The Map In My Head

Is there a map in your head, where you can instantly picture the route of a road trip you have driven many times in the past? There is in me, I can see it, along with the look of the landscape of every section along the way. I can picture it in my mind, almost like flipping through a photo book. I know this isn't the case for everyone. I have known a lot of people who have a very poor sense of direction, let alone any idea where they are in relation to the country around them.
For me, I can be looking at a map of a portion of the country I have traveled many times before, and see in my mind the lay of the landscape, and the views of most of the country along the way. Here in the western United States, we have a lot of wide open spaces between the few big cities scattered across the country, with many little towns in between. In my many years of driving, I have covered a lot of this country, and some of the highways more times than I can remember. That's a lot of pictures in my memory banks.
In the last few years, I have made many road trips over the same thousand mile route, and It has come to my attention on a recent trip just how well I know the details of the country side along the way. The same must be true for others, but I can't imagine what it is like for those who don't have that map in their head, and the pictures to go with it. They are missing something I put a great value on, and would truly miss if I ever lost it.

A section of Highway 59 between my home in Southern Utah and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Who's Riding Shotgun

This photo was taken in the summer of 1969. Her name is Jackie, and she is standing next to my 64 Falcon Sprint. Several months after this shot was taken, we were married, and that was the start of an adventure that has lasted for over 47 years.
Just like in the wild west, we all need someone riding shotgun on our trip down the road of life, helping us stick to the straight and narrow path, looking out for quick sand, and watching our back. The trip is also much more enjoyable with the correct person to share the journey with.
In this modern age, having the same person at your side for this many years is something rare. I am so blessed to have her in my life, I love her very much, and I can't imagine what I would do without her. All the years we've had together, and the wonderful family we share, are truly our life's greatest treasure. I wish for nothing less for our children and grandchildren.
For those who are traveling the road of life alone, or maybe having some bad luck along the way, keep looking, the right person is out there somewhere, and it will be worth the effort, when you have that special someone riding shotgun with you.
For more of my story, check out my book; "Grab Some Gears - 40 Years of Street Racing"  Just follow this link; "Grab Some Gears"

Automotive Dark Ages

I have wrote about this subject before, including in my book; "Grab Some Gears - 40 Years of Street Racing" (check it out at the link below). In chapter five in my book I suggest that during the 1970's the American car manufacturers were consumed by the technical challenges of vehicle emissions regulations, and the ever increasing safety requirements being mandated by the Federal Government. Along with quadrupling gas prices and rising insurance costs, it seemed to signal the end of the muscle cars we had come to love. The car guys started saving and restoring the best loved muscle cars from the 1960's, along with making some "performance adjustments" to the new cars we were buying at the time. It seemed the future looked pretty sad for performance enthusiasts.
Sure, we all can remember such 1970's icons as the TransAm from the movie "Smoky and the Bandit", but for the most part, most cars from that era were a weak replacement for our beloved 60's classics.
Being a life-long car guy, and especially a Mustang fan, I'm familiar with the over 50 year history, and lack of respect the Mustang ll gets among most fans. I actually have experience with several Mustang ll models owned by friends, family members, and myself. Put in perspective of the times, they were fun little cars, when ordered with the right options.
History is not often kind to the "under dogs", and many of the 1970's cars share that status. Hats off to those fans that take the time, and put in the work, to preserve those lost examples from the automotive dark ages.
Here is the link to check out my book, or read sample pages; Grab Some Gears"

Example of a 1977  Ford Mustang ll Ghia, complete with 302 V8 power, and other options (Google image).

The Making of a Car Guy

Most of us car enthusiasts have many stories to tell. Usually when we're talking to like minded people at a car show, drag race, or other event where the car talk is common. Often when we first meet someone new, and the subject of cars comes up, we will share some of our stories, as will the new person we meet. But how many of us has taken the time to write these stories down, while they're fresh in our mind.
I may be the exception to the norm, but I was involved in cars, and particularly street racing, for so many years, some of the younger enthusiasts I associated with suggested I could write a book about my experiences. I tossed the idea around for a few years before I finally decided to actually do it. I found it pretty easy, once I got started, because so many of my racing memories are etched into my mind, and played such an important part of who I am today.
My book was first finished and copyrighted in 2006, then updated and revised for the current printing in 2012. I get great reviews from many "car guys" who have read it, often telling me that so many of my stories are like many of their own experiences. This book tells the story of the making of a car guy, a story that covers over 40 years of my life, and made me the person I am today. Sure, there were many other factors, but the book covers the development of the car enthusiast in me.
Those who may be interested, can check it out, or read sample pages at;  "Grab Some Gears"

Me with my 03 Terminator Cobra, from the photo shoot for the cover of my book in 2006.

Change Is Good

We have all heard the old saying "a change is good ". When it comes to automotive styling, it usually comes with mixed opinions. I could get into a lengthy discussion, complete with numerous examples from years past, when I thought a new change in vehicle styling was a big mistake. I can also list many examples over the years when I welcomed the change with much excitement. I have myself, once or twice, traded a year old vehicle for the new model because I was so taken by the styling change, along with mechanical upgrades.
For this blog post, I am thinking of the just released photos and information on the changes Ford is making to the 2018 Mustangs. At first glance, I wasn't sure I liked what I was seeing. As the day progressed, and numerous photos started surfacing, along with many engineering and feature details, my impression started to change. The styling changes will always be a matter of personal preference, but we often will warm up to a new design, over time, and after we see the new vehicle in person, and in several colors.
Some of the mechanical changes, such as more power for the V8, and addition of the 10 speed automatic transmission, are welcomed by most automotive enthusiasts. As for the total package, time will tell, but my impression at the end of this first day is "change is good".

The coming 2018 Ford Mustang. (internet photo from Twitter posts 17 January 2017)

Social Media

Something that most people do not know is that I am a loner, a person who doesn't like crowds. A "lone wolf" is a title not often heard these days, but it might apply to me. I do not have many people that you would call actual close friends.
Participating in car shows with my cars, and associating with other "car guys" is the exception to my normal loner personality, and has been for many years. Talking cars, or racing, with other like minded people has been one activity that has brought me out of my shell from time to time.
In recent years, social media has been another option for me to at least communicate with other people. I find it easy to associate with other "car people" and share common interests, with photos and comments. This has been especially true for my involvement on Twitter in the last couple years. I now have over 900 followers, and I follow 107, not a lot compared to many I associate with on Twitter, but for me it's monumental. Many of these people I would like to call friends, and their association I value highly.

My cars have always been my main connection to associate with other people.

Reflections

My cars have always been an important part of my life. I have always thought that a person's car should be a reflection of their personality, especially when that person is a car enthusiast. When I'm out in public, I want to be proud of the vehicle I'm seen driving on the streets. Maybe this is mainly a "car-guy" thing, but I believe it is somewhat true for everyone out there, even if they are unaware of the part of their personality they are displaying to the public.
Now days, there may not be many of us true car enthusiasts on the streets, but we can often spot each other instantly by what we're driving. Even if we're not in our favorite "specialty car", what ever we're driving is usually a nice vehicle, kept clean, and and in good mechanical condition.
Then there is the other end of the scale. We all see them every day, an older, dirty, beat up, ugly, piece of crap, vehicle on the streets. Makes me wonder what type of person would drive such a vehicle, and would want to be seen in public that way. I know there are a lot of things going on in peoples lives, and many circumstances out of our control, but those thoughts cross my mind when I see those vehicles on the streets.
On a recent 2000 mile road trip, over a two day period of time, I witnessed three different instances of very poor, very discourteous, and dangerous driving, displayed by other motorists on the highway. Two out of those three were driving the type of  "piece of crap" vehicles I was just talking about. I can't help but think those vehicles must be a true reflection of those driver's personalities.  We don't want to ever be lumped into that group.

I always hope my car is a reflection of my personality.