Stock Car Racing News – articles | Several Fords Caught Up In Daytona 12-Car Wreck | The Official Site of Ford Racing | Racing.Ford.com

Stock Car Racing News – articles | Several Fords Caught Up In Daytona 12-Car Wreck | The Official Site of Ford Racing | Racing.Ford.com.

JAN. 11, 2013
A number of Ford drivers were involved in a 12 car wreck early in the afternoon drafting session at Daytona Preseason Thunder testing Friday afternoon. The wreck ended the day for the No. 99 of Carl Edwards and the weekend for Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Marcos Ambrose and Aric Almirola. Ford Racing caught up with several of those affected to get their thoughts.
MARCOS AMBROSE, No. 9 Stanley Ford Fusion — HAVE YOU HAD A CHANCE TO SEE WHAT TOOK PLACE BESIDES WHAT YOU WITNESSED FIRSTHAND BEHIND THE WHEEL?  “No, I haven’t seen it yet. But it doesn’t really matter. I just feel bad for my Stanley and Richard Petty Motorsports team. You know, I had junior pushing me. He’s just a great drafter, really can feel it well. I guess I just got caught on the edge of the bumper there and with the shaped noses and the tires, just spun me out. It was hardly even a bump. It was just enough at the wrong angle, wrong time and just went for a spin. I feel bad for everybody because quite a few cars were torn up there. But we’ll repair this one and probably build a couple new ones and get ready for Speedweeks.”

WAS IT MORE OF AN INCIDENT OF A TYPICAL DRAFTING TYPE DEAL WITH THIS OR WAS THIS MORE RELATED TO THE NEW CARS?
  “Well, certainly we used to get greedy with the old cars. It was very easy to bump draft. You really had a good square surface to push from. You could get across on an angle and still get away with it. So I guess we are used to that.  I didn’t think anything of it. I got a couple shots from him down the backstretch and we carried some steam. Just the third shot just spun me out. So I definitely think it’s a consequence of the new shape, and like a downforce, the car’s very light and it doesn’t take much.”

ARIC ALMIROLA, No. 43 Smithfield Ford Fusion –
“I actually had just gotten in the draft two laps before that. We came in and made some adjustments and it was a lot better. I am not sure what happened. I saw Marcos get hooked but couldn’t tell who it was. It is just part of this kind of racing. We are in a big pack and if something goes wrong at the front we are all in it. Maybe the bad luck is out of the way before we come back here for Speedweeks. You never want to tear up race cars, that is no fun. The bright side is that the change we made is better and hopefully when we come back down here for Speedweeks we won’t be in that big one.”
WHAT IS YOUR SITUATION WITH A BACKUP CAR?  “I don’t know. We get a ride from Roush and I know the 99 was in the wreck as well and our two cars were in it. I don’t know if we will go home or wait for the other Roush teams to finish testing. We will have to wait and see.”
BRAD KESELOWSKI, No. 2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion – WHAT DID YOU SEE?  “I didn’t see anything. I saw cars smoking and wrecking in front of me. I think I ran into the back of the 43 and someone ran into me. That is just the way this deal is. It is unfortunate but sometimes you have to wreck ‘em to learn.”
WHAT DID YOU LEARN IN THE DRAFT WITH THIS NEW CAR?  “The sport is rewinding. That is the important thing to say. The sport advanced to the two-car tandem three or four years ago and there were certain things you could do then that you couldn’t do in the past without wrecking. Now the rules package is back to where we were in the early 2000’s when the fans enjoyed the racing better. I think we as drivers have to rewind to how we used to drive those cars. This is how you do it. You make mistakes and learn and that is part of it. I might be the guy that makes the mistake next time so I can’t be mad about it. It is unfortunate that there are torn up cars but lets be honest, it is January and we have another month-and-a-half to build them right. Nobody if the field was going to race these cars anyway. We will build another one and have the Miller Lite Ford ready for the Daytona 500.”
IT LOOKS LIKE YOU CAN’T GET PULLED UP TO EACH OTHER TIGHT ON THE BACK BUMPER. CAN YOU NOT DO IT OR IS IT NOT THE FASTER WAY? “I think you can see from Dale that you can do it but we are all learning the consequences and nobody wants to be that guy. Unfortunately somebody has to be that guy. That is the way it is.”
JOEY LOGANO, No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford Fusion – “It is unfortunate that we tore up the Shell Pennzoil Ford Fusion. We weren’t taking this one back anyway so the chances are we were going to cut the body off it and do something different anyway. It isn’t the end of the world for us but I would have liked to get another day of testing. That would have been more valuable than the car for us even. It is a bummer for the guys that work on these things. I don’t even know how that started. I just saw smoke and we all ran into each other. It all happened too quick.”
WHAT WAS IT LIKE IN THE PACK? HOW WAS THE CAR HANDLING?  “It was good for me. The car didn’t have a ton of speed but it handled really good. We were making pretty good gains. Hopefully we will bring back a car that handles good with some more speed and we can go out there and get some trophies when we come back here for Speedweeks.”
CARL EDWARDS, No. 99 Fastenal Ford Fusion – “This is okay. The car is barely tore up. It isn’t like we flipped or anything. It is really too bad but I don’t know how hard you are supposed to test. You want to learn everything you can. We made it almost 90 minutes. That is pretty good for us as a group of guys (laughter).”
BIFFLE SAID THE BACK END FELT LIKE IT WAS LIFTING. DID YOU FEEL THAT?  “Yeah. The cars are stuck less and they are looser. That is good for racing. It is good for the fans. It will make it more exciting and make pit strategy come into play. If you put tires on you will be able to go faster. I think all of that is good. This is going to be a heck of a race. I like that the cars were sliding around and hard to drive. It will make it a fun race.”

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

 

ROUSH Performance Set for GRAND-AM Season Opener at Daytona

ROUSH Performance Set for GRAND-AM Season Opener at Daytona
ROUSH Performance is ready for next weekend’s GRAND-AM season opener at Daytona where they’ll attempt to kick-start their 2013 season the same way they began their 2012 campaign – with a win! The team will enter a trio of Mustang Boss 302Rs – the No. 61 driven by Jack Roush Jr. and Billy Johnson, the No. 51 piloted by Shelby Blackstock and Joey Atterbury and the No. 49 for Roly Falgueras and Brian Ortiz. Cheer on ROUSH Performance and the rest of the Mustang Boss 302R contingent this weekend at Daytona!

 

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: Worthy of the Name? – Autoholics

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray: Worthy of the Name? – Autoholics.

Chevy hasn’t used the Stingray name since 1967.

C7 2014

C7 2014

 

Thanks for reading.  Lots more to come – drop a comment, pick up the Feed, register!!!

Tim

2014 Corvette Stingray

So by  now you’ve heard and mostly seen the new C7 Corvette for 2014.

I don’t think there’s been a more redesigned Vette since the 1984 C4.

5 Driving modes

7 Speed Manual transmission

99 lbs lighter than the C6

Direct Injection with push-rods in a small block

And Camaro taillights!!!

Here are some pics:

2014-Chevrolet-Corvette-6.2L-LT1-engine-623x389 2014-corvette-stingray-01 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Tell me what you like and what you don’t!!

Tim

A Great Car Collection and Super Cool Garage!!

With Barrett Jackson Auction just a few days way.  Take a look at Craig Jackson’s Garage  in Paradise Valley, AZ

 

Very cool

Tim

 

 

 

 

Next-Gen LT1 6.2-Liter V-8 for 2014 Corvette Revealed with 450 HP, New Tech – WOT on Motor Trend

With the new C7 just days away with from it’s reveal – will it look the a Camaro or not much of a change from the C6?

We  don’t exactly know, but what we do know it will have the GM small block a mainstay for 57 years.  This version will be almost all new and dubbed the “LT1”,  (after the 70’s engine) and will be naturally aspirated with direct fuel injection (the first with push rods).  The idea is that the base Corvette will have 450 hp and 450 lb-ft, compression will be 11.5:1 and get 26 miles per gallon (yeah….RIGHT!!).

Read some more at the link below and in the Feb 2013 Edition of Motor Trend read “Up Close and Personal With the LT1” (page 15).

Next-Gen LT1 6.2-Liter V-8 for 2014 Corvette Revealed with 450 HP, New Tech – WOT on Motor Trend.

6.2 Liter LT1

6.2 Liter LT1

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

 

SEMA offers up to $5,000 in automotive scholarships for 2013 | Hemmings Blog: Classic and collectible cars and parts

SEMA offers up to $5,000 in automotive scholarships for 2013 | Hemmings Blog: Classic and collectible cars and parts.

Hot Rod Neighborhood

Tell me what you know about hot rods?

Well they’re cool!  Yes, that’s true.  But what makes them cool?

The shine of the chrome, the rumble of the engine, the ear-splitting sound of no headers that lead to the high-pitched sound of rubber over coming friction.  Yup all that too!!

If you are an owner, working on them make it pretty cool too, despite the mess.

I was reading an article in GoodGuys magazine where the writer (a hot rodder) would love to greet new neighbors by revving his hot rod and laying down some rubber in front of their house.  In the course of  article he matured a bit which improved his standing with the neighbors.

I’m glad he did because frankly he wasn’t doing the hobby of hot rodding or muscle car ownership any favors.  It reflects poorly on us and makes it harder to protect the ability to pursue the hobby at home.  There’s no reason to be a “Richard Cranium” (I have friends whose kids read this)!!!!

Let me share a story from my own neighborhood.

A few years back a guy moved in next door who was a DPS (State Trooper).  I was glad to see that since I’m a former cop and I was “DELIGHTED” when a couple of days later a bright yellow 1962 Chevy II drag car showed up on a trailer outside his house.  It was all I could do to keep from running over there and take it off the trailer for him.  The car was beautiful.  And the first day he fired it up – windows rattled 1/4 mile away.  It was awesome!!!

After a couple of months the thrill ran out. The owner would move the car out of his garage on to the driveway and running for long periods of time – while tuning and most of that was a the same decibel level you get at the drag strip that’s just 7 miles way (you can actually hear it on a calm day in my front yard).  As much as I enjoy cars, especially those that are fast and loud, there became a point where I starting to think my other neighbors were right to complain.

Now listen, my Mustang is pretty loud, and I’m sure a few of my neighbors are bothered slightly – but this guy made me look like a saint!!!

But, I think the tipping point for me was when he and a buddy (I would loved to help – in fact it might have been better if I did…the ‘why’ is coming up) decided to tear down that monster power plant in the driveway.  “Well what of it?” You might be tempted to ask.  Well they did so while allowing a wide stream of all the fluids (oil, antifreeze, fuel) to run down the driveway (driveway has a steep angle) into and across the street (which is mid-way a slope) and down the gutter on the opposite side.  It traveled about some distance passing about 4 house/driveways.  Needless to say neighborhood cars’ tires spread it further down the street and into their respective driveways.

Now, I like working on my cars and the “why” it would have been better if I had helped is the fact that I have all the containers I personally use to capture, hold and properly dispose of these fluids.  Oh, I’ve had my share of spills, but nothing as offensive as their failure to even attempt to stem the flow, much less clean it up.

Adding insult to injury, they left that big block GM motor open and dripping for two more days.

This was of course unacceptable to most on the street and as a car guy, I was horrible disappointed that a follow enthusiast had such disregard for those around him and the environment.  It wasn’t much after that I saw the car on the trailer and a moving van followed.

Now I know that owning a hot rod or muscle car isn’t perfectly clean but there is no excuse for such behavior.

Do what you can to protect the environment, and the image of the hobby.  Don’t be a Richard Cranium and ruin it for the rest of us.

So be reasonable and responsible!!!

1. Keep the mess contained to your garage or property.

2. Capture your fluids in the proper containers and have it disposed of properly.  Make friends with the local auto repair places and they may even take it off your hands.  Even auto parts stores will help recycle some fluids.

3.  If you can’t afford the containers or to have the fluids disposed of, then maybe you should have the car.

4.  Don’t run your car at inconsiderate hours and for extended periods. (I try very hard to warm up the Mustang and get out of the housing development a soon a possible.  I also do what tune up and testing as necessary but if I have to upon it up I’ll take to outside housing area to do so.

Thanks for reading.

Tim

Model Cars, or How I Spent My Winter.

I happen to live where the weather is nice nearly year round.  You could almost always work on your car.  But even here in Southern Arizona, we get a cold spells….HEY…36 degree (morning temperature) is cold!!!!

Ok…enough whining. There are many of you that live a bit North of here and driveing much less working on your project car  is more like Man vs. Wild in the Antarctic – I know I’ve lived in Nebraska and up-state (way up) New York.

So one cool way to spend the winter it collecting model cars (actually you can do that any time).  I wrote a piece about 3 years ago (Yikes I’ve been writing this blog for that long!!!) about collecting model cars.  Here  a link:  When You Just have to have that Classic/Muscle Car?…Think Small!!!!        http://wp.me/p2YxYx-1rV

As you can see (compared to 3 years ago) my collection has grown a bit.

The Mustangs

The Mustangs

The Vettes

The Vettes

Few others

Few others

More of the collection.

More of the collection.

These are only a few that I have room to display. Of course these were all purchased and unless you are big in to dusting, this isn’t really going to help those winter months speed by.

But building your own can be rewarding.  Here are a couple I have on deck for building.

This is a 1963 model kit of a Stutz Bearcat and a Model T

This is a 1963 model kit of a Stutz Bearcat and a Model T

IMAG1725 IMAG1726 IMAG1727 IMAG1728

The Stutz model pieces are not there, but yes I’m gong to but the Model T together.

After that I have this one coming up:

1930 Packard.  This is a 1960's model - the original box is long gone

1930 Packard. This is a 1960’s model – the original box is long gone

IMAG1731 What am I working on now?

How about an Edsel?  Yup love those cars.

Here’s the body in the first stage of painting:

Edsel in paint

Edsel in paint

This is an experiment.  It’s the first model car I’ve painted by spraying on the paint.  This is the first coat and it will be sanded and re-sprayed.    I want this two toned with the rear quarter panel inserts will be black or white.  So I experimented with some liquid masking that my wife uses when she is doing her rendering.

 

Art Masking Liquid

Art Masking Liquid

This actually worked very well.  After it’s applied it rubberizes  and protects the area from paint spray.  It comes right off when you are done.  I used a pencil eraser (exactly what my wife uses on her hand rendered drawings and I used a tooth pick to get around the lettering.

So spend you winter building a classic, or a hot rod, or a muscle car!

Thanks for reading.

Tim

 

 

 

When You Just have to have that Classic/Muscle Car?…Think Small!!!!

This is a repeat – it got lost in the move to the new domain – I had to add it back to the archives so I could refer to it in my up and coming post on Model Cars.

I should throw “collecting” in the title of this blog (but it’s really long enough), because, although it’s about 2.5 months old, I have mentioned collecting a bunch of times.  But really that is part of hobby as well.

Of course if I were to list all the cars I’d love collect, it would be fairly long and in reality (my reality) unaffordable..unless you are Jay Leno… I hate that guy.  Ok..I don’t hate him…not really..the green-eyed monster made me say that.

Since I’m not as funny as Jay and I have to work for a living….what?…..ok..ok….I’m sure Jay works very hard…I guess…it’s tough reading funny newpaper clips….ok…Sorry Jay, I have “substituted” this alternative method of obtaining the cars I’d love to own.

You all figured it out yet?  I’m talking about models, scale diecast replicas.  There is an entire industry out there that produces, imports and markets these items.  Some of them are extremely well done.

Here are some shots of my collection.  I’m concentrating on the Mustangs and Corvettes in the sizes  1/18 or 1/24 scale.

These are a few of Mustangs

The Mustangs

And these are a few of the Corvettes.

The Corvettes
A Few of the Vettes

Most of these are Danbury Mint  and GMP pieces, I do like what they produce, lots of details and they are affordable (around $100.00 each).

Here is a few shots of the 1967 GT 350.

GT350
GMP 1967 GT350 Interior
Ford GT350
GMP Mustang GT350 Engine compartment

The Franklin mint produces cars, Greenleaf, Motormint, just to name a few.

It’s fun and affordable and they do increase in value.  It’s gotten so popular that even the mainstream car magazines like Hemmings (they normally have at least one article in every Motor News edition), Mustang Monthly and Corvette magazine have articles that discuss this portion of the hobby and even rate the quality of individual brands and their offerings.

If you collect already or want to get started drop a comment to this post. Toss in some pic as well.

Thanks for reading.

Tim