Looking Out From the Garage: April 2010

The series isn't called Busch Grand National anymore.  It hasn't been for a few years...  But the name has stuck to the controversy like sticky tires on a track... 

Buschwacking...

What it boils down to is that many of the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) regulars are also NASCAR Sprint Cup (NSCS) regulars.  In fact, of the top 10 NNS drivers in the standings today, 7 are also racing in the NSCS.  Four of the top five. 

Why shouldn't they dominate the standings?  Aside from not making it to several races each season because they are at different venues on the same weekeds...  So, even though they don't run all of the races, they still tend to dominate the top rungs. 

Some would argue that this gives the 'up and coming' drivers a chance to run with the big dogs.  And that is absolutely true.  I would not try to dispute that running against top ranked drivers is good for the other NNS drivers.  However, I also think it is disadvantageous as well.  Just as it would be tough for a team of college hockey players to play against NHL players as a 'learning experience'. 

And another thing...

For the teams and drivers that compete in both series, they have more track time and more tuning time.  The cars are similar (they are different, but mant of the same driving and tuning technologies apply to both).  So, the drivers that compete in both series tend to be closer to the top of the NSCS points, too... 

But there is an undisputable service the NSCS Drivers provide in NNS...

They are a draw.  Fans want to see them race more, so they follow a series they otherwise might not follow.  It helps the sponsors... many of the NSCS sponsors field cars in both series, too...  And it makes TV coverage more likely. And there is a cost savings for the teams, since the programs can be kind of parallel.

But I have an idea...

I don't want to kill Buschwacking, but I do want to hurt it a little bit.  Just a little...  Maybe make it less attractive to the drivers in both series.  Maybe make it a little less attractive to the teams in both series. 

• Drivers that start more than 1/2 of the NSCS races lose points eligibility for the NNS Championship. 
  

This would mean that the drivers are doing it only because they want the seat time and really enjoy racing in that series... 

• It would be a Pony Car series...  Mustangs, Challengers and Camaros duking it out on the ovals. 
  

I saw a LOT of Camaros, Challengers and Mustangs in the parking lot.  The fans LOVE muscle cars.  Why not connect with the fans by letting them watch "their cars" race. The cars could still be tube frame race cars, like the current machines...

• Require up to 5.0L production based engines with fuel injection.  

One of the things that NASCAR detractors complain about is the push-rod with old school carbs.  I don't think that NASCAR needs to try to satisfy all of the detractors, but I do think that the technology needs to advance a little more. 

This would also fix a complaint with the NSCS cars...

They all look alike.  The have the same transmission and rear end... In fact, aside from the engines and a little front sheet metal, the cars are almost identical.  Too generic. 

These guys could be very non-generic... 

What do you think?

Today was a NASCAR kind of day.  My Friend Pat Johnson, of Rugged Ridge, had a spare ticket (provided by one of his customers, Jack Lancaster, owner of Tellico 4x4) for the race at Talladega Super Speedway.  We did a fairly fast road trip/race day...  On the way about 7:00 this morning and back home by 10:00 this evening. 

But all of that is only to set a stage... 

During the race, we were listening to the race communications between some drivers and crews.  It is really fun to hear what is going on behind the scenes.  It is also traditional for fans at NASCAR events to be able to listen to everything from the teams to race control... even the back channels of the TV and radio broadcasts are publically accessible. 

While we were listening to one of my favorite teams (Kurt Busch - #2 Miller Lite Dodge), Kurt let out a dirty word... in frustration.  It was kind of pointy...  And it isn't the first time that a driver has said something that they probably wish they hadn't said...  In fact, it isn't Kurt's first time at that dance.  Last week there was a heated exchange on the radio with his boss.  Some inside NASCAR thought that perhaps the communications should be made private. 

Fans didn't like it. 

The fans like to hear what the drivers have to say... even when it isn't family friendly...  Perhaps with a little more discretion.  But THEY want to make the decision as to whether or not the communications are suitable.  For them... for their children. 

Frankly, I think this comment was superfluous.  But there have been a few other times when comments using some of the same words were NOT superfluous.  They were hilarious.  They were insightful. 

They help to humanize the experience...

From drivers joking with their crews as the travel 190+mph around the track to broadcasters talking about where to go to dinner after the race, while on a commercial break.  From drivers apologizing to their crew for mistakes on the track to NASCAR officials joking about running out on the track during a caution to pick up debris. 

Aside from providing entertainment for the fans, the drivers, crews, broadcasters and officials have families and lives.  They make mistakes and they have little triumphs along the way. 

Isn't that kind of like us when we interact on social networks?  Just thinking... 

BTW, Thank you Pat and Jack.  I had a great time.

Image by Chad Horwedel via Flickr

I am NOT a Corvette guy… that said, I love the 63-67 Vettes.  I love the looks of both the convertible and the coupe… and the performance is pretty reasonable for the era.  But of course, car guys want more performance.  And as technology advances, more power gets squeezed out of the engines.

The performance of the current generation of Corvette has astounding performance.  The ZR-1 can run with just about anything… even cars that cost 4 or 5 times as much.  Ferraris and Lamborghinis have to watch the rear-view mirror for ZR-1s…

But imagine the surprise of a supercar owner if the rapidly growing speck in the rear-view mirror was an old Corvette… perhaps that ‘63 Split Window Coupe…  Of course, even a stock big-block powered vintage Vette is not going to have that kind of thrust.  And it would be SCARY at the kinds of speeds the new ones can handle without drama.

Image by Chad Horwedel via Flickr

Drop in the 6.2L LS9, with its 638hp and 602 lb-ft of torque.  Back it up with the 6 speed transmission… but more importantly, squeeze the entire suspension from the ZR-1 under the vintage Corvette.  It would require a LOT of work.  In fact, I think that the entire car would need to be a bit wider to accommodate the suspension and the seriously wide tires.

Come to think of it, I would bet that the car would HAVE to have a roll cage just for the additional structural rigidity.  Actually… might just want to build a whole new body from carbon fiber for more strength and rigidity, less weight and the cool factor (skip paint… see the carbon fiber).  There might have to be a few tweaks to make it aerodynamically stable at speeds over 150mph.

Sound like fun?  I’d love to take that out for a spin or three…

Related articles by Zemanta

• 3 Cars That Signal the World (Pt. 2) (lanebailey.com)
• Lane’s 10 Best New American Cars (lanebailey.com)

I was pondering this, while my buyer's inspector was prodding around a property.  Moments before, I had talked with the sellers briefly as they packed up their child in order to disappear for a while.

The sellers were very nice people, and I'm sure we would have had fun hanging out and talking about our kids and such while the inspector visited parts of their home they had never likely seen themselves.  But they had alternate plans for the morning... and that was cool, too.  I knocked out a few emails... and pondered. 

Should Sellers attend the Buyer's Inspection?

There are some very good reasons that sellers might want to be there... and a popular reason that the sellers and their agent often skip it...  And there are a couple of reasons that buyers would object, and a reason or two that buyers might welcome the sellers at the inspection. 

One thing to get out of the way...  The inspection is generally the property of the buyer.  They don't have to share it with the sellers (except if they are using it to ask for something from the sellers).  Since the buyer contracts it and pays for it, they own it and can choose to use or not use the info.  I have had buyers sell the inspection, or even give the inspection, to the seller if they chose not to pursue the property.  But there isn't a requirement... 

Why shouldn't a Seller be at an inspection?

Like I said, from the perspective of the seller (or their agent) the popular reason is "deniability".  If they are there, any defect they become aware of has to be disclosed.  I have been told by more than one agent that they wouldn't look at any inspection and didn't even want to hear it discussed... especially REO agents. 

And if the home in question has deferred maintenance, or is older, there will likely be some things the seller doesn't want to hear.  And in some cases, the sellers aren't really prepared to hear that something they have gotten used to is actually a real problem. 

From the Buyer's perspective, the seller knowing that the home is in great shape with no real issues can impact their negotiating position for dealing with anything did come up.

But there are reasons a Seller might want to be there...

For a seller with a newer home... especially one in great shape, being there can be a great thing.  They get to hear from the inspector that everything looks ok.  Even if they don't get the report, they will have an idea of what the buyer is going to hear. 

For a seller with an open mind and a little emotional detachment, the inspection can be an eye opener.  And if the deal falls through, they will have a very good idea of why.  They will also be in a better position to deal with the issues that could derail a future deal. 

My favorite reason for a seller to be at the buyer's inspection is that, if the buyer asks for a repair or other concession, they have a much better idea of exactly what the inspector found objectionable. 

I have been to a lot of inspections, some as a representative of the buyer, others on behalf of the seller.  I have had sellers that attended, and buyers that didn't want to attend.  I have had buyer's agents that were shock I was there, and some that were thankful. 

What it boils down to is that I feel the seller and their agent need to decide if the seller or the agent should be at the inspection based on the personality of the seller and the condition of the property.  They shouldn't let tradition get in the way of the best business decision.  And sellers do have a right to have a representative at the inspection.  It IS still their property.  However, neither the seller, nor their agent has the right to listen in on any private conversation between the buyer, their agent and their inspector... 

Overall, it is a great learning opportunity for the seller or their agent. 

The First Time Home Buyer & Move-Up Buyer Tax Credits are slated to end unless a property is under contract two weeks from tomorrow.  I don’t see another extension this time.  Even the NAR isn’t pushing for it this time. (Active Military have an extra year to get the credit…)

Image by Steve Kay via Flickr

Because there is still a little time, I thought I would share a few posts about the tax credits… and a couple of other cool programs available.

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit… Extended and Expanded

Groovy Site for First Time Home Owners…

Is this the time to buy your first house?

A (very) Quick Rundown of Some Current Buyer Programs

Do you have a Dream? Georgia has a Dream… for Buyers!

Are you a Home Buyer? Don’t Forget This…

I hope that some of these are useful for you.

A couple of years ago I wrote a post about my wish list for garages.  This stuff isn’t rocket science, but it also seems to escape most builders…  There are a few out there that hit a few of these things, but it is a rarity to see a garage in a newer home that has all of these touches.

I’ve actually written a lot of posts about making garages better, both for builders and renovators.  (Keep in mind that I’m not a builder… I’m a user.  I USE my garage, like many of my clients).

So,  take a look and let me know what you think.

Related articles by Zemanta

• 7 Things the Builder forgot to put in Your Garage… (lanebailey.com)
• 5 Steps to make your Garage Cool… (lanebailey.com)
• Wayback Wednesday… Increasing Value (lanebailey.com)

I wrote a post a couple of years ago this week about my son and his ice skating lessons.  He was having issues bending his knees... which had been brought about partially by the type of skates he started with.  When he changed from rental figure skates to hockey skates, he was keeping the old (bad) habit he had relied upon.

Image by lane.bailey via Flickr

It wasn't working out for him.  He had to unlearn the bad habits and learn a new way to skate.  Eric Bolton of the Atlanta Thrashers gave him some tips each week, and loads of encouragement.  He also had lessons from a couple of the coaches at the Duluth Ice Forum, including Coach Krystal... one of his favorites.  He also really enjoyed skating with Coach Jenny.

Now, two years later, he has been playing hockey since July, 2008.  He even bends his knees.  He loves skating, and really likes playing hockey.  His movements aren't perfect (he is still not 6 years old...) but his skating habits are good and he gets better with time on the ice.

The original article ties the story back to real estate agents and marketing...  It is an interesting read.

from LaneBailey.com

Partially inspired by a comment from my friend Jason Crouch on another post, I thought I would talk about a little of my "car upbringing". 

Jason commented: "Lane - I've never been a car guy, mainly because I never had anyone to teach me about cars when I was growing up. Wanna be my dad?"

My dad wwasn't a car guy... I actually pushed him in the right direction though, and we restored a couple of Thunderbirds together (a '62 and a '66), but he didn't start out that way.  It took me until college to get him that far. 

But growing up, I had a few mentors that really fostered my love and enjoyment of cars. 

The first was Jack A. Jones.  He was a deacon at my church, and a retired welder... and a serious car guy.  Jack did all of the fleet maintenance for the church and the daycare my mother managed.  But he also did a lot of my 'pre-driving' maintenance.  I used to break the frame of my bike pretty regularly.  After a while, Jack had welded up all of my breaks and my bike was solid as a rock. 

When I got my first car ('73 Mustang), Jack helped me rebuild the carb and go through the brake system to make sure it was safe.  When it wouldn't start, Jack came over to help me troubleshoot.  He seldom did the work for me, but instead, he told me how and (more importantly) WHY the car's systems worked the way they did. 

And then I started getting the bug to modify it...  Jack was a stock kind of guy, so he hooked me up with his son, Jack L. Jones.  To all that knew (and still know) him, he was Vonn.  Jack was just about old enough to be my father... he had a kid about my age... but we related very well.  And his garages was a 1 car candy store.  He had engines and speed parts and magazines.  And like his father, he was always willing to help, and explained the hows and whys of hot rodding. 

He launched me into the world of invisible high performance Fords and Mercurys... like Shelbys, Marauders, Lightweight Galaxies and Thunderbolts.  He explained powertrains and how everything was connected. 

Vonn also had a pretty substantial rolodex.  He had a lot of 'car guy' friends, and was willing to set me up with whomever I needed.  Engine builders, racers, suspension designers...  He had gone to high school with them or dated their sisters when he was younger.  He was also a welder, and through his industrial contacts, he had more access to people that I ever would have thought possible. 

I have been truly blessed to have been befriended by Jack and Vonn.  They were able to channel my energies and likely kept me out of a lot of trouble. 

Maybe we should all be a little like the Jones guys...

Getting youngsters involved in the car hobby is a great way to keep them so broke they can't afford out of trouble.

It's the sensation that is sweeping the nation... OK, it is just sweeping Atlanta's northern arc...

Social Media Breakfast - Atlanta. 

Each month, on the 3rd and 4th Thursday, we get together to talk about responsible and ethical ways to leverage social networking for business.  From FaceBook Fan pages to Twitter, Foursquare and Posterous, we are touching on all of the newest and best ways to connect with our clients and customers. 

Northwest...

Ken Cook leads the Northwest crowd on the 3rd Thursday in Cobb County.  For April, FourSquare was on the menu, and James Ball (Hello North GA) was the featured speaker.  For more information about the Northwest Events, check out Ken's link. 

Northeast/Central

I help put together events for the central and northeast suburbs.  We meet on the 4th Thursday.  Events are announced on the FaceBook Fan Page.  For April, we will be talking about measurement and analyzing traffic.  If you can't measure it and see where it is coming from, it doesn't exist.  The April event will be at the Atlanta Bread Company near Perimeter Mall. 

We'd love to have you join us on Thursday, April 22nd from 8:00 to 10:00am at the Atlanta Bread Company.  We socialize and pick up breakfast around 8:00 and the program begins at 8:30.  After 9:30, we socialize and network a little more.

I couldn't help myself... I've been kicking this one around for a while now.  Video Sunday has become kind of boring... video is everywhere... it isn't new anymore.
But these cars aren't old... ok, some of them might be old, but they haven't been floating around.  In fact, they may only exist in my head.  It would be fun to be able to just build street rods, off-road rigs, resto-mods and concept cars all of the time.  Not 'customer cars', fitting THEIR ideas and desires, but my own.

So I'm going to do it, if only in writing.

For my First Trick...

The first one is going to be where I left off with 101 Cars.  My 1971 Jeepster Commando.  It is a collection of parts, new and old, that will make something quite different than the individual parts may suggest.

Image by lane.bailey via Flickr

There are a lot of details to be worked out, but other details have been cemented for months.  The biggest thing that hasn't been decided is the theme.  I go back and forth...

• Wrangler Sahara - The 1992 Jeep that is providing the front clip was a Sahara Edition.  I have the full interior, and could easily paint it a Sahara only color, add the correct stripes and use the 1992 interior...
• Wrangler Moab - Nope, Jeep didn't make one... I would be dreaming it up.  It would be themed like Moab is themed, with Kokopelli and other regional symbols, as well as the color combinations, etc.
• Military - The wheels are HMMWV 12 bold beadlocks.  I have a bunch of military details (black-out lights and military switches) floating around the garage.  It could be a military vehicle that was never made for the military.
• Bahn Burner - I like gray...  and having a selection of grays for the colors would be kind of cool.  I don't think it will be right for this project, though...
• Retro - It would look cool looking old.  Faded paint and a logo on the door.  Give it some patina...

I don't know which way it is going to go.

Any input?