Year: 2011

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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BLUE

Raw, personal, and confessional – this album bleeds aching beauty. Forty years after the day of its release, Blue remains the ultimate singer-songwriter album.

Upon breaking up with her boyfriend Graham Nash in late 1970, Joni Mitchell escaped to Europe writing many of the songs that appear on this album. Most were recorded with very bare production values, just Joni on her piano or guitar. Some songs center around Graham, “My Old Man,” some around her ex-husband, “The Last Time I Saw Richard,” some hint at love interest James Taylor, “Carey,” and some revolve around her lost daughter, “Little Green.” Continue reading “”

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BILL EVANS

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the recording of the late Bill Evans’ famous live dates at the Village Vanguard in NYC. Evans is arguably one of the most influential pianists in jazz. His modal style is written all over Miles Davis’ classic Kind of Blue, and his use of impressionistic chord progression, inventive interpretation of traditional jazz favorites, and harmonic “singing” melodies has influenced a virtual generation of “who’s who” jazz pianists. Continue reading “”

The Road is Calling. from TennXX on Vimeo.

90s R GRUPPE 911

One of the hottest threads on the Early 911S Registry forum was started by my buddy Gib Bosworth extolling the virtues of the Porsche 964. This interim 911 was produced from 1989 to 1994 between the traditional short hood Carrera and the more rounded (and longer geared) 993. It was significantly different from what had come before (better suspension and comfort, more powerful motor and A/C, etc), but was the last model to retain the prominant front fenders, headlamps, and classic shape of the 911. Many early 911 long hood fans own a 964 as well because it still feels nimble while providing a more sophisticated ride. Continue reading “”

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COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE

Early summer is the best time to travel to the canyon that is home to the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest. Up to 4,000 feet deep, this canyon of high desert cliffs and lush waterfalls stretches for over 80 miles as the river winds westward through the Cascade Range to the Pacific Ocean forming the boundary between the State of Washington to the north and Oregon to the south. 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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TEA FOR THE TILLERMAN

Tea For The Tillerman is arguably Cat Stevens’ finest album and a jewel in the crown of early 1970s singer/songwriters. Acoustic Sounds’ new “Quality Record Pressings” plant has chosen this audiophile favorite as the first title to remaster on 200 gram vinyl and hybrid SACD. George Marino of the original mastering plant, Sterling Sound, used the original analog masters in producing this reissue. Reportedly the cover is an exact replica of the original textured British Island gatefold jacket, rather than the non-gatefold U.S. version. Additionally, the original UK Pink Island label design is used. Both LP and SACD are due to be released in August. Review to follow…

For a fascinating look at all that went into this edition see more: Continue reading “”

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BEYOND EXCELLENT

The August issue of Excellence: The Magazine About Porsche features an article of mine on a ’73 911 build titled “The Color of Money.” Nope, this isn’t one of those “cookie cutter” R Gruppe builds with a 3.2 Motronic motor and center fill cap. It’s a no-holds-barred homage to all that is right with this hobby.

Scott Longballa is to be congratulated for taking a hands-on approach in creating this unique and totally intoxicating package – a short stroke MFI powered “RSR” that goes way beyond the expected using only the best parts available. Continue reading “”

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EXOTICS AT RTC

After taking my 315 hp/2300 lb Porsche 911 to a PCA track day at Pacific Raceways (and driving my student’s amazing race prepped GT3/RS), I was in the mood to see some high powered Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Living near Seattle, I needn’t look far to find them. Turns out that on every sunny Saturday there is an exotic car meet in Redmond, Washington. Continue reading “”

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BACK FROM CALIFORNIA (AGAIN)

Just home from three weeks in California. Thanks to Curtis Autenrith and Nick Psyllos for their comraderie and hospitality – and all my other car buddies for their generous support. The R Gruppe Track Day at Buttonwillow and Treffen in Monterey were highlights.

It was the most productive automotive trip I have been on. I shot five cars for Excellence magazine, finished the rebuild on my 1972 Porsche 911″ST” and drove it home in time for a track day in Seattle. More to come… 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 “”

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STICKY FINGERS

Forty years ago today, The Rolling Stones released their seminal ‘70’s album, Sticky Fingers. With landmark songs like “Brown Sugar,” “Sway,” “Wild Horses,” “Bitch,” “Sister Morphine,” “Dead Flowers” and “Moonlight Mile,” Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were reaching their creative and commercial zenith.

The now well-regarded album that followed, 1972’s Exile on Main Street, was grittier and more complex. But the polished songs on this record are arguably just as audacious and even better executed, much like its predecessor Let It Bleed. Interestingly, early versions of songs that would appear on Exile were rehearsed during these sessions. Continue reading “”

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THE NEW BEETLE

In the wake of Porsche raising $7.1 billion to complete its merger with Volkswagen AG, the “new” sporty VW Beetle has just been announced.

This car has one of the most recognizable shapes in the world. Between 1938 and 2003 the original “Bug” sold nearly 5 million copies in the U.S. alone, with over 22 million built. It was developed by Ferdinand Porsche as the Type 1 Volkswagen – which literally means “people’s car.” The second-generation Beetle was designed by J. Mays and R Gruppe co-founder Freeman Thomas at the company’s California design studio. Since 1997 this very rounded design has become a popular choice for city-dwelling females. Continue reading “”