Drivers Share Their Thoughts After Watkins Glen Cup Race

Insights from Watkins Glen: Post-Race Reactions

After Sunday’s thrilling race at Watkins Glen, drivers had plenty to say about their experiences. William Byron, the race winner, shared his satisfaction with a flawless performance, highlighting the summer slump that the team overcame. Byron praised his crew and expressed excitement over this significant win, noting the team’s strong preparation and execution.

Denny Hamlin, who finished second, was content with his performance despite the challenges of getting up to speed and staying ahead of competitors. Christopher Bell, securing third place, was pleased with the team’s overnight adjustments that led to a competitive finish, even as he noted the tight points battle. AJ Allmendinger, finishing fourth, emphasized the importance of building momentum and aiming for playoff inclusion, despite recent performance ups and downs.

Performance Highlights and Challenges

Ty Gibbs, who ended up in fifth place, felt his car had strong potential but struggled with overtaking slower competitors. Chris Buescher, finishing seventh, was proud of the car’s performance improvement over the previous year, even if it wasn’t a race-winning day. Ryan Blaney, in ninth, acknowledged the team’s hard work in improving their position throughout the race, thanks to effective pit strategies and adjustments.

Joey Logano, who finished tenth, noted that while the team performed better than in previous races, there is still room for improvement in speed. Bubba Wallace, finishing twelfth, expressed pride in his performance and consistency on road courses, appreciating the support from his team. Brad Keselowski, who ended up in fifteenth, was optimistic about the upcoming NASCAR Playoffs, celebrating RFK Racing’s momentum and achievements.

Looking Ahead and Final Thoughts

Mike Rockenfeller, in nineteenth place, reflected on a challenging race with pit stop issues affecting his final position. Kevin Harvick, finishing twenty-first, lamented missed opportunities and the ongoing struggles with road courses. Erik Jones, in twenty-ninth, faced a tough day with setbacks and is hopeful for better results at Daytona. Michael McDowell, finishing thirty-sixth, noted the ups and downs of racing but remained proud of his team’s performance despite the penalty and challenges faced.

This race at Watkins Glen highlighted both the triumphs and trials of the drivers, with a mix of personal achievements and ongoing challenges as the season progresses toward the playoffs.

Major Collision on State Route 12E Causes Road Closure

Crash Details and Impact

A significant two-car collision on State Route 12E resulted in the closure of a stretch of the roadway for over an hour. The accident occurred at the junction of State Route 12E and County Route 57, where a Black Truck, attempting a left turn, failed to yield to an eastbound Blue SUV. The collision was severe enough that the SUV crashed into a utility pole before veering off the road.

Emergency Response and Road Reopening

The crash involved five individuals, with emergency responders working swiftly to manage the situation. Due to substantial damage to the SUV, fire crews had to use specialized equipment to extricate one person trapped inside. Fortunately, the injuries were minor, and both vehicles were eventually towed away. The affected section of the road, from Swamp Road to Burnt Rock Road North, has been cleared and reopened to traffic.

Top High-End Large SUVs to Consider in 2023

Performance and Price Insights

With a price tag of $159,000, BMW’s latest flagship SUV, the XM, stands out for its exceptional road performance. Unlike the rugged G-Wagen, the XM is designed specifically for superior handling on paved roads. Notably, it marks BMW’s return to M-exclusive models, a first since the iconic M1 supercar, blending luxury with high-end engineering.

BMW XM: A Unique Blend of Luxury and Performance

The BMW XM offers a unique driving experience, combining luxury with top-notch performance. While it might seem unusual for a BMW M model to focus solely on road driving, its engineering represents a bold step in the brand’s evolution. This SUV is a testament to BMW’s commitment to performance, albeit with a hint of complexity in its design and positioning.

Kansas college students up for top award at world renowned car show

A group of Kansas college students is making history. They are entering what’s known as the Super Bowl of car shows with a vehicle they restored all by themselves.60 students from McPherson College, north of Wichita, spent six years restoring a classic Mercedes. They hunted down parts – and even created a custom paint blend to replicate the look.It’s up for Best of Show at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California. Judges focus on elegance, originality, and authenticity.“We like to say the older cars possess souls while the other cars do not,” McPherson College alumna Victoria Bruno said. “Simply because they represent kinetic art, they represent time that no longer is. They represent a time that wasn’t about getting from point a to point but about the experience.”The car is worth over half a million dollars. McPherson College says it’s the only school in the country with a degree in automotive restoration.Judges are set to determine a winner Sunday night.

A group of Kansas college students is making history.

They are entering what’s known as the Super Bowl of car shows with a vehicle they restored all by themselves.

60 students from McPherson College, north of Wichita, spent six years restoring a classic Mercedes.

They hunted down parts – and even created a custom paint blend to replicate the look.

It’s up for Best of Show at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, California.

Judges focus on elegance, originality, and authenticity.

“We like to say the older cars possess souls while the other cars do not,” McPherson College alumna Victoria Bruno said. “Simply because they represent kinetic art, they represent time that no longer is. They represent a time that wasn’t about getting from point a to point but about the experience.”

The car is worth over half a million dollars.

McPherson College says it’s the only school in the country with a degree in automotive restoration.

Judges are set to determine a winner Sunday night.

Ford Falcon: Classic Collectible or Just a Prelude to the Mustang?

Ford Falcon’s Legacy and Influence

The Ford Falcon, while often overshadowed by the Mustang, was a crucial precursor to one of automotive history’s most iconic names. Introduced in 1960, the Falcon set the stage for the Mustang but was more than a mere precursor; it had its own legacy, influencing car culture in its own right. Despite its discontinuation in North America after 1970, the Falcon’s design and engineering contributed significantly to Ford’s lineup and paved the way for future models.

Ford Falcon vs. Mustang: A Comparative Look

Although the 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint shared mechanical similarities with the 1964 ½ Mustang, the two models were distinct in their own rights. The Falcon offered a broader range of body styles, including sedans, wagons, coupes, and convertibles, providing versatility that the Mustang did not initially match. However, the Mustang quickly eclipsed the Falcon in popularity, becoming a cultural icon and overshadowing the Falcon’s appeal, which led to its phased-out production in North America.

The Ford Falcon’s Global Presence and Value

While North American production of the Falcon ended in 1970, the model continued to thrive in other markets, notably in Australia until 2016. In Australia, the Falcon evolved into a robust competitor against local rivals like the Holden Commodore, featuring advanced body types and V8 engines. Today, North American Falcons, particularly well-preserved or restored models, can fetch significant prices at auctions, with values ranging from around $24,860 to over $100,000, depending on condition and modifications.

Magicycle Deer Ebike SUV: The Ultimate Full-Suspension Electric Bike

Unmatched Performance and Power

The Magicycle Deer Ebike SUV, priced at $2449.00, is a standout in the electric bike market, blending style with robust performance. This bike features a 750W motor with a peak output of 1100W and impressive torque of 96 Nm, ensuring effortless hill climbs and exhilarating rides on challenging terrains. Its power is matched by a high-capacity 52V 20Ah battery, providing over 80 miles per charge for extended adventures.

Advanced Features for a Superior Ride

Designed to tackle both urban and off-road challenges, the Magicycle Deer boasts hydraulic coil suspension that smooths out rough paths and enhances ride comfort. The bike’s aerospace aluminum alloy frame and 7-speed gear set with a 53-teeth chainring contribute to its durability and smooth shifting, respectively. Additional features like cruise control, adjustable pedal assist, and puncture-proof tires make it a versatile choice for all types of riders.

Key Concerns from 2023 Porsche 911 Owners: What to Know Before Buying

Cabin Insulation and Noise Concerns

The 2023 Porsche 911 is celebrated for its sleek design and thrilling performance, but some owners have raised concerns about cabin insulation. Many drivers report that wind and tire noise can be intrusive, especially during high-speed drives. Upgrading to the Turbo models with noise-canceling glass could mitigate this issue, potentially enhancing comfort while improving aerodynamics.

Voice Assistance and Infotainment Issues

Another area of concern is the car’s voice assistance technology. Porsche’s digital assistant, while innovative, has received criticism for its limited functionality and user experience. Many find it less effective compared to Apple CarPlay’s voice control, and the audio system, despite its premium Bose or optional Burmester upgrade, has been described as underwhelming by some reviewers.

Ride Quality and Suspension Performance

The ride quality of the 2023 Porsche 911 has also been a point of debate. While the adaptive suspension system is present across all models, some drivers find the ride to be too firm. For those seeking a smoother experience, the Targa models offer a more comfortable suspension, and opting for the Sport Chrono package might help by providing better vibration control and gear shifting.

Toyota to Produce Subaru’s New 3-Row Electric SUV in the U.S. Starting 2025

New 3-Row Electric SUV Production

Toyota plans to start manufacturing a new three-row electric SUV in 2025, coinciding with the production launch of its own larger electric vehicle model. This new SUV, temporarily named the bZ5X, will mark Toyota’s entry into the competitive three-row electric market. This development follows Subaru and Toyota’s 2019 collaboration to create a shared electric vehicle platform.

e-TNGA Platform and Production Updates

The e-TNGA platform, developed jointly by Subaru and Toyota, currently underpins both the Toyota bZ4X and Subaru Solterra. Initially assembled at Toyota’s Motomachi plant in Japan, production was briefly halted in mid-2023 due to issues with wheel hub bolts. After resuming last October, Toyota is now preparing to extend its production capabilities to include this new three-row SUV, while Subaru has committed to launching at least four electric crossovers in the U.S. by 2026.

Why the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross May Fall Short of Expectations

Overview of the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross

The 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross, as the brand’s most budget-friendly SUV, has captured significant attention. Despite its appealing price, this subcompact SUV presents some challenges that might deter potential buyers. While Toyota’s reputation in the SUV market is strong, the Corolla Cross faces tough competition from rivals offering more value and features for a similar price.

Key Drawbacks of the Corolla Cross

The Corolla Cross stands out for its affordability, but it has a few drawbacks. The SUV’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a modest 169 horsepower, which may feel underwhelming compared to some competitors. Additionally, the base model of the Corolla Cross feels quite basic, with many desirable features reserved for higher trims, which may leave some drivers wanting more.

Hybrid Option and Value

For those seeking better value, the Corolla Cross Hybrid is an attractive alternative. Starting at $27,970, this model offers impressive fuel efficiency, with up to 45 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway. Beyond its economical performance, the hybrid version comes with all-wheel drive and advanced safety features, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing both savings and capability.

Pros and Market Potential

Despite its shortcomings, the Corolla Cross remains a strong contender in its segment. Its affordability, combined with the trusted Corolla nameplate, offers a practical option for budget-conscious buyers. With its decent fuel economy and standard safety features, it could become a favorite among those who value Toyota’s reliability and brand reputation. As the Corolla Cross gains traction, it has the potential to become a significant player in the subcompact SUV market.

Navigating Family Car Choices: Is an SUV Necessary When Expecting?

Understanding Family Car Options Beyond SUVs

While SUVs are synonymous with family vehicles due to their practicality, expecting parents have a myriad of other vehicle types to consider. Sedans, wagons, and even sporty models can equally meet the demands of family life. This article explores why the popular choice isn’t always the necessary one and highlights suitable alternatives for those anticipating a new addition to the family.

Alternatives to SUVs: Sedans, Wagons, and More

SUVs command a significant market share, with nearly 60% of new vehicles sold in Australia falling into this category, largely because of their spacious interiors and elevated seating which facilitates easier child seat management. However, the disadvantages, such as higher fuel consumption and a bulkier build, make them less ideal in terms of maneuverability and efficiency. Surprisingly, many families might find that sedans or wagons provide ample space and comfort, challenging the default preference for SUVs.

Reassessing the Need for an SUV with a Growing Family

The decision to opt for an SUV when expanding a family is not a one-size-fits-all solution. For those desiring to step away from the norm, various cars offer substantial utility without the typical SUV footprint. Models like the Audi A3 or Volkswagen Arteon, for example, provide generous interior space and boot capacity that rival their SUV counterparts. Moreover, innovations in vehicle design have enabled even smaller cars to enhance their family-friendliness, incorporating features such as advanced safety technologies and spacious interiors that cater to the needs of both children and adults.