Hot Shoe Studios

Goodwood Audi Sculpture

2009-07-03T08:49:00.003-04:00

Anyone who appreciates automotive sculpture or classic cars in general would have to agree that one of the world's best venues is the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Held annually on the 12,000 acre Goodwood estate in West Sussex, the festival is marked with a different themed sculpture honoring a featured marque. These sculptures are always the most impressive pieces of art you've ever seen if not simply for their massive scale alone. Imagine standing in the presence of a 40 ton, 135 foot tall ribbon of steel and cars. I don't think there are any superlatives that could accurately convey the experience. Breathtaking would be an understatement.

Click here for a gallery of some of the past displays or read below for this year's official press release:

VAST 35-METRE AUDI 'MONUMENT' TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT GOODWOOD

Audi Celebrates its Centenary at 2009 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Every year since 1997, Lord March has surprised us all with ever more vast and spectacular centrepieces for the Festival of Speed at his home, Goodwood House in West Sussex. For 2009 the latest sculptural 'monument' will be unveiled for the start of the three day Festival (3 to 5 July), which is likely to entertain a record number of 130,000 visitors for this year.

The Festival's work of art is the focus of Audi's global centenary celebrations - a truly breathtaking 35 metre high automotive 'monument'. The Audi 'central feature' art installation is one of the most ambitious and stunning sculptures ever constructed for Lord March's unique and world leading annual Festival, representing the unique style of one of the world's most progressive automotive brands.

The jaw-dropping 2009 Festival of Speed Central Feature actually marks the second occasion that Audi has chosen to celebrate a significant anniversary at Goodwood. In 1999, Audi was honoured with one of the most striking and memorable Goodwood central features to date for its 90th anniversary. The famous Avus race track banking was recalled in an astonishing installation that also included the iconic Auto Union Streamliner and a stunning Audi Avus quattro concept car perched high on the banking.

Designed by the award-winning Gerry Judah, Lord March's evergreen creative collaborator, the sculpture features two Audi cars – the legendary 1937 Auto Union streamliner as well as the just launched R8 V10 sports car suspended in the air, at either end of a dramatic 'swoosh' of tyre tracks, as if they are driving off into the sky. The sculpture is the latest in a grand tradition of central displays at the Festival. Each year Judah honours the featured marque with its own central display but this year's is something very special.

"I wanted to design something iconic because this year is Audi's 100th anniversary," explains Judah. "The sculpture had to have a celebratory theme and it also had to encompass the qualities of the Audi brand: sporty, prestigious and progressive.

"I drew about 20 ideas and some had elaborate bridges with vaulted arches but somehow they didn't have quite the right style. I then had a flash of inspiration and designed this 'swoosh' with a car at either end to represent Audi's 100-year history.

"It's made entirely of steel and although the design looks simple, it's actually extremely complex, because the structure has to be rigid and completely balanced without the need for hundreds of supporting props."

The total weight of the structure is 40 tonnes – the equivalent of 40 small family cars. It took two 100 tonne cranes to erect the structure and four weeks for 12 men to fabricate, build and install the structure.

As well as the Audi sculpture, the Festival will showcase Audi's most important cars and drivers from its illustrious century – from the days of the Grand Prix Auto Union 'Silver Arrows' of the thirties, through the 'quattro years' of the Eighties, right up to the present day.

Ten years on from its Goodwood debut, the Audi marque has progressed to become an even more significant player in the global premium car market, combining an enviable image for innovation and quality, and exhibiting consistent worldwide sales growth breaking the million global the widest and most comprehensive product programmes in the premium car sector, ranging from the hugely successful A3, right through to the pioneering R8, and including the Q7 V12TDI, with an engine directly developed from Audi's all-conquering turbo diesel sales barrier last year.

The Festival is famously held on the hill climb course and the grounds of Goodwood House on Lord March's 12,000-acre West Sussex estate.

"That Which You Manifest is Before You."

2009-06-24T13:28:00.003-04:00

I recently had a chance to read "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein on a flight to Boston from Florida. As both a racing fan and dog lover I found the book very enjoyable. It is an engaging, easy read that can be appreciated by everyone regardless of whether they like racing or not.

The book is currently listed #7 on the New York Times bestseller list and has gotten many excellent reviews. Here's the synopsis:

"Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoe at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it."

Better Than Coffee!

2009-06-22T09:02:00.004-04:00

Early Monday morning normally calls for a few cups of joe to get that day started and the blood pumping. Lucky for me I got this link in my email and didn't need to brew a pot. Why bother when you can have Maranello's finest?

I can't afford it and I'm not skilled enough to really drive it the way you see here but I still want one. That's Schumacher behind the wheel as a "guest" stig by the way. What a lucky bastard!

Enjoy!

Tokyo Mater!

2009-05-19T13:20:00.003-04:00

What car nut doesn't love Pixar's movie Cars?

I can't tell you how exactly many times my son and I watched that movie but it has got to be at least in the hundreds He went through a whole Cars phase when the movie was first released and still plays with the toys to this day. It is the one movie that I actually don't mind watching over and over.

Logically, a sequel is in the works. Disney is teasing our appetite for more Cars hilarities in the interval by offering a series of shorts entitled Mater's Tall Tales. They are every bit as creative and entertaining as the original film. The latest one named Tokyo Mater has got to be my all time favorite spoof on the Fast & the Furious.

These guys at Pixar undoubtedly have the greatest jobs on earth. I truly envy them.

Enjoy!

12 Cylinder Symphony

2009-05-06T08:51:00.004-04:00

I believe there are very few objects in this world that are pure poetry in motion. A Ferrari V12 is surely among them. The soulful wail of all twelve cylinders near redline substantiates the existence of man made perfection. This video elegantly portrays the inherit art of the process that defines the very soul of Ferrari. It stirred my soul as I'm sure it will yours.

Enjoy!

Remembering Senna...

2009-05-01T08:44:00.001-04:00

May 1st will forever be etched in my memory. That is the tragic day back in 1994 that the racing world lost its' legend Ayrton Senna at the San Marino Grand Prix.

I still can vividly remember the course of events now 15 years later. At that time I was feverishly preparing to graduate from the Cleveland Institute of Art with hopes of landing a design position at one of the Big 3. I was so entrenched in completing my work for the I.D. Spring show that I missed the race. I was a hard core F1 fan even back then so you know I was buried in work to miss a race! In fact, I didn't watch any TV at all that weekend because I was barricaded in my basement sketching so I had no idea of the tragic event that had transpired.

It wasn't until I arrived at school the following Monday morning that my friend Rich Scheer asked if I heard what happened. Needless to say I was shocked. I knew even then that would be a milestone in my life that I would always remember.

I had the honor of experiencing the magnitude of Senna's reach a few weeks later when I went to his hometown of Sao Paulo Brasil to visit my future wife. Even though the funeral had already occurred the palpable sadness and grief that still hung over the entire country was staggering. I had never in my life witnessed an event that had touched so many.

I never always agreed with Senna or approved of some of his more infamous on track antics but there is no denying that he will go down in history as one of the few true legends of racing. Even today, fifteen years later, he is still the standard of excellence by which others are compared.

Singing in the Rain

2009-04-30T14:15:00.003-04:00

Ferrari F430 Scuderia in the rain at Monza.

Need I say more?

Going once, going twice!!!

2009-04-23T12:10:00.009-04:00

Have a few million laying around and can't find the perfect gift? Don't feel safe leaving your hard earned money in Wall Street? No need to worry, the RM Maranello auction is just around the corner.

Browse through their stunning list of lots for sale and find the Ferrari of your dreams for you or your favorite (hint, hint) artist. Even for the majority of us who can only dream of owning such priceless works of art it's fun to look through and put together the ultimate collection.

Put me down for lot #204, #209, #213, #216 for starters.

Your Ferrari Is Waiting...

2009-04-06T09:31:00.016-04:00

I recently discovered that Ferrari updated their web presence. The Scuderia's new updated web site dramatically improves all of the graphics and visuals as well as a plethora of new content.

The best new feature of the Ferrari.com site is an unbelievably cool car configurator that lets you create your own personalized dream machine. Now all of the world's tifosi can pass countless hours each day configuring our fantasy Ferrari. Productivity be damned!

The harsh reality that I can't buy my prancing online creations at this point in time is no deterrent. This new tool is so much fun I don't care if I don't have enough green to buy today's Nero Daytona 430 Scuderia! Configuring a different car each time is so much fun I can't stop doing it. The allure here is the dream of owning such an incredible work of art and the temptation of how much fun it would be to sit down and order it exactly the way you'd like. I think I'll put together a 599 during lunch and then another 430 before dinner.

How much is the Powerball up to now anyways?

Truth In 24

2009-03-18T15:03:00.014-04:00

Here we go race fans! It's mid March and the new 2009 season is finally upon us. God, I love this time of year!

The 12 Hours of Sebring and Homestead Ferrari Challenge are just a few days away and I'm amped up and waiting to enjoy the smell of race fuel and burnt rubber. What better way to kick off the events this weekend than watching this new feature called "Truth in 24"?

The show will air on ESPN March 20th at 8:00 PM EST and has already generated a strong buzz within the racing community. Be sure to check it out because it looks like it's going to be a winner.

The Moment of Truth

2009-01-28T09:33:00.008-05:00

After months of anticipation, endless hours of work, and many sleepless nights Cavallino 2009 has come and gone. How can something you've spent a year preparing for go by so fast?

I still can't believe that just one week ago I was working around the clock to try and finish my 250 TR sculpture entitled "Heritage of Speed" for its' debut. I've been trying to rest in the aftermath of this weekend's events to regain my strength enough to get back to some semblance of normality. Now I know why sleep deprivation is such an effective means of torture!

The moment of truth came this past Saturday January 24th at the Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. Things started out a little crisp in the morning when I awoke at 5 am but once the sun climbed up in the sky we were blessed with a chamber of commerce day. I'm convinced John Barnes has discovered a method to manipulate the weather because every year the conditions are perfect.

The artists were busy arranging their artwork in a tent just off the main lawn as the cars began to drive onto the field in the early morning sun. As I positioned my art work among them I briefly thought about what an honor it was to display with such an esteemed group. Many of the artists have been an inspiration to me since I began my art career and it was exhilarating to be in their company. I can only hope someday I'll be fortunate enough to join their ranks in the AFAS.

I'm very proud to say that my sculpture "Heritage of Speed" was a hit and was very well received. I had an incredible time talking to everyone and sharing my sculpture with the public. It's always rewarding to see other people enjoy and appreciate my art and it inspires me to create more. I especially enjoy the fascination and intrigue that surrounds every art show. The unique, handcrafted nature of my piece made sure there was no shortage of questions. It was a lot of fun to "talk shop" with everyone and explain the process of hand forming aluminum. I'm glad I had the foresight to keep a running tally of my hours because that was the question of the day. When guests heard that it took me just under 1,100 hours to complete I often wondered if the astonished look on their face meant that I was crazy or stupid. Maybe it's a little of both!

I hope that this show illustrated to everyone just what I'm capable of and the endless possibilities that could be commissioned. Although "Heritage of Speed" was quite large I tried to emphasize throughout the day that I could create any subject at any scale. Anything is possible from a small piece to be displayed in a foyer or something immense that could serve as a corporate focal point. The sky is the limit!

I'm currently in the process of having professional studio shots taken of my sculpture that would accurately convey its' presence. In the meantime, be sure to take a moment to check out the portfolio page for some crude shots I've included in a impromptu gallery. They are rough around the edges but they will have to do until I get some more professional images.

Last but not least a very special thank you to John Barnes for hosting such a wonderful event and for allowing me to be a part of it. I cannot express in words just how honored and grateful I am to have been among the artist of Cavallino 2009. I hope I can return next year.

Forza Ferrari!

Watching Paint Dry...

2009-01-13T18:47:00.008-05:00

Ahhhh, there's nothing like having a million things to do yet you can't get to them because you have to wait for paint to set up! I can literally here the clock ticking down.

With Cavallino merely a ten paltry days away I'm burning the midnight oil to complete my sculpture. Thanks to a 60 minute cure time on my primer I have a chance to eat and shoot off a quick update for those keeping track of this insane project.

I knew I was going to have to pull a few all nighters to try and get under the wire and now it's crunch time. Although the sculpture appears 90% complete it's these last little details that really make it come together. It's also the task of finishing this minutia that voraciously eats up the clock. You have to really be careful to stay on your game or you'll get eaten alive. The slightest mistake and you could lose 12 hours. The very thought of a drip or run in the paint drops me into the fetal position. Factor in lack of sleep with the stress and you can see why I'm on edge.

Why am I doing this again?

Because it's there! Isn't that the defacto Mt. Everest answer anyone gives when they are chin deep in an act of lunacy? In a way there is a simple truth in the bravado. I imagine there is something deep inside all of us that lives for the challenge of attempting the impossible. Either that or I'm too stupid or too crazy to know better!

Whatever the logic, it is an exhilarating experience to envision something and see it to fruition. I've had this picture in my mind's eye for over a year now and I'm finally about to see it complete. Succeed or fail at least I'll be able to look my children in the eye and tell them I gave it my best shot. How could I teach them to go after their dreams if I didn't do the same?

The scary thing is my mind is a dream factory and I have half a dozen or so more crazy ideas in my head stacked up ready to go. I'm going to have to win the lotto somehow to finance all of them. Any dream investors out there?

Now if only that damn paint would dry so I could go home and sleep!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T09:50:00.008-05:00

I'm always amazed at how quickly time seems to pass from Thanksgiving to New Years. This year was no exception and seemed to fly by quicker than most. I still can't believe tomorrow is Christmas already!

My son certainly is ready. He's at the age when Christmas is truly a joy. I can't describe in words how wonderful it is to watch a young child enjoy Christmas. It really makes you feel like a kid again. You can't help but get swept up in their excitement and anticipation. Even my daughter at nearly a year and a half knows something special is happening. When I see the looks on their faces Christmas morning I know I am blessed.

I make a concentrated effort each year to focus on my family at Christmas time. No matter how busy I am, I always drop what I am doing and celebrate with my loved ones. All my work, no matter how urgent, gets put on the back burner. There is nothing more important in this world than our families and Christmas is meant to be shared with them. What better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than to be surrounded by the ones you love?

With that said, here's to all our friends and your families! You will all be in our thoughts and prayers on this sacred day. May your Christmas be filled with love and laughter. God bless you and have a very merry Christmas!

Controlled Chaos

2008-12-10T09:31:00.009-05:00

One of my favorite pastimes is shifter karting.

There are few things in this world more exhilarating than getting violently thrown around a kart track at up to 100 mph with your butt an inch off the ground. At times I'm not sure if I drive the shifter kart or if it drives me. This might be due to the fact that I'm not a skilled karter or it could have something to do with the mind numbing power to weight ratio. Let's just say it's the latter to save my ego the embarrassment of admitting I'm slow.

The karting experience transmits the sensation in the seat of your pants that you are on the verge of losing control at any moment. It is raw and primal in every way. I personally think it is so damn addicting because it gives you the illusion of being in control of an object that is inherently out of control.

Painting is similar in its' own regard.

Now I know it might seem like a stretch to compare painting to driving a 100 mph kart but they both offer the illusion of controlled chaos. This comparison is fresh on my mind because I've entered the final phase of my artwork and have been applying "paint" to my sculpture.

Applying paint in an abstract manner to any piece of artwork, whether it be a piece of canvas or an aluminum form, is a discipline much like that of driving a shifter kart. You know where you want to go, the question is does the kart want to go there? You apply the necessary inputs to achieve your line but in reality you are always on the edge of loosing control. Flowing paint reacts in much the same fashion. You know what you would like the paint to do but invariably you have to will it to follow your line. That is the beauty of it all.

Thankfully I'm a far better painter than shifter kart driver!

Although fun, it is intimidating to throw caution to the wind and begin painting something that has taken you a thousand hours to make. Just like karting, if you screw up you'll have a worthless twisted pile of scrap metal! Thank God I'm one week in and I haven't wrecked it.

I knew from the beginning that I wanted a finish as unique and gestural as the sculpture itself. I spent a great deal of time researching and testing finish and paint combinations until I felt I had the right look. I envisioned something that was very saturated in color and value yet translucent and fluid like a watercolor wash. I tried several different wash techniques to perfect the flowing water visual I desired.

This is where controlled chaos theory comes into play.

I have to position my sculpture in space and let loose with a Pollokesque technique of throwing paint and letting the different colors flow and run amuck. It is a difficult balancing act. Too much color at once and it all blends together into a muddy mess. Not enough color and it becomes opaque and looks like graffiti. If you don't have the sculpture at the right angle gravity pulls the finish in the wrong direction and it contradicts the flowing lines and forms of the sculpture. You have to also factor in preheating the sculpture so that the essential patina effect takes hold. If it isn't preheated to exactly 180 - 200 degrees the patinas won't do their job and you start back from square one.

Sound like fun? Yeah, that's what I thought too!

It's been a very stressful process but things are going well to this point. I am still building up the layers of finish and color but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I still have a long way to go before the final clear. Now is the most exciting time of the entire art process because I can really start to see things coming together. I've got my fingers crossed and I'm hoping things continue to go well.

I'll keep you posted!

Knowing When to Stop

2008-12-01T20:54:00.004-05:00

It has been my experience through the years that the most difficult part of creating a piece of art is knowing when to stop.

I've often dreamed of being able to work at leisure and let each piece dictate it's own time frame. Who wouldn't want to be free of all time constraints and nuisances such as deadlines? It may sound liberating but I know things would spiral on for eternity and I would never get anything done. You can't show, let alone sell, a collection of unfinished art.

No matter what painting, sculpture, or design I've worked on I've always felt it could use just a "little bit more". I've always wanted just one more brush stroke. Just one more hour. Sooner or later you have to accept enough is enough and move on.

Today was my self imposed deadline for that moment. Ready or not, I had no say in the matter. "A man's got to know his limits." as Clint would say.

Today was circled in red on my project calendar as the point of no return months ago. It's been glaring at me from a distance like some crimson beacon of inevitability. If I hope to finish on schedule I need to leave the remaining time for finishing and refinement. Those are uncharted waters and I'm going to need some wiggle room just in case things go awry.

Time to cover the english wheel and put down my hammers and dollies.

For once I feel the timing is perfect. I am very comfortable with where I am today and I feel it's "there". I've spent the last few months adding a pinch and a dash here and there just like a pot of pasta sauce. The last taste today was just right. Time to move on.

This doesn't mean the pace will let up. Only the focus will change. I'll now have to spend hour upon hour grinding, sanding, and buffing the metal to get just the right look. I've got the finished image in my mind's eye, all I have to do is make it a reality. There is no room for error.

I'll get to have a lot of fun and be more loose at this stage so I'm excited and reenergized. Working six days a week has worn me down but the notion of playing with patina and wielding my paints has me enthused.

Time to fire up the Pink Floyd and fling some paint. Dark Side of the Moon anyone?

Tig and Turkey

2008-11-24T12:14:00.004-05:00

The end of November is already upon us. How did that happen so quickly?

Thanksgiving brings sunny Florida a few chilly days when the occasional cold front pushes through. Being the Sunshine State those "chilly" days are in the low 60's with brisk nights in the high 40's. That's one of the reasons I don't miss Ohio this time of year!

Normally I like to take advantage of the long holiday week by heading up to Stuart to enjoy some of the incredible pompano fishing that heats up this time of year. If I can't find any pompano I know I can always shoot outside and have some fun with the spanish mackeral. It's a sure thing and is always fun.

This year things will be different. I'll be working.

With Cavallino looming even closer I'll be foregoing the turkey and fishing for some much needed extra time on my artwork. I still have a lot to do if I want to finish in time and I need every minute I can get. Too bad I have to sleep or I'd be done.

Things are progressing nicely but I'm at the stage where every little detail is tedious and time consuming. I need to be ready for paint (for lack of a better term) by December 1st to remain on schedule. That means this week will be spent fabricating every chance I get. How long does it take a Sync 200 to tig cook a 15 pound turkey?

Take a look at the second teaser image above and you'll get a glimpse of where I'm going. I can't show my hand until the event but it's made of aluminum. Lots of aluminum! Keep checking in for my weekly update and you'll see more each time. Until then...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't Call It a Comeback!

2008-11-17T21:24:00.007-05:00

In case you haven't noticed, the Hot Shoe home page has been heralding January 22, 2009 as my triumphant return into the world of automotive art.

Well, at least I hope it will be triumphant despite the current economic environment of which I have the misfortune to relaunch the pursuit of my life-long dream. A successful art career is a long shot in the best of financial climates. Recession not withstanding, I'm maintaining an optimistic attitude. With only 65 days to go I won't have to wait long.

I have always loved creating automotive themed artwork. Having been through the transportation design program at the Cleveland Institute of Art, it was a natural progression to draw and paint the subject matter I so dearly loved.

Design is an exciting and ever challenging career but its real world demands and parameters limit you creatively to be less "artistic" in your approach. Automotive art lets you take this skill and add your own interpretation as an artist, there are zero rules. Dig a little deeper and you'll find that most of the industry's top designers also moonlight as automotive artists. I suppose it's cathartic.

The point being, it's something I truly love to do. When I was a bit younger I tried to make a full time career out of it but foolishly let it fall by the wayside in the quest for the more traditional "steady paycheck" approach. I'll divulge more details of the course of events that led me to this crossroads in the About section in the upcoming days. It's a long, long story.

Suffice it to say here and now that I'm back! As ridiculous as it sounds I've got that LL Cool J tune earworming in my head. Hence today's title.

This time I'm bringing out the big gun. You'll have to wait for the Cavallino Classic in January of 2009 for the official debut. I'm not going to show anything more than the vague teaser image above but I promise you it will be like nothing you've ever seen before. It has been the most demanding, intense piece of artwork I've ever created. I think everyone who has seen the piece since its inception thinks I'm insane for even attempting it. Hell, even I think I'm crazy!

It's been a nonstop roller coaster ride since I began one year ago. At my current pace I will have just over 1,000 hours of total time invested. The scariest thing is the amount of work still remaining. I will barely finish in time for the event. There are going to be a lot of late nights in the next 65 days! Against all odds it must be finished in time or my dream will end before it has even had a chance to begin. It's do or die.

I'll shed a little insight and additional images each week until the final unveiling. Be sure to check here weekly from now until Cavallino for more updates.

Mama said knock you out!

Cunnigham Drives to 5th Title

2008-10-07T08:44:00.006-04:00

My brother-in-law Pierre Kleinubing just missed his 5th World Challenge Title October 3rd coming in five points behind team owner Peter Cunnigham in the 2008 season finale at Road Atlanta.

This is Peter's 5th World Challenge Title and wraps up an incredible season for Realtime Racing where they nabbed the Championship as well as second, third, and the Manufacturer's Title. It was an amazing season that won't be easily eclipsed. Afterall, how do you do better than the Championship, 2nd, 3rd, and the Manufacturer's Cup? I guess we'll find out next year when the Realtime crew kicks off the 2009 World Challenge Season at Sebring.

I'll be there as usual with my kids to cheer Pierre and RTR on to victory. If you are at the track stop by the RTR trailer and say "hi".

In Memoriam: Paul Newman

2008-09-30T11:13:00.008-04:00

This past Friday dealt yet another blow to the racing community with the passing of Paul Newman. Known not only for his incredible acting career, Paul Newman was also an accomplished driver and team owner. I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone who could say they didn't like Paul Newman. He was one of the few genuine, charismatic individuals who was loved and respected by all.

He has long been one of my personal all-time favorite celebrities. A real "man's man" in a sea of shallow, conceited actors and athletes. I was fortunate to have met Mr. Newman a few times at the Cleveland Grand Prix at Burke Lakefront Airport back in the glory days of Champ Car Racing. When I first met him I was struck by how sincere and affable he was. There was never a hint of ego or elitism despite his legendary status.

He was an icon who will be missed but never forgotten. Godspeed!

iPhone Dyno

2008-09-23T08:46:00.006-04:00

I love my iPhone more with each passing day and it's apps like Dynolicious that make it even better.

Despite the ridiculous name, Dynolicious is an incredible "pocket dyno" app that any car nut will appreciate. Dynolicious utilizes the accelerometer built in to your iPhone or iPod Touch to sense the motion of your vehicle. This data is sampled as many as one hundred times per second, developing a detailed picture of the car's acceleration. This information is then used to determine the speed of the vehicle and the distance travelled.

Additional features include:

*0-60 MPH
*Other Speed Tests (0-10 MPH through 0-100 MPH in 10MPH increments)
*Quarter Mile Elapsed Time
*Quarter Mile Trap Speed
*Elapsed Time and Trap Speed for standard intervals (60', 330', 1/8 Mi, 1000')
*Lateral G's (current and peak)
*Braking G's (current and peak)
*Wheel Horsepower
*Estimated Engine Horsepower

I can't wait to see what this baby says after a few laps in a shifter kart. Dynolicious is available for download to your iPhone for $12.99 through the Apple iTunes App Store.

In Memoriam: Phil Hill

2008-09-02T11:01:00.007-04:00

Although I never had the opportunity to meet him in person, Phil Hill has always been one of my favorite drivers. No matter what he was associated with he always seemed to portray a sense of class and charisma that is a rarity in today's age. I always enjoyed reading any magazine or article that he was a part of. I only wish I could have had the opportunity to speak with him in person. Imagine the stories he could tell!

Here's the official news:

Born in Miami, Florida, Hill was raised in Santa Monica, California, where he lived until his death. He studied business administration at the University of Southern California in 1945-47 but left early to pursue auto racing, working as a mechanic on other drivers' cars. Hill began racing cars at an early age, going to England as a Jaguar trainee in 1949 and signing with Enzo Ferrari’s team in 1956. He made his debut in the French Grand Prix at Reims France in 1958 driving a Maserati. That same year, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Belgian team mate Olivier Gendebien, driving for most of the night in horrific rainy conditions. He and Gendebien would go on to win the famous endurance race two more times.

In 1961, Hill won the 24 Hours of Le Mans again and the Formula One driving championship for the Ferrari team. He secured the championship when he won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza that year. His closest rival, teammate Wolfgang Graf Berghe von Trips, crashed and died in the same race. Earlier that year, during a practice session at the German Grand Prix, Hill became the first man to lap the Nordschleife at the Nürburgring in less than nine minutes. Unlike Mario Andretti, Hill was born in the USA, and is still the only US-born F1 champion.

After leaving Ferrari at the end of 1962 in the great walkout of engineers, he and fellow driver Giancarlo Baghetti started for their new team ATS. Hill continued in Formula One for a few more years until he switched to sports car racing with Ford Motor Company and the Chaparral Cars of Jim Hall.

Phil Hill has the distinction of having won the first (a 3 lap event at Carrell Speedway in a MG TC on July 24 1949) and last races of his driving career, the final victory driving for Chaparral in the BOAC 500 at Brands Hatch in England in 1967.

Following his retirement, Hill built up an award winning classic car restoration business in the 1970s called Hill & Vaughn with business partner Ken Vaughn, until they sold the partnership to Jordanian Raja Gargour and Vaughn went on run a separate business on his own in 1984. Phil remained with Gargour at Hill & Vaughn until the sale of the business again in 1995. Hill also worked as a television commentator for ABC's Wide World of Sports.

Hill had a long and distinguished association with Road & Track magazine. He wrote several articles for them, including road tests and retrospective articles on historic cars and races. He shared his "grand old man" status at R&T with '60s racing rival Paul Frere, who also died in 2008.

Hill, in his last years, devoted his time to his vintage car collection and judged at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance more often than any other individual; 2006 was the 38th time he had judged the event.

Hill was married to Alma, and had three children: Derek, Vanessa and Jennifer. Derek raced in International Formula 3000 in 2001, 2002 and 2003, but was forced to retire when Hill became ill with Parkinson's Disease.

After traveling to the Monterey Historic Automobile Races in August of 2008, Hill was taken to a hospital, where he died after a short illness from complications of Parkinson's Disease in Salinas, California on August 28th.

7Th Manufacturers' Title for RTR and Acura

2008-08-27T20:58:00.006-04:00

A fortuitous third place finish today by RealTime Acura team owner Peter Cunningham assured Acura of its unprecedented seventh Manufacturers' Championship in the SCCA Speed World Challenge Touring Car Championship.

Round Nine of the ten-event road racing championship for production-based touring sedans was held north of the border at the historic Mosport International Raceway. After qualifying ninth, Cunningham steadily moved forward in a tight field whose fastest race laps were only separated by 0.813 of a second. While pushing hard to what appeared to be a fifth place finish and in sight of the finish line, the third place BMW decided to attempt a pass on the second place Mazda.

As the two spinning cars were trying to regain their footing, Cunningham and Canadian teammate Kuno Wittmer took the checkers in third and fourth, scoring enough Manufacturers' points to seal the deal for Acura with one event remaining on the 2008 calendar.

"Our objective today was to do everything in our power to place one of our cars in the top four, which would clinch the championship for Acura," said Cunningham. "It was apparent after Qualifying that that task was going to be difficult, and when 27 and 7/8ths of the scheduled 28 laps were complete, we were resigned to the fact that we'd have to wait for the finale to ice the title. When the melee emerged in front of me and I made it safely through into third, I started cheering in my helmet!"

Coming into the weekend, the chase for the title among the top three drivers was closer than ever before, with only five points separating them. The best of the RTR pilots in Qualifying was four-time driving titlist Pierre Kleinubing in fifth. He collected two more points for that result, tying him for second with Cunningham and only three points behind Wittmer for the lead heading into the race.

Unfortunately for Kleinubing, series race officials busted him for 'creeping' at the start line before the lights were extinguished, forcing him to the pits to serve a drive through penalty. In courageous style, he fought back and was credited with a remarkable sixth place finish.

Dino Crescentini finished one spot behind in seventh after qualifying 11th and team newcomer and Rookie of the Year contender Patrick Lindsey moved up one spot from his qualifying position to finish 11th.

The final round of the season will take place at the Petit Le Mans weekend, October 1-3 at Road Atlanta.

"Now, all five of our drivers can relax just a bit at Road Atlanta, enjoy the weekend knowing our first priority for any season has been achieved," noted crew chief Paul Truess. "With the Drivers' tally as close as it is, it will be a one-race shootout to see who will be named the 2008 Drivers' Champion."

The RTR boys head to the finale with Cunningham atop the Drivers' points standings, looking for his fifth title with the team which he founded. If he outscores his teammates but fails to win the race, he will become the second driver in four years to assemble a season filled with enough consistently-high results that he wins the championship without winning a race.

Wittmer has three wins here in his third season of Touring Car competition and sits second in the points, four behind Cunningham. Kleinubing has one victory of his own this year and runs third, 16 markers out of first.

The SPEED TV broadcast of the Mosport race airs this Wednesday, August 27 at Noon ET.

Kleinubing: 2nd At Road America

2008-08-20T09:35:00.015-04:00

RealTime Racing Acura driver Pierre Kleinubing drove his TSX to a hard-fought second place finish at Road America, Round Eight of the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED Touring Car Championship. This result netted an additional three markers over second place Mazda in the Manufacturers' Championship, with Acura now leading by 18 points, 69-51. If Acura can score at least one fourth place result in either of the final two races, it will secure its record-extending sixth Manufacturers' title.

Kleinubing qualified on the pole with a 98.376 mph lap around the famed 4.048-mile road course and led laps 1 thru 11 before being passed by BMW driver James Clay, who was only able to put a 1.5-second gap on Kleinubing when the checkered flag fell six laps later.

"This was the most exciting Touring Car race the series has seen in quite awhile," commented RTR team leader Peter Cunningham, whose fifth place finish keeps him in second place for the driving title. "The battles were ongoing throughout the field and no one knew where they would finish until the checkered flag fell."

Points leader Kuno Wittmer came into the weekend as the series' most recent race winner, but found out that was no guarantee of superiority. In Qualifying he led the pack out of the gate as the Touring Cars line up in points order. At a place like Road America however, that's not where you want to be, because being the benefactor of the 'draft' can shave your lap time substantially. After starting from the 11th position (This was the first time this year he qualified worse than sixth), Wittmer did his best to work his way to the front but got shuffled back in a restart fracas and had to settle for 10th.

Former RealTime regular Eric Curran pinch hit once again this weekend, for an absent Glenn Bocchino. Glenn instead focused his energies on his i-Moto Racing Grand Am Koni Challenge program that was competing in Iowa. Eric was quickly comfortable in the similar RSX machine that he had driven for three years for the RealTime squad, gridding the car in 10th. In that previously-mentioned skirmish on the restart, he chose the proper lane, allowing him to produce a sixth place finish.

Dino Crescentini was looking to improve on his 14th place starting point, but fell to 18th after an electrical gremlin under the hood forced his retirement before the 17 laps were completed.

So now, with eight of the ten rounds complete, an incredible battle is shaping up the Drivers' Championship, as three RealTime Acura drivers are in lockstep for the points lead. Wittmer maintains the top of the order with 765 markers, Cunningham runs second with 762, and Kleinubing's results here in Wisconsin moved him right back into the fray with 760. At no time in the 19-year history of the World Challenge has the fight for the title been so close this late in the season.

"This weekend was also special because we consider Road America our home track. We enjoyed spending time with more than 200 family members and friends of RealTime Racing." added Cunningham. "The weather was picture-perfect, and the support from our fans helped us perform at our best."

The SPEED TV broadcast of the Road America race airs Wednesday, August 20 at 1pm ET.

In Memoriam: John Herlitz

2008-04-16T10:40:00.004-04:00

Living down in South Florida keeps me isolated from the automotive epicenter of Motown and I am often out of the loop when it comes to current news and events. I try to stay up to speed with the industry but work and family obligations often get in the way and take priority. I recently took a moment to try and catch up on the news in the automotive world when I was saddened to learn about the passing of John Herlitz on March 24th.

I'm sure most of you have already heard or read many of the articles in the press about the legendary retired Chrysler designer's recent death. All the major news outlets have journaled his career and accomplishments upon his passing but none really spoke about the type of person he was more than what he did.

I was blessed to have met and studied under Mr. Herlitz while I was a student at CIA. Back in the early 90's Chrysler sponsored a semester project for our transportation class. Every Saturday two of Chrysler's designers would drive down to Cleveland from Detroit to teach us and review our work. Every project culminated with a final review in which Mr Herlitz would visit and critique our work.

In the course of our studies and experience we often met several "high-ranking" automotive executives. While each was very cordial and professional in their own way, none had the charisma and charm of John Herlitz. Mr Herlitz was the type of man who instantly made those around him feel comfortable. Despite his hefty corporate stature and legendary past experience he never once carried himself above those in his company. I always respected and admired the fact that one of Chrysler's best designers and VP of Design would joke and hang around with 19 to 20 year old students as though we were equals. He was a man of hard work and humility.

John always had a smile and a friendly word of encouragement. He was eager to offer his guidance and criticism to help us achieve our goals but did so in an almost big-brotherly way. He was quick to wit and joke too. I remember a particular critique where Mr Herlitz was reviewing my sketches and jokingly commented that one design looked as though a 800 pound gorilla had sat on it! I was always at ease when he reviewed our projects due to such good natured ribbing but I always had a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for anything he had to say. Mr Herlitz was always more of the friendly neighbor next door than a Big 3 top dog.

I always wanted to work under such an incredible man but I unfortunately never had the chance. Despite never having had the opportunity to design with him at Chrysler I will always fondly remember the times he mentored myself and our class. It saddens me to know that the world will no longer have him here smiling and inspiring the people he meets but I take solace in the knowledge that John had a lifetime of teaching and inspiring others to greatness. What better legacy to leave the world than being the shining example by which other designers strive to meet each day?

I can just imagine John doing burnouts in a Cuda with St. Peter riding shotgun in a cloud of burnt rubber and smoke. I hope heaven has no speed limits. Farewell my friend!

Grand Prix

2007-11-23T11:11:00.002-05:00

Undoubtedly one of the all time best racing movies. If you have any race fans to buy for this holiday season make sure Grand Prix is on your list.