I have been watching Old NHRA races lately from the 70s, 80s and 90s. I can say one thing about those races and that is them seem better than now. Why do these races seem so much better? Could the NHRA really be that different back then, compared to the 00s and now? Was it more exciting back then? Why did it seem so much better?
Well the first thing I did was watch more old races and compare them to the current NHRA races. As I was watching the older races I started to notice a few things (I focus on small details a lot). In the 70s there were a lot of rivalries going on, especially in Funny Car, but in all of the classes as well.
When reading about and watching the old races with the rivalries I always wonder how come we haven't had a major Rivalry in the NHRA in the past several years. Sure we have had those minor "rivalries" between Tony Schumacher and Larry Dixon and the one between John Force and Tony Pedregon (not really sure if this one counts it was more of just a small feud) but this was nothing compared to the old rivalries!
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Four Decades of Aston Skill
John Goldsmith never planned to be an Aston specialist. He qualified as a submariner in the early '70s and used to tear around in a Downton-modified MGB. Then, at a party, his friend Rhys Williams persuaded him to part with 2000 GBP for DB4 Series V Vantage, one of only six fitted with a 12-plug GT engine. "I was on my way to buy a V12 E-type, but I was hooked once I'd seen the Aston", recalls Goldsmith.
The car required an engine rebuild, however, which Goldsmith did himself with the help of a mate. His hobby became a business and, as word spread, more Aston Martins in need of repair came through the workshop door. "In those early days", he adds, "the cars didn't have the value they now have and we saw some shocking welding and body repairs that we had to put right".
Goldsmith also helped drivers to track-prepare their cars, all with the right safety mods, and knew how to get the best performance from their Astons. When parts became tricky to source, Goldsmith and Young started to remanufactured many of the most difficult to find: "Newport Pagnell would often wait until they had enough back orders before starting a production run of some parts. In the meantime, owners had to wait, which we felt was unacceptable. Right now, there is a shortage of new single-plug heads and we are able to support our customers from our second-hand parts stock that has been built up over many years".
The car required an engine rebuild, however, which Goldsmith did himself with the help of a mate. His hobby became a business and, as word spread, more Aston Martins in need of repair came through the workshop door. "In those early days", he adds, "the cars didn't have the value they now have and we saw some shocking welding and body repairs that we had to put right".
Goldsmith also helped drivers to track-prepare their cars, all with the right safety mods, and knew how to get the best performance from their Astons. When parts became tricky to source, Goldsmith and Young started to remanufactured many of the most difficult to find: "Newport Pagnell would often wait until they had enough back orders before starting a production run of some parts. In the meantime, owners had to wait, which we felt was unacceptable. Right now, there is a shortage of new single-plug heads and we are able to support our customers from our second-hand parts stock that has been built up over many years".
Audi A6 Avant - The Most Successful Business Wagon in Europe Gets a Makeover
The Audi A6 Avant has never been short of success. Aside from being the most successful business class estate in Europe, it has also enjoyed countless positive reviews and praise. Carrying that theme across to a new model is always going to be difficult with so much weight bearing down on its shoulders. That said, the 2012 Avant is once again looking to be something of a winner with the Business and consumer crowd alike.
On its exterior, the Avant has become more refined since its last outing with a number of subtle adjustments being just enough to satisfy the worthwhile change. For an estate, it looks amazingly agile and sleek despite its length - its proportions are perfectly sporty and the low roof line flows perfectly into the flat D-pillars. The one piece grille returns along with somewhat edgier LED assisted lights and the whole car measures in at about 16.17ft in length. Thanks to more use of aluminium on this year's model you can also expect it to weigh around 154.32lbs less than the previous model; a pretty heavy crash diet in comparison to last years.
On its exterior, the Avant has become more refined since its last outing with a number of subtle adjustments being just enough to satisfy the worthwhile change. For an estate, it looks amazingly agile and sleek despite its length - its proportions are perfectly sporty and the low roof line flows perfectly into the flat D-pillars. The one piece grille returns along with somewhat edgier LED assisted lights and the whole car measures in at about 16.17ft in length. Thanks to more use of aluminium on this year's model you can also expect it to weigh around 154.32lbs less than the previous model; a pretty heavy crash diet in comparison to last years.
Legendary Are the Volk Racing TE37 Wheels
Rays Engineering is a high-end Japanese wheel manufacturer for both motorsport and street use which is mostly known for its Volk Racing flagship brand of wheels. These wheels continue to be the choice of today's car enthusiasts. The best in today is the Volk Racing TE37 Wheel! The Volk Racing TE37 Wheel is a flagship design from the flagship wheel brand. This wheel features a 1 pc forged wheel 6 spoke design that has become a cult hit among JDM tuners and track racers alike. This wheel comes in different sizes with offset recommended by the manufacturer. And not only are this there many custom sizes available in the Volk TE37 Racing Wheel. Like for example:
Volk Racing TE37 Wheel 13x5, 4x100.
Volk Racing TE37 Wheel 14x5, 4x100.
Volk Racing TE37 Wheel 14x6.5, 4x100 and there are more in series.
These Classic Racing Wheels form Rays has forged monoblock construction and is lightweight and strong. All the wheels come with different sizes for different brands and cars! Available in bronze, Rays wheels makes your car look more sporty and forged with aluminum, they provide an extra eye catching shape, design and looks to your car. The Rays Wheels are made up of 6061 aluminum.
Volk Racing TE37 Wheel 13x5, 4x100.
Volk Racing TE37 Wheel 14x5, 4x100.
Volk Racing TE37 Wheel 14x6.5, 4x100 and there are more in series.
These Classic Racing Wheels form Rays has forged monoblock construction and is lightweight and strong. All the wheels come with different sizes for different brands and cars! Available in bronze, Rays wheels makes your car look more sporty and forged with aluminum, they provide an extra eye catching shape, design and looks to your car. The Rays Wheels are made up of 6061 aluminum.
Top Five Reasons Why Men Love Cars
Wondering why men love cars so much? Although we are not generalizing, but so far most men are identified to have this strange affinity to cars, speed and racing. They are very fussy and meticulous when it comes to pampering and cleaning their cars. They would even spend hours watching race shows like F1 and other illustrious car shows. Perhaps, their fondness to cars and velocity has something to do with their varying adrenaline level and male sex hormone testosterone. Scientifically, both adrenaline and testosterone are associated to high aggression level. Nevertheless, we cannot single out these two factors as the only reasons why men love cars so much. To help us understand better the relationship of men and cars, let us discuss other possible explanation as to why men are so attached with their automobiles.
Gain Acceptance
Who would ever thought that men are also afraid of rejection? Some men would even refer to their cars as the perfect partner. Cars can offer security and give pride to their respective owners. That is why some women who have car enthusiast boyfriends and life partners are at risk of developing relationship problems because of jealousy over one automobile. Some may even call their partner's car as the mistress, as some men would invest more money or quality time to their cars as compared to their real life partners.
Gain Acceptance
Who would ever thought that men are also afraid of rejection? Some men would even refer to their cars as the perfect partner. Cars can offer security and give pride to their respective owners. That is why some women who have car enthusiast boyfriends and life partners are at risk of developing relationship problems because of jealousy over one automobile. Some may even call their partner's car as the mistress, as some men would invest more money or quality time to their cars as compared to their real life partners.
EMPI: The Beginning of VW Performance Parts
Since the early days of Volkswagen, one company has always remained on top, EMPI.
EMPI began in Riverside, California by Joe Vittone when he opened a Volkswagen dealership in 1954 with his business partner Holt Haughey. The agency was named Economotors and specialized in selling Volkswagen beetles and buses, and service parts.
Soon after Economotors opened shop, Joe realized the valve guides wore out at an excess rate and he had a hard time finding replacement valve guides. After contacting Volkswagen, he was told it was best to discard the entire valve heads and replace them with new heads.
As a result, Joe decided to manufacture his own valve guides. This allowed old or worn cylinder heads to be repaired instead of being scraped, saving the Volkswagen owner a large amount of money in replacement parts and service.
Economotors saw a surge in customers who wanted to buy the new valve guides, so Joe founded EMPI (European Motor Products Inc) in 1956. At this time in Germany, performance equipment company Okrasa was well-known and Joe decided to add Okrasa to the EMPI line of products, and thus introduced the Volkswagen owner to high performance parts.
EMPI began in Riverside, California by Joe Vittone when he opened a Volkswagen dealership in 1954 with his business partner Holt Haughey. The agency was named Economotors and specialized in selling Volkswagen beetles and buses, and service parts.
Soon after Economotors opened shop, Joe realized the valve guides wore out at an excess rate and he had a hard time finding replacement valve guides. After contacting Volkswagen, he was told it was best to discard the entire valve heads and replace them with new heads.
As a result, Joe decided to manufacture his own valve guides. This allowed old or worn cylinder heads to be repaired instead of being scraped, saving the Volkswagen owner a large amount of money in replacement parts and service.
Economotors saw a surge in customers who wanted to buy the new valve guides, so Joe founded EMPI (European Motor Products Inc) in 1956. At this time in Germany, performance equipment company Okrasa was well-known and Joe decided to add Okrasa to the EMPI line of products, and thus introduced the Volkswagen owner to high performance parts.
Vintage Cars - Top Five Reasons Why They Are Still In Demand Today
While modern car sales continue to fall, vintage cars are getting hotter these days. According to research, there is a huge demand for them all over the world. Hundreds and thousands of vintage cars are sold each year and each car is worth millions of dollars. Indeed, these classic cars are now soaring not just in the US but to other Eastern countries despite the reports of the economic downturn.
But why do people love these cars? Why are they are so popular? Following are some of the best reasons why these cars are still in demand today:
Passion For Collecting Excellent Finds
People are fond of collecting all sorts of stuff from jewelry to gold coins, silverwares, potteries, porcelain and even cars. By and large, people who collect cars are mostly men. Their passion is not limited to modern and brand new cars but vintage cars as well. Just like Jay Leno, the famous host of the Tonight Show in NBC. He now owns 300 vehicles excluding his 60 motorcycles. Included in his car collection are several Stanley Steamers from the early 1900s, muscle cars from the 1950s and '60s, and a 1932 Packard Twin Six 12-cylinder coupe. It only shows that people will do anything just to add a good piece to their collection, even spending millions of dollars.
But why do people love these cars? Why are they are so popular? Following are some of the best reasons why these cars are still in demand today:
Passion For Collecting Excellent Finds
People are fond of collecting all sorts of stuff from jewelry to gold coins, silverwares, potteries, porcelain and even cars. By and large, people who collect cars are mostly men. Their passion is not limited to modern and brand new cars but vintage cars as well. Just like Jay Leno, the famous host of the Tonight Show in NBC. He now owns 300 vehicles excluding his 60 motorcycles. Included in his car collection are several Stanley Steamers from the early 1900s, muscle cars from the 1950s and '60s, and a 1932 Packard Twin Six 12-cylinder coupe. It only shows that people will do anything just to add a good piece to their collection, even spending millions of dollars.
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