Apex Automotive Magazine Issue 10 Spring 2017

CAR REVIEWS / LOCAL SHOP STORIES / LOCAL BUILDS / CAR SHOW COVERAGE

002/

SPRING 2017

FREE MAGAZINE

CENTRAL NEW YORK’S AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE

DODGE HELLCAT DRIVEN We test drive this 707HP Monster to see if this wicked kitty lives up to its badge and all the hype.

500+ HP STREET LEGAL NASCAR We take a look at a completely custom, road legal, NASCAR built by the very awesome Jeffrey's Auto Body.

1964 WORLD'S FAIR CORVETTE STINGRAY We take a look at this rare one off Corvette on exhibit at The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum (Pg .9)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with History Channels hit show 'Counting Cars'!

APEX-10.indd 1

4/11/17 2:38 PM

A LETTER FROM OUR TEAM We did it! We survived the oppressive upstate NY winter. It’s time to break those cars out of storage and head out to your favorite show, cruise, or driving event. We’re excited to be kicking off this year’s car season with our largest edition of Apex to date!

In this issue, we’re gravitating towards becoming more of an “Upstate” New York magazine in addition to our original focus on Central New York. While our distribution network still very much serves mostly the CNY region, we have been on the hunt for new and interesting stories outside our immediate vicinity. Most of these places are still very much in a comfortable driving distance if you want to visit them, and we’re still focused solely on covering content in the state of NY. If we continue to grow and gain the support of our readers (and advertisers), we’d like to continue to showcase the automotive treasures our region has to offer.

On another note, we’re still looking for help if anyone has an interest in writing, ad sales, distribution, working at car shows, etc. If you are passionate about the area’s automotive scene and want to be part of our team, shoot us an email to info@apexautomag.com.

Thanks for reading our magazine. As always, we’d like to encourage you to support our advertisers, as without them, Apex would simply not exist.

See everyone at the shows this summer!

APEX-10.indd 2

4/11/17 2:38 PM

Managing Editor Kevin Crandall

Spring Issue 2017

Marketing Manager/ Account Manager Bob Sblendorio Creative Director Justin Palmer Designer Marc Stress Director of Photography Chris Penree Photography Thomas Sblendorio, Marc Stress, John Zachary, Dan Purpura Contributing Writers Justin Palmer, John Zachary, Bob Sblendorio, Jacob Cetnar, Mike Mastracco, Joe Fusco Jr. Proofreaders Denise Crandall Website Damon Maldonado at MPW Marketing 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, auto enthusiasts, unique car stories, and everything else automotive.

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 Apex Automotive Magazine is published four times per year by Seven Horsepower Publishing, LLC. To subscribe: Please send $10 to the below address.

Magazines will be delivered via USPS. Apex Automotive Magazine PO Box 148 Clinton, NY 13323 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.

All contents copyright 2016, Apex Automotive Magazine. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without consent.

Apex Automotive Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, photos, or artwork.

08.

CORVETTES OF NEW YORK STATE EXHIBIT

This incredible exhibit is a must see for any car enthusiast, whether you love Corvettes or not.

By Bob Sblendorio

18.

26.

34.

We stop by this famous Las Vegas shop and get a look at where they came from.

We check out this awesome little dealership based out of Herkimer, NY and take a look at one very mean Jeep they built.

We talk to the owner of this very special museum.

BEHIND THE SCENES AT COUNTING CARS

By Bob Sblendorio

LICARI MOTOR CAR

By Jacob Cetnar

TRANSPORTATION PIERCE-ARROW MUSEUM

By Bob Sblendorio

COOL STORIES

CAR SHOWS

11. Auto Education: Kids & Cars

58. Motorama: Post Coverage

12. Walter Miller & Automobile Memorabilia

59. Automotive Technology and Service Expo

22. Bul Auto Sales 30. Restored 1930 Model 745 Roadster

61. 18th Annual Syracuse Nationals

42. The 1964 Studebaker

CAR CLUBS

47. Jeffrey's Auto Body Street Legal Nascar

63. Syracuse Corvette Club

Online: apexautomag.com | Facebook.com: facebook/apexautomag.com | Instagram: apexautomag

CONTENTS PHOTO BY CHRIS PENREE \ COVER PHOTO BY THOMAS SBLENDORIO

APEX-10-r.indd 3

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 3

4/14/17 2:07 PM

APEX-10-r.indd 4

4/14/17 2:07 PM

YOU SEND YOUR FAVORITE CAR PICTURE  WE PUBLISH IT  YOU WIN FREE NORTHEAST CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM TICKETS

Readers Rides EACH ISSUE WE SHOWCASE A FEW OF OUR READERS RIDES!

1957 Chevy Belair Owner: Jerry Aley

The car was a Christmas present to my Grandfather, Jerry Aley Sr. from my Grandmother, Donna Aley in November of 1994. The car was in pieces and literally came home in boxes. My

Grandfather got the car running that month and pulled it into the garage. One day in 2000 Donna said to Jerry “You should do something with the car or sell it.” That same day Jerry pulled it out of the garage and started to sand down the years of dust and

paint. My grandfather spent weeks sanding the body; both interior and exterior down to bare metal; mostly by hand.

The car was then painted the original color; Two-tone Tropical Turquoise and Ivory by his son in law’ Philip Tucker. It was then pushed back into the garage. Work continued on the car in 2007 as my grandfather accumulated parts as birthday, father’s day and Christmas presents.

The body was sanded back down and given a fresh coat of paint. The original glass and chrome cleaned and carefully installed. The original 283 small block Chevy was rebuilt

by Ack Acres High Performance Engines and mated

with a new TH350 transmission. The car was finished in 2013 and won People’s Choice at its first show. Since then the car has won numerous awards and lots of peoples hearts.

One heart the car always had as my grandfathers. Every chance he had he would take his car to the local shows to share his car and love for it to all who looked at it. My grandfather recently lost his life to cancer, but his love and passion for his Tri-five will continue on through his grandson; Timothy Collins, Jr. If you see JERRYS57 out at the local shows stop by and Timothy will gladly tell the story of love and passion that Jerry had for his car.

El Camino Owner: Dick Oliver

This is my 1970 Chevy El Camino that has been a project car for 10 years in the making. I bought the car in Fernley, Nevada and had it shipped here to Syracuse. It was just a rolling chassis and a motor. The guy I bought it from had started the project but got in over his head. The car was solid but still needed a lot of work. This is the tenth El Camino I have owned over the years. My Brother and I finished the car a couple of years ago. I have won several awards with it. The car is awesome to drive, it has a big block hi performance 454 cu in with a Edelbrock air gap manifold with a 750 demon carburetor, hooker headers with electric cutouts, Muncie M21 four speed and 3:73 posi-traction rear end. The car has had a complete frame off restoration. I love this car ... or truck?

Photo credits go to Charles Jorgensen.

DO YOU HAVE AN AWESOME RIDE YOU WANT US TO SHARE?

Email high-resolution, clear photos and a brief description about your vehicle to rides@apexautomag.com.

Please include your name and hometown.

All of this issue’s Reader’s Rides features are getting 2 FREE Admission tickets to the North-

east 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!

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 5

APEX-10-r.indd 5

4/14/17 2:07 PM

WIN!

This 1965 Mustang Convertible Drawing: October 6, 2017

Tickets: $5 each or 5 for $20 15 for $50 35 for $100 or 200 for $500

Last year’s winner: Bob Brooks of Mayfield, NY!

I am Purchasing ______________Tickets for $_______________

Total order $_____________

*Please return my ticket stubs by mail. I have added or authorize an additional $1 to cover mailing materials and postage. (Stub not necessary to claim prize.)

Name___________________________________________________________________Address______________________________________________________________________ City________________________________________________________State____________________________________________Zip Code_________________________________ Phone______________________________________________________Email (optional)___________________________________________________________________________ Card #_________________________________________________________________

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

Exp. Date_______________CVV #______________

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

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

Orders must be postmarked by 9/29/17.

NO PURCHASE OR DONATION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN RAFFLE. Open to U.S. Residents age 18+. Void where prohibited. Runs 1/23/17 to 9/29/17. Prize: 1965 Mustang Convertible ($18,000 ARV). Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. To view complete Official Rules visit www.classiccarmuseum.org or send self-addressed stamped envelope to: NECCM Rules, 24 Rexford St, Norwich, NY 13815.

APEX-10-r.indd 6

4/14/17 2:07 PM

NEW CAR REVIEW

New car review brought to you by carbone auto group

Driven

2016 DODGE CHALLENGER HELLCAT

2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Specs Engine: 6.2L V8 Supercharged Transmission: Tremec 6-Speed Manual or 8-Speed Automatic Power: 707hp/650 lb-ft 0-60: 3.9 (Sec) Top Speed: 199mph

A

lthough this 2016 Dodge Challenger Hellcat lacks any large badging or space age looking aero packages to indicate its pedigree, the second you open the door it’s clear that it’s something special. The beautiful leather seats tightly grip your body while the car’s heated steering wheel ensures your hands won’t be too cold to handle its 707 horsepower. As your eyes and hands come into contact with the cars plethora of soft touch surfaces, leather, and beautiful stitching, it becomes hard to believe you're sitting in an American made car. Despite all of the interior’s highlights though, any car enthusiast’s eye quickly locks focus on the startstop button.

WORDS BY JACOB CETNAR PHOTOS BY CHRIS PENREE

APEX-10-r.indd 7

With the tap of a finger, the Challenger roars to life at a volume sure to upset your neighbors. As the car idles down, shifting the Tremec 6 speed manual transmission into first is done in a short crisp motion.

Overall the whole drivetrain of the car provides great driving feel, but one unexpected issue with the Hellcat was its clutch.

Although the weight and feel of the clutch is very good, while operating it my size 13 shoe got caught between the bottom of the dash kick panel and the floor of the car. I had to very carefully position my foot in order to smoothly operate the clutch. This has never happened to me in any Mustang, Camaro, or any other standard car I’ve driven before. This quirk doesn’t take away from

the car, but it is something to consider for a potential buyer.

With gentle throttle input and low RPM gear changes, the Hellcat drives the same as any other Challenger. Other than its unearthly powerful brakes, it doesn’t feel much different than a 300C or a base model Charger. If you listen carefully though, you can hear the distinct but faint whine of a supercharger, and the low V8 growl of an engine that is daring you to unleash its power. It isn’t until you accept this dare that the Hellcat proves its name.

Any hard launch from first and the car forces you to choose your throttle input carefully.

The car doesn’t understand the concepts of “floor it” or “wide open throttle.” Instead, it forces you to work with the gas pedal

and reason with it in order to keep the tires gripping the road. The Hellcat is not a car that you drive, it is a car that allows you to drive it under its own terms and conditions.

The Hellcat is a car that will put a smile on your face that is difficult to remove. It is a unique driving experience that makes you appreciate just how far automotive engineering has progressed.

It is exactly what I expected a ferociously fast, unapologetically heavy, and loud car that defines the word “muscle” in muscle car. All in all, driving a Hellcat is an experience you won’t easily forget.

Apex would like to thank Carbone Dodge for letting us review this iconic American muscle car.

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 7

4/14/17 2:07 PM

8 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 8

4/14/17 2:08 PM

AUTO ART

CORVETTES OF NEW YORK STATE EXHIBIT WORDS BY BOB SBLENDORIO PHOTOS BY THOMAS SBLENDORIO

The cover features a very special 1964 Corvette that was recently donated to The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum. That car was on display at the 1964 World Fair in NYC and is now back in New York…that’s huge! It is fuel injected and has 15 coats of (original) candy apple red lacquer paint. The museum is ecstatic to have this car donated and it is now part of a new permanent exhibit known as the Corvettes of New York State.

The other Corvettes that were donated and are part of the exhibit: 1969 Factory Lightweight L88 Race Car, is a SCCA Champion. The #8 won an incredible 46 of 49 starts and in 1969 set a record at Daytona going more than 200 mph.

1962 Fuel Injected Long Island Race Car: This SCCA National Champion Corvette last ran at the 2002 Monterey Historic Races, saluting the Corvette’s 50th Anniversary.

1964 Stingray Bill Mitchell Styling Coupe, is all hand-made.

This incredible exhibit is a must see for any car enthusiast!

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 9

APEX-10-r.indd 9

4/14/17 2:08 PM

Special cars deserve special coverage.

Why specialty insurance?

• Lower premiums than standard insurance • Coverage for the way you use your car • Coverage that accounts for your car’s real value

Contact us today for a free quote and be sure to mention reference code APEXADVS. Don’t worry, we’ve been doing this for over 100 years.

800.965.6264

APEX-10-r.indd 10

nbtmang.com/apex

4/14/17 2:08 PM

AUTO EDUCATION

KIDS AND CARS Restoration & Raffle Brings Youth to the Automotive Industry

H

igh school students have spent hours both in and out of their automotive technology classes this year to restore a 1967 Camaro Rally Sport Tribute car that commemorates the vehicle’s 50th anniversary. This is the 12th car that the East Syracuse Minoa Central (ESM) 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 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. 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 ’67 Camaro came from a Craigslist ad in Winchester, Va. The restored vehicle now has a 327 cubic inch V8 with a 4-speed manual transmission, power steering, power brakes (disc front, drum back) and a deluxe interior. Its Rally Sport features include hideaway headlights. For modern comfort, air conditioning has been added.

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 315-434-3313.

To order by mail, a form is located on the Spartan Garage ad on page 46.

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 11

APEX-10-r.indd 11

4/14/17 2:08 PM

COLLECTIBLES

Walter Miller and Automobile Memorabilia

A

re you looking for advertising information on a ’57 Chevy you just acquired? Check with Walter. Would you like to get original dealer sales literature about a Fox Body Mustang your son just purchased? Check with Walter. You just brought home a Porsche Boxster and would like a nice poster of it to hang in your garage, again check with Walter.

I’m referring to Walter Miller of Syracuse. Walter has been in business for over fifty years buying and selling automobile literature, posters, advertising items and so much more to make his collection the largest in the world. At any point in time, Walter has over two million pieces of automobile memorabilia. However he does not stop there, Walter also has similar information about motorcycles, trucks, and even farm tractors.

Walter’s fascination with cars and literature started when he was five years old by cutting out automotive ads from local newspapers and magazines. By ten years old he would help in his father’s “Charles Chips” business by delivering chips and talking to the local farmers asking them for their used magazines. At the young age of 14 Walter purchased his first car, a 1936 Plymouth. By the ripe age of 16, Walter was taking his magazines and newspaper ads to local flea markets to sell which in turn helped him purchase more of the same. During his college days he would spend his spare time collecting then selling automotive ads at local car shows and flea markets only to reinvest his profits for more automotive related literature.

1985 marked a milestone in Walter’s career. This is the year he purchased a building on the east side of Syracuse to house his ever growing collection of automotive literature. Since then his

odometer has not stopped as his collection has been growing by miles and miles. Walter has also driven forward to keep up with the times. He started selling at flea markets, then car shows, then moved on to advertising in many of the automotive related magazines. Walter did business by phone, mail, then fax and finally through his website. Currently the majority of his business is done through eBay and Amazon which also includes many overseas customers. With over two million items available for sale he has information about most of the automobiles built in the U.S. from the turn of the century to the 1930s. From the 1930s to present, his collection contains information on every automobile built in the U.S. along with hundreds built in Europe and Asia just to name a few countries. His offerings include original dealer sales brochures, posters, showroom items, photographs, owner’s manuals, postcards and much more. Currently Walter has twelve employees to help him with his business of scanning and listing his items on the internet sites for sale, handling the processing of incoming orders, packing, shipping, inventory control and replenishment.

He has over 400 filing cabinets with category numbers and letters

12 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 12

4/14/17 2:08 PM

WORDS BY MIKE MASTRACCO PHOTOS BY MARC STRESS

in order to keep him and his pit crew well organized.

Some of you may remember one of Walter’s endeavors in downtown Syracuse, “The Museum of Automobile History.” This was open from 1996 to 2003. There were over 10,000 pieces of automotive history on display there, everything related to the automobile for the past hundred years and then some. Walter also has a large vintage collection of Onondaga County related items second only to the Onondaga County Historical Society. Walter’s collection also consists of original sales posters, license plate frames, clocks, sales awards, as well as local newspaper advertising from many past and present dealerships. His collection also contains many of the original posters and advertising signs from the local “Syracuse Area Dealers Association” shows of hundred years ago. Other collectibles include original pennants and posters from the automotive racing at our local New York State Fairgrounds that date back well over ninety years.

Walter is not only the largest collector of automobile related items in the world, but he is also the owner of several unique and rare automobiles. His collections includes a Peerless automobile and a 1939 V16 Cadillac of which only thirteen were made and currently two are known to exist. Twice Walter was accepted to enter an automobile in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance show in Carmel, California. This show only takes two hundred of over one thousand applicants. Walter brought his 1928 Chrysler Imperial LeBaron to the 2014 show. Jay Leno was at the show doing a segment for his then new TV show “Jay Leno’s Garage.” Walter’s interview with Jay Leno can be seen on youtube.com at “Jay Leno’s Garage: The Ultimate Car Week” or on Walter’s automotive literature website: autolit.com.

To summarize, anyone looking for original literature from Alfa Romeo to Zephyr’s, check with Walter.

WALTER’S INTERVIEW WITH JAY LENO CAN BE SEEN ON YOUTUBE.COM AT “JAY LENO’S GARAGE: THE ULTIMATE CAR WEEK” OR ON AUTOLIT.COM. SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 13

APEX-10-r.indd 13

4/14/17 2:08 PM

APEX-10-r.indd 14

4/14/17 2:08 PM

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 15

RALPH’S COLLISION

WORDS BY JUSTIN PALMER PHOTOS BY THOMAS SBLENDORIO

Pictured left: Ralph Holmes, owner of ‘Ralph’s Collision’ for over 50 years and now at 75 years old, he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

APEX-10-r.indd 15

As a young boy growing up in the Oneida area, I can still remember driving by Ralph’s Collision on Route 5 on our way to Walmart. It was hard to miss, Ralph always had all sorts of classic and modern sports cars parked out front to get people’s attention, a practice that he still continues today. His company colors bright orange and his ‘Ralph’s Collision’ sign quite possibly visible from Mars, it’s a hard place to miss. Although I never managed to stop and investigate, this shop seemed to grab my attention every time I passed on through.

Fast forward to this year and good ol’ Ralph’s Collison came up when the guys and I were talking cars. One of my friends had mentioned that Ralph had all sorts of interesting classic cars tucked away in his non-descript steel buildings. Then I remembered how one of our editors had actually already been to Ralph’s to shoot the Richard Petty Grand Prix collection that he had tucked away in storage, some of these rare cars still had seat covers on them from the factory. I also had heard he had a Bricklin that was mint condition and never titled. I started to feel the need to visit this mysterious place ASAP! We scheduled a shoot and off I went to meet Ralph. Passing through the front gates to the main lot, I was already having a good time checking out a sweet little MG Midget he had parked out front. Within a few minutes Ralph came out to greet me. I knew he was in his 70’s, but this 6’ 1”, wide shouldered fella didn’t look or act like any 75 year old man I ever meet. I had to double check, “Are you Ralph?!” I asked. He replied “Why yes I am!” I couldn’t believe this guy is in his 70’s. Whatever beer he’s drinking I want some of it! He explained his secret is that he truly loves what he does and never worked a day in his life.

Ralph then took me to one of the large steel buildings where a freshly restored ‘69 Mustang, a gorgeous ‘64 Vette, a partly covered Thunderbird and another covered car rested in hopes for better weather. He explained that at one time this was the garage that his sons used when they raced dirt track cars. After looking over all the cool cars and car related memorabilia, I asked Ralph “So where’s this Bricklin?”

4/14/17 2:08 PM

100+

PREMIUM QUALI TY PRE-OWNED VEH ICLES TRAILERS OF ALL SHAPES & SI ZES

WE SERVICE TOO!

14 BAYS FOR ALL YOUR CAR CARE NEEDS.

ROUTE 12, NORTH NORWICH

6073346956

APEX-10-r.indd 16

WWW.NONOMO.COM

4/14/17 2:08 PM

RALPH’S COLLISION

If you’re not familiar with what a Bricklin is, well neither are most people, and for good reason. They are hideous and slow, but much like a DeLorean, they are a hard car to call boring and in recent years they have begun to slowly increase in value as this quirky, 350 powered, gull winged little coupe gains the respect it deserves.

Ralph joked about how bad the panel gaps were and how awful they put these cars together. I asked him why he bought it and he replied, “Oh I don’t know, it’s ugly, but I thought it was interesting!” After mulling over this near showroom condition car, we moved on to the main building.

When you enter Ralph’s building you are immediately immersed in all sorts of really amazing automotive paintings, most of them originals done specifically for Ralph by famous automotive artist Al Dimauro.

There was even a portrait of a young Ralph and his race car hanging on the wall. Ralph explained that he loved the realism of these paintings and pointed out all the fine details. I was truly impressed, these were some serious paintings.

I asked Ralph how the heck he ended up in this building and what was

it before it was Ralph’s. He explained that he worked for the original owner in his 20’s putting together ‘rebuildable cars’, which were cars that were put together from many donor cars to make one whole car and sold as projects. Eventually the owner retired and handed the keys over to Ralph who then made money doing $50 paint jobs, a good sum back in the day. Over the next few years Ralph got into collision work and just kept going with it.

After talking about the making of Ralph’s Collision for a bit we decided to tour the main shop. On the way to the main shop bay,

you pass a hallway filled to the brim with framed photographs of each of Ralph’s race cars. He has an unbelievable racing career and more race cars than you can count on two hands. It was becoming clear just how much of a car nut Ralph was. There was even more automotive memorabilia stored away on shelves near the shop entrance.

Upon entering the main shop, I was really impressed at how clean and nice it was. The floor was heated and sitting in the back of the garage were state-of-the-art paint mixing and spray booths. Really high end stuff.

He told me people think he’s crazy because he just built a brand new building down the road and purchased a fleet of his own tow trucks at the age of 70+ years old!

He said he feels good and it’s his life not a job, so why not! In fact his wife is now running that shop! His sons also help him run the business and he said he wouldn’t have it any other way!

I want to thank Ralph for taking me through his incredible shop and showing me his awesome collection of cars and automotive art. It’s an experience I will never forget and a reminder that age is just a number!

Pictured: Ralph stands in his state-of-the-art paint mixing booth.

I truly love what I DO and I FEEL LIKE I never worked a day in MY life.

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 17

APEX-10-r.indd 17

4/14/17 2:08 PM

APEX-10-r.indd 18

4/14/17 2:08 PM

B E H I N D

TH E

S C E N E S

AT

WORDS BY BOB SBLENDORIO

“Danny [Koker] fights tooth and nail to keep it real because car people know when you are faking it. We do everything we can to keep it real, the stories are real, the cars are real, and it’s the reason it takes so long to do the episodes,” explains Kevin Mack from the popular TV show, Counting Cars. The shop, Count’s Kustoms, is in the center of Las Vegas and works on one-of-a-kind hot rod and motorcycle customization projects. Apex recently sat down with Kevin Mack, who is the Business Manager for the shop and a long-time friend of Danny “The Count” Koker, and got an exclusive behind-the-scenes scoop of what keeps the TV show and shop going… full speed!

When it comes to producing the TV show, the cast works with a production company and the network, which is the History Channel. For the episodes, Kevin explains, “when we build cars and motorcycles, we don’t fake the funk, it is all real. Car enthusiasts know when a show is staged and it becomes obvious. They found a way to keep it entertaining, so families can watch the shows and understand about classic cars and motorcycles.”

Kevin met Danny while riding motorcycles some 23 years ago, “it was a lot of fun.” There were about 15 guys that would ride together, going to Southern California, Arizona, etc. They were constantly changing up and making modifications to their bikes, but it was a frustrating process because they would have to “wait months and months to get the work done." As a result, Danny decided to open his own shop, and with that, they “could get stuff done” when they wanted. The shop, Count’s Kustoms, worked on motorcycles initially, but eventually the cars started to catch up and have now surpassed the bikes. It was the natural next step, since Danny was around cars since he was nine years old, when his father purchased a 1966 Ford Mustang GT350. “That car was always in the family,” Kevin explained and is currently in the showroom at Count’s Kustoms for all to see.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF COUNT’S KUSTOMS

APEX-10-r.indd 19

“I’ll tell you what, I wouldn’t change it for the world…it’s home. I appreciate everything Danny has done for me,” is how Kevin describes working with Danny at the shop. Kevin has been working there for 11 years and was hired when Danny was starting to get “really busy and needed to put a head on the monster.” At the time, Kevin was working in the convention labor business and was “burned out.” The timing was right and a good fit for both men. “We get along great and I understand he’s the boss.”

The shop has grown tremendously in a short time. When Kevin started, there were seven employees, and now it’s up to 48 employees. In the last five years, since the TV show started, “we now have the right people” and the functioning of the shop has “gotten easier.” The shop completes between 30 and 40 projects per year and they are currently booked with a lot of work. Projects on average take 12 to 24 months to complete, but sometimes they are completed in as short as 90 days, depending on the client and the situation.

How did the shop become a reality TV show? Kevin explained that they have been friends with the guys at the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop for a long time. He used to ride motorcycles with Rick Harrison’s brother for many years. After Pawn Stars became a reality TV show, “Rick had asked Danny to be his car expert on the show. Danny has an unbelievable knowledge when it comes to cars,” Kevin said. Eventually, the same production company, from the Pawn Stars show, contacted Danny about doing a reality show for his shop. In time, a pilot show was done and the network liked it enough to continue with a show, and the rest is history. The first episode appeared in August of 2012. Now the show is very popular and in its seventh season. The opening monolog for the show has become a familiar classic when Danny says: Vegas is a gambling town. Most people bet with chips. I bet with rides. And I always go all in. I'm Danny, a.k.a. the Count and SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 19

4/14/17 2:08 PM

NATIONAL SHOP

this is my all-star team. We find 'em, fix 'em, flip 'em and sometimes, I keep 'em. For my crew, every job is high stakes, and we can't afford to lose. This is Counting Cars.

When asked about the Count, in Count’s Kustoms, Kevin explained it is from a stint when Danny’s family owned an independent TV network.

On the show, Saturday Fright at the Movies, Danny was an Elvis vampire known as “Count Cool Rider,” who had cool glasses, vampire teeth, a leather jacket, and a motorcycle. Danny and his family did that show for 10 years, but eventually it ran its course.

In addition to the commitments of running the shop and the filming for the TV show, Kevin is also the Road Manager for Danny’s band, Count’s 77.

The band has been together for about seven years and have released two albums. The second album was released March 10th of this year. Recently, they also released their first video, named “Summer of ‘77.” It is all about ‘70s music and “it’s a lot of fun, we have a lot of fun together,” Kevin said. The guys in the band are all very successful musicians and they all like the same music, from the same era, it’s new music 70’s style. Danny was very close to his late

The family fell in love with the car again.

Many times with the show, we put that piece of history back to a family member that lost someone or something. And to have it back with them — you know — I think that means more than anything… umm…bringing families together!

father, who was a very accomplished musician and composer, so it was natural that Danny would do the same thing. As Kevin explains, “it feeds his heart, his soul…music is a big part of his life, it was a big part growing up [because of his father].”

There have been many unique and challenging projects that have been highlighted in the different episodes on the show, but one that was particularly interesting was the restoration of the car that was owned by the legendary singer-songwriter Barry White. Danny was asked by his wife, Glodean, to find her late husband’s car, a 1979 Stutz IV-Porte. Kevin explained, after Barry White passed away, his wife really wanted that car back because of the sentimental meaning it had to her and her family and the connection to Barry.

The Stutz IV-Porte is a car with very distinct design features, manufactured by the Stutz Motor Car of America Company. They manufactured cars in the 1970s and 1980s, including limousines and sedans, like the IV-Porte. From the episode, Danny described it as, “the car of kings.”

Danny had no idea where to even start to try and locate the car, and according to Kevin, they found it in the most unusual way: “When filming the pilot show, the producers said to Danny and I, ‘go to the end of the street, make a left and go around the block and come back.’ Instead, by accident, we made a right and ran smack into that car sitting in a driveway, covered in dirt and cobwebs.

The film crew came running up, but Danny was knocking on the door of the house to talk with the owner. There was no one home and Danny left a note for the owner to call.”

Upon learning of its recovery, “Glodean started crying.” In the end, they purchased, “actually overpaid,” for the car, but Glodean didn’t care about that. There was a show featuring the finding, restoring, and presenting of the car back to the family in season one, episode 12. Kevin said, “The family fell in love with the car again. Many times with the show, we put that piece of history back to a family member that lost someone or something.

And to have it back with them — you know — I think that means more than anything…umm… bringing families together!”

The opportunity to the meet members of the show at a meet-and-greet in Las Vegas at Danny’s bar, Vamp’d, was a lot of fun. What you see on the show, is pretty much the way it is with the guys.

We met: Ryan Evans, the head painter and graphic artist, Shannon Aikau, the bike shop manager, Mike “Horny” Henry, the airbrush artist, Roli Szabo, the shop’s detailer and Kevin Mack, Danny’s right-hand man and best friend… who generously agreed to an interview.

20 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 20

4/14/17 2:08 PM

APEX-10-r.indd 21

4/14/17 2:08 PM

22 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 22

4/14/17 2:08 PM

A

my perfect world buying experience dreams. I s a car guy, I have always discovered Bul Auto Sales, a dealership based had this weird interest out of Albany, NY, through following my in car dealerships and cousin Jason on social media. My cousin had the car buying experipurchased 10 cars from this dealership, and ence. I sometimes like to they ranged from pretty everyday cars to some daydream about what it really high-end stuff like a 700hp Dinan tuned would be like if there was a dealership that 7 series, a Maserati and most recently, a very you could walk into and talk to a true enthusweet M3. It seemed like each year Jason would siast who wasn’t just trying to sell you somebuy a new car from this mysterious dealership thing, but rather act as a brand advocate. A in Albany, so I reached out to him and asked, magical dealership, where after sometime of “What’s the deal with this place? Why are you talking to a knowledgeable person, agreeing so loyal?” He explained that the service he on a fair price and purchasing your dream received was second to none and that the car, you left with a feeling like “That was owners, Val Ranguelov and Jerry fun, and if I have issues they got Arzoumanian, made you feel my back.” A place where like family, not just a cusyour salesperson has a BUL AUTO SALES 95% chance of maybe tomer. In fact, he is now even becoming your very good friends with friend, because Val. I later realized you both are so a mutual friend of hardcore about ours, Rob Wilson, the car you just had a similar exdropped a year’s perience, so much salary on. so Rob ended up Ok, to some working for Val as this may sound a sales and service kind of creepy, manager. you’re expecting to After such raving WORDS BY JUSTIN PALMER PHOTOS BY DAN PURPURA make a new BFF at reviews, I had to see Frank’s Auto Plaza? Not this place for myself, so I exactly, but the point I’m hopped on I-90 and headed trying to make is the automotive to Albany to meet up with Val and sales industry is often missing the most check out his digs. Upon arriving, I was greeted crucial point of why people buy cars from a

by Val and my friend Rob. I could tell right away dealership more than once. At the end of the Val was the type of guy that everyone loves and day a Chevy Malibu at one place is probably if you don’t love the guy, you’re probably the isthe same as at another, but the difference sue. He was super friendly, energetic and smilis usually in how someone felt about the ing. Even though he was there on a Saturday buying experience, not even so much the afternoon, he seemed like he was on vacation. price. People want to feel like their dealerThis guy clearly loved his job. He walked me ship cares about them, not just their money. down to the main sales floor and I immediately Let’s face it, if you love cars, you are emotion- realized this place is pretty special. A beautiful Ferrari 458 Speciale resting in their show room, al about them, they are more than a brick next to a Dodge Viper, Noble GT, and a Maserati of metal with a bunch of moving bits. They Quattroporte. Beautiful large format prints also happen to be one of the most expensive of actual customer cars adorn the walls and possessions that you’re likely to own besides each salesperson has their office decked out in your house. Yet, many dealerships make you automotive enthusiast goodies. Walking furfeel like you just bought a $20 egg mixer, and by the way, your sales guy could care less ther through the showroom I noticed that this about cars and had to look up the specs on dealership wasn’t all supercars, there were also Google. plenty of ‘normal’ cars like VW’s and Toyotas.

Now don’t get me wrong, I have had Val explained they really tried hard to cater to a some great car buying experiences, but I’m wide range of customers. They had the perfect always interested in discovering new dealercar for anyone, their only criteria is that it must be a solid car, zero issues. ships and seeing how close they compare to

The ANTI stealership, dealership

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 23

APEX-10-r.indd 23

4/14/17 2:08 PM

Specializing in Quality Used European Automobiles AUDI

BMW

VW

VOLVO

MERCEDES-BENZ

315 724 9818 senshinemotors.com

lasting impressions limo

Senior portraits

Photo props

APEX-10-r.indd 24

High end European autos for events, parties, proms and props.

ImpressionsLimo.com

315.794.4616

4/14/17 2:08 PM

BUL AUTO SALES

He then took me through their large service bay area were a Factory Five 427 Cobra and his personal e28 M5 were getting service. The shop was immaculate and I could tell that this great facility must have been new construction, which later I learned it was, and they had finished much of the restoration of the building very recently.

We then went to the front lobby area where the walls were covered top to bottom with eBay awards for perfect customer satisfaction scores through the years, which in the online car sales world, is not an easy task to achieve. He explained to me that much of his success was built through eBay sales and consistently delivering exactly what the customer wanted. It got to the point where people would blindly buy cars from Val because they just knew if it’s from Bul Auto, it’s right.

I asked Val how did he get into this business

and where did his passion for cars start.

He explained to me that as a young boy living in Bulgaria, he was always into Ferraris. He later taught himself how to do auto body and mechanical work. Years later when he and his mother moved to the United States, he continued to work on cars. His wife, Nadia, even assisted him.

His original shop, not far from the WWW.BULAUTOSALES.COM

APEX-10-r.indd 25

We pride ourselves on selling a customer what they need, not just what makes us money.

current shop, was a tiny little garage with barely room for 10 cars out front. In fact at one point Val joked about how they had to park many of the exotic cars they sold and serviced in the garages of surrounding houses to hide them because it was located in such a rough area. Times were really tough in the beginning and he and his wife worked extremely hard. He said if it wasn’t for his wife, he would have never made

it. She helped with billing, customer service, body work and she even helped construct the new building that was built as a partnership between himself and long time friend from Bulgaria, Jerry Arzoumanian.

Val said the one thing he learned early on in the business was that in order to get a customer back, you have to truly care about them. He opened the drawer to his desk and pulled out a stack of thank you cards from customers with long antidotes about how great the service was and how much they loved working with Val. You could tell this guy was the real deal, a true car nut doing what he loved and his customers were clearly thankful.

“Sure, you occasionally will get a customer you just cannot make happy, no matter what you do, but 98% of people are great to work with and I enjoy selling a used Jetta as much as I do a McLaren P1. We pride ourselves on selling a customer what they need, not just what makes us money. If we don’t think something is worth it, we don’t offer it” said Val. After spending the day with Val and Rob, I felt like I may have met my ‘dream dealership’ and it was proof that my thoughts hold true. Treat a customer right, make them feel special, and they will be back.

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 25

4/14/17 2:08 PM

JEEP THINGS

LICARI MOTOR CAR WORDS BY JACOB CETNAR PHOTOS BY CHRIS PENREE

T

he small town of Herkimer, NY is home to Licari Motor Car which, to the average person driving by, looks like any other late model used car dealership.

Licari Motor Car was founded by Samuel Licari in 1989 who, after working in the car business for many years, wanted to open his own dealership. Throughout the years Samuel slowly built a loyal customer base from selling good quality used vehicles while focusing on providing an unparalleled customer experience. As the business grew, Samuel eventually constructed a new building featuring a showroom, multi-bay service area, and a body shop.

When you walk through the doors into Licari’s showroom, you first see an assortment of aftermarket wheels for trucks and Jeeps. Suspension lift kit components and small scale aftermarket steel bumpers also scatter the space making it clear that Licari does much more than just sell late model cars. A customized golf cart and a beautiful late model Dodge Challenger reside in the showroom as well. Tucked away in the corner is Samuel’s son Jesse Licari’s office. Jesse, at only 22 years old, has helped revolutionize Licari’s business by starting a custom off-road shop within the dealership.

When asked how Jesse and his father knew there was a market for modifying late model trucks and Jeeps in the Central NY area, one story immediately came to both of their minds. According to Jesse and his father, one day they were each waiting on a different customer

26 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 26

4/14/17 2:08 PM

VISIT WWW.LICARIMOTORCAR.COM

APEX-10-r.indd 27

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 27

4/14/17 2:08 PM

JEEP THINGS

looking at the same Jeep. Since Jesse and his father knew that they had two stock and one lifted Jeep on the lot, they both asked their customer which Jeep they were interested in.

Both customer’s replied, “The lifted one.” Jesse said, “Right then and there we realized they didn’t even want to look at the stock ones.” He realized that a stock Jeep or truck simply didn’t excite his customers in the way that the modified ones could.

With the knowledge of what his customers seek in a vehicle and what Licari can make a profit on, Jesse has developed a formula for the vehicles he looks to modify.

Most of the time, Jesse looks for

28 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 28

His most recent build, a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock Edition with 30,000 miles fits this formula perfectly.

very clean, well optioned, 1-3 year old Jeeps and trucks with about 30,000 or less miles on them. According to him, this range provides a vehicle that is new enough to be worth modifying while being cheap enough to sell in the Central NY market. His most recent build, a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Hard Rock Edition with 30,000 miles fits this formula perfectly.

Upon first glance, the Jeep’s beautiful 22” diameter 14” wide XD 879 wheels immediately grab any automotive enthusiast’s attention.

Their massive size combined with a -76mm offset gives the Jeep an impressive stance that makes anyone who looks at it smile. To complete the look, 33” tall 14” wide Nitto Trail Grappler tires were chosen to give the Jeep a beefy off-road look.

To fit such massive wheels, the Jeep needed a lift kit. According to Jesse, he has found that Rough Country’s affordable, but high quality lift kits sell the best in the Central NY market. Jesse chose to lift the Jeep 4” with one of their X-series lift kits painted red which gives all of the suspension components a distinct look. A few years ago, Licari became a Rough Country certified installer which insures that both

the stock Jeep and Rough Country warranties were not voided after installing the lift kit.

When walking around to the front, the Jeep’s rugged Barricade Trail Force HD bumper catches your eye. Attached are four 2” pod LED lights, a 9,500 pound Rough Country winch and painted D-rings complete with rubber bushings so they don’t wear the paint on the bumper. An Angry Bird grill was installed and behind it what I think was Jesse’s favorite addition, LED grill accent lighting. Multiple times Jesse excitedly said to me “Hey check out the grill lights” and “make sure to get pictures of the grill with the lights on.” Mounted on the back of the Jeep, is an equally as menacing Barricade rear bumper with tire carrier which ties in perfectly to the rest of the build.

Even though Jesse focuses on making flashy eye-catching modifications, what is equally impressive is some of the less visible work Licari does to all of their builds. Even though this Jeep is fairly new, Licari still sanded and recoated the Jeep’s frame before bolting up all of the lift kit com ponents. This not only protects the frame from corrosion, but it also greatly enhances the overall looks. All of the switches for the LED accent lighting were mounted above the steering wheel where they are easy to reach and blend in well with the interior. Although subtle, these touches prove that Licari cares about the longevity of their vehicles and the long term satisfaction of their customers.

In general, Licari does about a dozen shop builds and up to 20 builds a year for customers. They will do anything from leveling a pickup and installing wheels and tires to very off-road capable Jeeps using high end BDS and Pro Comp lift kits. Although it may just seem like any other small car dealership in Central NY, Licari is actually so much more. From a late model sedan to a quality custom Jeep, Licari has the vehicle for you.

VISIT WWW.LICARIMOTORCAR.COM

4/14/17 2:09 PM

.COM

APEX-10-r.indd 29

4/14/17 2:09 PM

rare barn find…the dream of every car enthusiast!

That dream came true for Jim Staley several years back when he found a 1930 Packard Roadster that was “a total disaster.” It was in the bottom of a barn south of Syracuse and it was “a total disaster…really sad shape.” Even in that condition, the previous owner was reluctant to sell the car, but since Jim was helping with a restoration of another car, he relented and sold it to him.

To start the process of restoration, the car was completely pulled apart. The frame is made of wood covered by sheet metal that is welded, and nearly all the wood was replaced because of rotting. The new wood was also covered with the sheet metal and welded. In fact, many of the structural members were made with wood, a manual and labor extensive process requiring highly skilled craftsmen. The engine is the original and is a 385 cu in straight 8-cylinder. It has about 106 hp. The straight eight was an improved engine that was lighter, had better fuel economy and a unique crankshaft design that lowered vibration.

Jim explained, “Packard bragged how a nickel can be placed on the cylinder head and not vibrate off while the engine is running.” Although it is a smoother running engine, especially considering the era…Jim feels that it is a bit of an exaggeration.

Deciding on the color choice was a tough job.

Jim tried to stay with the standard OEM colors and considered many possibilities. In the end, black was the only color that would do the car justice. The restoration was finished in 2015 and took two years to complete. The transformation from the before photos to the finished product is nothing short of amazing.

This car is the Model 745, known as the Deluxe Eight, which had a larger engine and a 145” wheel30 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 30

1930 PACKARD

Model 7 4/14/17 2:09 PM

RESTORED CLASSIC

WORDS BY BOB SBLENDORIO

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS SBLENDORIO

el 745 Roadster

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 31

APEX-10-r.indd 31

4/14/17 2:09 PM

RESTORED CLASSIC

George Staley

Above: When he found a 1930 Packard Roadster that was “a total disaster.” It was in the bottom of a barn south of Syracuse and it was “a total disaster…really sad shape.” base. It was five inches longer than the Model 740, which was also considered a top-ofthe-line model. All five inches was added to extending the length of the hood, which adds to the unique and dramatic styling. In 1930, only 1,789 Model 745s were produced and the factory price was $4,585.

The Packard Motor Company manufactured luxury cars that catered to the wealthy.

For Packard, their hey-day was generally the 1920s-30s, but like many auto companies, struggled financially during the Great Depression. After the Great Depression, however, Packard emerged in fairly good condition.

As time went on, they relinquished the luxury marquee and began selling lower priced cars at higher volumes in hopes of greater profitability; however, by the early ’50s the competition from the big three was intense.

To remain viable, Packard merged with Studebaker and became Studebaker-Packard in 1954. By 1962, the Packard name was dropped altogether and the company became Studebaker only, and by 1967, it was over for

Studebaker too.

Jim’s 1930 Packard Roadster is on display, for all to see, at the Northeast Classic Car Museum (NECCM) in Norwich. After entering the museum and walking a short distance, you can’t miss it! Its presence and styling are extraordinary. At shows, the car always draws a crowd and the folks that were familiar with the condition of the car before restoration can’t believe the monumental change. In addition, the Staley Collection includes many other cars, including many from Jim’s late father, George Staley. The organization at the museum does a “fantastic job”. Jim continued by saying that his father was “always happy with it [NECCM] and the way it’s run. My father was very happy to be a part of it and to help it out.”

It’s hard to believe, that this incredible 1930 Packard Roadster and the many other fabulous cars on display at the NECCM – are located so close by – right here in CNY!

George Staley, Jim’s late father, was “an interesting guy.” During WWII, he was present when the Enola Gay returned from the momentous flight to Hiroshima, Japan, after dropping the atomic bomb. Upon returning, the crew, led by Colonel Paul Tibbets, posed for pictures and George took the only color photos of that incredible event in history. Eventually, he donated those color photos to the Smithsonian Institution and they are now part of the Enola Gay exhibit.

George Staley was a self-made man. He grew up on the family farm in Lincklaen, NY. After high school, he went to school to become an aircraft mechanic. He eventually wound up working for the Bendix Corp as a Field Service Rep. He initially was a carburetor mechanic and then became an expert in the fuel injection systems that Bendix developed for aircraft. He traveled a lot for the military, going to Navy bases around the world conducting training on the maintenance of the fuel injection systems. The later versions of the B-29s, the bomber that was used to drop the two atomic bombs, used fuel injection systems. While on the island of Tinian — the staging base for US military during WWII — “he [George] would tell the story about how Colonel Tibbets would occasionally come into his class and listen,” Jim explained.

After the war, he started a company in 1950 that was involved with the overhauling of aircraft accessories. The business was very successful and George eventually sold it, after which he returned to his farm in upstate NY. He became fascinated in the air cooled engines that were used in the Franklin car, which happened to be manufactured close by in Syracuse.

He started purchasing Franklins and it was this keen interest that led into the current collection of Franklins at the NECCM…and an impressive collection it is!

32 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 32

4/14/17 2:09 PM

Headquartered in Edmeston, NY with branch offices located in Sherburne, NY • Amsterdam, NY • Buffalo, NY

auto home commercial •

•

1899 Central Plaza East, Edmeston, NY 13335 • nycm.com

APEX-10-r.indd 33

4/14/17 2:09 PM

FEATURED MUSEUM

T H E B U F FA L O T R A N S P O R TAT I O N

Pierce-Arrow

Museum

“When I was a young boy, having a museum was a dream of mine,”...and dreams can come true! For Jim Sandoro, that dream has culminated into a collection of some 350,000 pieces of automotive and transportation memorabilia, some of which are on display at The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum. That dream continues today and may someday evolve into the “biggest car museum in the world.” There is a planned expansion of the existing museum that will make it six times bigger within the next 3-5 years. At that point, Jim plans to put on display the items currently stored in some 15 buildings, which contains the other 80% of his collection. With that, “one of the world’s largest private collections of automobilia will be under one roof, encompassing 300,000 SF!” WOR DS BY BOB SBLENDORIO PHOTOGR APHY BY THOM AS SBLENDORIO

34 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 34

4/14/17 2:09 PM

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 35

APEX-10-r.indd 35

4/14/17 2:09 PM

FEATURED MUSEUM

It is a collection that has been 45 years in the making and still growing. Jim’s interest in collecting started at an early age, initially anything related to Pierce-Arrow automobiles. As a child, his parents had moved close to the factory where the Pierce-Arrow automobiles were manufactured in Buffalo. That move just furthered his interest in collecting, especially anything Pierce-Arrow.

Eventually, his collection grew to include anything related to transportation with a particular interest in items from Buffalo. It is an eclectic mix of everything: from horse-drawn carriages, to bicycles, motorcycles, paintings, signs, gas pumps, automotive literature – and of course – lots of antique automobiles.

The museum also includes an incredible, oneof-a-kind artifact – a Frank Lloyd Wright designed gas filling station – that was built inside the museum. Frank Lloyd Wright was a world-renowned architect whose prominence spanned throughout the first half of the twentieth century. In 1927, he designed a unique filling station for downtown Buffalo, but it was never built…that’s until Jim Sandoro found the original drawings in the early 2000s. It was an exhaustive process, but after three days of searching thousands and thousands of drawings, he found the original drawings in a storage location in Scottsdale, Arizona. After finding the drawings, it took just over 10 years to have the station built, according to the original plans, inside the museum. Jim explains “It’s one of the most unique buildings ever designed.”

With its neon lights, a trio of overhead storage tanks, painted concrete and a copper canopy, it is “a one-of-a-kind installation.” For a museum, Jim enthusiastically says, “It’s like winning the World Series, the Super Bowl and the Stanley Cup to have one artifact [the gas filling station] alone that draws 25,000 people!”

From the early 1900s to the mid 1950s, the Buffalo area was a powerhouse of industry, especially automotive. These industries include: automobile manufacturing, automobile parts, aviation, steel, chemical and many other prominent businesses. Buffalo was an influential city with many affluent business leaders. In the early 1900’s, Buffalo had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the world! It had power, water, skilled craftsmen and major rail yards.

During this period, car manufacturing plants began dominating the local industrial scene in Western New York. There were as many as 30 different car-manufacturing plants in the area.

Unfortunately, most of the smaller ones could not compete with the larger companies. In Buffalo, two of the more prominent companies, employ-

It’s like winning the World Series, the Super Bowl and the Stanley Cup to have one artifact [the gas filling station] alone that draws 25,000 people!

ing thousands of workers, were the Pierce-Arrow Motor Company and the E. R. Thomas Motor Company.

“George Pierce was a genius,” Jim explains.

“He started building bird cages, then bicycles, motorcycles, travel trailers, trucks…and luxury cars.” The cars were of such “high quality, they were used by six different Presidents, from William Howard Taft in 1908 to Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933.”

Pierce-Arrow was a leader when it came to automotive engineering. The engines were the first to use hydraulic lifters, dual valves and dual spark plugs. In addition, in 1913, they were the first

36 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 36

4/14/17 2:09 PM

Another prominent manufacturer in Buffalo was the E. R. Thomas Motor Company. Initially, E. R. Thomas began selling what is considered the first motorized bicycles – the Thomas Auto-Bi – in the early 1900s. However, the E. R. Thomas Motor Company is most notable because it was a Thomas Flyer car that won the first and only car race around-the-world, known as The Great Auto Race of 1908. Jim explained, “The race started in Times Square in NYC on February 12th and covered some 22,000 miles in 169 days, finishing in Paris.” A similar 1909 Thomas Flyer is on display at the museum.

If you are a car enthusiast with a bucket list, The Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum is definitely a must see place to visit!

company to put headlights into the front fenders, and in 1921, the first car to have power steering.

These were just a few of the many innovations that were developed. Owning a Pierce-Arrow was a status symbol for the rich and famous here in the US, and around the world. The Pierce-Arrow Motor Company was in business from 1903 to 1938, and like many companies, succumbed to the pressures of the Great Depression. The museum “honors and preserves the company’s long and prestigious history. Pierce-Arrow was a symbol of one of Buffalo’s most significant eras of growth, prosperity and American innovation and ingenuity.”

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 37

APEX-10-r.indd 37

4/14/17 2:09 PM

AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY

The Great

AutoRace o 1908

The 24 Hours of Le Mans and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600 are impressive races – but how about a non-stop, 169 day, 22,000 mile race from NYC to Paris – in 1908! Is that even possible? Well, it did actually happen, at a time when horse and carriage was still widely used as the primary mode of transportation.

The Great Auto Race of 1908 was an epic race where teams endured bitter cold, blistering heat, and never ending mud.

There were six teams that entered: 1-American, 1-German, 1-Italian, and 3-French. The winner was the American team, driving a Thomas Flyer that was driven by George

WORDS BY BOB SBLENDORIO

Pictured left: Thomas Flyer stuck in mud near Julesburg, Colorado Photo credit: Courtesy of the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection), Reno, Nevada

38 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 38

4/14/17 2:09 PM

Pictured above: George Schuster (left) with George Miller (right), who was added to the Thomas crew in Buffalo. Photo credit: Courtesy of the Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum Pictured left: Thomas Flyer in the river Photo credit: Courtesy of the National Automobile Museum (The Harrah Collection), Reno, Nevada

Schuster! It was an unimaginable feat of determination and ingenuity...man-andmachine against all the odds.

George Schuster was an employee at the E. R. Thomas Motor Company in Buffalo, manufacturer of the Thomas Flyer.

George was one of 21 children, from a German immigrant family. He was an expert mechanic, skilled in many automotive areas and considered the ideal choice for the American team. He was appointed initially as the mechanic, but eventually took over as the driver and mechanic when the team arrived in San Francisco.

Initially, there was no American car

entered in the race. It took a last-minute request from President Theodore Roosevelt to E. R. Thomas, just a few days before the race, to get an American car entered.

So, with minimal time to prepare, a 1907 Thomas Flyer, Model 35, with a 4-cylinder engine with 60 hp was entered for the American team. To get the car ready, it was stripped down, the fenders were changed, extra gas tanks were added, and an extra seat was added in the rear for a NY Times reporter to go along to report on the epic event.

The race began in Times Square in NYC on February 12th, with an estimated

250,000 spectators in attendance. The race continued through upstate NY and was reported to have gone through Auburn and the Montezuma Swamp, likely along the Cherry Valley Turnpike (now Route 20). The Flyer was the first to arrive in San Francisco in 41 days. 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 being penalized 30 days for taking shortcuts, the American team was declared the winner when it arrived 4 days later. Upon arriving, though, the American team was stopped outside of the city by a policeman because of a broken headlamp. The law required two functioning headlamps. George wasn’t going to be stopped after traveling 22,000 miles, so he strapped a bicycle with a lamp on the hood of the Thomas Flyer and finished the race on July 30, 1908, winning the race!

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 39

APEX-10-r.indd 39

4/14/17 2:09 PM

APEX-10-r.indd 40

4/14/17 4:40 PM

APEX-10-r.indd 41

4/14/17 2:09 PM

The1963 Stud The Studebaker Avanti was specifically, and uniquely, designed to “save Studebaker,” who was struggling financially in the early 1960s. In terms of styling and performance, it was way ahead of its time: a luxury, 4-passenger, high performance coupe, with a grille-less nose and a fastback profile.

Unfortunately, in the end the South Bend, Indiana company – founded in 1852 – was defunct in 1966.

42 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 42

4/14/17 2:09 PM

63 udebaker VINTAGE MOTORING

WORDS BY BOB SBLENDORIO PHOTOS BY THOMAS SBLENDORIO

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 43

APEX-10-r.indd 43

4/14/17 2:09 PM

VINTAGE MOTORING

F

ounded by the Studebaker brothers, the company originally produced wagons, and in the early 1900s, entered the automobile manufacturing business, producing many quality and innovative models throughout the years.

Al Carbone likes Studebakers – his late father, Joe Carbone, had a Studebaker franchise from 1938 to 1957.

In his collection of eight Studebakers is a beautiful 1963 Avanti R2. The famous designer, Raymond Loewy, was specifically hired to design the Avanti for Studebaker. His designs spanned many industries that included everything from toasters to locomotive designs, many famous corporate logos – and of course – car designs. In the early 1960s, Studebaker’s new president, Sherwood Egbert, knowing the importance of the project to the company’s future, oversaw the project to design the Avanti. Al said it was “his brain child.” The car design was completed in only 40 days by Loewy and his team. And like Loewy’s other car designs, the Avanti also had many aircraft styling elements designed into the car, somewhat common during that era. Lowey also designed a new logo for Studebaker, known as the “lazy S” design. In the end, the Avanti design was very different.

Because of the complex and unique body shapes, it was decided to build the Avanti with molded fiberglass panels to reduce the cost. Al also mentioned, “It is much lighter, which improves the performance,” as well. The work to build the body panels was outsourced by Studebaker to the same company that built the Corvette body. That body was mounted to a Studebaker Lark convertible frame. Another unique feature on the Avanti, a first in the industry, was front disc brakes.

Studebaker went to great lengths and expense in the promotion of the Avanti. It was unveiled on April 26, 1962 to great fanfare at the New York car show…the canopy read: “A New Star is Born.” After that, two Avantis were airlifted in C-82 cargo planes to 20 major cities across the US in a promotional blitz. The promotion was considered a great success for Studebaker.

The production of the Avanti was for only two model years, manufactured from June 1962 to December 1963. Al’s Avanti is a 1963, the first model year. Looking closely at Al’s car, the headlight bezels are square which is indicative of a 1964 model year. Generally, the 1963 models had a round front headlight bezel. Al explained, “Studebaker was famous for making changes during production and not saying anything,” so the bezel was likely changed to square during production. The total production for both models was a meager 4,647 cars, far less than president Egbert had planned.

The engine that powered the Avanti was a modified Studebaker 289 cu in V8, an engine that had been used by Studebaker for other cars as well. The R1 was the naturally aspirated version, with 240 hp. The R2 was the supercharged version, producing 289 hp with a Paxton Supercharger. The supercharger was made by Paxton Products Division, a company owned by Studebaker, so it was logical to use it when designing and building a performance car. The R2 engine is in Al’s Avanti and as Al explained, “1 hp per cubic inch is very good for a car of that era.”

The torque is 305-310 lb-ft, very respectable and due to the “big bore, short stroke engine design.” With the blower and solid lifters, the engine has “a lot of rpm and a lot of power at high rpm.” The transmission is a 4-speed manual, with a Hurst shifter, short throw, close ratio gears and a 3.73 rear axle. Al added, “with the power steering, it is a very easy to drive car…light and gentle.”

+ THE POWER The R1 was the naturally aspirated version, with 240 hp. The R2 was the supercharged version, producing 289 hp with a Paxton Supercharger.

One of the many records that were broken was: 168 mph in the one kilometer distance. The Avanti became known as the "World's fastest production car."

The records would stand on the books for many years. The records generated a lot of press for Studebaker, but unfortunately production of the Avanti was ceased later that year in December.

44 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 44

4/14/17 2:09 PM

So, just how impressive was the Avanti’s performance? In August of 1963 Studebaker made a promotional film about the Avanti in which Andy Granatelli, a prominent race car builder and sponsor of the time, broke 29 records at the famous Bonneville Speedway. One of the many records that were broken was: 168 mph in the one kilometer distance. The Avanti became known as the "World's fastest production car." The records would stand on the books for many years. The records generated a lot of press for Studebaker, but unfortunately production of the Avanti was ceased later that year in December.

Many recognized that the Avanti was a unique car and didn’t want to see it go.

The Avanti name, tooling and factory were purchased by two Studebaker dealerships

in South Bend, Indiana. By 1965, a small number of “Avanti IIs” were produced.

The cars were hand-built and had Corvette 327 cu in engines, initially. Over the years, production of the Avanti continued utilizing various parts and components from different manufacturers. The ownership of the companies producing the car changed over years too. The car was produced up until 2006…the car was that popular.

Avanti means “move forward” in Italian, but after being in business for some 115 years, it was too late for Studebaker. In the end, they produced a lot of great cars over the years, as evidenced by the current interest in Studebaker by many organizations, clubs and publications that are dedicated to the Studebaker legacy!

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 45

APEX-10-r.indd 45

4/14/17 2:09 PM

TRUST YOUR AUTO CARE TO THE PROFESSIONALS

1206 CHAMPLIN AVE, YORKVILLE, NY 13495

APEX-10-r.indd 46

4/14/17 2:09 PM

RACE CAR STUFF

JEFFreY'S CUSTOM CONVERSIONS

JEFF GORDON STREET LEGAL NASCAR BUILD

T

he phrase “just do and ask for forgiveness later” is how Jeff Lyman described the building of his street legal Jeff Gordon NASCAR car…and it worked! So what exactly does that mean? Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, upon finding out about the completed car, had to legally agree to the finished car, with certain terms for Lyman to follow...of course. The problem arises from potential copyright matters and other legal headaches when building a nearly exact replica. Anyway, the story goes: when the car was completed and on display at the Syracuse Nationals, some 10 years ago, the NASCAR series was racing at Watkins Glen and Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon found out about it.

Lyman explains, “There was a bunch of photography [at the Nationals] and it wound up in the newspapers and they found out.” And with that — it started — the lawyers and such, and after a lot of back and forth, an agreement was finally made.

The planning for the build started some 15 years ago when Jeff Lyman purchased a backup NASCAR car from the Busch Series. The Busch Series (now known as the NASCAR Xfinity Series) is NASCAR’s “minor league” series, often used as a proving ground for up-and-coming drivers. The cars are very similar to the top

series, currently known as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The point is, this car started out as a real race car with upwards of 650 hp.

When Jeff purchased the car it had been stripped down, with no brakes or drive train, and had been in a couple of accidents too. The work then started to rebuild the car back as close to original NASCAR specs, but in the end, it had to be street legal. The build took 1-1/2 years to complete. There were many challenges and a lot of engineering that went into getting the car done, and there were several other com-

WORDS & PHOTO BY BOB SBLENDORIO

panies that assisted in the build.

Some of the challenges included fabricating the doors so they open like a tradition streetcar.

Jumping through the window, like the race drivers do, wasn’t going to work. There is also an air suspension system that can raise and lower the front end as needed.

The graphic kit is an original from the same company that did it for Jeff Gordon in 2006.

Shortly afterwards, the company wouldn’t sell these to anyone, other than race teams, so Lyman was fortunate to get it.

The engine is from a Hooters Pro-Cup Series car, which

has been detuned to about 500 hp. It has a carburetor, like the NASCAR cars of that era. The transmission is still the original 4-speed manual racing transmission.

Jeff Lyman started a separate business, Jeffrey’s Custom Conversions, for building these street legal cars and several cars have been built for customers. I must say, being a long time Jeff Gordon fan, I was intrigued and yes, it crossed my mind until Jeff spoiled any possible thought when he said the cost for these cars are very high. Ok, how much can they possibly cost? … well north of six figures!

STREET LEGAL NASCAR

BY JEFFREY CUSTOM CONVERSIONS

jeffreysautobody.com Price: 100,000+ Chassis: Actual Nascar Engine: Detuned Hooters Pro-Cup Series car (500hp) Transmission: Original 4-Speed Manual Racing Transmission

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 47

APEX-10-r.indd 47

4/14/17 2:09 PM

APEX-10-r.indd 48

4/14/17 2:09 PM

Need a Trailer?

315-451-8663 Press 5 For Sales!

MG Car Club

THE TRAILER SHOP@

OF CENTRAL NEW YORK

Welcoming All Classic and Contemporary European Motorcars

All Aluminum!

Visit Our Website to Join!

cny.mgcarclub.com

Over 200 Trailers In Stock Parts, Sales & Service 115 Farrell Rd Syracuse, NY tritank.com

APEX-10-r.indd 49

4/14/17 2:10 PM

FEATURED DRIVER

DEVIN WOJCIK'S ROAD TO INDY

Pictured Right: 16 year old Devin Wojcik poses with his Cooper Tires USF-2000 Championship Series Powered Mazda race car.

WORDS BY JOHN ZACHARY P H O T O S B Y W O J C I K F A M I LY

WE WERE ABLE TO GET A GREAT LOOK INTO THIS YOUNG RACER'S ROAD TO INDY.

How and when did you start racing? I started racing go-karts when I was 11 years old. I began Skip Barber Racing School when I was 14. I raced in two Skip Barber Championships (2015 Winter Series and 2016 Summer Series). Early in 2016 I started getting contacted by racing teams from all over. USF-2000 teams, US-F4 teams, Asian F-4 teams, F1600 teams, and even a NASCAR development team. I decided my heart was in open-wheel racing and because I was only 15 years old at the time, decided to stay in the U.S. to race so I could finish school at home. I did a test day with ArmsUp Motorsports, a USF-2000 team and never looked back. I did a “one off” race with ArmsUp at Road America (Wisconsin) in June 2016 and did pretty well (finishing 14th out of 24 cars) considering it was only my 2nd time in the car. I signed with the ArmsUp Motorsports team this past fall to race with them in the Cooper Tires USF-2000 Championship Series Powered by Mazda. USF-2000 is the first ‘step’ on the Mazda Road to Indy, a driver-development program for the Verizon IndyCar Series. I just completed my first race of the season, the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, FL. I finished 7th in the 2nd race (out of 22 cars). It was a great feeling to bring home a top-10 finish in my first event of the season and prove to myself that I can hold my own in a very competitive field.

Who do you look up to in the sport of racing? My racing heroes growing up were Aryton Senna and Michael Schumacher; I think they were some of the most talented drivers of all time. Currently, I look up to Scott Dixon who is one of the most winning drivers in IndyCar and Josef Newgarden because he took a similar path to racing as I did, through go-karts and Skip Barber Racing School. Also, they both seem to be really nice guys who have great attitudes and are good role models for younger drivers.

50 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 50

4/14/17 2:10 PM

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 51

APEX-10-r.indd 51

4/14/17 2:10 PM

FEATURED DRIVER

Pictured Right: Devin Wojcik races his silver Cooper Tires USF-2000 Championship Series Powered Mazda race car.

What has been the biggest hurdle for you going from karts to cars?

When I first moved into cars at the Skip Barber Racing School, it was a pretty easy transition. The cars are similar to Formula-Fords with low down-force wings. The biggest learning curve for me has been moving from a Skip Barber car into the new Tatuus US-17 car in the USF-2000 Series. This car is a lot bigger and heavier and more powerful with significantly more downforce. My top speed in a go-kart was around 90 mph.

In the Skip Barber car I reached top speeds of 125 mph. The new US-17 car can reach speeds of 145 mph or more, which is pretty cool, but honestly, it doesn’t seem that fast because the car is so stable.

What kind of training do you do, if any, to stay in race shape? I have rowed on the crew team at my high school for the past three years and the training involved with rowing competitively is pretty intense. We work-out daily even in the winter to prepare for the spring season. Rowing is a great allaround strength training exercise and also provides excellent cardiovascular conditioning. In addition to rowing, I work-out with a personal trainer from Pit-Fit (Indianapolis) on a motorsports specific training program that puts me in the gym six days a week. I also practice my racing on my home Driving Simulator from RaceCraft1. I train remotely (via Skype) with Kelly Jones of RaceCraft1 at least twice a week and try to drive on my own nearly every day.

Is it tough juggling school and your racing? How do you manage it?

52 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 52

4/14/17 2:10 PM

THE NEW US-17 CAR CAN REACH SPEEDS OF 145 MPH OR MORE, WHICH IS PRETTY COOL, BUT HONESTLY, IT DOESN’T SEEM THAT FAST BECAUSE THE CAR IS SO STABLE.

What grade are you in? I am 16 years old and in 11th grade at Fayetteville-Manlius High School. I’d say it’s a challenge to juggle my school work and racing because I travel so much during the season.

I have a race at least once a month and do testing with the team in addition to that.

My teachers are pretty understanding and supportive of my racing. They work with me when I return to school helping me get caught up on my work. I’m fairly self-motivated to get my homework done while I’m away, doing it in the hotel, or airport and even on the plane ride to and from the race. I am taking honors level and AP classes so the workload is pretty heavy, but academic success has always been important to me and I usually maintain an Honor Roll status every semester.

What are things you enjoy besides racing?

I am a Boy Scout working on my ‘Eagle’ Rank. I have been a member of Troop 152 since I was a Cub Scout in 1st grade. I really enjoy the activities we do, including camping in the Adirondacks at Sabattis Scout Reservation every summer, hiking, canoeing, white-water rafting, and skiing. I even had an opportunity to attend Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with several scouts from our Longhouse Council. I think scouting has helped me become more organized and a confident leader. My Eagle Scout Project will be to build a utility shed for the Clear Path for Veterans organization here in Fayetteville. Clear Path offers many services to veterans and their families and the shed I will be building will be used to store the dog training and agility equipment they use for their ‘Dogs to Vets’ program.

I also like working on my truck. My dad inherited a 1995 Ford Ranger from my grandfather when he died and my dad gave it to me for my 16th birthday. I have done a lot of work on it, from gutting and re-doing the interior (headliner, carpets, seats, dash, doors, stereo system, etc.), to adding a lift-kit, specialty mufflers, bigger tires with cut-out fender flares, and a new exterior paint job.

What kind of input do you give to your crew before and during a race? Giving input to my crew is a new skill that I’m learning. In Skip Barber all the cars were “spec” and we would do a random “draw” for each race, so you just had to learn how to drive what you got. In the USF-2000 Series, we have brand new cars this year (Tatuus US-17), so the crew and I are both getting to know the car as we go along. The biggest challenge has been learning how to tell the engineer

what I am feeling in the car so he knows what adjustments to make to gain more speed. Typically before a race, my driving coach and I will discuss strategy based on the data the engineer has given us from testing and/or qualifying. During a race there is minimal conversation other than occasional input from my driving coach who also acts as my “spotter”. After the race, we process a lot of data which has been collected from the on-board computer and video.

What was the biggest thing that you learned from the Skip Barber Driving Program? The biggest thing I learned from the Skip Barber Racing School was improving my Race Craft.

There are instructors placed at every corner of the race track both during practice sessions and during races. After each session, they return to the pits and offer turnby-turn feedback on your driving. I think this is what sets Skip Barber apart from some other racing schools. The level of expertise that is available to you is amazing!

The instructors all have a variety of racing experiences, and one was even a previous Formula-1 driver!

If you could give one piece of advice to a young racer what would it be? My best advice to any young racer would be to “Never Give Up”! You have to dream big, aim high, and don’t doubt yourself. Even when the odds seem like they’re stacked against you, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dream.

Believe in yourself and WORK HARD to make it happen!

To keep up with Devin's progress you can follow him at devinwojcikracing.com and the USF -2000 championship series at USF2000.com.

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 53

APEX-10-r.indd 53

4/14/17 2:10 PM

OLD SCHOOL

54 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 54

4/14/17 2:10 PM

Local Legend

RAY KAPFER 1943-1996

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY JOE FUSCO JR.

I

’ve always said that if you give two guys a couple of grocery carts they will figure out a way to race each other, and after the race is over, they will go in search of someone to help them make it “Go Faster”! That’s what this story is about, one of Rome, New York’s “local legends” of racing, the go-to-guy to satisfy your need for speed; Machinist, Drag Racer, and Engine Builder extraordinaire, “Ray Kapfer”.

From the confines of his humble shop on Dix Road, just outside of Rome, Ray built some of the fastest, most reliable race engines to not only power their way down drag strips, but were great at making left turns in that “other kind” of racing as well.

Growing up in the 600 block of William Street in Rome with his dad and younger brother Ron, Ray started developing his mechanical prowess on bicycles. Always the innovator, Ray put a 20” wheel on his younger brother’s 26” bike, assuring his young sibling that “you won’t have to pedal anymore, because you’ll always be going downhill!”

At the age of 15, he worked on his first “Hot Rod”, a 1932 Model A Coupe. Brother Ron recalls those times; “Ray was always good with his hands and always looking to learn. He loved the challenge of working on anything mechanical and always worked hard to improve it and to make it the best it could be.”

Ron then shared a little known fact about the big brother he obviously looked up to and revered. “Ray was good at everything he did; his name went into the Little League record books for hitting three homeruns over the fence in a single inning! His fourth time at bat, in his team’s 22 run inning, hit the fence in the air,” added Ron, recalling that special summer day at the Rome Cable Little League Field.

“Ray was also a prolific bowler,” continued Ron who has done some very extensive research about his brother online. ”His name appeared in the ‘Alley Aces’ column of our local paper nearly 20 times over the years, and I have found dozens of articles about his racing exploits. The internet has helped me tremendously to capture and preserve Ray’s accomplishments, I’m very thankful for that,” concluded the proud brother.

After high school, Ray joined the Navy with his neighborhood buddy Mario Spadafora. Mario recalls the early days; “Ray and I

were buddies since the 4th grade when I moved in just up the block from the Kapfer’s. We fooled around with that old ’32 coupe in his garage for months. I did the grunt work, Ray was the brains,” he laughed heartily, as he remembered the spray cans of paint they bought and the bare bones operation they had. As fate would have it, this same arrangement, years later, would be the beginning of Ray’s involvement with the motorsports industry.

Ray entered the Navy as an Electrical Tech and was assigned to submarines. When he was transferred out of Subs, they put him to work running the hobby shop on the Newport News naval base. “Ray loved working on cars and was very good at it,” proclaimed Mario, as he laughed, recalling the conversation he had telling Ray, “That’s pretty good, I’m bouncing around the ocean in this ‘Tin Can’ and you’re tinkering with cars! What the Hell!” (Author’s note, Mario’s ship was involved in the Cuban Blockade during the Missile Crisis of ’62).

It was during his boot camp days that Ray met the love of his life JoAnne Shultz. They married on July, 20, 1963 in Waukegan, IL, a union that would bless them with two children, Debbie and Stephen.

Ray and JoAnne returned to Rome in ’66 bringing with them a copper colored ‘57 Chevy, which Ray proceeded directly to re-power with a 427 cu in big block out of a wrecked Corvette he saw at Pettinelli’s junk yard on Martin Street. It must have been one of the hottest grocery getters in town!

Ray went to work as a Machinist for the Pettibone Corporation and began developing import skills that would aide his engine building in the near future.

In 1968, Ray’s longtime friend Mario purchased a wellknown drag car called “Western Union”, a bright yellow 2-door ‘57 Chevy from Alan Keys. They put a very basic motor in it and finished off the season as more of an experiment.

The next year they sent the motor to a shop in Long Island, but when it came back Ray was not happy. Mario explained, “Ray was very meticulous with everything he did; when we got the motor back he expressed his displeasure immediately and we took the motor back to Long Island and made them do SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 55

APEX-10-r.indd 55

4/14/17 2:10 PM

APEX-10-r.indd 56

4/14/17 2:10 PM

OLD SCHOOL

it over. I believe that’s what inspired Ray to start thinking about putting his own motors together,” concluded Mario with a slight pause as he continued to talk about his close friend. “That was Ray, he had to have things just right, he was a very smart guy, but he never hid his knowledge. He always took the time to talk to guys that were having problems or who just wanted to learn, he was a great man, he was my best friend, nobody better.”

The Western Union Of “Spadafora-n-Kapfer” ran very well in the ‘69 season and both men posted wins at Utica Rome Speedway, as they would take turns doing the driving. The following year, however, Mario set his sights on a bride and sold the race car back to Alan Keys. Ray soon found himself a member of the “KEYS, DEMARCO, KAPFER N STRIFE” racing team, or as the announcer at the 1970 Summer Nationals said, “sounds more like a law firm than a race team” as they staged in their first heat.

Team Member Paul “Nutsy” Strife recalls, “We ran very well that year and people in the business started recognizing Ray’s engine building skills. Experimentation came second nature to Ray and his quality control was unmatched.”

As the 70’s rolled in, Ray was building engines and doing innovative things like a custom radiator with a pass through hole, so they could change cams quickly. Running 2-speed power glides when the big boys were running turbo 350’s and 400’s, his concept of “keeping the engine warm” and his use of “boring plates.” 2” solid steel plates (courtesy of Pettibone), that he would bolt to the block during the boring and honing process, to simulate the stress and changes in the cylinder bore when the actual heads were torqued down.

By 1972 Ray was driving the Johnson Brothers’ Camaro and was also teamed up with the Benoit Brothers’ new ride, a ‘67 Z-28.

An excellent driver in his own right, Ray made the trip to the winner's circle in both cars many times over. He was crowned “Track

Champion” at Utica Rome Dragway in 1973 while campaigning in the “Super Stock” division.

“Engine by Kapfer” became a common site on cars like the Benoit Brothers’ old ride “Black Belt,” a 426 Hemi powered Plymouth, Dave Razzante’s “Destructor”, Billy Russell’s “Magic Bus,” as well as the race teams of Norm Jones, The Conkling Brothers, and Dick Todd, to name just a few. I recall the first time I met Ray, he had just finished an engine for Ray “Flamin Raymond” Arcuri a friend from high school, who was itching to hit the drag strip, while his dad was itching to keep him off Penny-Street Road.

Ray began to meet and build friendships with the likes of Jere Stahl (Total Tuned Headers), Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins (a man Ray greatly admired), Roger Forbes another well-known engine builder from the area, and local racing legend Richie Evans.

“Ray was a master at degreeing camshafts,” commented Rocco “Roc” Gerace, a friend and local protégée of Kapfer’s, as he recalled putting a camshaft in Richie’s race car many years ago.

“I hung around Ray's shop when I first got interested in racing; he taught me a great deal about engines, he was the perfect mentor for a young guy starting out. He made racing affordable for me, Ray was one of the most giving and helpful people I have ever known,” added Roc, as he laughed about the first engine he built with Rays Guidance, an L-88 427. As I continued to reminisce with Paul and Roc, it became increasingly obvious that Ray had made a powerful impact (pun intended) on the local and national race scene, with not only his mechanical knowledge, but also with his ability to mentor in a very personable and friendly way.

I learned from brother Ron that in the mid 70’s Ray’s reputation as an engine builder had found its way to the Indycar circuit and he was approached by Indy Racing legend Mark Donahue.

Donahue wanted Ray to join his team in the machine shop, but after a great deal of thought Ray decided against moving his family to New Jersey.

Ray and his engines were dominating forces until 1977 when Pettibone shut down their plant here in Rome, and Ray transferred to another plant in Phoenix, Arizona.

Raymond E. Kapfer, affectionately called Raymie by his loving wife of 33 years, passed away in May of 1996, at the very young age of 53. Yet his legend lives on in the record books and in the hearts and minds of the young men he mentored and the guys he raced with.

He will always be remembered for being as passionate about building engines, as he was with sharing his knowledge of the craft. RIP SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 57

APEX-10-r.indd 57

4/14/17 2:10 PM

CAR SHOWS

SYRACUSE CAR SHOW

MOTORAMA: POST COVERAGE

O

ur first car show of the season March 25th & 26th also happens to be Central New York’s only indoor car show, the Syracuse Motorama. This is the only show of its kind that has been around continuously since 1960. Currently it is held at the Center of Progress Building, New York State Fairgrounds.

This two day show featured cars, motorcycles, and trucks from the early 1900’s to 2017. Vehicles from Canada to Pennsylvania, from Albany to Buffalo make the trek each year. Many Central New York vehicles also occupy the three available rooms of the building. One of the featured

WORDS AND PHOTO BY MIKE MASTRACCO

cars this year was a 1967 Corvette coupe “C2” 427 with 435hp from the Legendary Motor Car Company. Also featured was a Hennessey Supercharged Turbo upgrade “Ford GT” producing upwards of 1500hp.

For the more classic at heart, there were a pair of sharply dressed Packard’s from the late 1930’s. Muscle cars from every major manufacturer, Street Rods, Customs, Rat Rods, Tuners, European autos along with several motorcycles were to view. Ghostbuster Ecto-1 even made an appearance.

Syracuse Motorama also supports our local schools, as East Syracuse Minoa and Morrisville College had displays promoting their builds. Our local Syra-

cuse Microd Club also brought in cars for display. There was even a kids coloring contest where all the kids go home with an automotive prize. Companies such as Power House and Jeffrey’s Auto Body also supplied some fantastic cars. Saves Auto Body Supply helped bring in Art Schilling and Mr. J of “ARTIE’S PARTY” fame, for pinstriping seminars. Vendors lined the sides of the building offering advice on parts, insurance, information on trailers, and so much more.

Keep March 2018 in mind for the next Syracuse Motorama. It’s a great time for the car hobby to spring into action.

For more information go to SyracuseMotorama.com.

58 // APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE SPRING ISSUE

APEX-10-r.indd 58

4/14/17 2:10 PM

CAR SHOWS

WS

AUTOMOTIVE TECH SHOW

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICE EXPO

WORDS BY BOB SBLENDORIO PHOTOS BY JUSTIN PALMER

I

n its 26th year, the Automotive Technology and Service Expo (ATSE) is the premier show in CNY for the automotive and collision industries. At the show, there was some of the latest equipment on display by the 60+ exhibitors. Also provided was training and seminars on a wide range of automotive related topics. New for this year, was the inclusion of the collision industry to the show, along with all the related products and equipment on display.

According to the show coordinator, Jeff Lyman, “joining forces with the collision industry has been a great success because both industries share much of the same technologies.”

The show is put on by the Service Station & Repair Shop Operators of Upstate NY (SSRSOUNY), an organization that’s been around since the mid-1960s and Jeff is the current President of the

organization. The mission is to support its members in the operation of their shops and provide information on the latest technology available in the industry. The technology in the automotive field is advancing quickly, and Jeff said he recently read that “what has happened in the last 50 years with vehicle technology, will happen again in the next five years.” Based on his experience in the industry, this is a statement that he feels will likely come to fruition.

The show is open to shop owners, technicians, industry vendors and any other automotive enthusiasts, so if you missed it, it will be back next year! Jeffrey’s Auto Body

Jeff Lyman is the owner of Jeffrey’s Auto Body, a full spectrum repair shop in Syracuse, that repairs over 1,000 cars per year. To repair and service that many cars, Jeff said, “I have the best technicians and

employees in CNY. I treat my employees the same way I would want to be treated and I get the same in return from them.”

As an example, the shop is fully air conditioned and has state-of-the-art tools and equipment. He also said, he likes hiring employees that may not have all the skills needed, but have the aptitude and drive to learn and succeed. Jeff has been successful with this approach because of the strong emphasis he places on skill development and training provided to new employees. Jeff has managed to grow his business into a successful operation that has been in business for the past 37 years! Jeff explained, “I’ve worked for myself, in some capacity, all my life.”

Lyman Auto Body is a certified and recognized repair collision center for: GM, Ford, Hyundai, Chrysler, Fiat, Mopar, Nissan, Jeep and Dodge…so check them out!

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 59

APEX-10-r.indd 59

4/14/17 2:10 PM

RALPH’S

COLLISION SERVICE INC.

If You’re Not Having Fun, It’s Not Our Fault!

Join CNYs Largest Corvette Club

More Fun...Most Active

24 HOUR TOWING & RECOVERY

Syracuse Corvette Club

COMPLETE COLLISION WORK ALL MAKES OF CARS & TRUCKS INSURANCE CLAIMS PROPERLY HANDLED FREE COMPUTERIZED ESTIMATES EXPERT COLOR MATCHING & PAINT MIXING

Featured Events July 29 - 2nd Annual “Vettes NEAR THE Beach” Fun Corvette Car Show Y-Hill Express, Blossvale, NY 4pm to 7pm

July 30 - 24th Annual “Vettes AT THE Beach” Charity Corvette Car Show

315.363.6860

Sylvan Beach, NY 9am to 4pm

right “We do ittime” the rst

1673 GENESEE ST, ONEIDA, NY 13421

Syracuse Corvette Club PO Box 5214 • Syracuse, NY 13220 www.SyracuseCorvetteClub.com

in throttle we trust

@MotoOption

Casual Apparel & Accessories For The World of Motorsports

www.MotoOption.com

APEX-10-r.indd 60

4/14/17 2:10 PM

CAR SHOWS

SYRACUSE CAR SHOW

18TH ANNUAL SYRACUSE NATIONALS WORDS AND PHOTOS BY JOHN ZACHARY

J

uly 14-16 will mark the 18th year of the Syracuse Nations. Right Coast Association along with tilted sponsor PPG are preparing for the largest car show in the Northeast. Organizers are expecting over 8,000 cars and around 90,000 spectators to engulf the spacious New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse.

Cars and trucks from all over the US and Canada will take part in this automotive gathering of some of the best vehicles on the East Coast. Vendors of all kinds will be set up throughout the fairgrounds for the three day show.

Along with the cars, there will be plenty of other things to keep the entire family entertained: Auto-cross, live music, gasoline alley, and a very competitive model car show. Artie's Party will be auctioning off works of art for charity all weekend, and the Rat Rod building will be buzzing with Rockabilly music and creative craftsmanship in some wild looking rides.

If you are working on a project in your garage, you might want to visit the huge swap meet and car corral for that tough to get part your project is missing. If you need it, there is a good chance you will find it at the Syracuse Nationals.

Mark your calendars, you will not be disappointed I promise. For more info visit rightcoastcars.com.

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 61

APEX-10-r.indd 61

4/14/17 2:10 PM

APEX-10-r.indd 62

4/14/17 2:10 PM

CAR CLUBS

SYRACUSE CAR CLUB

SYRACUSE CORVETTE CLUB PROFILE

WORDS BY BOB SBLENDORIO

L

ast year was a record year for membership,” said Jim Ennis, President of the Syracuse Corvette Club (SCC). There are over 300 members that come from all over. Each year, the club schedules many events throughout the year… not just during the fair weather months.

Some of the activities include: Cars & Coffee at Wegmans, road rallies, travel excursions, wine tours, dinner cruises, family picnics, a Christmas party, and a whole lot more!

The club attends the Ocean City, MD Corvette Weekend each year. It’s a big gathering of Corvette enthusiasts from all over the Northeast. It includes a Boardwalk Parade of Corvettes and sanctioned competitions where the cars are separated into classes, by generation and other custom classes.

Another of the club’s signature events

is the annual Vettes-at-the-Beach car show in Sylvan Beach, which will be celebrating 24 years in 2017. Last year, there was a new event known as Vettes-Near-the-Beach, held at a convenience store near Sylvan Beach with a view of Oneida Lake. There were five clubs in attendance with over 100 people there last year. The establishment knocked off the price of premium and non-ethanol gas and provided deals on the purchase of food. im said, as an inaugural event, he was very satisfied with the turnout and the plan is to grow the event for the coming year.

The club also raises money for many local charities. Jim explained, “100% of all the proceeds go to charities. There is a committee that vets them.” Over the years, the club has generously donated money to local charities. The incredible list of all the charities can be found on their website at: www.syracusecorvetteclub.com.

The SCC was formally organized back in 1968 “by a group of guys who like to party!” As the years went on, the organization grew with the idea of “banding together for the purpose of gaining information, exchanging ideas and for the mutual enjoyment of the Corvette sports car.” The club also became “involved in community projects and charitable organizations.”

Those principles have grown over the years into a more “professionally” run organization.

Next year, 2018, will be a big and special year for the club, as they will be celebrating their 50th year anniversary as a club and they will also be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Vettes-at-the-Beach.

Jim continued to explain that the underlying goal for everything about the club’s activities is to have “fun.” That goes along with their unofficial logo of: “If you’re not having fun, it’s not our fault."

SPRING ISSUE APEX AUTOMOTIVE MAGAZINE // 63

APEX-10-r.indd 63

4/14/17 2:10 PM

CNY EVENT SCHEDULE //

ALL EVENTS LISTED ARE IN NY STATE.

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

Date

Event Name

Venue

City

l

April 22

10th Annual SUNY Polytechnic Auto Show

SUNY Polytechnic

Utica

l

April 23

C&C Cuse' to Ithaca Cruise

Great Northern Mall

Clay

l

April 23

Import Face Off

Lebanon Valley Speedway

West Lebanon

l

April 29

RIT Car Club Spring Motor Show

RIT

Rochester

l

April 29

Morrisville Car Club, Cruise In

State University at Morrisville

Morrisville

l

April 29

Theirs Memorial Fly-In and Car Show

Schenectady Air museum

Scotia

l

April 30

Leaded To Unleaded Meet

1945 Speed And Custom

Troy

April 30

Muscle Vs Tuner Car Show

50 RT-17K

Newburgh

l

April 30

Saratoga Classic Car Show

Saratoga Springs High School

Saratoga Springs

l

May 3-7

Spring 2017 Chrysler 300 International Club Meet Ramada Geneva Lakefront

Geneva

May 4

Greene Rotary Rod & Bike Night 2017 Kick Off

Genesee St

Greene

May 5-7

Rhinebeck 2017

Dutchess County Fairgrounds

Rhinebeck

May 6-7

40s In A Bag 2017 Euro GTG Campout

Olivebridge

Olivebridge

May 6

Stillwater FD 22nd Annual Steamer Car Show

Stillwater Central School

Stillwater

l

May 6

Haverling History Club Car Show

Dana L Lyon Middle School Parking lot

Bath

l

May 7

Empire State Spring Days

3416 Kellogg Road

Cortland

l

May 7

2nd ADK Peak Shifters Season Opener

SUNY Adirondack

Queensbury

l

May 7

May Day at CNYRP (SCCA Rallycross)

Central New York Raceway Park

Central Square

l

May 13

Cars and Coffee Rochester- May

The Little Speed Shop

Rochester

l

May 13

Cruisin’ Buddies

Dorchester Park

Whitney Point

l

May 13

Cohoes Proud Car Show

97 Mohawk Street

Cohoes

l

May 13

Fair Haven Beach State Park Car Show

Fair Haven Beach State Park

Fair Haven

l

May 19-21

Two Nations 1000 Islands Extravaganza

Cerow Rec Park

Clayton

l

May 20

Spring Windmill Car Show

The Windmill Farm and Craft Market

Penn Yan

l

May 20

Sick Cars for Sick Kids

Woodland

Marcy

l

May 20

Frenchie's Great Northern N.Y Auto Show

Frenchie's Chevy

Massena

l

May 20

Roc City Mustangz Cancer Awareness Car Show

Rick's Prime Rib House Inc

Rochester

l

May 20

Corvette Cars & Coffee

Jeffrey's Auto Body

Syracuse

l

May 20

Lake Effect Car Meet - Spring '17

James Baird State Park

Pleasant Valley

l

May 20

Nanuet High School Car Show

Nanuet High School

Nanuet

l

May 21

Auto Tech Car Club

Finger Lakes Tech Center

Stanley

l

May 21

CNY Mustang and All Ford Club- Cruise

Cortlanes

Cortland

May 21

42nd Antique Car Show-Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach

May 21

Ruge's 5th Jeep Go Topless Day

Ruges Chrysler Dodge Jeep

Rhinebeck

l

May 21

CNY SCCA Solo

Oswego County Airport

Fulton

l

May 25

Classic Car Cruise- Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach

l

May 27-28

RAOCC 52nd Annual Antique Auto Show

Chenango County Fair Grounds

Norwich

l

May 27-28

Champlain Valley Classic Cruisers

Clinton County Fairgrounds

Morrisonville

l

May 28

Hemmings Spring Musclepalooza

Lebanon Valley Dragway

West Lebanon

June 3

Spring Corvette Cruise In by Vettes In Perfection

Lakeside Farms Country Store

Ballston Lake

June 3

You Are What You Drive Car Show 2017

Greenville Drive-In Outdoor Cinema

Greenville

l

June 3

Kruizing Knights

Goetell Park, Rte. 11

Central Square

l

June 3

Savannah Chamber of Commerce Car Show

Savannah Community Field

Savannah

l

June 3

Cars and Coffee Rochester- June

The Little Speed Shop

Rochester

APEX-10-r.indd 64

l

Ad

l

l l l l

pg 16

pg 62

l l pg 16 pg 56

l l

l

4/14/17 2:10 PM

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

Date

Event Name

Venue

City

l

June 3

Car Show at The Steuben County Dairy Festival

The Steuben County Fair

Bath

l

June 4

Cars for a Cause; Presented By Trovato Associates Trovato Associates

Rochester

l

June 4

Oneida Lake Region AACA Show in Shade

Clay Park Central

Liverpool

l

June 4

Country Cruizers, Cruze in,Chicken BBQ 12-4

Elks Club, Rte.104

Oswego

l

June 9-11

CNY Corvair Club Show

Hilton Garden Inn

E. Syracuse

l

June 9-11

Goodguys 25th East Coast Nationals

Dutchess County Fairgrounds

Rhinebeck

l

June 9

American Muscle Car Club

Sacred Heart Church

Cicero

l

June 10

ESM Spartan Garage Cruise-in Open House

East Syracuse Minoa CHS

East Syracuse

June 10

East Coast Motor Bash Season Opener

Schaghticoke Fairground

Schaghticoke

l

June 10

Poor Boys

Advance Auto, W. Genesee St.

Auburn

l

June 11

Vehicles for Vision Invitational Car Show

Yahnundasis Golf Club

New Hartford

l

June 11

Syracuse Shelby Mustang Club- All Ford Show

Longbranch Park

Syracuse

l

June 11

CNY SCCA Solo

Oswego County Airport

Fulton

l

June 11

Mexico Post 369 Cruisers

VFW Field, Rte.3N

Mexico

l

June 11

Bill Rapp Pontiac & GMC Super Show

Bill Rapp Superstore

Syracuse

l

June 11

Company #1 Car & Motorcycle (& Firetruck) Show Woodstock Fire Department

Woodstock

l

June 17

Mustang Rally

Matthews Ford

Norwich

l

June 17

EuroMeet

Ithaca Children's Garden

Ithaca

l

June 17

9th Annual Classics on the Hudson Car Show

Marist College

Poughkeepsie

l

June 17

Guilded: An Automotive Event

Arete Auto Salon

Rochester

l

June 17

Citroen Rendez-vous

Lakeside Farms

Ballston Spa

l

June 17

Cruise-In to Summer 9

Cook Park

Colonie

June 17

1st Annual Double M Truck & Jeep Show

Double M Western Store

Ballston Spa

l

June 18

NY Good Guys Car Show

Belmont Park Racetrack

Elmont

l

June 18

Euro Car

Lorenzo State Hist. Site

Cazenovia

l

June 18

Antique Motorcycle Show-Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach

l

June 18

Father's Day Car Show by Prison City Ramblers

Owasco Lake at Emerson Park

Auburn

l

June 23-25

Niagara Auto Swap Meet & Car Show

Lancaster National Speedway & Dragway Lancaster

l

June 24

Cars and Bikes at Highland Park

Highland Park

Endwell

l

June 25

CNY MOPAR Association

Longbranch Park

Syracuse

l

June 25

Yorktown Grange Car Show

Yorktown Grange Fairgrounds

Yorktown Heights l

June 25

CNY SCCA Solo

Cayuga Community College

Fulton

l

l

June 29-July 2

Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen

Watkins Glen International

Watkins Glen

l

l

July 1

Bayside Cruisers

Firemen’s Field

Fair Haven

July 2

Apex Invitational at Fountain Elms

Munson Williams Proctor Institute

Utica

l

July 8

S..A.L. Cruisers

American Legion

Phoenix

l

July 9

ZCCR Motorfest 2017

979 Bay Rd

Webster

l

July 9

CNY American Truck Historical Society

Longbranch Park

Syracuse

l

July 13

Finally Ours/Central NY Street Rods Cruise-In

Finally Ours Diner

Syracuse

July 14-16

Syracuse Nationals

NY State Fairgrounds

Syracuse

l

July 15-16

International Auto Show & Flea Market

Malone Rec Park

Malone

l

July 15

Cars and Coffee Rochester- July

The Little Speed Shop

Rochester

l

July 16

ESM Spartan Garage 12th Annual Car Raffle

ESM Spartan Garage

East Syracuse

l

July 21 – July 23

MAXIMUM POWER PARK 2017

Maximum Power Park

Poland

l

APEX-10-r.indd 65

l

Ad

l

pg 40

l

pg 16

l

pg 16

pg 40

l pg 56

pg 46

4/14/17 2:10 PM

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

Ad

l

pg 16

Event Name

Venue

July 22

5th Annual Car Show & Picnic

Corner: School St. & Collins Center Zoar Rd. Collins Center

July 22

Classic Car Show & 20th Anniversary Celebration Goose Watch Winery

Cayuga Lake

l

July 22

5th Annual Joel Ajavon Memorial Car Show

Exit 11 Auto, Inc.

Rush

l

July 22

CNY SCCA Solo

Cayuga Community College

Fulton

July 23

2017 Classic Car & Mustang Show

West Herr Ford of Hamburg

Hamburg

l

July 29

2nd Annual Ricky Hoyt Memorial Auto Show

History Park

Bergen

l

July 29

Vettes NEAR the Beach

Y-Hill Express

Blossvale

l

pg 60

July 30

Vettes at The Beach- Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach

l

pg 60

July 30

Seaway Cruisers 55th Annual Seaway Festival

International Bridge

Ogdensburg

l

August 3-6

Nxt Gen Nationals

Wild West Ranch

Lake George

l

August 5

Cayuga County Cruisers

Port Byron Fire Dept.

Port Byron

l

August 5

American Classics and Muscle Cars

Longley Brothers Dodge

Fulton

l

August 5

NY Truck Shootout

Empire Dragway

Leicester

August 6

Jeeps at The Beach-Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach

Sylvan Beach

l

August 6

UK CAR DAY

Genesee Valley Park

Rochester

l

August 6

Tappet Twirlers Charity Car Show

Lee Town Park

Rome

l

August 6

Richfield Springs Lions Club Car Show

Route 20 @ Clock Downtown

Richfield Springs

l

August 6

Ticonderoga Area Car Show

Bicentennial Park

Ticonderoga

l

August 10-13

18th Annual National Brockway Truck Show

Downtown

Cortland

l

August 12

American Muscle Cruise-In

Matthews GM Center

Vestal

l

August 12

Cars and Coffee Rochester- August

The Little Speed Shop

Rochester

l

August 12

Fingerlakes AACA “History on Wheels”

Downtown

Auburn

l

August 12

Hilton's Classic Wheels on Main Street

Main Street

Hilton

l

August 12

Tuners in the Park 3

Saratoga Automobile Museum

Saratoga Springs

l

August 12

Cruise Nite

Angelo Canna Town Park

Cairo

August 13

ATCA Mid Hudson Chapter Antique Truck Show

Ulster County Fairgrounds

New Paltz

l

August 13

Volkswagen Club of CNY

Oneida Shores

Brewerton

l

August 13

CNY SCCA Solo

Oswego County Airport

Fulton

August 19

Gathering of Orphan Vehicles

3633 Loucks Rd,

East Syracuse

l

August 19

Street Scene 2017

Long Branch Park

Syracuse

l

August 19

Elbridge Fire Department 2nd Annual Car Show

Elbridge Fire Department

Elbridge

l

August 19

Crystal City Ferrari Show

Corning’s Market Street

Corning

August 20

Seven Valley Street Rods

Cortlandville Citizens Park

Cortlandville

APEX-10-r.indd 66

City

l

Date

l

l

pg 66

l

l

pg 16 pg 4

l l

4/14/17 2:10 PM

REAL. LOCAL. SAVINGS. See how much you could save on car insurance today. Get your free quote!

315-479-2886

2735 Erie Boulevard East, Syracuse

Saving people money on more than just car insurance.® Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten

by GEICO Indemnity Company. Homeowners, renters and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2017. © 2017 GEICO

APEX-10.indd 67

4/11/17 2:39 PM

YOUR LUXURY

YOUR MUSCLE

YOUR CLASSIC

YOUR TRACK TOY

YOUR UPGRADE

OUR OBSESSION. Want to take your domestic or high-end import to the next level? Look no further than New Age Hotrods. With a passion for cars and years of experience developing and installing performance parts on and off the track — we provide the very best in automotive customization.

Whether it be a supercharger, custom exhaust, turbo, cam, headers, suspension, transmission upgrade/repair or a ground up build, we have the knowledge and equipment to do the job right. Equipment like our Nascar tested state-of-the-art load bearing dyno capable of withstanding up to 2,000hp and features a 50,000 CFM fan.

APEX-10.indd 68

315 710 1624 // W W W. N A H R O D S .CO M

4/11/17 2:39 PM