Should consumers be researching Cheap Gas Prices online before leaving the house?

Right now in the United States, not to mention in Canada, consumers are see the raising costs of just about everything that helps us live from the raising prices in food (cost to fuel our bodies), the raising cost of energy for heating and cooling our homes, but the biggest hit has to come from the record high gas prices and diesel prices at the pumps and with no end in sight, what are we all to do.

I’ve been looking up gas prices online for months now, just seeing what the differences are from day to day and month to month, with the help of my father who has given up the use of his Jeep Liberty for my more fuel friendly Nissan Altima to go to work, he wrote a piece back on April 11th about one station here in Massachusetts that he had to fill up at, back on April 10th, for regular gas at a station, the price was $3.11, the next day, the gas price jumped 8 cents to $3.19 a gallon for the same gas. Now when you fast forward to yesterday (April 29th) at that very same gas station, the new price was $3.54 for a gallon of gas. What a jump, that’s 43 cent jump in 19 days, like I said, what are consumers to do?

Well besides buying a more fuel friendly vehicle, the normal maintenance, checking your tire pressures, removing junk from your car’s trunk, the only thing consumers can do is shop around for cheap gas prices. Before you leave the house, chances are you know exactly where you are going, work comes to mind and whether your commute is 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour or more one way from your house, you are going to pass several gas stations along the way to your destination. Now it’s your job to find that next price just like you do when you shop for food with weekly circulars, if you know that you are going to have to fill up, checking the gas prices online can save you money, (just be aware they change not only daily, but change from area to area) it could save or cost you 8 cents a gallon, 10 cents a gallon if you are not careful. So where do you go:

First try Gas Price on MapQuest, they have prices all over the United States for all 3 grades of Gasoline, Diesel, E85, Bio-Diesel and more, just type in you city, state or zip code and find the best price, chances are they have it. This is the site I used to find yesterday’s gas price for the station listed above. Another one to try is GasBuddy.com (since it is broken up by area, mine is WorcesterGasPrices.com), keep in mind this is done by Gasbuddy and spotters which in my area includes my father.

Do keep in mind that not only gas prices change daily, but they are also different from area to area, for example, gas prices in the center of my town is $3.56 a gallon, chances are it is higher than the stations a quarter mile away, taken one station as the next town over which is $3.54 a gallon, each different towns, so check that out, you’ll be surprised.

Promotion: Check out the Kevin Harvick Shell Bobblehead at your local Shell Stations now. Comments.

- Racedriven

A dose of photography - Could a Nomad be in Chevrolet’s future too, but what should it look like?

For the past four years, I have been seeing this Chevrolet Nomad Concept Car on the auto show circuit at both the Boston show and the Providence show and while the vehicle has gotten my father’s attention, meaning he likes it, personally it’s not a real Nomad to me. A Chevrolet Nomad would be a good added edition to the Chevrolet lineup as a modern version of the famous car from 1955-1957, a two-door station wagon which would include a large bench backseat with lots of room behind the backseat for whatever you buy or haul around.

This version pictured below reminds me of a Pontiac Solstice Coupe or its sister version the Saturn Sky. Personally if Chevrolet really wanted to make the Chevy Nomad as a throwback to the classic 1955 version, then they could use the new Pontiac G8 rear wheel drive platform to produce this car and while that might sell, I’m not much for a rear wheel drive car as I live in New England where five months out of the year it’s winter. Maybe it’s possible for an all-wheel drive v6 version Chevy Nomad??? How about an all-wheel-drive v6 version of the Pontiac G8??? Comments.


Image was taken by me with a Kodak EasyShare DX6490.

- Racedriven

A pair of KITT’s and the rights to the last 2009 KR gets $300,000 at the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Car Auction.

A pair of KITT's from NBC’s Knight Rider Movie.


(Credit: Both Photos from Barrett-Jackson.com Website.)

This could have well been the final chapter in NBC’s Knight Rider Movie that premiered with high ratings and mix reviews. The movie left some Knight Rider fans including me asking why did you create this movie, the first time I heard that NBC was recreating one of my favorite television shows, I thought alright a Knight Rider rebirth television series, but the whole thing of just a two hours movie really didn’t interest me, if you are going to go recreate it, at least make it into a six one hours mini-series, that would have been better, however for what it was worth, the movie wasn’t bad at all, it was a nice touch to have the next driver be Michael Knight’s son.

As for the rebirth of KITT, keep in mind that there was already a Knight Rider Movie called Knight Rider 2000 and in it had a red Knight Industry Three Thousand (KITT) car in it, so it was a little weird seeing the next-generation KITT, however I loved the look of the new KITT, making the new next-generation KITT from a 2008 Ford Mustang GT was a little bit of a streight for me considering the original KITT was a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am and the second version for the Knight Rider 2000 movie was a Pontiac Banshee prototype, so in reality the third version and beyond would be from Pontiac or at least General Motors, however the only version I heard of was a 2008 Pontiac Solstice wouldn’t have worked, however a new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro with some custom work would have worked for me, but considering this car isn’t out yet, so the 2008 Ford Mustang GT made to look like a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 KR worked for the part for me.

With that said, today’s auction as a little bit of a surprise to me for this pair of movie cars that only got a total of $300,000 with a couple of extras thrown in for a higher bid including rights to the last 2009 GT500 KR #1576, the first super KITT was built off of a 2008 Ford Mustang GT with a 4.6L V8 Automatic that was upfitted with a Ford Racing Whipple Super-charger to make 400 horsepower, GT500 KR fiberglass hood with KITT heartbeat light installed, and a lot more. The second KITT was the attack mode KITT car that that really looked the part with all Proceeds to benefit Salute To Education.

I would have expected $500,000 considering they are movie cars and proceeds go to charity, anyway good looking pony car that has that presence to it and this from a Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette fan. I wonder if NBC will make a Knight Rider Television series, that’s would count on it. Comments.

- Racedriven

Ferrambo Wins 2008 Ridler Award!

I don't believe I have ever seen one of these before, a 1960 Rambler station wagon that is complete with a 2002 Ferrari Modena 360 engine and Ferrari front and rear suspension wins the 2008 Ridler Award at the Detriot Autorama this past weekend and in Ferrari red, what a look inside and out.



(Credit: Images from Divers Street Rods and Information from Street Rod Magazine)

- Racedriven

Can you say achiving about 2,000 mpg for the winners of the Shell Eco- marathon Americas challenge.

Caption: Kevin Harvick driver of the No. 29 Shell-Pennzoil car meets with student team members from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo (CA) at the California Speedway, Friday, February 22, 2008. Harvick met with students then examined the 2007 winning entry from the Shell Eco- marathon Americas challenge which achieved nearly 2,000 miles per gallon. (Credit: Steven Field at Edelman - AP Photo/Shell Oil Company, Bob Riha, Jr.)

In a world were more and more people are trying to achieve better fuel economy, its always cool to see that it is possible to achieve very high numbers in fuel economy especially in this case where California Polytechnic State University has achieved nearly 2,000 miles per gallon (1,902.7 gallons) and won the Shell Eco-marathon Americas challenge. This sure does gives the rest of hope that are cars are more capable of better fuel economy then just 18-25 mpg like the two cars in my family.

From Autoblog Green: In the Hydrogen Group, Los Altos Academy of Engineering from Hacienda Heights, California, came in a 1,038 mpg. Click over for a full photo gallery.

So, I wonder if anyone can beat Cal Poly in fuel economy at this years completion were 30 teams from all over North America will compete on April 10-13.

- Racedriven

We’ve got ignition at the 2008 Northeast Intl Auto Show in Providence.

A picture from inside the main floor in the GM section looking out at some of the auto show. (All image was taken by me and are under copyright protection.)

As a car enthusiast, one of the best things you can do is take in a car show or an auto show and this past weekend, I got the chance to taken the Northeast Intl Auto Show in Providence, RI. Normally, when it comes to taken in auto shows, I would take in the show in Boston in November, however this year that wasn’t possible, but the auto show in Providence was.

I’ve seen a lot of ways to advertise and bring in visitors to attend events before, but this one was new me, Motor Trend, who was one of the sponsors, gave away a one-year subscription to ever visitor who purchased a ticket to the auto show, why not, I’m in. We will see how long it will take to get here.

I would say the biggest hit at the auto show, hats off to Ford for bringing six concept/pre-production cars to the show, when we walked in, you couldn’t help notice the new Ford F-150 on a turn table display along with the Ford Interceptor and Ford Airstream with rope around it. The Interceptor looked good, nice for to become a police car, however I while the Airstream wasn’t really for 2008, I did like the interior, it looked like a future limo. In the front of the F-150 was the coming soon Ford Flex, nothing I haven’t seen before.

Continuing on in the Ford camp, brings us to pure American muscle with the new 2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt in that dark green, personally, if I wanted a Bullitt mustang, I would want the 1968 Ford Mustang Fastback GT, but the 2008 version isn’t bad. However, what was sitting next to it was even better, a 2008 Shelby GT Mustang, blue with white strips, that’s the look.

On the Chrysler front, no Dodge RAM concept n display, however they did bring the Chrysler ME Four-Twelve Concept that will most likely never be built, although it might be just what Chrysler needs to start with to meet the new Café standards in 2020, yeah, I see that, try putting in a diesel engine and that would work. As for Jeep, all models on hand including the new 2008 Liberty, which isn’t bad, however since it was on a turntable, you couldn’t get into it, that part sucked.

Chevrolet, I love the Corvette and they had two on display that you could get into, a regular one and a Z06. And of course, they had on display the Chevrolet Nomad, something I have seen a couple years ago that is really nothing more than a Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky. When I think about a Chevrolet Nomad, it’s a 1955-1957 two door station wagon and if you brought it into 2008, the styling looks good on the concept, but its not long enough, it’s a station period. Next.

Going outside of the main hall was one vehicle I wanted to see, the new 2008 Subaru Impreza Wagon that they call Outback. Not bad, if I were car shopping, believe it or not, that Subaru would be at the top of the list along with either a Jeep Patriot or Dodge Caliber.

However, staying with what I would buy, also on that list would be the new 2008 Scion xB, that gives a big and tall guy like me, lots of room behind the wheel, although I still prefer the styling on the older one and get me started on the xA turned ugly xD, please.

Finally, upstairs where most of the foreign-imports were and yes the Scion was included, however, if you wanted to see the Nissan GT-R, you had to settle for a poster, well at least they had a poster of it, no way when it came to the Chevy Camaro, nor the Dodge Challenger, not even a Dodge Caliber SRT-4, that was in Worcester, MA, oh well. The last vehicles that impressed me and I don’t know why was the Suzuki SXBox, which is a tuned out SX4 crossover with a huge plasma in the bad. Well, that’s it here, good show, just one thing, for $7 (with coupon) and $9 parking, do you think you could bring more including concepts and how about a Dodge Charger. More photos to come on a seperate page.

- Racedriven

So what did $1 Million dollars get you at the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Car auction in Scottsdale?

Over the last couple of years, enthusiants have seen a surge at the Barrett-Jackson in terms of prices and popularity, however while 2008 saw even bigger popularity, the hammer prices really didn’t come close to the records that one thought each would bring. It seems that the 2008 Barrett-Jackson prices were more along the lines of what most auction around the US would bring as well as some including the announcers called bargin prices.

So after all of that, what did $1 Million dollars get you at the 2008 Barrett-Jackson and more so, who were the showstoppers and the star?

For the 2008 Barrett-Jackson, $1 Million dollars would have bought you a lot more then in past years, going into the auction I had thought that there were two vehicles that would bring in the big dollar amounts, first, in the car industry, there is one name that is huge with power, Carroll Shelby, last year, his personal 1966 Shelby Cobra 427 “Super Snake” hammered down at a record-breaking $5 Million Dollars, so with that, what would his personal 1969 Shelby GT500 Convertible that he’s owned since day one bring, well, surprisingly it didn’t tip a million, try $675,000, that was shocking and they tried too.


John Schneider's 1969 Dodge Charger HEMI Coupe "Bo's General Lee" on stage at the Barrett-Jackson with John Schneider himself trying to get the crowd into this car. (Credit: Autoblog's cover of the Barrett-Jackson)

When you talk about the #1 most influential hot rod of all time (by Hot Rod magazine), one vehicle comes to mind, the General Lee, and this year, they had John Schneider's 1969 Dodge Charger HEMI Coupe that was used in the original television classic the Dukes of Hazzard as well as in the Reunion and Hollywood movies that was signed by most of the cast and shocking enough, this car is worth at least $1 Million dollars, it hammered down for $450,000, damn.

Keeping with the childhood theme for a second after The Dukes of Hazzard that was made around the time I was born (1979), what about Robosaurus stand on the outside of the grandstands, all standing up and talking, I remember seeing this years ago in Providence with my father and what show, this one didn’t do so bad, its an off-piece, it went for a good $575,000… what would I do with it, I would put it behind my house, standing up with the head over the house and every now and then it would say “Do you really want to mess this house? that’s cool.

In the last couple of years, auctioning off low serial number vehicles for charity has been a hit, back in 2006, they hammed down a 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Fastback that went for $600,000, that became the bench mark for future numbers and at this year, that bench mark was broken by one of Detriot’s big three, that each hammed down there own creations, Dodge put up Serial #01 of the new 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 for $400,000, no big surprise, however Ford hammered down there own Ford Shelby GT500 KR for $550,000 with Carroll Shelby right there, but nothing would prepare everyone for Chevrolet’s new Corvette ZR1, the paint costs a fortune, and with Jay Leno on-hand, that one was hammered for $1 Million dollars, now that’s the way you do it.

And finally, we get to the stars, the showstoppers of the show, concept s and one-offs were huge this year and have been for many years and while no vehicle is really going to surpass the $3 Million Dollar 1954 Oldsmobile F-88 GM Concept Car that sold back in 2005 nor the even more top seller, the 1950 GENERAL MOTORS FUTURLINER PARADE OF PROGRESS TOUR BUS with only 12 built by GM went for a record-breaking $4 Million Dollars, this year, first a 1963 Ford Thunderbird Fastback that had been used as a daily driver in California for many years sold for $600,000, however nothing would top the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe named “Rondie” concept car that was the biggest seller of the 2008 Barrett-Jackson, it sold for $1.6 Million dollars, that’s good solid amount period.


The star of the show, an award winning 1928 Duesenburg J Dual Cawl Phaeton (Credit: All three photos - the Duesenburg, the “Rondie” concept and the Robosaurus were all from Barrett-Jackson.com)

But you know, no show would be complete without what the star of the show, an award winning 1928 Duesenburg J Dual Cawl Phaeton that even though it sold lite, what a vehicle to look at, Jay Leno should have been interested in this one, this one sold for $1 Million Dollars, believe me when I say it, it was easily a $1.6-2+ Million dollar vehicle period. Well that’s it here.

- Racedriven

Racedriven Recap: Coverage of the 2007 SEMA Show in Las Vegas

Over the past week with the help of a couple of websites, blogs and a SEMA Promotion Associate, I have created several pieces in a series on the SEMA Show.

The sights and sounds of SEMA 2007 - Part One:
Highlights three photos I received via email from SEMA Promotion Associate - a Chevrolet Bel-Air, a custom built Scion xB and what looks like 1970's Plymouth Cuda.

The sights and sounds of SEMA 2007 - Part Two:
Highlights four hits, one that just made me say “What were they thinking?” and the question, So would you drive on 30s? Or are they just for show?

The sights and sounds of SEMA 2007 - Part Three:
Highlights The Best in Show edition: Two Alternative Fuel vehicles - Jay Leno's E85 powered Chevrolet Corvette C6RS and a 1,000 HP ProPane 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle by Mothers.

Exclusive SEMA Show photos from a SEMA Promotions Associate:
Highlights 13 different vehicles including three vehicles from my part one piece.



- Racedriven

The sights and sounds of SEMA 2007 – Part Three

The Best in Show edition: When I think of Best in Show, this year its all about going green and so we have more than one car in this category, but one theme, alternative fuels.


First Jay Leno’s E85 Chevrolet Corvette C6RS (Credit: Autoblog SEMA video)


Second is a 1,000 HP ProPane 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle by Mothers. The idea of filling up my 1,000 hp chevelle with Propane instead of gasoline is amazing, no more gasoline prices. (Credit: Autoblog/Mother’s)

Third, Just about any other vehicle using Diesel, Bio-Diesel, Ethonal, E85, Propane, Hydrogen or any other fuel instead of using gasoline.

- Racedriven

The sights and sounds of SEMA 2007 – Part Two

It’s been about a week now since the SEMA Show 2007 has ended and with the help of a couple of blogs – websites, here’s the highlights including four hits, one that just made me say “What were they thinking?”.


The Year One Bandit, we all remember the classic 1977 movie “Smokey and the Bandit” with the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am driven by Burt Reynolds, well to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the movie, Burt Reynolds and Year One got together and create this beast and what a look it is, works for me. (Credit: SEMAinsider)


The Good Guy's show 2007 Street Rod of the Year built by Barry’s Speed Shop in California. What a ride, I have seen some of Barry’s work and this one is top notch. (Credit: Straightline)


A 2008 Cuda (Barracuda) Concept, I’m not sure what to make of this concept, I like the retro look and it does grab your attention, but at the same time the Cuda name is from Plymouth, not Dodge. (Credit: Straightline)


From the Transformers Movie, the Camaro, still a stunning a vehicle and can’t wait to see the new vehicle hit the streets. (Credit: SEMAinsider)


Welcome to the ugliest Mustang I have seen yet, this is the vehicle that makes you want to say “What were they thinking?” when you built this… What a statement, does anyone have an idea of what that statement might be? (Credit: Autoblog)

Over at the CarDomain Blog, the question has been asked, So would you drive on 30s? Or are they just for show?

First, I am not an expert on wheels and tires nor have I ever driven on anything above stock wheels and tires being maybe 15-16’s so I am entering new territory.

With that said, no way period, the only vehicle that I have ever seen 30’s was a Hummer H2 and that’s not even right, a Hummer H2 or any other 4x4 vehicle should be driven both on-road and off-road, other than that, 30’s don’t look good on a car, its ugly, you have to the car to sit right, the stands, the look and 30’s don’t do that. Driven on 30’s, no way, I can’t even imagine how that feels and is it even safe? Either way it’s not a fashion statement – for show or would I ever drive on them.

In part three, I'm still looking for that one stunner, the best in show vehicle, any ideas?

- Racedriven

The sights and sounds of SEMA 2007 - Part One

This is one of greatest times of year if you are a car enthusiant, it's the SEMA show in Las Vegas this week and what a collection of vehicles they have on display. Now if you are not invited (that would include myself), the next best thing is videos and pictures online and what a gallery many online sites and blogs already have, below is a couple of photos from the last couple of days.


1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air


New Scion xB


And what looks like 1970's Phymouth Cuda
If this a preview of vehicles to see at SEMA, I can't wait to see everything once people get back from Las Vegas and thank you to Teresa Randle of New Media Strategies and SEMAinsider.com for the photos above. Look for part two and beyond in a couple of days.

- Racedriven

Finally Top Gear is on in the United States!

It's about time, for the last couple of years now I have now been wanted to watch the UK show Top Gear, (I'm also waiting on 5th Gear too, but I don't think so...) its different from what we have here in the States and I've always wanted to know what the difference is in prices and quality of cars including what cars are available in the UK vs. here in the United States...

The You Tube video above is Top Gear's own Jeremy Clarkson reviewing one the most popular cars over here, the Corvette Z06, the Corevtte to me is a great car, for it's looks, design and that amazing 7.0 Liter V-8 engine and what a best bang for the buck over here you will every find. So I was surprised when I watched this episode two weeks ago (on BBC America - Monday Nights) and I was surprised with the review - disappointed, I think its a great car for $72,500 fully loaded Z06. Personally I want a nice 2007 Corvette convertible for about $55k.

I noticed the Ron Fellows Z06 limited edition for sale too, not a bad looking car and Fellows ran it this past weekend at Mosport, interesting seeing three corevettes on track, two yellow and this white one, good race, I just wish the Corvette's had competition in there class.

Enjoy the clip and leave your response below (keep it clean)... oh yeah, does anyone know more You Tube Videos on Top Gear? See Yeah!

Left Lane Drivers of America – Please don’t put this MOVE OVER decal on your car.

After receiving an email yesterday from Left Lane Drivers of America regarding this grassroots effort to reclaim the Left Lanes on our freeways and multiple lane highways, it got me to thinking about it.

We’ve all seen it before and have heard the stories countless times, someone is driving to work or on there way home from one place or another and you are traveling along in the left lane passing a couple of cars and there is, a slow car just barely doing the speed limit and you are either boxed in or are forced to move into the right lane to make the pass and continue on your way or even worse, you witness it, a faster car coming up upon a slower car and instead of either car moving into the right lane, the faster car leans on the horn and has the middle finger out the window and you just got to wonder what will happen next and most of time the faster car will have to move over to pass with a gester out the window and flies past and thank god that’s all.

Now imagine if you have this MOVE OVER decal on your windshield and you are traveling in the left lane and come upon a slower car and that driver sees that in there rearview mirror, what is going to be there reaction?

Most likely one of two things, that driver could yield and move over and let you pass or just don’t care and your forced to move over, nothing big really, well, how about the third option, the driver in front snaps and you become the victim of road rage, you see it on the evening news, someone gets cut off or looks at someone the wrong way and the next thing you know, that other person has a weapon and someone is seriously hurt or even worse, that could happen with this decal too.

Bottom Line, I like the efforts put forth here on clearing the left lanes “fast lane” of slower cars to ease traffic and move thing along, we as drivers should move back into the right lane when we are either done passing or are just cruising along, but take my advice, word of mouth is a good thing in spreading the word about this, but this decal is not the way to do it, the experience could be good or it could be down right serious or even deadly, I’m not taking the chance and nether should anyone else.

Would you like to see this decal in your rearview mirror, when you are moving along? See Yeah!

New PR Shots of the Camaro Convertible Concept and Beat Concept, plus thoughts on NYIAS and Hydrogen

Last week, Chevrolet released some new PR shots of two concepts that were on display at last months New York Auto Show, the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept and the Chevy Beat Concept. Both of these look good, but are two completely different vehicles from each other, one being a legend reborn sports car and the other is a new small car concept.

Since last month's New York Auto Show, I have been thinking of just what was the winners and the losers of the show.

For Chevrolet, they unveiled three new concepts and while the Chevy Grove and Trax didn’t interest me much, this 2007 Chevy Beat Concept looks very interesting in two ways, one being that if its anything like a Scion xb meaning good mph with lots of upgrades for more horsepower, torque and look plus the size of the front seats could be a domestic two-door version of the 2006 Scion xB and second is it looks like the 06 Chevy WTCC Ultra Concept and that’s interesting…looks good if its good enough room for me upfront like the first Scion xB.

As for the Camaro Convertible Concept, its great as always.

Going beyond Chevrolet at the NYIAS, the widely mixed thoughts was on the new 2008 Subaru Impreza’s including the WRX. I had commented previously on the current model as just being ugly and that I had preferred the 2005 version 2-1. The 2008 version looks similar to the current Toyota Camary front end for some reason, buts its better and I wouldn’t mind considering the wagon version too.

One interesting, but not surprising model was the 2008 Jeep Liberty that similar to the Dodge Nitro, no surprise there, however unlike the Nitro, the Jeep Liberty has a new panoramic sunroofs that has a good look to it.

Now what about a loser, Ford you do so much, yet this concept for some reason just doesn’t appeal to me at all, the Ford Flex. I have no idea what exactly they were thinking, but of course some people including suburban families may find this interesting, but just no me.

Now leaving the NYIAS and the new PR shots behind, I close this Auto industry thoughts with something that I have been waiting to see for a long time in general, so many of us go to the gasoline pumps more then once a week to fill up and look up at the prices and just are shocked, it was 5 cents less at the beginning of the week. All of that got me interested and writing on hydrogen. This past week, Chevrolet drove a Sequel 300 miles on public roads without refueling in Upstate New York. I had heard that this vehicle may be in production in 5 years. The United States needs to put the structer in place for hydrogen so this can be available for consumers and in the manufacturers camp, they could build both hydrogen vehicles and gasoline-hydrogen vehicle (that runs on both gasoline and hydrogen, like E85 vehicles.) ...more here.

Well think about it, See Yeah!

Credit for the images: Check out the Chevrolet Sequel 300-Mile Zero Emissions Fuel Cell Drive Gallery, Jalopnik Beat Concept and Camaro Conv. Concept and the 2007 NYIAS at KickingTires.

John Schneider's "General Lee" sells on ebay for 9.9 Million Dollars.

Image from ebay auction page.

That title says it all...So hear it is, a couple of days ago I was surfing around blogs, websites and more looking for those daily news stories and rumors looking for the next interesting topic as if I didn't have enough to talk with NASCAR and all, but on one of my new hot spots, the Cardomain blog that got the story for this CNN story, there it is a story about John Schneider's "General Lee" that he had showed off including on a recent show on televison that cover the Dukes of Hazzard event at Bristol last year and he is now selling it on ebay.

That day, it still had 2+ days out, the bidding was for pre-approveled bidders and at 2.9 million (I think), so I grabed a couple of photos and left, considering the Dukes of Hazzard is one of my favorite shows and I have all the seasons on DVD.

Fast forward to today and I find out it sold for 9.9 Million Dollars on ebay and that it missed the record of 11 million dollars, wow, what price for a modified 1969 Dodge Charger with a 426 HEMI. That's cool.

So let me get this straight, John Schneider's "General Lee" sold for $9.9 Million on ebay motors and Carroll Shelby's personal Cobra sold for 5 Million dollars at this past January's Barrett-Jackson...damn, I wonder if Carroll Shelby would have sold his Cobra on ebay, what would that had made, $11 Million might have been broken.

Bottom Line, that's one fine ride for a premium price, whoever purchased that, enjoy that one...but will that person or group (the owner) drive it? What love to know the answer, its got a HEMI, burn some tires and have fun. Well at least John Schneider still has the General Lee he did a stunt for..See Yeah!

Update: Days later, buyer backed out.

800hp biodiesel 65 Chevy Impala on Pimp My Ride..

Last night on a special episode of Pimp My Ride, viewers and fans saw a 1965 Chevrolet Impala SS go from a normal classic into a custom 800hp Biodiesel street car as part of MTV's Break the Addiction program.

This was on the first cars in a while that I liked on this show, so much so that I would want something like it as my daily driver or classic. I like the concept, the technology, the look, the entire package and the fact that this impala can go 0 to 60 in around 3.5 seconds, plus get 25 mpg to boot (according to the show). All I can say is, you will see more cars like this either with Biodiesel, Natural gas, ethanol, a hybrid and etc. and that's cool.

Gallery from GAS - Galpin Auto Sports:

Articles on this subject..

- Autobloggreen

- MTV Thinkmtv

See Yeah!

The Northeast season opener at the 2007 Speedway Expo in Springfield, Mass.

Image was taken by me with a Kodak EasyShare DX6490.

Just like most of my racing trips, a planed yet on the fly trip, this one way an 1.5 hour highway drive to Springfield, Massachusetts for the first annual (I think..) Speedway Expo that is put on by Dick Berggren’s Speedway Illustrated and Town Fair Tire. This I believ is the replace for Racearama.

Once we get there, it starts with a $5 parking fee which includes a $5 off coupon for Speedway Illustrated Magazine one year/12 issues. Now that that’s over, $15 each for admission…now we are up to $35 total plus gasoline and Mass Pike tolls (unknown.)

I have to say, compared to the 2001-2003 Racearama shows I went to at the same location, it lacks by at least 50%, my first and second show filled three builds, this one filled one building, plus part-way for the second building. But I enjoyed the show anyway, there was collectible dealers, plus show racecars on display and racing gear. They also had autographs and some events, but for us, we watched a couple of minutes of the first discuss of media or something, toured the main building twice and left. I really didn’t find the events interesting nor did I want to listen to the three or four discussions standing up.

Anyway, here are a five more photos (out of 21 photos) taken and copyrighted by me. Five photos out of that 21 are Tony Stewart’s Modified car from NHIS last July and different angles of other cars.

Image was taken by me with a Kodak EasyShare DX6490.

Tony Stewart’s 2006 NHIS NASCAR Modified Car.

Image was taken by me with a Kodak EasyShare DX6490.

Top Row: Mike Olsen’s 2006 NASCAR Busch East Series Championship car & Jeff Burton’s 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup Lenox #31 Car.

Bottom Row: Shelby GT350 & Sean Caisse’s #44 NASCAR Busch East Series runner-up championship car.

Keeping in the them of a long day trip to Springfield and back, after the even was over, we made a stop at McDonald’s. On of things I tend to notice there and as a matter a fact, anywhere is prices and looking at the receipt. I have noticed that each McDonald’s really has there own pricing, but while I was eating, I noticed this on my receip that after meal orders prices and the Sub Total, there was this, a Eat-In Tax of 0.62.

What, is up with a 62 cent eat-in tax, would I have been charged this if I took it to go. IO have never noticed this before. Its just another small tax that consumers have to deal with. Next time I will get my meal to go and check the receipt too.

Well, who knows if I will go next year, it was better than last year’s Racearma in Foxboro at least, but I will have to wait and see, rightnow I am waiting for July 1st and September for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series weekends at NHIS…See Yeah!

I'm back with my take on the 2007 Detroit Autoshow

(Image Credit: Cars.com)

Imagen seeing this car in your rearview mirror.

Its been a busy, but short off-season for me, but I am thrilled that its over and NASCAR has already started with preseason testing and the 24 hours of Daytona is at the end of the month.

With all that said, what about the auto industry, the 2007 Barrett-Jackson is only 6 days away, but more importantly, the biggest autoshow in the United States has just wrapped up with its press-day, so what went down, what were the winners of the 2007 Detroit Autoshow.

First was the Concepts:
As like last year when Chevrolet debuted there hot and stunning Camaro concept, they were not to be out down this year with there debut of the Camaro Convertible concept. Good job to Chevrolet, of course it would have been better to have never gotten rid of the camaro in 2002 in first place, but it looks good.

I really didn't know what to think of Ford's Airstream Concept, interesting people mover, not something I would consider at this day and time, but in the future it could be a hit.

The Mitsubishi Prototype X, I remember Mitsubishi coming out with something like this a year or two ago, but this concept I really like, the styling is good and looks a little like the the new lancer. It should be an all-wheel drive monster. The jury is still out on the Ford Interceptor, now doesn't that look something like a chrysler? Now those were only a couple of the many concepts debuted at this years autoshow, impressed.

There was one other concept that was debuted at the LA autoshow that impressed me as well and got me thinking, I'm talking about the BMW Hydrogen 7 Prototype, Hydrogen in the next 10 years could be a second fuel to gasoline. Going along with hydrogen theme, the idea of a car that runs on both hydrogen and gasoline would be change, just think about, a consumer purchases a hydrogen vehicle that also runs on gasoline, stores hydrogen at home like Honda's Phill with natural gas, fills up the hydrogen tank for shorter trips and for the longer family trips, they fill up with gasoline. Now thats the best of both worlds, hydrogen for the daily commute to work and gasoline for the longer trips, think about, commutes are getting longer everyday.

Finally, the Mazda Ryuga, another great looking concept that will most likely never make it into productions. It doesn't make a difference whether people like these concepts or not, Mazda is just showing us what will never be, just like Ford with some of there concepts.

On the otherside is Production cars:
This is were things get really interesting, vehicles consumers can buy and drive. Interesting crop with a couple of redesigns that lets face it were much needed.

There were a couple that caught my eye, the 2008 Cadillac CTS, I have always liked the style of a Cadillac and this one is nice, the grill work was spot on and the lines all the way back hits the spot just right. You can't say that about to many vehicles. Some others were the 2008 Lexus IS-F has the upgrading styling that packs 400 horsepower under your foot. Rolls-Royce creates there Phantom in a Drophead Coupe, celeberty with be inline for one of these.

Some of these vehicles we have seen before and well there there. Not to jump on Fords case, but finally they are working on the Ford Focus, but I like the eupo look better, not this and didn't they just come out with the Five Hundred, there was no need to change. That was just a tip of the iceburg of what this show had to offer.

Final Thoughts:
What a selection and a big list, I have got to wonder what is next around the corner from these automakers. The hit of the show for the Concepts was for the second year in a row was the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible Concept and for the production vehicles, the 2008 Cadillac CTS, both were great to look at.

I end this piece with this phrase from Autoblog.com "We came, we saw, we covered, we're done!", and thats that. What's Next.

Looking for coverage, Photos, heres a couple of sites I visit regularly:
- Autoblog.com
- Cars.com
- Kicking Cars Blog on Cars.com
- Babez.de

Thanksgiving Edition: What a day!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone, What a day, boy, this day went from having a good Thanksgiving Day Dinner with all of the fixings including Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Rolls and etc.. to me putting my shoulder through a plate glass window. One piece of luck was I had my winter coat on and the glass went the other way. Wow, is my shoulder soar. Well, its fixed now.

Below is a couple things to think about on this Thanksgiving.

Title: A VW Touareg TDI towing a 747


(Credit: Autoblog.com article.)

When you are traveling on this thanksgiving, here's something to think about while you travel this thanksgiving, bet you haven't seen this. Check out the story behind this photo at Autoblog.com.

Title: Jimmie Johnson wins the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Championship


(Jimmie Johnson celebrates his first Nextel Cup. Credit: Autostock on NASCAR.com)

With the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Season ending last weekend at the finale in Homestead and the crowning of a new champion. Congraduation to Jimmie Johnson, he is the 2006 Nextel Cup Champion which capped off an incredible year for the #48 team including winning the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400. He and his team deserves it.

After the holidays, look for two new different columns including the "NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Championship and Season Comments" and back on November 7th (Voting Day), I took in the 2006 New England International Autoshow in Boston with my camera taking several photos along the way, both of those columns will be published sometime next week with a photo gallery of the vehicles at the autoshow.

See Yeah!
P.S. Don't forget that the Nextel Cup Series awards banquet is on Friday, December 1, 9:00PM ET on TNT and that the Daytona 500 is only 90 days away, plus the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale is even less.

A Followup: The Ferrari Panamerican 20000 receives the checkered flag.

(Credit: Photo by Diane Bondareff)

Earlier this morning, The Ferrari Panamerican 20000 that started back on August 29th in Brazil, ended their three-month tour with the crossing of the finish line at the New York Stock Exchange in New York City.

Photo Gallery, Tour Information and My Previous Post:
- Finish Line at the New York Stock Exchange Gallery
- Ferrari Panamerican 20000 Info
- Shifting Gears on the Ferrari Panamerican 20000 (Previous Post)

(Credit for the information and links: Erin Caldwell - Edelman)

See Yeah!