Culture|Garage

Jeremy Clarkson would probably cringe at these road tests- in fact, he probably has in one of his rants. However, back in the heyday of television and much of the car world, Bud Lindeman and Car and Track, a televised competitor with Car and Driver, wrung then-new cars out in a series of tests that are both entertaining and informative. While the music isn’t much to write home about- then OR now- the footage of these beasts being wrung out is too neat to pass up. Thus, with YouTube user “MaccalIsntDead’s” posting of these videos, we can all get a good look back in time at what cars were like brand new. The only drawback? YouTube won’t let me post ‘em here- so you’ll have to go check ‘em out for yourself. See all sorts of good stuff, like a Gremlin being put through it’s paces, or a big ‘ol Torino romping through a slalom. Enjoy!

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So, as y’all may or may not know, grad school is now fully upon me, so I won’t be updating the blog as often as I’d like. However, when I find interesting tidbits, I’ll do my best to throw them on the site. Today, I found this video posted over at Mustangblog.com, of a “new edge” Mustang lighting the hides in slo-mo. Allegedly, the car is good for 10-sec 1/4 mile times, but the real grabber here is the artistry of such a simple shot, showcasing the smoke hanging in the air, and the excellent choice of music to go along with the film. Please enjoy!

Bonus remix:

via: mustangblog.com

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So it looks as if Rockstar has decided to grace the general public with an updated trailer for the upcoming Midnight Club: Los Angeles game. Looks a lot more polished than the PS2 “Dub” edition game, but if the gameplay is similar, it should be fun! For more, check out the Midnight Club website HERE.

(As an aside, expect fairly regular posts to resume in the next few weeks, currently I am moving- so I’ll do what I can for the moment. Thanks for your patience and ongoing support!)

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There’s a segment of the muscle car domain that breaks from the norm, in that going around corners is just as important as going fast- it’s called “pro touring.” Although they are much-hyped, Air Ride Technologies has just completed the latest “pro-tourer,” and although I am loathe to offer praise to a car built solely for marketing purposes, I have to admit, this car is (in my best preteen parlance) freakin’ awesome. Read the rest of this entry »

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Loveland, Co- A strong wind whips out to the East here, where trees are sparse and livestock outnumber people. Just West of Greeley, Colorado, the Budweiser Events Center is home to stock shows, rodeos and other agriculturally-related events. For one weekend during every summer, however, one of the largest car shows in the Rocky Mountain region takes place here- the Goodguys Colorado Nationals. C|G paid a visit to this year’s event- and it was well worth the trip. Read the rest of this entry »

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Tom Hazen, of Minnesota Austin Healey Club, puts on some incredible events from highspeed runs at an airport, to country cruises, to my favorite event, the hillclimb.  The hillclimb starts with a very simple autox portion in the lower parking lot and then you round the last turn and charge uphill.  To slow the speeds and keep the event safe, they add a couple of chicanes for good measure.  This year, four c|g’ers made it to the event.  All of us enjoyed our time and even placed fairly well, I will update later with results.  For the time being, enjoy the video of Andrew Douglas and my runs.

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Not to get all sentimental on you. But most of you are probably here reading this due to dad introducing you to cars. While my dad was never a car guy, I certainly remember having car talks with him. I remember asking him why anyone would want to drive stick (he is a perpetual automatic-guy) and he told me because people want to feel like race car drivers. So, all three of my current cars are manuals. Nothing makes me feel more manly then that.  Well that and when I was potty trained, I got stars.  A certain number of stars equaled a Hot Wheel car of my choice.  This continued until I was 14.

Anyways, most of you have probably heard of the Hoyts. If not, please watch the video. It’s an incredible story about the love and bond between a father and son. I first learned of the Hoyt’s when Rick Reilly, of Sports Illustrated, wrote of the father/son team. I wept. Read it here.

It’s a reminder to say thanks. And if you didn’t have a dad like that…it can help give you something to strive to be.

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Street racing- some call it a social ill, while others see it as a good way to spend time. I think both sides have an argument to make, but because the problem seems to have been swept by the waysde due to other, “more pressing” issues such as the conflict in the Middle East, the rising expense of living and the overall scheme of world life and politics, it has become a sideshow. With any luck, the upcoming film, 1320, A West Coast Story, will once again make the issue of street racing one worth pursuing, and bringing some resolution to. Don’t waste your nickel seeing Speed Racer, give this movie a shot instead. (EDIT- Release in 2009)

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