It all started after Ken retired as a transit manager from Akron, Ohio. He and his wife Pam did some traveling in retirement and two years later in 2008 while en route home from Florida they made a stop at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The racing fans had asked about the “yellow shirt” part-time track employees that helped out at the races and they were quickly recruited to sign up as workers.

Indy 500 Track Work

Initially, they were thinking about helping with the NASCAR race later in the year but were hired on the spot to help with the Indy 500 race. It helped that the track was able to provide space near the track for the Lemmon’s fifth-wheel trailer since they live 300 miles away from the “Brickyard.” Over 300,000 people attend the races during the Indy 500, so part-time help is essential at the track.

Over time Ken was given more responsibilities and currently is the Garage and Pit Coordinator. His wife Pam also works part-time at the track. They have made several friendships at Indy and have some favorite drivers including Helio Castroneves and Bobby Unser.

Racing Couple Gain More Track Assignments

Later Ken’s work earned some recognition and he was asked to help out, first at Chicagoland Speedway and then at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That was followed by an offer to assist at Phoenix Raceway and then Fontana, California Auto Club Raceway. It helps that these three tracks all form a three-week swing of NASCAR races in the spring.

Ken figures that they put 6,000 miles on their car following those three races. These days they stay at short-term rental housing near the tracks. They are paid a small wage for their efforts at each track.

But hard work earns recognition and the Lemons were then asked to help out at the Las Vegas track each November when the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) holds their fall meet. Then they migrate back for the last race of the year for NASCAR, the Championship Four, in Phoenix, AZ.

Phoenix Raceway

When the Lemons came out to the Phoenix Raceway they donned the red vests that employees use at that track. They first worked the trams that helped transport visitors from the parking lots to the track. They had so much fun on the tram with the riders that customers would specifically wait for “their” tram to ride.

When the trams were discontinued, Ken was assigned the entrance to the infield Media Center, and Pam works inside at the auditorium/driver’s meeting room. It is their job to make sure only credentialed people gain access to these areas and handle any last-minute requests or concerns that pop up. As such, their responsibilities prevent them from actually seeing the races. They might hear the engines roar or catch a glimpse on the television, but they do not see the events live and in person.

Ken noted that during the race week at Indy, he typically is at the track by 5 AM and works until generally 7 PM or later depending on when the races are over.

Race Tracks Rely on Part-Time Employees

Since most tracks only hold a few races each year, they have to rely on consistent part-time employees to fill a multitude of positions.  Matt Humphrey, head of  Track Communications for four NASCAR tracks, including Phoenix Raceway, said  “the institutional knowledge and dedication the Lemmons possess make my job so much easier in the media center. They know our media. They know our facilities. And most importantly, they care. Their professionalism and excellence shine through in their service, and we can’t do what we do without the commitment and dedication of many others like them who join our ranks during our race weekends.”

Track Experiences for the Racing Couple

The Lemmons love the friendships they have made over the years. The Lemmons were always fans of the local races in Ohio and after retirement, they started enjoying the NASCAR races in person before working at the tracks. Ken stated that he enjoys offering customer service and helping people. “If people leave with a positive experience, good for us.”

Working at tracks for both NASCAR and NHRA events, the Lemmons noted that the fans are not really any different. “They are all looking to have a good time and are friendly folks.” Despite sometimes having to stop people from entering restricted areas, neither can recall any serious disruptions or commotions at the tracks.

It seems weird to have fans travel across the country to various tracks and never get to see the race. But the Lemmons are not complaining, nor are the track managers who benefit from these part-time employees. They get to be an essential part of the racing community and develop lasting friendships and memories.

When Mel Martin established his Martin Auto Museum and Event Center in Arizona he bucked tradition. He doesn’t rope off the cars or have alarms sounding if you get too close. He encourages the guests to check out the cars. Want to sit behind the wheel for a picture? Sure go ahead. Take a look under the hood? Well sure, pop the hood open. This hands-on approach is a welcome change from other car museums.

Mel Martin’s Interest in Classic Cars

Mel Martin, now 91 years old started collecting cars at age 16 in Mayer, Arizona, about an hour north of Phoenix, Arizona. His uncle gave him a 1917 Douglas dump truck used in the nearby mines and he held onto it ever since. That solidified his fascination with cars in general and later restoring them.

At age 17, Martin started a service shop next to his father’s Richfield gas station in Mayer. Martin was a self-taught mechanic who could rely on some advice from his uncle if necessary. His shop thrived and later he added towing services to his company.

Change of Plans

In 1954 he moved to Phoenix and set up a repair shop in Phoenix. Unfortunately, he soon found out there were numerous repair shops that he would be competing against. One of his employees mentioned he could do bodywork and soon Martin shifted to an auto body shop.

Martin increased his empire by adding yet again towing to his business with M & M Towing, eventually adding sixteen trucks that were also used at auto auctions. He also ran a tire recapping business. He expanded into buying and selling commercial real estate and eventually constructed commercial buildings as well.

Along the way, he collected cars and stored them at his business properties. At one property he owned, Martin stored 24 cars in a 5,000 square foot shop that housed five car lifts. This was the beginning of showing his collection, but he realized it was too small to allow for public access. When he had time he would work on restoring these classic cars.

In 1982 he sold his businesses to focus on his car collection and the commercial real estate business. He helped run an auto auction business as well through 1992. He originally was going to open a business focused on Mustangs and had collected 105 Mustangs at his 10 acre home site. But his wife wanted to move and a business partner grew disenchanted with the business, so Martin sold most of the cars.

Martin Museum Beginnings

While touring a building that was for sale in 2004, Martin commented that it would make a great site for a car museum and he bought it. It had 18,000 square feet of usable space to display his cars. He was able to squeeze 65 cars into the building, but admits that it was a tight fit. Originally his collection was only open by invitation, but in 2008 he opened it to the public. It helped that his business was along an interstate freeway.

Martin Auto Museum and Event Center

Earlier this year Martin moved operations to a new facility on nearly ten acres with 107,000 square feet of display space and over 700 parking spaces in Glendale, Arizona. He estimates that he has room for 160 cars. But that won’t stop Martin from buying additional cars for the museum. He already has eight in his shop being restored and figures he can just rotate the cars on display when he reaches the maximum capacity.

Touch the Cars

You’ll immediately notice after entering the museum that most are not roped off or behind stanchions. Martin encourages his guests to look at the cars up close, sit in them if they wish, and check out what is under the hood. Martin noted, “If they get scratched by golly we’ll fix them.” Only three cars, all aluminum-bodied cars with fragile body panels, are roped off.

Martin is a proud member of the National Association of Automobile Museums (NAAM) and says many other museum heads complain to him that his “hands-on approach” is wrong. Martin counters that notion saying “the younger generation needs to be involved” in these classic cars. He tells the other museums, “you do what you want and I will do what I want.”

Youth Involvement

To further his goal of getting youth involved in the hobby, The Martin Car Museum and Event Center has dedicated a repair shop area for high school youth to learn the craft. He is in negotiations with nearby high schools to establish these educational efforts. He also has a room devoted to auto-themed arcade games for entertainment.

Event Center

Martin wisely added in his building several dedicated event spaces for up to 450 people. This helps as a revenue stream and allows for a broader segment of the public to experience his collection. His museum is focused on expanding the classic car hobby to others.

Martin’s Favorite Car

He has a simple strategy for adding to his collection. Martin says “if I like the car and it is the right price I buy it”. Martin has a wide variety of cars but admits to liking the Cadillacs.

Martin’s favorite car though is a red 1930 LaSalle. After having overdrive installed in it to make it more roadworthy, he piloted the car for two Great Races. He allows it to be used for weddings and parades and says; “it feels like home when I drive it.”

Legacy

Two of Martin’s relatives are directly working in the museum and he plans on supporting the museum with more cars and financial support. This should ensure the Martin Auto Museum carries on with its hands-on approach to appreciating vintage cars for generations to come.

The Ford Mustang Mach 1: A Brief History

The original Ford Mustang Mach 1 was released for the 1969 model year. The cars were offered only in the fastback body style and came with upgraded suspension pieces.

Power options started with a 351 CID Windsor V8 engine and went all the way up to the fabled 428 CID Cobra Jet. The Mach 1 gained instant fandom with a trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats where it set nearly 300 records for speed and endurance.

With minor variations, Ford offered the Mach 1 as a sports performance offering through 1978. Ford resumed the name for 2003-04, positioning the revamped Mustang Mach 1 between the Mustang GT and the SVT Cobra model for that short time.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Review

For 2021, the Mach 1 comes with a 5.0L Coyote engine rated at 480 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque. MPG is at 15 in the city and 23 on the highway.

Though it shares some parts with both the previous Shelby GT350 and the Shelby GT500, the engineers at Ford insist this is not a “parts bin” Mustang. With a starting price tag just over $53,000, it is priced between a GT and the Shelby Mustang models and comes with either a 10-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

Jim Owens, the North American marketing manager for Mustang, says the Mach 1 allows for “personalization of performance” with a variety of affordable options. What that translates to is a track-ready car that is also suitable as a daily driver.

Ford also offers a Mach 1 Premium with a slightly different and more expensive set of packages and options

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1: Pros

I only drove the manual version and, frankly, if you are seeking a track day car, rowing your own gears is the way to go. This 6-speed TREMEC manual is not your father’s manual, allowing both automatic rev-matching downshifts and no lift upshifting. Admittedly, on the short courses that I drove, I had limited exposure to both, but it was apparent that this TREMEC is a game-changer.

Rev Matching

Generally, with an old-school manual transmission to get the best performance results, a driver when downshifting would “blip” the throttle, or heel-toe downshift, to raise the rpm. With this TREMEC transmission, that is no longer necessary. The built-in electronics provide the proper rpm-matching during the downshifts.

No Lift Shift

Similarly, with a traditional manual transmission, when shifting up a gear, the driver would depress the clutch, remove their foot from the accelerator, change gears, and then ease out on the clutch while simultaneously depressing the throttle.

With this TREMEC transmission, you can keep your foot on the accelerator while shifting up a gear. The electronics handle everything for a smooth result. It takes a few tries to retrain your muscle memory to not take your foot off the throttle, but soon it became second nature.

Not only does the TREMEC make rowing through the gears fun, but it is also efficient and torque-inducing thanks in part to the 3.73 rear axle.

Storage

The trunk for the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 was surprisingly spacious. The volume is a compact 13.5 cubic feet, but with the optional rear split seats folded down, there is still some decent storage space available for most uses. I didn’t get a chance to pack it full of gear, but it appeared reasonably spacious.

MagneRide Shocks

The MagneRide shocks are the way to go for the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1. Sophisticated electronics allow the damping system to change 1,000 times per second providing for a smooth but responsive suspension by maximizing tire-to-road contact.  My daily driver has a similar shock, I find it is a joy to use.

Seating comfort

The Mustang Mach 1 comes with optional cloth or leather Recaro sport seats.  I found the seats had just enough bolstering to keep me positioned in the seat without gouging me. Whether you intended to track the Mustang or keep it as a daily commuter, the seats were comfortable and supportive.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1: Cons

Not everything about the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 was ideal. Though these cons aren’t necessarily deal-breakers, they are something to keep in mind, especially if you plan on using your Mach 1 as a grocery getter as well as a track-day machine.

Rear Passenger Space

Though the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 has a folding split rear seat (if you get the Mach 1 handling package), let’s be honest, NO adult is going to be happy riding in the back seat for an extended time.

The rear passenger legroom is a miserly 29 inches, while the front occupants get a maximum of 45 inches. With the Mustang’s two-doors, even getting a child carrier in the back seat is tenuous, at best. However, you can order the Mustang with a factory delete for the rear seat—a tempting option. Perhaps that is why Ford only provides two USB ports in the car as well?

Interior

The interior designer of the Mach 1 must assume that driver would prefer to be looking out the windshield focused on the track. The car’s interior is rather bland. And since this is a track-performing car, the noise inside the cabin is noticeable, but the 9-speaker sound system could overcome it if that is your desire.

Additionally, someone thought putting a large Mach 1 nameplate on the passenger side of the dashboard, along with the chassis number, looked sweet. To me, it just looks tacky. Trust me, the Mach 1’s performance clearly clues in your passenger as to what car you are driving.

Front Splitter

Though I am sure the front splitter aids in downforce and is aerodynamic, it invites instant damage from parking lot curbs, speed bumps, and even some track berms.  Folks walking past the Mach 1 had better mind their shins as well. I suspect the Ford dealership parts department will make a killing with this replacement piece.

2021 Mustang Mach 1: The Best V8 Ford Has to Offer

The chief engineer for Mustang, Ed Krenz, calls the Mustang Mach 1 the “highest performing V8 track car, with the best parts from Ford.” If you are looking to spend around $60,000 (after some options) for a track-handling car that is also capable of commuting, the Mach 1 will fit the bill.

Build your own online HERE.

Traditional Car Auctions

Auction houses have been around for ages and usually auction more than cars, though our focus is on their automotive auctions specifically. Most auction companies host a few on-site, live auctions scattered across the country every year.

Barrett-Jackson has four annual auctions and just concluded their largest one in Arizona, selling 1,857 vehicles. Mecum will host fifteen auctions in the U.S. this year and kicked started their sales in Kissimmee, Florida. This particular auction became the first collector car auction to surpass sales of $200 million. So why exactly do we think in-person car auctions are dinosaurs breathing their last breaths?

The Demise of Car Auctions: Online Competition

In 2021, COVID-19 caused many car auctions to postpone or cancel their live auctions. Some companies reverted to online sales with some limited success, and it appears that the crowds and buyers have started to flock back to the auctions.

However, in the past few years, more online car auction sites have sprouted up and gained popularity. And some sites are becoming increasingly selective with their listings — these are not daily drivers that you might find on Craigslist. Some sites focus on specific brands and marquees, while others are broader in scope.

Bring A Trailer, for example, had success in 2021 with sales of $828 million from 17,846 vehicles exchanging hands.  The co-founder of Bring a Trailer, Randy Nonnenberg, attributes the success of the site to the variety of cars offered, often at a still reasonable price, with “something for everyone.”

In an interview, John Wiley, manager of Valuation Analytics with Hagerty Insurance, made note of Bring A Trailer’s “huge growth” adding that “the online sites followed by Hagerty have doubled sales every year since 2015.” That is explosive growth which Wiley does not see changing in 2022.

Last year, Barrett-Jackson bought ClassicCars.com and developed a spin-off AutoHunter.com. Craig Jackson, CEO of Barrett-Jackson, noted recently, “You’ve got to be in the middle of it.” He added that the company had a JavaScript app in 1995 and quickly developed its capability to support online bidding during his live auctions.

Most recently, Arizona Auction Week was held at the end of January 2022. Two auction houses from 2020 did not return to host sales, and the number of vehicles for sale dropped slightly from 2020 to 2022. It seems the rise of strictly online car auctions has put a dent in traditional auction sales. Here are the five reasons why.

1. Commissions

Traditional auction houses charge the winning bidder an additional fee, known as a buyer’s premium. This is generally about 10% of the winning bid. Recently many auction houses have raised their buyer’s premium to 12% on the first $250,000 of a purchase price and then 10% on any additional bid price. So if a car sold for $100,000 the buyer would have to pay a fee to the auction house of an additional $10,000+ before taking possession of the car.

Plus, most auction houses deduct a seller’s fee, typically 10%, from the sale price. So with the car selling for $100,000, the seller would only receive $90,000.

Meanwhile, in the example above, the auction house would receive about $20,000+ for their services in selling the vehicle.

By comparison, most online sites are charging a single flat fee, often under $250, for the seller. For the buyer, most sites charge 5% of the winning bid and cap their fee at $5,000. That leaves a lot more cash on the table for both the buyer and seller, especially so on high-value vehicles.

2. Timing

While auctions are held nearly year-round, if a seller wants to work with one auction house they are limited to a small number of weekends when live auction sales are held.

If a buyer wants to place a bid at a nearby auction, they may only have one yearly auction to choose from. Additionally, a buyer will have to wait until an auction house offers up a car they want. So, in general, the opportunity to buy from a traditional auction house is limited.

Online car auction sales, on the other hand, offer cars continuously. On February 1, 2022, Bring A Trailer alone had 85 auctions ending. Once accepted for listing, a seller can sell their car, often within a month. Buyers, meanwhile, can indicate what vehicle(s) they are seeking and register to get notified when a listing matches their selections.

Wiley says one challenge online sites are facing is they often have to turn away potential listings, as they don’t want their sites offering too many cars at one time. He doesn’t see this backlog of cars for sale ending soon, but luckily for sellers, there are more and more online auction sites poping up all the time.

3. Transaction Costs

With an online auction, after the site collects its fees, the buyer and seller work out the final purchase processes. The buyer will have to contact their state directly for any related sales tax and registration fees.

Most traditional auction houses will collect a state sales tax unless the buyer is a licensed car dealer or proves the car is leaving the state where the sale was made. Those out-of-state transports are still generally reported to the buyer’s home state revenue department.

4. Transportation and Travel Costs

For in-person auctions, a seller must pay to have their vehicle transported to the auction site. Those costs can easily exceed $2,500. If the seller decides to attend the auction to answer questions and promote their car, they will incur additional travel costs.

With an online sale, a seller has no trailering fees and can answer questions from home. If they need to review their files or maintenance records, they are more easily available as well. Generally, it’s the buyer’s responsibility to arrange for pickup or transportation after an online auction closes.

5. Community

There is no denying a traditional car auction involves lots of players and plenty of drama. Attendees will comment about the car on the auction block and urge higher bids. Seeing two rivals raising their bids for a car is exciting (and expensive).

Most online car auction sites allow members to log on, make comments, or ask questions about the car on sale. Nonnenberg notes his site promotes “accessibility” to the car auctions and attracts a younger, affluent audience.

The online community tends to be very knowledgeable about the cars and can point out discrepancies in the car’s description or ask specific questions. All of these comments are available for all to see and review.

Most online sites mandate a large number of pictures showing the car and any existing defects. Videos of a cold start and a cruise in the neighborhood are the new expectation on these sites. At some traditional auctions, the seller/owner is not on-site and potential buyers are relying on some vague description in the catalog.

Car Auctions: The Online Future

To demonstrate the breadth of the online auctions here are some cars that were successfully sold while the traditional auctions were held in Arizona:

• 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing sold for $1,465,000
• 1969 Porsche 911 Turbo sold for $203,500
• 1966 Chevrolet Impala SS sold for $55,000
• 1967 Corvette Convertible sold for $140,000
• 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible sold for $38,000

Most traditional auction houses are starting online sites to supplement their dwindling on-site auctions. Jackson acknowledged “the internet is bringing a lot of people in” to the collector car arena.

And Wiley expects the online sites will help increase interest in the collector car market for these auction houses. But the real challenge is which auction houses can survive the shift and stay in the market while developing a strong online presence. Only time will tell.

1972 De Tomaso Pantera

The wedge-shaped De Tomaso Pantera was an Italian mid-engine sports car produced from 1971 to 1992. Between 1972-1975 the Pantera was sold in America through Lincoln-Mercury dealers, with about 5,500 vehicles being sold. The 1972 De Tomaso Pantera featured a 5-speed manual transmission 351 Cleveland engine that produced 325 hp.

Ringbrothers’ Custom Creations

Mike and Jim Ring operate Ringbrothers in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Besides running a local body repair show for the area residents, they customize high-end classic cars that often show up at SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) and then hit the car show circuit. But check out their custom cars quickly, as the vehicles often are shipped out of the country to foreign buyers like this 1969 Charger.

1972 De Tomaso Pantera — ADRNLN

While working on this Pantera, a visit with Nike show designers inspires the Ringbrothers’ design, which includes a black leather driver’s seat and a yellow passenger seat. Prestone sponsored the award-winning car at the 2013 SEMA Show, which might explain the bright yellow, antifreeze-like hue.

The Ringbrothers replaced the engine with a fuel-injected Wegner Motorsports LS3 V8 engine that puts out 600 hp but kept the Bowler Performance Transmission’s prepped ZF 5-speed manual transmission.

They created an air scoop for the engine intake across the roof, flared out the wheel wells, and added some lightweight carbon fiber parts, including front cooling ducts for the Baer brakes. The ducts look similar to a Ford GT’s front-end design. The Ringbrothers also crafted fixed headlights to replace the hide-away stock fixtures.

Mike and Jim Ring emblazed ADRNLN lettering along the rear of the car. The car rides on HRE wheels and uses Flowmaster mufflers for a throaty sound.

The Ringbrothers used a custom suspension from the Roadster Shop, and the car now includes a rear-facing camera and monitor as well as a refreshed interior. A Corvette Z06 clutch and flywheel have been inserted for reliability as well.

Craig Jackson, CEO of Barrett-Jackson stated, “I could spend all day going through how many things have been customized on this. I got to say looking around it … the modern conveniences added to it, makes it a whole package.”

Barrett-Jackson Car Auction

The car sold in 2015 for $330,000 at a Barrett-Jackson auction to Richard Rawlings from Gas Monkey Garage. At that time, his winning bid set the record for the highest price paid at a public auction for a Pantera. The car was later exhibited at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles California in 2018. It surfaced again for the 2022 Barrett-Jackson car auction where it drew plenty of attention and bidders.

It was not clear if Rawlings was the seller or if the Pantera had been previously privately sold. On January 29, 2022, it rolled across the Barrett-Jackson stage where it again sold for $330,000 (all prices include a 10% buyer’s premium). It is unclear who is the buyer or the car’s final destination.

Hopefully, this Ringbrothers creation will continue to stay in the States.

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(Most car auctions charge a buyer’s premium, typically 10-15%, in addition to the final sales price. The auction houses usually also charge the seller a similar commission. A quick example; if a car’s final bid is $100,000 the seller only receives 90% of the final price or $90,000.  The buyer also pays the auction house a total of about $110,000. In this transaction for a $100,000 car, the auction house makes $20,000.)

2022 Barrett-Jackson Cup Competition

Barrett-Jackson originally invited 50 cars to compete for the cup, and the vehicles were all on display at the auction site in Scottsdale, Arizona on Saturday, January 22, 2022. The field was winnowed down to five cars.  The public is now invited to vote for their favorite to be crowned the “People’s Choice” award winner.

Besides the 1968 Chevorlet Camaro, the entries include a 1963½ Ford Galaxie, a 1965 Pontiac 2+2, a 1932 Ford Roadster, and a 1936 Ford Roadster. When co-owner of East Bay Muscle Cars, Laura Keefer, heard that the Camaro made the final cut, the news was emotional. “I was crying,” she said.

East Bay Muscle Cars

Laura runs East Bay Muscle Cars with her husband, Steve Keefer. In 2016, they were approached by Ryan Gates and tasked with building a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro for him. Gates had seen other cars built by the Keefers and appreciated their craftsmanship and slick pro-touring style. Once Gates dropped off a donor car, the build commenced.

Gates gave them free rein on what needed to be done, though the Keefers did consult with him on major portions of the build. Three years and 5,000 hours later, the Camaro, dubbed “Rhodium,” premiered at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in late 2019. There the car won the prestigious GM Design Award for innovative use of technology.

In January 2020, the Camaro journeyed to the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California where it won the award for the Pro Touring class. After COVID-19 canceled most car shows for the remainder of 2020, Gates took possession of the Camaro and put nearly 2,000 miles on the car.

For 2021, the Keefers again took the Camaro out to shows, winning the Goodguys Rod and Custom Association pick for America’s Most Beautiful. The Keefers were eventually contacted by representatives from Barrett-Jackson and asked to enter the Camaro into this year’s Barrett-Jackson Cup competition.

Steve Keefer stated that Gates is happy for the awards but especially happy that the shop is earning some notice for their workmanship and skill. Gates is, however, anxious to get the Camaro back so he can put more miles on the build.

1968 Chevrolet Camaro: Custom Mods

Steve noted that the Camaro was widened five inches and every body panel except the roof was modified by the shop. He said the front grille was particularly difficult to make. It consists of seven pieces of billet to include linear activated hideaway headlights, which are recessed, unlike a stock 68.

The Camaro rockets down the street thanks to the direct-injected LT4 which sports a ProCharger supercharger and is connected to a TREMEC T56 Magnum 6-speed transmission. The car is almost perfectly balanced with 51% of the weight at the rear and 49% on the front. The stance is enhanced by a custom chassis with independent rear suspension, via cantilevered 4-way shocks.

2022 Barrett-Jackson Cup Voting

Attendees at the auction have made positive comments on the build, some wondering if the car was for sale. When not checking out the “Rhodium” Camaro, they have had the chance to swing by the nearly 1,900 cars for sale and check out the many builds on display.

Steve and Laura felt all the cars in the competition were well done. Barrett-Jackson judges told the Keefers that they were impressed with the attention to detail and the pro-touring theme of the Camaro — but whether it can best its four competitors in the Barrett-Jackson people’s choice cup remains to be seen.  Now, all that’s left for the Keefers to do is wait for the Barrett-Jackson car enthusiasts to voice their opinions.

Japanese Domestic Market: Cars That Never Made it Stateside

Foreign automobile manufacturers have often produced cars that were not designed for import into the United States. Either the financial wizards felt the demand to be insufficient, or the cars would not meet federal safety and emission standards. In fact, so many cars were not imported from Japan that enthusiasts labeled the models JDM — Japanese Domestic Market. Regretfully these right-hand drive cars never made it onto American soil in their original manufacturing run.

Twenty-Five Year Rule Exception

Oh, there were loopholes and determined owners with deep pockets who got a car or two across the ocean. But, an easier way was to wait for the cars to age and be 25 years old.

The United States created a “25-year rule” that allows the cars to be legally imported without worrying about any federal standards after 25 years after manufacture. However, whether the cars could legally be registered in one of the fifty states for use on the road still depends on the specific state regulations.

Craig Seidel was one JDM enthusiast who was able to import some JDM cars to his home in South Dakota, either by following the 25-year rule or a more restrictive “show and display” exception to the import ban. In 2006, he bought his first Skyline, a NISMO R32.

Others followed into his possession. People were intrigued and enjoyed seeing the imports when he showed them at cars shows in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Ironically, Seidel started out as a truck guy but soon was taken with the JDM cars and their impact on others.

Founding RentJDM in Las Vegas

Siedel later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, and brought his car collection along. In March 2019, he discussed with friends how he could get others to see and appreciate his cars and decided to seek out rental options. Seidel was cautious though, as he recognized that most drivers have no experience with right-hand drive cars and tend to underestimate where the car is in a lane of traffic. A typical car rental of a valuable and rare JDM rental car was not an option due to liability and insurance issues.

In June 2019, he started RentJDM with a bit different business model. When COVID-19 struck, the tourist trade in Las Vegas slowed, and Siedel reanalyzed his business concept. He also discovered his business insurance had some liability issues, so he shifted his direction and now runs the company as a museum and a dealership. The company currently has a total of 37 cars on display with eleven available for rental use.

JDM Rental Ride Options

Rates vary depending on the car you choose, but for the entry price point, generally from $100 and up, you get a souvenir pin and a chance to ride shotgun as one of Seidel’s employees gives you a short 30-45 minute demo ride.

At the next price point, you get a key chain and can drive the car on a select route with an employee overseeing the “test drive.”

Or if you just want to see the cars in the museum, along with arcade games and some themed art, Seidel charges $10 a person, or $5 for local residents.

By riding in the JDM cars you can get a sense of the handling and acceleration. Plus users can confirm that they will fit comfortably in the cars. For some guests, that is all they seek, while others can return home and start efforts to find their own JDM car.

Seidel finds that his audience is varied. Teenagers and visitors in their 20s tend to know all about the JDMs and the vehicle’s backgrounds. Guests in their 40s remember seeing these cars in movies and want to see them in action. Regardless, all are in awe and appreciative when they can see and experience these rare (in North America) cars in person.

As more cars become eligible for import due to their age -remember that 25-year rule-, a chance to test drive a JDM rental can be a crucial element in an enthusiast’s quest to get behind the wheel of their very own JDM.

Insta360 Go 2 Review: 6 Things We Like

Insta360 was founded in 2015, and the company’s first offering was a 360-degree camera. The brand has since expanded to offer a variety of professional and consumer cameras, including the compact but mighty Insta360 Go 2. Here are a few key features that stood out about this action camera.

Size

The camera is small — really small. It could easily be mistaken for some thumb drives, measuring in at approximately 2″ by 1″ by 0.8″ and weighing less than one ounce. You don’t want an action camera to take up too much storage space and the Inst360 GO 2 camera is definitely compact. It would be hard to spot on a windshield and could be easily mounted to a fender.

The beauty of the camera and the mounting options is that, while still visible, the camera is less obvious and intrusive. Mount a GoPro camera to your chest, and everybody will notice it. The Go 2, on the other hand, is much more subtle.

Recording Options

The camera offers a variety of recording modes including standard video and photo modes plus Pro Video, HDR Video, Time Shift, TimeLapse, and Slow Mo options.

The Pro Video mode gives you the most post-processing options and includes Flow State stabilization. If you shoot in Pro Video mode it does have to be processed with Insta360’s editing tools before sharing. Most of the time I shot in the Pro Video mode to keep my editing options open after the recording was done.

Time Shift compresses the video, more than the standard time-lapse, clicking a frame as slow as once every two minutes. If you want a quick video to instantly share with friends or post on your social media, the standard video mode will do the trick.

Accessories

The camera comes with a variety of accessories, the most important being a charge case. The case’s battery can also act as an ancillary power source for the camera. The camera alone will record for about 20 minutes (in Pro Video mode), but in the charge case that bumps up to 110 minutes.

As you might expect, standard video recording gives you slightly more recording time. The case also includes a small OLED display to confirm your shooting mode. Plus it has two buttons to change the recording selection options and to start/stop recording.

The case can double as a remote control if you remove the camera from its magnetic mount. It also has two “legs” that pull out to form a handy tripod to assist with your recording angles. The bottom also has a standard 1/4″ tripod mount hole if you want to mount it onto an existing tripod system. I was pleased to see how well designed this setup was.

The company also includes an Easy Clip that attaches to a ball cap brim for hands-free recording. Though it might not be used too often, a hands-free mount is a neat option.

The included Pivot Stand has a sticky adhesive back that can be mounted on a windshield or dashboard and easily removed when done. Because the unit has a pivoting head, you can adjust the recording angle on the fly.

The final accessory is a magnetic pendant that you can wear under your clothing. The magnet is strong enough to hold the camera through a shirt and allows for a first-person point-of-view shooting angle.

Surprisingly, the unit does not come with an actual power plug, so you will need to purchase a power plug separately to charge both the camera and the charging case.

Editing Options

The company offers stand-alone editing software, Insta360 Studio 2021, for your computer. If you download the video to your phone via their app, Insta360, there are also some down and dirty easy edits via FlashCut that can be performed as well. Since the standard videos are MP4 format, you can also use any other editing software you are familiar with.

Stabilization

The normal in-camera stabilization is decent but will still show some jerky movements when you are moving around. However, when shooting in the Pro Video mode, the FlowState compensation is a huge improvement. It features horizon stabilization as well. So if you rotate the camera, it still keeps a level horizon—a helpful feature.

Waterproof

The camera is IPX8 waterproof to 13 feet when using the included lens guard. The lens guard also provides protection from scratches for the actual lens. I have frequently taken it into a swimming pool this summer with no issues. Note that the charge case is not weatherproof, just the camera.

Drawbacks to the Insta360 GO 2 Camera

With any piece of equipment, you have to make some compromises, adjustments, and offsets. The Insta360 Go 2 has some definite issues that you’ll want to take into consideration before purchasing.

No display

The advantage of a small unit comes with a huge price — no viewfinder or display. This can be offset if you connect the camera wirelessly to your phone via the Insta360 app. Your phone can then serve as a remote control as well. You can even download the videos to your phone for some quick edits.

Just be aware that you will need to leave some buffer space around the edges to get the image you want within the frame. After a few uses, you’ll get experience knowing what your camera is capturing, but I strongly suggest using the app to ensure you are getting your desired shot.

Storage

The storage is listed at 32 GB, and, like most units, you lose a bit for internal files and end up with about 28GB for videos or photos. There is no option to expand your storage. The only way to handle storage in the field would be to move the files to your phone, but the transfer times can be turtle slow. Of course, at the end of a shoot, you can transfer the files to your PC or laptop.

The maximum length of any one recording clip is 10 minutes in Pro Video mode and 15 minutes in standard video mode. So if you are wanting to capture a long video of your car doing a road course with multiple laps, this may be a deal-breaker.

4K Format

At its highest resolution, the Insta360 GO 2 camera records in 1440p with up to 50 frames per second, optional at 1080p. There are plenty of cameras that shoot at 4K resolution, but, frankly, the quality of some of these 4K recordings is questionable.

Often you will downsize the format anyway when sharing on social media, and when viewed on most phones or iPads, you should be happy with the on-the-screen look. If you demand 4K resolution for all your videos this is another deal-breaker.

Insta360 Go 2: A Versatile Action Camera

Action cameras are a great way to share your motorsport experience with others. Point of view videos help share the excitement and feelings of being behind the wheel. If you are looking for a super compact camera for high-resolution photos or short videos the Insta360 Go 2 could fit the bill.

The camera retails for around $300, and for what it offers, it is competitive in both options and price point.

CHECK FOR PRICE

Nothing mars the appearance of a car more than seeing deep swirls and micro-scratches in the paint finish. You spend hours polishing and perfecting the paint finish. After waxing or adding sealant you think you are good to go, but weeks later swirls have returned to the car’s finish. Park in the sun or under a bright light and those swirl marks are glaring. Most likely it is your drying regimen that is causing the swirls but there is an easy remedy.

Drying your car is the last step when washing a car and is the most critical part to ensure that the car is left spot-free without swirls or micro-scratches. Without proper care, the drying of a car can induce swirls and water spots to blemish the final look. For years many detailers have used expensive air dryers to dry their customers’ cars, but now you can produce the same results at home, using of all things – an electric leaf blower.

Leaf Blower For Car Drying Method

Generally, when a car is finally rinsed off, despite all the waxes and sealants you may have applied, water will still be left standing. Worse, water tends to seep out over time from collection points, including mirrors and trim pieces.

In the worst case, rust can develop over time. In the past, detailers used chamois to dry off the car and others swore by cloth diapers. When microfibers crashed the scene, various fluffy concoctions became the rage. But despite the best care and precautions, any dirt particle caught in the drying material could produce those ugly swirl marks.

Detailers Solution

Detailers seeking a better solution migrated to the Metro Vac Air Force Master Blaster as one solution.  This blower, generated from two fans, pushed heated air at over 5,000 linear feet per minute to thoroughly dry the car, truck, or motorcycle without ever touching the vehicle. A hose could reach all the nooks and crannies that trapped water and blow them away. The unit could even dry the rims and lug nuts of a car effortlessly.

If you knew where to look, the blower could also push out all those secret pools of water that if left unattended eventually seeped out and left water spots on the sheet metal. But at nearly $400 this “must-have tool” often is left on the wish list.

But don’t despair. The common, ordinary leaf blower can double as your car dryer with a similar effect.  Most leaf blowers come with a variety of outputs and many can easily do double duty. But the use of a leaf blower does come with some precautions.

Cautions When Using a Leaf Blower For Car Drying

Many leaf blowers have the option of converting to a leaf vacuum. They suck up the debris and collect it into a cloth bag for disposal. This means there is a slight risk that when reversing the unit to blow instead of vacuum, some remaining debris might dislodge and shoot out onto the car. So I would recommend either having a unit solely dedicated for vehicle use or not use the vacuum option on the leaf blower while landscaping.

Another concern among users is that if you have a gasoline-powered unit, that trace amounts of fuel and oil might get blown onto the car, which of course defeats the purpose of washing the car. For that reason, we only recommend electric leaf blowers, either battery or corded.

Things to Look For in a Leaf Blower For Car Detailing

The blowers produce a lot of air that comes out of a nozzle. The smaller the nozzle the more focused the air is when drying the vehicle. Since these outlets are usually plastic, consider zip-tying a soft, rubber hose around the outside of the nozzle. That way if you accidentally get too close to the car, the rubber hose will cushion the contact and prevent damage to the car.

The use of a blower will speed up your drying time but remember you will still be holding the blower for a few minutes. So look for a unit that is balanced, easy to handle with cushioned grips, and lightweight. Some opt to use ear protection, but since it’s battery-powered, usually have the unit down low and away from your head, and only use it for a limited time it shouldn’t cause any hearing issues.

Generally speaking, the corded leaf blowers will have the more powerful motors and you could use the blower on multiple cars in succession. A battery-operated unit should have sufficient capacity to dry even a large, older station wagon but you might need a spare battery pack if you intend on doing multiple vehicles in a row.

You can also use the blower to blow debris out of the trunk and carpets if you wish. The common electric leaf blower is truly a multi-purpose tool!

Best Leaf Blowers For Car Detailing

The Original: Lamborghini Countach LP400

The Lamborghini Countach LP400 roared onto the supercar scene in 1971. The Lambo was immediately eye-catching with its horizontally hinged scissor doors that lifted out and up for entry. The original Countach LP400 came with a 3.9L V12 engine that made 370 hp. Over the years, five models of the Countach were produced by Lamborghini.

The Countach’s were not originally offered for import into the United States, as they did not meet safety and emissions requirements. This changed with the 1985 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole. Some earlier years of the Countach also make it to the States thanks to individuals who imported them and then retrofitted them to meet U.S. standards.

1979 Lamborghini Countach Stars in “The Cannonball Run”

It didn’t take long for the Lamborghini Countach to become a fabled supercar — the kind that automotive enthusiasts hung posters of around their garage. But in the pre-Internet era, avid fans had to settle for short articles in car magazines and an occasional photo in a luxury car feature to get their Countach fix.

Luckily for Lamborghini lovers, the 1981 comedy film “The Cannonball Run” starring Burt Reynolds, allowed viewers some more intimate footage of the fabled Countach. The film was loosely based on Brock Yates’ Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash coast-to-coast race. In the film, the black 1979 Lamborghini Countach LP400S was driven by two women in the race.

Cannonball Countach Inducted Into National Historic Vehicle Register

It seems fitting that the 1979 Lamborghini Countach that was a major “actor” in the 1981 film “The Cannonball Run” was recently selected by the Hagerty Drivers Foundation as the 30th entry into the National Historic Vehicle Register, a registry that preserves and showcases cars that are deemed historically significant.

This 1979 Lamborghini Countach has gone through only three owners and was restored to its filmed condition with a tan interior. It even features a front wing that was the car’s “bumper” to allow its legal use in the United States. It also sports a few extra CB antennas as seen in the film.

This 1979 Countach has the 4L V12 engine rated at 353 hp and matched up to a 5-speed manual transmission — an engine that added considerably to the soundtrack of the 1981 film. It currently sits at only 26,000 kilometers, or slightly over 16,000 miles.

Hybrid Coming Soon: Countach LPI 800-4

The recently-introduced Countach hybrid will come with a rear-mounted 6.5L V12 and a 48-volt electric motor offering 800 amps of additional power. A 7-speed transmission and all-wheel drive allow for 0-62 mph in a neck-snapping 2.8 seconds. The top speed is expected to be around 221 mph. The carbon fiber body rests on a carbon fiber monocoque with aluminum front and rear frames. Only 112 of these supercars will be produced with an expected price tag of over $2 million.

The car relies on the Lamborghini Sian for its hybrid engine. Uniquely, it utilizes a supercapacitor for its electrical storage instead of a lithium-ion battery which means the 2021 Countach can store ten times more energy. A four-wheel steering system and active steering suspension allow for a stable and agile ride.

Though we might not see this new Countach at our local cars and coffee event, it seems fitting that Lamborghini resurrected the nameplate on the 50^th anniversary. The Countach of the ’70s set a high bar for styling and performance. And it seems this new version continues that tradition.

(Photos courtesy of Preston Rose- Hagerty and Lamborghini)