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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 “”

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RECORD STORE DAY 2011

This Saturday (April 16th) is Record Store Day. And Ozzy Osbourne of Black Sabbath is ambassador!

In addition to raising awareness about the importance of community based independently owned record stores, this day is a chance to collect some very limited production vinyl. The Rolling Stones will be releasing 5,000 copies of the unique “Brown Sugar” single mix on a 7″ 45. Kate Bush will be represented by 1,000 Audio Fidelity 10″ records of Hounds of Love on pink vinyl. Phish will put out “Two Soundchecks,” a 7″ record of their first ever live vinyl release. Green Day, Husker Du, Foo Fighters and Radiohead will also will be releasing exclusive collectibles. Continue reading “”

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ROME

Folks often ask me, “What’s your favorite city to visit in Europe?” Since spring is here and Paris can be quite lovely this time of year, especially in May, they are usually surprised when I choose another major popular tourist destination. London? Well, I love the capital city and could walk around it for days, but I’d wait until July/August to have the best chance of good weather. September can be even better if you want to avoid the crowds. Continue reading “”

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THE ROLLING STONES & BRIAN JONES

On this day nearly 50 years ago, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards met Brian Jones for the first time. Jones was calling himself Elmo Lewis and playing slide guitar with Paul Jones (later of Manfred Mann) at the Ealing Jazz Club in London. Jones’ band was called “The Roosters.” After Brain left the group to form “The Rolliin’ Stones” with Mick and Keith, Eric Clapton took over his position as guitarist. 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!

Continue reading “”

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HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Even if you aren’t Irish, today is a good day to wear some green, sport a shamrock, and maybe even have a taste of some Guinness or Irish whiskey.

Saint Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated in America by Irish and non-Irish alike. The emerald city of Seattle paints the traffic stripe of their parade route green. Chicago dyes its river green and has done so since 1962. Indianapolis also dyes its main canal green. Savannah puts green dye in its downtown city fountains, as does Columbia, SC. The New York City parade has not only become the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the world – it’s also the oldest civilian parade worldwide. Continue reading “”