Have You Seen These? & Special Roadways

At the recent Ormond Beach Birthplace Of Speed event reported in the Tribune we had the opportunity to spot a unique Ural Patrol 2-Wheel Drive Motorcycle.  Impressive is the only way to put our response.

Looking at the photos shows beautifully crafted bodywork and functional components.  Universal joint assemblies, drum brake actuation, coil / shock assembly, finish nuts, and so much more.  At the absolute minimum this is a stunning side car motorcycle!

Several years ago I spotted this unique custom built Personal WaterCraft Carrier when driving across Alligator Alley.  This car was very professionally done in exterior appearance.  This driver certainly deserves recognition for their engineering and craftsmanship.

For drivers, Alligator Alley, I75,  represents one of the last bastions of go-fast asphalt because east-west at the south end of Florida it is about 100 miles coast to coast with about 70 miles on Alligator Alley in the unpopulated area, excluding gators.  Essentially when you get on you go a long way to get off which eliminates local traffic. … Continue Reading

Birthplace Of Speed — 100 Years of Racing In Ormond Beach

Racing at Ormond Beach, Florida dates to 1903 and yesterday the Seventh Annual Birthplace of Speed Celebrationwas held including a beach parade and antique vehicle display.  This year’s event was in the honor of the 1909 Buick Race Team headed by Bob Burman.

Mr. Rockeffer' stand-in gives young lady a trademark dime

Here is link to this years registration form.  To keep you out of suspense here is some text from the page that is upbeat, educational, tragic, and commemorative:

One hundred years ago, the American automobile dream established itself a home on the hard packed sand of Ormond Beach, Florida, just north of Daytona Beach. As early automotive pioneers tested and contested their machines, a tradition born of America’s love for the sport and passion for ingenuity was established. Beach Racing quickly became a source of fascination developing loyal participants and spectators. … Continue Reading

Liquidation Company Hired for Crane Cams

Daytona Beach News-Journal March 27, 2009

March 27, 2009

It was reported in today’s Daytona Beach News-Journal that Crane Cams has hired a liquidation company.  Reading the article is very interesting because your Tribune Editor observed Job Fair signs at the Crane facility yesterday.  In our photos you can clearly see the logos on the trucks.  It appears that the saga associated with Crane Cams is still unfolding.

March 26, 2009 Update:  Tribune Editor had an opportunity to stop by the Crane Cams facility in Daytona Beach this afternoon.  Signs were being taken down for the Job Fair but we were able to get photographs of the company signage out front and a photo for the job fair area.  It certainly looked like a festive gathering.  The Tribune wishes each employe the best in their job search efforts.

Job Fair Area

Crane Cams, a leading manufacturer of camshafts, valve train and electronic ignition components, has been acquired by Mikronite Technologies Group, Inc. is the start of the information in BREAKING NEWS on the upper right of the Crane Cams web site.

… Continue Reading

Salvage Auction = 1 Million+ Vehicles Per Year

Advertised Copart Cars May Be A Golden Bargain

If you qualify as a dealer, dismantler, rebuilder, wholesaler, automotive related business, general business, exporter, you already know about this and as a private individual in Alaska, Arizona, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Oregon then you might be able to get through the front door.  With the proper credentials you are now a Dealer and in certain circles the Dealer License can be a License to Print Money!

There is a very stong probability that you know about these places but you have not been there to walk through the property or participate in an auction.  This is an important Tribune topic which represents a massive multi-billion dollar business that operates off your radar. … Continue Reading

In The News

In The News

• Autoweek has a road test on the Nano.  Nice Tata: Driving the Nano four-seater is OK, but slow.
• Tata Nano Arrives – Commercial Launch Announcement
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Roof Strength test is good for 4 of 12 small SUVs
• Auto Industry In Turmoil.  Ebay Listing for an April 12, 1980 issue of Newsweek Magazine.
  

  April 28, 1980 Newsweek Magazine

Forensic Engineering – An Introduction

Sedan Rear Impact

For the past 23 years I have provided consulting services to corporations, insurance companies and attorneys with primary focus on vehicle technology and product liability with additional activites involving vehicle black box analysis and accident reconstruction.  Along the way I have looked at all sorts of transportation related product failures and accidents with regard to issues such as product liability and been an expert witness in approximately 1,000 depositions and 100 trials.  20 years ago no one could spell Forensic and now it is on the TV. … Continue Reading