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Archived Features
  • Brack and Foyt-Team Win 500
    Kenny Brack takes the Indy 500 after scads of trouble knocked most of the favored drivers out of race. A.J. Foyt's team scored their first victory as "owner Foyt" celebrated as if he won the race alone. Even the car carried Foyt's old number 14. Robbie Gordon coasted into pits on last lap as the Menard team gamble to not refuel ended the front-runner's hopes seconds from near victory. All top-ten cars were powered by the Olds Aurora engines, while the Infinity engines blew up one after the other. NewsCountry has it all.
  • Current wheel news
    Delphi Automotive Systems has developed the first four-wheel steering system for full-size sport-utility vehicles, vans and pick-up trucks. The electronic Quadrasteer system controls the direction of the rear wheels based on the vehicle's speed and wheel position. The technology can dramatically shorten a full-size vehicle's turning circle to that of a compact car.
  • 1999 MSRA back to the '50s
    CountryRoads attended the 1999 MSRA "Back to the '50s show," bringing you the latest and greatest pre-1965 vehicles (street rods, hot rods, classics, etc.). Visit ShowGo for coverage of this great event.
  • NASCAR season concludes
    The season came to a close with Bobby Labonte in the winner's circle and Dale Jarrett in the championship float at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. The only thing left is the 1999 NASCAR banquet, where the top 10 point-getters will cross the stage to receive their checks, December 3, at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York.
  • Irvan hangs up his fire suit
    Ernie Irvan ended his racing career on September 3, 1999 after 13 years in the Winston Cup Series. This decision came after Irvan suffered his second head injury in five years in a crash recently at Michigan Speedway.
  • Thunder Valley Sand Drags
    CountryWheels was on hand to cover some fast and furious ATV action east of Kansas City.

    Sand drag racing in Missouri started 25 to 30 years ago in the southeastern part of the state. Today there are five active tracks in Missouri at:

    • Grain Valley (Thunder Valley)
    • Paris and Monroe City (west of Hannibal)
    • Lake of the Ozarks (central Missouri)
    • Bonne Terre (south/southwest of St. Louis)

    Find out more about sand drag racing at the Missouri Sand Drag Racing Association and the National Sand Drag Racing Links Web sites.

  • Plymouth Prowler closes an era
    DaimlerChrysler previewed a two-toned version of the Prowler, then followed up with an announcement that it will retire the Plymouth nameplate. "This was an emotional decision because Plymouth will always be an important part of our heritage," said James Holden, president of DaimlerChrysler.
  • The (off) road to Cairo
    Drivers Darren Skilton and Sue Mead hope their victory in the Baja 1000 will be only a warmup for the Paris-Dakar-Cairo 2000.
  • State Farm ranks 2000 models
    Under a rating plan on file with insurance departments in most states, State Farm Insurance uses its actual claim payments for vehicle damage and theft on similar models for prior years to determine which model year 2000 vehicles will qualify for lower- or higher-than-standard premiums for collision and comprehensive coverages.

    Models that qualify for lower rates generally are charged from 10 to 45 percent less than the standard collision and comprehensive premiums for vehicles in their price range. Owners of models getting higher rates generally pay from 10 to 45 percent more than the standard collision and comprehensive rates for vehicles in their price range.

    Click above to find out more!

  • Large cars tested for crashworthiness
    The total number of large luxury cars with good overall ratings from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety increased to five out of eight current designs.
  • The car that inspired the miniskirt
    Beloved by celebrities like Peter Sellers, Peter Ustinov, Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Natalie Imbruglia, Kate Moss and members of Britain's royal family, the BMW Mini has never gone out of style in the United Kingdom. In the 1960s it was considered a serious competitor to the Volkswagen Beetle, but safety and environmental regulations eliminated the Mini from the U.S. market.
  • Read E-mail on your windshield?
    Tomorrow's windshields will do more, according to officials of PPG Industries, North America's largest supplier of automotive windshields. They see future car owners connecting with their mobile phone service, keyless entry, garage door openers, toll collection devices, global positioning systems and even E-mail through their windshields.
  • Car and Truck of the Year 2000
    The Ford Focus and Nissan Xterra were named North American Car and Truck of the Year for 2000 by a jury of independent American and Canadian automotive journalists at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
  • NASCAR 2000
    Sunday was a great day for Joe Gibbs Racing as Tony Stewart won the Pennzoil 400 and Bobby Labonte clinched the Winston Cup Championship with his fourth-place finish. The series travels to Atlanta Motor Speedway for the final race of the 2000 Winston Cup Series.
  • FamilyClick.com sponsors Roush Taurus
    New online service provider and family Web site FamilyClick.com will partner with Roush Racing to enter NASCAR racing March 5 at the Carsdirect.com 400 in Las Vegas. Kevin Lepage will drive the new FamilyClick.com #16 Ford Taurus for the 2000 Winston Cup series. "We have chosen NASCAR because of its strong, wholesome family image," says Tim Robertson, president and chief executive officer of FamilyClick.com. FamilyClick.com was started by the same team that created The Family Channel, which previously sponsored Roush's Family Channel #16 Ford Taurus.
  • Lease or buy: What's best?
    A decade ago, only 10 ercent of car buyers leased. Now, the number of people who decide to lease rather than buy is about even. Still, this decision is one that puzzles most car shoppers. So what's the answer?
  • The race-fan's paradise
    Daytona USA, the official site of NASCAR, is a must-see for any race fan. From the Tunnel Entry to the Pepsi Theater to the Heritage of Daytona, this attraction has something for everyone.
  • Wired wheels
    Select 2001 Lincoln town cars will set a new standard in luxury by providing advanced information and communications services as part of their design.
  • High mileage, low emissions
    New family sedan concept cars, built by DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors, use advanced compression-ignition direct-injection (CIDI) hybrid propulsion systems for high mileage and low emissions.

    In a March 30 event hosted by Vice President Al Gore, all three prototype vehicles were brought together for the first time. All get close to 80 miles per gallon by taking advantage of a wide variety of cutting-edge technologies, including high-efficiency, lean-burning CIDI engines. CIDI engines offer up to 35 percent higher fuel efficiency than conventional spark-ignition engines.

    "These state-of-the-art automobiles are all powered by advanced lightweight diesel engines, a key factor in the outstanding fuel efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emissions they deliver," said David Bartlett, spokesman for the Diesel Technology Forum.

  • Race Fans for a Cure™ set to kick off
    The fight against breast cancer is a race worth running. And in 2000, NASCAR fans can join Dale and Kelley Jarrett, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and Ford Credit, cosponsor of the #88 Quality Care Service/Ford Credit Taurus, in their attempts to contribute to eradicating this deadly disease.
  • Jeff Gordon ice cream
    "Jeff's Mint Chocolate Speedway" beat-out the competition, out-pacing more than 8,000 flavor ideas and four other finalists in Edy's Grand Ice Cream's "Invent Jeff's Next Flavor" program.
  • New cars at NY Auto Show
    The 2000 New York International Auto Show got underway April 22 and serves as a showcase for the auto industry's most exciting and unique visions of the future with dozens of spectacular concept cars. The show also gives visitors a historic look back at America's first through 99th auto shows. And, as always, the 100th New York Auto Show features hundreds of today's hottest cars, trucks, and SUVs.
  • New Beetles only available online
    Volkswagen is offering two limited edition New Beetle models only on the World Wide Web.
  • Get ready for summer driving
    Hot tips for keeping your cool on the road.
  • No. 97 bears FFA emblem
    The No. 97 John Deere Winston Cup featured the National FFA emblem on its hood while racing in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
  • New world record in drag racing
    Fred Hahn set a world record by driving the Summit Racing Pro Modified 1953 Corvette to an elapsed time of 6.179 seconds at an International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) drag race in Grand Bend, Ontario. The record, set on June 3, 2000, is the quickest that any passenger-style car has gone in history.
  • Kenny Irwin dies in crash
    Kenny Irwin was killed July 7, 2000, in a horrific crash during practice for a Winston Cup race, yards from where Adam Petty was killed two months ago at New Hampshire International Speedway.
  • Race car runs on sunlight
    Who hasn’t dreamed of being able to drive virtually forever, sailing past gas stations without stopping for fuel?
  • Bird is the word!
    Special-edition Neiman Marcus 2002 Ford Thunderbirds may be ordered from this year's Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. Only 200 will be available. See a video of the new Thunderbird in motion!
  • Check out Suzuki's 2001 lineup
    The Suzuki 2001 lineup includes a hatchback, sedan, wagon and three different sport-utility vehicles (SUVs).
  • Ford dealers take to the Web
    The Ford Dealer Council, with 4,200 dealer-members across the United States, has formed an independent Internet-based enterprise, FordDirect.com, that will offer services to customers who want to purchase Ford brand cars and trucks on-line. FordDirect.com is expected to be fully operational in September in California and will expand across the United States with full implementation throughout the country expected next year. See the video!
  • Porsche prototype sees light of day
    A production-model Porsche Carrera GT could be introduced to the market as early as 2003.
  • Cosmo and Starbucks at Jiffy Lube
    Jiffy Lube plans to remodel customer waiting areas at 100 of its company-owned service centers within the next year. The renovated areas will include current issues of top women's publications, Starbucks coffee, leather furniture, Internet access, children's play areas, satellite television, and more. Why? Because not only are more women making car-buying decisions, they 're taking responsibility for maintenance, too.
  • Car and computer makers converge
    Automotive industry leaders are gearing up to meet with a who's who in the computer world the biennial Convergence Conference Oct. 16-18, 2000, in Detroit's Cobo Center.
  • Driving her dream car
    Oct. 26, 2000 -- Debbie Lewis of Iowa City, IA, (far right) poses proudly in the grand prize she won in Hardee's "Fantasy of a Lifetime" promotion: a Rousch Racing Ford Mustang. Also pictured here from left to right are: Jim Wright, district sales manager for Roush Performance; Joe Waller, Hardee's marketing director; and Lee Staak, Hardee's franchise owner.

    In addition to the car, the grand prize is a Fantasy Race Trip for two, which includes airfare to one of three preselected stock car races, hotel, rental car, spending cash, pit and garage passes and crew apparel.

    Hardee's Food Systems, Inc. announced in November 1998 that it had teamed with Roush Racing to promote NASCAR race vehicles and drivers, beginning with the 1999 season. Members of Hardee's All-Star Racing Team are: Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Chad Little, Kevin LePage, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle and Kurt Busch.

  • Pontiac unveils new racing Grand Am
    A new Pontiac Grand Am will be Pontiac Division's official vehicle for NHRA Winston Series drag racing. Representatives of Summit Racing Equipment will unveil the 2001 Pro Stock Grand Am for the first time at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Oct. 31, 2000.


  • Not your grandfather's car radio
    Like all good radios, it plays music. But unlike most of them, Motorola's voice-activated iRadio also gives up-to-the-second information on traffic conditions and can even pinpoint the car's location and ask for help if there is an accident - all without the driver's hands having to leave the wheel. View the video!
  • The high-tech racing edge
    Find out how state-of-the-art hardware and software helped Bobby Labonte and Joe Gibbs Racing take the Winston Cup. View the video!
  • Shopping for a teenager's first car
    Holiday gift-giving changes as kids grow up. Video games and sports equipment are big-ticket items up to a certain age. But once a teenager gets that driver's license, a car goes straight to the top of the list. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Farmers Insurance offer some advice on choosing the safest car for a teen driver.
  • Pumping gas then and now
    Once it was full-service attendants wearing ties; now it's Internet access at the self-service pump.
  • Crash ratings for dummies
    Insure.com has put together helpful items including a crash rating search engine for any type car. It uses the same system the insurance companies use to rate your car.
  • Mazda to make MP3 standard
    Mazda will be the first manufacturer to add an MP3 player to its cars as a standard equipment feature.
  • Ford invests in driver's education
    "Our efforts have expanded from building in safety 'hardware' innovations such as airbags and antilock brakes to focusing directly on the 'software,' or training to provide the skills necessary for driving safely," says Paul Szatkowski, Ford marketing program manager. Check out the video!
  • See the Thunderbird take flight
    Watch a video of the 2002 Ford Thunderbird's debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
  • Thirty years of classic-car auctions
    Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge presents the 30th annual Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction and Exposition, four days of exciting nonstop live-auction bidding on more than 800 collector cars.
  • GM brings night vision to market
    Night vision technology helped the U.S. military spot enemy troops in the dark during the Persian Gulf War. Now Cadillac has adapted it to help you stay safe while driving at night.
  • Into the future with OnStar
    OnStar's Virtual Advisor brings hands-free, voice-activated Web-based information into your vehicle.
  • Winston Cup racing in the Midwest
    The Tropicana 400, to be held July 15, 2001, will be the first Winston Cup event at the new Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL. For more information, visit the Chicagoland Speedway Web site.
  • Latest and greatest in the Twin Cities
    The Greater Metropolitan Automobile Dealers Association (GMADA) of Minneapolis and St. Paul sponsors the largest auto show in the Upper Midwest. Check out the 2001 edition on ShowGo.
  • New Mexico tries on-line exams
    "This new use of on-line, high-tech vision exams is not just only something for New Mexico motorists," says Gordon Eden, director of New Mexico's Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). It's a testing application that can be used by every state in the United States. We expect to lead the way."
  • Dashboard of the future
    Motorola's iRadio system uses advanced voice recognition and text-to-speech technologies to allow drivers to activate the features while keeping their eyes on the road.
  • Petty's nephew takes the wheel
    Trent Owens, 26, has been designated lead driver for the Dickies Racing team in the 2001 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Together Owens and his uncle, Richard Petty, unveiled the new Dickies race-truck March 29, 2001, at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.
  • Concept car kicks off new century
    Volvo introduced its first concept car of the century from the floor of the New York Auto Show. The company believes the car demonstrates groundbreaking safety and technological innovations that will likely turn up in the next generation of consumer vehicles within the next two to four years.
  • Dynamic designs showcased
    See new 2002 models unveiled at the 101st New York Auto Show.
  • View vintage sports cars
    On April 29, 2001, the public can preview one of the nation's most spectacular displays of vintage sports cars in front of the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel at 950 Mason Street, atop San Francisco's Nob Hill. Drivers from around the world will show 70 rare sports racing and production cars, dating from 1927 through 1957, which will tour northern California in the prestigious California Mille.
  • Pickup owners can collect cash
    Pickup truck owners eligible for settlement certificates in a class-action suit against General Motors have the option of applying them toward the purchase of a new car or selling them for cash. Find out more.
  • Glass wins Good Housekeeping seal
    Automotive replacement glass from PPG Industries recently earned the Good Housekeeping seal of approval. Founded in 1900, The Good Housekeeping Institute, which issues the seal, is the consumer product evaluation laboratory of Good Housekeeping magazine.
  • Earnhardt to drive All-Star Car
    Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive a special 2001 All-Star Game Monte Carlo in two NASCAR Winston Cup series races, May 19 at Lowe's Motor Speedway and July 7 at Daytona International Speedway. Major League Baseball's (MLB) 72nd All-Star Game will be played on July 10 at Safeco Field in Seattle.


  • A new kind of circuit rider
    In the rough-and-tumble world of motor sports racing, Motor Racing Outreach chaplains travel from track to track helping racers, their families and fans by providing religious services, counseling, Bible study classes, child day care, fitness and rehabilitation equipment and a community spirit to those whose lifestyle is nomadic and inherently dangerous.
  • Asia, Europe set pace for quality
    While Asian automakers continue to set the standard, the J.D. Power and Associates 2001 Initial Quality Study shows Europeans making the greatest strides in vehicle quality improvements. Vehicle quality by U.S. domestic automakers trails by a large margin.
  • Ford will replace AT tires
    Ford Motor Company will replace all 13 million Firestone Wilderness AT tires on its vehicles. Click here for details.
  • New Dodge Intrepid for Andretti
    John Andretti will drive a No. 43 Dodge Intrepid in the Brickyard 400 on August 5, 2001, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the Honey Nut Cheerio bee on the hood. Check it out!
  • E85-powered truck leads rally
    Students from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, placed first among the ethanol-powered vehicles in the 13th annual Tour de Sol road rally with a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado running on E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
  • Racing for pets
    NASCAR driver Kenny Schrader and two-time Grammy-nominated music star Deana Carter kicked off two pet-benefiting initiatives at the annual Speed Street festival in Charlotte, NC.
  • Midwest series named Hills Bros 300
    The first three NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division races at the Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL, will be named the Hills Bros Coffee 300. The inaugural NASCAR Busch Grand National race at Chicagoland Speedway begins on Friday, July 13, 2001, with the Hills Bros Coffee Pole Day. On Saturday, July 14, Hills Bros Coffee will be the sole sponsor of the inaugural NASCAR Busch Grand National race, the Hills Bros Coffee 300. For more information about Hills Bros Coffee and NASCAR, visit the Hills Bros Coffee Racing Web site.
  • Air bags save advocate's life
    Robert McDermott of San Antonio, TX, in the 1980s led the crusade to make air bags standard equipment in automobiles. Recently, air bags saved his and his wife's lives.
  • Farmer excels at off-roading
    The nearest boulder is 800 miles from Joel Randall's 3,000-acre farm at Gibbon, NE. That hasn't stopped the 40-year-old from leading the Goodyear/Skyjacker Extreme Rock Crawling Nationals, a brutal four-event off-roading championship series.
  • Team Rahal claims 10th win
    Max Papis' first victory of the season June 24, 2001, on the rain-soaked Portland International Raceway road course was a milestone win for Team Rahal Champ Car racing team. It was the 10th overall victory for the 10-year-old team, sponsored by the Timken Company and co-owned by Bobby Rahal and David Letterman.
  • Batmobile drives away with show
    One of the highlights of the recent Barrett-Jackson auction in Los Angeles was when Robert E. Petersen, founding publisher of Hot Rod magazine, outbid others in a much anticipated bidding battle for the 1992 Batmobile and the 1999 Plymouth Prowler custom-built for the "Psycho Circus Tour" by rock band KISS.
  • Ford offers hands-free phone systems
    Ford Motor Company will begin offering the Cellport 3000 with Voice Command, a universal, voice-activated hands-free system that allows a driver to operate a cell phone while keeping both hands on the wheel and eyes on the road, with many of its 2002 model-year vehicles.
  • Jump-start for electric car venture
    Texaco and Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. have formed Texaco Ovonic Battery Systems, a new strategic alliance to bring advanced nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries into widespread commercial production as power sources for hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs).
  • Crossfire production to begin soon
    The Chrysler Group August 19, 2001, announced its intention to build a production version of the Chrysler Crossfire concept car at the Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, CA. Voted one of show-goers' favorite concept cars on this year's auto show circuit, the Chrysler Crossfire was unveiled at the 2001 North American International Auto Show, in Detroit this past January.
  • Dodge introduces new Viper racecar
    Dodge officials expect to build 25 Viper Competition Coupes in the first production year, but say they can expand production as demand grows. With a coupe-shaped composite body based largely on the Dodge Viper GTS/R concept car shown at the 2000 North American International Auto Show, and a track-ready chassis based on the new 2003 Dodge Viper RT-10 convertible, the Competition Coupe makes extensive use of production pieces to keep the estimated retail price under $100,000.
  • Toyota tests hybrid SUV
    Toyota Motor Corporation has begun testing a new hydrogen fuel-cell hybrid vehicle, based on its Highlander SUV, on U.S. roads. But Norihiko Nakamura, a Toyota engineer, says that it will be at least 10 years before any manufacturer has a fuel-cell vehicle ready for mass marketing to consumers.
  • Porsche to offer satellite radio choice
    XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio September 6, 2001, announced distribution agreements with Porsche Cars North America to offer Porsche customers a choice between the two satellite radio services. Satellite radio is expected to be offered in 2003 as an option for the Porsche 2004 model-year vehicle line.
  • Auction launches Drive for Hope
    Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) will launch the company's second crosscountry expedition to benefit the Hope Foundation, one of the nation's leading cancer research organizations, September 12, 2001, with a special on-line auction.
  • High-intensity lights on the highway
    High-intensity discharge (HID) systems are still rare on North American highways , but Valeo Sylvania believes they will become increasingly prevalent beginning in model year 2002 with the introduction of systems with automatic leveling.
  • Diesel pickup sales increase
    According to Polk Automotive Intelligence 2000 sales figures, approximately 47 percent of all pickup trucks with at least a 8,500-pound gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) were purchased with diesel engines - a 6.34-percent growth from 1999.
  • GM SUVs lead the pack
    The Pontiac Aztek broke away from a pack of new and redesigned entry-level sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) in the "2001 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study" by J.D. Power and Associates. In addition to the entry-level segment, General Motors SUVs topped the midsize segment (Chevrolet Trailblazer) and the luxury segment (Cadillac Escalade).
  • Florida auto show opens October 26
    The final touches are being put in place for this year's 31st annual South Florida International Auto Show, which opens its 10-day run at the Miami Beach Convention Center on Friday, October 26, 2001.Considered one of the nation's largest automotive events, the South Florida show showcases the industry's newest cars, sport utility vehicles, trucks and accessories.
  • Memorabilia on the block
    Barrett-Jackson Auction Company has signed a deal to auction the world's greatest automotive memorabilia collection from the motorsports-themed Race Rock Las Vegas restaurant at the 2002 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Classic Car Auction, January 17 to 20, 2002.
  • Bill Cosby joins Drive For Hope
    Comedian Bill Cosby joined the Porsche 50-State Drive For Hope as it passed through New York City on October 24, 2001. Teams driving three 2001 Porsche 911 Turbos are making the nine-day, around-the-clock adventure to benefit The Hope Foundation to support cancer research. The New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund will receive 20 percent of the proceeds. Cosby drove from the Apollo Theatre in Harlem to Rockefeller Center, rallying support for cancer research and for those affected by the recent tragic events in New York. Find out more about the national event on the DriveForHope.org Web site.
  • Bid on-line for a Porsche Turbo
    Enthusiasts can now bid on-line for an actual Porsche Turbo from 2001 Porsche Drive For Hope and Porsche memorabilia. Other memorabilia up for auction include actual tires and wheels from the cars used in the record-setting challenge. Additionally, bidders are vying for a Special Edition Gibson guitar. Proceeds from the bids will benefit the Hope Foundation, one of the country's leading cancer research organizations, and this year 20 percent of all proceeds raised will be donated directly to the New York Firefighters 9-11 Disaster Relief Fund. Those wishing to place a bid or make a donation should visit DriveForHope.org.
  • A highway holiday for most
    More than 34 million Americans are planning to travel over Thanksgiving, and according to a national on-line poll conducted by MapQuest, more than 88 percent of them are traveling by car. Nearly 60 percent are going at least 300 miles.
  • Michelle dampens show enthusiasm
    A possible storm was probably the main reason for a dip in attendance at the 2001 South Florida International Auto Show in Miami Beach. "Even though we had a slight dip in attendance from last year I think we had a great turnout," says Jim Arrigo, president of the South Florida Auto-Truck Dealers Association, the group that presents this annual event. "We had a recordbreaking opening weekend and I think we would have seen similar numbers our closing weekend (November 4) except for the threat of a Hurricane Michelle."
  • Petty Pontiac to be auctioned
    The Richard Petty 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Pontiac Grand Prix Concept Car will be offered for sale at the Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction in Scottsdale, AZ, January 17 to 20, 2002.
  • Viper shows true colors
    A one-of-a-kind Dodge Viper will be auctioned at the January 2002 Barrett-Jackson Classic Car Auction, with all the net proceeds going to benefit the DaimlerChrysler Help the Children Fund.
  • DaimlerChrysler unveils 2004 Crossfire
    The all-new 2004 Chrysler Crossfire was unveiled January 3, 2002, at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is the first automobile from the Chrysler Group that shares major resources from Mercedes-Benz featuring almost 40-percent Mercedes components and engineering.The 2004 Crossfire is a two-seat sports coupe with a 3.2-liter 90-degree V-6, 18-valve SOHC engine available with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
  • Altima named best car
    The all-new 2002 Nissan Altima received the most votes for North American Car of the Year from a group of 50 top automotive journalist and the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The award is based on a comprehensive evaluation of all new and significantly redesigned vehicles for the 2002 model year.
  • Ford reintroduces GT40
    A new version of the classic GT40 joins Ford's "Living Legends" lineup of concept cars, including the Ford Thunderbird, Mustang, and the Forty-Nine concept, with its debut at the 2002 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
  • Industry insiders optimistic
    The North American International Auto Show is the largest car show in the United States, with more than 700 vehicles on display drawing car buffs from more than 60 countries around the world. And despite a shaky economy, optimistic industry insiders say people are buying automobiles.
  • Leno to drive Daytona pace car
    Jay Leno will drive the 2002 Firebird Trans Am pace car at the Daytona 500. Pontiac is making just 2,000 of these Collector Edition Firebirds to celebrate the historic muscle car's final year of production.
  • Auto emblems establish identity
    Where did Chevrolet get its distinctive "bowtie" emblem? "Story has it that William Durant who founded General Motors, saw a similar pattern on wallpaper in a Paris Hotel, took a liking to it for some reason and adapted it for the Chevrolet emblem," says Marty Bufalini, an automotive historian and author who has been researching cars for 40 years. Find out more about the origins of famous auto logos.
  • Kimmel car will bear dual logos
    Advance Auto Parts and Discount Auto Parts logos will appear on the Ford Taurus driven by three-time ARCA ReMax Series Champion Frank Kimmel in ARCA 200 race during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway. The event will launch the first co-branded marketing effort since the merger of the companies in November 2001.
  • Petree car to carry safety message
    Autoliv Inc., the world's largest supplier of automotive safety systems, has signed with Andy Petree Racing Inc. to sponsor the #33 car driven by Mike Wallace in the Daytona 500. Emblazoned on the car is Autoliv's message, "Does Your Car Have a Side Curtain Airbag?" Autoliv and BSR Products, a major stock-car equipment supplier, are joining together to increase awareness of new and available safety technologies.
  • Million-mile engine shows little wear
    Regularly changing the oil every 3,000 miles contributed to keeping the engine of a 1995 pickup truck in near-optimal condition even after a million miles of severe driving.
  • Odometer fraud goes high-tech
    It's illegal in every state in the U.S., butodometer fraud, one of the oldest tricks in the books, is on the increase and now has even gone high-tech. Many people think digital odometers are not susceptible to being rolled back, but according to the experts all it takes is the right software and hardware to make the odometer read whatever number a scam artist wants.
  • Ward Burton wins Daytona 500
    Ward Burton, driver of the No. 22 Caterpillar Dodge, February 17 captured his first victory in the Daytona 500. "I had a bunch of tears in my eyes," said Burton, who becomes the first Virginian to win the Daytona 500 and the first Dodge driver to be victorious at Daytona since the 1977 Pepsi 400.
  • Cobra case concluded
    The world's largest manufacturer of Cobra replicas, Factory Five Racing reached a court-ordered agreement with Ford Motor Company and Carroll Shelby in a two-year-long battle for the name and design of the legendary cars. Factory Five Racing will continue to make car kits recreating the "look and feel" of the racecar, but will not use any of the trademarks owned by Ford or Shelby.
  • Integrating chassis systems
    Delphi unified chassis control technology intelligently integrate chassis systems to simplify chassis system tuning and greatly enhance overall chassis performance. The result is enhanced safety, improved vehicle performance, and improved ride comfort and control. Delphi's first production application of unified chassis control is found on the 2002 Cadillac Seville and DeVille.
  • Saab 9X named Best Concept Car
    The Saab 9X was named the Best Concept Car in the 2002 European Automotive Design Awards at the Geneva Motor Show. Michael Mauer, Saab's Director of Design, was also chosen as the runner-up for the Designer of the Year award.
  • See Porsche Cayenne preview
    Porsche has released the first photo of its upcoming sport-utility vehicle, the Porsche Cayenne, which will debut in the second half of 2002. The 450-hp Cayenne Turbo will be joined by a second model, the 340-hp Cayenne S.
  • Full-size van features four-wheel drive
    The new Quigley TrailMaker van integrates an independent front suspension with four-wheel drive to provide the go-anywhere capability of an off-road vehicle with the room and convenience of a full-size van.
  • Morgan Motor adds U.S. dealers
    Morgan Motor Company, the legendary British sports car manufacturer, has increased its American dealer network to a total of six following a series of new appointments. The new importers will offer the traditional Morgan Plus 8, which features a four-liter Land Rover engine.
  • NASCAR's Sutton tells of MS battle
    Fresh off an 11th-place finish at the Daytona International Speedway in February, Kelly "Girl" Sutton roared into Houston March 11, 2002, with a message of hope for residents with multiple sclerosis (MS). The 30-year-old mother of two, who is vying for Rookie of the Year in NASCAR's Goody's Dash Series, told an audience of 1,500 people at the Texas Medical Center Conference Center that life doesn't end after a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
  • Luxury cars for sale on-line
    Bid4Assets, Inc. will auction on-line three luxury sports care forfeited to the U.S. Marshals Service. The on-line auctions will be held through March 21, 2002, on Bid4Assets.com.
  • NASCAR legend to lead St. Pat parade
    Bobby Allison will be Grand Marshal of the Okeechobee, FL, St. Patrick's Day parade March 16, 2002. Allison was voted one of NASCAR's 50 greatest drivers, was named the Auto Racing Driver of the Year twice, and most popular driver of the year eight times.


  • Chevy dons Spider-Man graphics
    The Dr Pepper Racing NASCAR Busch Series #26 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will wear special "Spider-Man" graphics for the April 6, O'Reilly 300 race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. Dr Pepper is teaming with Columbia Pictures to promote the film, which debuts May 3, 2002.
  • Talkers more dangerous than drunks
    Talking on a mobile phone while driving is more dangerous than being drunk behind the wheel, according to a study released in the United Kingdom.
  • Pop star provides StreetKa preview
    Singing sensation Kylie Minogue will will give the public a sneak preview of the StreetKa, Ford's hot new European roadster, before it goes on sale in early 2003.
  • See classic cars in L.A. County
    Firefighters from the Arcadia Fire Department and car clubs from all over Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley will present the first "Rods & Classics For A Cure" hot rod and classic car show Sunday, April 21, 2002, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 North Baldwin Avenue, Arcadia, CA. Some of the area's finest muscle, classic and antique automobiles, as well as old-time fire engines and fire equipment will be featured at the show, in support of the City of Hope Cancer Center. For more information, see this Web site.
  • See new cars at New York Auto Show
    The 102nd annual New York International Automobile Show opens Friday March 29 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City with a special preview of over 1,000 new cars, trucks, minivans and SUVs, both production and concept vehicles. The show officially starts Saturday, March 30 and lasts until April 7. Check out some of the models that will be on display.
  • Crystalline Kawasaki on display
    A one-of-a-kind, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R adorned with more than 50,000 sparkling Swarovski crystals, seen onstage with Mariah Carey during the VH1 Vogue Fashion Awards, will be on display at New York's famed Saks Fifth Avenue in connection with the first annual Rockefeller Center Motorcycle Show. The show, featuring a museum-quality collection of bikes and an interactive exhibit throughout Rockefeller Center, will run through April 21, 2002.
  • Incubus Civic rocks
    American Honda Motor Co., Inc. will begin showcasing the all-new Civic Si, custom designed by the multi-platinum rock group Incubus, at arenas across the U.S. as part of the 2002 Civic Tour presenting Incubus starting in Portland, OR on April 11. This unique Civic Si features custom details from American Products Company, Falken Tires, KMC Wheels, Inc., Pioneer Electronics and Sprint Performance Suspension.
  • Goldwing flies lighter with alloy frame
    The Gold Wing GL1800, Honda's top-of-the-line touring motorcycle, features a customized aluminum-alloy frame which weighs 25 pounds less than the previous steel from, has a 119 percent increase in lateral rigidity, and a 77 percent increase in torsional rigidity.
  • Team Green takes Big Gulp
    7-Eleven, Inc. will be the primary sponsor for Team Green's Dario Franchitti and Paul Tracy in the 86th Indianapolis 500 on May 26. Both cars will display the 7-Eleven Big Gulp brand.
  • How to improve fuel economy
    As conflict in the Middle East continues to rage and gasoline prices climb, the Alliance to Save Energy offers tips to improve vehicle fuel economy and lower gasoline bills during the heaviest spring/summer driving season.
  • Painter's Cruiser to be auctioned
    Artist Mark T. Smith's handpainted 2002 Chrysler PT Cruise will be auctioned off to raise funds for Operation Smile, a private, not-for-profit organization that has provided reconstructive facial surgery to children and young adults around the world. Final bids will be taken on Auctions.Yahoo.com Monday, April 22, 2002 at 11:59 p.m.
  • Chrysler recalls Jeeps
    As a preventative measure, Chrysler will recall 2000-2002 Jeep Wranglers, 2000-2001 Jeep Cherokees and 1999-2002 Jeep Grand Cherokees with four-liter engines to reduce the possibility of debris accumulation in the engine compartment that could potentially cause a fire. There have been no accidents or injuries related to this issue.
  • Interest in passenger cars surges
    Passenger cars for the second month in a row surpassed sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) in popularity in March among auto-shoppers visiting the Kelley Blue Book Web site. Of the 50 top new cars for which pricing reports were issued to kbb.com visitors in February and March, 40 percent were for passenger cars, compared to 32 percent in January. In March, seven of the 10 most popular vehicles on kbb.com were passenger cars, compared to six in the prior two months. The Honda Accord continued to rank No. 1 in popularity among passenger cars with kbb.com visitors. The Ford Explorer was the leader in the SUV category during the same time period, and the Chevrolet/GMC Silverado/Sierra pickups topped the truck category.
  • Drivers need to check tire pressure
    Nearly 90 percent of drivers aren't checking their tire pressure properly and many do not know enough about how to care for their tires correctly, according to a survey by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA).
  • Gatorade drops NASCAR sponsorship
    Gatorade will not renew its official sponsorship of NASCAR in favor of a refocused effort centering on stock-car racing drivers and races. The company will continue to sponsor the Gatorade 125s, the qualifying races for the Daytona 500. Gatorade will also continue to support and promote drivers Matt Kenseth and Mark Martin who are currently No. 3 and No. 6 respectively in NASCAR Winston Cup Championship points.
  • Be sensible about cell phones
    The No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet, driven by Robby Gordon, will have the "Be Sensible" logo emblazoned on it for all the NASCAR Winston Cup events during May 2002.
  • BMW launches breast-cancer drive
    BMW is launching the sixth annual Ultimate Drive for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Two fleets of specially marked BMWs will drive across the country through October, making pit stops in approximately 200 cities.
  • Ford fest features truck racing
    High-speed NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racing meets Ford Power Stroke Diesel fun in a weekend full of activities for Ford diesel truck owners. The fourth annual Ford Power Stroke Diesel 200 race and rally kicks off Thursday, August 1, 2002, at Indianapolis Raceway Park with rockin' stage entertainment followed by race day on August 2.
  • Start seeing motorcycles
    Over two-thirds of crashes between a motorcycle and a car are caused by drivers, not by motorcyclists, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The driver either doesn't see the oncoming motorcyclist at all or doesn't see him in time to avoid a crash.
  • Indy drivers help safety research
    This Memorial Day weekend the winner of the Indianapolis 500 will take home one of the most coveted trophies in sports. But all 33 drivers may be contributing to something even more important. "Now that NASCAR is doing crash recording, we're learning a lot more about the crashes and we can compare one to another, in terms of severity," says Dr. John Melvin, biomechanical researcher. "And that allows us to make better judgments about what is working and what isn't."
  • Airline to sponsor Sarah Fisher
    Indianapolis-based American Trans Air, Inc. (ATA) will sponsor Indy Racing League driver Sarah Fisher for the upcoming Indianapolis 500 race. Fisher, an Indianapolis resident, is considered the most successful female driver in motorsports history.
  • Light up road with new headlights
    High Intensity Discharge lights, or HIDs, give drivers three times more light than traditional headlights. "The main advantage is that additional light is going to increase your nighttime visibility," says Paul Young of Siemens Sylvania. "Even if you have diminished nighttime vision, this is going to be a major enhancement for you. You're going to be able to see much more of what's going on in the road at night and potentially avoid road hazards."
  • Drag racing goes legit
    Once an illegal street activity, youth drag racing has moved into professional venues like Houston Raceway Park.
  • Spencer skips Busch 200 for son
    "I love to race," says Jimmy Spencer,NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series driver, "But my son's birthday was something I didn't want to miss. There are more important things than driving in a race, and my son's birthday is one of them."
  • Cosworth to supply CART engines
    Cosworth Racing will supply 2.65-liter, turbocharged V8 engines to Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. (CART) for the next two seasons. The move has been heralded by not only the current generation of CART teams, drivers and fans, but also the generations of the recent past that want to see the CART FedEx Championship Series retain its unique and valued status in the racing world.
  • Cyclists to compete at Brainerd
    Brainerd International Raceway will host the 2002 American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Chevy Trucks U.S. Super-Bike Championship presented by Parts Unlimited June 28 to 30, 2002. The country's best motorcycle riders will come together to test their skills on a three-mile, 10-turn road course.
  • Rookie wows crowd
    Racing at speeds nearing 100 mph over a mostly gravel with no guard rails that snakes it way up the face of a 14,110-foot-high mountain, 15 drivers competed in the 80th running of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb June 29, 2002. Rookie driver Lauchlin O'Sullivan and navigator Matt Chester, driving Team Mitsubishi's backup all-wheel-drive Lancer Evolution, shocked the SCCA Open Class and awed spectators along with a third-place finish, just 13 seconds behind Paul Choiniere's Hyundai Tiburon and a mere 8/100ths of a second ahead of Ramana Lagemann's Subaru.
  • Red Lexus built for Cruise
    Steven Spielberg's "Minority Report" features a radical red Lexus tailor-built to fit movie star Tom Cruise. The futuristic high-performance two-seat coupe flexes a muscular design with the ultimate in cab-forward seating, a low, enclosed wheelbase for sportiness, aggressive lines, and proportions so unexpected that, at first glance, it's not entirely evident which end is the front and which is the rear.
  • Z4 neo-classic roadster
    The all-new BMW Z4 is a modern interpretation of all the classic roadster features - a long and sweeping hood, a long wheelbase, short overhangs and a low seating position in a cockpit that is set back.
  • Forester fares well in crash tests
    The 2003 model year Subaru Forester has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest rating (good) in the Institute's most recent series of frontal offset crash tests. The Institute also distinguished Forester with its coveted "best pick" designation. Of four new or redesigned sport-utility vehicles, Subaru Forester is the only vehicle to achieve the highest IIHS rating in both the 5 mph bumper and 40 mph frontal offset tests.
  • Sprint drops Petty sponsorship
    Sprint will discontinue its primary sponsorship of the No. 45 Sprint Dodge driven by NASCAR racer Kyle Petty. The company is in the final year of a three-year sponsorship pact with Petty Enterprises. The company cited changes in its marketing priorities since the start of the sponsorship, the current state of the telecom marketplace and ongoing cost realignments within its operations as primary reasons.
  • GM rolls out satellite radios
    General Motors in November rolled out factory-installed Delphi-Delco XM radios in Cadillac Deville and Seville models, and will expand to a total of 25 Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Olds and Pontiac models.


  • Take care when towing
    Hauling boats and other recreational vehicles can be a challenging and sometimes dangerous proposition. Rob Krouse, General Motors trailering engineer, says you need to use all of your senses when towing a trailer, especially one that may weigh several tons.
  • Fans respond to wireless polls
    Cingular Wireless enabled Fox Sports TV viewers to voice their opinions using their wireless phones from the convenience of their living rooms during three recent NASCAR Winston Cup races.
  • Driver logs two million miles
    Irv Gordon, the Long Island, NY, native who earlier this year became the first person to drive two million miles in the same car - a red 1966 Volvo P1800 - will next month celebrate his milestone by taking his car on a five-week vacation in Europe.
  • Team ready for Maine
    Maine's logging roads are notoriously fast and rocky, and when they are baked by the heat of summer, dust can be as thick as the woods they run through. Such are the challenges Team Mitsubishi's drivers face when they roll their red Lancers into Rumford, ME, this coming weekend for the Maine Forest ProRally - Round 7 of the Sports Car Club of America's (SCCA) 10-event ProRally Championship series.
  • Earnhardts race together September 6
    Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and his brother, Kerry Earnhardt, square off at the NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday, September 6, 2002, at Richmond International Raceway.
  • GuitarMania benefits charity
    A rock'n'roll hot rod and other guitar sculptures will be auctioned off November 9, 2002, with all proceeds to benefit United Way Services, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northeast Ohio.
  • Subaru rules Maine rally
    Subaru Rally Team USA clinched an overall win at this weekend's 2002 Maine Forest Rally. Mark Lovell and Steve Turvey took a commanding lead built from Friday's action and rode their WRX to victory, winning seven of 10 stages.
  • Sallie Mae supports NASCAR Institute
    Sallie Mae, the nation's leading provider of education funding, will be the principal provider of federally guaranteed student loans at Universal Technical Institute's (UTI) new NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI), which opened July 1, 2002, in Mooresville, NC. Developed to boost the number of automotive service technicians entering the manufacturer, aftermarket and motorsports industries, NTI is the country's first-ever technical training school to combine a complete automotive technology program and a NASCAR-specific motorsports program.
  • Tires for top speeds
    Nokian Tires has developed two high-performance car summer tires, the Nokian NRVi and Nokian NRY, suitable for top speeds and demanding driving.
  • Andretti joins CART board
    Legendary racecar driver, Mario Andretti, has been named to the Board of Directors of auto racing sanctioning organization Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc.
  • Sam's Town 250 returns to Memphis
    Sam's Town Tunica, in Tunica, MS, will once again bring the speed and excitement of NASCAR's Busch Series Grand National race to Memphis Motorsports Park, October 18 to 19, 2002.
  • Hybrid vehicles rally Sept. 4-6
    The three-day California Coast 2002-California Fuel Cell Partnership (CaFCP) Road Rally will feature fuel cell/electric vehicles from Hyundai, DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Nissan and Toyota on a 300-mile course along the Pacific Coast Highway from Monterey to Santa Barbara from September 4 to 6. For a complete schedule of events, go to the road rally Web site.
  • Party with your PT Cruiser
    Thousands of Chrysler PT Cruiser owners and their families from across the Midwest will cruise to the Chicago area to share a day of wild rides, live musical entertainment and, of course, cars. "The Chrysler PT Cruiser Block Party" is free of charge to PT Cruiser owners and takes place at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL, on Saturday, September 28. Those interested in attending or learning more about the PT Block Party should call 1-800-Chrysler.
  • Baja A/T tires recalled
    Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire is initiating a voluntary recall of approximately 754 Widetrack brand Baja A/T tires in size 30x9.50R15 produced over a 21-day period beginning September 23, 2001, at its LaVergne, TN, plant.
  • Toyoto tires recalled
    Firestone is initiating a voluntary recall of 18,912 tires produced at its Wilson, NC, plant in order to ensure the recovery of 890 tires manufactured over a four-day period beginning April 12. The recalled tires may have been used on 2003 model-year Toyota Corolla S and LE vehicles assembled from mid-April through early September 2002.
  • Ford sponsors NASCAR weekend
    Ford will be the official title sponsor of NASCAR's championship weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the next four years. Now known as Ford Championship Weekend, the November 14 to 17, 2002 event will feature the Ford 400, the NASCAR Winston Cup season-finale, the Ford 300, the NASCAR Busch Series season finale, and the Ford 200, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season finale. For the first time in history, NASCAR's top touring divisions will crown champions on the same weekend at the same venue.
  • Mount your PDA
    ProClip USA provides custom-made mounting brackets and holders for PDAs for use in all types of vehicles including cars, trucks, RVs, boats, emergency vehicles and others. The easily self-installed, clip-on devices that can be attached to vehicle dashboards (both left- and right-hand drives), consoles and headrests. For more information, see www.proclipusa.com.
  • NAPA rolls out on-line parts orders
    NAPA Auto Parts has introduced an Internet-based on-line ordering system called NAPA PROLink for wholesale customers ordering NAPA parts, accessories, tools and equipment. NAPA PROLink contains up-to-date information about NAPA inventory and allows customers to check pricing and availability and order parts from their local serving NAPA Auto Parts stores.
  • Miami race matches two series
    Grand Prix Americas brings together the Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) FedEx Championship Series and the Cadillac American Le Mans Challenge, two of North America's premier road racing series, for the first time ever in downtown Miami, October 4 to 6, 2002.
  • First fuel-cell cars available in 2003
    DaimlerChrysler will launch the F-Cell series, the world's first fleet of fuel-cell passenger cars in the United States and Europe in 2003.
  • Viper featured at Florida show
    The official show car for the 32nd annual South Florida International Auto Show, which runs from November 8 to 17 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, is the newly redesigned 2003 Dodge Viper SRT-10. It is a true convertible that rekindles old-time racecar memories with its traditional pushbutton starter. The Viper comes equipped with a burly V-10 engine and features a highly functional instrument panel with a center-mounted tachometer and 220-mph analog speedometer.
  • Fuel economy figures released
    For the third year in a row, the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius hybrid electric vehicles lead the pack in fuel economy, according to the U.S. government's 28th annual mileage per gallon estimates.
  • Jaguar debuts Racing Concept
    Jaguar North America unveiled a dramatic "Racing Concept" version of its all-wheel-drive X-Type at the 2002 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) annual trade show November 5 to 8, 2002.
  • Nissans will be on display
    A wide range of specially tuned Nissan vehicles, including a mix of trucks (Xterra, Frontier, and Pathfinder) and performance-oriented vehicles (Altima, SE-R Spec-V and 350Z) will debut at the 2002 SEMA Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show runs November 5 to 8, 2002.
  • NASCAR names official lubricants
    The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) at the 2002 Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas named ExxonMobil's Mobil brand of products as the "Official Lubricants of NASCAR" beginning in 2003. A longtime supporter of NASCAR racing, this marks Mobil 1's 12th season as a major sponsor of Penske Racing South with veteran driver Rusty Wallace and rookie sensation Ryan Newman.
  • Mobil 1 0W-20 designed for newer cars
    A new 0W-20 viscosity grade of Mobil 1 with SuperSyn anti-wear technology is designed specifically to benefit cars that have used 5W-20 viscosity applications, such as newer Honda, Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars, trucks and SUVs (sport utility vehicles), and whose owners wish to use fully synthetic products.
  • Auto industry not ready for new law
    According to the results of a survey released by West Coast-based automotive consultancy Syncata Corporation, only eight percent of vehicle and equipment manufacturers are currently ready to comply with federal reporting regulations imposed under the Transportation Recall, Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act (TREAD).
  • Many asleep at the wheel
    About one-half of America's adult drivers - 51 percent or approximately 100 million people - are on the roads feeling sleepy while they drive. Nearly two in 10 drivers - 17 percent or approximately 14 million people - say they have actually fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year.
  • Chrysler to test-market diesel Jeep
    The Chrysler Group will test the North American market with a diesel-powered Jeep Liberty vehicle beginning in 2004.
  • NASCAR fans pick Elliott
    Bill Elliott edged out fellow racer Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win the Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award for 2002. Elliott and Earnhardt Jr. battled for the leader position in recent months as fans across the country placed more on-line votes than ever before as part of the only fan-based NASCAR award.
  • Stock Car Fest February 12-14
    The 18th annual Stock Car Racing Fan Fest presented by Chevrolet and co-sponsored by Sierra Entertainment, was held February 12 to 14, 2003, in Daytona Beach, FL. Formerly known as the Circle Track Racing Expo, the event featured the ultimate Daytona racing experience with activities for everyone from hardcore racers to NASCAR fans, adults and children.
  • How to handle SUVs
    Sport-utility vehicles (SUVs), minivans and pickups have different handling characteristics than cars," says Steve Mazor, principal automotive engineer for the Automobile Club of Southern California. "One in three vehicles on the road today is a light truck of some kind, so it's more important than ever for owners of these vehicles to familiarize themselves with safe driving techniques."
  • Earnhardt favorite
    Dale Earnhardt jr. is fast becoming the favorite to win Sunday's Daytona 500. Read the story at ESPN's RPM site
  • Barrett-Jackson
    Barrett-Jackson events drew nearly 200,000 people to the desert sunshine of Scottsdale AZ on January 18-21. Nearly 900 of the world's finest collector cars and custom cars crossed this large stage. Most were "NO RESERVE" status, so things got a bit wild. Speed Channel covered auction for millions, but being there is the thing to do if at all possible. You can't beat this event for pure joy and fun for all the family, and the "old kids" love it even more. Records fell as buyers were lined up to prove that this kind of iron beats heck out of most stocks and bonds. If you know your stuff you can make it pay off long term. Craig Jackson has invested lots of time and money to educate people in the new series premiering that provides four teams with money to go "hunt" the car of their dreams and restore it, then run it through this 2005 auction. The first episode looked like fun, so stay tuned to the Speed Channel for more of these.
  • Volkswagen Gets Creative
    It's not your father's VW Beatle!
  • Synthetic Motor Oils...
    .....Provide Superior Protection and Performance. While the average car owner spends a great deal of time and money on his or her automobile purchase, many don't take the time to learn how to properly care for their investment.
  • Calculate Driving Distance
    Calculate driving distance between select USA cities.
  • Chrysler 300 Hemi
    The new Chrysler 300 Hemi is not only turning heads, it is ringing up dealer sales. Daimler Chrysler is saying that orders are about to top 100,000 for this car. This machine looks like a family version of classic "Hot Wheels". Interior and trim is nice blend of function and fancy. With gas mileage running up to 27 on highway, it makes most of those guzzling pickups eligble for an Iraqi War tax. Maybe if you can run on the new MDS System that lays out half the cylinders you can do even better. This new car is making it's mark.
  • Wake Up, Smell Coffee
    Driver fatigue is figuring in more accidents, and many go undiscovered, so it's a death-wish that can take more lives than your own. Long hours in sun, a less-than-average amount of sleep, and lots of time behind the wheel can equal a potentially deadly combination. You need to heed all the warnings and get off the road immediately. Truckers know that when their legal time is hit they are off at the next possible turnoff, and in their sleepers. We mere citizens forget there is a reason the law demands regulated truck driving hours on and off the road. So don't get arrogant, thinking that all those truckers can roll, 'why not me'? Truckers don't do it, and run either a 7 day or 8 day cycle and must have 34 hours rest or more before they can restart another one. They are allowed either 60 hours or 70 hours on the road in those times, respectively. Remember they are pros, you aren't. They know all the signs of fatigue, you don't. We have plenty of signs, but ignmore them. Most non-CDL licensed drivers get in trouble because they forget to rest up before making a madhouse long drive. Also, if they aren't doing this every day, they have no understanding of the symptoms of losing it on the road due to fatigue. Click to see a major study on driving fatigue
  • Mustang Muscle
    Wowzer 450 horses from the ultimate Pony, as Mustang's new Cobra GT500 bows into the history books for 2007. Shelby and Ford rejoin the battle of the smokers. Capturing classic lines of the elegantly styled 67-68 Mustang Fastbacks, the new muscle car can set you back $40 to 50k only if a dealer is kind to you, and all this as Mustang's new retro car has become the HOTTEST car in the nation, selling like hotdogs at a fair. We hear there are many more variations of this car in the works, proving everything old is new again. Muscle cars in general are outpacing the rest of the car market, that languished in the doldrums for the first half of the year. Look for more here on CountryWheels.
  • Move Over Men, Again
    (Saturday July 2)--Controversy has followed all four women entrants running the Indianapolis 500 race so far, and a little gal who nearly won the Indy 500 this year is making history again. Her pole position for the Independence weekend 300 mile race in Kansas gives her an edge for a possible first win. Her two teammates qualified in the next two positions, which would be a great help if she needs aid near the finish line. If perky Danica Patrick's fuel tank had another quart in it she could have held out for the big Indy 500 win. She barely weighs more than 100 pounds, and therein lies the rub. She could be gaining a full mile per hour with that light frame and her 1525 pound car. She nearly captured the pole position at Indy this year, and has been running fast all over the world. While her experience will likely level the playing field, many drivers think she is unfairly being allowed to drop weight below the field. As the 2005 season winds on expect to hear this name in top finishers. Can she win? Most who were naysayers have changed their tune. Everyone has a deal in the works for her to consider, even jumping to NASCAR. Only Danica knows her mind, so we'll see.
  • Hot Car Bargain, All-American Story
    Give a guy a bad grade on his MBA paper and he's likely to flip you the bird and fly away and become a hugh success. That's exactly what Mark Smith did afer he got his marked down paper on the impact of "Kit Cars". So the prof at Bintly University didn't like it, but a decade of business has proven Mark's theory that the world loves a bargain, especially a hot car bargain with their own skin in it. You'll get a rush out of what he is introducing now, an under $20k world class mid-engine kit based on the Corvette C-5 chassis, with a little 911 Porsche in its pants using its unbeatable transaxle.
  • America Gets Big Benz
    Country Roads editor went to premier Scottsdale desert dealership Schumacher's to kick tires on the new gasoline-engined GL and found it a big hit, literally. A nice six and a half foot Chris told us the new full-sized SUV was red hot, helping the dealership sell some 300 cars in December. Starting in January, the all-wheel-drive seven-seater comes over in diesel form as the GL320 CDI (diesel R and M-Class cars arrived in fall).
  • New Fuel Standards Pass Along
    The Senate just passed new fuel efficiency standards that are bound to impact the world auto industry, and soon. By 2012 the industry averages are going to double, and a target of 35 miles per gallon is in the cards. See how this impact will require major push into new territory.
  • Bloomington Gold Standard For Corvettes
    With June comes Bloomgington Gold and every true Vette enthusiast is heading toward Chi-Town on the 25-28th. Getting your car judged by the regal lineup of "Gold" judges can turn your collector car into, well, gold. While "frame up" restorations were always the thing to hope for in the past, today finding and keeping a great survivor is more likely to pencil out a better net value. With a total restoration costing upwards of $100,000 with pros wielding the tools, the survivor can be yours for shrewd knowledge and luck, at reasonable prices. We'll give you more insight into the BG in coming days. Meanwhile, make plans to join the fun at the old "Pheasant Run Resort.
  • Bloomington Gold Standard For Corvettes
    With June comes Bloomgington Gold and every true Vette enthusiast is heading toward Chi-Town on the 25-28th. Getting your car judged by the regal lineup of "Gold" judges can turn your collector car into, well, gold. While "frame up" restorations were always the thing to hope for in the past, today finding and keeping a great survivor is more likely to pencil out a better net value. With a total restoration costing upwards of $100,000 with pros wielding the tools, the survivor can be yours for shrewd knowledge and luck, at reasonable prices. We'll give you more insight into the BG in coming days. Meanwhile, make plans to join the fun at the old "Pheasant Run Resort."
  • 2011 Barrett-Jackson Underway
    The full week of Barrett-Jackson show in Scottsdale is undersay, with cars selling briskly. This show tends to be the cream of collector auctions, with more than a thousand high quality vehicles and tons of memorabilia on the block. The show is a must visit for muscle builders, rod enthusiasts and retro restorations of all varieties. If it hints of something with engines and wheels of past or the sport of rod and custom building you know this is a big one. Gathering from all over the country and even the world, you'll find samples of everything automobile. Some bizzare, some the latest and even future looks at cars will be on display. The show has become an important show following the Detroit Auto Show, for the revived "Big 3". European and Asian motor offerings are also evident. The show and sale just gets hotter all week until wraping up on Sunday. Look for some records to fall, and in the unpredictable economy, this car event can be even more so. (Robert Miller-Editor)

May 17, 2012 

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