reddsun1

I'm still having a little trouble with the whole "aero" thing in drifting. I mean--and this is simply for the sake of argument, looking from a logical pt. of view--why would you put on traction adding devices (i.e. big friggin splitters and spoilers front and rear) when the whole premise of what you're doing is continuously stepping the rear out and holding the car out over and beyond the limits of the traction circle? I know, logic hasn't got a damn thing to do with it...image is everything, baby! Now if it's functional, I say more power to ya. Hell, I want a deeper chin spoiler and side flutes with brake ducts on my Superoo myself. Some day people are going to look back on all the accessorizing and neon paint jobs the same way we do about fat shoe laces, glam-rock hairdos, or clock necklaces; a lot of people are going to have to ask themselves "what the F--K was I thinking?" These things will probably "go the way of the dinosaur" and suffer a natural extinction, like custom vans from the 70s.

Another attention getter in the paddock, TVR...go Dunlop!

The C5-R isn't dead yet. I believe the sister car will be raced in Europe...

Less than a week 'til SEBRING! Then the "big dogs" come out to play. Man, I wish I could be there this year--never thought I'd miss humpin' it in the heat, but what a race! Watching the tail lights go rocketing into the pitch blackness down the back straight, then disappearing around big horseshoe is something to behold. This ought to be a hum-dinger!

And for the drifting fans... http://www.trackdaymedia.com/modules.php?n...op=getit&lid=49 I dunno; I still have a little trouble wrapping my mind around the concept, from the aspect of willingly flogging the crap out of a perfectly good set of tires, I mean.

What's one of these little cars like to race? Here's a pretty good idea... http://www.trackdaymedia.com/modules.php?n...op=getit&lid=90 Neat! Little sucker looks like it'd rattle your innards, but be worth it just for sh-ts and giggles...

Here's one thats gets some points for being unique. Look for the racing version to make an appearance at Sebring, as they've done for the last couple of years. I don't know about that claimed top speed, though; as they didn't seem to come that close to it during the race. Can they upset the Porsches and win their class? Not a chance in hell--but they generate plenty of interest and attention in the paddocks, which I'm sure is their number one goal anyway... http://www.fast-autos.net/spyker/spykerspydert.html

Oh yeah, how could I foget Blue Thunder? The aerial sequences in that movie are some of the best that are to be seen on film. What, with today's dependence on CGI props and action scenes, the skill and sheer balls of the stunt pilots in this movie are something to behold. You'll not likely see that sort of skill/work in today's crop of artificially created action flicks...

bIf you don't mind a bit of campy B-movie fun, I'd recommend: Flash Gordon--yeah, in retrospect, it's pretty cheesy; but a fun romp all the same. Most of the extras look like they just came from around the corner at "Studio 54" or something...Outlandish characters, fantasmagorical settings, and out-of-this world technology. Ming's daughter was pretty babe-alicious, too. Swamp Thing--low budget, kinda crappy, but you can tell they really tried the best with what they had. The sequel's even worse; deadpan humor, bad one-liners, even worse acting--it's like they knew it would suck, and they just didn't care...le bad cinema at its best. Dragonslayer--early 80's sword & sorcery flick-by Disney no less; and arguably still one of the ass kickingest flicks in its genre. Yeah, the stop motion special effects may look dated compared to today's CGI flash fests, but that dragon was still one mean bi--h. Still one of my all time favorite movie monsters. The scene with the priest at the dragon's cave is simply raw dog! This movie leaves that craptacular "Reign of Fire" up in smoke. A classic. Clash of the Titans--another classic. IIRC, the last film that the great Ray Harryhausen(sp?) actually did the special effects for, working his magic with stop motion animation. Packed full of adventure, heroes, and a whole slew of creatures and characters from Greek mythology, from Pegasus the winged horse to the mighty Cracken. A must see. The Last Dinosaur--another B-movie classic. A millionaire big-game hunter leads an expedition of scientists in their giant drilling machine in search of oil, only to find themselves stranded in a "lost world," struggling for survival. But his real agenda is to go on one last great hunt; his prey? Only the greatest predator to ever walk the earth, a T-Rex! Low budget and wreaking of cheese, this man-in-rubber-suit fest is still good for a few chuckles, and one of the great 70's late-night TV flicks. Ah, the list could go on and on...I guess it depends on what you're in the mood for. You might try this guy's site here: www.badmovies.org Got a huge listing of B-movies mostly sci-fi, fantasy, horror, with synopsis and some pics/clips, so's you can make up your mind as to whether you'd want to torture your eyes with some of these flicks. Good for a laugh, anyway...

Yeah, those Caterhams are supposed to be the shiz-nit, when it comes to power-to-weight ratio. I wouldn't mind having one o' these, myself--never been too crazy about that big honkin' scoop sticking out of the hood, though. http://www.madmaxmovies.com/fanstuff/video/090603%20016.avi

I dunno--I can think of a helluva lot of better things to spend a cool mil on to put in a garage than that thing. Sheesh, the damn thing looks like the head of a golf club or something. I suppose for people with more money than sense, a million bucks just to have "the only one on the block" is no big deal.

Thought you guys might enjoy this. It's a big download--at 74MB--but worth the wait. One lap around the uber-track: Nurburgring. The "Ring Taxi" driver in front really has a ball, hanging it out at some points. Note the etiquette of the overwhelming majority of other drivers on track--it still trips me out that they let anybody on track (I guess they charge on a per-lap basis?), from econo-boxes to delivery trucks. Too bad no US tracks could do something like this (at least on a regular basis). I could see myself burning my credit card up every week if I lived near this track... http://63.208.74.38/modules.php?name=Downl...op=getit&lid=25 Here's another one; I like some new-school rides too. This R34 is pretty beastly. "Ooh, ooh! I want one!" http://63.208.74.38/modules.php?name=Downl...op=getit&lid=80 And finally, an absolutely spectacular example of "10/10ths driving." Peter Brock is da man! http://63.208.74.38/modules.php?name=Downl...op=getit&lid=48

Daytona, schmay-tona--I'm looking forward to Sebring myself. This ought to be an exciting year for road racing fans: --Aston Martin: returning to "big time" racing with the highly anticipated DB9R --Chevy: debut of the new racing version of the C6 'Vette, will Chevy be able to continue their domination of GT racing in the ALMS? Also, the C5 hasn't been put out to pasture yet; will the C5R maintain it's competitive edge in the hands of privateers? --Lamborghini: having a season of sorting/growing behind it, the Lambo is surely expected to move closer to the front of the pack --Ferrari: the already wicked-fast 550 Maranellos will be supplanted by the even more brutish 575's; will they knock Chevy off the top of the tin-top racing heap? Will the 360 Modena be upgraded on the track as well as in the showrooms? Will they bring more of a challenge to the stalwart Porsches? --Bugatti: the "ringer" MC12 that's causing a stir across the pond has been approved for ALMS competition; will it turn sports car racing on its ear here in the US too? --Pontiac: joining the fray with the GTO-R; but I'm perplexed and a little frustrated with Pratt and Miller/GM--I guess these guys just like doing things the hard way. They're throwing the baby out with the water, and starting over from scratch with the GTO. Hello, anybody even bother to call the boys at GM Holden? Don't you guys share info/resources? They've already made a proven winner out of the Monaro (albeit, with a "ringer" packing a honking 427c.i. stroker, like that of the 'Vette C5R)....obviously, they're determined to follow the whole "NASCAR-izing" formula to a tee with this, and with the Rolex series... I think this could very well be looked back upon as another "golden age" in racing--arguably, of course. The diversity of competition seems to be improving, and the cars are pretty exciting.

I've driven the new GTO as well; I'll admit it's a real hoot. Able to annihilate the rear meats with ease, and plenty of grunt to pull you back in the seat when you plant your right foot. I got on the highway and saw speeds well in excess of 55 (but only very briefly, and not in traffic like a di-khead or anything), and hardly needed 5th gear--never even needed to bother with 6th. The styling's a little "blah" but not too hard on the eyes; if you see a pic of the new "GTO" and an old HQ Monaro, you can actually see the evolution of the original's lines. The interior feels a little cheap and plasticy (hey, Pontiac had to contribute something, I guess), but it's comfortable enough. If I were in the market for a new car, I think I'd be weighing a GTO against a new Mustang, just for the distinct sounds, torquey power, and "sh-ts-and-giggles" factor that V8 power can provide. Other "muscle cars" I've driven? Well, there's my XB--making about 310-320hp now; but when I'm done with it, it'll crank out about 425...I figure that's plenty for a street car (that's MORE than enough to get you in trouble, if you don't respect what you've got under your right foot, I say), and it won't be completely embarrassed by a newer car, say a C5 Corvette or something. I figure, when the 5-speed goes in, if it gets anywhere near 20mpg, then I'll be happy--hell it gets about 15mpg now with the 3-speed.

Another beauty from the past. Arguably some of the most beautiful cars of that era (or today), the Lolas can, on the banked ovals of Daytona, can actually reach HIGHER top speeds than the new prototype racers. While they may have to slow way down for the corners due to their lack of downforce from modern aero spoilers and such, they also lack the accompanying drag...damn fast cars.

And as a tip of the hat to that which has come before...you gotta have mad respect for the cats who drove--and still do drive--these cars. Hearkening from a time when engine building technology/knowledge was still leaps and bounds ahead of aerodynamic, tire or safety technology. These things are basically like scaled-up go-karts...with a 700HP Chev crammed in it. I once asked a racer what it's like driving a Can-Am car compared to other racecars; he said "...you don't so much drive 'em, like you would a modern race car. It's like a shotgun--you just point the nose and shoot..." You gotta have BALLS to drive one of these things.

Under the hood of that souped up charger; quite a modern piece of hardware... http://popularhotrodding.com/features/0503phr_char_01_z.jpg And this one looks like it'd ride as comfortably as any new Honda or Toyota, with style in spades... http://popularhotrodding.com/features/0307...57Chevy01_z.jpg http://popularhotrodding.com/features/0307...57Chevy05_z.jpg

Au, contraire--but you can "have your cake and eat it too," so to speak. I'm a big fan of old muscle cars myself; thanks to the "pro-touring" movement that's caught on in the past few years, it's become much more acceptable to combine newer drivetrains, suspensions, etc. with classic cars. There's a whole industry cropped up around upgrading parts for old cars; you can have a "boat" with plenty of grunt, that handles as well as--or better than--many newer cars. I've personally seen a '67 Chevelle lap newer, turbo 911 Porshes at Lime Rock Park, CT at vintage races (that car caused quite a stir that w'end; was dropped about 3" all way 'round, had a modded suspensoin--I think the guy who built it was an engineering student or something). Although, the g-machine thing can be taken too far--this whole thing with putting SUV-sized "dubs" on old cars is just plain tacky. Anything bigger than 18" on a 30+ year old car just doesn't work. It's like the automotive equivalent of gold plates on all your front teeth, or liesure suits or something; it doesn't flow with the design, and just demonstrates shi--y taste. But that's just my 2 bits.

Hey, you're going to be getting an Oz Falcon too? Well, congratulations from a fellow Falcon owner and fanatic ('74 XB Coupe). I thought of doing the BoB conversion too, but it grew on me in it's more sedate form--still draws attention like a Ferrari set on fire, though. You getting yours through Madmaxcars.com? Terry's great; he helped me get mine as well. Be prepared for lots of attention, although maybe not as much as here in the states (you're in merry old England, right? you won't be bombarded with dumbass "you're on the wrong side" comments). I agree with you in that the newer cars aren't as appealing as the old "muscle." But I'm no die-hard-one-make-only car fan. I think there's merit to be found in lots of different cars out there. I figure if somebody likes what they're driving and they want to spend their hard-earned money to make it perform better, then more power to 'em, be it a "rice-rocket" Honda, or a ground pounding V8 Charger, or a high spooling turbo Supra, etc. etc... True, there is that segment of the populace that seems obsessed with tacky bolt-ons, gaudy color schemes, and other baubles that are supposed to look "fast"--but usually just look plain bad. When I see stuff like that, I can't help but chuckle, shake my head and keep on going my own way. Good luck on your Interceptor project; like any old car, they can be tempermental (beware the Lucas electrics! can we say "prince of darkness?" ), but when they do run, them Aussie Coupes are like fuggin' tanks.

I think that was an MGM cartoon--Tex Avery directed, IIRC. They also did one with the two old prop. airplanes; they had the baby jet who wanted to grow up to be a jet fighter. Any screens of this CARS anywhere to be found? Paul Newman's gonna be in it? that should be cool. Newman's going back to Daytona too? Cool! Wish I could be there for that one. I hung out in the pits next to him at Watkins Glen a couple seasons ago--man, people look bigger on TV. Man, he's a wiry little cuss. I bet he wouldn't weigh 100 lbs soaking wet in his driving suit...

Has anyone gotten their hands on one of the MP Alpha toys yet or have they not yet arrived on store shelves? How do they rate as far as quality? What say the collectors? Worth the 79 bones, or utterly craptastic?

What a hulking Piece Of Shite that is....didn't an article say they "spent months of development and millions of dollars" or something? All I can say to that is--somebody got fu-ked, and they didn't even get kissed. I almost feel sorry for the dumb schlup who signed the check for that TURD. Look. Wayne's supposed to be a millionaire, right? He wants a pursuit vehicle that can catch any criminal, right? They have just gotten a racing Panoz coupe('bout a 100K or so?), circa mid-90's, done some fibreglass work on the rear 1/4 panels to add some suitably "batlike" fins, etc., etc. and you would have had a suitably menacing batmobile, with balls enough for some PLENTY fast stuntwork, and still come out way ahead on the budget end. That new batmobile fu-king sucks, period...

Just went to see Chronicles of Riddick last night--must say, I was disappointed a bit. It was okay, but I wouldn't spend $6-8 for it, in retrospect. Catch a matinee or wait for video, I'd say. I just think it didn't live up to it's potential as a continuation of the tale of Riddick. There was loads of potential for fleshing out a great story here, but it was done a little to "wham bam, let's get to the next fight scene" for me...Pitch Black was definitely better, in regards to the development of Riddick as a character...

1. The canopy is about 2-3mm too wide--makes the nose look like it's out of proportion with the rest of the body. Reminds me of those god-awful non-TF Matchbox Valkyries from the 80's. 2. The legs are a little small--maybe if they were just 3% - 4% larger 3. The price tag is too big--I'd get more, but my wallet just can't take that kind of strain... They are STILL overall the best VF toys I've seen to date, though....

Anybody know what scale it's supposed to be? 1/55? It looks like they just "copied" the old Imai/Monogram model molds (looks just like it to me). But I like the Alpha; I wouldn't mind getting one, just because the old Gakken toys are way up there on price. But 80 bones just for an HG toy? no way. I'm confident that the price will have to come down. I'll just wait for bigbadtoystore.com to get some in--heck they've got MPC Valks for $35, so they're bound to give a decent price on these... I'd like to see a TF Cyclone toy too--I've got an old 1/6 Gakken, but it's so highly engineered--and as such, fragile--for a toy that I've only transformed it once or twice, then put it in storage for fear of breaking something...