 logs to go over a deep hole required some finesse.
It was lots of fun and something all Jeep owners and prospective owners should definitely try.
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Women With Wheels
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