A couple of weeks ago, we ventured south into the Smoky Mountains to attend an event that had been on our hit list for quite some time: Rennsport Dragon Rally. This driving event brings together over 250 Porsches for an unforgettable tour of the legendary Tail of the Dragon and other lesser known (but arguably better) roads in the Smoky Mountains. We spent 3 days driving, riding along, and recording content that we’re excited to share with you.
What is Rennsport Dragon Rally?
Rennsport Dragon Rally was born from one man’s passion for the winding roads of the Smoky Mountains. That man’s name is Josh Vandergriff, and we’re going to tell you his story. Back in 2018, Josh spent weekends behind the wheel of his 996 911, exploring the legendary Tail of the Dragon in his freetime. Josh noticed events for Miatas and Mini Coopers were plenty, but there was a glaring gap—nothing tailored specifically for Porsches. Josh envisioned a community for Porsche lovers who were more interested in the thrill of driving than simply parking and chatting. He wanted to bring a blend of professionalism, safety, and guidance to the Tail of the Dragon scene.
So, in June 2018, Josh took a leap and hosted the very first Rennsport Dragon Rally. Only 12 cars showed up, and just three participants attended the drivers meeting. With such a modest turnout, Josh questioned whether continuing the event was worth it. Yet, the rally raised just enough funds for him to buy some parts for his car, making the effort worthwhile.
By 2019, the rally had gained traction, drawing 87 cars and generating so much enthusiasm that attendees begged Josh to host a second rally that fall. He obliged, and despite relentless rain, around 80 participants showed up, making it a wet but unforgettable experience.
The event’s momentum soared during the COVID-19 pandemic. With concerts and public venues shut down and people craving freedom, the rally offered a perfect escape. Social distancing? No problem when you’re racing down mountain roads. Participants packed lunches and ate in public parks, as venues were not allowed to host large groups of people.
Fast forward to this year, and the Rennsport Dragon Rally has grown to host over 250 enthusiasts. We had the thrill of joining the action, experiencing the exhilaration firsthand with rides in various Porsches up and down the mountain. The event was filled with camaraderie, roaring engines, and the breathtaking beauty of twisty mountain roads. The powerful sound of SOUL exhaust echoing through the mountains added to the electrifying atmosphere, making each drive unforgettable. It was an unforgettable celebration of community and driving passion. Beyond the excitement of the rally itself, it also proved to be an incredible networking opportunity. We connected with countless like-minded individuals, sparking new relationships that we are eager to develop further. There’s a certain magic that unfolds when so many passionate enthusiasts come together in one place.
This year, the Rennsport Dragon Rally focused its efforts on supporting Hurricane Milton relief, responding to the devastating impact of unprecedented destruction in North Carolina. The rally successfully raised over $26,000 to aid disaster recovery and support affected communities. Contributing to this impressive fundraising, SOUL played a role by auctioning discounts on exhaust systems and offering a set of our new SOUL Forged Wheels as part of a giveaway. This initiative underscored the rally’s commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond the driving experience, bringing together enthusiasts for a shared cause and demonstrating the power of community in times of need.
SOUL Customers in Attendance
SOUL had some awesome customer cars in attendance. If you heard a flat-six racing down the mountain, there’s a good chance it was a SOUL exhaust system. A handful 911s and Caymans were running our systems, but the GT4 RS customers were out in numbers! We had the pleasure of riding with Ryan Elswick in his stunning Ruby Star Neo GT4 RS, equipped with our 718 GT4 RS Race Exhaust Package. It’s safe to say his car left an impression. As one of the leaders of the Extreme Group, everyone following got a dose of the SOUL experience.
Wolfpen, a leading European performance shop and trusted SOUL dealer, brought a remarkable GT4 RS build to the rally. Built as the ultimate backroad ripper, and what better place to test it than on the tailored roads Josh mapped out for the event. It features an impressive list of modifications, including a complete Aero Package, Motion Control Suspension, and (most importantly) the SOUL Full Performance Package.
This year’s Rennsport Dragon Rally was an absolute blast! We look forward to working hand in hand with Josh to make this a continued success in the future, for us and all Porsche enthusiasts. We enjoyed the thrill of driving incredible cars on some of the finest roads, all while building new friendships along the way. We were proud to support a meaningful cause and play a part in the ongoing rebuilding efforts in North Carolina, and appreciate all of our customers and friends that participated in this event to accomplish that. This stands out as one of the premier driving experiences in North America, especially for Porsche enthusiasts.
