An Auto Enthusiasts Life

Video: Sacramento Autorama #1 - My Interview with Gene Winfield

2012-02-20T23:26:00.000-08:00

So I went to the Sacramento Autorama on Saturday with a good friend of mine. While wondering a round the show I wandered over to Gene Winfields' booth to talk about when his next Metal Working workshop was going to be. Well after chatting briefly I asked if he would sign my vintage track jacket. Then he got me to buy a patch to put on the other side of my jacket. He gladly did so and then I decided to do something I have been wanting to do since I bought my video camera. I asked if I could do a quick interview. Thanks to my buddy Alfredo, I had a cameraman. So we got ourselves ready and did the interview. It was a fun experience! We both just went through it without any idea of what to do and here is what it turned out to be -

Tell me what you think of the interview!

Me with Mr Winfield

Getting Signed

Winter Wineland Weekend - Saturday Part 2

2012-01-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

To continue my experience, we next went on to White Oak Vineyards. As we were coming down the drive, I noticed a couple things that were of more importance to check out than the wine. I noticed a very cool old automobile sitting out by a very nice fountain. When I got out I immediately set myself up to get some photos. I looked at the car first to see what it was, It was a White Star Car from the very early 20th century. It was from probably around 1914 or so. It was a very cool car too. I had never seen one before, so Obviously I needed to get a few shots.

White Star Touring Car - White Oak Vineyards

After taking a few shots I was approached by some ladies that were rather tipsy to take a shot of them on the car. So, of course I just had to oblige their request. But, like an idiot, I didn't take a shot with my own camera. Oh Well! Then it was time to take my shots of the fountain. I spent some time trying to see how I wanted to shoot it, and of course, since I didn't have a wide-angle lens, it made it harder to do it, So I went into detail mode. I captured some decent shots though, so I really can't complain about it. Here is my favorite shot from the group.

Fountain - White Oak Vineyards

After everyone was done, we finally headed out to the next stop on of the days agenda, Robert Young Estate Winery. Another winery with a peaceful setting in the Alexander Valley that is a must visit. I didn't spend much time shooting around this winery, but none the less, it was a beautiful place. At least I got to sample some chocolate.

Tasting Room - Robert Young Estate Winery

Then off once again to the next stop. We headed out from here and stopped at deLorimier Winery. The setting here was rather simple and sits in the middle of what else, more vines. By this time a good portion of the group was getting a little sauced and tired. But they managed to get through it and enjoy it. My favorotie part here was the stained glass window. Here's my shot of that.

Stained Glass - deLorimier

We were finally on our way to the final stop of the day. We finished off the day at Trione Winery. Another nice setting that was very relaxing. It was here that, believe it or not, was my first experience in trying fresh oysters. I have to say they were very good. When inside the tasting room, I happen to notice a certain group again. The ladies I took the photo of on the White Star. A fun group that was having a fun day like the rest of us. I did manage to give them my email address so as to get one of them to send me the photo I took of them. We shall see if that actually happens though. With all that said and done, here are a couple shots of what caught my camera eye at Trione.

Playtime Pony - Trione Winery

Trione Tasting Room

Sign Sunset

Since this was the end of the day we started to head back to the rental in Rio Nido. We took the scenic route through the country side to enjoy the views of the area. Conveniently this was about the time of the end of the 49er's game. The final 2 minutes of a game and all we could do was listen in on the radio. Since I am not much of a football fan, I'm normally not into it. But since I am a bay area resident, I was actually into this game. It was exciting! Anyways, we know the results of the game and it was an great way to end the day. We got back to the rental and had dinner then it was time to relax and get a good nights rest.

If you would like to see more pictures from the weekend, please click - WINTER WINELAND PHOTOS

Winter Wineland Weekend - Saturday Part 1

2012-01-18T16:08:00.000-08:00

We started out our morning on the way to our first wine stop. We left Rio Nido around 10:30 AM so that we could be at our first winery by 11:00 AM. The weekend was planned by a good friend who also was in for the event of what the 9 wineries were for each day. We stopped in first at Merriam Vineyards and met up with the group. We did our check ins and everyone started with their tasting. Since I wasn't drinking, I was only able to try the food that had been prepared for the visitors. Chef Mike Watson had prepared a delicious braised pork with red eye gravy and grits cake to be paired with the wines. For the first thing to taste food wise for the weekend, I was just loving it. It really was quite delicious. I even made sure to let the chef know I loved it. After about 20 minutes or so, it was time to head out to the next stop. I would have posted a shot of the winery, but I didn't take my camera out. Not sure why either.

We took off and went through the main part of town of Healdsburg. It was a very cool old town too. I'll have to make sure to go back and spend more time checking it out. We got to our next stop at Simi Winery. This place was very nice. The pasta that was prepared was phenomenal. This place was Sonoma County History. It sits across the street from the old train depot. This is another place I will definitely have to come back to spend more time checking out. Once again, I left the camera in the car. What the heck was I thinking? Oh Well! I just spent my time checking the place out anyways and getting to know some in the group that I had not met yet. Once again after about 20 minutes or so, it was off to the next winery.

We hit the Alexander Valley region and pulled into Soda Rock Winery. Immediately my wife tells me to pull out the camera and get some photos. The main building was the original Alexander Valley General Store and Post Office. We walked in the door and I was just loving this old place that had been restored to a beautiful tasting room. It was simple, but very extravagant. I tried to get some interior shots, but since I don't have a wide-angle lens, I wasn't able to capture the beauty I wanted to. But I also needed to figure out some of the features again on the camera since I haven't been able to use it for some time. But I did manage to get a cool shot by mistake. So Here it is.

Soda Rock Winery - Mistake Shot

As usual, it was a rush and we had to leave to get to the next stop, Hanna Winery. Once again I was enjoying another great place. This tasting room sits on a nice area overlooking the valley. It was beautiful! So I took a few more shots and had some good fun. Here are a couple of my shots.

Looking up the hill - Hanna Winery

Vine Wires - Hanna Winery

If you would like to see more of my photos from the weekend, please click - Winter Wineland Photos

Winter Wineland Weekend - Friday

2012-01-18T15:01:00.000-08:00

I haven't had any opportunity to get some blogging in lately due to having to spend so much time working on the S15. But since I spent the weekend up in the wine country I figured I would just catch up with the world on what I did for the weekend in Northern Sonoma County. I actually did this last year with my wife and a few friends and had a good time. I was the "designated driver" then, and was again this year. Well at least I thought I was going to be anyways. As it turned out, I ended up not driving at all. And, since I'm not much of a wine drinker, I really didn't care anyways. It was an opportunity to get away with my wife and a good group of friends from the Bay Area and just have a fun weekend in a very beautiful part of Northern California.

Rio Nido Rental

I started out my weekend on Friday having to go to school. Well, as that turned out, I didn't have any class that day, so I just got more stuff done around my house for a good part of the morning. Then I finally decided around noon time that I'd better get my butt ready and head out. I had planned to make a few stops on the way for some things I needed to get. I I made a few of the usual stops looking for items at places that I could sell in my store on eBay, then I stopped in at a cool comic book shop in Livermore, Ca (Fantasy Books and Games) to get some magazine protectors and cardboard inserts for some other stuff I needed to sell on eBay. Then I headed over to Charlotte's Web around the corner to see what I could find that I just had to have. As it turned out, I picked up the latest copy of "Rod & Kulture Magazine", as well as a real nice hat with embroidered red and white pinstriping. By this time is was getting a little late and I really needed to hit the road to get to the house that we rented for the weekend. My wife was already up in the area with our friends, and I just needed to get there myself.

I hit the highway and headed west for the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Everything was going well until I hit the usual Friday night commuter traffic of everyone coming East off of the Bay Bridge. It wasn't to long and traffic got better. I hit the R-SR Bridge and enjoyed the view of the sunset as I went across. Then once again I was in more commuter traffic for everyone going home to the North. By this time it was around 7:00 PM and I was getting a little bored and tired, so I got off the highway and grabbed some food and beverage to help keep me awake for the rest of the trip. Then I got back on the road and before long I needed to get off the highway again for another brake. After a 30 minute breather, I got back on the highway and was near my exit again. I got off the highway and headed west through Santa Rosa. I hit my destination in Rio Nido and made it to the rental house. I got there after 8:30 PM. Only I could take a 2.5 hours drive and turn into a long trip! It was a good ride though. I was able to have a good drive and just take my time and relax. I made sure to keep my commute traffic experience to a calm time and just deal with it. I got the car unpacked and went to bed.

VIDEO: Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV #8

2011-12-30T20:25:00.000-08:00

Here is video #59 on my YouTube Channel. Video #6 in the series with more to come. ENJOY!

VIDEO: Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV #7

2011-12-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest video I have put together from the event. Video #5 in the series with more to come. This will be Video #58 on the YouTube Channel. Porsche 918 RSR. ENJOY!

VIDEO: Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV #6

2011-12-27T18:36:00.000-08:00

Here is the latest video I have put together from the event. ENJOY!

My 1988 GMC Extended Cab S15

2011-12-16T18:14:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I was able to get some stuff cleaned up in the back yard. I had to clean out the shed and take it down, it's a plastic shed, go to the local Home Depot and pick up some sand to level up the ground and then put the shed back together. I ended up using 12 60 pound bags and 4 2x4x96 pieces of mud sill lumber to get it done. It came out nearly perfect. It better have with the almost 20 years of construction experience I have. But, with the way things happen around here, it took a few days to get it done. 6 people in the house, and the only help I got was to remove the roof which ended up getting pulled completely apart anyways to get it back on without help. So why am I telling you all about a shed when I write about automotive stuff? Well, I had to get that done in order to organize the shed, clean out the storage shelving in the garage, and get it all into the shed so that I could have access to the back of the garage. And the sink hole under the shed from where the pool company dug their line needed to be fixed.

After I brought it home!

So as far as my house goes, it has a decent 3 car garage. The 3rd car area has a garage door on the front, and the back so we can have easier access to the back yard. It only took seven years, and a reason to use the area behind it to get the stuff cleaned up. I needed the area cleaned so I could get my 1988 GMC Sierra S15 Extended Cab truck back there so I could get to pulling out the engine and transmission and replace them. I have to get this done in order to have transportation to the local (20 minutes away) community college. I will be finishing up my Autobody Collision Repair and Refinishing classes this Spring semester, and since right now my trucks transmission is junk, I decided to just replace the engine while I'm at it. I will have until the 9th of January to do it, but I hope it will only be a few days to complete it. As far as the engine, I don't have the money to put in a brand new one, so decided to get one from a place I checked into several months back. I am getting the set up for a very very good price, and since I getting it at a reasonable price, I am just going to remove the engine and tranny that's in it and just throw the other in the truck so I have a way to get to school. Then take the old one and rebuild it as time and money permits me to be able to do so.

Definitely a project!

Now, as I sit here wondering how it all is going to turn out, I feel a little more confident doing the work since I just finished a Basic Automotive Systems class where I took an engine and did a complete tear down and rebuild with a couple of my classmates. It was a fun experience. I'll be adding a video of the final outcome in the next few days. THANKS FOR READING! (5EVMKGK25XVZ)

From when I took the top end of the motor down and rebuilt it.
I had no idea it was worse. My first time actually working on a vehicle.

The first tare down

The Top End rebuild

VIDEO: Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV #5

2011-12-09T19:37:00.001-08:00

I got around to getting another video edited from the event. Still many more to come. ENJOY!

PICS: My Callaway SC 540 Silverado Experience

2011-12-02T17:23:00.001-08:00

OKAY! Not sure how many of you reading this actually read the Prelude write up, so if you haven't it's not necessary. But feel free to read it so you can get a better understanding of this one.

Rim Detail

Sometime between the November 2009 SKUSA event and the point of when this new experience happened, Mike C. and I would occasionally keep in contact with one another. Usually it was about what Hot Wheels Ferrari we had recently found for our collections, or just to see how things were going. One day Mike and I were talking and he proceeds to tell me got a job out of Southern California. He didn't tell me what the was at that time, but he did tell me he would be through my area on occasion and that we should meet up and have lunch when he did. Of course I was all for that. Catching up with friends is always a great time. Then that time came. So we're texting back and forth and finally decided on a time. So I figured since he was here out of the area, that I figured I would just pick him up and we'd go to lunch.

I drove into the hotel parking lot up to the overhang and out he came. So he gets in and off we go. The conversation gets going. I asked him where he was working at that would bring him through the area. He then proceeds to tell me he works for Callaway Cars. My eyes went wide open and my mouth dropped. I couldn't believe it! So I asked how he managed to get that cool of a job. He filled me on the details while driving up to where we had planned to grab lunch. I was happy as a guy could be. A friend of mine works for an awesome car company. My only run-in ever in my life with a Callaway was way back in the early '90's when I stumbled into the Route 66 Rendezvous with some friends when going to a Punk Shop in San Bernardino that I used to frequent. There were 2 Callaway Corvettes there in the street at the event. I was in my late teens at the time and yes I was into cars, but not as much as I was into music. So I really didn't take the time to walk around them. But now I have this guy I spent a day with in Las Vegas chasing the greatest driver in modern day racing history to have a chance to get his autograph and picture sitting in my car. If I had known, I would have had him drive to lunch.

Tailgate Badging

We get to where we were going for lunch, pull into the parking lot, and there is this truck with a hauler behind it. On the hauler is 2 cars that appear to be BATMAN's rides. So we stopped to check 'em out. Another time I wish I had kept my camera equipment in the car. Oh well! The iPhone will have to suffice for time being. We took some pics of the 2 cars, chatted with the builder for a bit. We then decide we were staving at this point, so we tell the gentleman we will be back to check them out afterwards. We grabbed lunch and chatted for a good while about life. We then left and went back out to check out the NOT BATMAN's rides. They were kind of cool to check out, but it just wasn't my thing. I would have been happier if they were the real deal though. Then back to the hotel we drove.

We got back to the hotel and switched over to the Callaway SC 540 Silverado. We pull onto the freeway and Mike floors it. WOW! What an awesome truck. It was up to 90 MPH in a matter of a few seconds. We get to the the exit where I planned on going to set the truck up for a few photos. Yeah I only had my iPhone, but I just had to get some pics. This was a rare opportunity for me I figured if I didn't get some photos, I would be pretty unhappy afterwards. Mike maneuvered the truck around and I got the pics I wanted. Then back to the hotel we went. I got a brief ride in a Callaway. I was pretty excited. Then off home I went. So, I hoped that the next time he was in town we could do it again. Well, the day he came into town, I was out doing some things and didn't get that chance. DANG IT! This time he was in the Corvette too.Oh well! There is the next time right?

NICE RIM!

Dash Plaque

Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Badge

Embroidered Headrest

Embroidered Floor Mats

Door Badging

Grill Badging

Hood Badging

Decal under hood

VIN/Build Plate

DROOL!

Still Droooling!

Nice Power Plant!

VIDEO: 2011 Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV #4 - FRIDAY

2011-11-30T03:51:00.001-08:00

OKAY! So I finally got around to getting another video edited so I can share it with the world. FINALLY! All this homework from college has been kicking my butt. I can barely keep up! Somehow though, I managed to get myself sick over the holiday weekend. But of course, I had more homework to catch up on. The problem is, when I think I need to sleep, I can't. When I need to be awake, I'm sleeping. My body clock is all screwed up now. I am awake at 4:00 in the morning, I have been awake since 10:00 yesterday morning, and I have to be at school for 13 hours today. How am I supposed to do that. COFFEE will be my best friend today. Anyways! Here is the video I got done last night, today, yesterday, OH CRAP! I'm lost! Enjoy the video! Comment if you like it. Subscribe to my blog feed. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel. Subscribe to a magazine. Subscribe to cable. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

SKUSA 2009 - Prelude to my Callaway SC 540 Silverado Experience

2011-11-16T00:01:00.001-08:00

So a few weeks ago a friend of mine came through town for work. However, before I can proceed I need to explain what brought me to the point of how Mike C. and I actually met and became friends. I know it's a story of the past, but it helps explain a few things.

In November 2009 I was working at the Ferrari Store in San Francisco and a co-worker came in and proceeded to tell us that a very famous Formula One driver was confirmed to be participating in the SKUSA event that weekend at the Rio Hotel in Las Vegas. This driver, Michael Schumacher. I immediately called my wife and told her I was going to Las Vegas. Once I told her why, it was no contest. She knew I was going. I had tried to get some things signed back in 2005 and 2006 while attending the Formula One race in Indianapolis at the famed Indy Motor Speedway. In '05 I had my Ferrari cap signed by Rubens Barrichello and Ross Brawn. In '06, I had my 1:18 Ferrari Enzo diecast car in front of Schumy and he just went right around it signing everything except for my car. I was a little bummed out about it, but such is life right. I did however get Felipe Massa and Ross Brawn, so I was happy. Keeping that story short, let us now get back to November 2009! I made a few more calls after I spoke to my wife to a couple of friends that I thought for sure would go. One wasn't able to pull it off, but my friend Mike T. from Los Angeles was ALL IN. He said he would get the room, so all I had to do was make my flight purchase and it was all set. So, on my lunch break I got that all in line and I was already feeling the excitement of meeting (at the time) my favorite driver from my favorite marque.

Friday Morning Practice

Thursday morning came and I made the usual trek that I normally did for my work commute. But this time I stayed on the train and was on my way to the Airport. The flight was easy and when I got to Las Vegas, I just needed to kill a few hours and wait for Mike T. to show. So, I had breakfast at the hotel and since I'm not a gambling man, I did a little bit of nothing for a couple hours. After all, I was there for a chance of a lifetime, not to gamble. Once Mike T. showed and we got settled in our room, we just decided to do some sight seeing for the day. After all, we were going to be at SKUSA all day on Friday. To spare those details, I'll skip to Friday.

Schumacher signing for fans.
He signed my Enzo on the
engine cover.

Friday morning Mike T. and I got up, grabbed breakfast, then got a cab ride over to the Rio Hotel and Casino. We walked through the ground floor and out the back to where the event was taking place. Once we got in, we looked at the go-karts on our way through to where the bleachers were. I met up with my co-worker who was there to be a mechanic for his friend who was to be racing that weekend. We talked for a few minutes, and then the hunt was on to find Mr. Schumacher. We ended up finding where he was to be and waited for a bit. Throughout the day, Michael walked through the paddock to the starting grid, so he was getting hit by the fans, and I did manage to get my Ferrari hat signed very quickly. Now it had 3 signatures. Then a little later I managed to get the 1:18 Enzo signed. When I put it out in front of him, he asked where to sign it, I asked where I wanted it signed, and it was done. SWEET! 2 things signed. I had 1 more item that I needed signed before the day was to end of the day. This item was the only Michael Schumacher Ferrari hat I had in my vast Ferrari collection. Eventually it got signed.

Schumy Drift

Waiting for Qualifying 1

So, this is where the meeting of Mike C. and I comes into play. Mike C. was doing the same thing I was. Trying and succeeding to get some of his collectible items signed by the man who brought Ferrari back to their racing glory. I actually met quite a few fans. It was a great day. Everyone was being rather patient, and to make it even better, Schumy was being pretty cool as well. So this is how and where I met the friend that now works for Callaway. We talked about a lot of things throu the day, and one of them included, well obviously the fact that we were all fans of Schumacher and the great marque that he had driven for, Ferrari. Then we found out that 3 of us were all members of the same forum website that caters to the marque. Pretty interesting! Considering that is also how I managed to meet Mike T.. But, before the day was to end, we were waiting around the team tent at the end of the day for him to come out and see his fans that had been there all day long. And a couple more rare moments came into play. I was joking about getting a kart tire signed that was sitting on the ground when Mike C. was all for it. So we each grabbed a tire and got them signed. Then the moment came where I just had to get a picture with Schumy. So I asked him and he obliged. So I gave my camera to Mike T., Mike C. to jump into the shot, and a couple clicks later we were all happy. What an awesome day. So, obviously Mike C. wanted a copy of the shot. What fan of Schumacher wouldn't want actual proof that they had actually met the man in the flesh.

Waiting for Qualifying 2

Well, since we had had an awesome day checking out the Super Kart Nationals, and having the chance of a lifetime to meet the greatest Formula One driver of our time, the day was over. Since we hadn't had much of anything to eat all day, Mike T. and I decided it was time to leave and grab something to eat. Not knowing what to eat, we invited Mike C. and his friend to hang out for dinner, and he knew of a great burger joint in the Rio Hotel. So we went there and had some good time getting to know one another. After nearly a couple of hours of chatting, the day was done. I had to get back to the hotel and grab some sleep. I had to get up pretty early to catch my flight back home. It was Saturday, The event was still happening, and I had to get back to work since I was unable to get the day off. OH WELL! Thursday was fun, Friday was awesome. It was time to get back to the norm.

Now that I have explained how Mike C and I met, stay tuned for my write up on the next time we actually got together. And yes, it will include the Callaway SC 540 Silverado.

Michael Schumacher in action

Schumy/Kart

Off to work

Michael Schumacher in action

Helmet of the 7 Time World Champion

Thanks Schumy!

SKUSA at the RIO HOTEL

VIDEO: 2011 Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV #3 - FRIDAY

2011-11-13T21:42:00.001-08:00

Event Poster

I know its been a month since the event, but I have finally got 1 of my videos put together from the weekend. I have included the only photos I was able to get due to being so busy working. These pics are from my phone, so the quality isn't the best. I would have preferred to have used my Canon 40D. Anyhow, The event was awesome, and the first video of many to come is from Friday morning when I was walking through the paddock to get to where I worked the entire weekend.

So, I need to get everyone up to date as to how the weekend went, so here we go.

I had only planned on working the event on Saturday and Sunday, but as it turned out, I was able to get a ride with another track volunteer on Friday morning. I was able to get out of school for the day. Not much happens in lab on Friday anyways, so I took advantage of it and went down for the extra day. I got everything ready late Thursday and hit the sheets. As usual, from the excitement of what was ahead all weekend, I didn't get very much sleep. I was up and ready to go long before my ride even got here.

Mercedes-Benz Transporter

After stopping at a few places along the way, we arrived around 9:30 or so at the track and we got our stuff settled and off I went to my post. But, of course I pulled out the video camera and grabbed some footage of some of the cars on my way to my post. I have absolutely no complaints either about where I was. The Start/Finish gate was probably one of the best places I could have been stationed. Some great things to see from there. The day went great.

At the end of the day, I got the usual - "Go lock up the garages" and of course I couldn't say no. I had wanted to go get some photos of the cars that were in the garages for display all weekend and thought it would be the opportunity to do so. But, I didn't get to do so. I can't complain either. I was able to get a very exclusive, brief, but exclusive look at the 918 RSR SPYDER that was their for potential customer to view. I was taken into the garage, and as I walked around the corner I immediately saw it with the silk cover over it. Even with the cover it was a beautiful car. Then they pulled the cover off. WOW! Amazing! I looked it over for about all of maybe 2 minutes and I have to say, this is the best example of a modern day Porsche. I am not really to keen to liking the marque as far a the road going cars go, but this cars was sexy. So, don't get me wrong about my liking the marque though. If it's a race car, then I just can't resist seeing them hit the track. I also have to say this, I used to love Porsche when I was a young kid, about 25-30 years ago, but it just couldn't be. I have a passion for another fast marque. However, my liking has slightly been re-kindled from being at this event.

So, now that I've thrown out my experience for the day, enjoy the video and please tell me what you think by posting or liking the video on my YouTube channel. And, if you could please do so, if you like what you see, SUBSCRIBE to my channel.

VIDEO: 1939 Lakester - THE METEOR

2011-11-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

This was one of the many cool Hot Rods that was at the GOODGUYS 25th West Coast Nationals back in August. I know it's November, but I have so many more to go through and put togeher that I just have to figure out which ones to edit for your enjoyment. Please tell me your thoughts, and if you do like my videos, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube channel. THANK YOU!

A little behind!!!

2011-10-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't been able to get to updating anything since I got back from the Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV. I have had to catch up on school stuff and it has me pretty busy. I have also been trying to make a little more money by adding stuff to my eBay store. No money, no nothing. So I have had to get my priorities in line for the past week or so. I have some down time coming from school, so I hope to get things up to date in the next week or two. Keep checking back. Some great video to be posted from the event.

2011 Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV #2

2011-10-16T09:04:00.001-07:00

Just four cell pics. These are from the Start/Finish where I worked all weekend. More to come.

VIDEO: Porsche at Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion - 2011

2011-10-13T23:33:00.000-07:00

Since it a Porsche weekend, here is my video from the Pre-Reunion weekend.

2011 Porsche Rennsport Reunion #1

2011-10-13T23:29:00.000-07:00

Another great weekend has come once again for me to put in my volunteer time at the track. The 2011 Porsche Rennsport Reunion IV is here. This is the first time the event has visited the Western United States, and it is going to be a very busy event. For those that have read some of my other entries, you know what track I am speaking of. For those of you that may be reading my blog for the first time, the track I speak of is none other than Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. I had originally planned on going down on Saturday morning and just working the day and coming home and doing my homework that is due on Monday, but the chance to go down on Friday came. So I decided to go ahead and just get everything together and go, including bringing my homework. Why not! I'll be able to get to it in the evening after things wind down from the days activities. I'll have two evenings of nice quiet time somewhere in the paddock that I may have access to that is comfortable to just relax and get it done. So now that I have everything packed up now, I just need to get to bed so I can be ready for pick up around 6:00 in the morning.

But! before I get to bed, I wanted to drop a few lines as a pre-entry for the weekend. I have been looking forward to this since I had first heard about it being on the schedule. I have to admit one thing though. I haven't really been to big on the Porsche marque for some time. However, since I started volunteering in mid 2008, I have grown to really appreciate the marque once again. Honestly, I have really grown to appreciate a lot of marques that I had never really had the chance to get so close to. So, now that the weekend is upon us for a rare chance to be involved in such a gathering of world renowned rare, classic, vintage, and modern Porsches that have been raced throughout the history of motorsports, I can't wait to arrive through the paddock gates when I get there in the morning. I will do my best to find time to tell of my experiences throughout the weekend. I may just post a photo or two, so please check back and see what I have to tell about the weekends events. Good Night!

Ferrari F50 GT - VIDEO #50 on the YouTube Channel

2011-09-26T06:55:00.000-07:00

I hit post #48 here on the blog a couple day ago, and I wanted to even up the number so that I could get the mark at this current entry of #50. In order to do so, I posted a cheesy entry about me selling my Forza Magazine collection to get the field evened up.

I had also hit video upload #49 a few days back and wanted to be sure that the next one was something worthy of being #50, not only of the video uploads, but also for blog entry #50. So I looked at the video footage that I had so far and noticed the worthy candidate. THE FERRARI F50 GT! An absolutely stunning Ferrari So here is the video all finished and on my YouTube Channel - www.youtube.com/speedtrap73

ENJOY!

Sold the Forza Collection off

2011-09-26T06:44:00.000-07:00

Well I finally got the collection completed and up to issue #108 when I decided to sell the off to help pay for my college registration and books. I listed about half of them on eBay over about a 2-3 week period. I had started by listing at the highest current issue and they started to sell. I got down to #46 when finally someone offered to buy the remainder of the collection. I was offered a decent price, but out of those issue I had already sold 13 of the 100 that the buyer wanted. So, I let him know what I had left, threw him a price, and he bought them. Last week I shipped the remaining lot to the buyer in two boxes and they should be in their new home soon.

VIDEO: Starting Grid - Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion - 2011

2011-09-23T23:57:00.000-07:00

This is a short video of the cars heading down the pit lane to hit the track for a race. I recorded this when I was working. I set the camera on a tri-pod and let it run as they rolled through.

What should I get now?

2011-09-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well I was on my way home on Tuesday from school, and about 5 miles from home I was on the freeway and my transmission went out on my '88 GMC Sonoma S15 extended cab truck. I knew it was going to happen sometime, I was just hoping taht it would have lasted a few more months. I'm kind of glad it finally happened though. It was going to be my 1st project as I am going to school for an A.S. Degree for Autobody Collision Repair and Refinishing. Now I can save the money the Sonoma was costing me in fuel to save for something more better to my liking.

Now what to get???? I have a friend that has something I have been wanting for a few years that he more than likely will not be doing anything with. Now to see if he has it still. It's a 1963 GMC Ice Cream Truck. I have been thinking of what I could do to it since the first time I saw this thing. But, if he doesn't have it anymore, I plan on finding myself an real Chevy or GMC truck. I really miss my '48 Chevy Panel, so I want to look for that style of truck. Now to get the money to get it!

VIDEO: Rich Guasco & Pure Hell

2011-09-13T23:11:00.000-07:00

About 6 years ago I used to have an Automotive collectibles store. One day a gentleman walks in and shops around. He ends up purchasing a few cool diecast cars from me. When he handed me his credit card I looked at the name. I was shocked to see that it was Rich Guasco. I asked him to sign a "Pure Hell" 1:18 that I had in my office that belonged to a friend. He not only signed the bottom of the car, he signed the top and then added a personal note on the box. I just wish I had one of my own to get signed. DANG IT! Oh well! But then about a month or so later he did come back in to visit and get a few more of those cool 1:18's that he purchased the previous visit. Another happy moment in the life of me.

Well now lets fast forward about 3-4 years. I was attending a Goodguys event then and I was checking out this cool purple deuce coupe and out of the building walks Rich. It was his car i had been admiring. Then I said hello and he actually remembered me. I was shocked. Yet it felt good to find out that he remembered me. So we chatted briefly and then I had my friend take a photo of Rich and I, then off we our seprate ways we went.

Now fast forward again to the Goodguys 25th West Coast Nationals. That same friend is with me, and we were about to leave when I had to get out of the way since these guys were pulling a dragster to the display area we were in front of. Yet again, here comes Rich with his car being pulled to this display. Once again, Rich remembered me. So I used my video camera to capture the dragster and then I asked Rich if he would be willing to say a few words for me to record. He abliged, but I did have to be patient as he was a little busy, and there was a band playing on a stage about 40 feet away. When he finally had a moment, he asked me where I wanted him to stand. Then I pushed record and here in the video is most of what he had to say. THANK YOU RICH for being such an cool gentleman to me everytime we run into each other at a show.

VIDEO: 1932 Alfa Romeo Tipo "P3"

2011-09-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing this Alfa for the past several years while working at the track. I remember seeing for the first time in 2007 while attending the Ferrari Racing Day / Ferrari Challenge event at Infineon Raceway. Everytime I see it, the more drawn to it I have become. Finally I got around to getting some video of it. This was originally raced by Tazio Nuvolari for the Scuderia Ferrari. Since I am a Ferrari Tifosi, Seeing a car with significant history, I just couldn't resist it.

Enjoy the video. Thank You!

VIDEO: My Highlights of Concorso Italiano - 2011

2011-09-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to getting my highlights video put together from the event. I had a great time at the event, so I wanted to share it with everyone. Thank You! Enjoy the video. Feedback appreciated.