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Meet the drivers behind the wheels of Spec13 Motorsports
Sentimental ‘47 Indian Chief (Pg. 16)
M AGA Z I N E
SPRING 2018
Pg. 32
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A Tucci Mustang Restomod (Pg. 20)
THE LARGEST CNY CAR SHOW SCHEDULE! (Pg. 60)
The 2018 Hemmings Great Race (Pg. 50)
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A LETTER FROM OUR TEAM Spring has sprung!
Welcome to the latest edition of Apex Automotive Magazine. It's been a long, hard winter so it hasn't been easy getting all of these stories together when cars are still in storage because it's still snowing in mid-April! That didn't stop us from cramming a ton of Central New York's best automotive stories in this issue though. Our cover story is on the Spec13 Motorsports race team out of Syracuse and we get an in-depth look at what drives their passion to be behind the wheel. We have some cool car features including a '49 Dodge Coronet, an MGB, and a 1969 Mustang that was built by Tucci Hot Rods to include a modern power plant and interior. We also take a look at the Glenn H. Curtiss Musem as the fourth installment in our CNY museum series. The Hemmings Great Race is coming through NY in June, leaving from the Pierce Arrow Museum in Buffalo, stopping in Norwich at the Northeast Classic Car Musem, and headed onto Troy from there. It should be a fun event to witness. We recommend coming to Norwich for the lunch stop - as it will be one of the only times to catch all the cars parked for a bit during their time in CNY. We had a good time at the ATSE and Syracuse Motorama shows, talking with readers who came to our booth. If you missed us there, you'll be able to see us at the Rolling Antiquers show in Norwich in May, as well as several others including the Apex Invitational, Street Scene, and Syracuse Nationals in July. As always, thanks for reading. If you have any comments or suggestions or are interested in helping with the magazine (ad sales, photography, or writing), shoot us an email to info@apexautomag.com!
THE TEAM Publisher Kevin Crandall
SPRING 2018
Production Manager Bob Sblendorio Layout & Design Colleen Ingerto Director of Photography Chris Penree Photography Ron Alexander, Dalton Dobson, Ron Draper, Jenna Herbert, David Hilner, Connie Hudson, Chris Penree, Jeff Schneeberger, Danni Stockley, Mike Woeller, John Zachary Contributing Writers Ron Alexander, Shane Bartella, Ron Draper, Nick Graziano, Mike Mastracco, Bob Sblendorio, Mike Smith, Danni Stockley, Dave Tucci Jr., John Zachary Proofreader Denise Crandall Account Manager Elise Robinson Special Thanks Mike Smith, Josh Herbert Proudly printed locally by Kenyon Press Inc. 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, unique car stories, and everything else automotive. Want to advertise your business with us? Just email ads@apexautomag.com and let’s discuss! Thank you! 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. Online To find out more about advertising in Apex, visit apexautomag.com or call 315.280.8305 x2 Apex Automotive Magazine is published four times per year by Seven Horsepower Publishing, LLC.
16.
SENTIMENTAL INDIAN CHIEF
A unique story behind this tribute build for a lost friend. By Bob Sblendorio
32.
40.
50.
We get an in-depth look at what makes these racers tick.
Dave Marcuccilli An exclusive interview with this DIRT driver
We follow John and Scott Hudson as they prepare for the week-long event.
SPEC13 MOTORSPORTS
By Mike Smith
"THE PUNISHER"
By John Zachary
THE HEMMINGS MOTOR NEWS GREAT RACE
By Mike Mastracco
To subscribe: Please send $20 to the below address. Magazines will be delivered via USPS. Apex Automotive Magazine PO Box 344 Sherburne, NY 13460
COOL CAR STORIES
EVENTS / CLUBS / NEWS
08. Terri LaVergne's "Chrome Bumper B"
39. Buffalo Street Outlaws
We welcome feedback, story suggestions, reader contributions, and anything else you might like to share with us. Send us a note to info@apexautomag.com.
12. Memories of a '49 Dodge Coronet
44. Win a MK4 - ESM Spartan Garage
20. A Tucci Mustang Restomod
46. Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
24. The 1908 Great Race
56. Apex Invitational at Fountain Elms
30. Tech How-To: Tackle the Axle
60. CNY Car Shows / Event Schedule
36. Dig Race Products
66. Antique Automobile Club of America
All contents copyright 2018, Apex Automotive Magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without consent. For entertainment purposes only. We do our best to fact-check specs/stories, but cannot guarantee 100% accuracy. Apex Automotive Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, photos, or artwork.
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COVER PHOTO BY JENNA HERBERT | CONTENTS PHOTO BY JOHN ZACHARY
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Readers’ Rides EACH ISSUE WE SHOWCASE A FEW OF OUR READERS’ RIDES!
1973 THUNDERBIRD Owner: Angelo Bono, Liverpool, NY Words by MIKE MASTRACCO
H
ere is a 1973 Ford Thunderbird owned by Angelo Bono of Liverpool, NY. This is the sixth generation of the Thunderbird, also the largest ‘bird ever produced weighing in at well over 5,000 pounds. This “Big Bird” was produced between the years of 1972 and 1976. Its Lincoln Mercury counterpart was the Continental Mark IV, both are considered personal luxury coupes and some of the largest coupes ever produced by the Ford Motor Company. Angelo purchased this car in 1988 from the second owner. Since then he has had the motor rebuilt then racked up over 60,000 miles on the rebuild. Angelo has taken his Big Bird to Oklahoma and back three times, many trips around Central New York and beyond. In order to move these Big Birds along, Ford installed a 429 C.I. (7.0 ltr.) 385 hp V-8, this being the last year for this motor.
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@ 6 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
Angelo enjoys participating in Manlius High School’s Crystal Ball Cruise, held each May, bringing his Big Bird to the All Ford Show in June, as well as driving to several cruise nights each year. These Big Birds are now seldom seen on the road. If you are lucky, you may see Angelo driving this beauty around Central New York as it’s close to 20’ long it is pretty difficult to miss coming down the road.
apexautomag.com. Please include your name and hometown. All of this issue’s Readers' Rides features are getting two 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!
R E A D E R s ’ R I D E S ///
1951 PLYMOUTH CAMBRIDGE Owners: Mike and Cathy Mazoway, Baldwinsville, NY
J
ust a little bit about our 1951 Plymouth Cambridge. We have been car oriented for decades. I have been active in road rallies since the early 70s. Work and the demands of everyday life precluded us from having any extra cars. In 2011 I was at an estate auction and bought a 1966 MG-B that was in decent shape. We had a lot of fun with it, but it was just too small. We sold it in 2015 and started searching for a larger car that would be roomier and dry in the rain. We concentrated on late 40s to early 50s Mopars as you could get a good, decent running car at a fair price. We were in Iowa at a family function in 2016 and found Miss Daisy in Dubuque through a Craigslist ad. We bought it and, in one of the more unique deals I have negotiated, we were able to close the deal with the understanding that we would be back in two weeks with the the money and to pick up the car. Two weeks later a friend and I rented a pickup truck from Enterprise and drove to Iowa to get the car. No problems and 72 hours later the car was in our driveway. My buddy Greg noted that there is a DMV office just off the Thruway in Dunkirk, NY and he needed to make a pit stop and I had insured the car for the trip home, so why not stop and register the car while he made his pit stop. It was too easy. All we have done to her is put on a new set of tires, a new radiator, change all the fluids, and a new set of shocks. She has been as far away as Maine to participate in
the Walter P. Chrysler Club Meet in 2016. We attend a lot of local shows and we are regular participants at the Saturday morning Cars and Coffee in Liverpool, NY. The car is essentially stock. A previous owner had changed from the original engine to a 230 CI unit from a 1954 Dodge. As the current engine is getting a bit tired, we are currently building a 217 CI engine that was originally in a 1951 Plymouth. Miss Daisy is a comfortable ride and has taken a few awards at local shows. Future upgrades include finding and installing an overdrive transmission so she can run at highway speeds without trouble. We have had a lot of fun with her and hope to see you on the car show and cruise-in circuit this summer.
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 7
TERRI LaVERGNE’S
“Chrome Bumper B”
MGB Words by MIKE MASTRACCO Photos provided by owner
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Morris Garages, or more commonly known as MG, started making automobiles in the early to mid-1920’s. Many models were produced until production ceased in 1980. Some of the more recognizable models are the “T” series that were driven by our military personnel overseas then stateside. The TD is well known as the (specific) car that caused the sports car “craze” in America. This “T” series was produced up until the mid-1950’s when the 1955 MGA was introduced, a sleek body style, better handling along with a larger engine with
an increase in horsepower. Then in 1962, the MGB was introduced as a more modern style to fit the times. Over the nineteen year production run the MGB endured many changes to keep up with the competition and U.S. government regulations. In mid-season 1974, some drastic changes took place to conform to the U.S. government requirements for new cars. The most noticeable change is what we now call “Rubber Bumper B’s.” Before this mandate, it was “Chrome Bumper B’s.” These chrome bumper B’s
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 9
are now highly sought after and bring a premium when found. This is Terri LaVergne’s 1971 chrome bumper MGB and her story. At age 16 Terri passed her driver’s test and purchased her first car, a used 1963 Chevy Impala. Shortly after that Terri decided to upgrade to a Camaro, this time purchased new. Terri has an older brother Bob, who she idolized while growing up. At one time Bob owned a 1963 MGB which Terri just loved the looks of it and eventually had to have one herself. Terry traded in her Camaro and purchased her MGB new on April 4, 1971 from then Bill Rapp Cars Ltd. She still has all the original paperwork that was given to her at the time of delivery including the original registration card and metal protect-o-plate!
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At this point in time Terri had never learned how to drive a stick shift or put gasoline in any of her vehicles. This is where big brother Bob comes in. At this point in time Terri had never learned how to drive a stick shift or put gasoline in any of her vehicles. This is where big brother Bob comes in. Bob was a hands-on type of brother who just loved showing
his little sis how to do things. Bob first taught Terri how to drive a stick and put petrol in her car. Next came along changing tires, oil and filter, performing tune-ups along with how to read wiring diagrams, and so much more. If one is going to learn how to work on cars, many tools are needed. Again, this is where big brother comes in. Bob would buy tools for Terri’s birthday and then Christmas such as a dwell-tachometer, wire strippers, and more. Since then Terri installed a Pioneer 8-track stereo system, then upgraded to an AM/FM cassette stereo that looks period correct. Terri explained to me that Bob taught her how to install 6x9” speakers that used the trunk as a baffle. After this, she cut into the rear firewall of her MGB and used speaker enclosures
for baffles for better sound and space utilization. Much of her car is all original such as the carpet, seats, dash, steering wheel, emissions systems, however Terri has added many upgrades over the years to her B. Some upgrades include a factory correct console, carpet kit for the trunk, chrome stone guards over the headlights. Terri loves chrome, she purchased a set of four 60-spoke chrome wire wheels to replace the painted steel knock-off wire wheels that came with her car. Terri has driven her MGB all over New York State for car shows and in 2008 Terri took her car to King of Prussia, PA for a National MGB event. Terri and her car are regular participants at the annual Grand Prix Festival held the weekend after Labor Day each year in Watkins Glen,
NY. Several times Terri has taken her MGB up to Clayton, NY to participate in the 1000 Islands Concours d’Elegance, a show that brings cars from all over NYS and Canada. More than once Terri has taken her B up to Cape Vincent, NY to jump on Horne’s Ferry which only holds about ten cars for a trip to Wolfe Island in Ontario, Canada. After a ten minute drive on Wolf Island, Terri and her B would jump on
the Cape Vincent Ferry for her next stop, Kingston, Ontario. This time for a car show Canadian style held in a local park in the city of Kingston, Ontario. Terri owns a 1991 Toyota Celica GT-S with every option available which she also purchased new. Another new purchase was a 1993 Honda Goldwing 1100cc Interstate motorcycle which she still owns with over 79,000 miles. Previously Terri owned a 1971 Datsun 240Z for a winter rat while she put her MGB up for the winter. Another motorcycle she recently sold was a 2007 Yamaha V-Star Classic 1100cc cruiser. To say that Terri likes to get to know her vehicles, works on them, and she is a car and motorcycle lady is an understatement. We wish Terri and her vehicles many happy more miles.
Terri kept the paperwork from when she bought her MGB in 1971, including the original registration card and metal protect-o-plate. SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 11
Memories of a
‘49 DODGE CORONET
Words by NICK GRAZIANO Photos by DALTON DOBSON
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Cars have the ability to take your favorite memories and ingrain them in its paint, its seats or even the steering wheel. One look and your
mind becomes a photo album flipping through snap shots of mirthful moments. For Syracuse resident Howard Miller, those moments are picnics, drive-in movies and rides to the park with his college girlfriend, who later became his wife. And the car that helps make those memories is a 1949 Dodge Coronet convertible. “The Dodge was good looking, easy to drive and good handling,” Miller said. “It stood out among the other cars I had in school.” The car’s six passenger layout, distinct yellow paint and its conspicuous large grill made it just as memorable as the memories it helped create. The memory of that car stayed with Miller for more than 50 years after he sold it. After attending college in the early 1950s, Miller eventually got married, went into to the US Air Force, had kids and bought a house. He grew up. Like most men, the transition
Howard Miller sold his original ‘49 Dodge Coronet in the 1950s, but the fond memories of that car always stuck with him. from kid to adult means having to leave some toys behind. For Miller, that was his Coronet, as he sold it and moved onto something newer. He eventually moved from Pennsylvania to Syracuse in 1968 and got a job at Crucible Industries. By 1994 he retired from the company as vice president, but before then, he decided he wanted his toy back. He began looking for another old car to buy. In the back of his mind, Miller said he wanted his yellow convertible back. “I have fond memories in that car,” Miller said.
Eventually, he found one: 1949, check. Seats six, check. Flat head six-cylinder, check. Yellow, well, it was green. It was located in California, but the seller sent him a video of the car and he decided to buy, having it shipped to New York. The car had all original parts and was similar to his original 1949, but not close enough. He spent about six years getting the car to be an exact replica of his original. He did a little bit of the mechanical work himself
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 13
“The Dodge was good looking, easy to drive and good handling,” Miller said. “It stood out among the other cars I had in school.”
and adjusted the carburetor. He outsourced the paint and body work – which he said it needed little of. By the end of all the work, he had his 1949 Dodge Coronet convertible back. The 1949 Dodge Coronet was the first year for the Coronet nameplate and a top-level trim for the Dodge line up. The Coronet and Dodge’s entry-level Wayfarer model, helped Dodge sell about 300,000 units in 1949, placing the company second in the medium-price car market. The
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Coronet’s 230 cubic-inch flathead inline six-cylinder engine produces about 103hp. Miller’s Coronet has become his Sunday driver. He’ll drive it whenever he gets the chance, most often for car club tours, Miller said. On average, he puts 300 to 400 miles on it per summer. It is a fun, relaxing time, he said, to take the car out, but the experiences he has with the car make for new fond memories. “I enjoy meeting nice people and making friends at car clubs,” Miller said. “Everyone has a common interest.” In the 25 years he’s had his current Coronet, Miller was able to relive the memories of cruising with his wife
Gloria, who passed away about nine years ago, and create new ones. Now, at 85 years old, Miller shares those memories with his grandchildren and makes new ones with them they can remember years from now. “The grandkids don’t care much about the car, but when they see it they know it means it is ice cream cone time,” Miller said.
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 15
Sentim
‘47 INDIA Words by BOB SBLENDORIO Photos by CHRIS PENREE
For Marcia Dunn, a ‘47 Indian Chief parked in the breakfast area of her small kitchen will probably be the best medicine in her journey of healing. “It’s something that when I look at or touch it, I always
think of Tim,” her late husband who recently died in a boating accident in the Adirondacks. She continued, “I love it, I’m going to keep this bike, I’m not going to let it go.” It’s a beautiful tribute to the man she deeply loved. Tim Dunn always loved motorcycles and in his younger years had dirt bikes. His passion was put on hold for a number of years because of marriage and raising
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mental
AN CHIEF
their two children. The passion was always there, so when the kids graduated from school and were getting established, he turned back to his love of motorcycles. His first project bike was a Harley-Davidson Sportster, which he did a lot of work to and eventually sold. The next project was a ’48 Indian Chief, in which he rebuilt the engine. He enjoyed riding that bike with his buddies, but being an older, temperamental bike, would leave him stranded on occasion. He sold that bike and purchased a brand new 2015 Indian that he “absolutely loved,” Marcia said. It was more reliable, satisfying that passion for riding. SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 17
When Tim passed, the bike wasn’t finished. After a few months had gone by, his friends approached Marcia about completing the bike as a tribute to their lost friend. His friends — Randy VanHatten (above left), Greg Urbanik (above right) and Art Hughes — got to work finishing the restoration.
“You need to appreciate the gratification when you’re done and the camaraderie while doing it…and drink a lot of beer along-the-way.” — Greg Urbanik
‘47 Indian Chief Several years ago, Tim purchased a ’47 Indian Chief…well purchased a sort-of ’47 Indian Chief. Marcia explained he purchased a frame and motor, and many boxes of parts. The seller wasn’t sure how much of the bike was actually there, but Tim was up for the challenge of putting it back together. Initially, the project sat for a 18 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
couple of years, but then he started to work on it, initially doing a complete inventory and a lot of research on the needed parts. The frame and motor were brought up to Greg Urbanik’s house, a friend, where the guys had a tradition of working together on their bikes every Tuesday night. Greg described Tim’s bike as, “a complete basket case,” requiring a ton of work.
“You need to appreciate the gratification when you’re done and the camaraderie while doing it…and drink a lot of beer along-the-way,” Greg said with a hardy laugh. When Tim passed, the bike wasn’t finished. After a few months had gone by, his friends approached Marcia about completing the bike as a tribute to their lost friend. Marcia
Marcia & Tim Dunn
agreed, and in fact, really liked and appreciated the idea. His friends — Greg Urbanik, Randy VanHatten and Art Hughes — got to work finishing the restoration. The guys, all having worked on their own bikes, are highly skilled at anything to do with motorcycle restorations. Also part of the team, and the success in getting it restored, was Greg’s wife Mary Beth. She researched and purchased all the missing parts needed to complete the bike.
Unveiling Marcia, during visits to Greg’s house, was only allowed to hear about the progress, but not permitted to actually see the bike because the guys were planning a special unveiling when it was completed. Finally, the wait was over. The unveiling took place at Greg’s house, with the bike covered in the main foyer. With 30-40 people present, many of which were Tim’s friends, the sheet was removed. Greg said, “She [Marcia] and a lot of us tearedup.” The bike, still in Greg’s foyer (for the time being), is a thing of beauty.
Tribute When talking with Greg and Randy, they described their friend this way: “The level of research was amazing, including documentation. In his diary (which they shared) there is extensive detail of every part, what he paid and where it was from. Tim was an absolute perfectionist when it came to restoring a bike…and we miss having him around.”
Indian Motorcycles Indian, considered the first motorcycle ever built, started back in 1901. It has a long history and enduring legacy of building motorcycles. In the early years, Indian was the biggest manufacturer of motorcycles. There was rapid technological advancement going on at the time, especially in the early years, like introducing a V-twin engine in 1906. Indian Motorcycles went on to break many records of speed and endurance. Also in 1906, an Indian Motorcycle was driven from San Francisco to New York City in a record of 31-1/2 days. The success the company enjoyed in competing in motorcycle events resulted in rapid growth, especially in the early years. The original company lasted until 1953. In 2011, Polaris purchased the brand and started manufacturing Indian Motorcycles again, to the delight of many.
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 19
A Tucci Hot Rods
MUSTANG RESTOMOD Words by DAVE TUCCI JR OF TUCCI HOT RODS  Photos by CHRIS PENREE
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SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 21
We met Dave Francoeur, the owner of this Mustang, in 2014 at the Adirondack Nationals in Lake George, NY.
We had the ’70 Mustang that we built as a Syracuse Nationals giveaway car on display. Dave proceeded to tell me that he had a shop in Texas restoring his 1969 Mustang Mach 1. We had talked more about how we built the ’70 and he was very interested in learning more about it. His Mustang was just about finished at the restoration shop, which he had gone down to take a look at and take it for a test drive. In that test drive, he realized that a stock restored Mustang did not drive, handle, or stop like he anticipated. So that’s when it was decided that his Mustang would get shipped up to us to do an upgrade on the suspension, brakes, and steering. This would be our first stage of getting the car to its finished state. After putting a full Ride Tech suspension, Baer Brakes, Budnik wheels, Falken Tires, and corrected steering geometry, Dave took the car back and drove it for a summer. At that point he realized the car drove amazingly, but now because it was handling so well, it was lacking the power that the suspension warranted. Now it was time to discuss what we would do for a power upgrade. The obvious choice for us at Tucci Hot Rods was to install a 5.0 Coyote engine and 6 speed manual transmission out of a 2015 Mustang GT. We sourced the motor from Cleveland Power and Performance and utilized a wiring harness and computer from Ford Performance. Putting the Coyote motor in the original engine compartment was going to be a challenge. Many shops would just change the front suspension out to fit the 22 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
massive Coyote, but we had just installed all the new Ride Tech suspension, so we went ahead and trimmed the shock towers to fit the motor and still be able to retain all the original suspension locations. A set of headers were hand made to fit around all the steering components. A Mishimoto radiator was used to keep the Coyote cool. While modifying the engine compartment to fit the new power plant, we looked at the overall restoration of the car and found that the paint and panel fitment was not up to our standard. We then contacted John Ramsey, from John’s Auto Restoration, and discussed the best way to make it a true Tucci Hot Rods build. The car was completely stripped down to bare metal and a few body modifications were done. We narrowed the rear bumper, making it closer to the body and moved the rear quarter panels out about an inch to create a more aggressive look. Now it was time to look at the interior of the car. A new set of power leather bucket seats were fitted and the 2015 Mustang center console was mounted, retaining the stock shifter and boot from the 2015. The console was mounted in a way to blend into the stock 1969 Mustang dash while incorporating a Vintage Air air conditioning system. Dave also wanted to have a stereo system that would complement the newer interior design. Bux Customs fitted a custom carpet, headliner, rear seat and finished off the rear surround along with new trunk upholstery. An Aeromotive fuel system makes sure the Coyote is never starved for fuel. Pypes Performance exhaust gives the car that unique Mustang exhaust note. A Dakota Digital VHX instrument cluster and clock finishes off the modernized interior.
Dave Tucci, owner of Tucci Hot Rods (front left), Dom Tucci (front right) and crew with the restomod '69 Mustang.
The stock restored Mustang did not drive, handle, or stop like Francoeur anticipated, so he turned to Tucci Hot Rods in Marcy, NY to install a number of upgrades.
We featured this Tucci Hot Rods restomod in the Spring 2016 issue of Apex. Check it out at apexautomag.com/magazine.
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 23
/// A u t o m o t i v e h i s t o r y
It's snowing as the Thomas Flyer heads into Buffalo.
Going to the Moon ...
In 1908 Words by BOB SBLENDORIO Photos courtesy of TheGreatAutoRace.com
“This was like going to the moon” is how Jeff Mahl described the 1908 Great Race. Jeff Mahl is the great grandson of the winner of that race, George Schuster, from Springville, NY.
As a kid, Jeff heard all the stories many times and remembered them too. And just in case you’re not familiar with the Great Race, it was a race from New York City to Paris covering 22,000 miles in 169 days…in 1908.
1908 Race and the Thomas Flyer President Teddy Roosevelt is responsible for getting E. R. Thomas to agree to have an American entry in the race. The American team had only a couple of days to plan for the race. The race started in NYC where 250,000 people turned out. It was February and there were six teams representing the countries of Germany (1-team), France (3-teams), Italy (1-team), and of course the United States team driving a Thomas Flyer. It was a 1907 Model 35 with a 4-cylinder 60 hp engine The Thomas Flyer and chain driven rear wheels. The in NYC at the start Thomas Flyer was an automobile of the race in 1908. manufactured in Buffalo, NY. 24 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
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A u t o m o t i v e h i s t o r y ///
There were many hardships during the Great Race of 1908, including bad weather, lack of good roads, getting lost, mechanical problems, bad food and bandits. As an example of the extremes of nature dealt with along the way, Thomas Flyer became bogged down in the endless mud in Siberia (shown above), and also got stuck in snow (shown below, left).
The car mired in quicksand, with a broken pinion gear. It was repaired by George Schuster in the creek bed.
Hardships
It took 41 days, but the Flyer was the first to arrive in San Francisco. The original intent was for the race to go to Alaska and then cross the frozen Bering Strait, using it as an ice bridge. That plan was changed and the teams crossed the Pacific Ocean by ship and arrived in Japan. The race continued through the continents of Asia and Europe and finished in Paris. Of the six original teams that entered, only three teams finished the race, with the German team arriving first in Paris; however, since they were penalized 30 days for taking shortcuts, the American team was declared the winner when it arrived four days later.
There were many hardships along the way; weather, lack of good roads, getting lost, mechanical problems, bad food and bandits, but somehow George Schuster had unparalleled determination, and nerves of steel, and kept going. Here’s just one example: In the middle of Siberia the pinion gear broke that powered the chain drive. As a result, the Flyer was going nowhere. George, utilizing his superior mechanical skills, decided to drill holes where the missing gear teeth were and then put screws into the holes. George, by hand, filed the screws into the shape of gear teeth. The repair worked well enough to get the Flyer all the way to Paris. The skill to pull that off, with only basic hand tools in the middle of Siberia, is certainly impressive by any measure. SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 27
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A u t o m o t i v e h i s t o r y ///
In 1964, George Schuster at the age of 92, still with a driver’s license, behind the familiar wheel of the Thomas Flyer, after it was restored.
George Schuster
110-Year Celebration
“An unbelievable guy, everyone thought so,” said Mahl. “He was sharp, and in his mind he could visualize things” George was the son of a German immigrant family and only went to school up to the 5th grade. He became an expert mechanic, skilled in many automotive areas and that’s why he was considered the ideal choice for the American team by E. R. Thomas, owner of the company. He was a special person; still driving at 95 and shoveling snow at 98 years old!
It’s been 110 years since George Schuster won the Great Race, and in celebration a group of vintage car enthusiasts are making the trip along the original 1908 route. It is planned to start on June 20, 2018 at the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park, NY. As a Harvard student, FDR learned how to drive in his father's Thomas automobile. The finish is in San Francisco a couple of weeks later. Jack Crabtree, the event coordinator, made the point, “it’s not a race, but rather a relaxed tour covering an average of about 300 miles each day, with rest and relaxation along the way.” The second leg (Asia/Europe) is postponed at this time because of the current political climate with some countries.
Schuster, recounting the race with his great grandchildren, Matt, Jeff Mahl and Jennifer. He's holding the US Flag which flew from the start, to the finish, of the Great Race on the Thomas Flyer.
All are Welcome Want to go? There’s still time to participate in any section of the event across the country and be a part of history! Some members of the Apex team are participating in the Canastota to Buffalo section on June 20th. Mark your calendar. Also on June 20th, is the lunch stop in Canastota (In 1908 Great Race historic 1908 George Schuster spent the night there). There will be phomarker in the Village of tos next to the historic Great Canastota, NY Race marker, a Great Race presentation by Mahl, a visit to the Canastota Canal Museum to view the Great Race exhibit, and lunch of course. The group is then heading to Buffalo for the next few days. There are activities planned like visiting The Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum, George Schuster’s house, and the Heritage Building with a life-sized recreation of his 1920's Dodge Brothers dealership in Springville (just south of Buffalo). Just in case you’ve not been there, the Buffalo Transportation Pierce Arrow Museum is a must-see place to go and visit. In addition to an amazing collection of cars and automotive artifacts, there is an incredible, one-of-a-kind artifact — a 1927 Frank Lloyd Wright designed gas filling station that was built inside the museum. (Apex profiled the museum in the Spring Issue-2017) You can participate in any section that you would like, with any type of car. Just contact Jack Crabtree (texascrabtree@ gmail.com) for more information or visit: www.2018NYtoParis.com.
Take Away
Jeff Mahl, great grandson of George Schuster, in front of the winning 1907 Model 35 Thomas Flyer automobile.
Jack Crabtree
This was epic: for the man, George Schuster; for evolution of the automobile (horseless carriage), and for the United States as an emerging leader on the world stage. It is an inspiring story on all accounts and illustrates that the American can-do-spirit — even in 1908 — was alive and well. SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 29
/// t e c h H o w -t o
In the shop with Mr. A
TACKLE THE AXLE
Words and photos by RON ALEXANDER
A
re you considering the installation of a set of lockers in that big boy toy jeep, or maybe a mild or wild gear ratio change in your classic car? The process of rear axle setup can be a weekend DIY project that can be done by most mid-level weekend warriors with some hand tools and measuring equipment. I will caution you first, attempting this project will put your name on a short list with your local car club that will make you the go to guy in the future for many want-a-be car builders. Research on your particular axle should be done to insure you have tools necessary to complete this project. A few hours on the internet and you will find most popular axle setups. Most axles require four major adjustments.
Pinion depth: the depth the
pinion gear rides into the ring, controlled by shim under big bearing on pinion or under the big bearing race in the case. Ford 9� uses selectable pinion flange gasket.
Pinion bearing preload:
bearing crush controlled most likely collapsible sleeve in-between the bearings on the pinion.
Backlash: clearance between the pinion gear and ring. Carrier bearing preload: the crush of the bearings that support the carrier itself. Understanding how they are controlled will help you make the necessary adjustment and shim selections for your setup. Let’s look at each.
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t e c h h o w -t o /// Tech article brought to you by Morrisville State College Automotive Program
Pinion depth can be measured using a factory or aftermarket depth gauge set. This will be installed in the clean case with new bearings to simulate the pinion shaft and carrier. Factory tool sets work best, but aftermarket tools are available. If you want to try to install the old shim and hope for the best, be sure to run a pattern check after everything is setup, this can tell you if you are too
Factory pinion depth tool
deep or shallow. Next you will install the pinion and establish pinion bearing preload. This is the crush on the two pinion bearings. With a new crush sleeve installed, tighten the yoke nut until the correct turning torque is measured. This is achieved by collapsing the sleeve as you tighten the nut. If you go too far, a new crush sleeve will be needed. I usually get
Install new crush sleeve
Tighten the yoke nut until correct turning torque is measured
two just in case. The largest breaker bar in the neighborhood is required. Backlash is controlled by the carrier bearing side shims or adjusters, this is very dependent on axle type. I set this as close as I can to specifications, then add carrier bearing preload shims, then recheck backlash. It most likely will change a bit after final carrier bearing preload is set. This is again axle specific, Dana axles put the shims under the rollers on the carrier, others install them outside under the races, and some just use adjuster nuts. Remember carrier bearing preload cannot be verified with the pattern check. Some axle manufactures will give you overall turning torque, not a bad idea to check this at this time. After all adjustment and shims are installed and backlash is confirmed good with a dial indicator, run a pattern check to see how you did. Pinion depth and backlash can be evaluated with a chart. Axle setup may require a few new tools, some research, and some practice, but the pride in doing it yourself will be the biggest benefit.
Check backlash with dial indicator
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/// c o v e r s t o r y
(This page)
Photos by Mike Woeller / Windshadow Photo Studios
Spec13 Motorsports
Words by MIKE SMITH
A NEW SPEC OF DRIVERS:
This thing we do, it is no normal thing. It’s like being born with a permanent aff liction, the only treatment for which is turning money into g-forces, brake dust, and heat. Luckily, there are support groups
for those who suffer from this affliction, called track days (events where any driving nerd can drive their own car on a REAL road course). Unlike traditional support groups, where participants sit in a circle and offer each other advice and comfort, track days are not intended to treat our affliction, but rather deepen its hold on us until there’s nothing left but 32 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
(This page)
Photos by Jenna Herbert
c o v e r s t o r y ///
Josh Herbert
— NASA — The race people, not the space people ... a penniless shell of a person that’s kind of fast in a car. I am one such person born with this incurable disease. I have always loved cars and driving, but it wasn’t until 2009 that I attended my first track day with NASA (the race people, not the space people). From that day forward, things have never been the same. NASA (National Auto Sport Association) is an organization that hosts time trials, pro racing, and HPDE (High Performance Driver Education) events at tracks all over the country! HPDE events (or track days, as they’re more commonly known) provide a safe, controlled environment for drivers to learn the art of high performance driving in their own cars. Beginners benefit from one-on-one instruction, as well as classroom sessions. In the Northeast Region, we frequent Watkins Glen International, Lime Rock Park, Pocono Raceway, New Jersey Motorsports Park (Lightning and Thunderbolt), and Pittsburgh International Raceway. At track days, we treat the “laws” of physics as mere guidelines, pushing ourselves and our machines to the interface between conventional science and magic, stopping just shy of the spirit realm. Needless to say, track days tend to attract a large community of like-minded people; people who live to drive and their whole lives revolve around it. You can talk to anyone there and expect to have at least two things in common: they love driving and they’re broke. It was through these NASA track days, back road touge runs, and CNY car meets that I became close friends with Josh Herbert, Chris Graham, Mike Filosi, and Alec Fitzgerald. After a few seasons working our way up the HPDE ladder, Chris and I decided it was time we put our skills to the test, and we both acquired
our NASA Time Trial licenses. Time Trials is a competition of driver skill where the fastest lap of the day wins. Classes are based on various modification factors and weight to power ratios ranging from 19.5 to 6.0 lbs/hp. Drivers accrue points throughout the season based on their finishing position each race. At the end of the season, the points are tallied and champions emerge! With Chris and I competing in Time Trials, Josh and Filosi working on getting their instructor certifications and building for TT classes, and Alec working his way up through HPDE, we realized we had more than just a hobby on our hands. So, in the spring of 2017,
Chris Graham
Michael Smith
Mike Filosi
Spec13 Motorsports was born! Over the course of the 2017 season, Chris and I earned a respectable collection of podium finishes (including a first place finish by Chris) and we both finished second in overall points for the season in our respective classes! Competition was generally close, sometimes only hundredths of a second separated the winners from
Alec Fitzgerald
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 33
/// c o v e r s t o r y
(This page)
Photo by Jenna Herbert
ALEC FITZGERALD Car/Class: ‘16 WRX & ‘94 Miata/HPDE 2
MICHAEL SMITH Car/Class: Evo X/TT4, 2002 Spec Miata 2018 Aspirations: Pass Competition School and compete in Spec Miata Dream Car: NASA NP01 Prototype Favorite Quote: “Racing is life. Everything that happens before or after is just waiting.” – Steve McQueen
the losers. One such battle took place at Watkins Glen International, where first place driver, William Chung (Silver M3), managed a time of 2:06.12 edging me out by only 0.04 seconds! That’s an incredibly close margin for the 3.4 mile road course. This spring, the team will take things a step further with Chris and I 34 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
2018 Aspirations: HPDE 4/Time Trials. Dream Car: Lotus Exige Cup 240 Favorite Quote: “With regard to performance, commitment, effort, dedication, there is no middle ground. You do something very well or not at all.” – Ayrton Senna
pursuing wheel to wheel licenses to compete in NASA Spec Miata racing. Spec Miata is a racing class based on the NA and NB generations of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. All cars are built to the same specifications and class regulations ensure the cars are generally on the same playing field. Competition School is in May, and if
we graduate, we’ll be swapping paint and bump drafting with some of the best drivers in the country! Josh and Filosi will attend the NASA Instructor Clinic in May to begin their journey towards becoming HPDE instructors, a privilege for a select few. To be an instructor, one must rise through the HPDE classes
c o v e r s t o r y ///
CHRIS GRAHAM Car/Class: 1994 Miata/Spec Miata 2018 Aspirations: Obtain competition license, run a full season of Spec Miata Dream Car: E30 M3 Favorite Quote: “If everything seems under control, you’re not going fast enough.” – Mario Andretti
MIKE FILOSI Car/Class: Honda S2000/ HPDE 4
JOSH HERBERT
2018 Aspirations: Attend Instructor Clinic/build vehicle to TT5 Spec
Car/Class: 2013 Scion FRS/HPDE 4
Dream Car: Mclaren F1 with free maintenance (you said dream right?)
Dream Car: Nissan Silvia S15
Favorite Quote: “No risk, no reward” – Unknown
and pass the Instructor Clinic. Instructors are needed to provide guidance to HPDE drivers while they learn new tracks and techniques. As with any racing team, Spec13 is a collaborative effort. At the track, the team is focused on preparing each other’s cars and analyzing data. Off the track, Spec13 can be found at
their shop, helping customers with things such as corner balancing, or attending local car meets like Street Scene or Cantech Automotive’s Cars & Coffee events. If you’d like to find out how to get on track or inquire about the services we provide, message us on Facebook, Instagram, or at Spec-
2018 Aspirations: Become an HPDE Instructor Favorite Quote: "Straight roads are for fast cars, turns are for fast drivers." – Colin Mcrae
13motorsports@gmail.com. Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram to access our exclusive content, and subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch the action first hand! Check out our website, www.Spec13.com, to browse through our original t-shirt designs and read our latest blog posts! SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 35
Dig
RACE PRODUCTS Words and photos by JOHN ZACHARY With competition being so close in the Super DIRTcar Series, teams are looking for the smallest edge to help put them into victory lane. In most forms of racing these days, it
seems like shock technology is at the forefront of car setups. Teams without a good shock program struggle with consistency week after week. Brandon Planck and his father, Dale Planck, have teamed up and created Dig Race Products. The Planck name is synonymous with dirt track racing in the Northeast. Dale was raised in the sport and started his career in go-karts and moved up to the Mini Modified division when he was of age. After success in those, Planck strapped into a 358 Dirt Modified, and won numerous track championships, along with three Regional NASCAR Championships in a row while competing at Fulton and Utica-Rome Speedways. Dale’s biggest win was the 1994 Victoria 200 at Fulton Speedway. When Brandon was in high school, Dale was rebuilding shocks for his own cars, as well as helping other drivers with their shocks. Brandon then attended Binghamton University for a degree in engineering. In college, Brandon interned at Hygear Suspension in Lansing, NY, which is well known for their off-road shock technology. That internship exposed him to a variety of shocks and the inner workings of shock technology. At that time, Dale began to work with dirt car teams, helping them with setups and consulting young drivers new to the sport. This naturally led to shop talk between Brandon and Dale, talking about shocks and setups on Dirt Modifieds. They discussed how all of the components work together on a race car, and soon after started to toss around the idea of a business. With everything Dale has learned from behind the wheel, and now with Brandon’s understanding of the engineering side of shocks, the two of them started
36 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
“I’ve known Dale almost 20 years and he’s been a friend and a mentor the whole time. Dig builds top of the line racing products and that’s why we run them.”
— Stewart Friesen
working together on some products that would improve the handling of a car. Dig Race Products was formed in 2016. Brandon and Dale combined driver knowledge and technology into one well crafted company. Dale knows how a car should feel from the driver’s seat, while Brandon can tell how and why it feels like that on a computer. Brandon digs into the inner workings of their shocks by going deeper into the readings from the shock dyno. Dale then takes this information and applies it to setups. The two feed off of each other’s knowledge to get to the optimal end result. Today’s race teams have so much going on, it’s possible to overlook the small things that might keep them from reaching their goals. Dig helps relieve a team of a few things like setups, handling, shocks, and lets the driver focus on driving. The ultimate goal for Dig is to get their teams a consistent baseline setup that they can work from at most tracks. Without a good baseline, teams can get lost during the season. Dig offers many different shock services such as revalve calibration (which will help dial your car in), shock rebuild
service, a basic oil change, and shock dyno test reports. They can take care of any of your shock absorber needs. They also sell high end products to go along with their shock service at www.digraceproducts.com. Items like left rear speed chain assemblies, linear bearing floor sliders, go-fast composites, Dig racing suspension fluid, as well as Integra Shocks for Sportsman Modifieds are all sold on this site. I was very impressed with the way Dig cares about their customers and goes above and beyond to help drivers get around the track better. Everything that Dig does from consulting, coaching, and their line of race products, all seem to work together as a package. Today, Dig is a small family business that works out of a two-car garage that helps produce winners with their products and knowledge of dirt track racing. It is nice to see that people are still able to chase their dreams and succeed. Dig is planning on coming out with their own line of shock absorbers this spring. Some of the top drivers in the sport use Dig Race Products. Four-time Super DIRT Week winner and now NASCAR Camping World truck driver, Stewart Friesen, runs and wins with Dig. “I’ve known Dale almost 20 years and he’s been a friend and a mentor the whole time. Dig builds top of the line racing products and that’s why we run them,” says Friesen. Two-time Super DIRT Week champion, and 2017 Dirt Sportsman champion, Dave Marcuccilli, also runs Dig Race Products. (Read more about Marcuccilli in our interview with him on page 42.) They are just a couple of the many drivers that are finding their way to victory lane with Dig.
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 37
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Buffalo
Street Outlaws Words by Guest Writer SHANE BARTELLA | Photo by DAVID HILNER
In Buffalo, NY you expect to get the best chicken wings, the best beef-on-weck, and now you can expect to get some of the best heads-up drag racing there is to see in the state. The
Buffalo Street Outlaws bring some of the best heads-up small tire racing action to Lancaster Speedway in Lancaster, NY in a series of monthly shootouts. There are three classes: OLS (Outlaw Limited Street), Limited Street, and Real Street. We have some of the fastest small tire race cars and daily driven street cars in the state. Legacy Automotive (Buffalo, NY) is hosting Real Street during the Lancaster Speedway cruise nights for a no prep
street car race, which is always a crowd favorite. 2 Fast Garage (Tonawanda, NY) is sponsoring the Limited Street Class. Limited Street is a heads-up index class featuring street cars and street appearing race cars. MJ Spoth’s (Amherst, NY) OLS consists of a mix of 1500+HP cars with a variety of power adders including turbos, nitrous, and blowers on a 29.5x10.5 tire and mandatory no wheelie bar rule. Combine all this and you’re going to get some of the most exciting on-the-edge off your seat racing. The R&J Dynotune (Batavia, NY) opening shootout is June 1st, so mark your calendar. In the last two years, the Buffalo Street Outlaws have taken on Discovery Channel’s Street
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Shane Bartella, General Manager and RaceMaster, for the Buffalo Street Outlaws, meaning you’ll find him in the thick of the action at the starting line, and when not there, he’s talking with the racers and fans. Apex is glad to have Shane as a guest writer!
Outlaws. This year, they are back on June 29th, an event sponsored by Mackenzie Automotive (Niagara Falls, NY). They come here and race hard at our shootouts, and we have been fortunate to send them home on the trailer every year…but not before signing autographs and hanging out with the fans! Closing out the season every year is the ESTA Outlaws shootout featuring the Buffalo Street Outlaws held at ESTA Safety Park in Cicero, NY on September 30th. Always a fan favorite, the shootout is a heads-up format with big cash prizes for the race winners who let it all hang out for this event. For complete information on all the upcoming events, sponsors and racers, go to: www.bsoracing.com. So come out to Lancaster Speedway or ESTA this year to see the Buffalo Street Outlaws, the biggest and baddest heads-up drag racing around. SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 39
Words and photos by JOHN ZACHARY
If you have attended a Dirt Sportsman Race in the past few years you have probably seen the fantastic looking Blue M1 up near the front of the field. Dave “The Punisher” Marcuccilli has become one of the top Sportsman drivers in the growing Dirt Sportsman class. Dave’s team has turned the corner with back to back Super DIRT Week victories and a Point championship in 2017. The Punisher has put his name alongside Sportsman favorites Rocky Warner and Ronnie Davis III. The three of them have brought dirt fans to their feet, running side by side at tracks all over the Northeast. We sat down with Dave to get a backstage look at his career and what it takes to be a champion.
Under the Helmet
WITH DAVE MARCUCCILLI
THE PUN
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r a c i n g ///
UNISHER
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 41
r a c i n g ///
How did you get started in racing? Some friends of ours bought
a couple enduro cars back in 1998. So I went out and bought a junk car to run enduros with. The guy I bought the car from said that the engine was good and should have no problems. Well, I went out for my first race and blew it up. We replaced the engine in the car, ran it a few more times, and blew that one up too. So, the start of my racing career was pretty much a disaster.
When did you start racing in the Sportsman Class? After
racing enduros and street stocks for ten years, we moved into the Sportsman class in 2008. This year will be our 10th year in the Sportsman division.
What track do you call home? Where else will you be racing in 2018? Canandaigua will be our
home track on Saturday nights, we plan on running Weedsport, and Outlaw Speedway for a few shows as well. We are planning on running where ever we can. I like the challenge of going to a new track and trying to pick up a win. I still have some tracks on my bucket list that I would like to win at this year. We are hoping to start our season at Georgetown Speedway in March.
What is your favorite track or type of track that you enjoy racing on? I like Rolling Wheels, but I love going to Weedsport as well. It’s a good mixture of big track and smaller tracks, so I’d have to say Rolling Wheels and Weedsport are my favorites. I guess I should add on Oswego as well.
What is you most memorable win so far in the Sportsman division? I would have to say my
first win at Oswego during Super DIRT 42 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
Week. That was our biggest win at the time, and then we were able to back it up last year with another win. It’s so hard to pick just one. We went to The Dirt Track in Charlotte and got our first win there. That was a big win for us as well. We have been fortunate to win quite a few big races so far in my career.
How many hours a week does it take to maintain a Dirt Sportsman car? As far as in the
shop, my dad has taken over checking the car over, straightening the tin, etc. This has taken some of the load off of me. My brother is in charge of our tires. Tire prep is a big part of a race team these days, so that is pretty much all he does. This way my dad and I can concentrate on the cars and not have to worry about tires. As long as we don’t tear things up at the track, then I will spend around 16-20 hours a week getting the car ready for the next race. I am at the garage seven days a week.
What do you think is the biggest reason for the huge growth in the Sportsman division? Personally, I think it is the
crate motors. That is why I got into the class. If the class ran open motors, then I probably wouldn’t be racing anymore. Back in ‘08 we were looking at getting a brand new street stock, but the motors for that class can be expensive, so we ended up getting a Sportsman instead. This was probably the best thing we did. We were competitive right away in the Sportsman. In street stocks, I had only seven feature wins at Weedsport during ten years of racing there. We ran home built cars, welding, and cutting out them, not really knowing what we were doing. We were having fun, but just not that competitive. Once we started running the Sportsman, we won
our third time out. This showed me that I could drive with good equipment under me.
What advice would you give a young driver looking to get into the Sportsman class? I would say start out in the novice division and get seat time. Get as much seat time as possible. Then you can start understanding what the car wants and what kind of feel you like in the car. When starting out, don’t take big swings at changes in the car. Start small and find what feels comfortable.
What are your plans for the future? Small Blocks? We have
definitely talked about moving up, but things just didn't line up this year. We are not going to move up half-heartedly, we want to do it right for sure. Our goal is to get our sponsors onboard and make the move in 2019.
Who are your sponsors that help you throughout the year? Page Trucking, Mohawk Northeast, All Star Contractors (new sponsor), Storming, Bicknell Racing Products, Donath Motor Worx.
Look for Dave this summer at a dirt track near you!
/// A u t o e d u c at i o n
Win a
MK4
High School Car Restoration & Raffle Brings Youth to the Automotive Industry
E
ast Syracuse Minoa (ESM) High School students have spent hours both in and out of their automotive technology classes this year to restore a Factory Five Mk4 Roadster. This is the 13th car that the school district’s high school automotive technology students have built or restored and then raffled to raise money for the following year’s project. The program is led by automotive technology teacher Ryan Beckley and goes by “Spartan Garage”, named after the Upstate New York high school’s mascot. All of ESM’s automotive classes are designed to be at least 50% hands-on and students actually get under the hoods and get involved. However, most of the work on the annual raffle vehicle is done outside of class. The raffle has grown enough so whether students enter college or go directly to the workplace, they will be able to apply for financial awards that can help, for example, with tuition or tools. Part of the annual restoration
44 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
project’s success comes from the many partnerships the high school program has developed through the years. “It’s a great partnership and we’re very happy to participate,” said Pat Sweeney, owner of Saves Auto Body Supply in Syracuse, NY. He has provided the paint and bodywork materials for a number of years. “Mr. Beckley has a terrific program. He has enthusiasm for the industry and he teaches the proper way to fix cars,” Mr. Sweeney said. “Vo-tech (now called Career and Technical Education or CTE) is something schools got away from over the years and we are slighting some of our students. Automotive career paths need to be promoted—we have painters making upwards of $90,000. There are probably 40 to 50 careers that could spin off from the project Mr. Beckley does with his kids. This is exciting to us and provides recruits for the future,” Mr. Sweeney explained. The body shop of local dealer East Syracuse Chevrolet has painted almost
every car the ESM students have built or restored. “We like to participate with the school. The project helps kids get into the business and it’s a way for us to show what the body shop can do. Not every kid will like working with cars—it’s like planting a seed and hoping it grows,” said Lee Walters of East Syracuse Chevy. “Businesses are built on relationships. Mentoring is important. With the average age of people in the industry in their 50s, our motivation is to try to get more young people into blue collar work. We do anything we can to help these types of projects and to help the kids out,” Mr. Sweeney of Saves Auto Body Supply added. This year’s Factory Five Mk4 Roadster Cobra (Replica) has a 347 cubic inch V8 with Holley Sniper EFI bolted to a 5-speed T5 manual transmission, power steering, power brakes (4-wheel disc) and is finished in a “Ruby Red Metallic” with “Moon Dust Silver Pearl” stripes. This ride makes 426HP with 415 lb/ft of torque and weighs in at a svelte 1,800 lbs. Last year’s 1967 Camaro Rally Sport Tribute raffle car now resides in Tennessee.
Where will this one end up? Perhaps your driveway? Raffle ticket information is available on the Spartan Garage’s website at www.spartangarage. org or by contacting technology teacher Ryan Beckley at rbeckley@ esmschools.org or 315-427-5811. To order by mail, a form is located on the Spartan Garage ad on page 4.
WIN THIS! Factory Five Mk4 Roadster Cobra (Replica) Motor
347 cubic inch V8
Performance
426 hp with 415 lb/ ft of torque
Transmission
5-speed T5 manual transmission
Color
Ruby Red Metallic with Moon Dust Silver Pearl stripes
STREET OR TRACK, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED. Whether in Rochester or at Watkins Glen International, we provide the highest level of service for your street or track vehicle. Visit us at either location for service, parts and race merchandise. WATKINS GLEN South end of the garages at WGI 585.205.8090 ROCHESTER 1770 Emerson Street, Rochester, NY 585.647.0339 WWW.THELITTLESPEEDSHOP.COM RACE@THELITTLESPEEDSHOP.COM
Morrisville Auto Programs: • Automotive Management B.B.A. • Automotive Technology B.Tech. • Auto Body Technology A.A.S. • Automotive Technology A.A.S. • Automotive Technology - Ford ASSET Option - MCAP (MOPAR College Automotive Program) - Subaru - U
With live learning labs and the most advanced tools and equipment, SUNY Morrisville’s auto programs drive students toward rewarding careers.
morrisville.edu
/// C A R M u s e u m
A Snapshot of Aviation & Automotive History at ...
The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum
Photo by Jeff Schneeberger
Words and photos by guest writer DANNI STOCKLEY, with Bob Sblendorio
A
couple of months ago, we received our last blast of winter here in Toronto, Ontario. One morning, when venturing out in the cold, my mind raced back to our fabulous trip around the Finger Lakes in August of 2017. The love of motorcycling takes us into so many interesting parts of the USA. We rode into New York and experienced a great trip finding our way down around the Finger Lakes. The background scenery looked as if an artist painted it. I still can see that sun peeping at us as we rode. When researching the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, we learned that Glenn Curtiss was so important in the history of the building of bicycles,
46 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
motorcycles, planes, seaplanes, and flying boats. This museum features many permanent and temporary exhibits. In addition to seeing the museum’s displays and exhibits, visitors are also welcome to visit the restoration shop, talk with the
volunteer craftsmen, and watch them work on historic aircraft.
“The Fastest Man on Earth” After going into production with a single cylinder motorcycle in 1902, Curtiss developed a V-twin in 1903, followed by a straight 4 and finally a V-8 design.
C a r M u s e u m ///
In 1907, the
Glenn Curtiss
V-8 motorcycle developed by Glenn Curtiss ran a measured mile in 26.25 seconds — or 136.36
mph!
1907 Curtiss Motorcycle Motor
air-cooled V-8, two-piece design
Performance
40 hp at 1800 rpm
Ignition System
energized by dry cell batteries, with push-start assistance
Suspension
none, except seat
The 4 and 8-cylinder engines were developed for powering dirigibles. Curtiss fitted a motorcycle with an aircooled V-8 motor that had 40 horsepower at 1800 rpm. There were two carburetors, each one supplying four of the 8 cylinders on each bank. The cylinders were set at 90 degrees and were of the two-piece design. The bore was 3-5/8 inches and the stroke was 3-1/4 inches. The intake valves were automatic (atmospheric) and the exhaust valves were pushrod operated from the camshaft. The head, cylinder, and piston were made from cast iron, while the crankcase was aluminum. The ignition system was energized by dry cell batteries. Lubrication was affected by a splash system. Due to the size of the motor, the seat was put far back, so the rider did not get burned. The handlebars were extra long. This motorcycle did not have any suspension, except the seat. It was not a smooth riding machine. Curtiss took the motorcycle to the Florida Speed Carnival at Ormond Beach, FL to enter the bike in official time trials. The judges agreed upon a two-mile run to get up to speed, one mile for the actual test and a fourth mile to stop the motorcycle. The braking system was minimal, a hinged paddle device on the rear tire, which did not permit a quick stop. The motorcycle required two people to position themselves on either side of the bike and push the motorcycle until it started. Curtiss made history and ran a measured mile in 26.25 seconds or 136.36 mph! On January 24th, 1907, Curtiss became known as, “The Fastest Man on Earth” - a title he held until 1911.
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 47
/// C A R M u s e u m
In 1908 Curtiss flew his flying machine, named the “June-Bug “, a distance of over 5,000 ft. to win the Scientific American Trophy. This was the first pre-announced, public flight in America.
Aircraft Builder Then, on July 4th 1908, he gained notoriety of a different kind when he flew his flying machine, named the “June-Bug “a distance of over 5,000 ft. to win the Scientific American Trophy. This was the first pre-announced, public flight in
America — a feat that earned him pilot’s license #1. In 1909, he won world recognition as an aircraft builder and pilot, when he won the Gordon Bennett Trophy for speed at the first International Aviation Meet in Reims, France. During this flight he
achieved the breath-taking speed of 46.5 mph. He went on to further his eminence as a pioneer aviator by making the first long distance flight in America, between two cities. In 1911, he mastered the technology associated with taking off and landing an aircraft on water.
A reproduction of the “June-Bug” shown below. — Photo by Jeff Schneeberger
48 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Danni Stockley, Apex guest writer, author of Danni’s Times, Contributing Writer to Hard Tales, Biker Chicz of North America.
C a r M u s e u m ///
Curtiss trained the first U.S. Navy pilots and built the “A-1,” their first aircraft. A final high point in Curtiss’s aviation career was in 1919, when the U.S. Navy Curtiss NC-4 Flying Boat became the first aircraft to successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean. Of all the famous aviation pioneers who have been honored for their dedication to the dream of manned flight and their genius for making that dream come true,
few can match the creativity and determination of Glenn Hammond Curtiss. Today he is acknowledged as, “The Father of Naval Aviation and the founder of the American Aircraft Industry.” An exact reproduction of his famous V-8 motorcycle is one of several Curtiss Motorcycles that are on display at the museum. A full-sized reproduction of the June-Bug is one of several historic aircrafts on display.
Final Thoughts We must never forget that Curtiss was named the favorite son of Hammondsport, NY. As you walk around the spectacular historic displays you know why he was so different, so creative, and understand what he contributed to the history of the United States in the field of motorcycling and aviation. Here’s to an excellent riding season in 2018.
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 49
The GREAT RACE
with John
& Scott Hudson
HALIFAX, NS Norwich, NY Fairport, NY
Troy, NY
BUFFALO, NY
Words by MIKE MASTRACCO Photos by CONNIE HUDSON
John Hudson
Intense competition, an extreme challenge, a thrilling adventure, an exhilarating journey, an exciting time, all phrases one
may hear the participants of the “Great Race” explain how they feel once this grand event is over.
SCOTT Hudson 50 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
It was in 1982 when Tom McRae and Norman Miller teamed up and started the wheels going to orchestrate the first modern day Great Race. This Great Race took off from Knott’s Berry Farm
near Los Angeles, California in 1983 with 69 participants. Since then, Corky from the Coker Tire Company took over the driver’s seat of this grand event and tuned it up some to develop what we are enjoying today as “Hemming’s Motor News Great Race.” Currently the maximum number of participants is 120 automobiles, and registration fills up quickly each year. We here in Central New York are fortunate to have past and current participants of this grand touring event. John Hudson of Baldwinsville read about the Great Race years ago and often said to himself that would
be a great event to participant in. That dream came true in 1998 when he and another Baldwinsville native, Ray Rice, participated in their first Great Race together. John was driving a 1940 Chevy Master Deluxe Business Man’s Coupe (no back seat) while Ray navigated through the route instructions. John brought his Chevy home in boxes back in the late 1980’s. He and Ray then started the restoration project that took them until 1991 to finish. Mostly original, this car’s power plant is the 216 C.I. Stovebolt six-cylinder engine which produces about 85 horsepower. John shifts by way of 3-on-the-tree, a common item back then, average mpg is in the low teens with 411 rear gears. Since the restoration John has clocked over 140,000 miles on his Chevy, it has been to California and back four times along with many driving adventures locally. Maintaining a car such as this is done regularly which also includes tires as John told me that this car is currently on its seventh set of tires! John with navigator Ray Rice had completed their first Great Race in
1940 Chevy Master Deluxe Business Man’s Coupe Engine
216 C.I. Stovebolt six-cylinder
Performance
about 85 hp
Transmission
3-on-the-tree manual
Mileage
over 140,000
1998. After a few Great Races under their belt Ray decided to retire from this very grueling adventure and let Scott Hudson, John’s grandson take over the navigating duties. Scott was just a 13-year-old novice, unable to
drive a car legally himself when he and Grandpa John went off in 2006 for their first Great Race adventure together. That first race in 2006 was 9,300 miles and 31 days in the ‘ole ’40 Chevy. This adventure took them from Baldwinsville to Philadelphia to California and back! The Great Race is an antique, vintage, and collector car event that includes controlled driving speed and endurance type road rally on public highways. Each car leaves precisely one minute apart until all 120 cars are under way. It is open to vehicles from 1972 and older. Competition is intense on the driver, as well as the navigator. John wears special shoes for this event in order for him and the accelerator pedal to become one. Scott in the navigator seat has his own concerns. He is given an instruction booklet each morning in upwards of fifty pages in length for the day’s driving adventures. Scott tries to read these route instructions, keeps an eye on the giant clock that sits on the front of the Chevy’s dash, a stopwatch and rally tables to keep him and
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 53
C O M M U N I T Y. R E WA R D S . EXPERIENCE. T H E S E A R E T H E T H I N G S T H AT M A K E C A R B O N E E X T R A - O R D I N A R Y.
BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU? IT MEANS THAT BY CHOOSING CARBONE, YOU HAVE CHOSEN: TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY, TO BE REWARDED WITH REAL DOLLARS, TO EXPERIENCE THE CONFIDENCE, POWER, AND RESPECT YOU DESERVE...
EVERY TIME YOU CHOOSE CARBONE. THESE ARE THINGS YOU CAN FEEL GOOD ABOUT AND YOU WON’T FIND ANYWHERE ELSE.
THIS IS CARBONE AND CARBONE IS NO ORDINARY AUTO GROUP.
Learn more about the values of the Carbone Brand. Visit CarboneCars.com/dealership/testimonials
COMMUNITY
R E WA R D S
EXPERIENCE
CARBONECARS.COM
THE 2018 ROUTE Saturday, June 23rd: (START) - Pierce Arrow Museum, Buffalo, NY (OVERNIGHT) -
Main Street, Fairport, NY
Sunday, June 24th: (LUNCH) -
Northeast Classic Car Museum, Norwich, NY Racers will get to enjoy an incredible lunch at the The Northeast Classic Car Museum and get to stroll among some of the finest early automobiles anywhere. (PIT STOP) Doubleday Field, Cooperstown, NY (OVERNIGHT) - River
Street, Downtown Troy, NY
Monday, June 25th: (LUNCH) Hemmings Motor News, Bennington, VT (OVERNIGHT) -
(OVERNIGHT) -
Water Street, Downtown Gardiner, ME
Wednesday, June 27th: (LUNCH) -Owls Head
Transportation Museum, Owls Head, ME
(OVERNIGHT) - Front
Street Waterfront, Bangor, ME
Thursday, June 28th: (LUNCH) - Seal Cove
Auto Museum, Seal Cove, ME (OVERNIGHT) Town Pier, Bar Harbor, ME
Friday, June 29th: (LUNCH) Rothesay Common, Rothesay, NB
Scott was just a 13-year-old novice when he and Grandpa John went on their first Great Race adventure together. ing June 23rd in Buffalo, NY, then an overnight stop in Fairport, NY. Sunday June 24th will be a lunch stop at the Northeast Classic Car Museum in Norwich, NY. I highly recommend seeing this diverse group of cars make their way through New York State. Good luck John and Scott from the Apex Automotive magazine Crew.
(OVERNIGHT) Riverfront Park, Moncton, NB
Saturday, June 30th: (LUNCH) - Library/
Farmers Market, Truro, NS
Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, VT
(OVERNIGHT) Alderney Landing, Dartmouth, NS
Tuesday, June 26th:
Sunday, July 1st:
(LUNCH) - Mt.
(FINISH) Waterfront Warehouse, Halifax, NS
Washington Auto Road, Mt. Washington, NH
his grandfather on time, and on the correct route to avoid getting off track or lost. Here, literally each second counts. As Scott reads the daily route instructions he gives his grandfather the correct speed to attain, this includes encountering stop signs, slower moving vehicles and such. This specific speed must be maintained until the next speed change is given. Typically, there are six to eight check points each day, each check point is measured in minutes and seconds from the start. Each second early or late equates to one point in their score, like in golf, the lowest score wins. This is where the precise driving skill and the extraordinary navigational ability comes into play. An “ACE” is scored once a vehicle comes into the checkpoint and scores a “zero” meaning right on time, to the exact minute and second. In last years race John and Scott achieved 15 “Aces” out of close to 70 checkpoints. At each checkpoint a new leg starts, this means the clock goes back to zero and timing begins all over again. John and Scott have “Aced” many checkpoints along the way; their best finish was in 2015 where they were first in class and fourth overall out of the 120 participating vehicles. They will be competing again this year start-
SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 55
/// S p e c i a l E v e n t
The 2018 APEX Invitational will be held at the MunsonWilliams-Proctor Arts Institute’s Fountain Elms historic home (shown at right) on Genesee St. in Utica on July 1st. — Photo by Ron Draper
The
Apex
Invitational at
Fountain Elms
July 1, 2018 56 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
Words by RON DRAPER Photos by CHRIS PENREE
T
he Invitational at Fountain Elms has hosted the finest selection of vintage automobiles in the region since the late 1990’s. Pre-war vehicles have been the main focus of earlier shows and over the last few years the show has been expanded to display a wider range of years and vehicles. In July 2017, Apex Automotive Magazine partnered with Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute and the Mohawk Motorcades Car Club to hold the Apex Invitational Show at MWPAI’s Fountain Elms historic home on Genesee St. in Utica. The Apex Invitational showcased a variety of exotics and high end restorations from Dodge Super Bees to a McLaren MP412c. The Invitational rounds out a week of the Summer Arts Festival at MWPAI with a sidewalk arts show, high end craft fair, musical entertainment, food trucks, and a world class collection of modern and 18th century art in the museum. The show is unique, as it is the only car show in the region held on the grounds of an Arts Museum.
S p e c i a l E v e n t ///
The APEX Invitational at Fountain Elms is the only car show in the region held on the grounds of an arts museum.
This year’s Invitational will be the beginning of an annual “Best of the Best” show format. Best of show winners taken from 2017 regional judged shows will be displayed on the manicured grounds of the Proctor’s restored 1850’s mansion. The show is highlighting the effort that owners and volunteer show staff put into presenting a judged show. For over 30 years the Museum’s car show and Invi-
tational has been a staple of the Summer Arts Festival and are put on with volunteer support from the Mohawk Motorcades Car Club, another central New York decades old organization. Spend the day with us enjoying automotive art throughout the decades at a car show venue that is unlike any other! If your club or organization put on a judged event in 2017 and you would like your Best of Show winner considered for display, please contact us at (315) 336-8868, or at feinvitational@gmail.com. Unfortunately, we will be limited to 30 vehicles, so contact us ASAP. We will notify you if your show winner will be invited to the Invitational, and you will be included in upcoming annual events. SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 59
CNY EVENT SCHEDULE
(315) 404-6356 BMPAUTOWORX.COM UTICA, NY
ALL EVENTS LISTED ARE IN NY STATE
SPONSORED BY:
SEE OUR AD ON PG. 58
Use the grid to determine event type: l Car Show l Driving/Cruise-in/Motorsports Event l Judged Show
Date
Event Name
Venue
City
l
May 4-6
Rhinebeck Car Show and Swap Meet
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Rhinebeck
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May 5
315 Truck Meet at Westmoreland Golf Club
Westmoreland Golf Club
Westmoreland
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May 5
40s In A Bag 2018
Olivebridge
Olivebridge
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May 5
ADK Peak Shifter's Season Opener Car Show
SUNY Adirondack Community College
Queensbury
l
May 5
Cars & Coffee Saratoga: May
Saratoga Automobile Museum
Saratoga Springs
l
May 5
Jim's Motorsports Spring Vintage Swap Meet
Jim's Motorsports
Weedsport
l
May 5
Stillwater Fire Department's Steamer Car Show
Stillwater Central School
Stillwater
May 6
Cars & Coffee: The Auto Specialist
The Auto Specialist
Clinton
l
May 11
All-American Cruise Night - May
The Made in America Store
Elma
l
May 12
Cars & Coffee Rochester: May
The Little Speed Shop
Rochester
May 12
Cruisin’ Buddies 16th Annual Car Show
Dorchester Park
Whitney Point
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May 12
Fair Haven Beach Car Show and Flea Market
Fair Haven Beach State Park
Fair Haven
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May 12
The Ride for Regan
Destiny USA
Syracuse
May 12
Cadillac/Buick Lawn Show 2018
Saratoga Automobile Museum
Saratoga Springs
l
May 18-19
Highway Legends Car, Truck & Bike Show
Cerow Recreation Park
Clayton
l
May 18-20
50th Annual Automotive Swap Meet & Flea Market Chautauqua County Fairgrounds
Dunkirk
May 19
Jim Taylor's Spring Collection Tour and Luncheon
Saratoga Automobile Museum
Saratoga Springs
l
May 19
Antique, Classic, Custom Car/Truck Show
Port Crane Fire Company
Port Crane
l
May 19
Roc City Mustangz Cancer Awareness Car Show
Rick's Prime Rib House Inc
Rochester
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May 19
Rollin' on the River Car Show & Auction
Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Schenectady
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May 19
The Windmill Spring Car Show
The Windmill Farm and Craft Market
Penn Yan
l
May 19
3rd Annual Wings & Wheels for Warriors
Joseph Y. Resnick Airport
Wawarsing
l
May 20
Antique Motorcycle, Cars & Tractors
Sylvan Beach
Sylvan Beach
May 20
25th Annual Auto Tech Car Show & Swap Meet
Finger Lakes Tech
Stanley
l
May 20
CNY Mustang & All Ford Club - Cruise Nite 2018
Cort-Lanes
Cortland
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May 20
Lake Effect Spring Meet 2018
James Baird State Park
Pleasant Valley
May 20
Spring Auto Show
Saratoga Automobile Museum
Saratoga Springs
May 21
Car Cruise at the Winery
Busted Grapes
Black River
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May 26
Shop 'n Cruise for a Cause
Breen's Shop 'n Save
Palmyra
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May 26-27
RAOCC Antique Auto & Classic Car Show
Chenango County Fairgrounds
Norwich
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May 26-27
Champlain Valley Classic Cruisers
Clinton County Fairgrounds
Plattsburgh
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May 27
Spring 2018 Musclepalooza XXVII
Lebanon Valley Dragway
West Lebanon
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May 27
STM Open House and Dyno Day 2018
STM Tuned
Spencerport
June 1-2
St. Rita's 64th Annual Fiesta
St. Rita's
Webster
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June 2
Euros in the Park
Saratoga Automobile Museum
Saratoga Springs
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June 2
Kruising Knights 12th Annual Car Show
Goettel Park
Central Square
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June 2
Annual Little Kids, Big Trucks Day
Baldwinsville
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June 2
2018 Steuben County Dairy Festival Car Show
Steuben County Faigrounds
Bath
l
June 3
Country Cruizers Cruise-In & Chicken BBQ
Elks Lodge
Oswego
June 3
Oneida Lake Region AACA 65th Car Show
Clay Park
Liverpool
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June 3-4
Blast From the Past Car Show
TriCities-Airport
Endicott
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Lake George Americade Motorcycle Rally 2018
Million Dollar Beach
Lake George
June 4-9
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This list is to be used as a general guide only. Please research any event before heading out in case dates/locations have changed since time of publication.
Ad
CNY EVENT SCHEDULE
(315) 404-6356 BMPAUTOWORX.COM UTICA, NY
ALL EVENTS LISTED ARE IN NY STATE
SPONSORED BY:
SEE OUR AD ON PG. 58
Use the grid to determine event type: l Car Show l Driving/Cruise-in/Motorsports Event l Judged Show
Date
Event Name
Venue
City
l
l
June 8-9
Goodguys 26th East Coast Nationals
Dutchess County Fairgrounds
Rhinebeck
l
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June 8-10
CNY Corvair Club 44th Annual Recall
Hilton Garden Inn
East Syracuse
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Ad
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June 9
Adirondack History Museum 7th Annual Car Show
Adirondack History Museum
Elizabethtown
June 9
CNY MazdaMeet 2018 w/ Dyno Day at BERG
BERG Racing
Webster
l
June 9
Cruise-In to Summer 10
Cook Park
Colonie
l
June 9
8th Annual Pig Roast & Cruise-In
Earlton Hill Campground
Earlton
l
June 9
Poor Boys Car Show
Fingerlakes Mall
Auburn
June 9
1st Annual Ride for the Rescue
Simon-Parise VFW Post 9596
East Syracuse
l
June 9
3rd Annual Ride With Mike
Joseph L. Bruno Stadium
Troy
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June 9
ESM Spartan Garage Cruise-In Open House
East Syracuse Minoa CHS
East Syracuse
June 9
Super Car Show 2018
American Legion Post 396
Geneva
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pg 4
June 9
United Methodist Men "Brothers for the Cross" Present the 2nd Annual Open-Class Car Show
Apalachin Fireman's Field Day Grounds
Apalachin
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June 10
Adirondack Car Enthusiasts
Crandall Park
Glens Falls
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June 10
All Ford Cruise-In and Swap Meet
Long Branch Park
Liverpool
l
June 10
Bill Rapp Pontiac & GMC Super Show
Bill Rapp Superstore
Syracuse
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June 10
Clinton Fire Department Annual Cruise-In
Clinton Fire Department
Clinton
June 10
Mexico VFW Auxiliary Car Show
Mexico VFW
Mexico
June 11
Car Cruise at the Winery
Busted Grapes
Black River
June 15-16
21st Annual Father's Day Weekend Car Show
George T Hiltebrant Recreation Center
Old Forge
June 15-17
Salt City Vans Camp Out
Lighthouse Landing Camp Ground
Marathon
l
June 16
3rd Annual Cruise for Critters
K-S Auto Stores
North Tonawanda
l
June 16
Cars & Coffee Rochester: June
The Little Speed Shop
Rochester
l
June 16
Cars & Coffee Saratoga: June
Saratoga Automobile Museum
Saratoga Springs
l
June 16
Conor's Cruisers Auto Show
Galway Central School
Galway
l
June 16
2018 EuroMeet Car Show
Trumansburg Fairgrounds
Trumansburg
l
June 17
Eurocar 2018
Lorenzo State Historic Site
Cazenovia
l
June 17
Father's Day Car Show by Prison City Ramblers
Owasco Lake at Emerson Park
Auburn
l
June 20
2018 NY-to-Paris Celebration
Canastota Village Office
Canastota
l
June 23
The Great Race - Starting Point
Buffalo Pierce Arrow Museum
Buffalo
l
June 23
The Great Race Visits Fairport, NY - Overnight
Fairport
Fairport
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June 24
The Great Race - Lunch Stop
Northeast Classic Car Museum
Norwich
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pg 25
June 24
The Great Race - Pit Stop
Doubleday Field
Cooperstown
l
June 24
The Great Race Celebration - Overnight
Downtown Troy
Troy
l
June 24
30th Annual Mopar Madness
Long Branch Park
Syracuse
June 26
City of Sherrill Cruise-In
Reilly-Mumford Park
Sherrill
l
June 30
Bonnie Castle Cruise-In
Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina
Alexandria Bay
l
June 30
Cars & Coffee Excite Motorsports: June
Excite Motorsports NY
Vestal
l
June 30
Meet Lou Santiago from Car Fix
CNY Living History Center
Cortland
l
June 30
New York Illest Car Show
New Era Field
Orchard Park
l
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July 1
Apex Invitational
Fountain Elms
Utica
l
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July 1
Potsdam Amvets Post 282 Car Show
Ladies Auxiliary Amvets Post 282
Potsdam
l
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This list is to be used as a general guide only. Please research any event before heading out in case dates/locations have changed since time of publication.
pg 61
l
pg 61
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EARLY MARKETING. CONSIGN TODAY.
LIMITED TO 300 VEHICLES CONSIGNED! 1953 Buick Skylark Road Master 70
BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED! 1947 Cadillac Fleetwood Sixty Special SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY - Friday, Sept. 21 and Saturday, Sept. 22 The Saratoga Auto Auction is the premiere auto auction in the Northeast taking place this fall. Two days, 300 vehicles, Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
CNY EVENT SCHEDULE ALL EVENTS LISTED ARE IN NY STATE
SPONSORED BY:
(315) 404-6356 BMPAUTOWORX.COM UTICA, NY SEE OUR AD ON PG. 58
Use the grid to determine event type: l Car Show l Driving/Cruise-in/Motorsports Event l Judged Show l
July 2-5
Mini Meet East 2018
Hampton Inn by Hilton
New Paltz
July 4
1st Annual Wings n Wheels Celebration
Fulton County Airport
Johnstown
l
July 7
19th Annual Bayside Cruisers Car Show
Fireman's Field
Fair Haven
l
July 7
ParkFest 2018 - Custom & Classic Car Show
Gavin Park
Saratoga
l
July 8
CNY American Truck Historical Society
Long Branch Park
Syracuse
l
July 8
New Rochelle Chevrolet Car Show 2018
New Rochelle Chevrolet
New Rochelle
l
July 8
ZCCR Motorfest 2018
Damacsus Center
Webster
l
July 9
Car Cruise at the Winery
Busted Grapes
Black River
July 13-15
Nordesee Foreign Inspired Auto Show
Charles R. Wood Park
Lake George
l
July 14
Robert Steinjan Sr Memorial Car Show
Hoovers Restaurant
Sanborn
l
July 14
Cars & Coffee Rochester: July
The Little Speed Shop
Rochester
l
July 14
Cars & Coffee Saratoga: July
Saratoga Automobile Museum
Saratoga Springs
l
July 14
Walden Classic Car Show
Walden Village Square
Walden
July 14-15
Upstate Baggers 2nd Annual Ride Against Abuse
SMS
Seneca Falls
July 15
Street Scene 2018
Long Branch Park
Syracuse
July 18
Finally Ours/CNY Street Rods Cruise Night
Finally Ours
Syracuse
l
July 19
Thursday Night Classic Car Cruise-In
Lysander Town Park
Baldwinsville
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July 20-22
Syracuse Nationals
NYS Fairgrounds
Syracuse
July 21
6th Annual Car Show & Picnic
Collins Center Town Park
July 21
21st Anniversary Celebration & Classic Car Show Goose Watch Winery
Romulus
l
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July 21
Frosty Acres 10th Annual Car Show
Not Provided
Schenectady
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July 21
6th Annual Joel Ajavon Memorial Car Show
The Little Speed Shop
Rochester
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July 21–22
International Auto Show & Flea Market
Malone Rec Park
Malone
l
July 21–23
Maximum Power Park 2018
Maximum Power Park
Poland
July 26-29
Nxt Gen Nationals
Not Provided
Lake George
l
July 28
British Motorfest
Saratoga Automobile Museum
Saratoga Springs
l
July 28
Cars & Coffee Excite Motorsports: July
Excite Motorsports NY
Vestal
July 28
4th Annual Car Show
Hector's Inn
Bethel
l
July 29
Import Face-Off National Car Show and Drag Racing Series 2018
Lebanon Valley Speedway
West Lebanon
l
July 29
J/C Cruise In & Car Show
Unadilla Drive-In
Unadilla
July 29
58th Annual Seaway Festival Car Show
International Bridge
Ogdensburg
l
July 29
25th Vettes at The Beach
Sylvan Beach
Sylvan Beach
l
August 4
7th Annual American Classic & Muscle Car Show
Longley Dodge Ram
Fulton
l
August 4
Cayuga County Cruisers
Downtown Port Byron
Port Byron
l
August 4
Herkimer Elks Lodge #1439 Classic Car Show
Myers Park
Herkimer
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August 4
2018 Honor Our Vets Car and Motorcycle Show
Stratton VAMC
Albany
l
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August 5
2018 Emerson Resort and Spa Car Show
Emerson Resort and Spa
Mt. Tremper
August 5
5th Annual Fleetwood Street Car Show
Maggie Spillane's Ale House
Mount Vernon
l
August 5
7th Jeeps at The Beach
Sylvan Beach
Sylvan Beach
l
August 5
35th Annual Tappet Twirlers Charity Car Show
Lee Town Park
Lee Center
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August 5
26th Annual Ticonderoga Area Car Show
Ticonderoga Bicentennial Park
Ticonderoga
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Collins Center
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Find detailed information on all of these shows and many more at www.ApexAutoMag.com/calendar
/// L o c a l c a r C l u b s
Antique Automobile Club of America Oneida Lake Region
Words by MIKE MASTRACCO Photos by AACA
T
he Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) is the largest and oldest automobile club in the United States. They also have chapters worldwide with the same interests we do here stateside. Locally we have a chapter called the “Oneida Lake Region” (OLR) which is one of the oldest car clubs in Central New York. Since 1953, the OLR chapter of the AACA has been dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of all types of automotive vehicles from vintage, classic to street rods and beyond. Their annual “Show in the Shade” car show is held the first Sunday of June each year. This year’s show will be their 65th showing of cars, trucks and motorcycles. It will be held Sunday June 3rd at Clay Town Park, 4821 Wetzel Road, Liverpool, NY. Being a car club, one would think events with cars would be typical, rightly so. Each May members participate in their annual “Rust Buster” the first official drive of the season. Each October an annual “Fall Run” is completed that takes members to different locations each year. Additional events have included trips to private automotive collections, a
dinner cruise on Skaneateles Lake, traveling to local car shows such as Two Nations 1000 Islands Extravaganza show in Clayton, along with going to many of the local CNY car cruise nights. This club has a large presence each year at the Syracuse Nationals car show at the NYS Fairgrounds. Inside the Horticulture Building they set up an area called “Main Street USA.” This showcases many cars that we grew up driving or sometimes wish we could drive in our youth. Over forty cars will be on exhibit this year. From September to May this group gets together for a dinner, then a brief meeting is held and often a guest speaker will present. A monthly newsletter called the Gazette is sent out to members, it
contains information of upcoming events, as well as articles of member’s cars, interesting facts about the automotive culture and such. They feel that keeping the automotive interest alive with our younger generation is important. Each year the Oneida Lake Region presents a yearly Scholarship Award to a deserving applicant that is pursuing a study in the automotive field. Jim Smith the current President of the OLR invites anyone who in interested in vintage and classic automobiles. He says all vehicles that are 25 years and older are considered antiques. Jim also says come visit our website at www.olraaca.org and check out our Facebook page “OLR AACA.” He hopes to see many of you at the 65th annual Show in the Shade on Sunday June 3rd.
The Oneida Lake Region chapter of the AACA is one of the oldest car clubs in Central New York. 66 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE
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