Are you looking for a new sport to enjoy? If you are, you may be interested in watching a few NASCAR races, either live and in-person or on television. After awhile, you may even find yourself becoming a full fledge NASCAR fan.
Although NASCAR is a sport that is relatively easy to learn the ropes of, many new fans are still left with questions. One of the most commonly questions asked is “which driver should I support and why?” Although there are over thirty NASCAR drivers to choose from, some are much more well known and popular than others. To help you learn more about the sport of racing, as well as the professionals behind the wheel, a few popular NASCAR drivers and a few of their accomplishments are highlighted below.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has, perhaps, the most recognized name currently involved in the sport of racing. Although most of his popularity is attributed to the success of his late father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Earnhardt Jr. has more than made a name for himself. With seventeen career wins at the end of the 2007 race season, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a NASCAR driver that most fans have their eyes on.
Known for his good looks and charm, especially with female fans, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is most well known as the driver of the number 8 Budweiser machine; however, that all changes in 2008. Due to a team change, Junior will now be the driver of the number 88, with main sponsors of Mountain Dew Amp and the National Guard.
Jeff Gordon is another popular NASCAR driver. In fact, his name is also a common household name. Jeff Gordon blew, literally, on the racing circuit in the 1990s and saw success almost immediately. In fact, many NASCAR drivers wished that they saw the success that Jeff Gordon did when he first started racing.
Jeff Gordon is driver of the number 24 DuPont and Pepsi machine. He is a driver for the ever successful Hendrick Motorsports. With six championship wins at the end of the 2007 season, Jeff Gordon has shows no sign of stopping, in terms of achieving the ultimate level of success.
Jimmie Johnson is another well known and successful NASCAR driver who is a part of the Hendrick Motorsports team. Jimmie Johnson is the holder of the 2006 NASCAR championship. As with many other NASCAR drivers, Johnson got his start with racing on an amateur level at a young age. His choice of vehicle was motorcycles, which according to the NASCAR website, he started racing at the age of four!
Mark Martin, although much older in age and wiser in maturity than that of many of today’s most popular NASCAR drivers, is still popular in his own right. For many NASCAR fans, especially those who have followed the sport since the early 1990’s, Martin is a driver that many all known and love. At the end of the 2007 season, Mark Martin has a total thirty-five career wins. Perhaps, most well known for his days in behind the wheel of the Valvoline machine, Martin will spend 2008 driving for Team D.E.I.
Kasey Kahne is another up and coming NASCAR driver that is gaining the attention of fans. In 2004, Kahne raced in all three NASCAR series, including NASCAR, BUSCH, and the Craftsman Truck Series. With Dale Earnhardt Jr. changing teams, Kasey Kahne and his 9 car have acquired the sponsorship of Budweiser, which is a move that is sure to increase his exposure, as well as his fan base.
Additional NASCAR drivers worth the mention include Greg Biffle, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, and Bobby Labonte, just to name a few. If you would like to learn more about these drivers, you are advised to turn to the internet. On the official website for NASCAR, which is located at www.nascar.com, you can review driver profiles and stats. Additional information can easily be found with a standard internet search.
As previously stated, the above mentioned NASCAR drivers are just a few of the many professional racers who love their jobs and are good at what they do. With over thirty NASCAR drivers to choose from, you, as a new NASCAR racing fan, are sure to find at least one driver who captivates your interest.
***Are you want get money fast online and want to know how to get it....follow the link below for more information:
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Friday, 22 April 2011
The Facts - Problems and Disadvantages of Hybrid Cars By Jeff Carey
Pros and Cons of Hybrid Cars
Get ready for some sticker shock.
One common complaint about hybrid cars is their initial price. According to Cars.com, the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new model year hybrids ranges from $21,100 (Toyota Prius) to $104,000 (Lexus LS 600h). Adding all the hybrid technology to a vehicle is expensive, and some of that extra cost is passed on to consumers. As an example, the new Toyota Camry is available in several trim levels ranging from about $20,000 for the LE version to more than $25,000 for the hybrid Camry. The Honda Civic starts at $15,000 (DX) while the hybrid version will set you back at least $22,600.
So, yes, if you are low on cash right now, the extra cost of going green could be the deal breaker. At the same time, it is important to consider the long-term savings associated with a hybrid when making a buying decision. While the gas-only Camry is getting around 21 miles per gallon in the city, the hybrid version gets about 33 MPG. That could mean that shelling out the extra $5,000 now could save you a bundle in fuel costs over the long-run. Resale value is also better for the hybrid model.
Burning through batteries
Another disadvantage of buying a hybrid are potential problems that could occur with their expensive batteries. Because hybrid technology relies heavily on the electric battery within the car, buyers are often concerned that these types of batteries will need to be replaced more often than would a standard, 12 volt battery.
Fortunately, the nickel metal hydride batteries in hybrid cars charge themselves when the car is not using the electric power supplied by them. By avoiding draining the batteries, studies have shown that these batteries normally last just as long as those of a standard vehicle. Hybrid vehicle manufacturers also include warranties to cover these batteries for 80,000-100,000 miles. You can learn more about the warranties on different hybrid models here.
Is my footprint truly green?
Hybrid vehicle technology is complex and therefore it requires many resources devoted to its production. This means that the factories producing hybrid cars are likely creating just as much, if not more pollution than factories that build non-hybrid vehicles.
On the other hand, the impact of those hybrids once they are on the road is much less than that of standard vehicles, thereby decreasing their overall, negative environmental impact. So, while buying and driving a hybrid does not free you from pollution and CO2 emissions, it does lessen the negative effects.
Am I safe in a hybrid car?
Two features that allow a hybrid to be so fuel-efficient, the electric technology and lighter weight of the vehicle, are cause for concern for some potential buyers. For example, the high voltage required by a hybrid car's battery could prove dangerous in a collision if wires are exposed. Also, the light weight of some hybrids may concern potential buyers who fear these types of cars would not fare well in a collision. Check out the safety rating of most hybrid cars here or review hybrid SUV safety here.
Other disadvantages, issues, potential problems, and drawbacks to hybrid vehicles include their lack of availability, slower acceleration, brake noise & feel, the fact that some may be "too quiet", and lack of choice - as most car models are not yet being built as hybrids.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Carey
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5983999
***Are you want get money fast online and want to know how to get it....follow the link below for more information:
Get ready for some sticker shock.
One common complaint about hybrid cars is their initial price. According to Cars.com, the Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for new model year hybrids ranges from $21,100 (Toyota Prius) to $104,000 (Lexus LS 600h). Adding all the hybrid technology to a vehicle is expensive, and some of that extra cost is passed on to consumers. As an example, the new Toyota Camry is available in several trim levels ranging from about $20,000 for the LE version to more than $25,000 for the hybrid Camry. The Honda Civic starts at $15,000 (DX) while the hybrid version will set you back at least $22,600.
So, yes, if you are low on cash right now, the extra cost of going green could be the deal breaker. At the same time, it is important to consider the long-term savings associated with a hybrid when making a buying decision. While the gas-only Camry is getting around 21 miles per gallon in the city, the hybrid version gets about 33 MPG. That could mean that shelling out the extra $5,000 now could save you a bundle in fuel costs over the long-run. Resale value is also better for the hybrid model.
Burning through batteries
Another disadvantage of buying a hybrid are potential problems that could occur with their expensive batteries. Because hybrid technology relies heavily on the electric battery within the car, buyers are often concerned that these types of batteries will need to be replaced more often than would a standard, 12 volt battery.
Fortunately, the nickel metal hydride batteries in hybrid cars charge themselves when the car is not using the electric power supplied by them. By avoiding draining the batteries, studies have shown that these batteries normally last just as long as those of a standard vehicle. Hybrid vehicle manufacturers also include warranties to cover these batteries for 80,000-100,000 miles. You can learn more about the warranties on different hybrid models here.
Is my footprint truly green?
Hybrid vehicle technology is complex and therefore it requires many resources devoted to its production. This means that the factories producing hybrid cars are likely creating just as much, if not more pollution than factories that build non-hybrid vehicles.
On the other hand, the impact of those hybrids once they are on the road is much less than that of standard vehicles, thereby decreasing their overall, negative environmental impact. So, while buying and driving a hybrid does not free you from pollution and CO2 emissions, it does lessen the negative effects.
Am I safe in a hybrid car?
Two features that allow a hybrid to be so fuel-efficient, the electric technology and lighter weight of the vehicle, are cause for concern for some potential buyers. For example, the high voltage required by a hybrid car's battery could prove dangerous in a collision if wires are exposed. Also, the light weight of some hybrids may concern potential buyers who fear these types of cars would not fare well in a collision. Check out the safety rating of most hybrid cars here or review hybrid SUV safety here.
Other disadvantages, issues, potential problems, and drawbacks to hybrid vehicles include their lack of availability, slower acceleration, brake noise & feel, the fact that some may be "too quiet", and lack of choice - as most car models are not yet being built as hybrids.
| Jeff Carey is a green vehicle enthusiast who manages a portfolio of more than 60 hybrid and electric blogs. Learn more and subscribe to his monthly newsletter at Hybrid Kingdom. |
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Carey
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5983999
***Are you want get money fast online and want to know how to get it....follow the link below for more information:
Alfa Romeo - An Italian Classic By Claire S Nguyen
The Alfa Romeo is for many synonymous with classy and expensive sports car and the Italian car manufacturer founded in 1906 still makes sports car with the Spider and the 8C Competizone as two of their better known models. Today the manufacturer is owned by Fiat and produces anything from a 3 door hatchback to a 4 door sedan.
Historically the Alfa Romeo became famous for its small cars specifically designed for the Italian police and will have featured in many so-called 'gangster' movies of the 1960s. The Alfa Romo has also been involved in motor racing and won many famous road races such as the Mille Miglia and Le Mans. The Ala Romeo has also been a part of the Formula One circus.
If you fancy test driving a, head down to your local dealership and check out models such as the Mito, Giulietta or the 159. The Giulietta hatchback for instance is a good all-round compact family car which is said to be keenly priced compared to its competitors such as the VW Golf and the car scores very high in the Euro NCAP crash test so should be a good buy if safety is a priority. It's also a classy looking car if you're looking for something a bit different. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of £20,000.
Another possible Alfa Romeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.Another possible Alf Roeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.
Another possible Alfa Rmeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.Another possible Alf Romeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.Another possible Afa Romeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.Another possible Alfa Roeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6141268
***Are you want get money fast online and want to know how to get it....follow the link below for more information:
Historically the Alfa Romeo became famous for its small cars specifically designed for the Italian police and will have featured in many so-called 'gangster' movies of the 1960s. The Alfa Romo has also been involved in motor racing and won many famous road races such as the Mille Miglia and Le Mans. The Ala Romeo has also been a part of the Formula One circus.
If you fancy test driving a, head down to your local dealership and check out models such as the Mito, Giulietta or the 159. The Giulietta hatchback for instance is a good all-round compact family car which is said to be keenly priced compared to its competitors such as the VW Golf and the car scores very high in the Euro NCAP crash test so should be a good buy if safety is a priority. It's also a classy looking car if you're looking for something a bit different. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of £20,000.
Another possible Alfa Romeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.Another possible Alf Roeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.
Another possible Alfa Rmeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.Another possible Alf Romeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.Another possible Afa Romeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.Another possible Alfa Roeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great.
| Another possible Alfa Romeo is the 159 Sportswagon which is larger than the Giulietta and is an alternative to buying something like a Ford Mondeo or a BMW 3-series. Pricewise it undercuts any German manufacturer but the re-sell value isn't great. new Alfa Romeo |
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Claire_S_Nguyen
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6141268
***Are you want get money fast online and want to know how to get it....follow the link below for more information:
Classic Cars Austions..
Choosing the Right Car for the Snow By Graham Eason Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5481464
As the snow swirls around, the temperature drops it's tempting to just stay inside. But eventually we all have to venture out and when we do we need a set of wheels that will pull us through. If you are a classic car owner, perhaps you don't have the option of a modern car. Or if you have a modern car, perhaps you recall slithering and sliding around in the ice and snow last year. So we decided to take a look at what makes a good snow and ice car. And do old cars really work better in the snow than new ones?
The first question to ask, of course, is whether you should use a classic in the snow at all. In the face of salt and safety, the answer is probably no. Classics like to rust a lot and they are somewhat bereft of the nannying features like airbags, ESP, ABS and the like which keep modern drivers so well insulated from their actions. But if we just decided never to use them in the snow then it wouldn't make much of an article frankly so lets assume we're talking strictly hypothetically.
To work well in the snow, conventional wisdom has it that a car should be either 4 wheel drive or front wheel drive. This rules out most classic cars, which are resolutely rear wheel drive. And, to be fair, much more fun. For example, my Ford Capri may have been rear wheel drive but it is a lot of fun in the snow and copes extremely well. Which may be down to the second rule for snow driving success - narrow tyres and high profile rims. The Capri runs on 175 r14 tyres, which might be laughable in today's world of 245 20 inch rims but it was us laughing as we sailed past the stranded BMWs and Mercedes. Narrow high profile tyres literally cut through the snow and ice rather than skate across it, as fat tyres do.
Snow-plugging cars also need to be light - or have four wheel drive. A light car needs less power to keep going and is inherently more nimble when the going gets tough. On a slippery hill a low power, light car will keep going when a powerful, heavy car gets stuck. Plus, it has the added advantage of being much easier to push out of trouble. Classic cars also have the advantage over modern cars because they lack so-called driver aids like ESP (traction control), which prevents cars losing traction. ESP cuts power to a spinning wheel. This is great news on damp roads or sudden sharp bends, but unfortunately the car can't differentiate between these and a snowy, icy road. Consequently, when the going gets tough in the snow and the wheels need to spin to clear the ice and gain traction, the ESP system simply cuts power to the spinning wheels. So the car can't move.The trick with maintaining momentum and traction in the snow is to select a high gear and manipulate the clutch and throttle. This tends to be easier in older cars which have mechanically operated clutch, gearbox and throttle, giving the driver greater feel and control compared to modern 'fly by wire' type systems.So despite the onset of modern driver aids, perhaps classic cars are better in the snow than modern cars because they are simpler. But what classic would be best for snow driving? Pushing aside classic 4x4s because they're just cheating, at Great Escape Classic Car Hire we'd probably plump for a front wheel drive 1980s classic like a Golf GTI mk1 - light, fairly powerful, no driver aids and narrow high profile tyres. The problem is, we wouldn't want to take our mint 1982 example out in the snow!Graham Eason owns Great Escape Classic Car Hire and operates a fleet of 50 classic cars which are used 12 months of the year in snow, rain and sun.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graham_Eason
The first question to ask, of course, is whether you should use a classic in the snow at all. In the face of salt and safety, the answer is probably no. Classics like to rust a lot and they are somewhat bereft of the nannying features like airbags, ESP, ABS and the like which keep modern drivers so well insulated from their actions. But if we just decided never to use them in the snow then it wouldn't make much of an article frankly so lets assume we're talking strictly hypothetically.
To work well in the snow, conventional wisdom has it that a car should be either 4 wheel drive or front wheel drive. This rules out most classic cars, which are resolutely rear wheel drive. And, to be fair, much more fun. For example, my Ford Capri may have been rear wheel drive but it is a lot of fun in the snow and copes extremely well. Which may be down to the second rule for snow driving success - narrow tyres and high profile rims. The Capri runs on 175 r14 tyres, which might be laughable in today's world of 245 20 inch rims but it was us laughing as we sailed past the stranded BMWs and Mercedes. Narrow high profile tyres literally cut through the snow and ice rather than skate across it, as fat tyres do.
Snow-plugging cars also need to be light - or have four wheel drive. A light car needs less power to keep going and is inherently more nimble when the going gets tough. On a slippery hill a low power, light car will keep going when a powerful, heavy car gets stuck. Plus, it has the added advantage of being much easier to push out of trouble. Classic cars also have the advantage over modern cars because they lack so-called driver aids like ESP (traction control), which prevents cars losing traction. ESP cuts power to a spinning wheel. This is great news on damp roads or sudden sharp bends, but unfortunately the car can't differentiate between these and a snowy, icy road. Consequently, when the going gets tough in the snow and the wheels need to spin to clear the ice and gain traction, the ESP system simply cuts power to the spinning wheels. So the car can't move.The trick with maintaining momentum and traction in the snow is to select a high gear and manipulate the clutch and throttle. This tends to be easier in older cars which have mechanically operated clutch, gearbox and throttle, giving the driver greater feel and control compared to modern 'fly by wire' type systems.So despite the onset of modern driver aids, perhaps classic cars are better in the snow than modern cars because they are simpler. But what classic would be best for snow driving? Pushing aside classic 4x4s because they're just cheating, at Great Escape Classic Car Hire we'd probably plump for a front wheel drive 1980s classic like a Golf GTI mk1 - light, fairly powerful, no driver aids and narrow high profile tyres. The problem is, we wouldn't want to take our mint 1982 example out in the snow!Graham Eason owns Great Escape Classic Car Hire and operates a fleet of 50 classic cars which are used 12 months of the year in snow, rain and sun.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graham_Eason
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5481464
Jumaat, 13 Apr 2011
Classic Cars Always Wanted....by Johnnie McGee
Classic car auctions are the first place you need to look if you're the type of person that has been saving up all your money, ever since you were a kid, for the car of your dreams. Classic cars are timeless, and they will always appeal to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or status. Just seeing one pass by would already give you the thrills; owning one is a totally different experience, one that doesn't compare to owning other material things in this world.
Classic car auctions are different than ordinary car auctions, because it appeals and caters to individuals who are willing to spend a lot of money for their love of classic cars. These auctions usually span two to three days in a row, and the cars are lined up to give auction-goers and potential buyers a better view of each car.
If you are interested in taking home a car from one of these auctions, you can wait for the actual auction to begin, or you can just buy the vehicle right on the spot for the owner's asking price. There is no definite time and location for these auctions so you need to get as much information as you can if you want to participate in one.
As mentioned earlier, the time span normally allotted for these types of auctions is two to three days. In the first day, the cars are first shown to the potential buyers, bidders, and curious spectators. On the second day, the interested buyers and bidders get to test drive the cars they like in a nearby testing stage. The last day will be allotted for the actual bidding and occasional buying of the cars. You should take note when it's time to bid for the cars so that you bid on it at the right time.
There are also fast-paced car auctions, wherein the cars being auctioned are shown running and then automatically be auctioned off. After a winning bid is placed, it will immediately be replaced by a new one and the bidding will commence soon after. These classic car auctions are commonly featured on television and in magazines.
However, the first type of auction is usually for invitational events, for example, an exclusive event of a classic cars motoring club, wherein members and friends of members are the ones invited. Unless you know people who can take you to these auctions, you have to look for other ways to go in.
The second type, which is advertised on TV and magazines, could be excessively priced compared to the first one.
Classic car auctions are different than ordinary car auctions, because it appeals and caters to individuals who are willing to spend a lot of money for their love of classic cars. These auctions usually span two to three days in a row, and the cars are lined up to give auction-goers and potential buyers a better view of each car.
If you are interested in taking home a car from one of these auctions, you can wait for the actual auction to begin, or you can just buy the vehicle right on the spot for the owner's asking price. There is no definite time and location for these auctions so you need to get as much information as you can if you want to participate in one.
As mentioned earlier, the time span normally allotted for these types of auctions is two to three days. In the first day, the cars are first shown to the potential buyers, bidders, and curious spectators. On the second day, the interested buyers and bidders get to test drive the cars they like in a nearby testing stage. The last day will be allotted for the actual bidding and occasional buying of the cars. You should take note when it's time to bid for the cars so that you bid on it at the right time.
There are also fast-paced car auctions, wherein the cars being auctioned are shown running and then automatically be auctioned off. After a winning bid is placed, it will immediately be replaced by a new one and the bidding will commence soon after. These classic car auctions are commonly featured on television and in magazines.
However, the first type of auction is usually for invitational events, for example, an exclusive event of a classic cars motoring club, wherein members and friends of members are the ones invited. Unless you know people who can take you to these auctions, you have to look for other ways to go in.
The second type, which is advertised on TV and magazines, could be excessively priced compared to the first one.
There are websites that offer information about these classic car auctions near you, so checking them regularly can bring you closer to the classic cars that you've always wanted. To get more information on where you can find auctions in your area, click here: Classic Cars for Sale.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Johnnie_McGee
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6020807
***Are you want get money fast online and want to know how to get it....follow the link below for more information:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)