http://sugarrushrideanddrive.eventbrite.com/

I look forward to seeing you!

Your Friend,
Genevieve Chappell
“The Queen of Cars”

One of my personal favorites is the annual Crusin’ For A Cure -The world’s largest one day charity car show, supporting CITY of HOPE’s Prostate Cancer Program.

This year the charity will be celebrating its 12^th year of success on Saturday, Sept 24, 2011 at the OC Fair & Events Center in Costa Mesa CA.

President Debbie Baker is responsible for founding this terrific charity event. She is a vibrant, strong woman who shows no indication of slowing down anytime soon.

I caught up with Debbie just 15 days away from the event.

The growth of this event of the past 12 years has been tremendous. Did you ever think it would grow as fast and as big as it has today?

It grew fast! We saw a significant growth within the first two years and it continues to grow rapidly!

Who has been your biggest (A) inspiration (B) support in the entire process?

Inspiration – every man that I save.  Support, our Vice President Ross Kroenert (he is my right arm) and the more than 150 volunteers.

In regards to individuals and/or companies- have you been surprised at how many want to volunteer, support and help you?

It is heartwarming and fuels my fire. I believe everyone wants to help because they all realize we are saving lives.

What is the best compliment you have received because of this work?

I receive calls, emails, letters and notes all year round from people all over the country saying thank you for saving my husband, father, brother, etc.

What would you like the world to know about your charity / show?

It is truly the largest single day event in the nation that we call the Save Your Life Car Show.

I believe it is important to make people aware of how the money and donations are handled, please explain.

Cruisin’ For A Cure is a registered non-profit California organization. All of the individuals that organize the show, handle show day logistics, and generally help make this event a success, are doing this voluntarily in addition to their “day jobs”.  Unlike many other automotive fundraising events, none of the money goes to a car club, promoter, or ”administrative overhead”…. There are none!

Thus, you can be assured that your donation goes directly to prostate cancer research. That is why we have all participants make their entry check out to the CITY OF HOPE.  We simply log in the vehicle information for the show and forward the check to the City of Hope

What’s new and exciting for 2011 event?

We have a new area (in the main section of the grounds) with Cars for Sale. We also added 3 bands to the back area – in over flow car lot.

Walk me through the process (what goes through your mind (A) upon waking the morning of the event (B) When you lay your head down to go to bed the night after the event.

I am so excited now, I am counting the days, not the hours yet, praying every night and morning to please make the weather DRY, DRY, DRY and about 75 degrees, and make this the biggest and best yet and let us save lives and test more men than ever.

What can our readers do to help you?

Support the event by being there and take advantage of the free screening, buy tickets for prizes, and have fun.

Is there a specific area where you still need a bit more help or assistance?

We can always use more donations.

How many men were tested in 2011?

A record 1,466.

How many that were tested in 2011 were notified to go see their doctor for additional tests?

Last year 143 men from the 1,466 tested.

Approximately how many lives have been saved because of this event over the past 11 years?

2000 to date – that we know of.

Anything else you’d like to add or share with us?

All those you attend, can feel good about knowing that they are making a difference. Together we are getting the word out that September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and we are all here for the same reason, to save our men from prostate cancer from a simple 5 minute fill out the papers and do the blood test, and then they can enjoy all the hot rods, and cars, music, vendors and their friends all day and for many, many years to come.   I am already working on next years’ event, Sept. 22nd same place, same time.

I strongly believe that you get out of a thing what you put into it. Hence the success that Debbie Baker, Ross Kroenert and her wonderful team has experienced throughout the years with THE LARGEST ONE DAY CHARITY CAR SHOW IN THE WORLD – Crusin’ For A Cure!

Please join me along with your other favorite TV personalities – Carson Lev, Fireball Tim, George Barris, Barry McGuire, Rich Evans and more.

To check out images from past years click here

Check out some video coverage click here

On the country there are some sounds that aren’t so pleasant and send shivers down my spine. Tires squealing, metal crunching, and glass shattering…Yes sounds of a car accident! The Population Reference Bureau reports that worldwide “an estimated 1.2 million people are killed in road crashes each year, and as many as 50 million are injured.”

Many of us forget that driving a vehicle is a privilege. Yet, attention to safety and plain common sense will help us avoid getting into a car accident. The following are some good reminders for all of us no matter how long we’ve been behind the wheel.

Speed Limits, Seat Belts and Texting

If you are like me, an open road screams “peddle to the metal baby!”  I admit, it’s difficult not to drive over the speed limit and I’ve personally started paying more attention to my RPMs. Fact of the matter is exceeding the limit usually makes little difference in the time it takes you to arrive at your destination. For example, over a distance of 50 miles (80 km), increasing from 65 miles (104 km) per hour to 80 miles (129 km) per hour will gain you less than nine minutes. Is it really worth risking an accident to gain that little time? I don’t think so!

Seat belts are designed for safety.  While doing research for this post I found some interesting facts such as:

• A government agency in the United States concluded that seat belts saved over 72,000 lives between 2005 and 2009 in just the USA.
• An air bag does not take the place of a seat belt. The air bag works with the seat belt to provide increased protection. In fact if you do not wear your seat belt, the air bag loses its effectiveness and can even be dangerous!

So please buckle up and make sure your passengers do the same.

Between 2009 and 2011 I’ve done more driving across the US than ever before. What shocked me was how many distractions there seem to be for a majority of drivers. I see women applying makeup, drivers fiddling with navigation systems, talking on their phones while at the same time attempting to write a note and driving with their knees. Worst of all – a driver with their head pointed straight down while reading and/or composing a text.  Please, please, please keep your phone out of your hands while driving as the consequences can be deathly.

Road Conditions and Maintenance

Tire traction is reduced on roads that are wet or covered with dust, sand or gravel. By slowing down, you are less likely to slide when braking. If you drive regularly on snow covered or icy roads, consider investing in snow tires for the winter. These have deeper treads and provide better traction.

Intersections can be a dangerous location for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. One expert recommends the following: When a traffic light turns green, wait before entering the intersection. By pausing just briefly, you may lower your chances of being struck by a car running a red light.

I can’t say enough about the importance of regular maintenance, inspections and repairs by a competent mechanic. Being proactive in this department can save time, money and accidents.

Drinking and Driving

Did you know during 2008 in the United States more than 37,000 people lost their lives in automobile accidents? Guess what?! About a third of these died in crashes involving driver who had been drinking!

Most of us enjoy a drink from time to time and by and large we drink responsible. However, as a reminder even the smallest amount of alcohol can impair your driving skills. I’ve noticed that many of my friends and work companions resolve not to drink any alcohol at all if they are going to drive. Seems like that is a wise choice!

Don’t Drive When Drowsy

Most of us live very busy lives which make us tired. This in another area that deserves our attention – drowsy driving is an impairment that compares to drunk driving and is extremely dangerous. If you experience heavy eyelids, trouble keeping your head up, yawning repeatedly, trouble remembering the last few miles driven, missing exits or traffic signs, drifting from your lane or hitting shoulder rumble strips – you need to pull off to a safe area to take a nap. Your life and that of others is worth the delay!

I hope you have enjoyed these friendly reminders. Feel free to share this article with your friends.

Happy driving,

GC

Helpful links for retail, maintenance, approved mechanics, tires, wheels, brakes, rotors and more:

http://www.calif.aaa.com/en-ca/buy-maintain-vehicles/vehicle-maintenance/pages/approved-auto-repair-explained.aspx

http://www.aaa.com

http://www.pepboys.com/

http://www.ebcbrakes.com/

http://www.dickcepek.com/

http://coopertire.com/

Research references: National Sleep Foundation, Awake magazine and The Population Reference Bureau

Team EBC Brakes and I traveled from Los Angeles to join well-known names and brands in the biz to celebrate the openings of the Glen Burnie Maryland, Elmont New York and Paterson New Jersey Speed Shops – packed full of performance products…zoom, zoooom!

A good variety of EBC’s most popular SKUs are stocked at each Speed Shop which makes it convenient for you “do-it-yourselfers” who want the instant gratification of purchasing and installing the same day…you know who you are! LOL

Next Pep Boys Speed Shops scheduled to open are in Las Vegas, Philadelphia and three shops in Puerto Rico.

I got a chance to sit down with each Speed Shop manager and talk shop.

Meet Jimmy from Glen Burnie Maryland Speed Shop

We made it official by cutting the ribbon!

Gallery of images from Maryland event click here

I’d like to introduce you to Norbert Lambert from the New York Speed Shop

Fun little video of me taking pics w/ Pep Boys Technicians in NY

Gallery of images from NY event click here

And last but not least, meet Frank Zotto from the New Jersey Speed Shop

Gallery of images from New Jersey event click here

Wanna catch up with Team EBC or Genevieve Chappell? Keep track of our whereabouts on:

http://www.ebcbrakesblog.com/

http://www.thequeenofcars.com

See you all soon.

Your Car Gal,

GC

If you haven’t heard by now Pep Boys, a long time stable automotive super-center of choice – is going back to its roots by opening Speed Shops within existing stores in key Pep Boys markets throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

Team EBC and Genevieve Chappell traveled to the Dallas Texas area to celebrate the grand opening of the Arlington TX Speed Shop located near the new Dallas Cowboys stadium.

A warm, sunny 80 degree Saturday attracted crew members from surrounding Pep Boys, local race-car drivers and teams, automotive enthusiasts and locals from the neighborhood to join us for the exciting occasion.

This particular location in Texas provided a good mix of bike, truck, muscle, sport compact and racers all looking to enhance their rides. Current fans came to checkout and discuss some of EBC’s newer releases, while others (especially the do-it-yourselfers”  were clearly in the market for slotted and drilled rotors. These rotors seem to be “the talk of the town” right now.

I had a chance to sit down with Zach Smith the Speed Shop manager and performance products expert. Here’s what he had to say…

To view some fun shots click here – Arlington Speed Shop photo gallery

A little more…

Designed to bring back the traditional Speed Shop type shopping experience where you have a place to go, sit down face-to-face with a specialist and put together a build or just talk “shop”. These Speed Shops have the charm of yesterday, but the technology of today with interactive displays, where customer are able to put their hands on what they are interested in before they buy. This interactive environment, along with the specialized staff give Pep Boys a huge advantage over the on-line retailers.

All Pep Boys stores stock popular performance product, but the Speed Shop stores have been loaded up with all the newest and popular accessories for muscle, import, truck, jeep, diesel or anything the enthusiast can dream
of. These stores stock the most current and hottest items from chrome accessories to intakes to turbos and fabrication materials. Along with all the additional goodies, these stores also provide stock serious racing items like nitrous refills and racing slicks.

EBC is on the top of the list for high performance brake pads and rotors with the most popular and requested items in the line, stocked for your convenience.

Come out to see us at the next Speed Shop opening May 13th & 14th, 2011 in Glen Burnie Maryland

Pep Boys  Store #: 77
Address: 7311 RITCHIE HWY
City, State, Zip Code: GLEN BURNIE, MD 21061
Phone: (410) 760-9430

During our travels, we find it quite interesting meeting individuals, race teams and shop owners from different regions and learning about their interests in automotive and motorsports. One thing I’ve learned- the saying is true “Birds of a feather flock together” LOL.

While the New Jersey Keystone show reflected a sport compact, muscle car, hot-rod crowd -  the Dallas TX show brought in many 4×4, truck and Jeep enthusiasts.

Either way EBC Brakes and Genevieve Chappell had something to suit their automotive needs.

Yellowstuff and the GD series rotor seem to be the talk of the town in Dallas March 19th as we exhibited at the Gaylord resort and conference center.

There was a great energy at the show and lots of business transactions taking place – isn’t that great to hear?! Automotive industry is on the raise…let’s keep it rolling forward!

The Gaylord resort definitely contributed to the overall good energy- and the fact that the place was buzzing with Spring breakers didn’t hurt either.

Many of the returning shop owners, race teams and jobbers expressed that they were excited about and preparing for the upcoming season. They expressed their personal good experiences over the past couple of years after using the EBC line for the first time.

We captured some of these testimonials on video.

Check out the image gallery from the show by clicking here.

Next up…come see us on Mar 26th & 27th in Arlington TX at the Pep Boys Speed Shop opening car show and celebration! Website: http://www.pepboys.com/speedshop/0725_arlington_texas

It’s that time once again to start preparing for THE event of the year, the 2011 Competition Specialties MEGA SHOW!! Filled with the latest products from over 130 vendors, this is the place to be to find out information on the newest accessories in the industry.

Register online as a vendor and/or just stop on by to shop for your favorite automotive products http://www.compspecialties.com/megashow/

I will be signing my new 2011 EBC Brakes wall poster and calendar (which was just unvieled at SEMA 2010) at the EBC Brakes booth.

We will be featutring the entire line including our new BlueStuff pad which is a full race track pad that is also street capable!

To view a small gallery of images from 2010 MEGA SHOW – click here.

ABOUT CSI:

Competition Specialties, Inc. is the West’s largest wholesale distributor specializing in high performance parts and off-road accessories. The cornerstone of CSI’s business is aggressive pricing and unmatched service. Unlike other distributors, CSI strives to support the two-step distribution system by NOT selling mail order and NOT owning retail stores. CSI does NOT compete with their wholesale customers.

• Founded in 1966 by former 2 term SEMA chairman, Steve Woomer
• 4 Strategic West Coast Warehouses
• Over 170 major Product Lines
• Average Fill Rates over 94%
• Private Label Chrome Accessories
• Toll Free Order Lines
• Secure Real-Time Internet Ordering
• Marketing Programs; Performance Corner & Extreme Specialties
• 200+ Page Full Color Retail Catalog
• Largest Jobber-Only Trade Show

Auburn, WA

2402 W. Valley Hwy N.

Auburn, WA 98001

Phone: (253) 833-6211

Orders: (800) 426-0950

Formula DRIFT Announces 2011 Pro Championship Schedule;
Palm Beach International Raceway Added to List of Venues
Long Beach, Calif. – January 20, 2011 – Formula DRIFT has announced the official 2011 Pro Championship Schedule of Events. Palm Beach International Raceway has been added to the list of venues and will host Round 3 on June 3-4, 2011.

“Formula DRIFT consistently pushes to grow the sport of drifting and entering our eighth year as a professional series we are proud of where we have been able to take the sport,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “We are fortunate to work with the top venues for motorsports in the nation and provide quality entertainment to fans across the country.”

The 2011 Formula DRIFT Season Schedule
Round 1 – Streets of Long Beach – Long Beach, CA – April 8-9
Round 2 – Road to the Championship – Road Atlanta – Atlanta, GA – May 6-7
Round 3 – Invasion – Palm Beach International Raceway – Palm Beach, FL – June 3-4
Round 4 – The Gauntlet – Wall Speedway – Wall, NJ – June 17-18
Round 5 – Throwdown – Evergreen Speedway – Monroe, WA – July 22-23
Round 6 – After Dark – Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV – August 26-27
Round 7 – Title Fight – Toyota Speedway at Irwindale – Irwindale, CA – October 7-8
For the first time in several seasons Formula DRIFT has added a new venue and will visit South Florida at Palm Beach International Raceway in West Palm Beach. The newly remodeled facility features multiple state of the art tracks. Formula DRIFT will utilize the road course to create a unique drifting course that is to Formula DRIFT standards.

“I have been to the track since the new face-lift and it is truly a remarkable facility,” stated Ryan Sage, vice president and co-founder of Formula DRIFT. “From the course expansions, tarmac condition, lighting and the fact that it is situated in South Florida. Palm Beach International Raceway will be a great addition to the Series.”

The Formula DRIFT season begins on April 8-9, 2011 with Round 1: Streets of Long Beach in Downtown Long Beach, CA. Tickets will be available for purchase online through the Formula DRIFT website. A new website will be launched in the coming weeks. For information on when tickets go on-sale visit: www.formuladrift.com
For more information contact:
John Pangilinan
The ID Agency
213.802.0863
john@theidagency.com

Dear Car Show Enthusiast,

2010 is nearly over and there have been a lot of great car shows this year.  But the 13th annual John Force Holiday Car Show is quickly approaching to finish off the year and is scheduled for Sunday, December 5th. You are cordially invited to attend this event that benefits the California Highway Patrol’s – “CHiP’s for Kids” toy drive.  This event is the CHP’s single biggest day for collecting toys due to the generosity of hot rodders and the thousands of fans that love & attend this show!

This year’s FEATURED VEHICLE section is going to be “FLAMED CARS & TRUCKS”!  We have limited space in this section, so those with flamed vehicles that register early, will be displayed in this section. After this section is filled, those remaining flamed vehicles will be parked throughout the event.  Also Jay leno will be bringing his newly restored 1966 Ford Galaxie with a 7 liter Roush motor in it. We are also going to expand our “exotic car” section this year and will have millions of dollars worth of Ferrari’s, Lamborghini’s and Porsche’s.  And back by popular demand, Dave & Barbara Hubert will be bringing their 1902 Steamer Fire Truck and the amazing Dalmatian dog; “Blaze”, for great picture opportunities.

Signups for this show are way ahead of last year and we anticipate a sold out event very soon.  In past year’s we have had an online registration and we will not be doing that this year, so it is VERY IMPORTANT that you mail in your registration for this show IMMEDIATELY.

It’s going to be another great Holiday Car Show, so download the entry form and mail it in today.  If you have any questions, please call me at (714) 921-1651.

Sincerely,

Craig Hoelzel
Car Show Manager
John Force Racing, Inc.

http://www.johnforceracestation.com/news/news-oct1-10.htm