Cars and Adventures

Author: Joe

  • The March 2024 Texas Mile

    The March 2024 Texas Mile

    In March and October each year, people bring cars and motorcycles to an airplane runway in an industrial park to see how fast they can go in a mile long straight. The competition, known as the Texas Mile, is held at the Chase Field Industrial and Airport Complex. Around the industrial park, the Texas prairie stretches into the horizon in all directions.

    Located just outside the small town of Beeville, Texas, it’s about an hour and a half’s drive south of San Antonio, Texas, and draws people from all over. Since moving to Texas, I had the opportunity to check out the March 2024 Texas Mile and see people push their machines to the limit.

    The Event

    The idea of the event is simple but brilliant: Take a vehicle down a straight line four times the length of a quarter mile drag strip and see how fast you can go.

    The Texas Mile has a great setup. There’s an announcer and a digital sign displaying the top speed reached each run.

    Watching from the pits, I caught sight of a late model Dodge Challenger flying down the track. Although I was far from the track—across a blue bonnet-filled field in the pits, the speed of the Challenger was undeniable. The droning sound of the full tilt Hemi V8 roared across the open field.

    I spent a lot of time watching the cars and bikes from behind the starting line, looking down the track into the hazy horizon. There, I was able to see and hear the starts well. Even though the competitors had a mile to cover, I saw some hard launches that wouldn’t be out of place at a drag strip, and more than one car fought to find traction. Tire tracks extended well beyond the starting line. Some even did burnouts to warm up their tires. When they reach the other end of the track, it isn’t uncommon to find out it was an over 200 mph run.

    The Vehicles

    We arrived at the Texas Mile during the lunch break, giving us a chance to walk the pits and check out the wide range of competing machines without missing any of the action. I also caught a whiff of methanol as one car made its way to the staging lanes. There’s something enjoyable about hearing a car rumble its way through the pits.

    Vehicles are divided into different classes. During the event, I saw many types of cars, including modified production cars, motorcycles, race cars, and even an electric streamlined motorcycle and a turbine-powered streamliner. Guessing the speed the vehicle ran became a game.

    A streamlined electric motorcycle
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    A heavily-modified Pontiac Firebird

    Wrapping Up

    I’m glad I could attend the Texas Mile in person after hearing about it a while ago. For more information about the event, check out their official website. You can also visit their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Have you ever been to the Texas Mile or know of an automotive event I should go to next? Please let me know in the comments!

    The March 2024 Texas Mile

    In March and October each year, people bring vehicles to the Texas Mile to see how fast they can go in a mile. The following is my account of the 2024 March event.

    Joe's avatar by Joe
  • 2024 San Antonio Monster Jam

    2024 San Antonio Monster Jam

    As a car racing-obsessed kid growing up in the 90s, it was only natural that I would get into monster trucks. It’s a relatively simple concept, but brilliant. There’s just something visceral about trucks with massive tires that seems to capture a kid’s attention, and I was hooked.

    In the pre-YouTube days, the extent of the monster truck content I consumed was limited to my double-VHS collection of monster truck videos and whatever I could rent from the local gas station that doubled as a video/video game rental store. I eventually had the chance to see a monster truck competition at the nearby county fair, which was undoubtedly a significant kid milestone for me.

    Years later, I would catch Monster Jam events on TV from time to time. Monster Jam is one of the biggest monster truck organizations in the world. After relocating to San Antonio, I saw it would be coming to the Alamodome, which is not far from me. I wouldn’t let childhood me down. I knew what I had to do.

    The Event

    Walking into the stadium and seeing the trucks parked on display before the event was epic. The sight of the trucks alone was enough to get me pumped up. Scanning the trucks, I noticed one of my childhood favorites (albeit a newer version): Grave Digger. Talk about nostalgia!

    The overall winner for the day is based on scores in different events. I was impressed by how little downtime there was once the show got going, besides an intermission (complete with synchronized backhoe driving!).

    Racing

    I was impressed by Monster Jam’s ability to make an exciting racetrack despite the limitations of an indoor arena. At this event, the trucks, two at a time, first start in a tight circle, practically chasing each other; after a few times doing that, they go out onto the outer track to finish the race. I found myself getting sucked into who won or lost, even if I wasn’t familiar with the trucks. There was even an epic moment in the form of a last-minute stadium entry of a recently repaired truck that had been facing mechanical problems back at the pits.

    Skills Challenge

    The skills challenge involves drivers doing one trick with at least two wheels off the ground. Judging was done by audience members via their smartphones, and the announcement of each score produced an audible response from the crowd. As the event went on and more drivers got their scores, suspense was felt throughout the stadium before that run’s points were revealed, often resulting in cheers as a new driver took the lead.

    I was amazed by how the drivers could balance their trucks vertically on two wheels, and given some audience reactions, I wasn’t the only one thinking that. Not only could drivers hold their trucks in that position, but one driver managed to go from forward to reverse on two wheels, and another went off a jump backward on two wheels. The skills challenge was a great example of just how far the sport has evolved.

    Freestyle

    Given the amount of wear and tear the trucks take, it’s a good idea that the freestyle competition takes place at the end of the day. I was really anticipating this part of the event. As with the skill challenge, points were decided by audience vote. Drivers have a set amount of time to perform tricks for the crowd—provided their trucks last that long!

    I saw some epic jumps and, to my surprise, quite a few backflips. I’d seen monster trucks do backflips on TV, but I was shocked by how many drivers did them. I can only imagine how weird the sensation must be when they do backflips. I was fascinated by how the trucks could jump so high, land, and drive off as if nothing happened.

    Wrapping Up

    My experience at the 2024 San Antonio Monster Jam.
    The iconic Max-D truck during the opening ceremony.

    It was awesome to attend a monster truck event after so many years and also go to my first Monster Jam. They really know how to put on a show! Ever been to a monster truck event? Let me know in the comments!

  • 2023 Chicago World of Wheels

    2023 Chicago World of Wheels

    For decades, the World of Wheels car shows have been synonymous with incredible automotive works of art. The shows are held all over the United States and in Canada. Some of the biggest names in custom cars have featured their cars at these shows. I always have a great time at these shows and was fortunate to attend the Chicago World of Wheels event this year. It had been several years since I attended a World of Wheels show, and I am glad I did. 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the show, and it was filled with some incredible rides.

    The Show

    Each year, the Chicago World of Wheels brings together incredible cars, car clubs, vendors, and celebrities for an epic event. During the event, the pinstriping organization “Chicago Brushmasters” raises money for the Ronald McDonald House charity through an art auction.

    The organizers do a really good job of keeping things fresh. With a show like this, I never know what to expect, and it is safe to say I was not disappointed.

    The Vehicles

    It’s hard to describe the cars on display, given the sheer variety. The show brought out everything from showroom-stock classics to wild customs. From iconic to avant-garde, there’s something for just about everyone.

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    Car Clubs

    A cool feature of the show is the car club displays. Car clubs throughout the area brought their cars to be displayed together. As with the rest of the show, the variety was staggering.

    Cycle-Rama—The Motorcycles

    The Cycle-Rama motorcycle show is a show-within-a-show at the Chicago World of Wheels. I saw a mixture of custom Harleys and sport bikes and, not to mention, plenty of chrome. It’s a great way for builders to showcase their work.

    Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Remembering U.S. 30 Dragstrip

    For many years, the U.S. 30 Dragstrip drew fans from all over Northwest Indiana. Although it’s been closed for decades, many people have fond memories of the racing action they experienced there. Everyone from drag racing icons to locals competed at it. This year, the 2023 Chicago World of Wheels gathered together many of the cars that had competed there for a display honoring the historic track.

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    Walking through the display was like stepping back in time. You can’t help but love the names given to these classic cars, such as “Staged Fright” and “Red Light Bandit.” I even saw an artist hand-painting a name on the side of one of the cars in the display.

    Ed Roth Cars

    If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ll know the significance of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth. The custom car builder and cartoonist created some incredible automotive works of art that helped define the 60’s show car scene. His “Ratfink” cartoon character continues to be a hot-rodding icon, appearing on countless cars and t-shirts. This year, the Chicago World of Wheels featured a couple of his wild-custom cars, an incredible recreation of one of his cars, a large surfing ratfink figure complete with a blown V-8 attached to the board, and one of his personal cars, a 1970s Honda Civic. 

    Orbitron

    A great example of one of Roth’s space-age designs, the Orbiton features a bubble top and a color tv.

    The Mysterion

    Also on display was a painstaking re-creation of Ed Roth’s Mysterion. It sports twin motors, twin transmissions, and twin rear ends. Interestingly, the Mysterion features a single seat with a central driver position.

    Tweedy Pie

    Tweedie Pie, A heavily-modified Ford Model T, features pinstriping and a 1957 Chevy Corvette engine with six carburetors.

    Ed Roth’s Honda Civic

    This Honda Civic was one of Ed Roth’s personal vehicles. It’s also a rolling canvas featuring a giant Ratfink painted on the hood, along with pinstriping.

    The Surfink

    The Surfink, created by Mark Glaz as a tribute to Ed Roth and Ratfink, features a large Ratfink figure atop a surfboard complete with a blown V-8 engine.

    George Barris Cars

    Undoubtedly one of the biggest names in custom cars and movie/tv cars was the iconic George Barris. His creations stole the show in countless tv shows and movies. On display at this show were some of his iconic creations, plus his trademark jacket.

    The Batmobile

    The 1960s Batman tv show was a bonified cultural phenomenon, and the Batmobile was right there along with it.

    The Munster Koach

    The gothic Munster Koach functioned as the family car in the classic 1960s television series The Munsters.

    Wrapping Up

    It’s always nice to have a car show relatively close by, especially a world-class one like the World of Wheels. It’s one of those places where you can walk and walk and still be surprised by what you are seeing.  I’m looking forward to attending another World of Wheels.

    Ever been to the World of Wheels or know of a car event I should go to next? Tell me about it in the comments!

  • 1969 Ford Mustang Restomod ‘Manticore’

    1969 Ford Mustang Restomod ‘Manticore’

    With millions of examples made, the Ford Mustang is one of America’s favorite performance cars. So, what do you do when you want a classic Mustang that’s a little bit different—one with modern technology? You can go the restomod route, which is what was done with this amazing 1969 Ford Mustang.

    This Mustang is many things: a classic, a high horsepower powerhouse, and a showcase for leading-edge technology.

    The epic creation was the result of an international collaboration spanning three continents. A team in India worked out computer bugs and contributed to its digital gauge interface, and a team in Germany helped with design and testing. It was a combined effort of Muscle Car Restorations, Altia, and Cypress to showcase Cypress technology.

    “Dubbed the”“Manticore,” it takes its name from a creature out of Persian folklore.

    The Story

    “Hassane El-Khoury, CEO of Cypress, first fell in love with classic Ford Mustangs as a kid by watching the Steve McQueen movie”“Bullitt.” In the film, detective Frank Bullitt uses his 1968 Fastback Mustang to give chase to a pair of hitmen in a 1969 Dodge Charger. Years later, Hassane bought a Mustang for $2,500 and got to work.”

    Hassane purchased the car from a student in Seattle.

    The Car

    When the Ford Mustang arrived on the scene, it offered consumers a fun, affordable, and sporty car. The Mustang has since become an automotive icon.

    Not only was this Mustang restored, but it also received some heavy customizing and upgrades taking it far beyond stock. Between the power and handling modifications, this Mustang is an exhilarating track-day-ready machine.

    Exterior

    Like the rest of the car, the exterior received heavy modifications. A front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, and a custom-made rear spoiler provide this Mustang an aggressive look. In addition, its lowered stance and flush-mounted door handles give it a sleek appearance. Subtly flared fenders accompany larger rims and tires.

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    The rims are 18-inch Forgeline GA1Rs. The front wheels are 8.5 inches wide, while the back ones are a whopping 12 inches.

    The track-style front and rear tow hooks and hood pins are further nods to this Mustang’s performance.

    “The paint is a color called “gunmetal pearl.”

    The LED headlights offer enhanced nighttime visibility and complement the car’s custom look.

    Interior

    Sitting in the driver’s seat, you’d be hard-pressed to know you were in a 1969 Mustang. Not only does it have a custom dash and center console, but perhaps one of the most noticeable modifications is the digital gauge cluster. Featuring a user interface designed by Altia (supplier to major automotive manufacturers), the digital gauges provide the driver with a range of information in a futuristic package. It wouldn’t look out of place in a science-fiction spaceship.

    3D printing was utilized in the creation of interior parts.

    In place of buttons or switches, touch-activated controls are utilized. In addition, the controls are powered by Cypress technology. For security, it features fingerprint authentication. The combination of a classic Mustang and modern technology makes for a fascinating pairing.

    A roll cage enhances safety while stiffening the chassis.

    Braum bucket seats help the driver to stay put while adding to the performance look of the car. In addition, the rear seats have been removed.

    The Sparco steering wheel adds to the Mustang’s performance look.

    In place of analog gauges, a screen provides a modern touch.
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    Performance

    Engine and Transmission

    Like the rest of the car, the performance in this Mustang is far beyond stock.

    It sports a Coyote 5.0-liter V8 crate engine with an Edelbrock supercharger paired with a Tremec T56 Magnum XL 6-speed manual transmission. A Ford 9-inch rear end helps get all the power to the wheels.

    Under the hood, you’ll find a cleaned-up engine bay and a strut bar.

    Horsepower comes out to an earthshaking 785. For reference, just to how much power that is, a 2022 Mustang Shelby GT500 has 760 horsepower.

    Helping to move exhaust from the motor is a custom set of headers leading to a custom exhaust. Also, electronic cutouts are a fun addition when you really want to hear the engine.

    Suspension

    To help this Mustang handle, significant work went into the suspension. QA1 Adjustable 12-inch coilover shocks help keep this Mustang level. The front suspension is a kit from Rod & Custom. The rear suspension is a TCI Pro Street 4 Link.

    Brakes

    Wilwood Forged Narrow Superlite brakes bring significant stopping power.

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    More Information

    If seeing the work done on this 69 Mustang has got you thinking about restoring your car, consider reaching out to Muscle Car Restorations. Visit their website to see more of the amazing restoration work they have done. I’ll be covering more of Muscle Car Restoration’s work in the future. For more information on this build, you can visit its official webpage.

    Know of a cool car I should write about next? Let me know in the comments!

  • The 2022 Pontiac Nationals

    The 2022 Pontiac Nationals

    The Pontiac Nationals, an annual drag racing event, is held at the Summit Motorsport Park near Norwalk, Ohio. This year marked the 31st anniversary of the event.

    After a few years away, I again made the trip to watch the massive gathering of Pontiacs (and a few GMCs) take to the track and take in the sounds of engines and the smell of burnt rubber. Returning to this track felt like seeing an old friend.

    THE EVENT

    The Pontiac Nationals is a three-day event that features drag racing and more. Some of the fastest Pontiacs in the world come to compete.

    A lot is happening at the Nationals aside from the racing. For example, there’s the Car Corral, where cars for sale are displayed, a car show, a vendor’s row, and a swap meet. The classic rock playing over the PA system helped to set the tone. On Friday, there was a wheelie competition (which I unfortunately missed).

    The swap meet was expansive and offered everything from new and used car parts to garage art. It’s a great place to find stuff to get that project finished.

    There was a lot going on and a lot to see. I found myself caught between trying to see everything and trying not to miss anything.

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    Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick

    Once again, drag racing pioneer and Pontiac racing legend Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick appeared with his Tameless Tiger II GTO drag car. One of his earlier cars was even on display. I always look forward to seeing the iconic racer in person.

    This 1963 Catalina was driven by Arnie “The Farmer” Beswick

    THE TRACK

    Located just east of the small city of Norwalk, Summit Motorsport Park is over 50 years. The quarter-mile track, founded in 1963, hosts various events throughout the year.

    CAR SHOW

    The car show brought out some awe-inspiring cars. In addition, it was an excellent opportunity to get a close-up look at some iconic Pontic models from the brand’s storied history.

    From Firebirds to Bonnevilles, there was a little bit of everything. Several GMCs entered the show as well. In all, there were over 1,000 vehicles in the show.

    This 1989 Turbo Trans Am is a rare sight
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    DRAG RACING

    The drag racing featured multiple classes and some seriously fast competitors. I was fortunate enough to witness a 200 mph plus pass. Seeing a run down the track in person at over 200 mph helps you comprehend how mind-bendingly fast that is.

    A 1964 GTO on the track
    A show-quality GT-37 at the starting line
    The Pontiac Nationals saw some extreme cars, like this doorslammer Firebird
    It’s not every day you see a rail with a Pontiac motor.
    An early Trans Am launches down the track

    The cool, overcast day made for some great performance, but there was also a persistent possibility of rain that threatened to put an end to the day’s racing.

    Aside from the race cars, it was cool to see relatively stock cars getting in on the action on the drag strip. Bracket racing rules allowed the less modified machines to be competitive.

    Newer Pontiacs were represented as well. It was fun to watch the newer GTOs and G8s taking to the track alongside much older machines.

    A classic Firebird Formula and a late-model G8 square off

    It was always exciting to see what was pulling up to the line next. Several classes made me appreciate the earplugs I got at the track giftshop.

    Walking through the pits was like a car show in and of itself, only you got to hear the rumble of cars as they headed for the starting line.

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    Nostalgia Super Stock

    Nostalgia Super Stock, founded in 1989, is an organization that brings heads-up drag racing with period-correct race cars to tracks around the Midwest. Not only are they fast, but the cars featured are incredibly beautiful, show-quality machines. Watching them line up was like going back in time for a few seconds.

    One of the races on their annual schedule was held at the Pontiac Nationals. They fit right in alongside the Pontiacs.

    The Nostalgia Super Stock cars put on a great show
    Amazing cars were a common sight in the pits

    The Trucks

    Pontiacs weren’t the only cars having fun on the dragstrip. Several GMC trucks, including a dually, competed in the drag racing.  As with the stock vehicles, it was fun to see the GMCs make passes down the track.

    Pontiacs weren’t the only vehicles on the track, as this GMC dually demonstrates
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    WRAPPING UP

    Even though the discontinuation of Pontiac happened years ago, it is great to see that the enthusiasm for the brand remains strong.

    Whether they brought their cars to the car show or the drag strip, they are doing their part to keep the brand that means so much to so many people alive. In addition, over 10,000 spectators came out to enjoy the show.

    For more information on the Pontiac Nationals, please visit their website. You can learn more about Nostalgia Super Stock at their official website. In addition, Summit Motorsport Park’s website can be seen here. Finally, click here to see my blog on the 2018 Pontiac Nationals.

    Did you attend the Pontiac Nationals? Let me know in the comments!

    5 responses to “The 2022 Pontiac Nationals”

    1. John cunningham Avatar
      John cunningham

      I loved the pictures and description of the Nostalgia Super Stocks. Could be straight out of Hot Rod Magazine circa 1968.

      Liked by 2 people

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    2. Rubens Junior Avatar
      Rubens Junior

      Such an amazing event and great pictures. Thanks for sharing.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Joe Avatar
        Joe

        Thank you for checking it out! I appreciate it!

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    3. Michelle Szczublewski Zuelke Avatar
      Michelle Szczublewski Zuelke

      We go every year with our classic Pontiacs, my husband has a 68 GTO and I have an 84 Trans Am. Great article on the event!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    4. Samuel Ceja Avatar
      Samuel Ceja

      Thanks for sharing! I love Mustangs and want to purchase one soon.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

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  • The 2022 Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational

    The 2022 Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational

    While the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is most famous for hosting the Indianapolis 500, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other exciting events held at the track. One of which is the Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational.

    First held in 2014, it’s an annual event put on by the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association. The 2022 event took place on June 18th and 19th and brought together hundreds of cars for an unforgettable weekend of racing. I had a chance to attend it for the first time, and I was not disappointed.

    Arriving at the track Sunday morning, I was greeted by the sound of American V-8s storming around the course. I knew immediately it was the place for me.

    A Chevy Corvette makes its way around the road course

    On Sunday, the pace car for the races was driven by Indy racing royalty and two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser, Jr.

    The Track

    The races took place on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course. The roughly 2.4-mile course uses part of the main oval, including the start/finish straight, which is run backward from the standard Indy 500 configuration. The Road Course goes inside the oval and features two long straights and plenty of sharp turns. It also features different configurations.

    A car takes the first turn of the course
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    Spectators have several options when watching the road races. Along with the grandstands, several hills provide a vantage point to corners on the track.

    Picture by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

    Classic Indy Cars and “Ragtime Racers”

    Historic Indy cars and vintage race cars made exhibition laps around the track. The vintage race cars were brought by a group called “The Ragtime Racers.” Dressing in period-style clothes, they drive their antique machines on racetracks and at events around the country. Seeing the vintage cars on the track was an epic experience.

    A line of early 20th century racecars
    This 1916 racecar features an aluminum V-8 aircraft engine
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    It was amazing to see race cars that are not only over 100 years old but getting driven around a racetrack. Restoring these machines was undoubtedly a serious undertaking, and the old cliché about if walls (or, in this case, cars) could talk certainly holds true.

    Along with the vintage cars, there were a variety of mid-20th century IndyCars making exhibition laps. The ‘60s was a significant time for cars competing in the Indy 500. It heralded the phasing out of the front engine “roadsters” in favor of the modern mid-engine machines.

    A mid-engine car on display
    Plenty of racing history could be seen at the event

    In my opinion, the streamlined roadsters of that era were some of the most beautiful race cars ever made—their sleek design and traditional front-engine layout made for a stunning racecar.

    Classic roadsters on display
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    The Races

    The cars racing ranged from American muscle to open-wheel racecars. The variety of cars at the event made for some unique on-track combinations. For example, open-wheel cars shared the track with sports cars; some races had cars with decades of difference in age.

    An Austin Healy Sprite, an iconic British sports car, crosses the famous bricks.
    A classic MG heads down the front straight
    A classic Mercedes Benz heads down the track

    It was always fun to see what would come down the start/finish straight, the same front straight that just weeks before featured the cars of the Indianapolis 500.

    When I arrived at the track Sunday morning, the Group 6 cars were up. While the Group 6 class encompasses a range of cars, those racing today were American V-8-powered machines like Corvettes and Mustangs.

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    A classic Mustang charges down a straightaway
    It was fun seeing classic cars competing on the track

    It was a real thrill to hear the roar of the V8s and see the cars storm down a long straight.

    When it comes to heritage, the Formula Vee class has lots of it. Founded back in 1963, it features air-cooled VW-powered open-wheel race cars. The idea being it would be an affordable style of racing.

    Formula Vees getting ready to take to the track

    Not only was watching the Formula Vee cars on the track fun, but when the top drivers pulled up for the award ceremony after the race, they couldn’t contain their excitement. They looked like they had about the most fun you could have racing.

    A Formula Vee racecar waiting to race

    After the Formula Vee race, a man next to me told me the story of one of the cars in the winner’s circle. He had built that car decades ago at his in-laws but had stopped racing at age 79. It’s not every day you get a firsthand account of a racecar’s history.

    Later came the NASCARs, representing 20 years of cars, from 1987 to 2007. A NASCAR Pickup even competed.

    Drivers preparing to take to the track
    Drivers coming across the start/finish line

    The winner, with a dominant lead, was professional NASCAR driver Joe Nemechek. Seeing him step out of his car up close in the winner’s circle was a definite highlight for me.

    Professional NASCAR driver Joe Nemechek in the winner’s circle.
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    The event produced some incredible sounds. The distinct tone of a classic Austin Healey Sprite barreling down the front straightaway of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was an unforgettable experience, as was the collective rumble of a field full of NASCARs.

    Wrapping Up

    I’m looking forward to attending more vintage races. You never know what cars you might see. Looking for more on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway? Check out my blog post about the track and museum and my blog post about my first trip to the Indianapolis 500.

    The SVRA did an excellent job packing the event full of amazing racing. You can visit their website here. The Ragtime Racers did a great job bringing history to life on the track. Their website can be viewed here. Finally, you can see the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s website at this link. Did you attend the Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational? Let me know in the comments!

    8 responses to “The 2022 Brickyard Vintage Racing Invitational”

    1. Joe Rothpearl Avatar
      Joe Rothpearl

      Very Cool!!! Feel like I was there with you. Thank you for bringing the show to me!

      Liked by 1 person

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      1. Joe Avatar
        Joe

        Thank you for checking it out! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

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    2. John Cunningham Avatar
      John Cunningham

      Some great cars there at the Brickyard, Joe. What a great event to attend. Some of the older racers are reminiscent of the cars that raced on the old board tracks in the US. A racing genre I am fascinated with, ever since I found a book about this form of racing in my local public
      Library back in 1968. Intetesting to see the pic of a lime green Austin Healy Sprite. I had one of those back in the day. Not much power but because it was so low to the ground it gave a great illusion of speed. Although I now live in Ireland I grew up in Birmingham, England, where these little cars were made,at the Austin factory in the Longbridge area of the city.

      Liked by 1 person

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    3. Joe Avatar
      Joe

      It is always good to hear from you John. I had a great time at the races. I’ve always liked the Sprites. They look like they would be a lot of fun to drive.
      I actually went to Ireland for the first time a few months ago for a vacation. I loved every minute of it and cannot wait to go back.

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      1. John cunningham Avatar
        John cunningham

        I’m glad that you made it to Ireland Joe. Hopefully you were able to get West of the Shannon, as we describe the West of Ireland. I live in County Mayo. As we gaze out over the Atlantic, it is often said that the next parish is in America.

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        1. Joe Avatar
          Joe

          I did make it west to Killarney and Galway. Unfortunately, I did not make it up to County Mayo on that trip. I really loved it. I enjoyed seeing the beautiful fields and rolling hills. I’m a fan of history, and seeing all the historical places was a great experience for me. I also couldn’t believe how nice everyone was. I definitely want to return. Also, if you’re on Facebook, I have a page I run along with the blog: https://www.facebook.com/Cars-and-Adventures-114543883430988 and also a group for it: https://www.facebook.com/groups/809044060066671

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    4. John Cunningham Avatar
      John Cunningham

      Glad that you made it to Ireland Joe and enjoyed your time here.

      Liked by 1 person

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    5. John Cunningham Avatar
      John Cunningham

      Not on facebook yet Joe. An old school resister…. But I’m thinking of starting a FB page so as to share my many pics of cars and my various road trips. I really enjoyed your FB posts. Some magical cars.. I will probably join the group once my posts look respectable.

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    The 2021 PRI Show

    A guide to the closed-to-the-general-public 2021 Performance Racing Industry Trade Show.

    Joe's avatar by Joe
  • My Trip to the 2022 Indianapolis 500

    My Trip to the 2022 Indianapolis 500

                As a nearly lifelong Hoosier (someone from Indiana), it may come as a surprise that I’ve never actually attended the Indianapolis 500 race itself. This year, at the famous race’s 106th running, I set out to change that and headed out before sunrise southeast towards Indianapolis on the morning of Sunday, May 29th. Destination: Speedway, Indiana.

    Speedway is a town and enclave of Indianapolis; situated just northwest of downtown Indy. After parking at the Indianapolis International Airport and taking a shuttle bus, I was at my first Indy 500. I later came across a picture online of the pre-dawn line for the track, stretching down the road.

    The iconic Pagoda building

    The Event

    For many people, the Indianapolis 500 is an annual destination. As a result, people have been known to rack up some seriously impressive attendance streaks reaching into decades, often watching from the same seat. This year, about 300,000 people attended the race.

    Walking to your seat at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway helps you appreciate just how big the track really is. Inside it, among other things, is part of a golf course as well as a road course.

    There are a number of prerace ceremonies and traditions to keep fans busy before the flag waves.

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    Some of the traditions include the fly-over, the singing of “Back Home in Indiana”, and the procession of the iconic Borg-Warner Trophy.

    The green flag being delivered by helicopter

    Before the race, the starting flag was delivered by helicopter and a parade of historic Indy cars took place. One of the cars in the parade was the 1912 Indy 500 winner (the second year for the race). One of the drivers in the parade was Mario Andretti. There’s even a red carpet for the celebrities that attend the race.

    There’s a sort of subdued excitement when the racecars get pushed to their pit stalls, knowing what is coming up in a little bit.

    A car being moved to its pit stall

    Drivers

    Two drivers that caught my attention in the field of 33 were Hélio Castroneves and Jimmie Johnson.

    In 2021 Brazilian driver Hélio Castroneves became the fourth person ever to win the Indianapolis 500 four times. This race gave him the rare opportunity to compete for a record 5th win. Something that has never been done in the 106 years of the Indianapolis 500.

    Jimmie Johnson, the retired multi-time NASCAR champion turned IndyCar racer, was fulfilling a childhood dream by competing in the 500.

    The Race

    Sitting in pole position was six-time IndyCar champion, Scott Dixon. Interestingly, the cars are lined up in rows of three instead of the usual two often seen in racing.

    The cars went around the track a few times, picking up speed as they went.

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    The pace car, a Chevy Corvette C8 driven by retired IndyCar racer Sarah Fisher led the 33 cars around the track a few times before pulling into the pits as the race began.

    Watching the race, one of the things that stuck to me was just how little time seemed to have passed each lap. It seemed like before I knew it the cars were flying past me, completing another lap on the 2.5-mile course.

    The cars weren’t the only thing going fast; the race itself seemed to fly by, with the laps quickly adding up. Before long, 50 laps had already been completed.

    Sitting near the pits, I got a close-up view of the precisely choreographed pit stops. I could smell the burnt rubber from the cars as they peeled out of their pitlanes.

    Watching the race on the lower part of the bleachers adjacent to the front straight, you can really appreciate the speed of the cars as they go past you, doing well over 200 miles an hour.

    Another thing that stuck out to me was how tight the racing was. The pack of cars seemed to stick together as the race went on.

    Looking down the front stretch

    The race produced visceral reactions from the crowd, who were brought to their feet throughout the race.

    A major benefit to where I was sitting was the giant tv screen just across the track. It enabled me to follow the race even when the cars were out of sight.

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    In the end, the winner was F-1 turned IndyCar racer Marcus Ericsson, a first-time winner of the 500. This ended up being one of the fastest races in Indianapolis 500 history in regard to elapsed time.

    The number of spectators in the stands at the end of the race seemed to be almost as many as when the race began hours ago.

    There are traditions even after the race is over. Two of which are the winner getting milk to drink and kissing the strip of bricks at the start-finish line. Kissing the bricks is a relatively new tradition, starting in the 90s, while the milk-drinking dates back to the 1930s.

    I had a great time at my first Indianapolis 500, and it was long overdue.

    Wrapping Up

    The Indianapolis 500 has transcended racing and has become a cultural phenomenon for Indiana and the rest of the world. It can draw the interest of someone who normally has little interest in auto racing.

    If you want to know more about the track and the museum, please check out my blog post. You can also check out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s official website or visit the official website of IndyCar. Have you ever attended the Indy 500? Let me know in the comments!

  • The 2021 PRI Show

    The 2021 PRI Show

    The Performance Racing Industry Trade Show or PRI Show is a three-day annual trade show held in Indianapolis, Indiana, for all things motorsposts. It’s only fitting that the event is in a city synonymous with racing. This year the closed-to-the-general-public event was held on December 19 through the 21st.

    The 2021 show drew around 1,000 businesses and thousands of attendees from all over the world. The businesses range in size from mom-and-pop-type businesses with a handful of employees all the way up to Chevrolet and Ford.

    A wide array of racing displines are represented, from stock car racing to IndyCar.

    This custom Chevy Camaro was one of the amazing cars on display.

    This was my third time attending the PRI Show, and every time I’ve went, I’ve been impressed by it.

    The Show

    Located at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis, the PRI Show has booths with just about everything associated with racing. The event takes up 750,000 gross square feet, so there is a lot to see.

    Conferences held throughout the event covered everything from business advice to engine bearings.

    The Cars of the PRI Show

    Few things are better at attracting a crowd at an automotive-themed trade show than a car on display, and the vendors did not disappoint. A record-setting drag car, rugged offroad trucks, and show cars ensured that people would swing by your booth.

    Online race part marketplace RacingJunk.com brought this beautiful Chevy Corvette.
    A 1949 Ford F1 pickup known as “Old Smokey”. It broke the diesel record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
    TracTive Suspension’s display featured this classic Porsche 911 racecar.
    6-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes-Benz.
    It’s not every day you see a Ferrari drift car.

    Goodyear Tire brought a collection of race cars. Naturally they were all sporting Goodyear Tires.

    Chevrolet Performance

    Chevrolet Performance brought an array of crate motors plus a manual and automatic transmission. In addition, they brought several cars including Popular Hot Rodding magazine’s iconic testbed 1957 Chevy Bel Air known affectionately as “Project X”, now equipped with an electric motor.

    • The Iconic 57′ Chevy known as “Project X”

    Ford Performance

    Ford’s display had their new electric crate motor, the Eluminator, as well as their 5.2L Mustang GT500 motor. They also had performance parts and emblems on display.

    Ford’s Eluminator electric crate motor.
    Ford had plenty of emblems to deckout your ride with.

    EV Performance Zone

    This year the PRI Show dedicated an entire area to the growing electric performance industry. Ford even brought out three EVs. Outside of the EV section were several electric race cars.

    Featured Products

    The Featured products section serves as a microcosm of the varied products on display. The products highlighted by the PRI Show ranged from a racing suit to a children’s book.

    Products

    The products on display are incredibly varied. Need a crate motor? They’ve got them. Looking for a CNC machine? There’s a section for that as well.

    A 16 cylinder XVI Power engine.
    BDS Superchargers had one of the most creative displays at the show.
    A display of Keizer Forged Wheels.
    Noonan Race Engineering crate motors.
    • Indiana-based Hoosier Racing Tire brought along a huge selection of tires.
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    RVs and Trailers

    You have to get to the racetrack somehow. Stretched out across the field of Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Indianapolis Colts) were the RV and trailer display. Everything from open trailers to double-deckers was on display.

    A Showhauler Motorhome.
    One way to get people looking at your trailer is to have a custom Ford Mustang on it. This autocross car was one of the most unique cars I saw at the show.

    Content Creator Zone

    Us content creators weren’t left out. The Content Creator Zone featured several cameras on display and presentations throughout the show.

    2022 Indy 500 Ticket Reveal

    Four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Hélio Castroneves was on hand to reveal the look of the 2022 Indianapolis 500 ticket. Fittingly, he was on it.

    Wrapping Up

    Looking for more PRI info? Head over to their official website. Also, check out my blog posts on the 2017 and 2018 shows. Did you go to the PRI show this year or in the past? Let me know in the comments!

  • The 2021 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals

    The 2021 Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals

    November in the Midwest means that, for the most part, car show season is over. Classic cars are put into storage as snow and salt get ready to take to the roads (if they aren’t there already).

    An exception to that rule is the Muscle Car & Corvette Nations aka the MCACN. The show is held annually in November at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.

    Hundreds of some of the nicest Corvettes and muscle cars in the country converge in the convention center. I’ve been to several, and the 2021 show did not disappoint. This year it was held on November 20th and 21st.

    The Show

    The Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals is full of vendors, automotive celebrities, seminars, and lots and lots of cars.

    Outside of the show, there’s a range of unique cars on display. Before even stepping foot inside, I was greeted by a 1966 Ford GT40.

    You’ll find almost 400,000 square feet of some of the coolest cars to ever roll out of Detroit packed tight together. The organizers really do a great job of making sure each show is different.

    The classes are divided by make, model, as well as modifications. The quality of the cars is evident when you see ones surrounded by mirrors on the ground.

    The Cars

    It’s hard to overstate just how many cars are on display at MCACN. It seems like everywhere you turn, there’s a sign with an arrow telling you there are more cars this way.

    It’s one of the few places I’ve found where you can become sort of numb to all the cars; wherever you look, there’s another showstopper.

     This year, GM cars, 1970, and 1971 cars were some of the vehicles highlighted.

    It’s not every day you see a 1969 Pontiac Trans Am, let alone the first production one.

    Mecum Auction Cars

    Once again, the Mecum Auction company brought some rare and iconic cars to the show. Their display included a prototype Ford GT40, several road racing Corvettes, a Shelby Cobra drag car, and a rare “tanker” Corvette, to name a few.

    A Shelby Cobra Dragonsnake.
    A Ford GT40 Roadster prototype.
    A Chevy Corvette racecar.

    The Barn Finds

    Barn finds have a special place in automotive lore. Countless car fans have dreamt about opening a creaky barn door or a desolate shed only to find some ultra-rare piece of automotive history. MCACN has an entire section dedicated to them.

    The barn find display has a variety of cars in various conditions (some still covered in dust). The barn finds definitely attracted a crowd.

    And More

    Besides the cars, there’s also vintage snowmobiles (it is the Midwest after all!), vintage bicycles, some awesome old school minibikes, and classic dirt bikes to top it all off.

    More Info

    If you’re looking for more info on the MCACN, you can check out their official website. If the Corvette part of the Muscle Car & Corvette Nationals is the reason you’re here, take a look at my blog post about the National Corvette Museum (they fixed the cave-in).

    Did you go to the MCACN or know of a car event I should attend next? Please let me know in the comments!

  • The 2021 Trans Am Nationals

    The 2021 Trans Am Nationals

    The year 2021 marks the 36th Trans Am Nationals. It’s a three-day celebration for all Pontiac Firebirds hosted by the Dayton Chapter of the Trans Am Club of America. This year it was held from August 27th through the 29th.

    It takes place at the Dayton Holiday Inn in Fairborn, Ohio, which is on the eastern side of the city of Dayton. I’ve been coming to the Nationals for years now, and I always have a great time. It’s fun to see what new cars show up.

    An awesome first generation pro-street Firebird.

    On Thursday and Friday, a movie theater on the southeast side of Dayton had screenings of Smokey and the Bandit (naturally).

    The Car Show

    Firebirds, Formulas, and Trans Ams fill the parking lot around the Holiday Inn. The 35 years of the Pontiac Firebird are well represented. The rumble of cars and music from the DJ fills the air. You’ll find everything from showroom stock to custom Firebirds.

    It’s not everyday you see a Redbird, the luxury version of the Firebird.

    The classes are divided up by years, as well as the level of modification. A car is considered “modified,” “heavily modified,” or “custom,” based on the number of modifications it has. There are several Concours classes and a driver/work-in-progress class as well.

    The categories the cars are judged on include the interior, exterior, engine compartment, as well as the overall appearance. On Sunday, the winners of the show are announced and presented with their trophies.

    Fourth-generation Firebirds were well represented.

    This year the show had 494 Firebirds registered, up from the 485 at the last show in 2019. This year, the Nationals also raised over $10,000 for the A Special Wish Foundation. This charity helps grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. The Nationals have supported the A Special Wish Foundation for years now. You can learn more about the charity on their website.

    The Seminars

    On Saturday, there were several seminars. There was a presentation by people involved with the engineering and design of the Firebird, Trans Am, and Camaro. They told some great stories about working at GM in the 60s and 70s under icons like John DeLorean.

    They discussed the evolution of the iconic “Screaming Chicken” design evolved from the logo used on 50’s GM experimental cars to possibly the world’s most famous hood decal. A radical design element at the time, the hood decal faced pushback from factory higher-ups. There were concerns over the perceived difficulty of installing them in large quantities.

    The “Screaming Chicken” design printed on film.

    The aluminum Snowflake Wheel’s creation was also covered, including the design process, and the pitch meeting that set it into production.

    The Mini Nats

    Like the full-size show, there’s always something new at the Mini Nats too. The Mini Nats is a room in the hotel filled with model Firebirds and Trans Ams in a variety of scales.

    There’s everything from plastic model kits to die cast replicas. Tables are covered with Firebird, Formula, and Tran Am models, some decades old and others still in the box. In addition, an incredible scale model of the host Holiday Inn was on display, complete with model Firebirds surrounding it.

    A replica of the host hotel.

    Tipp City Cruise In

    Located just outside of Dayton, the Tipp City Cruise In draws hundreds of Firebirds. It’s been a part of the Trans Am Nationals for years. Saturday afternoon, hundreds of Firebirds make the drive from the Holiday Inn to Tipp City, a city with just under 10,000 residents. The entire downtown area is shut down for the cars.

    A late 70’s Trans Am with stunning custom paint and wheels in Tipp City.

    Firebirds fill the main street and parts of side streets. Restaurants around town are filled to the brim, and a band performed on one end of town. The downtown is made up old brick buildings that are great for photo-ops, especially when surrounded by cars.

    Lambo doors and a custom air intake make a statement on this wild third-gen Trans Am.

    More Info

    For more information on the Trans Am Nationals, you can check out the official website at tanationals.org. You can visit the website for the Trans Am Club of America, Dayton Chapter, the club responsible for putting on the Nationals at tacadcinc.com.

    Also, check out my blog posts about the 2019 Trans Am Nationals and the 2018 Trans Am Nationals. Been to the Trans Am Nationals, or know of a car event I should attend next? Let me know in the comments!