Hidden in the lake speckled interior of Florida is the world famous Sebring International Speedway, home of the Mobil-1 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race. Each March the Speedway welcomes thousands of race fans to one of the oldest race tracks in the country. Evolving from what was a World War II airfield, Sebring not only has one of the most exciting tracks, but also some of the most prestigious alumni of racing history.

Sebring is a 3.7 mile, 17 turn track and, according to Sebring, many portions of the road course were originally B-17 training grounds. Since 1952 a record 3,360 cars have started races there and 102 drivers have finished first. A total of 2.3 million miles have been driven since the airfield became a track in 1952, not only by race car legends but also celebrities such as Patrick Dempsey, Gene Hackman, Steve McQueen, and Paul Newman. Thirty-nine of the 102 winners have been Americans, representing a higher percentage of winners than any other nation. Although the drivers come to race, the fans come to see the cars, and the Audi is the king among them, winning an unparalleled 8 consecutive races.

The track amenities include a hall of fame called the Gallery of Legends. There, spectators can see all of the history behind the track including past participants and car manufacturers. The next induction ceremony will be in March of 2012 and will include greats such as Carroll Shelby, Porsche, and Mario Andretti.

But, for me, the real excitement is coming up August 27-28,2011 when Sebring opens its track for the first time in what it calls the Sebring Fantasy Camp. For a $500 (+tax) registration fee interested drivers can bring their car to run the historic track and receive some invaluable instruction from 7-time Sebring winner Terry Earwood. In addition to his impressive Sebring record, Earwood has also been a chief instructor at the Skip Barber Racing school for 27 years and has been inducted into the Drag Racing Hall of Fame. Also included with admission are school provided cars for testing out the knowledge passed on about vehicle dynamics, skid recovery, and proper apexing among other techniques. Then, after you have put those lessons to the test, you can participate, in your car with similarly matched cars, in an autocross or let the professionals take control of your ride to show you how it’s done. Oh, and lodging and receptions are included so you will have ample time to chat it up with the other participants.

So, if you’re looking for something to do on August 27 and 28 and you happen to be driving through orange grove country and you think you and your car has what it takes to conquer the road course that legends are made of, head over to the Sebring International Speedway. If you don’t make it, maybe I’ll see you again in March.

The article Sebring Fantasy Camp A Reality appeared first on Automoblog.net.

Ryan Dunn, one of Johnny Knoxville’s Jackass crew, and his passenger died in a crash outside of Philadelphia early this morning.

I could be cynical and say, “What a surprise!” but I won’t.

As one of the sidekick members of Jackass brigade, Dunn was partially responsible for bringing the world one step closer actually being like the movie “Idiocracy”. C’mon, who do you think Mike Judge based the most popular television show, “Ow! My Balls!” in the movie on? Knoxville et al. Or at least that’s my guess. So it seems rather unsurprising that a member of the Jackass retinue would buy the farm by stuffing his Porsche GT3 into a bunch of trees while traveling at triple digit speeds.

Yes, the photo you see above was taken at the scene of the one-car accident that happened in West Goshen, Pa. around 3:30 AM Monday morning, is all that remained of the GT3 when police and fire crews pulled it out of a grove of trees earlier today. Before that, Dunn’s ride looked like this:

At first, the police said they didn’t know whether the 34-year-old Dunn, or the then unidentified person was driving the car. Nor did the authorities know whether alcohol was to blame. But, ironically or maybe just coincidentally, Dunn did tweet the following picture from his Tumblr account hours before his death:

Sure, it could have been a Coke or an iced tea.

The NBC affiliate in Philadelphia reported that “The Porsche shot through about 40 yards of trees before it hit the last one and exploded into flames, according to police.” Which pretty much means that if the impacts (either the final one or the many previous jolts after passing through 120 feet of trees) didn’t kill Dunn and passenger, then the explosion and resulting fire sure as hell did.

MTV, parent network of the Jackass TV series (and producer of the movie spin offs) said, “We’re deeply saddened by the passing of a member of the MTV family, Ryan Dunn. Our hearts and thoughts are with his friends and family.” MTV did this via Twitter, of course. Which is both highly meta and highly ironic, because nothing says, ” deeply saddened” like a 140 character limit.

Now, one could get all moralistic about “what this says about our culture” and “speed kills” and “the wages of sin” and all that, but I will leave that up to the seemingly endless supply of people whose job it is to be morally outraged at something, anything.

What can be said though, is that Dunn seriously overcooked it in a place where the price for doing so was going to be plenty high. Like Clint Eastwood said as Dirty Harry applies (as well as to all things automotive): “A man has got to know his limitations.”

Sure, sure, you could say that this sort of behavior – going stonking fast – should be reserved for the track, and the track only. Which is all well and good and true, but tell me, who of you out there with a Porsche or a Vette or some other such ride, always, always, always follow every rule of the road at all times? Hands? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Right.

The point of doing things like this is knowing when and where you can get away with it. What will happen if, say, I lose it right at this spot in the road doing, let’s say for the sake of argument, 10 MPH over the limit? Well try not to show that you’re the next best thing to Rick Mears if there’s a grove of trees on the outside of a corner. Or if it’s wet … or icy … or, well you get the idea.

Source: Jalopnik

The article Ryan Dunn, Jackass Star, Dies In Car Accident appeared first on Automoblog.net.

One of the most complex machines in everyday life, automobiles requires a great duty of care to operate safely. Knowledge, skill, attention, best judgment and even luck are components to safe driving. However, when there is a lapse of control, the result can be property damage as well as human harm. Varying in severity, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated around 6,024,000 reported traffic accidents occurred in the United States in 2007. Though too many accidents continue to involve serious injuries and death, advanced safety systems such as air bags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control has assured the majority of traffic incidents in the United States (4,275,000 in 2007) involve only property damage.

If an individual ever enters into the uncomfortable ordeal of an auto accident, committing to memory a number of steps will make sure the event will dissipate in a relatively controlled fashion.

Attempt to Preserve You Calm

When in the position to do so, all existing parties in a vehicle accident the axiom of “let cooler heads prevailing”. After being fortunate enough to endure a car crash, human life always take precedence over property. Understanding that other thoughts would apply when individuals injured in a car accidents, keeping a positive and clear mindset is the best way to deal with the aftermath of a car crash.

Inspect for Injures and/or Property Damage

Check on the well-being of yourself as well as everyone else involved in the accident. Immediately call for 911 emergency if there is anyone hurt in the crash. For many traffic accidents where damage is limited only to vehicles and other property, it is important to observe and record document the accident scene. When collecting information, consider anything that be relate to how the incident transpired including road and weather conditions. As many cell phones equipped with high resolution cameras, this technology serves as marvellous tools in recording damage done in a collision. For those accepting lower-tech lives, keeping a disposable camera in the glove box will suffice.

Exchange information and/or Call Police

At an accident scene, the sharing of driver and vehicle relevant information is required. Possessing a driver’s license and proof of insurance will not only safeguard against violating state driving laws but will expedite the uncomfortable moments where parties may not be enthused on long, civil conversations.

Even if parties are cooperating at the scene of an accident, calling the police might prove an option. While not required for minor so-called fender-bender accidents, the presence of law enforcement authorities can corroborate the actual event as an impartial figure. Police officers can document damage as well as the characteristics of the accident. Be aware the wait for a police officer at the scene for a minor property damage-only crash could be lengthy.

Contact Insurance Company

Following the car crash, the time resolution often comes by reaching an auto insurance provider. Operating as a sort of forced savings and loan plan against property damage and/or personal injury, liability, collision and even more severe whiplash claims are cases where insurance plans provide guarantees to otherwise unaffordable financial conditions tolerable. While a relationship with an insurance provider could go swimmingly when the monthly or yearly payments are simply flowing from the motorist, these companies can sometimes serve as an intimidating force for customers who want to be compensated for their loses. Some might find an on-line compensation calculator as a reasonable reference to determining if your insurance company is appraising your losses properly.

Everything mentioned is suggestions for a situation in which you may be fortunate enough to avoid. Drive carefully!

Information source: NHTSA
Photo source: General Motors

This post is brought to you from first4lawyers

The article What to Do After an Auto Accident appeared first on Automoblog.net.

While some fortunate motorists and automobiles endure a winter season simply by wearing pants or a jacket during cooler temperatures, upper parts of the North American continent are routinely introduced to a change in lifestyle between December to April. The downpour of flurries and sometimes blistery cold climate conditions causes many to rethink their driving plans. For many drivers, a winter wonderland becomes a winter wasteland as they attack the snowy or sometimes icy roads in varying degrees of preparedness.

In order to imprint safe winter driving habits onto the roads and highways, the following suggestions are worthwhile practices before venturing out in white-powdered conditions:

Drive for the conditions

The speed limit is a ‘speed limit’! While it is still enticing to drive at the posted speed, the signs are posted for safe driving during ideal, dry conditions. Through situations of decreased visibility and reduced traction, it’s responsible driving to maintain a lower speed being mindful that you want to provide yourself with maximum response time.

In order to best accomplish this feat, leave for destinations allowing for an extra couple minutes prior to your driving trip.

Prepare for best weather visibility

Do not fall victim of using summer weather windshield washer fluid. Identified often as pink in colour, this seasonal fluid will quickly freeze under cold weather making it ineffective for clearing the driver’s forward view. Winter windshield washer fluid An all-season windshield washer also presents itself as a effective in most winter driving with resistance to freezing rated at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Worth consideration, winter windshield wipers are also available providing a much more robust design suited for clearing heavier, icier precipitation.

Consider Winter Tires

Due to some outstanding developments with tire design, motorists can enjoy incredible grip and security through the addition of specified rubber on their vehicles. Applying a more aggressive tread to the snow-covered road surface, winter or snow tires also possess a tire construction ideally formatted for colder weather with a compound designed to retain better elasticity.

There are many individuals who believe that winter or snow tires is a must have for all vehicles during the cooler seasons of driving. In fact the Canadian province of Quebec believes in the safety advantages of winter tires so heavily they have passed a law making the equipment mandatory on all registered vehicles. Tire companies and automakers also strongly suggest all four wheels can fitted with colder weather rubber. Costing between $500-800 to equipment an entire vehicle, you also have to add installation as well as removal of wheels and tires into your vehicle’s budget.

However, while winter tires offer improved traction over all-season tires, don’t be lured into a false sense overconfidence. Much like the situation of all-wheel drive vehicles, some motorists are led to believe snow tires allows them to exercise less caution when traveling in winter conditions which can still be hazardous.

Thoroughly Brush Snow Off Vehicle

Due to lack of advanced preparation or even the proper equipment, an alarmingly high number of drivers lead to the open roads with a significant accumulation of snow on their vehicles. Often but not limited to sport utility vehicles, minivans and crossovers, some motorists avoid brushing snow off their vehicle’s roof. You’ll be surprised how much of a tell-tale sign snow removal from an automobile is to the driver behind the wheel. Snow-covered cars being driven on public roads seem to have a higher than average regard for others sharing the streets and highways. Evidently, this snow is going to blow off and could potential create a danger for any parties using the motorways. If spotted by law enforcement, this could even be considered a serious enough offense to be pulled over certain to cost you the time taken away from thoroughly brushing off your vehicle.

If you own a taller vehicle but have found cleaning the roof too difficult with a standard automotive snow brush, please invest into one of several snow removal tools developed specifically for SUVs and minivans offering longer reaches.

Being only a handful of ideas to better handle winter driving, other ideas such as utilizing engine block heaters, packing an emergency kit inside of a vehicle and regularly checking weather reports are also precautionary measures which can assure a safe trip during winter.

Information source: Rain-X, Bridgestone
Photo source: BMW, Michelin

The article Surviving Winter Driving appeared first on Automoblog.net.

Discouraging patterns of high-speed driving, public education campaigns have been the first stage of maintaining safe vehicle speeds. As we know, these preventive measures are not enough to completely change the situations on streets and highways. Police speed traps, photo radar and even airplane surveillance over highways are deployed to catch the velocity seekers red-handed (or rather red-footed). Across the Atlantic, an informal study might suggest a new method to curb excessive speeds which is certain to be greeted as an unpopular solution.

According to a survey conducted by RoadPilot, an United Kingdom-based company creating products and solutions to detect speed cameras, has drawn a conclusion that the top deterrent to speeders is higher fuel costs. Asking drivers more what factors they have reduced their average speed during travel, 33% of UK motorists voiced heeding to higher gas prices ahead of other speed impediments. In fact, only 13% addressed a reason for slowing down is in reaction to law enforcement. However, the majority of surveyors who did not select concern about police presence could be law-biding drivers obeying traffic rules. Traffic congestion and environmental conditions (ie. rain and snow) were also issues that caused the speedometer to drop. Reacting to the figures, RoadPilot’s CEO James Flynn OBE offered a viewpoint saying “Driving remains an essential part of life for many people in the UK, but clearly motorists are feeling the pinch at present and are doing whatever they can to reduce their monthly outgoings.”

In Europe, the incentive to slow down in the name of fuel mileage is more important since vehicle owners are faced with considerably more shock at the petrol pumps. In the United Kingdom, motorists pay the US equivalent of 6-8 dollars a gallon for gasoline at this present time (October 2010). The RoadPilot survey had also noted 40% of motorists polled are said to be monitoring the fuel gauge more closely in the past year.

Unsure of the results if a similar survey was responded to by North American drivers, some related data shows how much of an effect gasoline prices have on the minds of car owners. Recorded by Department of Transportation, escalating fuel prices in 2008 (a time still fresh in the minds of American motorists) led total vehicle driving distance to drop 3.6% over the previous year. When gasoline prices dropped back to more sensible levels through 2009 to this year, driving numbers are starting to creep through positive territory again on American roadways. Whether or not speeding was affected between this periods is uncertain.

While the validity of corporately-sponsored polls could be questioned, one thing to gain from this UK survey is how greatly influenced the psyche of motorist is impacted when conserving money can override the reason why some of us race in our vehicles.

Information source: RoadPilot, US Department of Transportation- Federal Highway Administration
Photo source: RoadPilot via Newspress UK

The article High Gas Prices Deters Speeders, Says UK Survey appeared first on Automoblog.net.

As I drive my automatic test vehicle this week (the uber big Ford Taurus SHO), I find myself looking longing at my manual transmission WRX as I pull out of the driveway each day.

And it’s not just the Taurus that gives me transmission envy; it’s every automatic vehicle.

There’s something about the control a manual transmission gives you that’s so much cooler than an automatic. I know, I know; automatic is easier in the city and often less stressful, but come on! You’re not really driving the car with an auto transmission, not by a long shot.

Manuals give you the ability to truly control the vehicle you’re driving. Not only are you controlling the power and the engine performance, but you’re able to feel the reaction of your vehicle so much better as well. Manual transmissions give you a connection to your vehicle that automatic doesn’t allow.

True, manual isn’t for everyone, but there’s something really appealing about it. And if you love to drive, like I do, then you should love to drive standard. I also think it should be mandatory for everyone to learn standard when they are learning how to drive. You might think this is a bit extreme, but hear me out.

Let’s say you’re stranded at a party with a friend who’s had too much to drink. They were your drive home. They have a car with a manual transmission. You can’t drive stick. You need to get home or you’ll turn into a pumpkin at midnight. What are you supposed to do?

That’s just one example, but learning how to drive standard is a great asset to have and something I think every driver would benefit from. It’s not only a driving skill but a general lesson in cars overall. You need to understand the inner workings of your vehicle to drive manual well, and so it brings about a greater awareness of you and your vehicle — something a lot of drivers on the road today could stand to benefit from.

Which do you prefer? Manual or automatic, and why?

The article Why Manual Is So Much Cooler appeared first on Automoblog.net.

There’s no denying it; drifting is fun. Really fun. I don’t care what type of car buff you are, breaking those rear tires loose and sliding through a turn sideways is exhilarating.

You can drift most rear-wheel drive cars with enough power, but there are simply some cars that are much better than others. So which cars are the best for drifting? First, let’s talk briefly about what makes a good drifting car.

Drivetrain: You want a front-engine, rear-wheel drive car. Front-wheel-drive cars can slide, but they can’t drift.

Transmission: You should preferably have a manual transmission. This is because you have more control with a manual, but it’s also possible to drift with an automatic tranny; you just won’t have the level of control you will with a manual and it will be more difficult.

Weight Distribution: Close to a 50/50 front/rear ratio; just search for stats on the car and you’ll find this information.

Power: The car must have enough power to keep the wheels spinning while you’re drifting. This shouldn’t be an issue for anybody reading this website.

Condition: Make sure your car is in good condition. Check and re-check your car to make sure it can handle the forces caused by drifting – you’ll be surprised how tough it is on a car. You might want to use cheap or old tires at first – they won’t last long.

So…what are the best cars for drifting? Continue reading for the list…

Because this is so subjective to each individual, I won’t list them in any sort of order. Once person might like one car for drifting more than the other; this just serves as a reference point for finding a good car for your drifting pleasure.

Nissan Skyline

Mazda RX7

Toyota Supra

Nissan 240SX

Ford Mustang

Dodge Viper

Pontiac GTO

Pontiac Solstice/Saturn Sky

Nissan 350Z/Infiniti G35

Toyota Soarer (Lexus SC300/400)

And for the typical liability reasons, I have to say not to drift on local streets because it’s dangerous and illegal. Check with your local law for specifics, and try to get into a big open parking lot or join an organized drifting event. Seriously…just don’t be stupid.

The article Ten Best Drifting Cars appeared first on Automoblog.net.