Category: Racing / Auto Blog

PHOTO EXHIBIT AT GLAZER’S CAMERA

Hey All & Happy New Year!

I just finished hanging a 13 print exhibit at Glazer’s Camera Rental Studio in Seattle. On view are images from my book project, Steinbeck’s America: In Search of Travels with Charley Fifty Years Later.

Accompanying the color photographs are quotes by John Steinbeck from his book, Travels with Charley. My short film on the project and an e-book sample will be on view at a closing reception:

When: Monday, February 6th from 7-9pm

Where: 517 Dexter Ave North, Seattle, WA 98109

Please see my Outdoor Photographer Magazine article:

50 Years After Travels with Charley

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Patrick Long racing at Chuckwalla in vintage Porsche 2.5L 911ST spec race car from Chad P. on Vimeo.

PATRICK LONG IN A 911ST

Think you can drive a 911? Well, check out this video.

Chad Plavan is no stranger to the early 911 faithful, and Patrick Long loves to drive Chad’s car. It’s a beautiful blue ’69 ST bodied 2.5L spec racer.

I saw this 911 at Rennsport Reunion IV recently and it’s simply awesome. Patrick is probably the best young Porsche factory race car driver around. Incredible combo. Continue reading “”

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2012 PORSCHE RSR

Porsche just announced the 2012 GT3 RSR, which is to be raced at the Le Mans 24 Hours, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the Le Mans Series in Europe and America. The water cooled engine is a 4.0 liter flat six that delivers 460 HP and comes equipped with a mandatory air-restrictor. A six-speed transmission is operated via paddle shifts on the steering wheel. Wheels are wider, new nose and rear panels are blended with flared front and rear wheel arches, and ducts in the rear side sections replace air scoop on the engine hood. Continue reading “”

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BACK FROM CALIFORNIA:
RENNSPORT REUNION & CS&N REMASTERING

Wow, what a week..

This past week held some of the high points of my life. There were a couple of low points to be sure, but I can’t begin to tell you about it all (because I really can’t tell you..).

It started with Porsche’s Rennsport Reunion IV at Laguna Seca. I had a photography booth in the vendor area that I shared with early 911 parts guru Eric Linden. Thanks, Eric, for being so accommodating while I ran around taking photos like a crazy man. I shot a very cool cover story for Excellence magazine on Saturday morning that I will tell you about later. Continue reading “”

STEVE JOBS 1955-2011

I’ve only known two true visionaries who lived during the 20th Century. One was my mentor, photographer Ernst Haas (1921-1986). The other was Steve Jobs of Apple. Both were creative geniuses, both died too young.

It’s one thing to say, “A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them.” It’s another to actually prove it worldwide several times over.

RIP

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PORSCHE SUPERCAR FOR 2015?

Pictured is the Porsche 918 RSR concept car, a potential long awaited replacement for 911 based race cars. What’s now being rumored is an additional model that would sit between the 911 GT2 RS and the 918 Spyder. This car, designated “project 960,” is being reported as a possible modular mid-engine design in the same territory as the Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C and Lamborghini Gallardo. Power could come from a 3.8 liter twin-turbo flat 6-cylinder making 600-hp with a maximum torque of 550 lb-ft. Continue reading “”

PORSCHE RETURNS TO LE MANS

Happy 4th of July!

Porsche has just announced its return to top-tier motor racing. It will debut a works-run LMP1 sports prototype at the 2014 Le Mans 24 hour event. With 16 overall victories, Porsche is the most successful manufacturer at the world’s most famous endurance auto race. The marque’s last overall Le Mans win was in 1998 with the Porsche 911 GT1. From 2006 to 2009 the factory backed the Penske Racing team, which raced the RS Spyder (an LMP2 prototype) with great success in the U.S. The RS Spyder also took class honours at France’s Le Mans in 2008 and 2009, as well as outright victory at the 2008 12 Hours of Sebring. Continue reading “”

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YOUR FIRST TRACK DAY

Taking your car to the track is not for the faint of heart. With the cornering forces generated and the speeds achieved, there is only so much car aids can do. The rest is up to the driver. The track can be a safe environment compared to public streets, as long as you approach it with thoughtfulness and respect.

Whether you have been to the track or not, car prep is obviously important. But mental preparation can be just as critical. You do not want to arrive exhausted or upset. Ideally you want to be calm and ready to learn. Remember to keep drinking water throughout the day as you could become dehydrated otherwise. Continue reading “”

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BUG-IN

Today is the 35th BUG-IN in Fontana. This event is held once a year in Southern California and incorporates all things Volkswagen. There will be 1/4 mile drag racing, vintage and custom car shows, and a large swap meet with vendor display. Whether you’re a gear head, vintage freak or just all around VW nut, you will not be disappointed with what you’re bound to find today in Fontana. BUG-IN first started in 1968 at the old Orange County International Raceway. 31 events were held over a 15 year period at the historic OCIR until the fateful day that the track was closed in 1983. Continue reading “”

TARGA FLORIO 1973

So were the early 1970’s really cooler than today?
Watch this vintage video, then you decide.

Targa Florio is a Documentary TV Movie on the 1973 race made in Italy in 2005. Director: Cuiri Amelio Ortiz. Cast: Francesco Arezzo, Antonio Catanzaro, Vic Elford, Mauro Forghieri, Giacinto Gargano, Ciccio Liberto, Sandro Munari, Silvana Paladino, Salvatore Requirez, Pao… Continue reading “”

DRIVING – MORE POWER OVERSTEER

By popular demand… Fellow Excellence writer Chris Harris explains how to achieve a power oversteer drift in a rear-wheel-drive front-engine BMW M5.

With its lighter front end, the rear-engined Porsche 911 will require some weight transfer under braking on entry to initiate the drift (see previous video). You will also need to apply different throttle as more rear traction is available. Otherwise it’s very similar. Enjoy!

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