Five epic American drives

When he’s not writing about American stock-car racing for Fox Sports, Tom Jensen is embarking on some of his home nation’s most awesome drives. He tells The Club about awe-inspiring scenery in Maui and leisurely ocean drives in North Carolina

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1. Hāna Highway, Maui, Hawaii

This stretch of rugged shoreline, that runs between Kahului and the town of Hāna on the Hawaiian island of Maui, is incredible. It’s a narrow and twisting road with a lot of tight corners, best tackled in a nimble sports car. The elevated route means you always have a great view of the ocean.

Car of choice: Mazda Miata

2. Tail of the Dragon Route 129: Tennessee to Deals Gap, USA

This was a big moonshiners road, and is where the movie Thunder Road was filmed in 1958. It’s 11 miles long, with 318 turns and switchbacks in that short distance, so it really requires your attention. It’s best driven during off-peak hours, otherwise it gets crowded with motorcycles.

Car of choice: Corvette C7

3. California State Route 17: San Jose to Santa Cruz, USA

This road starts in San Jose and goes through the rich suburb of Los Cabos and the Silicon Valley area. Once you reach the bottom of the hill, you end up on the famous Route 1. Most people stop in Santa Cruz, but I prefer to go one town south to Capitola. Only the locals know it and there are good bars and restaurants.

Car of choice: Porsche 911 convertible

4. Skyline Drive, Virginia, USA

This takes you through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, leading up to Shenandoah National Park. It’s not particularly challenging but you get some of America’s most magnificent scenery: you drive past beautiful trees, bushes and flowers, and can even see deer. The speed limit is 55mph, so you have time to take it all in.

Car of choice: Chevy Tahoe

5. North Carolina Highway 12, USA

This drive stretches for 148 miles along the Outer Banks, connecting the barrier islands of my home state of North Carolina. The road sits a few feet above sea level, and sometimes the water washes over it. If you love the ocean it’s an exciting place. You can even get the ferry to the south of North Carolina if you want to make a day of it.

Car of choice: Jaguar XJ

Tom Jensen

Five epic American drives

1. Hāna Highway, Maui, Hawaii

2. Tail of the Dragon Route 129: Tennessee to Deals Gap, USA

3. California State Route 17: San Jose to Santa Cruz, USA

4. Skyline Drive, Virginia, USA

5. North Carolina Highway 12, USA

1. Hāna Highway, Maui, Hawaii

2. Tail of the Dragon Route 129: Tennessee to Deals Gap, USA

3. California State Route 17: San Jose to Santa Cruz, USA

4. Skyline Drive, Virginia, USA

5. North Carolina Highway 12, USA

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