Quaker State 400. In Kentucky? Boy is my face red. One would think the Quaker State 400 would actually be run in Pennsylvania, (the Quaker State). It figures with NASCAR running things. Did everyone enjoy the “race”? Beside the Busch brothers. I found this race about as exciting as a snail race we had one day when I was a kid. On second thought the snail race was a much more contested event. And. Guess what. No one sat in their cars for hours, only to not see the race. I can’t say the traffic was NASCAR, or Burton Smith’s fault. But it does show a lack of preparation. By Both Parties. If first impressions are as important as most people claim. I’m afraid Kentucky’s Speedway is in a heap of hurt. Question: Did anyone check with the Kentucky Department of Transportation. They make traffic studies. Do I have an answer for the traffic problem. Not without the proper authorization to make studies. Maybe then I would find no problem. Maybe best move is to MOVE the track. But let’s be honest the location was not the only problem. The big problem was the racing. Reminds you of Formula 1. No passes on track for the lead. I like to see R-A-C-I-N-G, not just a parade of cars. I don’t blame the drivers I’m sure they were doing all they could to make a race of it. Racing just didn’t happen. As for me I would prefer to have another road course added instead of what we had at Sparta. Maybe they could change that speedway into a dirt track and invite NASCAR back next year. That is about the only thing I can see would bring the fans back to Sparta. Perhaps the ones who were stuck in traffic were the lucky ones. They probably saw more action, with people jockeying to improve their spot in traffic, than the fans at the track saw. That Is How I See It. find find find Views: 794
Category: Cars
Passenger Arrested For Being Drunk
Look out America! Indiana is at it again. DEC. 2008. Indianapolis Indiana. We all know if we have had too much to drink. We also know what the Public Service Announcements, (PSA) tell us to do in this situation. Have a DESIGNATED DRIVER. One night in INDIANA a lady after parytying too hard found her in the situation she knew she could not drive, (legally or possibly anyway). Being responsible enough to seek out someone to drive her home, she found a volunteer. And now, as Paul Harvey would say, is the rest of the story. As this lady and her designated driver were on the way to her hone, an officer of the law noticed the vehicle had a license plate light out, Of course he had to pull the car over. That is when he discovered the driver’s license was not valid, (perhaps, expired, or not issued, I don’t know. This lady admitted she had too much to drink couldn’t drive. The officer had no choice to arrest her for PUBLIC INTOXICATION . Now let’s back up here a minute. This means if you are sitting in your car (which is private property, you are actually not in private property but public property????, I’m not a real drinker only maybe have one beer when with friends, usually I drink my Coca-Cola. But this doesn’t seem right to me. On a side note I know of one poor chap who was having a halloween poker party, He had a car for sale which was sitting on his property near the highway. Kids came by and were throwing eggs at the car. He of course had been drinking while playing cards. He decided he would move the car. Only thing someone had siphoned off the gas. he left the keys in the car, went to his garage to get some gas. Put about a gallon in the tank. as he approached the car door a State or County Mountie pulled up with lights flashing and proceeded to issue him a DUI. (He was at his car with the ignition key in the car not running, as he has just put gas in it. On his own propery) Another unconfirmed story I heard of in this same county. A guy was riding his lawnmower, mowing his own yard. When an officer, came up to him and issued him a ticket for violation of the” open container law” while being on his mower. If you aren’t aware of the open container law. It means no alcoholic beveridge can be in a moving vehicle unless it is in the trunk or some where the driver cannot reach. Any way back to the story. The lady was convicted of Public Intoxication. She appealed this ruling. The Indiana Supreme Court ruled 4-1 to uphold the conviction. According to their ruling the justices stated the conviction followed the law. Because she admitted to being Drunk. Cars traveling on public roads are considered to be public places. According to the case prosecutor The Supreme Court made the right ruling. The law needs changing. I think it was a miscarriage of justice. She did what the government’s PSA said by getting a designated driver. So what does this mean? We all know the police need no real reason to pull you over. But what about real public transportation like Taxi’s. It seems to me come New Year’s any Taxi can be pulled over and the responsible person who called the cab to help save his and other people’s lives could end up in jail for PUBLIC INTOXICATION. This year Indiana enacted 300 laws. My sources tell me the local newspapers nor TV stations have listed them. But the state will tell you ignorance is no excuse. If you had 300 new laws dumped on you, could you remember them all. In closing I ask YOU. Is it fair for the GOVERNMENT to instruct you to do something in a particular circumstance the arrest you for doing it? That Is How I See It Views: 661
Trevor Bayne, Kurt Busch
Re: The Coke Zero 400 at Daytona. Restrictor plate racing is pretty much of a HO-HUM affair. However I did tune in to see how Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne would do on that track for his 2nd appearance. It started out as expected with Bayne running in the top 5. Then by some curious means Bayne paired up with Kurt Busch. This pairing up is to give additional PUSH, to the lead car and resulting in more speed for both pusher, and pushee. A Very popular thing for drivers to do at the so-called SIPER tracks. Kurt Busch is a seasoned driver he knows what he is doing. Therefore I would like to know why instead of pushing Bayne from the high side as most all drivers who were locked with the car ahead did, Why was Kurt Bucsh pushing in the middle or below of Bayne’s car and on the down side of the track. I’m Sure, Busch can come up with a reason (excuse) for this. I guess he will be the only one who really knows. It could have been mis-communication , or maybe he couldn’t hold his line for physical or mechanical reasons. But looking at it purely from a spactatorial view. I say it appeared to be deliberate, and a way to assure the young driver didn’t make the veterans look bad again. After all he wasn’t running for points, Bayne will be his usual polite self and not so much as suggest the possibility of this being anything other than a racing accident. But after watching it and again and again on replay, IT SURE APPEARED TO BE DELIBERATE. Did he? Or didn’t he. Only he and perhaps his team will know for sure. That Is How I See It. have been Views: 626
Sign Helps Aid Safety For Motorcycles
As we all know the number one reason given for auto/truck and Motorcycles is, “I didn’t see it.” I know this to be true. Even as a rider myself, (and I’m sure I’m not alone here), I watch out for motorcycles everywhere I go even during the winter months, just in the event there is a winter rider. But I find I sometimes do not see bike. Sometimes they just pop up over a hill, and sometimes they are hidden by another vehicle, and sometimes they decide to pass just as they approach an intersection. And I admit sometimes I just don’t see them the first time, That is why I take a second, and third look. But I think what I have recently become aware of a sign some cities and areas are posting along the streets and highways. I only wish more of these signs that alert drivers to the presence of motorcycles were posted in all areas. For a start they could post at city limits. Park entrances, and areas where motorcyclists tend to gather. I know in our little town we have a “watering hole” where you will find more motorcycles than cars, or trucks. Maybe to get things rolling this business could purchase the signs and petition the state, (as it sits on a state highway, and would need their permission to put the sign up) There is another place about 15 miles south which is frequented by bikers. I intend to talk to these establishments and our town about putting up these signs. Below is picture of the sign. Will you help in your areas. Perhaps it could be a club project. That Is How I See It. I recently became aware of some cities posting signs to remind motorists of the presence of MOTORCYCLES. I wish more cities and areas had these signs posted. became find find find Views: 236
GM CEO Asks For $1 Gas Tax Hike
You may recall an article I wrote about how people in our area who drive GM products do not seem to be in touch with rules of the road, WELL how about this. General Motors CEO Dan Akerson said he would favor a $1 dollar hike in gasoline tax, including a 50 cent immediate hike… are you ready for this “To take advantage of the recent DECLINE in gas prices.” Did I miss this DECLINE?? According to Akerson this would put people in the position of buying more fuel efficient cars and lessen the burden on the auto industry to meet future mileage goals. I know I can’t afford a new car period let alone one of those HIGH-Priced hybrids and the like. I’m sure I’m not alone here. Heck it’s getting to the point I could not afford a USED car as those prices have gone up so much. A friend who sells used cars told me used cars are getting harder to buy. New car dealers who once brought the cars to auction are now selling them on their lots. I once had a New car dealer tell me he would not keep a car on the lot if it had 50,00o miles or more on it. Now I see he has cars with 150,000 miles with a price of $5,000,oo (or more). A friend traded off his 2000 Oldsmobile for a new car and was only offered $1000.00 trade in. Later the dealer had it on his lot with a $5,900.oo price tag. There is gold in them thar used cars. Now, I know the CEO of GM can afford the tax increase. Heck, he probably doesn’t even buy gas, as evidenced in his statement about the decline in gas prices. I’m sure he doesn’t buy his cars as they are most likely part of his compensation package. In other words he isn’t among the core people of our country. He hasn’t a clue about what he is saying. He is only looking at saving his company money so he can get a bigger bonus. Before I close this entry. Greg Martin, Gm’s Washington spokesperson confirmed Akerson’s statement reflects Gm’s VIEW. But GM will not actively pursue the passage of such a tax, as it would be very difficult to get enacted. I suppose that is how GM drivers feel too. After all they are supporting the company by buying GM products. That Is How I See It. Views: 186
Indy Hot Wheels Jump
Probably receiving as much publicity as the RACE itself was the HOT WHEELS JUMP. This was a blast from the past. We all know Hot Wheels toy cars. In fact I still have ONE, only one left. It is one my boys and I played with. I guess I keep it for old times sake when my sons used to like my company, more than now. Not that they don’t now, it is just that they have their families now too. But the real memory evoked by the staging of the Hot Wheels Jump, is the fact that when I was a small child there was a touring group of “Hell Drivers”. This group (the ones I remember were called the “Jack Kochman Hell Drivers”) drove cars on 2 wheels around a 1 mile dirt oval. They jumped cars, did a 360 degree spin. went over ever increasingly high ramps door handle to door handle. And of course the slide for life. A man would stand on the rear bumper of a convertible while others were preparing a ring of fire, which somehow they would forget turn the can upright and leave about a 5o foot long trail. The fire was lit, the driver sped forward into the fire. the bumper rider would then step off the rear bumper and slide along the track and through the fire. Now what does this have to do with the Hot Wheels Jump? One of the acts in the show. I think it was called the “Plunge of Death” was having a lady climb into a little cart, atop a high, steep ramp. When the lever was released, she would come plummeting down, at the end was a curl, which lifted her up in the air, did at least one somersault, (sometimes, more, sometimes only a half), and land . To build the excitement and after stunt anticipation, she would sometimes be rescued and carried to an ambulance, which after sometime she would emerge, and take her bow. It was nice to see this old stunt revived. Thank You Hot Wheels for a walk down memory lane. That Is How I See It. more than they have Views: 423
Drivers Beware In Gary Indiana
We all have believed Cops have had quotas for traffic stops. After all they have to bring some money in to help pay their salaries. Finally a City which is not ashamed to admit their police officers, have quotas. they have not stated what the consequence is if you don’t meet the quota. ” What is the quota?” you ask. The quota is at least one “1” traffic arrest an hour. Gary’s Traffic Commander, mothy Tatum said this quota will remain in effect as long as he is “COMMANDER” . His actual edict says 10 traffic arrests per officer assigned to his traffic division per shift per day. Good Luck holding your job Timothy. I understand the prosecutors are already protesting your quota. They can always decide to NOT PROSECUTE. The voters probably will not appreciate your move. I’m not sure one cop can write 1o citations a day. I’m thinking what you are creating is an aura of “I have to meet my quota, so I’ll write up this poor guy driving the old car. He can’t afford to protest the stop, and pursue it in court”. Or “I’ll stop this guy, he’s from out of our area, and will just pay the fine.” Then, of course, there is the wealthy who will pay just because it is such a trifling amount it is not worth the time to go to court. Kind of sounds like everyone could be a victim of this QUOTA. I hope the traffic officers have enough pride in themselves to not make up violations to meet their quota. Or that an unreasonable stop does not end with injury to the cop or citizen. I know I will do my best to avoid Gary Indiana, and there goes my money I may have spent there. After all I’m sure they don’t need my money in this haven of high employment, and economy. It seems to me the “Quota” would be a valid defense, in court. But I’m not a Lawyer, or Judge. Hats off to Gary for admitting they have a traffic citation quota. Most places would not. That Is How I See It. UPDATE: UPDATE: Just in. Gary Mayor Rudy Clay Says Quota’s are over. Police Administration says never existed. Don’t know if Gary’s Traffic Commander, Timothy Tatum, is still Commander they have Views: 101
Coca-Cola 600
Another boring “race’ from NASCAR. I appreciate the concept of 600 miles to test the endurance of both car and driver, BUT that was about the highlight of this race. Which with all the cars having no personality, of their own, (rules require all cars look alike, and run same equipment), leave little to the test of car endurance. Only a “freakish” part malfunction, usually will retire a car from the endurance end. And YES sportsfans, NASCAR, had a rare chance to give Earnhardt Jr. a long awaited win. It amazes me how often they will try this. Remember when all the drivers were being penalized for dropping a wheel below the yellow line and complete a pass? Except for Jr. There was clearly room for him to stay above the line, but he had all 4 wheels below it. NASCAR ruled he was below to avoid an accident. RIIGGHT! This time Jr. had a lead and looked like he could win a race. BUT! A crash which in any other circumstance would bring out the YELLOW, NASCAR chose not to. Why Jr. had a chance to win. I realize his riding on his father’s name has launched him into the FANS FAVORITE. I have nothing against him I kind of like him too. He just hasn’t matured as a driver yet, but is well on his way. I think getting away from Earnhardt Racing was a good move for him to try to step out of his Father’s shadow. I’ve seen a lot of improvement this year. His time will come. He will “EARN..” his own wins. I think if you have a rule it should be interpreted the same with no regard as to whom it may affect. Any how Jr. still did not get the win. So considering the rule for the yellow flag is for safety purposes, why did NASCAR decide to put that aside for this instance. One train of thought I had. Asks, if they did throw the YELLOW, as they should have and would have in any other set of circumstances, in NASCAR’s defense. I’m going pretty far out here for this defense. How many cars would have been able to finish if there were another GREEN, WHITE, CHECKER. We know that there were cars running short of gas. So did NASCAR not throw the Yellow, in the interest of the fans seeing more cars finish? Or to aid Jr. That Is How I See It. have been Views: 207
INDY 500 2011
Indy 500 was filled with controversy this year. One item on the controversy agenda was….DOUBLE CAR RESTART. Never having raced at the track, I see nothing wrong with a double row restart, after all the official start has them racing 3 abreast. So what is the big deal restarting with one less row? Seems to me you have more room than at the start of the race. Safety wise I see no harm here, except in the case of late race restarts, which would be safe except for the “I have to make a move now or else,” mentality of the driver, who is pressured by himself, his team, sponsors, and fans to finish the best he can. Preferably 1st. From the driver’s standpoint. Why should someone I passed be starting beside me. Actually, that is the only valid argument I can find. True INDY is a one groove track. But as my Dad would have told me. “Find a way to use the rest of the track”. I’ve never seen it in the rules, but doesn’t the lead car have the choice of his racing line for the restart. He can use that to his ability, and be in the groove for the restart. Back to the Car I Passed, scenario. If I am above the groove, then the cars in the line behind the leader has an advantage. From the Fans standpoint. I like it. Controversy number 2. The purchase of a ride by Michael Andretti from A.J. Foyt. If Andretti could not field a car capable of qualifying with Hunter-Reay, why should he be allowed to purchase a ride qualified by an obviously (by means of qualifying), better driver. I wonder if A.J. sort of choked when he talked about how INDY had made him. He sold Junqueria’s chance to make his name. Controversy number 3. THE PASS UNDER YELLOW! Yes. Hildebrand crashed. HOWEVER he did maintain forward motion. As the leader it is up to him to set the pace until the pace car arrives. Apparently this rule does not apply in all instances. The new track management seems to have deemed a disabled car cannot lead the race. How many times I wonder have cars either ran out of gas and coasted to a win. Or crashed just as they were about to cross the finish line. This seems to me to be a rule that needs more definition. As for me. Hildebrand is the true winner of the 2011 INDY 500 I’m sure you all have opinions on these 3 things. I invite you to post your comments here, and also let the people running the INDY 500 if they made the right calls. That Is How I See It. Views: 234
GAS Supply and Demand
There has been much said about the rising cost of gasoline. When I had my first gas station, gas was 32 cents a gallon. Diesel was a side product of gasoline production, and I sold it for 16 cents a gallon. Now this by product costs more than gasoline. WHY? You have heard the stories about the crazy people driving up the cost of oil. People who know nothing about the oil business paying more than the oil is worth (for future profits). This is what I have learned. Like all business, the oil companies are in it for the profit. PROFIT is what they are getting. Posting unusually high profit margins every quarter. Every quarter the profit margin gets higher. Why is this. We the consumer let them jab us at every turn. While it is true the uneducated oil buyer is doing his share to raise the cost of oil, the Oil companies, do their share too. What are the oil companies doing? A simple thing called SUPPLY AND DEMAND. They are controlling the supply end of it. Currently the big Oil Companies are operating at approximately 80% of capacity. (Artificially; as I see it; decreasing the supply). What else are they doing, you ask. They are exporting more oil products to foreign countries. Our American oil companies are supplying probably more diesel fuel to the African Continent than we use here in the USA. I don’t know what these other countries are paying. But I would bet it is like our medical companies, who sell medicine to other countries for less than we have to pay. Again USA pays other countries benefit. That Is How I See It. more than Views: 117
