Brazil driver with $1.8 million in traffic fines nabbed
From Reuters
September 25, 2008
SAO PAULO -- Transport authorities in Brazil have caught up with a speed-loving Brazilian driver who clocked up nearly $2 million in fines, local media reported.
Police intercepted the driver of a 12-year-old car in Sao Paulo at the spot he most frequently committed infractions, the O Globo daily said Thursday.
For seven years he had been speeding and running red lights but was not arrested earlier because he never registered the car in his own name.
The paper said the car, worth around $6,500, would be auctioned if the driver, unnamed, did not pay the $1.8 million in fines in 90 days.
1.8 million dollars! See dad - it wasn't so bad when mom would get pulled over...
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
You feelin' lucky...
I heard on the news today that a woman is suing a casino for money she lost while gambling. She has filed a lawsuit for 20 million dollars. She is claiming she was not aware of the possibility of losing money while gambling and no warnings where posted by the casino. She claims to have lost over one million dollars in a two year period to one casino...
Are you serious!?! Who is her legal representation - the lawyer from Seinfeld?
Ok, to anyone who reads this:
If you feel like giving away one million dollars over the next to years I will take it. I may give it back to you. I may give more than it back to you. I may keep it al for myself.
Consider that YOUR WARNING and if you give me money and I don't give it back don't sue me later!
Are you serious!?! Who is her legal representation - the lawyer from Seinfeld?
Ok, to anyone who reads this:
If you feel like giving away one million dollars over the next to years I will take it. I may give it back to you. I may give more than it back to you. I may keep it al for myself.
Consider that YOUR WARNING and if you give me money and I don't give it back don't sue me later!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
"Doc Hudson" passes...
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) - A spokeswoman for screen legend Paul Newman says the actor has died at age 83.
Spokeswoman Marni Tomljanovic says Newman died Friday of cancer. No other details were immediately available.
Spokeswoman Marni Tomljanovic says Newman died Friday of cancer. No other details were immediately available.
Where was I in '62...
Not on this rock - that for sure. I wish I was though. I recently saw this picture on a message board I frequent:
The guy that posted the picture said this is what he got for 5 Benjies back in '62. I have always preferred the '55 and if I would have been around back then with that kinda cash I would have been rollin' some new steel...
The guy that posted the picture said this is what he got for 5 Benjies back in '62. I have always preferred the '55 and if I would have been around back then with that kinda cash I would have been rollin' some new steel...
Friday, September 26, 2008
Dream car of the week...
I love hot rods and I love dry lakes / salt flats/ landspeed racing. So this weeks dream car has to be this Model A roadster inspired by those things. The only thing that would make it nicer is if it was in my garage...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Influenced early...
Since my early childhood I have been in love with cars and modifications to them. I always had Hotwheels, Matchbox, or something like that to play with. I had a Spiderman Crime-lab Van and customized Spiderman roadster when I was very young. I remember the year I got a yellow 4X4 Firebird named "the Animal". And although I grew up with many different car inspired toys I remember two in particular (one I had & one I only saw at Kmart) that probabbly in fluenced my two biggest car passions - Novas and F100s.
The first was this AMT model car kit of a Chevy Nova I saw up on the top shelf at Kmart as a kid:
And my love for Ford's '53 - '56 F100 was further driven by the Stomper I received as a present when I was around 10 years old. I looked like this:
Of course I couldn't leave it "stock" and it soon looked more like this:
The first was this AMT model car kit of a Chevy Nova I saw up on the top shelf at Kmart as a kid:
And my love for Ford's '53 - '56 F100 was further driven by the Stomper I received as a present when I was around 10 years old. I looked like this:
Of course I couldn't leave it "stock" and it soon looked more like this:
Friday, September 19, 2008
Dream car of the week...
This weeks dream car is no one car in particular, but rather any 1957 Chevrolet done up in what is commonly referred to as the "Black Widow". I am not a big fan of the '57 Chevy - shoot me now - but I have always liked the way they look when done up like this.
The cars where all black with a white inset, post cars running 150 trim, with a fuelie 283 engine. Originally the featured a boxed one piece frame, 6 lug wheels, over side brake fluid reservoir, enlarged radiator, and fuel tank. It is debated wether the spindles and rear end came from trucks or limos.
These cars where built for Nascar racing and held there own on the track.
Oh yeah, and I kinda prefer 'em without the hubcaps...
The cars where all black with a white inset, post cars running 150 trim, with a fuelie 283 engine. Originally the featured a boxed one piece frame, 6 lug wheels, over side brake fluid reservoir, enlarged radiator, and fuel tank. It is debated wether the spindles and rear end came from trucks or limos.
These cars where built for Nascar racing and held there own on the track.
Oh yeah, and I kinda prefer 'em without the hubcaps...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
One track mind...
Yeah, I got one. So what? I can't help it - I'm a guy.
Today a single male friend and myself where driving down one of the main streets. As we approached a red light he says:
"Wow! That ain't bad."
I immediately looked, and replied "Where?"
"Right there."
"Where!?!"
My head turning from side to side, looking out the windshield, not wanting to miss it...
"RIGHT there!" as he points to my right towards the corner.
I look over and he is pointing at a female in a fairly revealing outfit by the corner.
"Oh, I was looking for a good deal on gas..." I replied.
"You're pathetic!" he remarked as the light turned green.
One track mind - I can't help it.
Today a single male friend and myself where driving down one of the main streets. As we approached a red light he says:
"Wow! That ain't bad."
I immediately looked, and replied "Where?"
"Right there."
"Where!?!"
My head turning from side to side, looking out the windshield, not wanting to miss it...
"RIGHT there!" as he points to my right towards the corner.
I look over and he is pointing at a female in a fairly revealing outfit by the corner.
"Oh, I was looking for a good deal on gas..." I replied.
"You're pathetic!" he remarked as the light turned green.
One track mind - I can't help it.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Scott Kalitta Police Investigation Release...
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE OFFICIAL NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 17, 2008
State Police Fatal Accident Unit Releases Findings on Drag Strip Crash that Claimed Life of Scott Kalitta
West Trenton, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police has concluded its investigation of the motor vehicle racing crash that claimed the life of NHRA Top Fuel Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta. The crash happened on June 21, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. during the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNational drag racing event at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
The NJSP Fatal Accident Investigation Unit has provided the following description of the crash: Scott Kalitta occupied the right lane in a 1/4-mile (qualifying) drag race against opponent Tony Bartone and was operating a 2008 Toyota Solara Top Fuel Funny Car. Shortly after the race began, Bartone’s vehicle experienced an equipment failure and its speed slowed substantially. Moments later, Kalitta’s vehicle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure resulting in a fuel-fired explosion prior to the quarter-mile finish line. Kalitta’s vehicle crossed the 1/4 mile mark 0.716 seconds later, at a speed of 300.73 MPH. At the time of the explosion, the rear portion of the vehicle’s fiberglass body separated from the vehicle causing deployment of the damaged parachute system.
Evidence discovered in Kalitta’s lane revealed that he had applied mechanical braking and maintained steering control of the vehicle throughout the 2235-foot-long “shutdown” portion of the racetrack. Post crash examination of the vehicle further revealed the clutch system to be locked, maintaining engine power to the rear wheels. Witnesses and audio recordings reveal the vehicle’s engine firing throughout the shutdown portion of the racetrack, which further reinforced the fact that the vehicle’s engine was still providing power for some period of time.
The vehicle continued from the point of engine failure to the end of the racetrack (approx. 2300') on fire over the course of approximately 7.07 seconds. Upon reaching the end of the paved racetrack, Kalitta’s vehicle entered a “run-off” area constructed of pea gravel at a speed of approximately 125 mph and was positioned near the center of the racetrack’s right lane. As Kalitta’s racecar entered the “run-off” area, the front of the vehicle appeared to pitch upward, allowing air under the vehicle’s fiberglass nose resulting in its separation from the chassis. Over the course of the following .5-second, the vehicle took flight and traveled toward the right side of the run-off area and over the western concrete retaining wall. Immediately thereafter, the vehicle impacted a steel post that supported the right side of a cargo net which was in place to stop race vehicles from passing this area of the racetrack. This impact was specific to the right side of the vehicle and caused separation of the right front suspension components and damage to the right side engine exhaust system. The vehicle continued forward and impacted a piece of heavy equipment (JLG model 600S telescopic boom lift vehicle with a specified (dry) weight of 22,750 pounds), which was positioned outside the “run-off” area by the ESPN television crew. This impact caused catastrophic damage to the vehicle and additional separation of chassis components and the vehicle’s engine. Beyond the boom lift vehicle, a Chevrolet van and a Suzuki Ozark ATV, which were also positioned by ESPN television crew, were damaged by collision debris. The largest portion of the race vehicle came to rest in a grassy area 250' south of the shutdown area and 153' from the initial pole impact. Scott Kalitta was contained in this portion of the race vehicle and had sustained fatal blunt force injuries. A review of information provided by Delphi, which was recorded by accelerometers, mounted to the Kalitta vehicle revealed multiple impacts producing over 100G, with some approaching or exceeding 200G. No information was obtained from the RacePac data recorder installed in the Kalitta vehicle. Post mortem examination confirmed that Scott Kalitta’s death was caused by multiple blunt trauma injuries.
The New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit has identified the following items to be noteworthy or contributory in the occurrence of this incident:
Engine Failure
The stimulus behind the sequence of events leading to the death of Scott Kalitta was a massive failure of the vehicle’s engine. Although not uncommon in Top Fuel drag racing, the exact diagnosis and chronological succession of the engine failure in this incident was beyond the scope of the State Police investigation. After post-crash inspection of Kalitta’s vehicle components by the NJSP, the vehicle was turned over to the NHRA and, ultimately Kalitta Motorsports.
Fuel Flow Interruption
After failure of the engine in the Kalitta vehicle, a fire ensued which survived for more than seven seconds, throughout the crash sequence. Additionally, fuel continued to be fed to the engine, either residually or via remaining fuel routing from the fuel tank. This engine power handicapped the capability of the mechanical brake system. Had the driver been rendered unconscious or temporarily unable to apply mechanical braking after the engine explosion and parachute failure, the vehicle’s deceleration over the next ½ mile would have been minimal.
Insufficient Braking
Despite approx. 1832’ of intermittent tire marks to indicate the functionality of all four brake systems, the vehicle’s speed was reduced slightly over 50% in the last ½ mile of the racetrack. The initial engine explosion and loss of body components, deployment and minimal expansion of the parachute system as well as the vehicle’s suspension system and tire pressure and composition may have contributed to a loss of tire contact, which made braking partially ineffective. Additionally, the clutch system was found to be locked which maintained engine power to the rear wheels.
>Insufficient Auxiliary Braking (parachute failure)
The vehicle’s parachute system was deployed (but did not blossom) at the time of the explosion when the rear portion of the vehicle’s fiberglass body separated. Post crash inspection revealed substantial damage to the parachute system. This damage included tearing, burning, and tangling assumed to be caused by the engine explosion, ensuing fire, body separation, and spoilage of air over the remaining vehicle chassis, and high speed ground contact.
Driver Toxicology
Post mortem toxicological analysis of blood obtained from Scott Kalitta during his autopsy revealed the presence of Ethanol at a level of 23 mg/dL. This level converts to a BAC percentage of .02% BAC. This level, 25% of the legal limit for intoxication in the State of New Jersey, remains in violation of NHRA rules (Section 1.7, I., B.1.) as well as N.J.S.A. Title 13 Chapter 62 New Jersey State Motor Vehicle Racetrack Regulations.
Fixed Object Impacts
Upon entering the “run-off” area and impacting the pea gravel, Kalitta’s race vehicle took flight at a speed of approximately 125 MPH. The vehicle sailed over the western retaining wall and its right front tire rubbed the concrete wall before the vehicle impacted the western “catch net” support post. This (8.5" diameter x 7' high) hollow steel post was protected on its northern and southern sides by the concrete barrier by its position within the barrier, but extended above the wall with no attenuation.
After impact with the cargo net support pole, the Kalitta vehicle continued 15' from the pole impact before impacting the cast iron counterbalance portion of an aerial boom lift vehicle, which was in place to position a remote television camera over the center of the racetrack. As the impact continued, the Kalitta vehicle made multiple impacts with this 23,000 lb. vehicle and its extended boom component.
The New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, as the sole agency with responsibility to regulate the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Racetrack Regulations (N.J.S.A. 13:62) has concluded this investigation and has forwarded all reports to the Office of the Middlesex County Prosecutor for review. After this review, further safety recommendations will be discussed between the NJSP, the NHRA, and all three of New Jersey’s licensed 1/4-mile (drag racing) racetracks.
All requests for further information into this matter should be made through The New Jersey State Police Office of Public Information at 609-882-2000.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 17, 2008
State Police Fatal Accident Unit Releases Findings on Drag Strip Crash that Claimed Life of Scott Kalitta
West Trenton, N.J. - The New Jersey State Police has concluded its investigation of the motor vehicle racing crash that claimed the life of NHRA Top Fuel Funny Car driver Scott Kalitta. The crash happened on June 21, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. during the Lucas Oil NHRA SuperNational drag racing event at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park.
The NJSP Fatal Accident Investigation Unit has provided the following description of the crash: Scott Kalitta occupied the right lane in a 1/4-mile (qualifying) drag race against opponent Tony Bartone and was operating a 2008 Toyota Solara Top Fuel Funny Car. Shortly after the race began, Bartone’s vehicle experienced an equipment failure and its speed slowed substantially. Moments later, Kalitta’s vehicle experienced a catastrophic mechanical failure resulting in a fuel-fired explosion prior to the quarter-mile finish line. Kalitta’s vehicle crossed the 1/4 mile mark 0.716 seconds later, at a speed of 300.73 MPH. At the time of the explosion, the rear portion of the vehicle’s fiberglass body separated from the vehicle causing deployment of the damaged parachute system.
Evidence discovered in Kalitta’s lane revealed that he had applied mechanical braking and maintained steering control of the vehicle throughout the 2235-foot-long “shutdown” portion of the racetrack. Post crash examination of the vehicle further revealed the clutch system to be locked, maintaining engine power to the rear wheels. Witnesses and audio recordings reveal the vehicle’s engine firing throughout the shutdown portion of the racetrack, which further reinforced the fact that the vehicle’s engine was still providing power for some period of time.
The vehicle continued from the point of engine failure to the end of the racetrack (approx. 2300') on fire over the course of approximately 7.07 seconds. Upon reaching the end of the paved racetrack, Kalitta’s vehicle entered a “run-off” area constructed of pea gravel at a speed of approximately 125 mph and was positioned near the center of the racetrack’s right lane. As Kalitta’s racecar entered the “run-off” area, the front of the vehicle appeared to pitch upward, allowing air under the vehicle’s fiberglass nose resulting in its separation from the chassis. Over the course of the following .5-second, the vehicle took flight and traveled toward the right side of the run-off area and over the western concrete retaining wall. Immediately thereafter, the vehicle impacted a steel post that supported the right side of a cargo net which was in place to stop race vehicles from passing this area of the racetrack. This impact was specific to the right side of the vehicle and caused separation of the right front suspension components and damage to the right side engine exhaust system. The vehicle continued forward and impacted a piece of heavy equipment (JLG model 600S telescopic boom lift vehicle with a specified (dry) weight of 22,750 pounds), which was positioned outside the “run-off” area by the ESPN television crew. This impact caused catastrophic damage to the vehicle and additional separation of chassis components and the vehicle’s engine. Beyond the boom lift vehicle, a Chevrolet van and a Suzuki Ozark ATV, which were also positioned by ESPN television crew, were damaged by collision debris. The largest portion of the race vehicle came to rest in a grassy area 250' south of the shutdown area and 153' from the initial pole impact. Scott Kalitta was contained in this portion of the race vehicle and had sustained fatal blunt force injuries. A review of information provided by Delphi, which was recorded by accelerometers, mounted to the Kalitta vehicle revealed multiple impacts producing over 100G, with some approaching or exceeding 200G. No information was obtained from the RacePac data recorder installed in the Kalitta vehicle. Post mortem examination confirmed that Scott Kalitta’s death was caused by multiple blunt trauma injuries.
The New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit has identified the following items to be noteworthy or contributory in the occurrence of this incident:
Engine Failure
The stimulus behind the sequence of events leading to the death of Scott Kalitta was a massive failure of the vehicle’s engine. Although not uncommon in Top Fuel drag racing, the exact diagnosis and chronological succession of the engine failure in this incident was beyond the scope of the State Police investigation. After post-crash inspection of Kalitta’s vehicle components by the NJSP, the vehicle was turned over to the NHRA and, ultimately Kalitta Motorsports.
Fuel Flow Interruption
After failure of the engine in the Kalitta vehicle, a fire ensued which survived for more than seven seconds, throughout the crash sequence. Additionally, fuel continued to be fed to the engine, either residually or via remaining fuel routing from the fuel tank. This engine power handicapped the capability of the mechanical brake system. Had the driver been rendered unconscious or temporarily unable to apply mechanical braking after the engine explosion and parachute failure, the vehicle’s deceleration over the next ½ mile would have been minimal.
Insufficient Braking
Despite approx. 1832’ of intermittent tire marks to indicate the functionality of all four brake systems, the vehicle’s speed was reduced slightly over 50% in the last ½ mile of the racetrack. The initial engine explosion and loss of body components, deployment and minimal expansion of the parachute system as well as the vehicle’s suspension system and tire pressure and composition may have contributed to a loss of tire contact, which made braking partially ineffective. Additionally, the clutch system was found to be locked which maintained engine power to the rear wheels.
>Insufficient Auxiliary Braking (parachute failure)
The vehicle’s parachute system was deployed (but did not blossom) at the time of the explosion when the rear portion of the vehicle’s fiberglass body separated. Post crash inspection revealed substantial damage to the parachute system. This damage included tearing, burning, and tangling assumed to be caused by the engine explosion, ensuing fire, body separation, and spoilage of air over the remaining vehicle chassis, and high speed ground contact.
Driver Toxicology
Post mortem toxicological analysis of blood obtained from Scott Kalitta during his autopsy revealed the presence of Ethanol at a level of 23 mg/dL. This level converts to a BAC percentage of .02% BAC. This level, 25% of the legal limit for intoxication in the State of New Jersey, remains in violation of NHRA rules (Section 1.7, I., B.1.) as well as N.J.S.A. Title 13 Chapter 62 New Jersey State Motor Vehicle Racetrack Regulations.
Fixed Object Impacts
Upon entering the “run-off” area and impacting the pea gravel, Kalitta’s race vehicle took flight at a speed of approximately 125 MPH. The vehicle sailed over the western retaining wall and its right front tire rubbed the concrete wall before the vehicle impacted the western “catch net” support post. This (8.5" diameter x 7' high) hollow steel post was protected on its northern and southern sides by the concrete barrier by its position within the barrier, but extended above the wall with no attenuation.
After impact with the cargo net support pole, the Kalitta vehicle continued 15' from the pole impact before impacting the cast iron counterbalance portion of an aerial boom lift vehicle, which was in place to position a remote television camera over the center of the racetrack. As the impact continued, the Kalitta vehicle made multiple impacts with this 23,000 lb. vehicle and its extended boom component.
The New Jersey State Police Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, as the sole agency with responsibility to regulate the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Racetrack Regulations (N.J.S.A. 13:62) has concluded this investigation and has forwarded all reports to the Office of the Middlesex County Prosecutor for review. After this review, further safety recommendations will be discussed between the NJSP, the NHRA, and all three of New Jersey’s licensed 1/4-mile (drag racing) racetracks.
All requests for further information into this matter should be made through The New Jersey State Police Office of Public Information at 609-882-2000.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
I want my MTV...
For the younger generation out there they actually used to play music and videos! Long before Real World, Road Rules, Made, and Cribs there was rock 'n roll.
Last night though was the VMAs and there was some great acts. Britney Spears opened the show with Jonah Hill, which may not have been what everyone anticipated:
But I believe Pink had one of the best performances in years! Man she rocked it out... Check it:
Last night though was the VMAs and there was some great acts. Britney Spears opened the show with Jonah Hill, which may not have been what everyone anticipated:
But I believe Pink had one of the best performances in years! Man she rocked it out... Check it:
Speedweek pics...
So it has been a few weeks since I returned from Speedweek. Just thought I would share some photos I took. If anyone is ever interested in prints of any of my photos please let me know. For now just enjoy.
More to come...
More to come...
Friday, September 5, 2008
Dream Car of the Week...
I shot this car out at Bonneville this year. It was built by some kid out of Cincy, OH. I got his name, but now I cannot find it. The car just has "the look". I love the colors on it. I love the tonneau cover. I love the wheels with rings, but no caps. And something you cannot see in the pic is everything on this car is safety wired; which I thought was a cool touch.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
On the road again...
Legally too! Yes after 10 months my '54 is wearing plates that registered with the DMV. The plates I did have on it were '56 CA tags last registered in 1960...
She is not perfect, or completely done, but at least I don't have to be on the look out Bufford T. Justice in the rearview anymore.
Who knew simple handtools, a grinder from Walmart, and a two car garage could produce this:
Now, do I dare tell Shannon I spotted a mid '60s Ranchero for sale on the way to work this morning?
She is not perfect, or completely done, but at least I don't have to be on the look out Bufford T. Justice in the rearview anymore.
Who knew simple handtools, a grinder from Walmart, and a two car garage could produce this:
Now, do I dare tell Shannon I spotted a mid '60s Ranchero for sale on the way to work this morning?
Monday, September 1, 2008
Witness Protection Program...
No, that's not where I've been. Just been trying to complete some other things. More on that tommorow - promise.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)