Abilene Motors Magazine: Issue 3 by abilenemotorsmagazine

THE AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE OF ABILENE, TEXAS

2 ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | ISSUE ③

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ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

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THE NEED FOR SPEED

DON SMITH’S PASSION FOR DRAG RACING IS STILL STRONGER THAN EVER AFTER 40 YEARS

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COUNTRY LIVING AND CLASSIC CARS EDDIE BAUGH IS A SIMPLE MAN WITH AN EXTRAORDINARY 1942 REO

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GO FAST OR GO HOME

ABILENE’S BIG COUNTRY RACEWAY RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP RACETRACKS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS

F EAT U RES

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INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

THE 8TH ANNUAL TUSCOLA CAR SHOW EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS

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FAITH AND HOPE

BILL MILEY HAS FACED MANY CHALLENGES IN HIS LIFE AND THROUGH IT ALL HIS FAITH STILL STANDS TALL

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TIRE MAINTENANCE TIPS WITH AUSTEN AND AJ

TOM’S TIRE PROS’ AUSTEN AND AJ CENIGLIS GIVES TIPS ON HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR TIRES

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THE MINI BIKE MOVEMENT

FATHER AND SON HOPE TO GROW SUPPORT OF THE MINI BIKE SCENE IN ABILENE, TEXAS

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FAMILY VALUES

THE TEXAS ROADRUNNERS IS NOT JUST A CAR CLUB, IT IS MORE LIKE A FAMILY

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT CUSTOM WHEELS FOR YOUR RIDE

TOM’S TIRE PROS MAKES IT SUPER EASY TO PURCHASE YOUR NEXT SET OF CUSTOM WHEELS

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CARS & COFFEE

LOCAL CAR CLUB COMMUNITY EVENTS ATTRACT HUGE CROWDS IN ABILENE, TEXAS

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GET TO KNOW JOSHUA HAYNES FOUNDER OF ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE, LLC.

Founder and Creative Director of Abilene Motors Magazine, LLC, Joshua Haynes, is one of four brothers from Jeanerette, Louisiana. He lost his parents at the tender age of 3, in a terrible tragedy. This would change him and his brothers lives forever. As a teenager he attended five different high schools and had to move between different relatives’ residences. Eventually, he, along with his brothers, were placed in a foster home called Cherokee Home for Children in Cherokee, Texas. Even though childhood was tough for Joshua, he found solace in basketball and would play for hours to release stress. Nothing stopped him from envisioning a better future for his remaining family. All those hours of practicing eventually paid off for Joshua, as he became a standout basketball player at Cherokee High School. After graduating from highschool, he later received a bachelor’s degree from McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. There he studied business management and became determined to one day become a successful entrepreneur.

JOSHUA HAYNES, GRANDMOTHER’ BETTY JOSEPH, BROTHER’S DANIEL HAYNES, CARROLL HAYNES & STEPHEN HAYNES

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I fell in love with country music after studying the music of the artists’ rosters of booking agencies I was interested in working with at the time. One of my most memorable concerts is when I had the honor of working with country music legend Travis Tritt in San Angelo, Texas. His voice was so soulful, and his melodies were contagious. I connected to many of his songs on a personal level. He is also a very nice guy!’’ WITH TRAVIS TRITT

By 2014, he accomplished that dream and became the co-founder of a promotions company that would play a substantial role in bringing many prominent name artists to Lubbock, San Angelo, Amarillo, Wichita Falls, and Abilene, Texas. In 2017, he excelled even further by starting his own promotions company called West Texas Concerts, LLC. That same year, he hosted his first country music concerts with country music legends like Travis Tritt and Lee Greenwood. These opportunities made him adore country music. Travis Tritt is now one of his favorite artists of all time. Since stepping into the promotions business in 2014, his concerts have sold over 40,000 concert tickets!. He has had the pleasure of working with many amazing artists like Travis Tritt, Lee Greenwood, Temptations, and more.

Humbly sharing these achievements with his partners, mentors, and investors make him feel blessed to be working with such amazing people. Every milestone and victory he achieved wouldn’t be possible without their constant support and guidance. These victories would be meaningless without his loved ones and supporters. Now, at 35 years of age, Joshua wanted to use his business and life experiences to create a platform that helps others. This feeling left a constant ache in his heart, which made him realize that money was not all that mattered. All he wants to do now is to be someone’s silver lining and spread optimism and inspiration when the world needs it most. With the foundations of Abilene Motors Magazine being based on faith, Joshua is indeed proud of his vision. Launching a startup company during a pandemic and recession might seem extremely risky to many, but the timing could not be better when it comes to this magazine. Joshua aims to inspire with articles of faith, philanthropy, perseverance, determination, and more. All while providing services to local businesses and forming bonds that will last even after these diﬃcult times. Joshua says that he has gotten so much from Abilene, which is why he wants this to be a source of hope. And having the launch right at home in Abilene will do just that.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

BEVERLY SHELTON

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I once was ashamed of my past but I am not anymore. I now embrace it because it is my testimony. It has also made me the man I am today. I now know wholeheartedly, God placed me on this earth for a reason. I truly believe I found that reason and it is to help others. To make a positive impact in the world. I believe Abilene Motors Magazine will do that and more!’’

Founder / Creative Director / Sales / Editor / Occasional Photographer: Joshua Haynes Graphic Designers: Alexander Kuyanov, Lead Photographers: Christopher Mawson, Lead; Jalen McGee; Len Testa

Writers: Kanwan M. Umar, Lead; Jacob Peters; Syeda Javeria WITH LEE GREENWOOD

Business Credits: ATG Cinema; Jshottit; Team LTM Studios

Advertising Partners: Tom’s Tire Pros

Alliance Auto Auction

Dandy Auto Detail

VIP Sports Getaway

Sam Garcia - State Farm Insurance

Garbo’s Locksmith Service

Longmire Plumbing

Abilene Diesel Performance

Blue Twisted Steel

Big Country Hardware

Big Country Collision

Oscar ’s Mexican Restaurant

Statewide Pools

Outlaw Automotive

Precision Turf Management

Potosi Live

Smith Outdoor Power Equipment

West Texas Water Autocheck Plus New Health 365

Torres Auto Glass

WITH JOHN STAMOS

Abilene Motors Magazine is published quarterly by Abilene Motors Magazine, LLC., Advertising space is available. For more information email Joshua@abilenemotorsmagazine.com or call 325-232-5927 for rates and availability. Abilene Motors Magazine may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved, printed in the U.S.A.

THE NEED FOR SPEED

DON SMITH’S PASSION FOR DRAG RACING IS STILL STRONGER THAN EVER AFTER 40 YEARS

TEXT BY KANWAN M. UMAR

PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER MAWSON

2 SPRING 2021 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

One of the things that give us the most joy is meeting people with the same hobbies and likings as ours. Take it a step further and you’ve got those who have the fondness for things like, in this case, the car culture, but no one can determine from their tame day-jobs that they’re into things like extreme sports such as drifting, drag racing or even automotive racing in general. All we can say is we were staggered when we found out one of our good friends at Smith Outdoor Power Equipment, Don Smith, was an avid drag racer and has been his whole life. We decided to head to the Big Country Raceway on the day of the Test-N-Tune to get this experience ﬁrst-hand. Originally from Sweetwater, Don has been living in Abilene, Texas, for the past 57 years. Safe to say he knows this place like the back of his hand and is very happy & comfortable with what Abilene has to offer. His family even spent some time in Port Arthur, TX, where his father worked for Gulf Oil Refinery. He received his schooling from Jefferson Middle School and Cooper High School in Abilene, Texas. Then he began working full time with his dad. Bicycles were a big part of Don’s childhood because his dad used to paint and restore them. His father later bought out Morris Bicycle Shop on Butternut. Starting off with strictly bicycles and adding lawn equipment later on was the way they went. They now have grown to specialize in Stihl, Gravely, Ariens, and more. This is basically the one and only job that Don has ever had. Which makes him feel at home, all while being an expert in his domain. The shop previously owned by Don’s dad, is now under his ownership and supervision. Today, the business goes by a different name. It is now called Smith Outdoor Power Equipment and is located at 1801

Butternut St., Abilene, TX. Don and his family have all worked very hard to expand the family business. With locations in San Angelo and two more stores in Oklahoma City that are owned by his brothers. Don purchased his ﬁrst car in 1981. It came equipped with a 283 and a Powerglide transmission. It didn’t take him long to swap the engine with a big block and start racing in San Angelo. While continuing to restore it incrementally along the way for many years. This excitement and passion was limited to him because his brothers never had the “Need for Speed ‘’ he did. Even now, the way he races makes him look like he’s naturally accustomed to it all. Fast forward to present time, Don’s got a 57’ Bel-Air two-door hardtop with a fully built 572 motor by Mark Samform from Clyde, tossing out a cool 800 horsepower to the wheels. The motor was fitted with all the necessary supporting mods like EFI, Caltracs and much more. Everything suited for intense drag racing! The car also wears an immaculate black and chrome paint job for all those who enjoy the races from outside the cockpit.

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All we can say is we were staggered when we found out one of our good friends at Smith Outdoor Power Equipment, Don Smith, was an avid drag racer and has been his whole life.” ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

Despite having an insanely capable ride, sometimes the events become extremely challenging. For Don, his toughest one was HOT ROD Drag Week in 2016 & 2017. This is a multi-day event, where racers compete every day for a week on multiple tracks with the only support being just what you can carry with you. In 2016, there were races spanning over Ohio, Indiana and Michigan. The very next year, he started off strong but mechanical issues caused him to not complete the competition. Drag racing is more than a hobby to Don Smith. It has been a passion of his for over 40 years! He is one of the fiercest competitors under those bright lights at the Big Country Raceway. He makes it look easy but Don has definetly put in countless hours of hard work to compete at the level he does today. Though this is not unattainable, there’s a whole bunch of stuff about drag racing that people only find out when they do it themselves. It is not simply going in a straight line, it is a lot more than meets the eye. Every racer has to be ready for an infinite number of scenarios that could show up during a race. Whether its fluid leaks, tire conditions, track conditions, engine health, vehicle electronics or health aspects like roll cage, a sturdy helmet, fire extinguishers and a parachute. The list goes on! This is a sport that takes some serious skills, courage and luck. Anyone who can, should definitely give this a try. If you ever bumped into Don at Smith Outdoor Power Equipment. You probably would never guess that he is the ultimate competitor on the drag strip, by his cool, laid-back demeanor. I believe we all have passions that make us happy and whole. Just like Don, if you ever find that passion. It makes this thing we call “Life” a little bit more fun!

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Fast forward to present time, Don’s got a 57’ Bel-Air two-door hardtop with a fully built 572 motor by Mark Samform from Clyde, tossing out a cool 800 horsepower to the wheels. The motor was ﬁtted with all the necessary supporting mods like EFI, Caltracs and much more.”

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TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT  (325)669-0297  bstarc@gmail.com

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TEXT BY KANWAN M. UMAR PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER MAWSON

COUNTRY LIVING AND CLASSIC CARS

EDDIE BAUGH IS A SIMPLE MAN WITH AN EXTRAORDINARY 1942 REO

CLYDE, TX - When it comes to classic cars, we see most people prefer to remain purists and retain or restore all the vintage aspects of a machine from its past life. We admire this approach because nothing can beat the original attributes of something that becomes an utter time capsule. Keeping it genuine makes us appreciate those cars from decades ago. Then there are custom restoration projects (Restomods).

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Although such builds deviate from the actual ﬂair of the car, they do showcase the creativity, hard work and ﬁnesse that has been put into a project. In such cases, the craftsmanship is often so pleasing that the finished product makes the less knowledgeable observers think twice about whether the vehicle in question is a factory spec or restored with customizations.

At the recently held 8th Annual Tuscola Car Show, we came across a car that was easily among the most beautiful cars we’ve ever set eyes on. Upon inquiry, we ended up having a delightful chat with its owner. A 71 year old car enthusiast who has been a resident of Clyde, TX, for over two decades, who’s name is Eddie Baugh. Someone who makes the best of every moment and lives life to the fullest. He is a simple man that enjoys the calmness of country life, family, animals, nature and last but deﬁnitely not the least, cars. This is a list of priorities and engagements that pretty much sums up his life. Growing up, Eddie was very outgoing. He loved playing basketball, baseball, shooting bow & arrows, kicking the can with friends, good old simple and honest type of fun.

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His current ride is a 1942 REO, the immaculate vehicle that caught our attention at the 8th Annual Tuscola Car Show. It also managed to take home the “Best of Show’’ award! In 2019, Eddie won what he calls his most prized award at a car show in Pueblo, Colorado. Where he placed in the top 40 out of 2,039 cars with his 1942 REO.”

Eddie made an honest living as an Railroad Brakeman and Conductor, before retiring. He ﬁrst started working at the Railroads in 73’. Eddie really enjoyed his work a great deal and made many friends that he still keeps in contact with today. The Railroads also happen to be where he met the love of his life, a young lady named Gail. She applied for Engine Service and was transferred to Sweetwater, TX, to later become a Locomotive Engineer. The way they laughed and joked around at their beautiful home for our photoshoot in Clyde, TX, displayed their never-ending love for each other. They even share the love of classic cars and have traveled to many car shows together. The couple has been married for the past 35 years and they have a beautiful family of 3 kids, 7 grand kids and 5 great grand kids. He is also pretty handy to say the least. Eddie has even helped build most of his home that sits on three acres of land, their forty foot pond and an eight-car garage with the help of a couple of dear friends. This land has helped him embrace nature a bit more than before and he feels genuinely happy when he feeds the herd of wild White Tail Deer every day. Yes, we witnessed this and it was a sight to see! The herd of deer were only a few feet away from him. They even have a ﬁfteen year old stallion named “Hippie” who’s adored by the whole family. ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

Eddie’s real love for cars started when his uncle Jenkins taught him and his brothers how to drive, it was in a 1957 Chevy Bel-Air. When Eddie had to buy a car for himself, the first one was a 1952 Ford. The total number of cars owned by him goes over fifty and his top pick was a 34’ Chevy 5-Window Coupe painted in dusk pearl (suggested by Gail) that he owned for 38 years. His current ride is a 1942 REO, the immaculate vehicle that caught our attention at the 8th Annual Tuscola Car Show. It also managed to take home the “Best of Show’’ award! In 2019, Eddie won what he calls his most prized award at a car show in Pueblo, Colorado. Where he placed in the top 40 out of 2,039 cars with his 1942 REO. Eddie’s 1942 REO, is a heavily decked out “vintage” truck that took a total of five and a half years to complete. It was sort of a barn find from Vernon, Texas. That Eddie discovered when he went to visit his sister in Elk City, Oklahoma. He then decided to finalize the deal and get his hands on just the cab which was perfect for what he had in mind. After getting the cab, he teamed up with his buddy John Cianitto from Eula Machine Shop, a guy who made it all possible with his skill and knowledge. This beauty never fails to leave the observers in awe. Don’t let that fool you because it rides like a monster! Powered with a 1991 Cummins 5.9 Diesel engine & transmission, Dana 60 rear end and a 1983 Silverado 1-Ton front end. There are numerous visual modifications done to it including a pair of 1959 Frenched-in tail lights, a set of custom wheels and leather interior from our good friends at Classic Auto Restyling. An overall sinister look with a bespoke black and red paint job with the body work by Callahan County Rod and Custom in Clyde, Texas. The air suspension takes this work of art to a whole other level, giving it the perfect aggressive stance it deserves. The steel bed is utilized very efficiently for housing the air suspension compressors on both axles without compromising practicality or any other feature.

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A project like this didn’t stop Eddie and John from adding the daily necessities like air and heat, stereo, bluetooth and a backup camera too. If we think about it, the people from almost a century ago would never have imagined a truck from that era would someday turn into something like a functional work of art. The photos do not do this one justice, and we truly appreciate the time, efforts and ideas that went into this project that resulted in something absolutely amazing!

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Someone who makes the best of every amoment and lives life to the fullest. Country life, family, animals, nature and last but deﬁnitely not the least, cars.”

ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 5

ABOUT US

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GLASS AND PLEXIGLASS CUTTING PROPANE

WE NOW CARRY VP SMALL ENGINE FUELS PRODUCTS!! ADDRESS: 20 ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

623 Oak St, Clyde, TX 79510

PHONE: (325) 893-5501

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GO FAST OR TEXT BY KANWAN M. UMAR PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER MAWSON

GO HOME  ABILENE’S BIG COUNTRY RACEWAY RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE TOP RACETRACKS IN THE STATE OF TEXAS ABILENE, TX - What started out as an effort to stop a potential raceway from being demolished, later proved to be the formation of a significant landmark in the automotive scene. The Big Country Raceway was bought by Sterling Roberson nine years ago, a Volkswagen dealer right here in Abilene, Texas. With over 29 years of experience in the automotive industry. The main issue behind this act was that it was common knowledge that the track would become leveled. After the acquisition in 2012, Mr. Roberson only took a year to make the venue functional and even held the first racing event a year later. Despite not having prior knowledge of running a racetrack business. He took this as a responsibility to lead the track to survival. Now, 8 years after that ﬁrst event, Big Country Raceway has been refined and enhanced enough to host spectacular events that everyone should be a part of. With an environment completely suited for families, the guys strive to enable every individual to experience dragsters, jr. dragsters, bikes, street outlaws, funny cars, trucks, street cars, and any other possible genre of drag racing. It’s a wholesome combination of serious racing, good food and good times. It is a cool, fun, family-oriented environment with great entertainment! We had an opportunity to spend some time with Sterling Roberson at the Big Country Raceway. What we experienced was everything mentioned above and more! There were fast cars of all types, lots of people and great vibes. Big Country Raceway is now one of the top tracks in the state of Texas.

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Sterling and his team takes pride in having that reputation. They consistently maintain even the smallest details to keep their standards as high as can be. Drag Racing in itself is considered an educational journey for every individual that steps into this sport. From being a beginner to having some serious races, to ﬁnally facing professionals, one never stops learning new things in drag racing. Whether it’s related to driving and controlling the car, fixing mechanical or electrical issues, learning about the right tire compound that matches the car’s performance & the track, or even working on reﬂexes and getting those launches just right! Sterling is a versatile automotive enthusiast and has experience in off-road racing, circle drag and road racing in general. He still admits drag racing is the hardest thing he has ever done. The best suggestion for those interested, is to start young. We even saw someone who did, a fourteen year old who was lined up at the strip for the junior street class in a full size car accompanied by a guardian.

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What started out as an effort to stop a potential raceway from being demolished, later proved to be the formation of a significant landmark in the automotive scene. The Big Country Raceway was bought by Sterling Roberson nine years ago, a Volkswagen dealer right here in Abilene, Texas.” ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

Thanksgiving weekend is when the biggest races are planned with teams coming even from Las Vegas. Big Country Raceway is known to have some of the toughest competition in the state of Texas. It attracts competitors from Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico and more, for that one race because it is one of the last races of the year due to the change of the weather in the winter season. The most anticipated monthly racing event is the Test-NTune. This event attracts competitors from Abilene and even the surrounding area. This is where the drag racers test their skills and earn bragging rights! Test-N-Tune is hosted by Big Country Raceway and is heavily attended by the bracket race community. On this night, drag racers tune and test their cars to reach the highest possible reliability and stability while doing so. We spoke with Steve Longmire, an announcer and drag racer at the Big Country Raceway. He also serves as the Supervisor of Judges and Senior Judging Instructor of the Big Country Car Club in Abilene, Texas. Here is what he had to say about the stiff competition at the racetrack, “A lot of people around the state say that if you can win a bracket race in Abilene, you can win a bracket race anywhere because the guys out there are extremely competitive”.

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Big Country Raceway also wants to educate current and future drivers as well. They have teamed up with Police Officers and Fireﬁghters for an event called Beat the HEAT. This event conducts educational programs using marked emergency vehicle drag cars to gain the interest of the public. Heat members develop activities to serve their individual communities using the Goals of Beat the Heat, Inc. as a reference.

He urges one and all to be part of the proceedings and compete even if you don’t own a racecar. All in order to experience the adrenaline rush at least once. So, if you are in the Big Country area. Plan a trip to the Big Country Raceway to see the fast cars, enjoy great food in a safe, family friendly environment. Which are all part of this unique experience!

Throughout the years there have been countless vehicles that almost defy the laws of physics with their speed and engineering. One of the most memorable was “Birdman” from Houston, from a renowned show called Street Outlaws. Sterling mentioned this name because the guy ran under 4 seconds, an outstanding achievement indeed.

We spoke with Steve Longmire, an announcer and drag racer at the Big Country Raceway. He also serves as the Supervisor of Judges and Senior Judging Instructor of the Big Country Car Club in Abilene, Texas. Here is what he had to say about the stiff competition at the racetrack, “A lot of people around the state say that if you can win a bracket race in Abilene, you can win a bracket race anywhere because the guys out there are extremely competitive.”

Looking at the past, people have always expressed gratitude towards Mr. Roberson for keeping the facility alive and up to the mark, with transparency, fair and clean operations. Although he played a huge role in achieving and maintaining this, Sterling owes some of it to his talented team of experts.

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YOU DEPEND ON YOUR VEHICLE FOR MORE THAN JUST GETTING YOU FROM A TO B

AC REPAIR BRAKE REPAIR ENGINE REPAIR & TUNE-UPS SUSPENSION & FRONT END

You can count on our auto repair professionals. So when something goes wrong, you want to make sure it’s taken care of by the best repair professionals in the business. For that, come to Outlaw Automotive. Offering the best auto service at an affordable price is what Outlaw Automotive does best. Our mechanics are skilled at everything from routine oil changes and brake service to complex engine repair. We’ll make sure that your vehicle is more than ready for the road ahead. Address: 5201 North 1st Street, Abilene, TX 79603

Phone: 325-721-6777

Website: www.outlawautomotiverepair.com ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

128 SPRING | ABILENE ISSUE 32021 | ABILENE MOTORSMOTORS MAGAZINEMAGAZINE

THE 8TH ANNUAL TUSCOLA CAR SHOW EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS TEXT BY KANWAN M. UMAR

PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER MAWSON JALEN MCGEE

TUSCOLA, TX - Circumstances haven’t been very formidable for public gatherings and events for some time now. This is why the masses have been super pumped for the 4th of July this time around. Just like before, the Tuscola Car Show & Independence Day Weekend Celebration was approaching and it gave everyone a boost of positivity. It was the 8th Annual iteration for the car show this year. The public is is well aware of this event’s authenticity and that it guarantees good times. Thirty cars were part of the show when it was ﬁrst held eight years ago. Since then, it has grown every year with 97 cars in 2018, 108 cars in 2019 and an event record of 117 cars in 2020, despite the pandemic. These cars are always accompanied by at least two or three people, adding this up with the visitors, the numbers are enormous! The ﬁreworks are also something that is most awaited in this event.

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Normally, the car show and fireworks show is on the same day. This year it was split, with the car show on Saturday, July the 3rd, and the fireworks show taking place on the 4th.

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One reason for this incremental success is obviously all the entertainment, the other one is what the event is all about. It is the top fundraiser for the Jim Ned Volunteer Fire Department. People from other cities also join in on the festivities along with the locals. The Tuscola Car Show has raised a net profit of $10,000 in the last 2 years. Comparing this with the first ever car show raising $2,000, the growth truly has been remarkable. The environment was similar to the previous shows with a nice turn-up, lively gatherings and a good amount of cars too. One thing that was different on the back-end was that the usual event coordinator, John Bogart, contracted Covid last year. Which gave him no choice but to transfer the coordination to his son, David Bogart. Since David handled everything flawlessly last year, John ended up doing the same this year. John is very proud with how things have turned out and he really believes that his son did an outstanding job with running the event. Coordination is tough, going business to business for donations and getting all the arrangements ready with efficiency. He gives all the praise to his fellow firefighters, event volunteers, and the families from the community that all played a role in this year’s successful event! Sponsors and the City of Tuscola, Texas, play a huge part in this yearly event. With Countryside Homes covering the t-shirts every year, NAPA Auto Parts taking care of the prizes and Kent Beck Motors providing the trophies that are all custom made out of car parts. With huge support from sponsors and the community, David and the guys made sure that the event proceeds in a very kid & family friendly way. That includes great music, tremendous prizes, raffles, trophies, snow-cones, goody bags and much more. They even had a “Kids Choice” award where the kids pick their favorite cars. Speaking of awards, the People’s Choice award (Top 20) and the Best of Show award are the most noteworthy awards at this event. Eddie Baugh’s 1942 REO Truck scored the Best of Show award, and Anthony Castillo’s beautiful 1932 Ford 3 Window Coupe managed to sweep the People’s Choice award.

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Steve Longmire, a huge supporter of the local car scene, also admired the show tremendously. He even had some kind words to back his appreciation, “This year we were excited because we got to go out there and show off some of our cars, sit in our lawn chairs with our friends, talk about old times and reminisce about the cars we have and the cars we are going to ﬁx, cars we used to have. Tuscola has a very well established car show that beneﬁts a great cause too!” On the morning of the car show, Steve and his fellow car club members met for a cruise out at Jack-N-Jill Donuts with about 40 to 50 cars representing the well-known Big Country Car Club. Their group had amazing rides and showed huge support for the Tuscola Car Show, as they do every year. Even with a little rain delay this year, the car show had a huge turnout and was one of the most successful ones to date. The 8th Annual Tuscola Car Show & Independence Day Weekend Celebration was a memorable event. If you missed it this year, make sure to mark your calendars to experience it all with your loved ones next year!

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Even with a little rain delay this year, the car show had a huge turnout and was one of the most successful ones to date. The 8th Annual Tuscola Car Show & Independence Day Weekend Celebration was a memorable event. If you missed it this year, make sure to mark your calendars to experience it all with your loved ones next year!”

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THE 8TH ANNUAL TUSCOLA CAR SHOW & INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND CELEBRATION  CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S WINNERS  Ronald Underwood ............................. Best Rat Rod Don Garner .................. Fire Chief’s Choice/ Top 20 Jim Aldis ..........................................................Top 20 Don Cantrell .....................................................Top 20 Mark Odom ..................................................Best Ford Anthony Castillo ............... People’s Choice/ Top 20 Donny Simmons ..............................................Top 20 David Renner ...................................................Top 20 Joe Roberson ....................................Mayor’s Choice BartonBurgoon ................................................Top 20 JasonFain ...................... Elite 8 / Sponsor’s Choice Cody Rhodes .....................................................Top 20 Robert Fain ......................................................Top 20 JosephChmielewski .......................................Top 20 John Bogart .....................................................Top 20 Eddie Baugh ..........................................Best of Show Kenneth McCoy ...............................................Elite 8 JB Evans ........................................................... Elite 8 Greg Lancaster ................................................Top 20 Hatton Moore...................................................Top 20 Dale Morrison ..................................................Top 20

Cara Haynes .....................................................Elite 8 David Collins....................................................Elite 8 MichaelFellona................................................Top 20 Adam Thompson .............................................Top 20 Phillip Perley ...................................................Top 20 Nathan Todd ................................... Best Motorcycle Randy Delarosa ...........................Elite 8 / Best 4x4 Lynn Maxwell .................................................. Elite 8 William Miley ..................................................Top 20 Justin Ayers ....................................................Top 20 Nicolas Remington ............... Elite 8 / Best Import Kevin Jordan ......................................... Best Engine Ed Carvey .........................................................Top 20 Graham Langley ............................Most Outrageous Jason Martinez ....................................Best Interior Joe Polk ....................................................Best Chevy Tyrese Lee ............................................. Best Custom Daniel Borlovan.......................................Best Dodge April Martin .................................... Fire Pit Winner Shawn Parenti1 ..........................5-22 Pistol Winner Josh Parks ........................ Cornhole Boards Winner

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WELCOME TO BIG COUNTRY COLLISION

Big Country Collision is a premier auto body collision repair shop serving Abilene and the Big Country. We specialize in major accident repair, minor repair and PDR. Big Country Collision is customer oriented and committed to excellence. When an accident does occur, it’s important to know where you can take your vehicle to be repaired properly. Your Insurance Company may «recommend» a repair facility, but you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at Big Country Collision.

FREE ESTIMATES Call us, bring in your vehicle or complete the contact form and we will work with you to schedule an inspection of your vehicle and provide a repair estimate. SERVICE AREA We serve the Abilene and surrounding areas with the best quality car repair and collision body work. Let us at Big Country Collision, L.L.C. get your vehicle repaired to your satisfaction. SERVICES We are a full service repair facility, handling: • Major & Minor Collision Damage • Hail Damage, Small Nicks & Dents

Phone: 325-692-4799 Email: bigcountrycollision@yahoo.com Address: 5234 N. 3rd, Abilene, Texas 79603

Business Hours Monday to Friday - 8:00 am - 6:00 pm ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE 33 Saturday - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Sunday - Closed

ENJOY A NIGHT OUT AT ABILENE'S NEWEST EVENT VENUE

POTOSI LIVE IS A VIBRANT FAMILY FRIENDLY ENTERTAINMENT VENUE FEATURING 2 AMAZING RESTAURANTS. BOILING TAILS CO. AND JOJO’S BBQ ARE TEAMING UP TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE BEST SEAFOOD, PRIME BURGERS & BBQ AROUND WITH A FULL SERVICE BAR ALL ON A 16 ACRE SPREAD WITH MULTIPLE EVENT OPPORTUNITIES.

JOIN US FROM WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY 34 HOPE ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE TOMOTORS SEE YOU SOON AT POTOSI LIVE! 4 SPRING 2021 | ABILENE MAGAZINE

COME EXPERIENCE ALL POTOSI LIVE HAS TO OFFER!

THE VIP FAMILY IS HAPPY TO INTRODUCE A NEW DESTINATION EXPERIENCE LOCATED RIGHT OUTSIDE OF ABILENE, IN POTOSI, TEXAS! LIVE INDOOR SHOWS; MUSIC & COMEDY LIVE OUTDOOR CONCERT EVENTS RV PARKING & HOOKUPS OUTSIDE PARKING FOR UP TO 2500 VEHICLES PRIVATE INDOOR & OUTDOOR EVENTS: WEDDINGS, RECEPTIONS, GRADUATIONS AND SPECIAL OCCASION PARTIES

C ATERING & MORE!

CONTACT US ADDRESS: 897 FM 1750 ABILENE, TX 79602 | PHONE: 325-529-3111 Sun, Wed, Thur - 11 am - 10 pm Friday and Saturday - 11 am - midnight

*CLOSED MONDAY & TUESDAY

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FAITH AND HOPE BILL MILEY HAS FACED MANY CHALLENGES IN HIS LIFE AND THROUGH IT ALL HIS FAITH STILL STANDS TALL TEXT BY KANWAN M. UMAR

ABILENE, TX - As we move forward with our lives, spend one day after another, achieve our goals, face losses, and everything in between. We sometimes close our eyes to the blessings and still end up complaining about even the smallest of problems that fate throws our way. This action might be a common one for most of us, but a few individuals among us are living a life of such struggle that they’re

ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER MAWSON

on the brink of losing hope. Yet they ﬁnd the optimism to stay strong and move forward no matter how dark the times become. We would like to introduce you to someone who embodies these attributes and more. He goes by the name of William “Bill” Miley. We are honored to share his testimony with you today. His story entails hope, motivation and faith, more than it does sorrow.

Family is deﬁnitely a major part of Bill’s life and it has always been. His super supportive wife Misty and kids: Brooklyn, Courtney, Christopher, Brittany and Hailey, are very dear to him. So, were his brothers and parents John and Pam Miley. Growing up, Bill enjoyed playing football, riding bikes and shared great childhood memories with his brothers. In 1974, he was born in the state of New York. But he spent most of his youth days in Westminster, Maryland. He later joined the Air Force at Dyess Air Force Base, Abilene, as a B1-Bomber Crew Chief but only until 1993, due to a traumatic head injury. After being honorably discharged, he hoped for better days. That day came when he married the love of his life. In 1995, shortly after getting married, tragedy struck his family. He received the devastating news that he lost his younger brother. Bill and his family were absolutely shattered because it came out of nowhere. He then moved back to Maryland to be with his family where this calamity resulted in the strengthening of his bond with his dad, John. Cooking was one of the hobbies he shared with his dad. He taught him how to cook steak, asparagus and much more. Which inspired him to build a pretty awesome patio in his current home. That is also equipped with a custom grille that the family calls “Bill Miley’s Grille and Chill”. This is where he finds comfort and regularly spends time with friends and family. A few years after the passing of his brother. While his father was at work, there was a wastewater valve explosion. This accident caused him to become infected and later diagnosed with Hepatitis-C. Through complications from the disease he became severely ill and faced a liver transplant in 2001. In hopes to cheer him up, John’s wife Pam bought him a 76’ Harley Sportster and he absolutely loved it! With the help of his son Bill, he immediately started working on it. Great memories were made during these times between Bill and John.

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Family is deﬁnitely a major part of Bill’s life and it has always been. His super supportive wife Misty and kids: Brooklynn, Courtney, Christopher, Brittany and Hailey, are very dear to him.” ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

Bill’s father soon became ill again and passed away, due to complications from the disease. This was an extremely difficult time for Bill because he and his father were very close. After his dad passed, his motorcycle was inherited by Bill’s brother Tom. Who stored it at his home. Every now and then, Bill would ask his brother about the bike. Hoping to take ownership of it one day, but time moved on and that never happened. Four years pass and after a doctor’s visit, Bill gets informed that he needs brain surgery due to a mass that had formed in his brain and would need surgery to remove it. This wound was still fresh for the entire family when another shock made way into their lives. Collin, another younger brother of Bill and Tom, passed away, again leaving the whole family disrupted. The misfortunes faced by him and his family were radical to say the least. The scale of these ill-fated events was enough to break the strength of people in an instant. Yet he kept his head high and moved forward knowing God had his back. With the support of his family, friends, and his church. He has gotten through his darkest days. For over a decade now, Bill had an amazing relationship with Michael Chandler, who is the pastor of Transformation Church in Abilene, Texas. Their families are very close as well. Bill even helped launch the Transformation Church when it ﬁrst opened.

Michael has been by Bill’s side through these difficult times. Meeting with him at the hospital for every scheduled surgery. Praying for him with his family while holding his hand. Michael says it has been an honor to serve as the pastor to Bill and his family. Bill also has a great relationship with his daughter Courtney, soon to be husband Riley Acosta. Who is a police officer in Stamford, TX. They go hunting, ﬁshing, camping, enjoy airsoft together and motorcycles. Along with his brother, family and friends, this strong support system has helped him get through some of his darkest days. Bill says he owes his life to God and is thankful for all that he’s been blessed with. Though he is strong, at one time he became overwhelmed, as we all do. There was a point during all of the chaos he felt like he could not endure the pain any longer.

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He knew that he had to finish this project in remembrance of his beloved father and finally got the chance to put his head down to get it up and running.”

Around that time his older brother Tom, who had inherited their dad’s Harley that Bill absolutely adored. Surprised him at his house with the bike to cheer him up and it did! He knew that he had to finish this project in remembrance of his beloved father and finally got the chance to put his head down to get it up and running. Here he expresses those feelings, “At this point I continued to finish the bike the way my dad would have wanted to. This was about him, not me.”

We can never show enough gratitude to God, because despite our hardships, we’re always in a condition that’s much better than many individuals worldwide. And when we accept the fact that everything is from God whether it’s something good or even bad, that is when life starts to unfold for the better in ways that we cannot comprehend.

There isn’t a day that goes by when he doesn’t look at the bike thinking of the fond memories of him and his father. He is also grateful towards his brother who gave him the bike. Which is now a symbol of purpose and hope to him. Bill shares the ﬁnished bike and its story with pride, allowing his dad’s vision to live on. He is almost ﬁnished restoring it and is really enjoying the whole process.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

JOHN T. MILEY

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Bill shares the finished bike and its story with pride, allowing his dad’s vision to live on. He is almost finished restoring it and is really enjoying the whole process.” ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

NEW

L OC AT I ON

IF YOU DON’T KNOW OSCAR’S, THAN YOU DON’T KNOW MEXICAN FOOD!

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OUR COOKS HAVE

BEEN WITH US F OR A OV E R

15 YEARS! AT OSCAR”S WE TREAT OUR CUSTOMERS LIKE FAMILY! STOP BY TODAY TO COME DINE-IN WITH US OR STOP BY OUR DRIVE-THRU IF YOU ARE ON THE GO!

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON AT ONE OF OUR 2 LOCATIONS 1665 TX-351 Abilene, TX 79601 Phone: (325) 675-0140 Hours: Tue, Wed, Thur. Fri -10 am - 9pm sat - 9 am - 9pm Sun - 9 am - 2pm Mon - Closed

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FIBERGLASS POOLS | ABOVE GROUNDS POOLS | FREE WATER TESTING | CHEMICALS RETAIL STORE | CONSTRUCTION & INSTALLATION OF SWIMMING POOLS

If you live in the Abilene, TX area, you understand how indispensable it is to have a pool, especially during the scorching summer months. Whether you’re looking to install an above ground pool or you want an inground pool, you can count on the pool professionals at Statewide Pools LLC to get the job done. Our team is happy to help you find the perfect pool for your budget and your yard. Our services include the installation of above ground pools and inground pools, as well as vinyl liner replacement and all kinds of swimming pool repair services. If you’re looking for an above ground and inground pool contractor, contact us to get started!

WE ARE OPEN Monday: 9:00am-6:00pm Tuesday: 9:00am-6:00pm Wednesday: 9:00am-6:00pm Thursday: 9:00am-6:00pm Friday: 9:00am-6:00pm Saturday: 9:00am-6:00pm Sunday: Closed

Get surprisingly great Auto rates. Here’s the deal, everyone loves a good surprise — especially when it ® comes to saving money. State Farm has always been about that. Call me to discover your surprisingly great rates on Auto today. ®

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

Samuel Garcia, Agent 401 North Willis Abilene, TX 79603 Bus: 325-677-1900 samuel.garcia.g0ko@statefarm.com

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas Richardson, TX 2001862

TIRE MAINTENANCE TIPS WITH AJ & AUSTEN TEXT BY KANWAN M. UMAR ABILENE, TX - Tom’s Tire Pros’ Austen and A. J. Ceniglis have been our acquaintance for a while now, and once we got to know the level of quality that is maintained at Tom’s Tire Pros, we have always recommended them to anyone in need of their services. Their focus is not just selling products, they try to help customers make the best of the acquired goods. We’ve teamed up with the experts to bring you a well-rounded guide for the best experience.

Tires are responsible for safety, comfort, mobility, and fuel economy. Proper maintenance is essential to ensure efficiency that includes better gas mileage, improved handling and performance. At Tom’s Tire Pros, they want customers in Abilene & San Angelo, TX, and surrounding areas to remain on top of tire performance. You can do this, by following maintenance schedules in your owner’s manual. These essential tire care tips will help get the most out of your tires 

TIRE PRESSURE

WHEEL ALIGNMENT

Under-inflated tires can cause irregular tire wear and can cause a tire to blow out. Over-inﬂated tires are more likely to be damaged when hitting an obstacle. Keep your tire pressure at the recommended PSI that is outlined in the owner’s manual. This will maximize tread life, improve handling, and increase fuel eﬃciency and driver safety.

A wheel alignment involves fine-tuning the angles of your vehicle’s suspension system. So, that your wheels are positioned in the right direction. It brings the car’s suspension into proper configuration, positioning, and adjusted components. Aligning your wheels with each other and the road surface. Proper alignment will reduce wear on your tires and improve your fuel economy.

TIRE TREAD DEPTH A tire’s tread is what gives it traction on the road. Your tire has built-in tread wear indicators, also known as “wear bars.” When these bars are ﬂush with your tire’s tread, it’s time to get the tire replaced. If tires are bald with no tread, you’re more likely to lose traction while driving.

TIRE ROTATION You should have your tires rotated every 5,000-8,000 miles. Recommended rotation patterns for your vehicle can be found in your owner’s manual. This will help you get the most miles out of your tires, the best traction, and improved driving safety. A good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires with every oil change.

TIRE BALANCING Tire balancing deals with balancing the tire and wheel to each other. Whenever you have your tires replaced, tire balancing should also be done as part of the tire installation process. Balanced tires give you a smoother, more comfortable ride without feeling any vibrations coming from the wheels.

TOM’S TIRE PROS OFFERS QUALITY TIRE SERVICES AND TIRE MAINTENANCE IN ABILENE & SAN ANGELO, TX Take these tips and suggestions into account while maintaining your tires . Inspect tires regularly for uneven tire wear and correct tire pressure. These measures will keep you and your passengers very safe. It also increases the life of your tires. Maintain your tires by checking tire pressure, rotating your tires, replacing your tires when needed, and ensuring that your tires are well-balanced are essential for vehicle performance and reliability. Tom’s Tire Pros can take care of all your tire services and repairs in Abilene & San Angelo, TX. Schedule an appointment today or give them a visit at 1434 South Clack Street, Abilene & 15 West Concho, San Angelo, and let Tom’s Tire Pros take care of your tires!

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ABILENE, TX - We’ve seen and met lots of people who make decisions that help them follow their dreams. Some even transformed their passion into businesses, pretty lucrative ones too. But it rarely happens when someone gets so moved by a hobby that they decide to pursue it with a dedicated professional approach. David Thames found himself attracted to a hobby that fell into a broader, younger demographic known as mini bikes! This hobby made it possible for him to spend even more time with his family, especially his oldest son, Tahlind. We’d say David is absolutely a family guy! He spends a lot of time with his kids, Tahlind, Kastle, Haven and of course, his wife Heather too. The couple met each other in April, 2008 and became newlyweds, March of 2009. David believes his family is a huge source of support for him, and there have been many times where he wouldn’t have been able to achieve his goals without them. Mini bikes are a massive part of his life now, and it all started when his Grandad started teaching him the ins and outs of small engines. It was in 2014, when he came across a mini bike at an auction for the ﬁrst time. He instantly felt a pull and ended up buying the thing.

“

Mini bikes are a massive part of his life now, and it all started when his Grandad started teaching him the ins and outs of small engines.”

Putting the learnings from his Grandad to use, he immediately got it up and running. This was the start of a true frenzy. It didn’t matter if they were working or not, David just wanted to get his hands on as many as possible. This may sound a bit impractical, but then again, he was on to something big. This passion has allowed him to meet mini bike fanatics like himself. David and his family travel to compete at racing events all over Texas. They are no slouch either, they have both won or placed at many of the races. He is now eager to grow the mini bike scene right here in Abilene! Buying these worked up machines followed an entire process that can even be compared to resurrection! Yes, David and Tahlind take everything apart. This includes nooks, crannies that have to be sanded and cleaned. The next step is to choose a color scheme for a sick paint job! Once the paint dries, they reassemble it. The engine has to be mounted and everything has to be in alignment. New tires have to be installed as well. This process takes a decent amount of mechanical knowledge of how parts ﬁt together and work properly in order to have a solid mini bike. Even once everything is assembled, trial and error goes on until they’re satisﬁed. When it comes to Tahlind’s own bikes, he does most of the work himself and is refining his skills every day. Which is very impressive for a kid that is only 11 years old! In 2015, David created a Facebook group for mini bike enthusiasts like himself called Texas Mini Bikes. That was the starting point for the leap he took later. That leap was going to events and races with his son. It was in 2019, that David raced in his first event called the Texas Fandango. Sadly, Tahlind had a cast on his arm and couldn’t join his dad in that event. So, he sat with his family and cheered for him during the races.

“

David finally created a Facebook group for sharing his work, in 2015. That was the starting point for the leap he took later. That leap was going to events and races with his son.” 50

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“

Tahlind has a natural talent and gets better at racing every time he gets on the track. Because of this I know it won’t be long before he gets 1st again and his determination only grows stronger.” Although, David has gotten first place in different heat races, qualifier races, and last chance qualifier races. The only time he received first place overall was at Texas Tornado Boot Camp. Except for the first ever race, Tahlind has managed to win a podium position at every single Junior Class race that he has entered. Here he marvels at his son’s skill and competitiveness, “Tahlind has a natural talent and gets better at racing every time he gets on the track. I know it won’t be long before he gets 1st again and his determination only grows stronger.” Fixing mini bikes and racing together has really brought Tahlind and David closer and their bond is an exemplary one indeed. Any parent wouldn’t be square if they said they weren’t scared of kids getting hurt. David considers Tahlind a great rider with a respect for the dangers of racing. He makes sure to wear his motocross riding gear every time he races. David feels thrilled to watch his son get out on the track and compete. Even when he’s not racing, his love of mini bikes shows by how much he just wants to ride anytime they go to a track. Tahlind is usually still out on the track even after the races end and people are tired. Here David expresses the joy Tahlind has when riding his mini bike, “I always have to load up all the other bikes first and save room for his after he gets done having just one more lap around the track”. David and Heather are proud of their son and they truly believe he’ll become an awesome rider. Kastle who’s seven, and soon to be three, Haven, are always pumped to see their big brother and dad racing on their mini bikes. They’ll be getting into the mini bike scene very soon! David’s current stock bike was a basic Baja Warrior until he modified it for better performance. It now has brand new tires, throttle assembly, brake pads, bearings, grips and a few more bits. The main upgrade was a brand new 212cc Hemi Predator with a Stage 1 kit.

ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE | SPRING 2021 5

A new belt drive torque convertor was also installed on the engine. Tahlind’s Powerdyne Galaxie has the same engine and torque converter. He even put it all together by himself! David has two Baja Warriors, one for Stock Class, and one for Outlaw Class. Tahlind has a Baja Warrior and a Powerdyne Galaxie, both for Junior Class. David also has others and the collection never stays the same. David’s ultimate goal is to see the sport of mini bikes recognized and known in Abilene, Texas. With no events in the area, sometimes they even have to travel three to four hours. The passion boosts him to do so and he won’t stop going but there would be more events if the sport was recognized locally. The community would also see that they take the sport and rider safety seriously. The fun factor in mini bike racing is comparable to many other sports. David is positive that people will admire the scene once they get to know it more and grow to love it. Just like him, Tahlind and many others have.

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David’s ultimate goal is to see the sport of mini bikes recognized and known in Abilene, Texas. With no events in the area, sometimes they even have to travel three to four hours.”

ISSUE 3 |2021 ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE 652 SPRING | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

WHO WE ARE New Health 365 is Abilene’s ﬁrst brick and mortar CBD oil store in Abilene, TX! We are proud to be one of the only CBD oil providers in Abilene, and we look forward to meeting and helping our new customers.

Family owned and operated, New Health 365 is dedicated to providing only the highest-quality products for our customers. So far we work with 22 of the best brands in the industry

325-692(oils) New Health 365, 2560 BARROW STREET ABILENE, TX 79605 ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

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FAMILY VALUES

TEXAS ROADRUNNERS IS NOT JUST A CAR CLUB, IT IS MORE LIKE A FAMILY TEXT BY KANWAN M. UMAR | PHOTOS BY LEN TESTA

ABILENE, TX - There’s a saying that goes like this, “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; The ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile & who love you no matter what”. We had the pleasure of attending the Texas Roadrunners Car Club’s monthly potluck dinner meeting. There we enjoyed a variety of amazing dishes and later spoke with several members. This is when we got to know the Texas Roadrunners on a deeper level. After our visit with the car club, we could easily conclude that this was not just a car club, the Texas

ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

Roadrunners is more like a family. This was a place for all those who prioritize relationships, humanity, respect, and of course, a passion for cars. The Texas Roadrunners is a Christian based club that is very family oriented. The members are all about getting together for car shows, good food, good memories and cruises. There is no alcohol, foul language or anything like that at the club meetings and every individual makes sure to maintain an environment that is comfortable for kids and families.

The club was founded by Allen Moffett, Eddie Womack & Henry Scott back in 2014. The very first meeting was called and to their surprise, the number of people who joined exceeded the accommodation limit for their first meeting place. Later the elders decided to permit the club to have its meetings at the Church of Christ for no charge at all and it has been the venue since then. When we got the chance to speak with Bonnie Scott a bit more, every word that she said made it clear that this club held a precious spot in her heart. Her husband Henry Scott was the very reason she first joined, but now even after he had passed away, she is still a member of the club. She even attends every meeting and car shows. The warmth and hospitality she got from all the families was enough to make her stay despite the fact that she doesn’t have a car to showcase. She also explains that there were no strict requirements for someone to join the club and you don’t have to have a finished car to join. The club is very inclusive, and just a laid back social club where everyone has each other’s backs. Bonnie shares how they made the decision to always look out for each other before their first cruise ever, “We decided on the first cruise that no one gets left behind. We drive the speed of the slowest car. So if anyone has a car problem someone stays back and helps them.”

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The club was founded by Allen Moffett, Eddie Womack & Henry Scott back in 2014. The very first meeting was called and to their surprise, the number of people who joined exceeded the accommodation limit for their first meeting place.” ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

Allen Moffet, one of three founding members, wanted to create a family environment that everyone could enjoy. Here he expresses the ways they implemented that in the car club, “We do Potluck dinners at our monthly meetings because it is more personable. Our monthly meetings are scheduled on the ﬁrst Monday of every month. Our goal was to create a family environment when we ﬁrst started the car club. So, it’s like going to a family dinner and if you leave hungry it is your fault”. Wade and Cara Haynes are proud members of the Texas Roadrunners. Their names may sound familiar because the father & daughter duo was featured in our last issue. Wade is someone who values family and those who are sincere to him. Even though he joined the Texas Roadrunners in 2017, he still considers himself to be a newcomer. There are a lot of good car clubs in the area but this club made him feel like he belongs. It wasn’t a year after he joined when he found himself to be the guy who was speaking at the meetings. Which he is more than happy to do because he loves to talk. On the day we spoke with Wade, a recent accomplishment that had him smiling from ear to ear. At the 8th Annual Tuscola Car Show, his daughter Cara Haynes won the Elite 8 award; she had one of the top 8 cars out of the whole show that had over 108 cars! The club also won the Participation Trophy for having the most cars from any car club at the annual car show. This is something they take pride in, with many members showing up to support the car shows in the area.

This is what Texas Roadrunners is all about. Supporting local events and building great relationships in the process. The cars bring them together but it is about the amazing relationships they build in the car clubs. When we ﬁnally spoke with Eddie Womack, we found out that at the age of 73, he’s been a car enthusiast for as long as he can remember and loves race cars, dirt cars, asphalt cars, you name it! He owns a 55’ Chevy and has had its ownership for about half a century, all while working on it, rebuilding it. How many people can say that? We reckon very few! He joins as many car shows as his age permits him to join and although it’s not close to what he did in the past, he still admires the ones he does go to. Eddie was one of the founders and shared the need to have a family oriented club where individuals of all ages were welcome and felt comfortable. This ideology was a priority for all the founders and once they managed to get things going, the club’s values haven’t changed since day one.

“

When we got the chance to speak with Bonnie Scott a bit more, every word that she said made it clear that this club held a precious spot in her heart. Her husband Henry Scott was the very reason she ﬁrst joined, but now even after he had passed away, she is still a member of the club.” ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

Smith Outdoor Power Equipment

PROVIDING QUALITY SERVICE AND PRODUCTS IN THE BIG COUNTRY AREA FOR OVER 50 YEARS! For more than 50 years now, Smith Outdoor Power Equipment located in Abilene, Texas, the heart of the big country, has been continuously striving for excellence when it comes to serving the equipment industry. Our dedicated staff offers professional services in parts, service, and equipment sales for tackling all your outdoor lawn and garden jobs of any size.

We carry a large inventory of outdoor power equipment specializing in Stihl, Gravely, Ariens, and more!

Address: 1801 Butternut St., Abilene, TX 79602

Phone: (325)672-6611 60 ISSUE 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

Email: smithoutdoor@gmail.com / Website: www.smithoutdoorpowerequipment.com

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HOW TO CHOOSE CUSTOM WHEELS

ISSUE 3 |2021 ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE 262 SPRING | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE

THE RIGHT FOR YOUR RIDE TEXT BY KANWAN M. UMAR PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER MAWSON

TOM’S TIRE PROS MAKES IT SUPER EASY TO PURCHASE YOUR NEXT SET OF CUSTOM WHEELS ABILENE MOTORS ISSUE 3 |MAGAZINE ABILENE MOTORS | SPRING MAGAZINE 2021 633

ABILENE, TX - Choosing the right wheels can be difficult. So, anyway you can simplify the process is always a plus! Tom’s Tire Pros offers a large catalog of new custom wheels from top brands in all styles and ﬁnishes imaginable for your car, truck, or SUV. From custom rims to factory wheels, cast alloy to forged rims, wheel accessories to tires.

You can ﬁnd everything you need at Tom’s Tire Pros! We stumbled upon an amazing feature that is available on Tom’s Tire Pros website. This feature makes it super easy for customers to choose their next set of custom wheels! They have come up with an awesome solution for their customers to ﬁnalize the wheel selection process. We are excited to show you how this process works!

Their website has a dedicated section to browse, conﬁgure, try-on and select a set of custom wheels, all online. The very ﬁrst step requires you to add information for your car including data like the make, model year, model name, variant (if any), suspension specs and the color. This functionality is powered by ridestyler. com and it utilizes their Wheel Visualizer by hitting up databases to ultimately fetch processed data that is then visualized in the form of a car matching your entered information.Once this is done, the next step has an interface that offers you the selection of wheel size and ride height.

Tweaking these two attributes further lets the users personalize the look of their car even more. That leaves us with the final step, which is selecting the wheel. You’ll see a vast collection of wheel designs from a huge inventory containing all sorts of wheels from big names like Foose, DUB, Status, Ruff, Rotiform, Lexani, Mickey Thompson, Drifz and many more. This pretty much categorizes the wheels according to classes, whether it’s drifting, off-roading, drag or anything in between.

3 EASY STEPS

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SEE THE CUSTOM WHEELS ON YOUR RIDE BEFORE YOU PURCHASE THEM!

The next section covers the wheel dimension calculation. This is a system that lets users compare wheels with different sizes with respect to diameter, width and offset. Though this tool is for estimation purposes only and you should consult with a Tom’s Tire Pros representative to conﬁrm measurements prior to making any purchases for modiﬁ cations to your vehicles. Getting down to the working of this section, it provides you with an interface that will even let you compare two separate sizes of wheels. A table gets populated automatically after the above info is added and it compares the physical dimensions of the current wheel against the new wheel to highlight differences. Judging from the diameter, width and offset, the system can even predict backspace and front space in millimeters. Not just this, there is a notes section which will provide a summary of clearance notes that you should pay special attention to when comparing the two wheels.

It includes information related to suspension, fenders, wheel wells and the brakes. This system enables the users to draw a decent picture of how a specifi c set of wheels can affect the fitment as well as the overall presence of a car. Thanks to this system, customers save lots of time and effort needed to finalize wheels the conventional way. We’re obliged to be sharing this information on behalf of Tom’s Tire Pros and shedding light on something that is efficient, useful and state of the art! At Tom’s Tire Pros, experts are there for all your custom wheel and tire needs in Abilene & San Angelo, TX. Schedule an appointment today or give them a visit at 1434 South Clack Street, Abilene & 15 West Concho, San Angelo, and get that set of fine new wheels you’ve been eyeing!

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FINANCING AVAILABLE | 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE | FOUNDED 2011 Diesel Engine Repairs

Abilene Diesel Performance has the ASE-certiﬁed technicians it takes to make sure your high-end diesel engine is running properly all year long.

Brakes and Suspensions

It's easy to get a car up to 60 m.p.h., but it's not so easy to safely bring it to a complete stop. Letting us check your brakes protects both cars and lives.

Gasoline Engine Repairs

Heat and Air Conditioning

General Repairs

Auto Electrical Services

The gasoline engine is one of the most important inventions of our lifetime. Make sure you bring yours to us for reliable maintenance and repairs.

If it's time for a seasonal oil change, tune-up, inspection, or other routine service, then it's time you come see us to keep your car or truck running right.

Abilene Diesel Performance 3001 US Highway 80 ISSUE 3 E| ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE Abilene, TX 79601

Are you freezing all winter and sweating all summer? Bring your car or truck to our certiﬁed technicians to inspect and repair your heating and cooling systems.

Electrical problems may prevent you from using your windows, locks, lights, radio, and more. Let us troubleshoot and repair your entire electrical system.

Phone: 325-672-9056 Email: scotty@abilenedieselperformance.com

TOM’S TIRE PROS AND ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE PRESENTS

& S R A C L A U N N A D N 2 T A E R T R O K N U R T Y D CAN CAR MEET DETAILS  FREE ENTRY  100 CAR LIMIT  REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 3:00PM

ALL PARTICIPATING VEHICLES WILL RECEIVE AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT AT TOM’S TIRE PROS FOR ONE FULL YEAR! Wear Your Costumes and Bring Your Candy For the Kids!

THIS EVENT WILL BE FEATURED IN ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE NEXT ISSUE! EVENT NAME: 2ND ANNUAL CARS & CANDY TRUNK OR TREAT LOCATION: TOM’S TIRE PROS DATE: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30TH

TIME: 5PM TO 6:30PM ADDRESS: 1434 S CLACK ST, ABILENE, TX 79605

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING THIS EVENT CALL (325) 232-5927

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ISSUE 32021 | ABILENE MOTORSMOTORS MAGAZINEMAGAZINE 168 SPRING | ABILENE

CARS COFFEE &

LOCAL CAR CLUB COMMUNITY EVENTS ATTRACT HUGE CROWDS IN ABILENE, TEXAS TEXT BY KANWAN M. UMAR | PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER MAWSON

ABILENE, TX - People from different car scenes often don’t understand the other styles properly or just end up giving hate and no appreciation at all. This is only because of what they drive or the way they drive is different from the other group. This is the story of most mainstream clubs. Though in Abilene, a bunch of guys with a hotchpotch of backgrounds from all the different genres of automotive styles & cultures are in a pursuit to break the stereotypes with their positive vibes and wide-open arms. They’re not just a car club, they are Zero Royalty. When creating a car club, usually decisions are made regarding a single make, model, a particular genre or a single area of motorsports. But when Zero Royalty was in the making, these common perceptions were sent straight to the bin from the get-go. That is what slowly transitioned to Zero Royalty. The name ‘Zero’ plainly expresses their idea of no favoritism at all. It kicked off when the guys met each other for the ﬁrst time. How often does it happen that only in a matter of days, a group of strangers meet, get to know one another and in the blink of an eye, the mentalities fuse and form a synergy? Almost never, right!? Well, here it did. Johnny Preap, Christian Duran, D’Sean Hill, Dan Morton, and a couple more are part of this amazing group of individuals from all over the US.

Who have all joined to spread positivity and embrace unity, while following their hobbies without paying much heed to their differences. Even though the guys are all from different types of cultures, they take advantage of this diversity by learning from each other. They even team up to help out with different builds from American Muscle, German Beasts to JDMs and everything in between. Their preferences are an incredible mix and match of drag racing, drifting, off-roading, time attack and more. They appreciate the skills required to pursue every single genre and due to their ideology, they like to be called an Auto Collective, instead of merely a Club. To embrace this whole concept, they have been hosting a very popular community event called “Cars & Coffee”. These events take place on the ﬁrst and third Sundays of every month. Even though it’s twice a month, the turn-up is incredible every single time.

“

That is what slowly transitioned to Zero Royalty. The name ‘Zero’ plainly expresses their idea of no favoritism at all. It kicked off when the guys met each other for the ﬁrst time.” ABILENE MOTORS ISSUE 3 |MAGAZINE ABILENE MOTORS | SPRING MAGAZINE 2021 692

It was back in 2003, when a bunch of car guys held the ﬁrst ever Cars & Coffee event in Crystal Cove, Southern California. Fast forward, almost 20 years later and they are now being hosted by groups of automotive enthusiasts all over the world. Public events and gatherings were affected by the pandemic the most. When the outbreak was at its peak, many of Zero Royalty’s events were halted and postponed. We can guess how many events they were organizing before COVID by the fact that they even had to hire a show manager just to keep up with everything. Since the gatherings were no longer an option, they were handling the communication with the support of their Facebook page. Through it all, they were able to sustain the correspondence among all members and their respective builds. With no recent events and get-togethers, the majority of people were itching to have something to do. Which is why one of the most recent Cars & Coffee gatherings held on the 18th of July, had an amazing turnout with over a hundred cars of all kinds. The guys at Zero Royalty were a bit anxious at ﬁrst but all their doubts vanished after seeing the event succeed. We believe this was because people totally get what Zero Royalty is trying to promote, and want to be a part of something as positive as this.

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They are willing to kick it up a notch and promote “Zero Royalty” as a business that ultimately ends up generating revenue for the founding members. They would host bigger events like drift competitions, drag racing events and more for the like minded car community. As much as this concept has been beneficial for the community, it has influenced the guys that started it just as much. They absolutely agree that nothing has helped them grow together as much as this group did. They know for a fact that anyone who becomes a part of this, will definitely experience a similar environment. They want to help build people up & to influence the community to take the leap of faith without thinking twice. It is absolutely fine to like something unique. And if you bought that car you have been eyeing, there is no one to stop you from starting the build in the direction your gut tells you to start – Period. Nothing can be compared to the rush you get on drag strips and high speed tracks in something that has your countless hours of blood, sweat, tears and those hard-earned bucks. Zero Royalty strives to be part of something that empowers others to spread this amazing philosophy with a ‘one-for-all, all-for-one’ attitude, good vibes and doing what they love.

“

Johnny Preap, Christian Duran, D’Sean Hill, Dan Morton, and a couple more are part of this amazing group of individuals from all over the US.”

“

They know for a fact that anyone who becomes a part of this, will deﬁnitely experience a similar environment. They want to help build people up & to inﬂuence the community to take the leap of faith without thinking twice.”

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West Texas Water

is a Pentair Dealer. We sell, install, and warranty all Pentair water treatment products.

WE OFFER A COMPLETE LINE OF: Water Softeners, Reverse Osmosis, Whole House Filtration & Commercial Filtration

FREE ESTIMATES WE SERVICE AND REPAIR ALL MAJOR BRANDS AND MANUFACTURERS

Safe, clean, drinking water is our

#1 PRIORITY!

West Texas Water P.O. Box 4168 Abilene, TX 79608 74 ISSUE325-704-2590 3 | ABILENE MOTORS MAGAZINE westtxwater@gmail.com

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