Friday, August 17, 2012
Wounded Warrior
One of our favorite events by far is the Wounded Warrior Car Show. It is a great group of people and participants and a great cause, with proceeds going to the Semper Fi Fund. WyoTech in Long Beach proves to be a gracious host each year for this event, and the event organizers are growing this into a serious car show with larger numbers of registrations each year. To see photos of the Classic Rides on display at the 2012 show, << CLICK HERE >>
Friday, August 10, 2012
Classic Rides Photography goes Racing
It was a hot day in Irwindale, and it was about to get hotter. We
pulled into the Toyota Speedway just in time to check in and get to the driver
debriefing, where we learned all about the cars we would be driving and the
techniques that would maximize performance and keep us safe. Today we were
going to be short track racing in Stock Cars at speed.
After the briefing, our group was to be first on the track, so we hustled over to the equipment tent for our driving suits and helmets. After we were all suited up and our ear pieces taped into place, we headed to our assigned vehicles. Mine was the #78 Toyota. After being helped in, strapped down and communications tested, we fired up our racing machines and headed out on the track.
The first few laps were under caution as we got used to the cars and the spotter in our ears. Then came the green flag and it was time to go racing. The engines roared louder as we picked up speed and tried to recall all of the pointers and safety instructions we learned about in the briefing. The beauty of L.A. Racing at Irwindale, is that they let you pass (albeit a controlled pass) so you don’t get stuck behind a slower driver for your 20 laps.
As I became more and more comfortable with the car and the track, it was time to focus on keeping the pedal to the floor for as long as dared before coming into the turn. My lap times got faster and faster each time around, and before I knew it, they were waving the checkered flag.
After pulling the #78 back into the pits, I had a new found respect for the guys that do this for 500 laps, inches from the wall, three and four cars wide and at speeds far greater than mine. Overall the trip out to the Toyota Speedway was worth the drive out to Irwindale. My main complaint is that they don’t provide you with very much in terms of information about your race (speed, lap times, etc.). Maybe it is available, but if so they should tell you more about it when you check in. My only other complaint is that it was over way too quickly…next time I’m signing up for 40 laps.
After the briefing, our group was to be first on the track, so we hustled over to the equipment tent for our driving suits and helmets. After we were all suited up and our ear pieces taped into place, we headed to our assigned vehicles. Mine was the #78 Toyota. After being helped in, strapped down and communications tested, we fired up our racing machines and headed out on the track.
The first few laps were under caution as we got used to the cars and the spotter in our ears. Then came the green flag and it was time to go racing. The engines roared louder as we picked up speed and tried to recall all of the pointers and safety instructions we learned about in the briefing. The beauty of L.A. Racing at Irwindale, is that they let you pass (albeit a controlled pass) so you don’t get stuck behind a slower driver for your 20 laps.
As I became more and more comfortable with the car and the track, it was time to focus on keeping the pedal to the floor for as long as dared before coming into the turn. My lap times got faster and faster each time around, and before I knew it, they were waving the checkered flag.
After pulling the #78 back into the pits, I had a new found respect for the guys that do this for 500 laps, inches from the wall, three and four cars wide and at speeds far greater than mine. Overall the trip out to the Toyota Speedway was worth the drive out to Irwindale. My main complaint is that they don’t provide you with very much in terms of information about your race (speed, lap times, etc.). Maybe it is available, but if so they should tell you more about it when you check in. My only other complaint is that it was over way too quickly…next time I’m signing up for 40 laps.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Ferrari Club of America Southwest Region 2012
In June of 2012, the Ferrari Club of America, Southwest Region, presented their Ferrari collection at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes, CA. To view the photo gallery of the cars that were present for the annual meeting, click here.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Fall Del Mar Nationals 2011
While most of America was out shopping for deals on this Black Friday, we were basking in the Southern California sunshine at the 1st Annual Fall Goodguys Del Mar Nationals. The setting was serene and the hot rods and customs were in full force.
To view all of the photos from the Del Mar Nationals << CLICK HERE >>
To view all of the photos from the Del Mar Nationals << CLICK HERE >>
Monday, November 21, 2011
LA Auto Show
Over 40 vehicles will be unveiled at the 2011 LA Auto Show, here are a few of the highlights...
The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S made its North American debut in Los Angeles. The Carrera S now sports a longer wheelbase for increased stability and more power from its 3.8 liter, direct-injected, 6 cylinder engine. Porsche also unveiled the new Panamera GTS which will be available next Spring.
BMW brought two concept cars to the show, both of which are slated to go into production - the i3 all-electric car is expected on the market in 2013, and the i8 plug-in hybrid (above) the following year. BMW is saying that the i8 will boast 390 horsepower and get 78 miles per gallon.
The sports car / hybrid Jaguar C-X16 concept makes its North American debut, revealing its combination of traditional good looks on the outside and electric motor and supercharged V6 under the hood.
Mercedes unveiled three new AMG models at the LA Auto Show - the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series; the SLS AMG Roadster (above); and the World debut of the ML63 AMG, the high performance version of their sport utility vehicle.
Subaru revealed its hot BRZ Concept STi with rear-wheel drive.
Also making its North American debut in Los Angeles is the new Bentley Continental GTC. Seen here with the 2012 Continental GT, the updated GTC has received an upgrade in power (567 horsepower), updated exterior body styling, while still offering all the luxury trimmings expected of Bentley.
The Lexus LFA on display. This sleek super car will do 0-60 in under 4 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. The Formula-1 derived engine is a 4.8 liter V-10 with 552hp and 354 lb-ft.
The 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S made its North American debut in Los Angeles. The Carrera S now sports a longer wheelbase for increased stability and more power from its 3.8 liter, direct-injected, 6 cylinder engine. Porsche also unveiled the new Panamera GTS which will be available next Spring.
BMW brought two concept cars to the show, both of which are slated to go into production - the i3 all-electric car is expected on the market in 2013, and the i8 plug-in hybrid (above) the following year. BMW is saying that the i8 will boast 390 horsepower and get 78 miles per gallon.
The sports car / hybrid Jaguar C-X16 concept makes its North American debut, revealing its combination of traditional good looks on the outside and electric motor and supercharged V6 under the hood.
Mercedes unveiled three new AMG models at the LA Auto Show - the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series; the SLS AMG Roadster (above); and the World debut of the ML63 AMG, the high performance version of their sport utility vehicle.
Subaru revealed its hot BRZ Concept STi with rear-wheel drive.
Also making its North American debut in Los Angeles is the new Bentley Continental GTC. Seen here with the 2012 Continental GT, the updated GTC has received an upgrade in power (567 horsepower), updated exterior body styling, while still offering all the luxury trimmings expected of Bentley.
The Lexus LFA on display. This sleek super car will do 0-60 in under 4 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. The Formula-1 derived engine is a 4.8 liter V-10 with 552hp and 354 lb-ft.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Santa Barbara Concours d'Elegance
Ferraris, Maseratis, vintage trucks and beautifully restored street rods…and that was just the parking lot. We were at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club for the 25th annual Concours d’Elegance. Presiding over the festivities were Grand Marshal and Indianapolis 500 fixture Andy Granatelli and Master of Ceremonies Ed Lucas. The automotive art on display was easily the best array we have seen all year. Showcased on the immaculate lawns of the polo fields were beauties like a 1939 Bugatti Type 57C and a 1939 Delahaye 165. There was a pair of Mercedes 300SL Gullwings, an immaculate 1967 Shelby A/C Cobra 427 and a custom-built Vision SZR prototype just to name a few. In addition to the fine collection of automobiles were some fabulous vintage motorcycles including The Flying Merkel, one of the highest performance motorcycles of the early 20th century, and a stunning 1958 Ariel Square Four 1000cc. For connoisseurs of Classic Rides, the Santa Barbara Concours d’Elegance is well worth the trip.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Hot Rod and Car Craft Cruise Night
The month of October coming to a close could only mean one thing…it was time for the monthly Hot Rod & Car Craft night at the Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo. The event is always a blast, with music, local food trucks and cool cars. One of the highlights of the evening was seeing Bone Shaker, created by legendary Hot Wheels designer, Larry Wood.
To view all of the photos from this event << CLICK HERE >>
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