Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Can't Compare Johnson's Three to Cale Yarborough's Three
So Jimmy Johnson won his third championship in a row yesterday. Good for him. But it can't be considered the same as when Yarborough did it in the '70s. Keep with me after the jump for more...
David?s Blog: Happy Thanksgiving
David talks about Miami, Thanksgiving and getting ready for the 2011 season in this week's video blog
Chevy Also Funny Car Match Racer
This was a difficult post to write, because I didn’t want to sensationalize a tragedy, yet I wanted to recognize a neglected car and driver. Today, sanctioning bodies and track officials are fairly transparent when a fatal accident occurs at the race track. No one likes to see a racing calamity, but the leaders of [...]
Monday, November 29, 2010
Can't Compare Johnson's Three to Cale Yarborough's Three
So Jimmy Johnson won his third championship in a row yesterday. Good for him. But it can't be considered the same as when Yarborough did it in the '70s. Keep with me after the jump for more...
David?s Blog: Special Delivery in Daytona
David talks about delivering Daytona 500 tickets this week and getting ready for the last race of the season
The Good Year Blimp: NASCAR's Biggest Overseer
It?s been as much a part of American motorsports as Richard Petty or the small-block Chevy V8. It?s the Goodyear blimp, circling up there a couple of thousand feet above the racetracks (and above other sports venues), providing an aerial platform for a television camera so we can get a bird?s-eye perspective of the action.
Actually, Goodyear has three blimps in this country (and another based in China). Ours are the Spirit of Innovation, based in Florida; the Spirit of Goodyear, based near Goodyear?s headquarters in Akron, Ohio; and the Spirit of America, based near Los Angeles.
Goodyear was the blimp pioneer in this country. Its first blimp was the Pilgrim, launched in 1925. A Goodyear blimp flew over the 1932 Olympic Games at Los Angeles. Goodyear blimps served as overhead surveillance platforms for the U.S. Navy in World War II. A Goodyear blimp first carried a TV camera above a sporting event at the Orange Bowl football game in 1960.
Why, you may ask, use the blimp instead of a handy helicopter? For one thing, a helicopter can stay aloft only 2 �-3 hours before it needs a pit stop, but the blimp carries 30 hours of fuel.
Speaking of pit stops, while a single pilot can fly a blimp, it takes a large ground crew to wrangle such an airship so it can land or take off. I got to see this first-hand recently when Goodyear invited me to take a 50-minute flight in the Spirit of America while it was in Phoenix during a NASCAR racing weekend.
As the pilot maneuvers the blimp near the ground, the 20-some person ground crew rushes over and grabs mooring lines to hold it into position. It really doesn?t ?land,? but is held in a hovering position while two members of the ground crew attach a ladder so passengers and pilots can enter or exit.
Our pilot, Capt. Kristen Davis, sat at controls that are sort of a cross between those in an airplane and those on a large boat, and Capt. Davis explained that ?flying? the blimp has a lot in common with piloting a large boat on an ocean of air.
As in a helicopter, however, you almost don?t have the sense of flying; you feel more like you?re sitting almost still and the land below simply retreats beneath you.
I?d been invited aboard a Goodyear blimp once before, several years ago at Daytona Beach, but the flight was canceled because of a storm. Even in sunny weather, Capt. Davis explained, the blimp remains grounded when winds exceed 25 miles per hour.
The Spirit of America seats seven, and, yes, we were told, we were free to move about the cabin. In fact, Capt. Davis encouraged us rotate from time to time so each of us could have an opportunity to sit up front to take in the view out the windshield.
It was quite a view!
Read more from Larry Edsall at iZoom
Photo Credit: Gary Brown
Actually, Goodyear has three blimps in this country (and another based in China). Ours are the Spirit of Innovation, based in Florida; the Spirit of Goodyear, based near Goodyear?s headquarters in Akron, Ohio; and the Spirit of America, based near Los Angeles.
Goodyear was the blimp pioneer in this country. Its first blimp was the Pilgrim, launched in 1925. A Goodyear blimp flew over the 1932 Olympic Games at Los Angeles. Goodyear blimps served as overhead surveillance platforms for the U.S. Navy in World War II. A Goodyear blimp first carried a TV camera above a sporting event at the Orange Bowl football game in 1960.
Why, you may ask, use the blimp instead of a handy helicopter? For one thing, a helicopter can stay aloft only 2 �-3 hours before it needs a pit stop, but the blimp carries 30 hours of fuel.
Speaking of pit stops, while a single pilot can fly a blimp, it takes a large ground crew to wrangle such an airship so it can land or take off. I got to see this first-hand recently when Goodyear invited me to take a 50-minute flight in the Spirit of America while it was in Phoenix during a NASCAR racing weekend.
As the pilot maneuvers the blimp near the ground, the 20-some person ground crew rushes over and grabs mooring lines to hold it into position. It really doesn?t ?land,? but is held in a hovering position while two members of the ground crew attach a ladder so passengers and pilots can enter or exit.
Our pilot, Capt. Kristen Davis, sat at controls that are sort of a cross between those in an airplane and those on a large boat, and Capt. Davis explained that ?flying? the blimp has a lot in common with piloting a large boat on an ocean of air.
As in a helicopter, however, you almost don?t have the sense of flying; you feel more like you?re sitting almost still and the land below simply retreats beneath you.
I?d been invited aboard a Goodyear blimp once before, several years ago at Daytona Beach, but the flight was canceled because of a storm. Even in sunny weather, Capt. Davis explained, the blimp remains grounded when winds exceed 25 miles per hour.
The Spirit of America seats seven, and, yes, we were told, we were free to move about the cabin. In fact, Capt. Davis encouraged us rotate from time to time so each of us could have an opportunity to sit up front to take in the view out the windshield.
It was quite a view!
Read more from Larry Edsall at iZoom
Photo Credit: Gary Brown
Picture: Mercedes-Benz 300SL at the Bonneville Salt Flats
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Photo credits: Bryan Jones 55 years old, still amazingly beautiful, still fast. [source: Jonesblog ] ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Please Help Shane Hmiel's Recovery
USAC racer (and former NASCAR driver) Shane Hmiel was involved in a violent qualifying accident for the SUMAR Classic at Terre Haute in early October. Hmiel was attempting to qualify for the Silver Crown race when he lost control of the car and flipped lid first into the concrete barrier, suffering devastating injuries. In an effort to raise money to offset the medical costs incurred by Shane Hmiel, there are several fundraisers planned. Funds raised by the following events will go to help Shane and other injured drivers. If you are in the area of the fundraisers and have the ability to help- please consider doing so:
November 17th 4:00 PM - Lake Norman, NCSilent auction to be held at the Rusty Rudder, one of the racing community's favorite hangouts right on the water. Come enjoy some good food, live music and friends of Shane, while bidding on rare racing memorabilia from the sports biggest names, tickets to events, and plenty of awesome merchandise donated from all over the Carolinas. Come meet some of racing's stars and have a good time for a good cause. Bidding will end at 8:00PM, but the party can go as long as people want it to. Open to anyone and everyone. (A small donation will be appreciated at the door. Items for bid and additional information will be released before the date of the auction, but plan on being there regardless).
November 17th 9:00 PM - Lake Norman, NC Party hosted by Shane's brother Tyler at the Comedy Zone above Galway Hooker. Party to feature Shaun Jones, one of the nations top touring stand up comedians who has been featured on television stand up hours and acted alongside Jamie Foxx in feature films. To attend the event you will need to purchase a ticket in the form of a $40 donation at lkncomedy.com. In addition to the party, everyone that attends will receive an exclusive "Heal The Real Deal" t-shirt, and be entered in a raffle for some great prizes. Food and beverage will be available for purchase, with proceeds going towards Shane's recovery.
November 30th - IMIS Show Opening Night Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis, IN Silent auction to be held at the opening night of the International Motorsports Industry Show. Open to all vendors and attendees of the 2010 IMIS show. Racing memorabilia from the biggest names in open wheel racing. Stuff you will not be able to get anywhere else. In addition, there will be a booth at the show throughout the week, where you can stop by, hang out and make a contribution to Shane's recovery.
November 30th 9:00PM - Downtown Indy Party at Jillians immediately following the IMIS auction. Open to everyone that wants to be there. Come hang out with the stars of USAC, as well as other big name open wheel VIP's that will be in attendance. A small donation at the door will get you entered in a raffle with some awesome prizes. Food and beverage proceeds to be donated to the fund. You will have a chance to get autographs and take pictures, but most importantly talk racing with real racers. It will be a memorable night that you will not want to miss.
December 5th Concord NC - Field Fillers Fairgrounds Cart race featuring some of the biggest up and comers in racing. Located behind the Joi of Seating race shop is an asphalt oval racetrack that provides some of the most exciting action you will ever see, not just in carts, but in all of racing. Grassroots motorsports at it finest. The atmosphere will be festival like and JAQ's famous BBQ plates will be available for a small donation. This is going to be a lot of fun. Racing is open to anyone that wants to attempt to qualify for the event. All carts are allowed to race. The only rule is that it runs a limited flathead motor. Other than that, its run what you brung. T-shirts will be for sale. There is no charge to come to the show, but you will have an opportunity to "sponsor" a driver as we try to figure out who can raise the most money. This is one race that you will regret not seeing with your own eyes.
TO STAY UP TO DATE ON EVERYTHING INVOLVING SHANE'S RECOVERY PLEASE JOIN HIS ROAD TO RECOVERY FACEBOOK PAGE
-Amy
Read More from Amy Marbach at Amy's Bad Groove
Photo Credit: Road to Recovery Facebook Page
November 17th 4:00 PM - Lake Norman, NCSilent auction to be held at the Rusty Rudder, one of the racing community's favorite hangouts right on the water. Come enjoy some good food, live music and friends of Shane, while bidding on rare racing memorabilia from the sports biggest names, tickets to events, and plenty of awesome merchandise donated from all over the Carolinas. Come meet some of racing's stars and have a good time for a good cause. Bidding will end at 8:00PM, but the party can go as long as people want it to. Open to anyone and everyone. (A small donation will be appreciated at the door. Items for bid and additional information will be released before the date of the auction, but plan on being there regardless).
November 17th 9:00 PM - Lake Norman, NC Party hosted by Shane's brother Tyler at the Comedy Zone above Galway Hooker. Party to feature Shaun Jones, one of the nations top touring stand up comedians who has been featured on television stand up hours and acted alongside Jamie Foxx in feature films. To attend the event you will need to purchase a ticket in the form of a $40 donation at lkncomedy.com. In addition to the party, everyone that attends will receive an exclusive "Heal The Real Deal" t-shirt, and be entered in a raffle for some great prizes. Food and beverage will be available for purchase, with proceeds going towards Shane's recovery.
November 30th - IMIS Show Opening Night Lucas Oil Stadium - Indianapolis, IN Silent auction to be held at the opening night of the International Motorsports Industry Show. Open to all vendors and attendees of the 2010 IMIS show. Racing memorabilia from the biggest names in open wheel racing. Stuff you will not be able to get anywhere else. In addition, there will be a booth at the show throughout the week, where you can stop by, hang out and make a contribution to Shane's recovery.
November 30th 9:00PM - Downtown Indy Party at Jillians immediately following the IMIS auction. Open to everyone that wants to be there. Come hang out with the stars of USAC, as well as other big name open wheel VIP's that will be in attendance. A small donation at the door will get you entered in a raffle with some awesome prizes. Food and beverage proceeds to be donated to the fund. You will have a chance to get autographs and take pictures, but most importantly talk racing with real racers. It will be a memorable night that you will not want to miss.
December 5th Concord NC - Field Fillers Fairgrounds Cart race featuring some of the biggest up and comers in racing. Located behind the Joi of Seating race shop is an asphalt oval racetrack that provides some of the most exciting action you will ever see, not just in carts, but in all of racing. Grassroots motorsports at it finest. The atmosphere will be festival like and JAQ's famous BBQ plates will be available for a small donation. This is going to be a lot of fun. Racing is open to anyone that wants to attempt to qualify for the event. All carts are allowed to race. The only rule is that it runs a limited flathead motor. Other than that, its run what you brung. T-shirts will be for sale. There is no charge to come to the show, but you will have an opportunity to "sponsor" a driver as we try to figure out who can raise the most money. This is one race that you will regret not seeing with your own eyes.
TO STAY UP TO DATE ON EVERYTHING INVOLVING SHANE'S RECOVERY PLEASE JOIN HIS ROAD TO RECOVERY FACEBOOK PAGE
-Amy
Read More from Amy Marbach at Amy's Bad Groove
Photo Credit: Road to Recovery Facebook Page
Sunday, November 28, 2010
David?s Blog: Back to Short Track Racing
David and the UPS team head back to Martinsville Speedway this weekend. The team is coming off a top-10 finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Honda Jazz Price and Hybrid Model Features Review
Are you looking for Honda Jazz price ? Do you want to know more about the new hybrid Jazz features ? Follow me and let's take a quick peek
This Week in the NASCAR Blogosphere
By the end of the race at Lowe’s Motorspeedway the Chase will be half over. When the heck did that happen? I don’t know. Last weekend’s race at Talladega provided Tony Stewart with his first win of the season, his first win there in a sprint cup car and ended his 43 race winless streak. [...]
BMMC?S Rescue Unit attends BADMC?S Rescue Training Day
On Sunday the 22nd of November members of��BMMC rescue, Henderson Rescue�and Ballynahinch Motor Club rescue met up at TBF Thompsons, Belfast�for a day of rescue training. During the morning Keith Thompson and trainer�Chris Wilson ran through the workings of�BMMC's hydraulic cutting equipment and showed us a�very�practical solution to freeing an entrapped foot from under a [...]
Chevy Also Funny Car Match Racer
This was a difficult post to write, because I didn’t want to sensationalize a tragedy, yet I wanted to recognize a neglected car and driver. Today, sanctioning bodies and track officials are fairly transparent when a fatal accident occurs at the race track. No one likes to see a racing calamity, but the leaders of [...]
BMMC?S Rescue Unit attends BADMC?S Rescue Training Day
On Sunday the 22nd of November members of��BMMC rescue, Henderson Rescue�and Ballynahinch Motor Club rescue met up at TBF Thompsons, Belfast�for a day of rescue training. During the morning Keith Thompson and trainer�Chris Wilson ran through the workings of�BMMC's hydraulic cutting equipment and showed us a�very�practical solution to freeing an entrapped foot from under a [...]
Saturday, November 27, 2010
David?s Blog: Bringing Logistics to ?Dega
David Ragan and the UPS team head to 'Dega this weekend with a special UPS Logistics Ford Fusion
When Funny Cars had Names
Once, a catchy name was every bit as important to a funny car driver as a supercharger and nitro. A look back at some of the exciting names from yesteryear.
Miller to Unveil Revolutionary TIG Welder at 2008 SEMA Show
Get hands-on experience and expert demonstrations of MIG welding, TIG welding and plasma cutting. Test Miller TIG and MIG welders that make it easier to learn to weldperfect for enthusiast-level motorsports applications.
PerformaBuilt Transmissions announces our Holiday Transmission Giveaway!
How about a FREE transmission for Christmas! A PerformaBuilt spokesman said, ?In the spirit of the holidays, we are refunding Full Purchase Price to a retail customer who buys a transmission between October 1 and December 24, 2010. There will be weekly drawings with the winners published on our website. Each weekly winner receives a ... Read full blog
Friday, November 26, 2010
Bayne?s Cup Debut Lost In The Shuffle
While most of the talk this week centered around the Burton/Gordon scuffle, the 48 pit crew swap, and the championship battle, young Trevor Bayne’s Cup Series�debut went almost unnoticed.� Bayne was making his�first ever Cup start driving the famous Wood Brothers #21, and he certainly did not disappoint. Over the last few seasons, the Wood [...]TheNASCARInsiders.com
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Superstores!
Enjuku Racing Parts, LLC. is proud to announce the launch of some of our newest Super Store Websites. Be sure to check them all out.
Do you have a car that isnt a 240sx? Do you want some parts that may not be on our main EnjukuRacing.com site? Now we have SuperStore sites with Every
Do you have a car that isnt a 240sx? Do you want some parts that may not be on our main EnjukuRacing.com site? Now we have SuperStore sites with Every
The NASCAR Week That Was: Nov. 14-20
After 36 races, thousands of miles, heartbreak and triumph the 2010 season has come to a close. And a familiar face went out on top – Jimmie Johnson scored his fifth consecutive Sprint Cup Championship. In the week leading up to the final race at Homestead it was NASCAR that led the news. NASCAR Chairman [...]TheNASCARInsiders.com
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Gordon & Burton fight, Nascar Sprint Cup 2010 at AAA Texas 500
Jeff Gordon & Jeff Burton fighting after a crash during the NSC event at Texas Motorspeedway. addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Fnascar-sprint-cup%2Fgordon-burton-fight-nascar-sprint-cup-2010-at-aaa-texas-500'; addthis_title = 'Gordon+%26amp%3B+Burton+fight%2C+Nascar+Sprint+Cup+2010+at+AAA+Texas+500'; addthis_pub = ''; Technorati Tags: 2010, Burton, fight, gordon, nascar, sprint, texas
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Ultimate Craftsman Truck Buildout ? HOT ROD F-150 FX2
While there was a day when sport trucks could be found in Hot Rod, it had been a long time since we had concocted such an idea. While we knew the truck would have to exude the Hot Rod concept – modified vehicle with an outrageous engine – Editor David Freiburger had another thought. “Rather ... Read full blog
nascar hall of fame Pit Road
addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Fnascar-racing%2Fnascar-hall-of-fame-pit-road'; addthis_title = 'nascar+hall+of+fame+Pit+Road'; addthis_pub = ''; Technorati Tags: Fame, Hall, nascar, road
First Official Baldwin-Motion/Motion Reunion!
The Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals (MCACN 2010) will host the largest display ever of rare documented 1960s-1970s Baldwin-Motion & MOTION Supercars. Joel ?Mr. Motion? Rosen, the most prolific builder-marketer of modified new big-block Chevys during the Supercar Sixties & Seventies, will be reunited with iconic cars, like the ?67 KO-MOTION L88 Corvette, he built ... Read full blog
A piece of history: Ferrari 166 F2
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Click here for the standard version The Ferrari 166 F2 is not the most successful Ferrari racer but it's one of the very first race cars designed by an ambitious guy who worked with Alfa Romeo, his name is Enzo Ferrari.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Merry Christmas To All
Cross Posted from Rev’Jim’s RantsnRaves Santa didn’t forget We almost let Christmas slip by without offering a wish list for some of our favorite drivers, teams, and NASCAR personalities. I’m not going to let that happen. Silly season never really ended. Bobby Labonte was released from Petty Enterprises even after avowing his loyalty to that [...]
34 down, 2 more to go
That’s right the 2008 season is winding down. �With only two races left, it’s Jimmie’s championship to lose. �Carl did cut down some of Jimmie’s lead in Texas, but Jimmie and Chad have been here before. �I have to admit since Talladega I haven’t been all that excited about the racing. �I guess it’s because [...]
Paintless Dent Removal : A Brief But Comprehensive Explanation
Photo by Roguey000 The paintless dent removal technology make use of specialized devices and new methods to remove dents.
The dents as large as baseballs can be removed without the need to apply body filler, sanding, or repainting.
When the process is completed, those dents will be hardly noticeable and your car will look perfectly dent free.
Many [...]
The dents as large as baseballs can be removed without the need to apply body filler, sanding, or repainting.
When the process is completed, those dents will be hardly noticeable and your car will look perfectly dent free.
Many [...]
GJM Motosports/Marine Open House And Car Show
8am-3pm tours, tasting, tools, talks and tons of horsepower ?Please join us for some high-performance fun at West Coast?s newest and most complete source of horsepower and torque! Garret-Jacobson Motorsports/Marine in Northridge ?Roll in driving your coolest ride and make it a real car show! Everyone is Welcomed!
The Future By Mercedes-Benz: The BIOME Vision Concept
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ This concept car doesn't even sit on its own "wheels" but it's still a nice thing to look at and a great vision of the future of transportation by Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad, California. To best describe the concept of this car i'm going to use the words of Mr Hubert Lee, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios: ?As the inventor of the motor car, we wanted to illustrate the vision of the perfect vehicle of the future, which is created and functions in complete symbiosis with nature
A piece of history: Ferrari 166 F2
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Click here for the standard version The Ferrari 166 F2 is not the most successful Ferrari racer but it's one of the very first race cars designed by an ambitious guy who worked with Alfa Romeo, his name is Enzo Ferrari.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
David?s Blog: Back to Short Track Racing
David and the UPS team head back to Martinsville Speedway this weekend. The team is coming off a top-10 finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway
First Official Baldwin-Motion/Motion Reunion!
The Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals (MCACN 2010) will host the largest display ever of rare documented 1960s-1970s Baldwin-Motion & MOTION Supercars. Joel ?Mr. Motion? Rosen, the most prolific builder-marketer of modified new big-block Chevys during the Supercar Sixties & Seventies, will be reunited with iconic cars, like the ?67 KO-MOTION L88 Corvette, he built ... Read full blog
The Good Year Blimp: NASCAR's Biggest Overseer
It?s been as much a part of American motorsports as Richard Petty or the small-block Chevy V8. It?s the Goodyear blimp, circling up there a couple of thousand feet above the racetracks (and above other sports venues), providing an aerial platform for a television camera so we can get a bird?s-eye perspective of the action.
Actually, Goodyear has three blimps in this country (and another based in China). Ours are the Spirit of Innovation, based in Florida; the Spirit of Goodyear, based near Goodyear?s headquarters in Akron, Ohio; and the Spirit of America, based near Los Angeles.
Goodyear was the blimp pioneer in this country. Its first blimp was the Pilgrim, launched in 1925. A Goodyear blimp flew over the 1932 Olympic Games at Los Angeles. Goodyear blimps served as overhead surveillance platforms for the U.S. Navy in World War II. A Goodyear blimp first carried a TV camera above a sporting event at the Orange Bowl football game in 1960.
Why, you may ask, use the blimp instead of a handy helicopter? For one thing, a helicopter can stay aloft only 2 �-3 hours before it needs a pit stop, but the blimp carries 30 hours of fuel.
Speaking of pit stops, while a single pilot can fly a blimp, it takes a large ground crew to wrangle such an airship so it can land or take off. I got to see this first-hand recently when Goodyear invited me to take a 50-minute flight in the Spirit of America while it was in Phoenix during a NASCAR racing weekend.
As the pilot maneuvers the blimp near the ground, the 20-some person ground crew rushes over and grabs mooring lines to hold it into position. It really doesn?t ?land,? but is held in a hovering position while two members of the ground crew attach a ladder so passengers and pilots can enter or exit.
Our pilot, Capt. Kristen Davis, sat at controls that are sort of a cross between those in an airplane and those on a large boat, and Capt. Davis explained that ?flying? the blimp has a lot in common with piloting a large boat on an ocean of air.
As in a helicopter, however, you almost don?t have the sense of flying; you feel more like you?re sitting almost still and the land below simply retreats beneath you.
I?d been invited aboard a Goodyear blimp once before, several years ago at Daytona Beach, but the flight was canceled because of a storm. Even in sunny weather, Capt. Davis explained, the blimp remains grounded when winds exceed 25 miles per hour.
The Spirit of America seats seven, and, yes, we were told, we were free to move about the cabin. In fact, Capt. Davis encouraged us rotate from time to time so each of us could have an opportunity to sit up front to take in the view out the windshield.
It was quite a view!
Read more from Larry Edsall at iZoom
Photo Credit: Gary Brown
Actually, Goodyear has three blimps in this country (and another based in China). Ours are the Spirit of Innovation, based in Florida; the Spirit of Goodyear, based near Goodyear?s headquarters in Akron, Ohio; and the Spirit of America, based near Los Angeles.
Goodyear was the blimp pioneer in this country. Its first blimp was the Pilgrim, launched in 1925. A Goodyear blimp flew over the 1932 Olympic Games at Los Angeles. Goodyear blimps served as overhead surveillance platforms for the U.S. Navy in World War II. A Goodyear blimp first carried a TV camera above a sporting event at the Orange Bowl football game in 1960.
Why, you may ask, use the blimp instead of a handy helicopter? For one thing, a helicopter can stay aloft only 2 �-3 hours before it needs a pit stop, but the blimp carries 30 hours of fuel.
Speaking of pit stops, while a single pilot can fly a blimp, it takes a large ground crew to wrangle such an airship so it can land or take off. I got to see this first-hand recently when Goodyear invited me to take a 50-minute flight in the Spirit of America while it was in Phoenix during a NASCAR racing weekend.
As the pilot maneuvers the blimp near the ground, the 20-some person ground crew rushes over and grabs mooring lines to hold it into position. It really doesn?t ?land,? but is held in a hovering position while two members of the ground crew attach a ladder so passengers and pilots can enter or exit.
Our pilot, Capt. Kristen Davis, sat at controls that are sort of a cross between those in an airplane and those on a large boat, and Capt. Davis explained that ?flying? the blimp has a lot in common with piloting a large boat on an ocean of air.
As in a helicopter, however, you almost don?t have the sense of flying; you feel more like you?re sitting almost still and the land below simply retreats beneath you.
I?d been invited aboard a Goodyear blimp once before, several years ago at Daytona Beach, but the flight was canceled because of a storm. Even in sunny weather, Capt. Davis explained, the blimp remains grounded when winds exceed 25 miles per hour.
The Spirit of America seats seven, and, yes, we were told, we were free to move about the cabin. In fact, Capt. Davis encouraged us rotate from time to time so each of us could have an opportunity to sit up front to take in the view out the windshield.
It was quite a view!
Read more from Larry Edsall at iZoom
Photo Credit: Gary Brown
Monday, November 22, 2010
A Points Comparison: Chase vs. Old System
It’s hard to believe, but we’re just a couple of days away from the end of the season. And with a three way battle for the championship I thought now would be as good a time as any for my annual look at the points within the Chase and in the old points format. Current [...]TheNASCARInsiders.com
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Superstores!
Enjuku Racing Parts, LLC. is proud to announce the launch of some of our newest Super Store Websites. Be sure to check them all out.
Do you have a car that isnt a 240sx? Do you want some parts that may not be on our main EnjukuRacing.com site? Now we have SuperStore sites with Every
Do you have a car that isnt a 240sx? Do you want some parts that may not be on our main EnjukuRacing.com site? Now we have SuperStore sites with Every
Bristol Speedway of Lights 3
This is one of many videos that I got while driving around and ON Bristol Speedway. addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Fnascar-tracks%2Fbristol-speedway-of-lights-3'; addthis_title = 'Bristol+Speedway+of+Lights+3'; addthis_pub = ''; Technorati Tags: bristol, Lights, speedway
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Steer on Ice : Learn How to Anticipate
Photo by qousqous If you’ve driven a car on icy road before, you’ll understand that it’s quite tricky to keep the steer in controlled condition.
Even when you drive your car on the perfect road condition, still there’s a possibility of something goes wrong.
I don’t mean to frighten you, but this fact should encourage us [...]
Even when you drive your car on the perfect road condition, still there’s a possibility of something goes wrong.
I don’t mean to frighten you, but this fact should encourage us [...]
NHRA: 60 Years of Thunder
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles has an exhibit from November 13, 2010 to May 29, 2011 that will showcase the history of NHRA drag racing. There will be historic photos, videos, interactive displays, and of course a bunch of old race cars from The Bug all the way to Kenny Bernstein?s 300 mph ... Read full blog
GJM Motosports/Marine Open House And Car Show
8am-3pm tours, tasting, tools, talks and tons of horsepower ?Please join us for some high-performance fun at West Coast?s newest and most complete source of horsepower and torque! Garret-Jacobson Motorsports/Marine in Northridge ?Roll in driving your coolest ride and make it a real car show! Everyone is Welcomed!
Hot Wheels Danica Patrick Indy 500 Big Sounds Formula Racing Car with 3 Sounds
Product Description2009 Hot Wheels 1/10 Big Sounds Danica Patrick. Push The Button And It Sounds Like Danica’s INDY Car…. More >> Hot Wheels Danica Patrick Indy 500 Big Sounds Formula Racing Car with 3 Sounds addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Fnascar-drivers%2Fhot-wheels-danica-patrick-indy-500-big-sounds-formula-racing-car-with-3-sounds'; addthis_title = 'Hot+Wheels+Danica+Patrick+Indy+500+Big+Sounds+Formula+Racing+Car+with+3+Sounds'; addthis_pub = ''; Technorati Tags: Danica, formula, indy, Patrick, racing, Sounds, Wheels
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Own Kyle Petty's '06 Victory Bike and Ride Across the US
A special online auction give you the chance to own Kyle Petty's 2006 Victory motorcycle and join Kyle on the 2009 Ride Across America. But hurry, the auction runs July 15-25, 2008. All proceeds benefit two extremely...
Dale Jarrett Blog: Taking Time to Give Back
To help promote UPS's Global Volunteer Month and to celebrate United Way being on the No. 6 UPS Ford at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dale talks about the importance of drivers giving back to their communities
UPS Brings ?Love? of Logistics to Talladega
UPS will feature its newest advertising and communications campaign, "We Love Logistics," on the No. 6 UPS Ford piloted by David Ragan this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway
Friday, November 19, 2010
Arts and Crafts Mega-Zine
Use mixed media, papercrafts, textiles, polymer clay, jewelry making and more as a transformative tool for self-development and creative expression. Written by arts industry experts. Available by individual issue and by annual subscription. Arts and Crafts Mega-Zine addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Fdanica-patrick%2Farts-and-crafts-mega-zine'; addthis_title = 'Arts+and+Crafts+Mega-Zine'; addthis_pub = ''; Technorati Tags: Arts, Crafts, MegaZine
Stone, Woods and Cook at Detroit Dragway
Even though the Dark Horse 2 funny car never left the trailer, the Stone, Woods and Cook Mustang still made a big impression on the fans at Detroit Dragway.
Auto Meter Introduces WinningRide.com Online Car Community: Virtual Car Show Site!
Auto Meter is pleased to announce the introduction of WinningRide.com, an all new online car community where enthusiasts unite to share their passion for vehicles and their Winning Rides with enthusiasts around the world. Utilizing state of the art web design, WinningRide.com is the most user friendly site of its kind on the internet today. ... Read full blog
Logano Flying High, Under The Radar
7, 6, 5, 4, 3. No, that isn’t a countdown of some type.� Those are Joey Logano’s finishes over the last five races.� At this rate, he’ll finish second at Homestead and win the 2011 Daytona 500.� How cool would that be? With all that has been going on over the last few weeks with [...]TheNASCARInsiders.com
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Martinsville Qualifying Rained Out
Sorry if I havn’t been on here in a while, I’ve been a bust little kitten! Martinsville qualifying got rained out last Friday, so everyone at this point knows the drill after all that mess goes down. The starting grid goes in order by points. Surprise, surprise! Why don? we just serve Jimmie Johnson his [...]
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Digesting The 24/48 Pit Crew Swap
After several bad pit stops during the Texas race led to Chad Knaus replacing his own pit crew with that of the 24, Hendrick Motorsports announced today that the switch is now permanent.� The seven over-the-wall guys for the 24 will pit the 48 for Phoenix and Homestead, and vice versa. Now, being a tire [...]TheNASCARInsiders.com
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Don Schumacher:Not That Kind of Power
Tomorrow I’m scheduled to have a phone interview with legendary racer and multi-team owner Don Schumacher for a story in HOT ROD. It’s kind of a big deal. I see this guy on television all the time at the starting line whenever Antron Brown, Cory Mac or his son, Tony, makes a 290-plus mph pass ... Read full blog
IndyCar ? Watkins Glen ? Controversial crash
“The last I looked, I earned the label of Indy 500 champion; those lobbing unfounded accusations at me have not,” Cheever said. “I’m not perfect, and neither are my accusers. Let’s get back to racing.” addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Findy-500%2Findycar-watkins-glen-controversial-crash'; addthis_title = 'IndyCar+%26%238211%3B+Watkins+Glen+%26%238211%3B+Controversial+crash'; addthis_pub = ''; Technorati Tags: Controversial, crash, glen, INDYCAR, watkins
Gray Ghost GTO Funny Car: Extreme Altered Wheelbase
Larry Swiatek and the 1966 Gray Ghost GTO: an exercise in extreme funny car wheelbase modification. Swiatek brought his ultimate AWB match-bash A/FX car to Detroit Dragway for the 1967 Midwest Championships.
SEMA-Model Hobby Car Registration and Titling Bill Becomes Law in the Bay State
With Governor Deval Patrick?s signature, Massachusetts became the 21st state to enact into law a version of SEMA-model legislation to create a vehicle registration classification for street rods, custom vehicles, replicas and specially constructed vehicles. ?After five years of working with the legislature on various iterations of this bill, we are extremely grateful to State ... Read full blog
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Dale Jarrett Blog: Taking Time to Give Back
To help promote UPS's Global Volunteer Month and to celebrate United Way being on the No. 6 UPS Ford at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dale talks about the importance of drivers giving back to their communities
ISIS Pro-AM Driver Patrick Goodin
Finished 2nd in the SWD pro am competition!!!!� Only a few points away from getting his formula D license, but he has an invite to goto nationals later in the year, hopefully he can make the trip and show them why he deserves one.
Patrick Goodin from Chad Sommer on Vimeo.
Patrick Goodin from Chad Sommer on Vimeo.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Holy Cow! That Was A Race
What we saw on Sunday is why we continue to watch this sport. There were a record number of leaders, beating and banging, pit road missteps, triumphs, heartbreak, fights and fingers. That was a race I don’t think anyone will soon forget. Don’t Mess with NASCAR Kyle Busch learned this lesson Sunday. After getting spun [...]TheNASCARInsiders.com
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
When Funny Cars had Names
Once, a catchy name was every bit as important to a funny car driver as a supercharger and nitro. A look back at some of the exciting names from yesteryear.
Speeding Penalty Setback Puts Ragan 17th in Martinsville
David Ragan and the UPS team started Sunday's race from the 10th position. An early-race penalty for speeding on pit road forced them to the back of the field. They battled the entire race to cross the finish line 17th.
Waiting Until Next Year ...
The season isn't even over yet and I am already going through the withdrawals, knowing that by the end of the month the 2010 season will be over.
There will be no more NASCAR racing until February. It is already making me restless.
Part of that may be the fact that my driver, while in the chase, is pretty much out of contention for the championship. The fan part of me is ready for next season; ready to reset and start over, ready for the hope and optimism of that shiny Sprint Cup Trophy in the future.
Of the two races left this rapidly ending season, I have one more race I will be attending in person, the race at Phoenix. I leave for it on Thursday and I am even antsier for it than normal. Phoenix is one of my favorite tracks that I have attended in person, so I really can't wait. The racing action at PIR is always great (this will be my fourth race there). It might be a long haul trip for me (1700 miles round trip), but it is always well worth it. I keep telling myself to remember to take it all in. It will have to last me until I find my way back to a race track next year.
I will find my way back to a track. I always do. And technically is there really only two and a half months of "off season?" It always seems a heck of a lot longer.
NASCAR may have the longest season of most professional sports, but I still struggle to figure out what to do with myself during the "off" season. There is a pile of books on my nightstand waiting to be read, countless characters that swirl around my head just begging to be put down on paper, not to mention the afghan I am currently in the middle of crocheting. Then there are the movies that I meant to watch that I never did. Yet no matter what I end up filling my time with during the off season...I will be thinking about February and about Daytona. I will be there hitting my favorite NASCAR websites, keeping my ear to the NASCAR grindstone so to speak, on a fairly daily basis. But it isn't the same as being in the middle of a 36 week season. I may be sitting there working on my blanket, but my heart will be yearning for the sounds and smells of a race track. Yearning for the cars on the track and thinking "Maybe this will be our year for another Championship."
-Amy Marbach
Read More from Amy Marbach at Amy's Bad Groove
Photo Credit: Amy Marbach
There will be no more NASCAR racing until February. It is already making me restless.
Part of that may be the fact that my driver, while in the chase, is pretty much out of contention for the championship. The fan part of me is ready for next season; ready to reset and start over, ready for the hope and optimism of that shiny Sprint Cup Trophy in the future.
Of the two races left this rapidly ending season, I have one more race I will be attending in person, the race at Phoenix. I leave for it on Thursday and I am even antsier for it than normal. Phoenix is one of my favorite tracks that I have attended in person, so I really can't wait. The racing action at PIR is always great (this will be my fourth race there). It might be a long haul trip for me (1700 miles round trip), but it is always well worth it. I keep telling myself to remember to take it all in. It will have to last me until I find my way back to a race track next year.
I will find my way back to a track. I always do. And technically is there really only two and a half months of "off season?" It always seems a heck of a lot longer.
NASCAR may have the longest season of most professional sports, but I still struggle to figure out what to do with myself during the "off" season. There is a pile of books on my nightstand waiting to be read, countless characters that swirl around my head just begging to be put down on paper, not to mention the afghan I am currently in the middle of crocheting. Then there are the movies that I meant to watch that I never did. Yet no matter what I end up filling my time with during the off season...I will be thinking about February and about Daytona. I will be there hitting my favorite NASCAR websites, keeping my ear to the NASCAR grindstone so to speak, on a fairly daily basis. But it isn't the same as being in the middle of a 36 week season. I may be sitting there working on my blanket, but my heart will be yearning for the sounds and smells of a race track. Yearning for the cars on the track and thinking "Maybe this will be our year for another Championship."
-Amy Marbach
Read More from Amy Marbach at Amy's Bad Groove
Photo Credit: Amy Marbach
G-Power BMW M6 Hurricane RR produces over 800 Hp
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ A lot of BMW enthusiasts are not very big fans of the E63 M6's styling. However, everyone agrees that under the bonnet lies one of the greatest engines of all time, the almighty 5.0-Liter naturally aspirated S85 V10 producing a healthy 507 Hp. G-Power is no stranger to tuning BMW M cars, and this time they pushed the boundaries even further by taking 800 Hp out of the V10 engine thanks to a new bi-supercharger system
Monday, November 15, 2010
Nate Brasz?s Isis Sponsored S13!
Nathan Brasz wins the 3rd annual StreetLife Tour for the 2nd time!
The third annual StreetLife Tour was the place to be in Xenia, Ohio this past weekend. The Kil Kare raceway was host to over 3,000 spectators with a car show, concert, Stunt bikes, drag racing, and bikini contest to lead up to the head-lining
The third annual StreetLife Tour was the place to be in Xenia, Ohio this past weekend. The Kil Kare raceway was host to over 3,000 spectators with a car show, concert, Stunt bikes, drag racing, and bikini contest to lead up to the head-lining
Stone, Woods and Cook at Detroit Dragway
Even though the Dark Horse 2 funny car never left the trailer, the Stone, Woods and Cook Mustang still made a big impression on the fans at Detroit Dragway.
34 down, 2 more to go
That’s right the 2008 season is winding down. �With only two races left, it’s Jimmie’s championship to lose. �Carl did cut down some of Jimmie’s lead in Texas, but Jimmie and Chad have been here before. �I have to admit since Talladega I haven’t been all that excited about the racing. �I guess it’s because [...]
VIDEO: Jay Leno Reviews the Rossi Sixty Six
___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Photo Credits: Jay Leno's Garage In this week's episode, Jay Leno reviews the Rossi Sixty Six, a custom built machine based on the Corvette C6 chassis. The Rossi Sixty Six has one radically re-imagined body that clearly borrows some design cues from the 1966 Corvette C2 as its name suggests. The Rossi Sixty Six doesn't look as good as the original Corvette C2, but it's an interesting modernized version of the beautiful muscle car from the sixties
NHRA: 60 Years of Thunder
The Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles has an exhibit from November 13, 2010 to May 29, 2011 that will showcase the history of NHRA drag racing. There will be historic photos, videos, interactive displays, and of course a bunch of old race cars from The Bug all the way to Kenny Bernstein?s 300 mph ... Read full blog
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Busch can't do no wrong
Busch again was in the right place at the right time to claim victory in the pepsi 400
Petty Holdings Announces Richard Petty's Driver Search
Training Camp & Competition Will Award Opportunity in ARCA Racing
Series and Marcos Ambrose and Randy LaJoie have joined the staff of
Richard Petty's Driver Search.
Series and Marcos Ambrose and Randy LaJoie have joined the staff of
Richard Petty's Driver Search.
Can't Compare Johnson's Three to Cale Yarborough's Three
So Jimmy Johnson won his third championship in a row yesterday. Good for him. But it can't be considered the same as when Yarborough did it in the '70s. Keep with me after the jump for more...
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Can't Compare Johnson's Three to Cale Yarborough's Three
So Jimmy Johnson won his third championship in a row yesterday. Good for him. But it can't be considered the same as when Yarborough did it in the '70s. Keep with me after the jump for more...
SEMA // CASWELL & THE BAJA BIMMER ? DAY FOUR
The last build day at the Miller booth has come and gone for Bill Caswell and his crew. The SEMA show is over, everyone has packed and the 100,000 sq/ft Las Vegas Convention Center now lay dormant for at least a few days. Everyone has parted ways for another year, but that doesn?t mean things have stopped for Bill Caswell
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Vette Shop display at the 1967 Autorama
The Vette shop exhibited two injected, big-block drag racing Corvettes at the 1967 Detroit Autorama. Just the thing to get Corvette fans to stop and stare.
F1 USGP ? Conceptual Master Plan Announced
Here’s the very latest in the progress of the VERY anticipated Formula 1 US Grand Prix – click the image below for more specific details: This is more solid evidence that this WILL happen.� The local motor enthusiast & motorsports community in the Austin regional area will get a MAJOR shot in the arm as [...]
SEMA // CASWELL & THE BAJA BIMMER ? DAY FOUR
The last build day at the Miller booth has come and gone for Bill Caswell and his crew. The SEMA show is over, everyone has packed and the 100,000 sq/ft Las Vegas Convention Center now lay dormant for at least a few days. Everyone has parted ways for another year, but that doesn?t mean things have stopped for Bill Caswell
New Version of Hot Rod Lincoln
Charlie Ryan wrote it in the ?50s and Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen did the best version in the ?70s, but Lawrence Ramsay & The Wild Berries have come out with the latest version of this classic hot rod song. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOEbiLecknk (or search Hot Rod Lincoln.mp4 on YouTube). It?s different than ... Read full blog
The Vette Shop display at the 1967 Autorama
The Vette shop exhibited two injected, big-block drag racing Corvettes at the 1967 Detroit Autorama. Just the thing to get Corvette fans to stop and stare.
You Too Can Be Fast And Fabulous!
Hey race fans- just wanted to let you know that you can win a $25.00 BP gas card from TheFastandTheFabulous.com. Just fill out the form located here. And while you are there poke around- it’s a great racing blog!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
SumoSpeed!
The guys over at sumospeed took it upon them selves to build a race car for one of their good friends who was diagnosed with Cancer.�� You can check out the entire article here.� But we just wanted to give out our blessing to Steve, and commend you guys for what you did for him!�
MotoGP // LORENZO ENDS 2010 W/VALENCIA WIN
Valencia has been the last race of the season since 2002, its spot in the championship is a double-edged sword though. In close championship years Valencia can be a climactic title decider (MotoGP 2006, 250cc 2009?)
FM Transmitter : The Most Practical Way To Enjoy Music From Your Blackberry
Whether you’re listening to your huge collection of MP3s or various podcasts on your Blackberry, I’m sure you want to extend this entertainment one step further.
It would be nice to listen to all your favorites stuff while you’re driving with you car speakers.
Blackberry is a nice gadget to store your music, you can store huge [...]
It would be nice to listen to all your favorites stuff while you’re driving with you car speakers.
Blackberry is a nice gadget to store your music, you can store huge [...]
The Race For the Chase Continues
Who Can Surpass Johnson?
This week, at Martinsville not much changed in the point standings. Denny Hamlin may have won the race but not enough to catch up to Jimmie Johnson in championship points. With only a few weeks left in the championship chase it still is up to a few drivers to catch Jimmie Johnson.There only about five or six drivers left that can surpass Jimmie since some drivers are really having some bad luck.
The penalty to Clint Bowyer's team virtually eliminated him from the chase in week one. Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, and Kyle Busch are the only ones I really think have a shot at winning the title.
Can Jeff Gordon Come from Behind?
This week we're coming to Talladega where things can change in a hurry. It is always dangerous to race on a restricted plated track during the chase; it's very easy to get caught up in somebody else's wreck and have a bad day. Some drivers are better on restricted plate races: Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Junior come to mind. Right now Jeff Gordon is 203 points behind the leader and he needs a win badly. We may just see that win on Sunday. After the way Junior race last week it wouldn't surprise me if he wins.We all know that I'm a Jimmie Johnson fan, but I wouldn't mind seeing Jeff Gordon win also. It certainly would tighten up the race a little bit and that would be a good thing for NASCAR. Kyle Busch made up some ground last week and so did Jeff Burton, but I think Jeff is too far out of the race with only a handful of starts left.
NASCAR in Ratings Trouble
With the NFL season started NASCAR needs the race to the chase to be as close as possible for good ratings and attendance. Speaking of ratings, NASCAR has to make it easier for the fans to find out what channel the races are on. I am often confused and I follow the sport whether the races on ESPN, the speed Channel, Fox, or TNT. I can only imagine what a new fan is thinking when trying to find the race! Sometimes I'm flicking through the channels and all of a sudden I find an authorities and ARCA race that I didn't know was on.
Jamie McMurray Stays Put
Well it looks like Jamie McMurray is going to stay at Earnhardt Ganassi racing. Word is he is going to sign an extension and stay where he is. That's what happens when you win a few races. In this day and age it's hard to hook up with a successful team. You might as well just stay where you are and have been successful. That team seems to be a good fit for Jamie and I wish them luck.
-Vinny
Read more from Vinny at Awesome Race Fans
Photo Credit: Hans J E
This week, at Martinsville not much changed in the point standings. Denny Hamlin may have won the race but not enough to catch up to Jimmie Johnson in championship points. With only a few weeks left in the championship chase it still is up to a few drivers to catch Jimmie Johnson.There only about five or six drivers left that can surpass Jimmie since some drivers are really having some bad luck.
The penalty to Clint Bowyer's team virtually eliminated him from the chase in week one. Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, and Kyle Busch are the only ones I really think have a shot at winning the title.
Can Jeff Gordon Come from Behind?
This week we're coming to Talladega where things can change in a hurry. It is always dangerous to race on a restricted plated track during the chase; it's very easy to get caught up in somebody else's wreck and have a bad day. Some drivers are better on restricted plate races: Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Junior come to mind. Right now Jeff Gordon is 203 points behind the leader and he needs a win badly. We may just see that win on Sunday. After the way Junior race last week it wouldn't surprise me if he wins.We all know that I'm a Jimmie Johnson fan, but I wouldn't mind seeing Jeff Gordon win also. It certainly would tighten up the race a little bit and that would be a good thing for NASCAR. Kyle Busch made up some ground last week and so did Jeff Burton, but I think Jeff is too far out of the race with only a handful of starts left.
NASCAR in Ratings Trouble
With the NFL season started NASCAR needs the race to the chase to be as close as possible for good ratings and attendance. Speaking of ratings, NASCAR has to make it easier for the fans to find out what channel the races are on. I am often confused and I follow the sport whether the races on ESPN, the speed Channel, Fox, or TNT. I can only imagine what a new fan is thinking when trying to find the race! Sometimes I'm flicking through the channels and all of a sudden I find an authorities and ARCA race that I didn't know was on.
Jamie McMurray Stays Put
Well it looks like Jamie McMurray is going to stay at Earnhardt Ganassi racing. Word is he is going to sign an extension and stay where he is. That's what happens when you win a few races. In this day and age it's hard to hook up with a successful team. You might as well just stay where you are and have been successful. That team seems to be a good fit for Jamie and I wish them luck.
-Vinny
Read more from Vinny at Awesome Race Fans
Photo Credit: Hans J E
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Dick Jesse?s Mr. Unswitchable Pontiac GTO Funny Car
By 1967, most Pontiac funny cars had moved to Chevy or Chrysler engines to remain competitive. Dick Jesse bucked that trend with a blown Pontiac 421 in a steel GTO.
The NASCAR Week That Was: Oct. 31 ? Nov. 6
With just three races until the 2010 season comes to a close, announcements about 2011 plans have taken center stage. This weekend, Joe Gibbs Racing announced it would field Brian Scott in a Nationwide car full-time in 2011. Scott joins JGR after running most of the year with Braun Racing. Recent Braun Racing buyer Turner [...]TheNASCARInsiders.com
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Follow the Insiders on Twitter or be a fan on Facebook!
Petty Holdings Announces Richard Petty's Driver Search
Training Camp & Competition Will Award Opportunity in ARCA Racing
Series and Marcos Ambrose and Randy LaJoie have joined the staff of
Richard Petty's Driver Search.
Series and Marcos Ambrose and Randy LaJoie have joined the staff of
Richard Petty's Driver Search.
This Weekends Race?
I just got this email through NASCAR.com Due to inclement weather from Tropical Storm Hanna, tomorrow?s Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway has been postponed until 1 p.m. Sunday. The Nationwide event will now be run at 7 p.m. Sunday.
NASCAR?s 2008 ?Regular Season? Ends
Cross posted from Rev’ Jim’s RantsnRaves: NASCAR’s regular season for 2008 ended with a great shootout between two of the best drivers in the sport. The entire season had its share of similar exciting moments, as well as some huge disappointments. Dodge started out on a high note, with the Penske and Gillett-Evernham teams making [...]
Armchair Guide to Wales Rally GB 2010
Welcome to the Armchair Guide to Wales Rally GB 2010. The final event (13/13 in this years World Rally Championships takes place on the (11th - 14th November 2010. Based in the Welsh Capitol of Cardiff, the gravel bases rally is the finally of both the WRC and PWRC championships along with the last time [...]
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Formula 1 Update: Korean Conflict!
It turned out to be one of those "if it didn't really happen, you'd have to make it up" stories this past week end in the newest Formula 1 venue in Korea.
A track no driver had ever seen was literally still being built between practice session, followed by a heavy rain on race day: it was total chaos.
Unfortunately, either the track designer or the contractors somehow neglected to factor in the track's need to drain and forced race control to start the race under Safety car conditions. This is extremely rare in Formula 1 where standing starts are the norm and where racers often race in heavy rain conditions.
The combination of the rain, poor drainage and a track designed with many walls in close proximity simply made it impossible to see.Eventually, after an interminable 17 caution laps, they sent them racing. As you remember from the last report the championship contenders were Red Bull's Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and Mclaren's Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.
A couple laps into the restart and championship leader Webber made an error which resulted in him spinning, hitting the inside wall, then bouncing across the track collecting Mercedes' Nico Rosberg in the process. Jenson Button gambled on an early switch to intermediate rain tires, something that would ruin his race and effectively take him out of championship contention.It looked to be Vettel's day. He was, if not pulling away from second place Alonso, certainly comfortably ahead and the championship lead his.
Then one of the many on track incidents brought out the Safety car again. Leaders pitted and Ferrari had a technical issue during the pit stop allowing Lewis Hamilton through into second place. But Lewis would also make an uncharacteristic mistake in a braking zone and give back what turned out to be a crucial second place to Alonso.Towards the end of the race many drivers had problems with excessive tire wear after running their rain tires on a drying track. Only Alonso and Vettel looked "racy". Because of the long start delay, darkness was also a serious issue. Vettel called out on his radio for the race to stop because of poor visibility. But was that the real reason? A lap or two later, his Red Bull slowed on the front straight and started spewing sparks, smoke and metal bits, to the delight of Ferrari and Mclaren crews.Fernando Alonso went on to win, with Lewis Hamilton not able to challenge. A double DNF was very costly for Reb Bull, Webber lost the championship lead, now held by Alonso and Vettel now has only a mathematical chance to win.Two races left and it's now down to two drivers with a realistic shot at the title: Alonso Webber and Hamilton with an outside chance. Get your permutation calculators out, there are only two races to go!Fernando Alonso 231Mark Webber 220Lewis Hamilton 210Sebastian Vettel 206Jenson Button 206There are 50 points still in play.
-Andrea
Read more from Andrea Cairone at Axis of Oversteer
Photo Credit: Usag Yongsan
A track no driver had ever seen was literally still being built between practice session, followed by a heavy rain on race day: it was total chaos.
Unfortunately, either the track designer or the contractors somehow neglected to factor in the track's need to drain and forced race control to start the race under Safety car conditions. This is extremely rare in Formula 1 where standing starts are the norm and where racers often race in heavy rain conditions.
The combination of the rain, poor drainage and a track designed with many walls in close proximity simply made it impossible to see.Eventually, after an interminable 17 caution laps, they sent them racing. As you remember from the last report the championship contenders were Red Bull's Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and Mclaren's Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.
A couple laps into the restart and championship leader Webber made an error which resulted in him spinning, hitting the inside wall, then bouncing across the track collecting Mercedes' Nico Rosberg in the process. Jenson Button gambled on an early switch to intermediate rain tires, something that would ruin his race and effectively take him out of championship contention.It looked to be Vettel's day. He was, if not pulling away from second place Alonso, certainly comfortably ahead and the championship lead his.
Then one of the many on track incidents brought out the Safety car again. Leaders pitted and Ferrari had a technical issue during the pit stop allowing Lewis Hamilton through into second place. But Lewis would also make an uncharacteristic mistake in a braking zone and give back what turned out to be a crucial second place to Alonso.Towards the end of the race many drivers had problems with excessive tire wear after running their rain tires on a drying track. Only Alonso and Vettel looked "racy". Because of the long start delay, darkness was also a serious issue. Vettel called out on his radio for the race to stop because of poor visibility. But was that the real reason? A lap or two later, his Red Bull slowed on the front straight and started spewing sparks, smoke and metal bits, to the delight of Ferrari and Mclaren crews.Fernando Alonso went on to win, with Lewis Hamilton not able to challenge. A double DNF was very costly for Reb Bull, Webber lost the championship lead, now held by Alonso and Vettel now has only a mathematical chance to win.Two races left and it's now down to two drivers with a realistic shot at the title: Alonso Webber and Hamilton with an outside chance. Get your permutation calculators out, there are only two races to go!Fernando Alonso 231Mark Webber 220Lewis Hamilton 210Sebastian Vettel 206Jenson Button 206There are 50 points still in play.
-Andrea
Read more from Andrea Cairone at Axis of Oversteer
Photo Credit: Usag Yongsan
Where?s The Best Seat For Austin F1 USGP?
Recently, track designer Peter Wahl (who is a manager partner of Tilke, the company designing the USGP Austin track), suggested where the best spot is to sit for watching & best experiencing the Austin Formula 1 experience.� In the grandstands, in what many refer to the Hockenheim section, you get the view of cars roaring [...]
Gassner Jr aims to end the year on a high in Great Britain
After winning the 'conventional' Group N category on his last outing in Spain, Hermann Gassner Jr aims to bring his season to a close with a strong finish on the Wales Rally Great Britain: the final round of the World Rally Championship this weekend. Gassner Jr, co-driven by Kathi Wustenhagen, has contested selected events this [...]
Ragan Rebounds to Eighth-place Finish in Texas
David Ragan and the UPS team overcame a loose lug nut to finish eighth at Texas Motor Speedway
Monday, November 8, 2010
Prior Design Wide Bodykit for Mercedes-Benz SL
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ What you are seeing here is a Mercedes-Benz SL Class fitted with the latest Prior Design wide bodykit. The bodykit includes modified front and rear bumpers, modified side skirts and widened wheel arches. A modified front hood and an additional rear spoiler are part of the modifications too.
Ragan Drives Ill-Handling Car to 22nd-place Finish
After battling a tight car all day in New Hampshire, David Ragan and the UPS team crossed the finish line in 22nd on Sunday afternoon.
F1 USGP ? Conceptual Master Plan Announced
Here’s the very latest in the progress of the VERY anticipated Formula 1 US Grand Prix – click the image below for more specific details: This is more solid evidence that this WILL happen.� The local motor enthusiast & motorsports community in the Austin regional area will get a MAJOR shot in the arm as [...]
Sunday, November 7, 2010
WARNING BEWARE OF THE NASCAR FAN Youth Hooded Sweatshirt ASH GREY LARGE
WARNING BEWARE OF THE NASCAR FAN Youth Hooded Sweatshirt ASH GREY LARGE addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Fnascar-fans%2Fwarning-beware-of-the-nascar-fan-youth-hooded-sweatshirt-ash-grey-large'; addthis_title = 'WARNING+BEWARE+OF+THE+NASCAR+FAN+Youth+Hooded+Sweatshirt++ASH+GREY+LARGE'; addthis_pub = ''; Technorati Tags: BEWARE, Grey, Hooded, Large, nascar, Sweatshirt, Warning, Youth
Fantasy Season Winding Down, Usual Suspects Still Favorites
Fantasy racing junkies are at their wits end because there's only three weekends of racing left before the end of the season, leading to lots of angst over the thought of no more motorsports until 2011, while championships for a select few drivers and many game players are still on the line. Which drivers are the top picks for NASCAR at Texas and F1 in Brazil? In SPEED's Wind Tunnel Super 7 Sweep game most players are picking three F1 drivers and some combination of NASCAR stars to fill out their seven-starter rosters. It's a percentage deal; F1 fields are half the size of NASCAR's and unless there is a crash or DNF the chance of a GP driver scoring points is greater -- especially when there are really only a handful of open wheelers with a chance to win, and if they don't win or crash or break they almost always score fantasy points. NASCAR lovers do the opposite and pick two each from Cup, Nationwide and Trucks with one lone F1 racer on their roster, just because they have to pick at least one driver per scheduled race each weekend. The top three drivers in the Chase are the top three picks for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. Jimmie Johnson (32% of all players) has one win at Texas and have never finished outside the top 10, Denny Hamlin (20%) won this past April and Kevin Harvick (12%) has never visited victory lane at the fast one and half mile just outside Ford Worth. But Harvick is hot and Richard Childress Racing desperately wants to prevent JJ from getting a record fifth title in a row. Fellow previous winners Tony Stewart (8%) and Jeff Gordon (7%) were followed by Kyle Busch (6.9%), three-time winner Carl Edwards (2.2%), 2000 winner Dale Earnhard Jr. (1.7% or 78 players), last year's winner Kurt Busch, Juan Pablo Montoya and Greg Biffle. No other driver was picked by one percent of the nearly 3000 players who submitted rosters for this weekend. For Saturday's NASCAR Nationwide Series race Brad Keselowski (38% of all players) and Kyle Busch (37%) are the runaway pick favorites; Carl Edwards (12%) was the only other driver with a percentage in double digits despite an average start of 8.7 and an average finish of 13th. Keselowski will give Roger Penske his first NASCAR championship with a 21st place finish. Most players obviously believe he and/or Kyle will get to the checkers first, as does your humble Commish (started Kyle) but I do believe Edwards is due. We'll see. Kevin Harvick (4%) and Joey Logano (3.7%) were the only other drivers on more than one percent of the players' lineups with Danica Patrick getting a few there's-nothing-wrong-with-hoping picks. Seven players picked Denny Hamlin, five players picked Tony Stewart and five players picked Jimmie Johnson although none of those Cup stars on the entry list. Doh. Kyle Busch (on 47.7% of all rosters) will be going for a record sixth NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series win in a row so it's no surprise he's the runaway top pick; likewise with next-most-popular pick Todd Bodine (25%) who has six wins at Texas and Ron Hornaday (13% of all rosters, two wins, all-time truck series lap leader at the track) the only other drivers with double-digit pick percentages. Austin Dillon (5.5%) and Aric Almirola (2.6%) were next ahead of Elliott Sadler (1.9%) and Kevin Harvick (picked by 1% or 38 players and sadly sitting out the race in favor of Sadler). Johnny Sauter, Matt Crafton, and Timothy Peters were upset specials for a few loyal players as were Geoffrey Bodine (back working on his bobsleds), Ken Schrader (probably somewhere in Missouri), Johnny Benson (praying he'll have a ride in 2011 but not suiting up), Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin, who aren't scheduled to race on Friday either. Oops. Paying attention almost always pays off with points. But I can't throw stones. I've started non-racing drivers too. Ferrari's Fernando Alonso (38%) is the top pick for the Brazilian GP with Red Bull's Sebastien Vettel (29%) and Mark Webber (15%) next in pick popularity with McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton fourth ahead of Felipe Massa. Jenson Button, Michael Schumacher, Robert Kubica and Nico Rosberg are also on some rosters; no doubt picked by those players who are betting a turn one crash eliminates one or more favorites. With only two races left and the top three picks still in contention for the World Driving Championship I'd say there's just as good a chance of a crash or DNF during the race. Those banned, non-existent team orders may come into play, both Red Bull and McLaren have had reliability issues at the most inopportune times this season and there's always a chance for rain at Interlagos this time of year. And all those things are out of each fantasy game player's control.
-Bill
Read more of Bill Tybur's thoughts on fantasy racing at FMFL
Photo Credit: Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway
-Bill
Read more of Bill Tybur's thoughts on fantasy racing at FMFL
Photo Credit: Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway
An Alternative Method for Dent Removal
Photo by petersawatzky There’s no car owners that wish to have any dents on their rides. But there are times when these things just happen.
Today there’s a distinctive method of dent removal that doesn’t require to remove (beating out) the dents or remove any parts of your car.
Due to the nature of the method, the [...]
Today there’s a distinctive method of dent removal that doesn’t require to remove (beating out) the dents or remove any parts of your car.
Due to the nature of the method, the [...]
Late-Race Wreck Puts Ragan 32nd in Fontana
Contact between David Ragan and Kurt Busch with seven laps remaining in the race results in frustrating day for the UPS Freight team
New Backpack Cooler Keeps Cold-Ones Close By
An innovative backpack cooler from TrackPack chills and dispenses 20 beverage cans with the flick of a wrist, complies with most public venues and tracks and is easy for one person to carry. Drink up!
Busch can't do no wrong
Busch again was in the right place at the right time to claim victory in the pepsi 400
Saturday, November 6, 2010
David?s Blog: Back to Short Track Racing
David and the UPS team head back to Martinsville Speedway this weekend. The team is coming off a top-10 finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway
Odds favor Johnson for Chase title
FanHouse: NASCAR is�enjoying its tightest title fight since the inception of the Chase in 2004. The more intriguing twist is that four-time champ Jimmie Johnson has two drivers trying to chase him down instead of one. View full post on NBCSports.com: NASCAR / Motors addthis_url = 'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nascarpitstopblog.com%2Fnascar-racing%2Fodds-favor-johnson-for-chase-title'; addthis_title = 'Odds+favor+Johnson+for+Chase+title'; addthis_pub = ''; Technorati Tags: [...]
Friday, November 5, 2010
Chevy Also Funny Car Match Racer
This was a difficult post to write, because I didn’t want to sensationalize a tragedy, yet I wanted to recognize a neglected car and driver. Today, sanctioning bodies and track officials are fairly transparent when a fatal accident occurs at the race track. No one likes to see a racing calamity, but the leaders of [...]
From Racedriven ? Win a $25 BP Gas card photography Contest.
I?m sure most of us have seen the every changing gas prices daily over the past several months including hitting $4 for a gallon for gasoline at one point this year, so thanks to M80 on behalf of BP, I am running an automotive photography contest with each winner receiving one $25 BP Gift Cards. [...]
The Race For the Chase Continues
Who Can Surpass Johnson?
This week, at Martinsville not much changed in the point standings. Denny Hamlin may have won the race but not enough to catch up to Jimmie Johnson in championship points. With only a few weeks left in the championship chase it still is up to a few drivers to catch Jimmie Johnson.There only about five or six drivers left that can surpass Jimmie since some drivers are really having some bad luck.
The penalty to Clint Bowyer's team virtually eliminated him from the chase in week one. Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, and Kyle Busch are the only ones I really think have a shot at winning the title.
Can Jeff Gordon Come from Behind?
This week we're coming to Talladega where things can change in a hurry. It is always dangerous to race on a restricted plated track during the chase; it's very easy to get caught up in somebody else's wreck and have a bad day. Some drivers are better on restricted plate races: Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Junior come to mind. Right now Jeff Gordon is 203 points behind the leader and he needs a win badly. We may just see that win on Sunday. After the way Junior race last week it wouldn't surprise me if he wins.We all know that I'm a Jimmie Johnson fan, but I wouldn't mind seeing Jeff Gordon win also. It certainly would tighten up the race a little bit and that would be a good thing for NASCAR. Kyle Busch made up some ground last week and so did Jeff Burton, but I think Jeff is too far out of the race with only a handful of starts left.
NASCAR in Ratings Trouble
With the NFL season started NASCAR needs the race to the chase to be as close as possible for good ratings and attendance. Speaking of ratings, NASCAR has to make it easier for the fans to find out what channel the races are on. I am often confused and I follow the sport whether the races on ESPN, the speed Channel, Fox, or TNT. I can only imagine what a new fan is thinking when trying to find the race! Sometimes I'm flicking through the channels and all of a sudden I find an authorities and ARCA race that I didn't know was on.
Jamie McMurray Stays Put
Well it looks like Jamie McMurray is going to stay at Earnhardt Ganassi racing. Word is he is going to sign an extension and stay where he is. That's what happens when you win a few races. In this day and age it's hard to hook up with a successful team. You might as well just stay where you are and have been successful. That team seems to be a good fit for Jamie and I wish them luck.
-Vinny
Read more from Vinny at Awesome Race Fans
Photo Credit: Hans J E
This week, at Martinsville not much changed in the point standings. Denny Hamlin may have won the race but not enough to catch up to Jimmie Johnson in championship points. With only a few weeks left in the championship chase it still is up to a few drivers to catch Jimmie Johnson.There only about five or six drivers left that can surpass Jimmie since some drivers are really having some bad luck.
The penalty to Clint Bowyer's team virtually eliminated him from the chase in week one. Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick, and Kyle Busch are the only ones I really think have a shot at winning the title.
Can Jeff Gordon Come from Behind?
This week we're coming to Talladega where things can change in a hurry. It is always dangerous to race on a restricted plated track during the chase; it's very easy to get caught up in somebody else's wreck and have a bad day. Some drivers are better on restricted plate races: Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Junior come to mind. Right now Jeff Gordon is 203 points behind the leader and he needs a win badly. We may just see that win on Sunday. After the way Junior race last week it wouldn't surprise me if he wins.We all know that I'm a Jimmie Johnson fan, but I wouldn't mind seeing Jeff Gordon win also. It certainly would tighten up the race a little bit and that would be a good thing for NASCAR. Kyle Busch made up some ground last week and so did Jeff Burton, but I think Jeff is too far out of the race with only a handful of starts left.
NASCAR in Ratings Trouble
With the NFL season started NASCAR needs the race to the chase to be as close as possible for good ratings and attendance. Speaking of ratings, NASCAR has to make it easier for the fans to find out what channel the races are on. I am often confused and I follow the sport whether the races on ESPN, the speed Channel, Fox, or TNT. I can only imagine what a new fan is thinking when trying to find the race! Sometimes I'm flicking through the channels and all of a sudden I find an authorities and ARCA race that I didn't know was on.
Jamie McMurray Stays Put
Well it looks like Jamie McMurray is going to stay at Earnhardt Ganassi racing. Word is he is going to sign an extension and stay where he is. That's what happens when you win a few races. In this day and age it's hard to hook up with a successful team. You might as well just stay where you are and have been successful. That team seems to be a good fit for Jamie and I wish them luck.
-Vinny
Read more from Vinny at Awesome Race Fans
Photo Credit: Hans J E
Perform a Dent Removal Yourself
Photo by xrrr Most people are not comfortable to drive his/her car with dents showing up here and there.
If there’s only a small dent, perhaps you may ignore it. But when the small dents increase in numbers, they will be easily noticeable.
Dent removal will be your best option when those annoying dents begin to bug [...]
If there’s only a small dent, perhaps you may ignore it. But when the small dents increase in numbers, they will be easily noticeable.
Dent removal will be your best option when those annoying dents begin to bug [...]
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Ragan Posts Top-10 Finish in Charlotte
David and the UPS team brought home the United Way Ford 10th at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday night
Merry Christmas To All
Cross Posted from Rev’Jim’s RantsnRaves Santa didn’t forget We almost let Christmas slip by without offering a wish list for some of our favorite drivers, teams, and NASCAR personalities. I’m not going to let that happen. Silly season never really ended. Bobby Labonte was released from Petty Enterprises even after avowing his loyalty to that [...]
2011 BMW Can Read Out Loud Emails From Your Blackberry
Using ConnectedDrive Assist and Bluetooth technology, now the 2011 BMW drivers are able to listen to emails read to them by the car computer.
This is a one step further in harnessing the concept of mobile office.
The BMW has successfully integrates Blackberry smartphone capabilities into its vehicles. The integration is implemented in 2011 BMW cars which [...]
This is a one step further in harnessing the concept of mobile office.
The BMW has successfully integrates Blackberry smartphone capabilities into its vehicles. The integration is implemented in 2011 BMW cars which [...]
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Ced?s Muffler Bubble Top Nova Funny Car
Although there were a number of roadster funny cars in 1967, the Ced's Muffler Nova set itself apart by enclosing the driver inside a bubble top canopy
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