July 29th, 2008 I'd really like to take a moment and try to put this American Muscle Car battle in perspective. The battle is now as it once was between Ford, Chevy, and Dodge with the cars in question being the Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger. The new Mustang having been released back in 2005 (but unlike the others never left the road since it was created back in 1964) is the subject of many "VS" articles and arguments. The trouble is that often this is not a fair fight. Lets look at the facts.

The Mustang is offered in 3 models from Ford. They are the base model which has a V6, the GT which has a V8, and the GT500 which has a supercharged V8 and is the high end of the 3.

The Challenger is offering a similar line up which is the base V6 model, then the R/T with its V8, and then SRT-8 which is the high output V8.

The Camaro isn't releasing until 2010 and is the one throwing a wrench in the works. Their base is the LS V6 but then the next in line is the RS which is offering a high output V6. Then the final SS is the high output V8 model. This throws a wrench in the works because there is no fair fight in the middle lineup. The RS weighs a hefty 3780lbs and although the high output V6 puts out around 300hp it will get slaughtered by the Mustang GT which is much lighter.

The problem I'm seeing is that the articles are doing things like, "Mustang GT VS the Challenger SRT-8. What? The high end Dodge going up against the mid-range Mustang? Granted the Mustang GT almost beat it even though it's about 125hp less mainly due to the Challenger's sluggish curb weight of 4000+ pounds. Without a doubt it will be the same story when the Camaro SS arrives.

So lets just go with Chevy's mid-range choice in a fair shoot out. The Challenger R/T VS the Mustang GT VS the Camaro RS. Now who would win that battle? Pretty obvious isn't it. Even though the Mustang was released first and Chevy and Dodge had plenty of time to build a contender for it they failed due to their bloated curb weight.

Off the track they're all pretty damn pretty though aren't they.

July 17th, 2008 This is sort of old news but I just wanted to post this video of the GINA BMW concept. If this is the future of automobile design, sign me up. When I first saw static pictures I wasn't very impressed but after seeing the car "move" it seems so alive and flexible, like a living thing.

June 22nd, 2008 As we saw this weekend with the people drag racing and crashing into the IHOP street racing does occur and more than people suspect. I own a Mustang and rarely does a day go by where someone isn't trying to start a street race with me.

The police of a city in Indiana had decided to take control of this issue by purchasing an old airstrip and turning it into a police controlled drag strip. There they could not only turn a profit and prevent the kids from street racing but also have them race somewhere safer for everyone.

Madison is in a similar situation because the closest legal drag strip is in Union Grove about 3 hours away. Why would kids drive 3 hours when they could just race from a stop light? Of course we could all just close our eyes and say they shouldn't be racing at all but we know that won't stop it from happening.

As I understand it a drag strip has been suggested in the past but Madison turned it down due to the possible noise levels. Seems a bad excuse compared to keeping teens and everyone else out of danger. Come on Madison, grow up and be the big city you always claim you are.

April 24th, 2008 I just read an article by Richard Hammond of Top Gear about the American Muscle car and specifically the new Dodge Challenger. I just had to share a quote.

"There are those who don't like muscle cars, who can't understand their appeal and frown at them in confusion and bewilderment. They will not like the new Challenger. And we should pity these people - pity them, but not fear them, because they are spineless and have no soul."

This article is an incredible explanation of what an American Muscle car is all about, and it's written by a Brit. To read the full article click here

July 28th, 2007 I just finished a little custom painting to the interior. I went to the local body shop supply place and had them mix up a few one-shot spray cans of Grabber Orange for me. Then just removed them, sanded them, sprayed some adhesion promoters on the pieces, and finally shot the paint. It's not flawless by any means but looks pretty cool.

June 19th, 2007 Changed up the site a bit to make it actually functional. Basically turned it into a place to share my car passion with other car people. Wrote up a little history with photos of my past cars in the Rides section.

June 16th, 2007 My Mustang group and I were in the Cottage Grove parade today. I guess last year the group was a bit routy, doing huge burnouts and such. This year they were told no burnouts. The crowd kept begging for a smoke show but we were all good boys and just gave them a few tire chirps. However I guess we were being watched pretty close and the chirps were enough to get us in trouble. I guess we are banned from the parade now. Oh well. Here are a few pics from the event.

May 13th, 2007 Traded in my 2005 Mustang GT for a 2007. They made me a deal I couldn't refuse. Lower payments and a lower interest rate on the loan. Sounded crazy to me too.