Nihao comrade!

Earlier today I was flipping through the channels and found some weird program I've never heard of before, I think even PBS is more flashy than this show but anyways... A few reporters were interviewing a fellow named Michael Dunne author of: American Wheels Chinese Roads; The Story of General Motors in China. As the interview went on they discussed how apparently the Chinese will let an auto company in but the local government has a pretty large stake, almost half if i'm not mistaken, of control on the whole operation. Meaning that they share profits and to some extent even the technology. Apparently there are rumors that once they figure out how to build a Buick on their own they can kick out GM and end the partnership.

But to me whats interesting from all this is that since GM is still a quarter owned by the U.S. government, what we essentially have here is a nice camaraderie going on between the People's Republic and the U.S. tax payer. This sort of arrangement is more of what you would expect from South American Castro wannabe's, not one of Detroit's "Big 3". When we bailed out GM we essentially bailed out a state owned Chinese company along with it.
What's even worse is that recently GM purchased an estimated $400 million in shares of struggling French car manufacturer Peugeot-Citroen. The excuse is that GM will get "small car and hybrid" technology from the deal. Seriously? GM knows how to make small cars, they introduced the first 1.0 engine in the Brazilian market, just rolled out the Chevy volt and not to mention the partnership with Suzuki (Geo metro anyone?). So now the U.S tax payer owns parts of Communist and French state owned companies. But who's to blame? Congress, Bush and Obama all participated in Tarping GM so we can't blame a party. Perhaps deregulation? Maybe just ourselves for not keeping a closer eye on congress and fear politics.
But hey, at least its GM were talking about here, let the Chinese take all the "state of the art" Buick technology they want.

Credit to: Jonathan Karl http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/03/an-american-auto-bailout-for-france/

Brood of Vipers!

Got to spend the day at Willow Springs International raceway in Rosamond, CA. I was inquiring about the different racing school programs they offer and got to see a few fast cars on the track as well. Wish I could remember what association was there, I think it was West coast something rather.

 The school is called "Fast Lane" and is run by former racer and driving intructor Danny McKeever. The school is sponsored by Toyota and utilizes track ready Toyota Celicas, which you might have seen at the annual Toyota pro/celebrity races during the IRL Long Beach Grand Prix. Cost varies depending on what program you are looking for, they range from a $495 half day run to a complete 3 day SCCA license accreditation program. Its nice that Willow Springs has a small scale circuit called "Streets of Willow" where students start learning basic car control and after they get a better understanding they are eligible for programs at the full length track.

Open wheel affairs.

Indy, alas Indy or should I say Izod before I  can mention the series? Speaking of Izod, it's odd to see a clothing company as the main sponsor of a series. Can you imagine a GAP 500 at Daytona or a Tommy Hilfiger Cup series? Strange. Although I have much to say about a series that ran the same chassis, engine and tire for the past six years or so I must admit there might be some interesting changes that could make the league worth your time and money.

 The cars are brand new, designed by Dallara in Italy, and soon to be manufactured at a new facility in Indianapolis. Although they will all be the same, aside for some "aero kits", it should be exciting for the first few years at least. Engines are also new, and sound quite nice. They have more of a grunt compared to last year. Three manufacturers are set to  supply a combination of Turbo and naturally aspirated 4 and V6 engines running on E85 fuel. They include Chevy, Lotus and Honda. The cars look quite sleek, and one might even suggest nicer than the current platypus looking F1's. The words used by Indy directors was sexy, and to some extent I could agree. At first view they seem like something out of Paul Bartel's Death Race 2000 but once you see them in person, and get better acquainted, the lines make more sense.

If all the new technology wasn't enough, long time Formula One veteran Rubens Barrichello made a second appearance last weekend testing for Jimmy Vasser's KV racing team.  Apparently a deal is practically finished and it could mean extra T.V. ratings from a large Brazilian audience. Many who still root for Barrichello and want to see if he can redeem himself after 20 years in F1 without a championship. Not to dis-merit his over 300 Grand Prix resume, which is the current world record. Native supporters aside, who doesn't want to see a F1 driver going around circles in the U.S.?

It seems as if after a long time Indy  finally has a few exciting things going for it. Which comes in perfect timing considering many were questioning the leagues very existence after the fatal crash involving Dan Wheldon at Vegas last year. Although I think the changes are nothing spectacular its a humble start that could perhaps make it a true competitive racing environment once again, and not just a marketing tool for big companies.

Barrichello returning to pits.

HONESTY. Pass it on.

May Saab rest in peace. There should be a law prohibiting GM from buying car companies people care for. 

Cupid Union files cease and desist against Match.com

Happy Valentines! Ti's the time again. Grown men are out buying teddy bears, single people question life, lines at theaters make you feel like your entering a couple's therapy seminar. Our beloved grandma's are getting cakes, cupcakes and crayon scribbled cards from their grand kids. But when it comes to things with four wheels the first car that comes to mind when I thought of Valentines was the Citroen DS. Not sure why, maybe its the elegance of French design or maybe I saw a movie with one or something. Nevertheless they are quite beautiful cars, not screaming Ferrari beautiful, which have the same appeal as a Victoria's Secret model, but more like a model in a wedding dress or something. You get my drift, or not.

Got Techron?

Utah, somewhere along I-70.

Ever find yourself in the middle of nowhere and think you'll probably never be there again? And then a while goes by and next thing you find yourself  in the same exact spot? Strange feeling. First time I was in this random Chevron was at night, this time I could notice all the nice scenery around. Utah is really a nice place to drive through, specially the dedicated "speed test" zones with long stretches of highway with a 80 mph posted speed limit. (Anyone know of a higher speed limit in the U.S.?) I'm sure Montana or the other Canadian province sounding states must have something faster. Speed limits aside the scenery is incredible and some parts of the I-70 and I-15 stretch makes one feel like they're driving through some sort of  small scale Grand Canyon. A small town called Beaver claims to have the best tasting water around, didn't quite feel compelled to prove them wrong or right, but if your searching for some sort of American Evian then I suppose it would be a good place to start.

 If your feeling adventurous and don't mind getting your car full of salt, you can drive around the Bonneville Salt Flats just west of Salt Lake City. All you have to do is hop out of the freeway  and enjoy a 10 mile straight and 5 mile wide dried lake bed for your driving pleasure. Not sure if you can legally drive around as fast as you can, but I didn't notice any signs and after 2 hours of some very childish fun no one seemed to really care. I think they just figure the tourists need to get it out of their system and soon enough they'll get bored and leave. Anyways, always a pleasure to drive through this state.

???

Way to go, race in Helio Castroneves birth country and state and bash him as if he were some sort of novice driver. Wrong place, wrong time, hopefully this was an ill idea of a mechanic or other member of the team and not yours.