Apex Automotive Magazine Issue 5 Spring 2016

Q+A WITH AUTOMOTIVE DESIGNER DOM TUCCI

A RARE EXAMPLE OF 1940’S AUTO INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK STATE GETS FULL EXPOSURE

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FREE SPRING 2016 ISSUE

NOT YOUR ORDINARY GARAGE

WE TOUR A NORTH SYRACUSE SHOP KNOWN FOR LOVING EXOTICS AND DAILY DRIVERS ALIKE

‘40 MACK WRECKER

LIFE IN THE 500HP CLUB WITH THE APEX AUTO BUDGET SUPERCAR SUMMER IS COMING AND SO ARE CAR SHOWS PAGE 48

A LETTER FROM OUR TEAM This issue marks our one year anniversary of being in publication. It’s been a lot of late nights and long weekends putting these issues together for the local car community, but we have to say.. the response from everyone has been amazing.

As promised in the last issue, it’s looking like 2016 will shape up to be an even bigger and better year for Apex Automotive Magazine. We’re planning to have a presence at more shows, events, and club meetings. It’s already started, as we are being invited to speak on local radio shows, at car club dinners, and to attend invite-only events for the car community. It’s very exciting.

We’ve brought on some new members to the team, to help us grow in both advertising sales, and the ability to create content quicker. There’s been a great response to our help wanted ad on the website with folks looking to join the team. We’re still on the lookout for more help too, so don’t think it’s too late! We’re always looking for advertising sales reps, story leads, contributing writers, help distributing (and locations to distribute to), anything.

By all means, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@apexautomag.com or call 315-280-8305. We’d love to hear from you!

Also new with this edition is a new partnership with NAPA that allows us to distribute to many of the part stores they serve - as many as 90+ locations in the CNY region alone. This means we’ll have a much wider presence in the area on top of the higher concentrated Utica/Syracuse markets. We thank them so much for this amazing opportunity and hope that you stop into your local NAPA store to inquire about a copy of the next issue.

We’re also focusing efforts on expanding into the Albany & Rochester markets. If anyone has information on car show listings, story ideas, or are a potential advertiser in the area, please contact us.

Thanks so much for reading. If you like our publication, please consider a subscription to get new issues delivered directly to your door (if for some reason there isn’t a NAPA nearby). We very much appreciate your support and continued readership.

— The Apex Automotive Magazine Team

We sat down with Brett at Brewerton Speedway for a look at what has made Hearn one of the best Dirt Modified drivers.

Managing Editor Kevin Crandall

Creative Director Justin Palmer

Account Manager Director of Photography Matt Wilson Chris Penree Photography Jordan Polizzi John Zachary

Thomas Sblendorio

Contributing Writers Justin Palmer John Zachary Mike Potaczala Kevin Crandall Brian Coupe Bob Sblendorio Matt Wilson Bill Sauve David Sblendorio Proofreader Denise Crandall Website MPW Marketing // Damon Maldonado Proudly printed locally by Kenyon Press Inc. Special Thanks Richard Aversa, Nanci McCraine, Pete Wilcox, Joe Fazio, Northeast Classic Car Museum, Utica-Rome Speedway, Dom Tucci, Cantech Automotive

Advertise with us!

Apex Automotive Magazine is the only publication of its kind in CNY. Each issue contains articles featuring custom builds, local car shows, area custom shops, auto enthusiasts, unique car stories, and everything else automotive.

We appreciate all of our amazing advertisers, without them this publication would not be possible. Please give them a chance to earn your patronage and tell them you saw them in Apex Automotive Magazine.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS // FEATURES 6

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2016 VOLVO XC90

NOT YOUR ORDINARY GARAGE

REVIEW

We test drive the all new Volvo XC90 to see how it has evolved to compete in todays market.

by MIKE POTACZALA

FEATURED RIDE

‘40 MACK WREKER

One bad rat rod tow truck full of character and a big block to back it up.

by JOHN ZACHARY

12

LOCAL CAR STORY

ONE DEMONIC DEMON

We had the fortunate opportunity to check out Rome resident, Joe Fazio’s, awesome 1971 Dodge Demon 340.

16

by KEVIN CRANDALL

16

BUDGET SUPERCAR

500HP CLUB

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is a hidden gem sleeper sedan with super car power.

by MIKE POTACZALA

18

FEATURED SHOP BUILD

18

A look at CNY’s premier automotive shop and how they built a reputation for quality and great service.

by DAVID SBLENDORIO

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FEATURED SHOP

TUCCI HOTRODS 1969 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 RESTOMOD

This ‘69 stang gets somes modern upgrades, including a 5.0 Coyote engine out of a ‘15 Mustang GT.

by JUSTIN PALMER

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LOCAL CAR STORY

PLAY BOY ON FOUR WHEELS

The Playboy car was built in the late forties in Buffalo, New York.

by BOB SBLENDORIO

32

FEATURED BUSINESS

WAXY BUSINESS

One of the best car waxes in the world is made right in Utica, NY.

by BRIAN COUPE

34

AUTOMOTIVE DESIGN

Q & A WITH DOM TUCCI OF DOM TUCCI DESIGNS

We sat down with Dom Tucci of Dom Tucci Design and talk abut his creative process and how he approaches vehicle design.

by JUSTIN PALMER

38

DIRT RACING

NATIONAL QUALITY RACING, IN OUR BACKYARD.

Many of the nation’s best drivers on show weekly at Utica-Rome Speedway.

by MATT WILSON

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48

CNY AREA EVENT CALENDAR

A complete listing of car shows, driving events, motorsports events, swap meets and more.

READERS RIDES // LET’S SEE THOSE RIDES! EACH ISSUE WE SHOWCASE AREA RIDES SUBMITTED BY OUR READERS. THESE ARE THEIR PRIDE AND JOY AND WE’RE HELPING TO SHOW THEM OFF!

2010 CHEVY CAMARO Joe Royce, Rome NY - Bee is a 2010 2ss/rs with only 17k miles. It’s got a air raid cold air intake, Diablo tune, yellow stitching colored by hand, axle back exhaust, painted brembo calipers, and rear window louvers. It’s won several trophies including first place in Boonville first time out.

1983 CHEVY S-10 PICKUP Craig Loomis, Clayville, NY. - This 1983 Chevy S-10 pickup truck has a lot of parts that have been changed and added to, to dress up the 307 small block engine. The turbo 400 transmission has recently been rebuilt to improve the power and the ride. Most of the S-10 interior is original, with the exception of the shifter. Craig has put a lot of countless hours into making this little white truck looks as nice as it does today. It’s never too late to make something old, look new again.

Do you have an awesome ride you want us to share? Email high-resolution, clear photos and a brief description about your vehicle to rides@apexautomag.com. Please include your name and hometown.

All of this issue’s Reader’s Rides features are getting 2 FREE Admission tickets to the Northeast Classic Car Museum! We want to thank the Museum for sponsoring this section with this great prize package. If you haven’t been there lately, go check it out!

4 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE

READER’S RIDES

1976 CHEVELLE Norm Jones, Whitesboro - This is his third (and probably last) Chevelle following a Polamar Red 1964 Chevelle SS (B/Stocker) and a Lemans Blue 1969 Chevelle 2 door hardtop. Although purchased in New York State, this car spent much of its life in Utah, thus rust free. The car is mostly original (interior carpet, trunk mat and spare) except for a non-egr Quadra Jet on the 350, and Flowmaster exhaust. The car rides smoothly, is comfortable and is well sorted. Nice cruise-in car, definitely not a racecar. Thanks to Ron Yando Automotive for maintenance!

WIN! Tickets: $5 per ticket, 5 for $20, 15 for $50, 35 for $100 or 200 for $500

1965 Mustang Convertible Drawing: October 7, 2016 Last year’s winner: John Baranowski, Oneonta, NY!

ADS

289 V-8; 4 speed; chrome tipped dual exhaust; restored new interior, top and paint.

I am Purchasing ______________Tickets for $_______________ Total order $_____________ *Please return my ticket stubs by mail. I have added or authorize an additional $1 to cover mailing materials and postage. (Stub not necessary to claim prize.)

Name________________________________________________Address___________________________________________ City_______________________State___Zip Code______Phone_____________________*Email_______________________ *optional Card #_________________________________________________________________

Proceeds benefit Northeast Classic Car Museum, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation.

Exp. Date_______________CVV #______________ Mail this form, or copy of this form, along with check, money order or credit card information to NECCM, Department APEX, 24 Rexford Street, Norwich, NY 13815.

Also order online at www.classiccarmuseum.org or call 607-334-2886.

Tickets/orders must be purchased/postmarked by 9/30/16.

NO PURCHASE OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN RAFFLE. Open to U.S. Residents age 18+. Void where prohibited. Runs 3/1/16 to 9/30/16. Prize: 1965 Mustang Convertible ($21,000 ARV). Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. To view complete Official Rules visit www.classiccarmuseum.org or send self-addressed stamped envelope to: NECCM Rules, 24 Rexford St, Norwich, NY 13815.

DEALER SPONSORED TEST DRIVE // Alan Byer Foreign Auto

photography Jordan Polizzi words Mike Potaczala

2016 VOLVO XC90 The 2016 Volvo XC90 received its first full redesign since it made its debut back in 2003. It has retained all of the original safety features that Volvo is known for, while managing to bring a whole new level of luxury and refinement to the road.

From the outside, the XC90 is pristine from every angle; compared to the outgoing model it has a sportier, more aggressive design. I am impressed with its sleek looking front grill, LED headlamps, and optional 20” alloy multi-spoke wheels. I’ve always said that this was one of the nicest looking vehicles available to consumers. If you look closely 6 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE

you can spot many cameras and sensors that have been strategically placed throughout the exterior. The sensors are designed for pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as to provide a 360-degree view for backing up and to support the lane departure warning system.

The XC90 is approximately 200 pounds lighter than its predecessor, weighing in at close to 4,400 pounds. It doesn’t feel that heavy thanks to its all-new 2.0 liter in-line 4 cylinder twin charged engine; a standard feature available in this T6 AWD Momentum trim level. It has a supercharger and a direct-injection turbo which helps it produce 316 hp and 295 lb/ft torque, averaging

about 24 mpg. It’s no slouch when accelerating from a stop or overtaking a slow poke on the highway, either; however, this vehicle is no rocket by any means. The base models get a 2.0 liter turbo-charged 4 cylinder that makes 250 hp and 258 lb/ft torque. Either engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. I found the shifts to be very smooth and it didn’t appear as though it had an issue transitioning into the appropriate gear.

Driving the XC90 around town helps you to realize just how bad of a driver you actually are. As referenced earlier, the safety features ensure that you stay in your lane and at a safe distance from the car in front

DRIVING THE XC90 AROUND TOWN HELPS YOU TO REALIZE JUST HOW BAD OF A DRIVER YOU ACTUALLY ARE.

2016 VOLVO XC90 PRICE RANGE

$43,955-$58,170

VEHICLE TYPE

FRONT-ENGINE, 4-WHEELDRIVE, 7-PASSENGER 4-DOOR HATCHBACK

TRANSMISSION

8-SPEED AUTOMATIC WITH MANUAL SHIFTING

ENGINE

316HP/296 LB/FT TORQUE TURBOCHARGED/SUPERCHARGED IN-LINE FOUR CYLINDER

EPA/CITY/HWY

22 CITY/26 HIGHWAY

of you. If you go outside your boundaries there are lights and audio indicators to get your attention (a scenario that I experienced more than once while on my joyride). I found the ride to be firm, which I prefer, but there are five different settings available to adjust the suspension to fit your unique driving style.

My favorite part of the XC90 was the practical and luxurious interior. It’s definitely one of the most up-to-date models with respect to the technology features available.

If you know how to navigate through a smart phone or tablet, then you won’t have an issue using the 9” infotainment screen.

You can shuffle through radio, temperature,

navigation, and ride settings. You won’t find many buttons cluttering the dash and only one diamond cut knob for the radio.

The instrument panel is also an LCD screen that is very easy to read. Everything inside feels nice to the touch with a high build quality. You can barely hear the engine or any outside road noise. The heated and cooled leather seats are very comfortable, with seating for seven. The Swedish flags sewn onto the seats and the child booster seat in the middle row are also nice bonus accent features. Had the weather permitted, I would have also put the dual panoramic moon roof to the test.

Just a reminder on its Volvo roots, this XC90 has also received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) top safety pick, getting the highest possible rating.

It also received Motor Trend Magazine’s SUV of the Year Award for 2016 (not that it means anything to us guys at APEX Auto Magazine).

Pricing starts at about $43,950 for the base model. Our T6 AWD Momentum trim came in at $59,030 with its bigger engine, AWD, technology and safety packages.

I would like to send a special thank you to Sales Manager Bob Narracci and the team from Alan Byer Foreign Auto of Utica, NY. If you’re interested in Volvo, new or pre-owned, you can stop by their newly renovated dealership located at 5622 Horatio Street.  APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 7

‘40 MACK

WRECKER ONE BAD RAT ROD TOW TRUCK FULL OF CHARACTER AND A BIG BLOCK TO BACK IT UP.

We have featured all kinds of cars in the first four issues, but this is the first time we’ve had an opportunity to get a peek into the “Rat Rod” scene. We headed out to Griffiss Air Force base in Rome, NY to meet up with Pete and Rebecca Wilcox. Pete and his wife drove their 1940 Mack Model EF from Oriskany Falls for the photo shoot. Remember this is 8 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE

photography Chris Penree words John Zachary

a rat rod, so the comforts that we are used to in our everyday automobiles are not the standard in most rat rods. The weather wasn’t ideal for an outdoor photo shoot or even a drive in a 1940’s tow truck without heat.

Staff photographer Chris Penree placed Pete’s truck in front of an old bunker on the Air Force Base. This was a perfect backdrop for the one of a kind tow truck. When you

first see this awesome looking truck, you think what is it? I’m not sure if it is a Ford, Chevy, or even a Dodge. I would have never guessed it started life as a Mack Truck.

The EF Model Mack was originally a Central NY produce truck. Pete’s wrecker used to run up and down the East Coast delivering produce. Four years ago Pete found this two ton truck sitting in a field with no doors on it, and looking pretty rough. This

FEATURED RIDE // Pete Wilcox’s Rat Rod Wrecker

I’M NOT SURE IF IT IS A FORD, CHEVY, OR EVEN A DODGE. I WOULD HAVE NEVER GUESSED IT STARTED LIFE AS A MACK TRUCK.

is just what he wanted for his rat rod build.

One thing that worried Pete was the missing doors. He knew that it would be almost impossible to find doors for a rare truck like this. Luckily for him the present owner of the truck removed the doors and stored them inside hoping to sell them to someone that was restoring one of these gems. Both doors were in great shape, with the original red paint holding strong despite being 70

years old. Not only did the doors have the factory paint, they also had the highway decals required at the time still legible from the late fifties.

After purchasing the truck, Pete hauled it home to start his nine month project. Pete is a fabricator at Steve’s Restorations & Hot Rods in Frankfurt, NY (featured in the Winter 2015 issue), so tackling a project like this was right up his alley. One of the first things

he needed to do was to roll the truck on its side and remove the rotted out wooden floor. Wilcox then fabricated a metal floor pan for his future tow truck. I asked Pete why he chose to build a rat rod instead of a high dollar shiny hot rod. Pete told me that with owning a truck like this he doesn’t have to worry about it getting scratched or damaged whenever he drives it. This way he can just drive it to a show, park it and enjoy APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 9

floor of the box. Under the box is a modern day fuel cell attached to the “old school” filler tube.

As far as the interior of this one of a kind truck, there are a lot of things to look at as well. Pete and his wife Rebecca sit on two RAT ROD RAGE Rat rods are growing across the country at a fast rate. These things are cool to beer kegs that have been cut down to make look at and are really a piece of art. They are also a lot cheaper then building a show level cool looking seats. The extra-long shifter is car. Pete built this beast for $8,000 and has a blast taking it to shows. equipped with a Miller Light beer tap handle for smooth shifting. Original white working himself for the day without the need to hooked up to another rat rod. He said a gauges fill the all steel dash. Pete also has the babysit the truck. We have all seen guys at crowd formed around his truck to check out original toolbox that was standard equipshows polishing their sweet rides with some this unique site. Everywhere you look on ment with the truck back in 1940. When high tech polish, but Pete uses used motor oil the truck you see things that make you ask driving a long distance without heat, A/C, or to preserve the patina that graces his truck. yourself “what is that part off from?”, like even a radio shows how much you love your Throughout the build Pete was always the roof I noticed two chrome pieces that I creation. looking for odd parts from different makes have seen before. Come to find Pete wanted to make the Syracuse of cars and trucks that he could incorporate out they come off a hood of a 57 THE FRONT Nationals his debut show, but came up into the build. For instance, he found the Chevy. Above the driver’s side a few weeks shy of finishing it by then.

BUMPER After he completed the build he de1938 Dodge Brothers grille in a friend’s flow- door is a 1916 Model T horn er bed. Behind the Dodge grille is a 390 C.I. that still works. Pete has an old IS FROM A buted it at the Brookfield Wheel Days Ford with two four battle carbs atop a tunnel ambulance light on the roof for and won the staff choice award 1930 FORD show, ram intake. He had to make custom headers his safety light. It’s things like for the event. Not a bad showing for BENT IN his first rat rod build. Since then the for this power plant. The exhaust dumps out this that make rat-rodding its right behind front wheels. The Mack cab own unique style of building. has won numerous awards and is THE MIDDLE truck is channeled over a 1931 Ford frame with a fan favorite across the state.

The front bumper is from a TO MATCH a Chevy truck front end. A Dana rear end 1930 Ford bent in the middle to I asked Pete if he built it to enjoy (from a Stroehmann bread truck) turns the match the Dodge grille. Another THE DODGE for a while and then sell it, or if he four rear wheels, Pete welded up the spider cool original item on this truck would own it forever. He said he will GRILLE. never sell this truck. It’s a one of a kind gears, making it a full posi rear end. Pete are the arrow front turn signals was telling us that when he makes a sharp rare truck never to be sold. Pete’s next that are on top of the front fendturn he leaves four nice black marks on the ers. In the rear of the truck Pete mounted build is a 1946 International truck, sporting pavement behind him. Keeping the rear end 1930’s headlights with Oshkosh lenses for a 6” chopped top. We are excited to see this inline are a set of 60’s Lakewood ladder bars the truck’s tail lights. The original gas tank piece when it’s done. that hang down under the Studebaker box. was mounted under the passenger’s side The Wilcoxes participate in shows Atop of the 1947 Studebaker box is a seat. Pete removed the tank because it was throughout the summer, so look for this handmade wrecker boom that can pick up pretty rusty inside. He then cut off the truck at a show near you. Stop by and say hi a vehicle. Pete was saying at one show he original filler tube and mounted it to the to Pete and Rebecca, and spend some time admiring their machine.

Rat rods are growing across the country at a fast rate. These things are cool to look at and are really a piece of art. Pete was telling me that one of the reasons for the popularity of these vehicles is that someone can build one for less than it cost to buy a used car now days. He said he has about $8,000 in the entire build. You can’t even come close to building a high end hot rod for that now days. This helps get the younger generation into the scene at an affordable price.  APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 11

LOCAL CAR STORY // 1971 Dodge Demon 340

DEMON ONE DEMONIC

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photography Chris Penree words Kevin Crandall

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In 1971 Dodge introduced a new model to their Dart lineup.

A variant of the Plymouth Duster, Dodge named their version the Demon. With optional hood scoops and blackout hood treatment, the car was advertised as a performance car.

The Dodge Demon was offered in two trim levels, the base Demon and the Demon 340 (both two door fastback coupes).

The base Demon was priced at $2,343 and came standard with your choice of the 198 C.I. Slant Six or the 318 C.I. V-8.

Those looking for more performance were offered the Demon 340 featuring Chrysler’s 340 small block engine rated at 275 bhp.

Priced at a mere $2,721 the Demon 340 was Dodge’s most affordable muscle car in 1971.

They produced 69,861 Demons and 10,098 Demon 340’s that year.

We had the fortunate opportunity to check out Rome resident, Joe Fazio’s, awesome 1971 Dodge Demon 340. At least that’s what it started life as. It’s gone through a few different paint jobs, motors, and configurations over the years to get to the lean, mean,

fire breathing machine it is today. If you are from the CNY area, chances are you’ve seen this car on the road as Joe is not afraid to drive it to work, cruise-ins, and the track.

He even drove it daily for years and took the kids to school in it.

The car has had almost a 20 year history with the Fazio family after Joe purchased the car in 1997. He told us how he bought it from Frank Rizito of Frank’s Transmission.

Joe went to the shop originally interested in a Duster, but as the owner pulled the cover off the Demon 340, he instantly fell in love

APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 13

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and had to have it. Frank had originally engine parts from a NASCAR Craftsman purchased the car in ‘88 and had never done Truck Series team. Supposedly it was racemuch with it in the almost 10 years he had used! How many car owners can claim they owned it. have NASCAR power in their street legal Joe bought the Demon 340 and set machines? My guess is not many. out to breathe new life into the machine. It Fitting this type of engine into this car originally had a vinyl top that they removed was no easy task. Joe enlisted the help of during a repainting project since that’s an his friend, Brett Meus, who fabricated the area where corrosion starts to build up after headers and performed a lot of the custom time. Having had a really straight and solid engine work to get it running properly. The body that wasn’t something he was looking new 439 engine is mated to a Mopar 904 to risk. Joe started his career Torqueflite Automatic Transmisin the automotive industry sion and Moser rear end to put the THE PERFORin mechanics and took to estimated 720hp to the wheels. learning body work from Joe’s friend Mark Feldman also MANCE OF JOE’S his friend Bill Mathers of helped him with the car through 1971 DODGE Cleveland, NY. He told us the years in maintaining this how the first project he ever DEMON IS TRULY awesome machine. They’ve done worked on was a Pontiac modifications together with ASTOUNDING many GTO. a seemingly endless list of upgrades FOR A STREET including suspension work and Through the years, Joe has repainted the Demon LEGAL MACHINE. wheelThetubs. himself a few times, includperformance of Joe’s 1971 ing a complete full rebuild Dodge Demon is truly astoundin 2004. He expressed how he could never ing for a street legal machine. As an avid justify spending $20,000 on a professional weekend drag racer, Joe has taken this car paint job for a car like this, and that chips to the track many times through the years. and imperfections are bound to happen with He regularly visits ESTA and Lebanon the way he drives this beast. Even so, the Valley drag strips and has run as fast as a car looks stunning in person - Joe has some 9.72 second/137mph quarter mile and that’s painting skills for sure. with using pump gas. Now that’s a hell of a The most interesting feature on this speed-demon. car is likely not its paint, but the amazing Even as fast and amazing as the car is 439 C.I. small block engine that Joe sourced today, Joe still isn’t finished. In the very near from California in 2008. He bought the future, the car will be getting a twin turbo block and W9 cylinder heads from a custom fuel injection upgrade that should add a limousine builder who purchased these little more horsepower. His goal is eventual-

ONE OF THE FAMILY

In the almost 20 years of ownership, Joe’s Demon has become a staple in his car collection and one of the few vehicles he’ll hold onto forever.

This wasn’t always the case though.

When his daughter, Jessica, was 4 years old, he briefly sold it. When his little one heard the news, she was heartbroken to the point of tears.

After she wouldn’t stop crying well into the night, Joe had no choice but to call the buyer and offer them their money back. Thankfully they were very understanding and the Demon stayed in the family.

ly to get the Demon into the 8’s on the strip while still being on the road and on pump gas. We cannot wait to see it go down the track when it gets that upgrade.  APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 15

500 HP CLUB photography Thomas Sblendorio words Mike Potaczala The 2007 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG is a hidden gem sleeper sedan with super car power. You get all the amenities Mercedes has to offer along with a monster V8 under the hood. It is built for speed and has a MSRP as much as a house when purchased new, but you can now have one of these bad boys for about the same price as a new sub-compact.

At first glance, you may think this is just a plain old E-Class Mercedes. Once you give it a closer look, you get to see the many features that make you realize it’s quite a bit more unique.

On the outside, you notice its more aggressive styling compared to the base sedan. It has sporty 18” staggered 5-spoke wheels you can peek through to see its large drilled and slotted rotors. The lower half is fitted with a complete aerodynamic body kit which includes a trunk lid spoiler and smaller mirrors for less drag when you’re on the Autobahn or heading to Starbucks. In addition to the menacing looks you’ll get, you will also see a badge on each fender that notifies other drivers not to mess with you at a traffic light; 6.3 AMG. Okay, the 6.3 is referring to the engine, but under the hood is actually a 6.2L V8 that’s hand built and makes 507hp/465ft lbs of torque. Why they did that, who knows, but at the same it doesn’t matter. Paired up with its buttery smooth 7-speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters) it rockets this 4,000 pound sedan to 60 in 4.4 seconds.

Its handling and ride are both excellent for its size thanks to its tuned Airmatic suspension, exclusive to this model. To top it off, it’s 16 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE

also quite a rare car. In 2007, 1,353 sedans were imported to the United States. It was even PAIRED UP WITH ITS available as a station wagon, but BUTTERY SMOOTH you’d be hard pressed to find one with only 67 of these made 7-SPEED AUTOMATIC available to consumers. This TRANSMISSION (WITH sedan had a sticker price just shy of $95,000. If you check today PADDLE SHIFTERS) IT it has a retail price right around ROCKETS THIS 4,000 $23,000. Hello, depreciation.

POUND SEDAN TO 60 IN What can I say about the interior? It’s a Mercedes-Benz 4.4 SECONDS through and through. It offers comfortable perforated leather seating along with every possible power option. Inside it is extremely quiet at any speed, until you hit the gas.

This particular car is owned by Grant Gilman of Sauquoit, NY. He was in the market for something fast, practical, sporty, and priced to sell. Being familiar with anything Mercedes (as he owned a few in his day), he set out to find a pristine 2007 E63 with low miles. Unfortunately, he couldn’t find one locally so he set out on the information super highway and located it in Tennessee. It was in the color he wanted with only 60,000 miles. Instead of heading to TN to check the car out, he had a 3rd party inspector look over the car and report

BUDGET SUPERCAR // 2007 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG

MONSTER TEUTONIC THIS TRI-STAR HAS POWER TO BURN back to him to save time.

Satisfied with the results he purchased the car and had it shipped to NY. What Grant likes most about the car is that it’s a sleeper and practical enough that you can drive every day. He drives it all year round without checking the weather forecast. I don’t think you can tell by the pictures, but this thing actually has snow tires on it.

The E63 has a lot of things going for it. It’s fast, comfortable and now reasonably priced. On any given summer day you’re likely to see a Corvette or Mustang, but I doubt you’ll ever see an E63 around here, unless it’s Grant’s.  APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 17

FEATURED SHOP BUILD // ’69 STANG

TUCCI HOTRODS

1969 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 RESTOMOD photography Thomas Sblendorio words Justin Palmer

APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 19

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FEATURED SHOP BUILD // ’69 STANG

The 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is one of the most desirable Mustangs you can find, and mostly because of its iconic body lines. The fastback styling added another level of muscle to this great muscle car. Although the looks mean business, the sad truth is 1969 performance (even Mach 1 performance) isn’t even close to what today’s muscle cars can muster. The old cars don’t handle, run perfect, stop or accelerate like today’s GT’s, GT350’s and GT500’s.

So while many classic car purists may scream in anger that their beloved 1969 Mustang has been restomodded - I say to each their own! If you’re not familiar with the term restomod, it simply means to mix modern technology and performance with classic aesthetics. AKA jamming new parts

into a gorgeous old car. I personally love the concept of getting great performance out of great looks, however I do understand that the purists may enjoy the retro feel of original equipment.

Tucci Hot Rods of Marcy, NY is well known for creating award winning restomods and hot rods. Their work has covered many a magazine cover and they are no stranger to making the seemingly impossible, possible. When a customer approached them with this burgundy Mach 1 they wanted to update the car with modern technology and even include some of the newer generation Mustang’s interior components for the ultimate hybrid of old and new.

The factory drivetrain was a 351 with an automatic. Tucci ended up sourcing a

THE FACTORY DRIVETRAIN WAS A 351 WITH AN AUTOMATIC. TUCCI ENDED UP SOURCING A COYOTE 5.0 FROM A 2015 MUSTANG GT AND ITS 6 SPEED MANUAL MT82 TRANSMISSION THAT WAS ATTACHED TO IT.

Coyote 5.0 from a 2015 Mustang GT and its 6 speed manual MT82 transmission that was attached to it. The newer engine offers rock solid reliability (not to mention 430+hp) and the new transmission will allow for maximum fuel efficiency and straight line performance. It wasn’t easy getting the much bigger dual overhead cam mill in the older car’s engine bay. They ended up cutting the shock towers and capped them to clear the new engine. This allowed them to retain the stock coil over mounting points. The headers also needed to be fabricated from scratch to hug the block as much as possible.

Not only did the 2015 GT offer up its heartbeat, but it also donated its other internal organs. The entire center console has been retro fitted to work in the older car. We loved the retro styling of the ‘15 mustang already, it’s even cooler in a ‘69.

Along with the added power from the Coyote, Tucci added a full Ride Tech suspension system, Baer brakes, a Pypes exhaust system, Budnik wheels and Falken tires. With these updates this car should handle and sound as good as it looks. Stay tuned for an update on Project ‘69 Restmod in our next issue! 

APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 21

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FEATURED SHOP // CANTECH AUTOMOTIVE

NOT YOUR ORDINARY

GARAGE IT BEGAN AS AN IDEA IN 1993, WITH A SMALL FAMILY LOAN, ROCCO CANNATA JR. SET OUT TO CREATE HIS DREAM SHOP. HE’S NOT DONE DREAMING YET.

“…WE CHECKED OUT YOUR REVIEWS AND YOUR WEBSITE, YOU ARE EXACTLY THE KIND OF FACILITY AND BUSINESS WE ARE LOOKING FOR!” THAT IS A TESTAMENT TO THE HARD WORK, STAFFING, AND CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT ROCCO HAS ALWAYS STRIVED TO ACHIEVE.

For most car enthusiasts, trusting someone else with your pride and joy can be a bit unsettling. Be it your show car or daily driver, finding the right shop to take care of your automotive needs can be somewhat of an undertaking. We took some time to visit Cantech Automotive of North Syracuse to see what their shop is all about.

They’ve become extremely notable in the area for being THE SHOP for high end super cars, but what most don’t know is that they have the tools and know how to service just about anything.

The humble beginnings of Cantech started in August of 1993 when owner Rocco Cannata Jr. was just 24 years old. “My father helped me buy three lifts and an engine analyzer, and the rest is history” Rocco says explaining the early days. In the beginning, as with all small businesses, it started out slow and there were days when Rocco was just waiting for work to come in. But he didn’t falter 24 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE

from his vision, and through his perseverance, the relationships built with vendors and having the right staff, he has grown into a booming automotive shop.

Since then not only has the business grown, but also the building itself. The first addition was an extension to the shop area and just last year an addition to the front and side of the building were built, adding a beautiful front end that proudly displays the Cantech logo.

The final result is a 14,000 sq. ft. building with plenty of lifts, an awesome in-ground alignment rack perfect for any performance car, a closed off room for any job that requires a clean and private environment, and any other piece of high end equipment you’d expect to find in a shop of this caliber.

Cantech has grown over the last 22 years steadily and now employs five technicians, a Service Manager, and a Sales Specialist. With

a focus on European automobiles, BMW, Mini, and Porsche being some of the most popular, they are also well equipped to handle a Ferrari or Maserati with their Leonardo scan tool and a Ford or Dodge with their VARUS by Snap-On. Cantech has eight different factory scan tools to help diagnose any problem they may be presented with. When asked if he knows of any other shop with so many scan tools available Rocco’s answer was simple, “No, the investment is staggering.”

To add to that reputation and “fix it right the first time” attitude, when Dinan, the BMW performance specialists, sought out a new dealer for the CNY area they approached Rocco and offered him the product line. When Rocco asked if they needed to visit the facility and meet him they said “No, we checked out your reviews and your website, you are exactly the kind of facility and business we are looking for!” That is a testament to the hard work, staffing, and customer service that Rocco has always strived to achieve.

For all the Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche fans, chances are you’ve heard the name APR and are familiar with their famous performance products and tunes. Cantech is the only APR dealer in Syracuse authorized to perform these services and offer their product line. It’s another notch on their belt in terms of the services they offer to European auto enthusiasts.

BY THE NUMBERS

8 22 1

FACTORY SCAN-TOOLS ON PREMESIS

YEARS IN CENTRAL NEW YORK

NUMBER OF SERVICE MANAGERS AND BMW ISETTA 300’s

APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 25

MORE THAN A GARAGE-FULL Cantech has become the go-to shop for many in Central New York who own performance rides like these. The techs at the shop have earned the trust of drivers who love their cars.

SYRACUSE HANCOCK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

BLVD.

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TAFT ROAD

NORTHERN

Customer service is a huge part of any successful business endeavor. Rocco has put his all into this business and knows that he wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the great customers he has had over the years. That is why he hired a previous BMW Service Manager/Director with 20+ years of experience in the service business that knows how to handle the kind of clientele that Cantech sees on a daily basis. And new for 2016, Rocco has added an experienced salesperson to the staff to assist in the extremely high quality pre-owned cars that Rocco offers for sale.

With this addition and the new showroom that opened in the winter of 2014, Cantech is poised to make another leap forward and become the place to go for all your vehicle needs, whether it is service or that next daily driver!

Attention to customer service is only half of the equation. Rocco is a technician by trade, so when it comes to technicians in his shop he makes sure they have the right aptitude and attitude. Each technician is chosen to make sure they would fix the car as if Rocco was re-

CENTRAL LOCATION Since they’ve opened their doors in 1993, Cantech has called their Taft Road Headquarters home.

3 BAY Three shiny Germans arrive in the service bays at Cantech in North Syracuse.

CRITICAL ALIGNMENT A late model Porsche is loaded into the Hunter Engineering alignment rig to make sure all 4 wheels are pointing in the same direction.

I CAN’T TAKE ALL THE CREDIT. I’VE ALWAYS HAD THE VISION, BUT I’VE BEEN LUCKY TO FIND THE RIGHT PEOPLE TO HELP ME EXECUTE THIS VISION. –ROCCO CANNATA JR. pairing the car himself. Rocco states, “When a customer drops off their car, it is our duty to look at, repair it, and get it back to them as soon as possible.” This partnered with the excellent vendor relationships that were made over the years allow Rocco and his staff to get the right parts the first time. But on those rare occasions when the wrong part or a damaged part arrives, they have the ability to get the correct part the next day. This helps to add to the technician’s efficiency with the overall result being a car repaired quickly and correctly.

Rocco also likes to point out that sometimes this can be forgotten, so he says “If I take the keys to your car for two days, then who is bringing you to work? Who’s bringing you home? Who’s giving rides to the kids? That’s what our customers are doing right now, we have their transportation and we cannot let them down.” This is the kind of attitude and outlook that has helped make Cantech successful for over two decades, which their customers will reiterate to you for sure.

The shop is always filled with high end vehicles on a typical work day. Cantech has proven themselves for years as the only shop

in Syracuse to be trusted with vehicles from Ferrari, Maserati, Jaguar, and Lamborghini and are known as Porsche and BMW experts on top of that. The Cars and Coffee events Rocco holds during summer months are a great representation of the types of cars that are serviced at the shop. Enthusiasts come out for a morning to check out other neat and exciting cars and converse with like-minded people. It’s really a great way to kick off a weekend day cruising with your friends. Rocco says he loves holding the events, “when all the club guys participate they’re a lot of fun to talk to, they’re all just car enthusiasts.”

Through all of this growth and quality of cars that Cantech sees, Rocco has kept his humility, stating “I can’t take all the credit. I’ve always had the vision, but I’ve been lucky to find the right people to help me execute this vision.”

Cantech is a place you can really trust to take your car. Like their tagline and motto says, “Not your ordinary garage. From Ford to Ferrari, we service them all.” For more information on Cantech Automotive, find them on Facebook page or online, at www.cantechautomotive.com.  APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 27

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LOCAL CAR STORY // PLAYBOY NO 37

PLAYBOY O N

F O U R

W H E E L S

photography Thomas Sblendorio words Bob Sblendorio

Everyone is familiar with the legendary men’s magazine Playboy, but many may not be familiar with the car of the same name. The Playboy car was built in the late forties in Buffalo, New York. Is there an association with the Playboy magazine and the Playboy car? The answer is yes!

Actually, the Playboy car came first and the story goes like this: A woman who worked for the Playboy car company, in the Chicago sales office, had a son who was friends with Hugh Hefner, the founder of Playboy magazine. After the demise of the Playboy car, it was the woman’s son, Eldon Sellers, who suggested Playboy as the name for the magazine and Hugh Hefner liked it enough to use it. The rest is history.

The Playboy Motor Car Corporation was one of many car manufacturers that were located in Buffalo, New York in the first half of the twentieth century. Those included the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company, which at its height was acknowledged to be the country’s finest automobile, and the Thomas Motor Company, that built the car known as the Thomas Flyer which won the 1908 automobile race around-the-world, covering some 22,000 miles.

To learn more about the Playboy car, I recently had the pleasure of talking with David Kaplan, the founder’s grandson and owner of several playboy cars, and Ed Howard, the Playboy car webmaster and the owner of car #34. Thanks to the efforts of both men the intriguing legacy and history of this very interesting car has been preserved. David, who lives in western New York, was only two years old when his grandfather passed away. He has acquired an intimate knowledge of his grandfather, Lou Horwitz, through extensive research and preservation of several Playboy cars, documents, artifacts and photos from the company.

Lou Horwitz was a hardworking man with a strong entrepreneurial spirit. During the 1930s he worked several different jobs, including a job at a Packard dealership as a sales manager. Lou had also owned a used car lot. When repairs were needed, he sent the cars to Norm Richardson, a talented mechanic, who owned a collision shop in Buffalo.

While visiting at the shop, Horwitz learned that Richardson and a former Pontiac engineer by the name of Charlie Thomas, were working on building a car. When completed in 1938, the Thomas Rocket Car had several innovative design features that Charlie Thomas had dreamed up from a college thesis paper he had written.

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LEFT: 1948 Advertisement for the Playboy Motorcar Corporation of Buffalo, NY

MIDDLE: A Playboy prototype on display at Hotel

Statley, Buffalo in the Fall of 1946 with founder Lou Horwitz about to get into car. Photo courtesy of David Kaplan.

RIGHT: Ed Howard with his red Playboy Convertible Car number 34 off the production line. Photo courtesy of Ed Howard.

because they were readily available. The parts came from Studebaker, Chevy and many other manufacturers. The transmission was a Borg-Warner, 3-speed on the tree, plus an overdrive gear.

After WWII, Horwitz pursued the idea of starting a car company The engines that were used also had to be readily available and as in an effort to meet the pent up demand for automobiles. In 1946, such, they used Continental, Hercules and they even tried a Willys the three men joined forces and formed The Playboy Motor Car engine in a car. These engines were typically used in fork trucks, Corporation, with Horwitz as president, Thomas as vice-president, tractors, and stationary applications. Ed said that the Hercules and Richardson as treasurer. The intent was to create a small car, engine, which is the engine in his car, has 40 hp, however some of priced at less than $1,000 for “around-the-town errands”. To get the the engines were modified and had 48 hp. One of the most unique company off the ground, Horwitz put up $50,000 of his own money features on the car was the all-steel disappearing hard-top. At the to build the first prototype car. The car was designed time, that was considered a one-of-a-kind feature for

by Thomas and it took about seven months for the car design.

THE PARTS CAME three men to build it in secret at Richardson’s shop.

The pre-production run of cars was intended to Upon completion, the car was displayed at the Hotel FROM STUDEBAKER, create publicity for building a network of 800-900 Statler in Buffalo for a week in February of 1947. dealers throughout the country. The dealer locations CHEVY AND The interest and demand for the car was high. The were selected based on the population in a particular car had a rear mounted 4-cylinder engine, a soft-top area. The cars were then displayed at the various dealMANY OTHER convertible and was considered a three passenger ers throughout the network to generate publicity, prior MANUFACTURERS. to the planned full-scale production. The goal was to car. Horwitz’s grandson, David, was able to find and purchase that original prototype car many years ago. THE TRANSMISSION manufacture 100,000 cars per year, certainly an ambiIt was restored and is currently on display at the tious goal. To get a factory up and running required WAS A BORGSaratoga Automobile Museum in Saratoga Springs, an investment of $20 million, and the financing would NY. WARNER, 3-SPEED come from two sources, the purchasing of franchises In May of 1947, a few months after the showing dealer network and the sale of stock.

ON THE TREE, PLUS by theNext, at the Hotel Statler, the founders started a “pre-proin January of 1948, they purchased a much AN OVERDRIVE duction” run and hand-built 95 cars. There were larger, up-to-date plant just outside the city of Buffalo. improvements made in the design, like moving to The planning and tooling was started in anticipation GEAR. a front engine configuration and thereby avoiding of full-scale production of the cars. Everything was some of the difficulties associated with the engineering and servicing coming together to manufacture and sell the Playboy car. of a rear engine car. Also, using the idea that Richardson had of makUnfortunately for the Playboy Motor Car Corp, an unrelated ing the car as easy to produce as possible, the company purchased event changed the future and the untimely demise of the Playboy parts from various manufacturers, while the body and trim pieces car. The Tucker Corp from Chicago, much like the Playboy Motor were made at a shop on Ellicott Street in Buffalo. As Ed Howard exCar Corp, was a startup car company in the late 1940s. They had a plained, the cars built were sometimes referred to as “garage built” or program, prior to their full-scale production, in which they were “assembled cars”, as most of the parts were from other manufacturers selling car accessories as a means of raising additional capital.

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CAR #83 IS ON DISPLAY AT THE NORTHEAST CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM, NORWICH, NY

Those that purchased accessories were put on the waiting list to purchase a car. This program, along with some other practices, got the attention of the Securities and Exchange Commission who began an investigation. The investigation led to indictments and a subsequent trial by the SEC. The trial generated a lot of negative publicity, which scared off many investors. After all the negative publicity, The Tucker Corp filed for bankruptcy in March of 1949. It’s interesting that in the end the Tucker car company was cleared of any wrongdoing however, the damage was already done.

The stock sale for the Playboy Company was in May of 1948, just a few months after the demise of The Tucker Corp…the timing

couldn’t have been worse. It was sufficient enough to scare off many investors from purchasing all of the stock that was needed to proceed with full-scale production.

A second stock sale was attempted in March of 1949, for much less capital due to the scaled back production goal, but that failed as well. As David Kaplan explained, investors got “cold feet” and would not make the investments needed for the Playboy car production to continue. On April 14, 1949, the Playboy Motorcar Company filed for bankruptcy. David went on to say that in the end, his grandfather, who worked incredibly hard, lost everything, including his house and all his money. 

In all, the Playboy Motor Car Corporation built 99 cars, which included: the prototype, 95 “pre-production” cars and three “production” cars. For information about the intriguing history of the Playboy car, go to Ed Howard’s website at www.playboymotorcars.com. If you are interested in more information about the Tucker car, there is a 1988 film starring Jeff Bridges, Joan Allen, Martin Landau titled, Tucker: The Man and His Dream.

APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 31

Waxy Business photography Chris Penree words Brian Coupe

Spring will be arriving soon. For many of us, this means an opportunity to clean off all the salt, sand, and grime from our vehicles. We can also roll out the shop vacuum to clean out the interior and make the car about 10 pounds lighter with gravel and dirt removed from the carpets. With this being the Central New York area, spring will probably be here a couple of times with a few winter days mixed in before warmer weather is fully committed.

I remember the first time I washed and waxed my first car. The supply situation in my parents’ garage cabinet was somewhat limited. There was some wax product in a can and another in a squeezable bottle with the name “Insulator Wax” displayed on the side. I applied the canned wax first using a yellow pad which looked to have experienced a few birthdays on a shelf collecting dust. Satisfied with the coverage, I then wiped off the wax using a t-shirt.

Remind you that this was before I had gained knowledge of microfiber towels to prevent paint scratches and other car detailing techniques. The t-shirt worked well I suppose. I squeezed out the insulator wax onto a different t-shirt and began to use it on the hood of the car, then the sides

32 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE

and rear hatch area. I don’t remember much more of the process that day, but something that has always stuck in my mind is that the car paint repelled water for months. Because I was still living at home and did not have access to a garage, another side benefit of the insulator wax was prevention of tree sap and bird waste staining into the paint. A simple hose off was the most effort required to blast off any particles and have a decent shine once more.

The Collinite brand was founded back in 1936 by a man named Charles H. Collins.

Like many businesses, Collinite was started up because of Charles’ dissatisfaction with existing products. Charles wanted to achieve excellence in car cleaning products and sought to create his own which was superior to others available on the market. Charles did not have a formal background in chemistry science, but was determined to utilize information through research and experimentation until his goal of an excellent product was met.

Collinite has relied on the quality of its products along with the passing of

information through word of mouth from automotive and marine vehicle enthusiasts.

Very little marketing took place throughout the years to assist with sales. The products essentially sold themselves.

Many of us probably have our own stories regarding the use of Collinite products on our boats, cars, and maybe even shining up the snowmobile. Detailing products for our toys can sometimes be hit or miss when it comes to finding what works best in the application. I admit to changing up the types of pads, random orbital buffers, towels, and polishes as my detailing experience increased. One item that has always remained constant is the use of Collinite as a finishing product to ensure the multiple hours of hard work stayed looking fresh. I am proud that Collinite comes from the Central New York area and wish them continued success in detailing and cleaning products. 

FEATURED BUSINESS // COLLINITE

COLLINITE HAS RELIED ON THE QUALITY OF ITS PRODUCTS ALONG WITH THE PASSING OF INFORMATION THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH FROM AUTOMOTIVE AND MARINE VEHICLE ENTHUSIASTS.

APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 33

FEATURED DESIGNER // DOM TUCCI

JP// What got you into cars? Did you draw cars as a kid? Or think about how they should look?

DT// I have been into cars my entire life.

My father was a crew chief on an alcohol funny car team when I was a baby. I traveled around wherever they went. I was only five years old when he started the hot rod business. I pretty much grew up in the shop.

I began to draw at a young age. I filled up 34 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE

sketchbooks with anything I was interested in. I was so fascinated with the car design process, watching my father do it for years.

When I was 8 years old, we were able to get a tour of ArtCenter College of Design.

ArtCenter is where many of the top automotive designers in the world attend school.

This is where Chip Foose went for a few years. I was amazed at what I saw. From clay models to full size car drawings on the wall, there was so much to take in. After that visit,

it was my dream to attend school there.

As I went through school, my interest in cars never changed, but that dream to go to ArtCenter did. I learned the basics of Solidworks in the 8th grade. I began taking engineering classes, always hoping I would end up somewhere in the automotive industry. My senior year of high school, I dropped out of the engineering program to pursue graphic design classes. It was then that I decided to major in graphic design. There

Q & A with Dom Tucci of Dom Tucci Design photography Chris Penree words Justin Palmer

was only one problem, graphic design didn’t allow me to use the fabrication and engineering skills I had acquired.

On a whim, I toured Syracuse University and stumbled across a program called Industrial and Interaction Design. I fell in love with the program. It combined everything that I enjoyed doing. That’s not to say it wasn’t challenging. I was pushed harder than I ever thought I could be. It was there where I learned that design is bigger than us. It is so

much more than beautiful sketches and renderings. It has the power to change lives.

JP// Where did you go to School?

What Program?

DT// I graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Interaction Design.

What software do you use to create

your renderings? Do you hand sketch at all before or while using the computer?

I use Rhinoceros to model the object in 3D. I then take that model and bring it into a rendering program called Keyshot to add materials and lighting environments.

If those things are done correctly, the rendering can be mistaken for a real object. I usually start with some preliminary sketches to get the ideas out. Rarely is your first idea the best one. I like to take photos of the APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 35

I’m always trying to do something different or something no one has ever seen before, even if that is just a color or finish. That is what progresses the industry.

JP// How do you translate your digital sketches to the finish product?

Do you send the files out for water jetting or 3D printing? Do you print sections to scale as a template?

vehicles and draw on top of them to figure out proportions. If I get stuck while creating the model, I’ll go back to pencil and paper to see if I can figure it out.

JP// Do you have any influences that inspire your designs? What are your favorite car trends/styles?

DT// I take inspiration from many different places. I have a fascination with race cars and their functionality. Time Attack cars, DTM cars, GT race cars, and WRC cars all have this raw, pure function look to them that I love. I tend to have a dislike of trends.

We like to think that we create the trends.

36 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE

DT// What’s great about having a model in three dimensions is that pieces and parts can be pulled directly from it to have them created in real life. We use any fabrication method we need to get the desired look or quality. We have had tons of one off parts created for our builds. 3D printing is really starting to become a useful prototyping tool in our industry. The quality level is so outstanding that printed parts can be used to create molds for metal products. When

fabricating the vehicle, we’ll have the renderings printed out and hung up to follow.

JP// What type of other work do you do with Dom Tucci Designs?

DT// I like to think that I can do anything. If I don’t know how to do something, I’ll learn how. I have done business logos, branding, and marketing. I have made custom furniture and lighting. I make videos documenting car builds and trips that we take. I have made product commercials and have even designed jewelry. I have a real passion for research and user experience design.

JP// How can people contact you for work?

DT// By email at dom@domtuccidesign.com or my website www.domtuccidesign.com.

I’M ALWAYS TRYING TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT OR SOMETHING NO ONE HAS EVER SEEN BEFORE, EVEN IF THAT IS JUST A COLOR OR FINISH. THAT IS WHAT PROGRESSES THE INDUSTRY.

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DIRT RACING // UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY

NATIONAL QUALITY RACING, IN OUR BACKYARD. MANY OF THE NATION’S BEST DRIVERS ON SHOW WEEKLY AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY. 38 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE

photography John Zachary words Matt Wilson

If you’re from Central New York and you’re a race fan, then there’s a good chance you’ve spent a Sunday night at Utica-Rome Speedway in Vernon, NY watching the dirt modifieds race around the half-mile banked clay oval. If you haven’t, then maybe it’s time to reconsider your plans one Sunday evening this race-season and dip your toe into something very special.

Bill Shea is clearly proud of the talent on display every week at the Speedway during the season. “We were one point away from having a national champion this year,” he said. That’s a pretty exciting claim for a track in Central New York. “When you consider the number of races and short season we have here you really begin to appreciate the quality on display.” The national score is made up of the best 18 races over the season. There were only 19 for the whole year at Utica-Rome. “Our racers only had one bad race to throw out, but down south they might have more than 30 or 40 races to choose their best positions from,” Shea said. That makes their national standings even more impressive.

Bill and Kim Shea are entering their second season as new owners at Utica-Rome and are planning to bring changes to the half-mile track this year. They are already planning for their new signature event, the New Yorker Race of Champions 200 Weekend, scheduled Thursday, September 8 through Saturday, September 10. “It’s a celebration of racing capped off with our 200-lap big block modified race,” Bill said. “We’re expecting people to come from far and wide. The New Yorker 200 has a long tradition here. We had Jerry Cook and Richie Evans race back here in the day.” Both are NASCAR hall-of-famers and the three-day-long event promises camping, pre and post-race parties, autograph sessions and live music.

They are also planning a dirt go-kart track. “It’s our goal to put that in this June and have a place for people to bring their carts and run them,” Bill said. “It’s been a successful draw for other tracks and we’ve had a lot of interest already.”

In June they are also planning a weeknight event for fans to bring their street cars and run them at the track.

“We’ll prepare the track and run a one-on-one race,” Bill said. “It will be an elimination bracket-style event that anyone can enter. Everyone will have a great time” Bill added. “We’ll find a way to keep cars away from the wall and away from each other.” That should ensure that drivers don’t have to worry about a wreck in their street car. “There are a lot of younger drivers sitting in the stands who don’t have the money to buy their first dirt car, but would love to try out the track,” he explained.

This offers them a taste.

Bill Shea is a racer at heart. “I’ve been going to races forever. My first race here I was a 5-year-old.”

He’s not just a fan, he’s had skin in the game for many years. “I used to own racecars and we raced all over place. We competed here,” he said proudly.

He was approached a few times by the owner at the time, Gene Cole. He said, “You know what — you need to own this racetrack,” and about the third week he mentioned it I joked back, “you know, maybe I’ll take you up on that.” But Bill was serious about it and in 2015, Bill and his wife, Kim, became owners.

They found out that running a car and running a track are two different animals. “I thought I knew everything about racetracks, but I didn’t realize how much time it took APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 39

to prepare a track,” Bill said. It’s hard work and he gives all the credit to his wife. “She does a hell of a job,” he said. “I still have a full-time job, but Kim grabbed the bull by the horns and she takes care of the day-today.” That includes the payroll, the accounting, the food, beer and soda orders, the sponsorships, and more. “Kim works seven days a week,” he said. After preparing the track all day Saturday and Sunday, her work isn’t done until the last car leaves. “She’ll put out fires all night,” Bill said. “She works the pit pass window when the gates open and we don’t leave until midnight. Then she’s back taking care of cleanup on Monday morning.”

But the racing is what Utica-Rome Speedway is all about. “We’re known for a very smooth, fast, slick track,” Bill said.

“Most of the people love it that way because it takes a real driver to drive it. It encourages three- and four-wide racing.”

The season kicks off on April 17 and runs every Sunday through Labor Day weekend. The following week is the New Yorker three-day event and then a final special event featuring sprint cars in early October.

Utica-Rome is a busy track. “On a regular night we have 80 cars in the pits,” Bill said. They run four classes – three modified classes, including Division I, Big Block, Division II Crate 602 Sportsman, Division III Open Sportsman and then Division IV Pro Stock cars. “During the season we have ten special shows,” he said. This may include sprint cars, late models, or extended big block modified. Those events draw

“WHEN YOU CONSIDER THE NUMBER OF RACES AND SHORT SEASON WE HAVE HERE YOU REALLY BEGIN TO APPRECIATE THE QUALITY ON DISPLAY.”

the largest crowds. Typically 1,500 to 2,000 people will attend a race. The grandstands hold 6,000 and the special races almost fill the house.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m. and they stay open until about half an hour before the racing starts. “Admission gates open at 3 p.m. too,” Bill said. “People come to make a night of it and mix with the drivers in the pits. We’re racing by 6 p.m. and we’ll be done by about 9 p.m. We try to keep the intermissions short so that people can have a great night and still get home early, which people really appreciate.”

The racing is truly some of the finest you’ll see, according to Bill. “We have the best of the best.” Last year, four of the top six drivers at Super DIRT Week, which brings in drivers from all over the state and beyond, competed each week at Utica-Rome.

Crowd favorites include “Super” Matt APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 41

Sheppard, Dirt Champion. He’s won three track championships, is a multi-time dirt champion, and won Division I Big Blocks last year. People are excited to see him run in 2016, according to Bill. “The last two years he ran for a well-funded team, and this year he is going to be independent.”

Another one to watch out for this year in the big block division is “Lightning” Larry White. He’s a young racer in his early twenties. “He’s not afraid to do what it takes to win,” Kim said. “He’ll ride the top of the track, ruffle feathers, and he’s exciting to watch.” Larry finished third in Utica-Rome Speedway’s NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Stampede Steakhouse Modified point standings with three feature wins last year.

In Division II, Rocky “Flying Squirrel” Warner, last year’s Division II 2015 Sportsman Champion, was two points away from being the NASCAR Division II National Champion and he only had 15 starts. The winner had 19 starts last year. He’s coming back from a surprise health problem earlier this year and his fans are excited to see their favorite driver in full form at the track. This may be his year for the national prize.

Visit www.uticaromespeedway.com for this year’s calendar and to find out more. Better yet, make a trip to Vernon, NY on a Sunday this summer and check out the excitement for yourself.  42 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE

TRUST YOUR AUTO CARE TO THE PROFESSIONALS

Collision & Unibody Repair Specialists

315.337.0378

6718 Martin Street, Rome NY

1206 CHAMPLIN AVE, YORKVILLE, NY 13495

Under The Helmet Rocky Warner

photography Michael Johnson words Kevin Crandall

AP: Is the Sportsman class nowadays a starter class or is it turning into a class that someone will run for an entire career?

RW: I’d like to believe it’s a starter class.

And it is in the fact you can start out and run the same motor as everyone else you race with, but the out of control costs of running a competitive modified leaves guys no choice but to stay in the class.

AP: With the Sportsman cars being so close what is the biggest thing that separates the fast guys from the average guys?

RW: Experience (seat time), setup, and maintenance are the biggest in my eyes.

AP: Are there any keys to success when it comes to setup/maintenance? I imagine the right crew/mechanics play a big part in the driver’s ability to drive a car well.

We sat down with one of Utica-Rome’s top Sportsman class drivers for an interview. Rocky Warner was 2015’s track champion and his wins weren’t just there, but seemingly everywhere he went.

Needless to say we’re happy to talk with our hometown hero.

Let’s start the interview with the basics.

for a short period of time a couple years after he got me started, but sponsored me throughout my years until he passed this past November.

AP: Sorry to hear that man, he sounds like he was an awesome dude, an inspiration.

RW: He was for sure. This last season means even more with it being his last. I had 29 wins and 7 championships.

AP: How did you get started in racing?

AP: Is Utica Rome your “home track”? I see you had quite the season last year.

RW: My Dad got me started in the Pure Stock division at Fonda Speedway with an old Chevy Nova when I was still in high school. I was only 15 years old.

RW: It is one of three that I consider home tracks where we race regularly. It’s an awesome track to race on and the slick surface gives you very knowledgeable seat time.

AP: Wow that’s cool, did he always take you to the track before that? Was he a racer?

(Did you grow up in the scene and it just came naturally to get into a car yourself?)

AP: What would you say sets that track apart from some of the others?

RW: I used to go as long as I can remember and before that too (laughs)..it was in my heart to be a racer. My dad actually raced

RW: The raceability. You can run three or four wide and never touch. You can start 18th and have a chance to win. It also has a very friendly environment...you feel at home when you’re there.

RW: The crew is the backbone of my team.

Being confident that you have a safe, well prepared car every time you hit the track is half the battle.

AP: What advice would you have for a new racer?

RW: The biggest piece of advice is to not get discouraged and keep digging. I used to go two laps down in a 10 lap race. If you’re not fast out of the box, keep doing your homework. It comes with hard work and time.

AP: Who was your favorite driver as a kid?

RW: My favorite driver(s) as kid were the Romano brothers, Mike & AJ. AP: Lastly, is there anyone you’d like to thank or recognize for helping you get to where you are?

RW: I’d like to thank my dad for getting me started, and all my great sponsors…

Jake and Nancy Spraker, Wendy’s, FOX Shocks and Fastline Performance, Extreme Speed Supply, Troyer Race Cars and Eibach Springs.of his upcoming 2016 Dirtcar season.

APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 45

RACE LIFE // BECOMING A DRIVER

SO YOU WANT TO BE A RACECAR DRIVER? words Bill Sauve

Here we are in March, just about four months since we rolled the car off the trailer in my driveway (more like precariously removed it from the trailer with some jack magic). It was an article that I wrote last fall for the magazine (about my Kenny Wallace Dirt Driving Experience) that got this whole thing moving in the right direction. I am eternally grateful for what Kevin Crandall and the Apex team has done. I used to race R/C cars with Kevin, and we even traveled out of state a few times to compete na46 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE

tionally. It was his support that led to our partnership with Atomic Wraps, Veteran Construction, Eco Electrical Systems, S&G Motorsports, C&B Automotive, Detective Coating, and more recently Concrete Renovators. Call it a serendipitous event, luck, or combinations of both, but it has been a wild ride already. We are currently working with Russ Vinnedge of Concrete Renovators (and the Mountain View Restaurant) to host our fundraiser Smoker on Saturday April 2nd, from 1-6pm. We hope to see friends, family,

and supporters of the team out to have a great time!

I knew going into this that it would be difficult, that it would cost me thousands of dollars, hundreds of hours of work, and the help and support of others. All of these things are holding true, and I have yet to turn a lap in competition in the car. Watching races all of these years you can gain an appreciation for the power of the cars, the smell of the track, and the atmosphere, but you never quite see what goes on behind the

Design Proof Atomic Wraps

incredible support from my family and close friends who I know are in my corner and want to see this happen.

My wife Laura has been incredible, as she often has to entertain Star and Simba while I wrench away for hours in the garage (our German Shepherd puppy and Prussian Blue cat respectively). If you know us on any level, you probably already know just how much of a handful they can be! She knows that if it weren’t for her support, I would not be able to make this happen. I might add that one night at Syracuse, I can quote her as saying that the smell of burnt rubber and racecar exhaust was “the best thing ever”. I guess you can’t really argue with that!

The racecar has brought my family closer and has given me the opportunity to

spend more time with them, and that is a huge plus. Even though it’s a decent drive to the house for my parents, they still make it out a few times a week. A spare set of hands, someone to talk to. Seeing my nephew puts a bit more wind in the sails when I’m feeling shot. Working with my father again has been a rewarding experience, as it was him who really taught me how to be comfortable working on my own cars from a very young age. It was also his interest in motorsports that got me to the track as a kid and led me to ultimately pursue a dream shot in one of these cars.

I might tear the car up, I may not. I may get lapped, I might steal a win. But one thing you can bet is when you come out to Fulton Speedway any given Saturday night, I will not quit. 

scenes. It is now quite obvious to me that most, if not all drivers you see on a weekly basis live, breathe, and dream racecars. It doesn’t strike me as something you can casually do. The concept of putting the kind of time and resources together to field a machine that you risk totally destroying on any given lap may seem slightly insane to most. The truth is that it really is. And I’m ok with it.

A typical week in the life of a high school Technology and Engineering Instructor is pretty much controlled chaos.

For me, it’s usually a 40 hour work week with the occasional late night with my TSA crew and some time with the Robotics team. An hour commute home, and it’s time to switch gears. I have been cleaning, grinding, painting, measuring, welding, and wrenching on a nightly basis, stopping only to eat and to learn more about the car when I can. I will be honest, at times it has felt hopeless and overwhelming. But I have had APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGA ZINE // 47

CNY EVENT SCHEDULE //

ALL EVENTS LISTED ARE IN NY STATE.

Use the grid to determine event type: l Car Show l Driving/Cruise-in/Motorsports Event l Trade Show/Vendors l Swap Meet

Date

Event Name

Venue

City

l

April 2-3

Syracuse Motorama

NYS Fairgrounds

Syracuse

l

April 8-9

Cortland County Business Showcase Car Show

JM McDonald Sports Complex

Cortland

l

April 10

Tioga Region AACA Annual Indoor Flea Market

New Weltonville Fire Station

Newark Valley

April 16

Pep Boys Cruise-In

Pep Boys Auto Parts

New Hartford

April 16

Fun Run to Opening Day at Watkins Glen

The Little Speed Shop

Rochester

April 23

Saratoga Springs High School Car Show

Saratoga Springs High School

Saratoga Springs

l

April 23

SUNY Polytechnic Auto Show

SUNY Polytechnic

Utica

l

April 23

Cantech Automotive Cars and Coffee

Cantech Automotive

Syracuse

l

April 23

ADK Peak Shifter’s Season Opener

SUNY Adirondack

Queensbury

l

April 23

Tire Rack Street Survival-MHR SCCA

Saratoga Auto Museum

Saratoga Springs

April 24

Just Trucks - Havens Collection

388 County Route 41

Hudson Falls

l

April 29-May 1

Spring Dust Off by Street Machines of Rochester

Greece Ridge Mall

Greece

l

April 30

RIT Spring Motor Show

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester

l

April 30

Spring Cruise-In 2016

Morrisville State College

Morrisville

l

May 1

SFD 21st Annual Car Show

Stillwater High School

Stillwater

l

May 1

CNY SCCA RallyCross Spring Day at the Farm

Walczyks Farm

Weedsport

May 6-8

Rhinebeck Car Show & Swap Meet

Dutchess County Fairgrounds

Rhinebeck

l

May 7

Spring Car Show @ the Windmill

The Windmill Farm & Craft Market

Penn Yan

l

May 7

BERG Racing Dyno Day and Open House 2016

BERG Racing

Webster

May 8

Tri-City Muscle - Mother’s Day Show

Saratoga Auto Museum

Saratoga Springs

l

May 14

Saratoga Auto Museum Spring Auto Show

Saratoga Auto Museum

Saratoga Springs

l

May 14

Fair Haven Beach State Park Car Show

Fair Haven Beach State Park

Fair Haven

l

May 14

Cruisin’ Buddies Car Show

Dorchester Park

Whitney Point

l

May 15

Cars for a Cause

Trovato Associates

Rochester

l

May 15

Cruise Nite 2016

Lovelle Field

Marathon

May 15

7th Annual Mustang & FoMoCo Spring Dust Off

Jack Byrne Ford

Mechanicville

l

May 15

T.S.T BOCES Car Show

Tomkins-Seneca-Tioga-BOCES

Ithaca

l

May 15

CNY SCCA Solo

Cherry Valley Motorsports Park

Lafayette

May 20

Dunkirk Automotive Fleamarket

Chautauqua County Fairgrounds

Dunkirk

May 20-22

Two Nations 1000 Islands Extravaganza

Cerow Park and Clayton Arena

Clayton

l

May 21

Pep Boys Cruise-In

Pep Boys Auto Parts

New Hartford

l

May 21

Port Crane Chicken BBQ & Car Show

Port Crane Fire Co.

Port Crane

l

May 21

ROC City Mustangz Cancer Awareness Car Show & Shine Rick’s Prime Rib House

Rochester

l

May 28

Cadillac LaSalle Club Buick & Cadillac Lawn Show Saratoga Auto Museum

Saratoga Springs

l

May 28-29

Rolling Antiquers Old Car Club

Chenango County Fairgrounds

Norwich

l

May 28-29

Champlain Valley Classic Cruisers Spring Nationals

Clinton County Fairgrounds

Plattsburgh

l

May 29

Hemmings MusclePalooza

Lebanon Valley Dragway

New Lebanon

l

June 2-5

41th Annual Corvair Recall

Across From The Hilton Garden Inn

Syracuse

l

June 4

Kruising Knights Car Show

Goettel Park

Central Square

l

June 4

Hamlin Wheelfest Cruise-In

Hamlin Firemens Field

Hamlin

June 5

Taconic State Nationals Car Show

James Baird State Park

Pleasant Valley

l

June 5

Antique Auto Show & Flea Market

Clay Central Park

Liverpool

l

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June 5

Blast From The Past Car Show & Flea Market

Tri-Cities Airport

Endicott

l

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June 5

Country Cruizers Cruze In & Chicken BBQ

Elks Club

Oswego

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LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO THIS WEEKEND? Use the grid to determine event type: l Car Show l Driving/Cruise-in/Motorsports Event l Trade Show/Vendors l Swap Meet

June 5

CNY SCCA Solo

Cherry Valley Motorsports Park

Lafayette

l

June 7-11

Americade Touring Motorcycle Rally

Lake George

Lake George

l

June 10-12

Goodguys 24th East Coast Nationals

Dutchess County Fairgrounds

Rhinebeck

l

June 10-12

Provanity by Salt City Vans

Riverforest Park

Weedsport

l

June 11

Poorboys Car, Truck, & Bike Show

Advance Auto Parts

Auburn

l

June 11

Clarendon Fire Company Annual Car Cruise

Clarendon Fire Company

Holley

June 11

ESM Spartan Garage Car Show

East Syracuse‑Minoa Central School

East Syracuse

l

June 11

Ogdensburg Annual Car-B-Que

Dobisky Visitor’s Center

Ogdensburg

l

June 11

Lighthouse Landing Car Show

Lighthouse Landing Campground

Marathon

l

June 11-12

Street Machines of Rochester Outdoor Show

Badgerow Park

Greece

l

June 11-12

Timberview Mudfest

Timberview Resort

Turin

June 12

Bill Rapp Super Show

Bill Rapp Superstore

Syracuse

l

June 12

All Ford Cruise In and Swap Meet

Long Branch Park

Syracuse

l

June 12

Mexico Car Show

VFW Field

Mexico

l

June 12

Lake Erie Region AACA Annual Car Show

Elma Greens Park

Elma

l

June 12

Motor Mania- Car, Truck & Bike Show

The Schaghticoke Fair

Schaghticoke

l

June 16-19

FAMOUS 50’S NORTHEAST NATIONALS

Villa Roma Resort

Callicoon

l

June 18

2nd Annual RPW Car Show

Rotterdamn Pop Warner Field

Rotterdam

l

June 18

EuroMeet ‘16

Ithaca Children’s Garden

Ithaca

l

June 18

Classic Car Show & Blues Music Fest

Shops at Traders Village

Romulus

l

June 18

Father’s Day Antique Car Show

Hiltebrant Recreation Center

Old Forge

l

June 18

Pep Boys Cruise-In

Pep Boys Auto Parts

New Hartford

l

June 18

CRUISE-IN TO SUMMER 8

Cook Park

Colonie

l

June 19

Eurocar

Lorenzo State Historic Park

Cazenovia

l

June 19

Prison City Ramblers Car Show

Emerson Park

Auburn

l

June 19

Scriba Volunteer Fire Dept. Classic Car Show

Scriba Volunteer Fire Department

Oswego

l

June 19

6th Annual Schoharie Slaughter’ Car Show

Schoharie Central School

Schoharie

l

June 19

CNY SCCA Solo

Cayuga Community College

Fulton

June 24-26

SCCA Majors Super Tour

Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen

June 25

CARS At HIGHLAND PARK

Highland Park

Endwell

June 25

NECC Motorsports High Performance Driving Day New York Safety Track

Jefferson

June 26

31st Annual Big Indian Car Show

Big Indian Valley Park

Big Indian

June 26

Yorktown Grange Car Show

Yorktown Grange Fairgrounds

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June 26

South Butler Nostalgia Drags & Cruise-In

South Butler Nostalgic Dragway

Savannah

June 26

CNY Mopar Madness

Long Branch Park

Syracuse

June 30-July 3

Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen

Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen

July 2

Bayside Cruisers Car Show

S. Lake St.

Fair Haven

July 9

CNY SCCA Solo

Cayuga Community College

Fulton

July 9

BMW Vintage At Saratoga

Saratoga Auto Museum

Saratoga Springs

l

July 9-10

Z Car Club of Rochester Motorfest

Damascus Shrine Center

Webster

l

July 10

Triple Cities Street Rods Cars In The Park

Hickories Park

Owego

l

July 10

CNY American Truck Historical Society Truck Show

Longbranch Park

Syracuse

l

July 10

CNY SCCA RallyCross CNYRPM Inaugeration

Central New York Raceway Park

Central Square

July 15-17

2016 Syracuse Nationals

NYS Fairgrounds

Syracuse

l

July 16

Pep Boys Cruise-In

Pep Boys Auto Parts

New Hartford

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CNY EVENT SCHEDULE [CONTINUED] Use the grid to determine event type: l Car Show l Driving/Cruise-in/Motorsports Event l Trade Show/Vendors l Swap Meet

July 16-17

Malone Auto club’s International Auto Show

Malone Rec Park

Malone

July 22-24

Trucks Gone Wild

Maximum Power Park

Poland

July 23

Cars in the Vines @ Goose Watch Winery

Goose Watch Winery

Romulus

l

July 23

4th Annual Car Show & Picnic

Former Collins Center School Grounds

Collins Center

l

July 24

CNY SCCA Solo (Enduro)

Cherry Valley Motorsports Park

Lafayette

July 31

Vettes at the Beach

Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach

l

July 31

Seaway Festival Car Show

International Bridge

Ogdensburg

l

August 4-7

Cheez-It™ 355 at The Glen

Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen

August 6

Hemmings Sports & Exotics Car Show

Saratoga Auto Museum

Saratoga Springs

August 6

Rumble at the Niagara Car and Bike Show

Gratwick Waterfront Park

North Tonawanda l

August 6

Lizard Charity Car Show

Lebanon Resevoir Campground

Hamilton

August 6

CRUISE NITE 2016

Angelo Canna Town Park

Cairo

August 6

Longley Bros Dodge Annual Car Show

Longley Bros Dodge

Fulton

l

August 6-7

Spiedie Fest Antique Car & Truck Show

Otsiningo Park

Binghamton

l

August 7

Ticonderoga Area Car Show

Ticonderoga NY Bicentennial Park

Ticonderoga

l

August 7

Richfield Springs Lion Car Show

Spring Park

Richfield Springs

l

August 7

Tappet-Twirlers ROCKIN’ IN THE PARK

Lee Town Park

Rome

l

August 7

CNY SCCA Solo (FLR Solo #6 (CNY OOR)

Monroe Community College

Rochester

August 13

Jaguar Car Show

Saratoga Auto Museum

Saratoga Springs

l

August 13

History On Wheels Car Show

Downtown Auburn

Auburn

l

August 13

Wings & Wheels

Masonic Care Community

Utica

l

August 14

Salt City VW show

Oneida Shores

Brewerton

l

August 19-21

Rats Nest Run-In Rockabilly Rendezvous Car Show Blackthorne Resort

East Durham

l

August 20

Street Scene

Long Branch Park

Syracuse

l

August 20

Pep Boys Cruise-In

Pep Boys Auto Parts

New Hartford

l

August 20

Elbridge Fire Company First Annual Car Show

Elbridge Fire Station

Elbridge

l

August 21

7 Valley Street Rods

Cortlandville Citizens Park

Cortland

l

August 21

AMC Fest 2016

Onieda Shores County Park

Brewerton

l

August 21

CNY SCCA Solo

Cayuga Community College

Fulton

August 27

ADK Shelby-Mustang Club Dealer Day Car Show

Metro Ford

Schenectady

August 27

NECC Motorsports High Performance Driving Day

New York Safety Track

Jefferson

l

August 27

CNY SCCA Solo

Cayuga Community College

Fulton

l

August 28

CNY SCCA RallyCross Summer at the Wheels #1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Park

Elbridge

l

August 28

South Butler Nostalgia Drags & Cruise-In

South Butler Nostalgic Dragway

Savannah

l

September 4

Fillmore Auto Club Show

Fillmore Glen State Park

Moravia

l

September 9-11

Adirondack Vettefest

Ramada Inn

Glens Falls

l

September 9-11

Adirondack Nationals

Fort William Henry Resort

Lake George

l

September 9-11

U.S. Vintage Grand Prix

Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen

September 9-11

Old Time Gas Engines, Tractor, and Truck Show

Rt. 26

Constableville

September 11

CNY SCCA RallyCross Summer at the Wheels #2 Rolling Wheels Raceway Park

Elbridge

September 11

Mohican Model A Ford Club Antique Car Show

Wampsville Fireman’s field

Wampsville

l

September 17

Cruisin At The Downs

Tioga Downs Casino

Nichols

l

September 17-18 Vintage & Classic Street Meet

Village of Clayton

Clayton

l

September 23-25 Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance

Saratoga Auto Museum

Saratoga Springs

l

September 24-25 Dover Drag Strip Nostalgia Drags & Car Show

Lebanon Valley Dragway

New Lebanon

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