2012 Ford Focus SE: Quck Lap evaluation

Thumbnail image for 2012 Ford Focus SE: Quck Lap evaluation December 13, 2011 Car reviews

Quick Lap: 2012 Ford Focus SE I had the pleasure of evaluating a 2012 Ford Focus in SE trim; the summary is I am impressed, especially when taken in context of the revival of US based automobile manufacturers…. See, domestic manufacturers lost me as a customer back in my formative driving years—late 70’s – early […]

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New Car Ownership Experience is Overrated

Thumbnail image for New Car Ownership Experience is Overrated November 13, 2011 Car reviews

Frequently throughout my career I’ve received the “what do you drive?” question. Frankly for years it’s been a hooptie ’94 Civic, now with more than 200,000 miles; bought from my brother after I borrowed it and crashed it on the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago (rain, fatigue and 3/32” tire tread combo) and I’ve owned it […]

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How to Bleed Brakes by Yourself!

Thumbnail image for How to Bleed Brakes by Yourself! October 27, 2011 Technical/ car preparation

Looking for ways to save money on car maintenance? Not enough time to take your car in to the mechanic prior to every track day? Then bleed your brakes by yourself! Track day drivers love robust brakes, maybe even more than horsepower…. After tires, brake system operation is the next preparation priority. All that horsepower […]

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What’s the Best Way to Modify My Car?

Thumbnail image for What’s the Best Way to Modify My Car? September 25, 2011 Technical/ car preparation

“What should I modify first?” “Where’s my best bang for the buck investment?” To Modify or NOT to Modify, THAT is The Question… These are the questions that enter the mind of the crazed car enthusiast, streaking down the straights, squealing around the turns, attempting to concentrate harder than in Freshman Calc I and tempting […]

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What does “Turn Into the Skid” Really Mean?

Thumbnail image for What does “Turn Into the Skid” Really Mean? September 2, 2011 Driving techniques

“Turn Into the Skid!”  (related to this post on skidding) You’ve heard this phrase, likely first from your gym teacher/ driving instructor in high school; nearly every driver has heard this…. BUT, what does it really mean? “Duh—you say to yourself—to TURN INTO THE SKID…!” I say to you, “what does that LITERALLY mean? What’s […]

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Why Did I Crash?

Thumbnail image for Why Did I Crash? August 4, 2011 Driving techniques

It’s the Second Skid that Gets You There’s a common phenomenon going on in the world of performance driving and motorsport: the competent, experienced driver who has a big crash; friends shaking their heads in disbelief: “Bob had so many years of experience…” is what they say that day. Fact of the matter is “Bob” […]

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2010 Mustang GT: Two Year Ownership Review

Thumbnail image for 2010 Mustang GT: Two Year Ownership Review July 12, 2011 Car reviews

The latest generation Ford Mustang is by far the best car an enthusiast with a reasonable new car budget can buy. Okay, I’m a bit biased as this review is of the car I purchased for myself in June 2009 after exhaustive research prior to purchase. A future article will cover the search process; this […]

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Safe Driving Skills, the 7 Habits of a Pro Driver

Thumbnail image for Safe Driving Skills, the 7 Habits of a Pro Driver July 6, 2011 Driving techniques

Seven Habits of Highly Effective Drivers: Attention, Anticipation, Eyes, Posture, Community, Responsibility, Skill Driving can be dangerous—you knew that. Did you know that 80% of crashes occur in dry weather—there were over 37,000 fatalities in 2008—driving is the leading cause of death for teens 15–20 years old, all according to the National Highway Traffic Safety […]

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Brake Overheating, Brake System Improvements

Thumbnail image for Brake Overheating, Brake System Improvements July 1, 2011 Technical/ car preparation

Energy Conservation: Brake System Preparation/ Best Practices Preparation is the key to a successful day at our performance drivers school; the brake system is priority two (#1 is tires) on your pre-event list. Proper maintenance is not an expensive proposition, just plan ahead. Here’s the checklist: Brake pad thickness, not more than 50% worn Brake […]

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Driving Techniques: How and When to Turn Into the Corner

Thumbnail image for Driving Techniques: How and When to Turn Into the Corner June 30, 2011 Driving techniques

The Definitive Turn-In Technique Commitment. Takes commitment to succeed at an endeavor, whatever it may be in your life. Performance driving at a high level does require decisiveness and commitment. You may recall our “Separation of Controls” technique where you use one control (steering, brake, and throttle) at one time; this article discusses ‘steering’. Assuming […]

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