By David Clarke

highspeedhijinks

Rob’s recent post about the Hondabaru (or whatever you want to call it) kind of gave me nightmares. Just think of all the obstacles that builder had to overcome to get such a contraption to work. Even thinking back on my own projects, I don’t envy what this builder had to go through. For instance, my header install on my ’84 Caprice should’ve been fairly straightforward–little did I know that by the time all was said and done, I would have to fabricate accessory brackets, modify my shift linkage, and source a “double hump” transmission crossmember only to find out that it too needs fabrication before it will fit. This is supposed to be fun, right? Luckily in my case these are all minor bumps in the road, but a few more and this could fast become a project nightmare. How about you–what was the one project that you wished you never started, or wished you  could be done with already?

By David Wallens

Grassroots Motorsports

Back in the late ’60s and early ’70s, Brock Racing Enterprises was a dominant force in SCCA racing. Their familiar red, white and blue Datsuns put in stellar performances in Production-class and Trans-Am competition. Their 510s were so tough, in fact, that some credit them with ending the small-bore Trans-Am series.

While, those colors are back. Former BRE driver John Morton will wear the team’s scheme in the SCCA Pro Racing Playboy MX-5 Cup race held at the Speedfest at the Classic Motorsports Mitty. The Mazdas will share the weekend’s schedule with HSR historic racers April 29-May 2 at Road Atlanta. Details: themitty.com.

By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

Hey, why not take a rear-engined, four-wheel independent suspension car and throw on a couple of straight axles and a  blown 350 up front? It’s cool to pick something totally different for a radical project, and if you’re going for a drag-strip-scorching gasser, a Corvair is about the unlikeliest candidate you can get. It’s on eBay now, and the seller claims only 100 miles on the build. So I guess it’s up to the buyer to break it in. Check out the auction! Via VWVortex.

By Stephanie Porteus

HotRodHoney

Alfa Romeo: a part of Fiat since 1986, left the US in 1995. Fiat attempted a return in 2003, and again in 2006 before the big economic meltdown thwarted further plans. But this time, Fiat CEO Sergio Machionne says they’re serious.

“I’m a lot more confident now that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more particularly in the United States and Canada,” says Marchionne. “There is a strong likelihood that the brand will be back here within the next 24 months.” Marchionne and Fiat Group Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo have been credited on numerous occasions as returning Fiat’s automobile division to profitability in 2006. Continue reading below the jump…

Continue reading "Alfa Romeo: Triumphant Return to US in 2012?" »

By Michael Berenis

Tampa Sports Car Examiner

If you’ve ever wondered exactly what Formula D drifting is about, let the following interview with Stephan Verdier sooth your inquiry. Drifting for Crawford Performance, Royal Purple, and Ignite Racing Fuel, Stephan is a great source for inside info and we are lucky enough to have an interview with him thanks to Itzen Media. Read more about drifting at Tampa Sports Car Examiner.

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

The poor guy died. Must have been carrying some serious speed when he hit that embankment. Full story at Cleveland.com Even more at Fox and YouTube Via The Car Lounge

By John Coyle

Deputy Editor

Rob and Jen are down in Los Angeles, and between all the drinking and eating and goofing around, we’ve actually managed to get some work done. I know, crazy. Anyway, this week’s winner is theperrycooper, who came up with; “Look, see there? That is the only way to get to the oil filter on this thing.” Bravo buddy! Tune in tomorrow for the next installment of our freakishly popular Caption Contest!

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

Apparently this is daily driven in Seattle. Via VWVortex

By John Coyle

Deputy Editor

When I think about Impalas doing the three-wheel motion, I always flash to Ice Cube and his emerald green lowrider. But this Impala gets the tripod action going without the benefit of any switches. Some of the guys over on StreetFire pointed out that the General’s old X-Frame probably isn’t the best choice for a drag car. Watch this run and see if you don’t agree with them.

Drag Launch Twists Impala

By Fireball Tim

Movie Car Design Master

Yup. All green is go, goes to Barry Sonnenfeld for Men In Black 3…. in 3D. Yes, I didn’t missssspell it. It’s in 3D,… again, like every other big movie that will be coming out for the next thousand years.

Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones will reprise their roles as earth agents named Smiths. And what of the car? You can bet there will be something cool, but you know I can’t talk about that, duh.

But, let’s just say I could… IF I could, I’d say that it would be black. And IF I could, I’d say that it will most likely be some sort of POS. BUT, since I can’t, just drop it…

…and check out these shots from the last one.

Continue reading "Fireball Says Men In Black 3 is a Go!" »