March 2019 Auto & Trucking Atlantic

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CARS • TRUCKS • JOBBERS

C-STORES • INSTALLERS • RECYCLERS

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CARWASHES • SERVICE STATIONS

TRACKS THINKING ‘OUTSIDE THE FREEZER’ TO FEED RACE FANS (STORY ON PAGE 24)

DEALERS • GARAGES • BODY SHOPS

MARCH 2019 $4.95

NEW PLOWS FOR NEWFOUNLAND (SEE PAGE 16)

THERE’S RUST IN YOUR FUTURE (SEE PAGE 20)

THE BEST DRIVING APPS OF 2019 (SEE PAGE 36)

WIN PRIZES!!!

A RUST CHECK SWAG BAG OF GOODIES OR A STANLEY 123-PIECE SOCKET SET FROM NAPA!

CROSSWORD GUESS & WIN DETAILS ON PAGES 45 AND 46!

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AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY OF THE FUTURE – Whether it’s LED lights or megapixel dash cameras, technology is shaping the direction and evolution in autotech cycles. Kenneth E. Seaton spotlights what’s coming down the road.

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INTERNAL OPERATING STATEMENT – ELEMENTS AND ANALYSIS. The facts speak loud and clear: “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” Bob Greenwood explains why.

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ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT – As of December 18 2018, failing to stop for a school bus can lead to a loss of 12 demerit points. Serious business indeed. • More!

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SALES TEAM Meg Devries meg@autoatlantic.com

THERE’S RUST IN YOUR FUTURE – Last March Tesla had its first rust-related recall, reminding us that no matter the future shape of the automotive biz, rust will forever remain the party guest nobody invited.

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Dan Hillier dan@autoatlantic.com

TRACKS THINKING ‘OUTSIDE THE FREEZER’ – Tim Terry asks a critical question that’s central to Atlantic racing: What’s For Dinner?

Page 28

OFFICE MANAGER James Somers james@autoatlantic.com

NEWS OF THE WEIRD – Somebody in Arizona really, really, like really hates autonomous vehicles…

Page 32

LINE X CONTINUES TO BE A MARKET LEADER – When you’re talking durable coat liners there’s only one choice…

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WOMEN IN CARWASH CONFERENCE RAISES INDUSTRY BAR – Time was, the only women present at a carwash conference were on the arms of their husband. My, how times have changed…and that’s a good thing.

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NAPA DEALER PONDERS SELF-DRIVING CARS AND THE CHANGES IT WILL BRING TO AUTO SUPPLIERS – Computers and scanners are predicted to emerge as the major tools in garages by 2025…and that’s a wake up call to start planning today.

Page 36

THE 10 BEST TRUCKING APPS OF 2019 – Whether it’s identifying short cuts through traffic or navigating your own health and wellness, Carter Hammett offers up a selection of the hottest apps of the season.

Page 40

SYDNEY OVAL SOLD! Local businessman buys Cape Breton race track.

Page 42

AUTO INSURANCE RATES HAVE RISEN considerably across Canada in the past year.

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WIN BIG! Rust Check Jacket, hat, touque and winter package, or a Stanley 123-Piece socket set from NAPA in our contests!! autoatlantic.com

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Letter from the Editor

WEIGHT LOSS OF A DIFFERENT KIND

T

By Carter Hammett

HIS ISSUE IS ALL ABOUT LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE AND HOW TECHNOLOGY IS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THINGS TO COME. I thought I’d try a slightly different angle and checkout other ways that vehicles - especially autonomous ones - are gradually changing. There’s one thing you might not suspect, they’re getting lighter.

Slimmer cars eat less fuel. The US Department of Energy says a 10% reduction in vehicle weight can improve fuel economy by up to 8%.

As if hearing that clarion call, Ford announced last October a version of its supercar with the introduction of the 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series. Hailed as the lightest version of this model with 39 pounds trimmed from its usual weight, this is achieved by including as standard the optional titanium lug nuts, exhaustion and carbon fiber wheels as well as a rear

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hatch with lighter glass.

Automakers have always sought out lighter weight alternatives to traditional manufacturing materials. Aluminum alloy is making greater inroads and even wood is being experimented with, but when it comes to maintaining structural integrity, manufacturers are increasingly incorporating carbon fibers, which is reported to be several times stronger than aluminum and lighter too.

It was Thomas Edison who first baked cotton fibers turning them into appropriately-sized filaments for his incandescent light bulbs back in 1879. Making a long story short, cotton and bamboo are made up mostly of a natural polymer called cellulose, which becomes carbonized after being heated. The shape is retained and this material was found in the original models for light bulbs. Flash forward nearly 80 years to the late 1950s when scientist Roger Bacon tapped into a method of turning vaporized carbon into a solid.

The outcome included carbon whiskers thinner than my hair line but ultimately a heckuva lot stronger. The material was

transformed into yarn and could be used to create sheets. Move forward again to today and we find carbonized fiber used in everything from bike helmets to guitars to you guessed it, automotive parts.

This includes the vehicle’s exterior, where you can find fiber in hoods, door handles, and even side mirrors. Internally, fiber can serve as decorative trim where aluminum and other trim pieces were once featured. But the material is expensive and not the only material being used.

An alternative to steel that’s currently being tested is titanium. This material’s actually quite common in a plethora of objects including laptops and believe it or not, missles. LAMP researchers have partnered with BMW to determine if the mineral can be a feasible product for automotive manufacturing. While some of the research appears to be promising, titanium is difficult to manufacture because of the mineral’s ability to absorb heat which in turn causes tools to wear down fast during the manufacturing process. Combined with the lack of availability, you run into still more increased costs. Not to be outdone, researchers in Japan are considering a material that’s emerging as an even darker horse in the lightweight material research race: wood.

This innovative approach actually treats wood pulp containing an abundance of cellulose nano fibres (CNFs) chemically and disperses them into plastic. This combination creates a hybrid material that researchers feel might one day replace steel in auto parts.

It’s suggested the material could be used for a variety of purposes including door panels and fenders. The research has received strong backing from the Japanese government and carmakers, among other stakeholders. These examples are just a small sampling of what’s expected to come down the pipeline in automotive research in the next decade. It’s an exciting time to see what the competitors will produce and what materials will be in our cars in the not too distant future. .

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY OF THE

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FUTURE! A

By Kenneth E. Seaton

UTOMOTIVELY SPE AKING, WE’VE COME A LONG, LONG WAY. AND WHAT AN INTERESTING JOURNEY IT’S BEEN! From weird and wonderful looking steam powered machines, to gasoline, diesel, electric, electric-gasoline hybrid and even solar powered machines. Throughout the journey, new and ever expanding developing technology has propelled the automotive industry always forward.

As we move ever closer and closer towards a world filled with self-driving vehicles, it’s been truly remarkable to witness how emerging technology has segued into autonomous technology. Autonomous technologies and its ongoing development will redefine – the driving experience – and the automotive industry.

Very soon, vehicles will be driving us!

However, since we are not quite there yet, let’s look at how the automotive industry is embracing new technology. The industry’s goal is to offer drivers the latest, most technologically advanced and interminably safer vehicles for use on the highways and byways. Drivers are learning how to rely more and more on onboard navigational systems and less on their own instincts and experiences.

Consequently, we may soon witness the demise of the corner garage. It’s going to be increasingly harder and more difficult for local mechanics to service newer vehicles. Gone are the days, when a high-school automotive class, will provide enough skill sets to land a good job.

In-fact, some colleges and universities are now offering new tech driven courses. i.e.

Ferris State University and its Automotive Engineering Technology Bachelor Degree.

Automotively speaking, vehicles are becoming larger versions of smart phones, tablets & computers. It seems as if collectively, vehicles are just becoming electronic devices that roll on wheels – for now – transporting people from point A

to point B. The major upside to all this, is that we now get to point B in the most fuel efficient, most reliable, most safest and most entertaining manner possible.

Any doubts on this last point will be expelled when you watch your passengers’ faces, big or small, as they sit in the back of the SUV, with their headphones and Video-To-Go systems entertaining them. Here, are just some of the groundbreaking technologies that are currently, or will soon be, available from the automotive industry.

FOR THE KIDDIES, TEENS AND IN-BETWEENS Numerous automakers are now producing new vehicles that are equipped with on-board WiFi and LTE 4G connectivity. This technology allows drivers to turn their vehicles into mobile internet hotspots. Passengers can connect various devices and listen to music, stream videos and surf the web. Basically enjoying whatever they want, as if they were connected to the web at home. Of-course, extra charges may apply to use this service.

While vehicle passengers are plugged into the web, their devices wills soon run low on battery power. Savvy manufacturers are rolling out some new vehicles’ that come equipped with extra USB ports.

One or two ports used to be the norm, however nowadays, some vehicles come equipped with three, four and in some vehicles – i.e. Chrysler Pacific – up to nine USB ports.

From watching movies, playing internet games, or texting, all the comforts of the internet are now passenger friendly.

Some vehicles even come equipped with dual-screen rear entertainment systems.

These systems can be connected to the vehicles own system or, hook-up to individual streaming media devices. Thus, allowing vehicles passengers to access and enjoy live streaming TV channels while travelling.

Many parents might be a wee bit hesitant in tossing their new vehicles keys to inexperienced or perhaps a somewhat risker driver. Anticipating this, clever thinking manufactures have developed some interesting solutions to these challenges. New systems that will; stop the

radio from turning on unless seatbelts are connected, govern vehicle speeds to a maximum level and update parents with ongoing driving report alerts.

The systems will also foil any attempts at deactivating the vehicles safety and drive assist systems. The vehicles radio or sound system may also be set to a preprogrammed volume limit. And speaking of sounds, there are some teens and inbetweens – including older drivers who may be reverting back to their teen years – who are driving high-performance vehicles.

With these vehicles, a little goose of the gas will produce a heart pounding and forceful throaty growl that pulsates from the exhaust system. Something that neighbours, don’t want to hear, be it late at night or early in the morning. Ford has countered the noise on its new updated 2018 Mustang. It comes equipped with a new “Quiet Mode” function that essentially muffles the roar to a subdued whisper.

Once, out of earshot, all bets are off!

SAFETY, HEALTHY AND WIZARDLY Seeing where you’re going at night just got better and brighter. Not only are the new LED lights brighter, but they also last far longer than the older halogen lights.

They are more directional as they can change position or pivot automatically.

They give off a focused brighter blue white light instead of the halogen’s tradition big spread of light.

Driving at night also got upgraded and easier thanks to new, passive or active, night-vision features. Several manufactures are offering different forms of nightvision on certain select models. Alerts will pop up on the vehicles instrument cluster if thermal imaging detects the presence of an – otherwise invisible – person, animal or vehicle.

Thanks to the rapid increase in sensor technology, some vehicles now have the capability of literally, in certain situations, making steering or braking decisions for the driver. In circumstances where the collision avoidance system senses a potential collision with something – be it pedestrians, vehicles, and even large animals – it will automatically apply the brakes and steer around whatever’s in the autoatlantic.com

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Future Technologies

vehicles path.

Cameras seem to be everywhere and putting cameras in vehicles was the next logical step. Currently, various manufactures offer vehicles with cameras that assist drivers while backing up or parking.

Nowadays, cameras have gotten passed the primitive straight view and now take a 360-degree view of things. Also video recordings can prove a game-changer while dealing with legal authorities or insurance companies after an incident.

Cameras have also been placed in some rear view mirrors to eliminate potential blind spots. Not only can cameras look out-board but they can now keep an eye in-board as well. Proper placement allows drivers to keep watch on their passengers, thereby removing the dreaded turn around. Or, they might come with a “valet mode”, as in some Chevrolet models, and they will automatically monitor whoever is driving the vehicle.

Often you’ll see people driving and they appear to be talking to someone, except there’s no one else in the vehicle.

With todays’ tech they could be; talking hands-free on a phone, dictating a memo or texting, reading along with an audio book or even singing to themselves. Or, they may be telling the vehicles’ infotainment system what they want to happen next. Vehicle manufacturers are working with Google (Android Auto), Amazon (Alexa) and Apple (CarPlay) and other manufactures, to find and deliver seamless solutions to controlling infotainment systems. Voice commands will switch radio stations, make changes to navigation devices, send and receive messages, order movie tickets, all the conveniences of home while on the road. You’ll even be able to use your voice to transfer items to your smart devices.

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MODERNIZING YOUR OLD WHEELS WITH NEW TECH

to receive calls, read texts, and control music, etc.

There may be some vehicle owners, who just aren’t ready or willing to give up driving their mature wheels. No worries, as you can still have the best of both worlds. By upgrading your vehicle with some new techy gadgets you can reap the same benefits and advantages of those owners who’re driving the newest vehicles on the road. Cool gadgets and accessories like:

This Bluetooth cassette adapter will stream music directly from your smartphone or any Bluetooth music player. It comes equipped with a long-lasting rechargeable battery and even allows for hands-free calling via a built-in microphone.

GARMIN DASH CAM 55

FOBO TIRE PLUS

A compact 3.7-megapixel dash cam with voice control. It comes with a builtin GPS G-sensor and in the event of an incident will automatically record a record of location, date, and the vehicles speed at the time of the accident. Sensors will also sound an alert in the event of potential collisions. This compact camera takes super high-quality video; footage is synchronizable to cell phones, making it easy to share videos with the internet, insurance agencies, or legal authorities.

Properly inflated tires wear more evenly, increases the lifespan of your rubber and improves fuel efficiency. The system uses Bluetooth-enabled sensors that you attach to the tires’ inlet valves. Whenever tire pressure gets too low, alerts are sent directly to your smartphone. The app also allows you to monitor tire pressure at any time. Whether your vehicle still has its new car smell, or you’ve got that new car smell hanging from your rear view mirror, it’s still an exciting time to be behind the wheel. The rise and usage of new tech is only making driving and travelling in a vehicle an ever-changing experience. Automotive boundaries are constantly being pushed back by new technology.

Conversely with technology changes, we may also lose some old familiarities.

Our local garage mechanic will soon be nowhere to be found. And just try getting your kids to lift their heads from their hand held devices to play car games like; I Spy, the Licence Plate Game or Punch Buggy, etc. We’ve seen in the past that with new technological advances there are always gains and losses. Mostly the gains typically far out way the costs. Still, automotively speaking it is hard not to get excited about what new techy tools will be coming down the road next!

ESKY WATERPROOF CAR REAR VIEW BACKUP CAMERA This 170-degree field of visibility camera is mounted to the vehicle’s license plate or rear window. Small compact size, but still able to withstand the toughest weather. Video is streamed directly to the vehicles infotainment system in high-definition color.

HUDWAY CAST HEADS-UP DISPLAY (HUD) Turns smartphones into a heads-up display (HUD) by projecting its screen onto a transparent screen that displays safely in the driver’s field of vision.

Supported by both Android and iOS devices, it can also be used for GPS apps,

ION AUDIO CASSETTE BLUETOOTH ADAPTER

Bob’s Business Development

INTERNAL OPERATING STATEMENT – ELEMENTS AND ANALYSIS

T

By Bob Greenwood

OO MANY SHOPS DO NOT MONITOR THEIR BUSINESS ON A REGULAR BASIS WITH A FULL ANALYTICAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT. THE FACTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES THAT “IF YOU CAN’T MEASURE IT, YOU CAN’T MANAGE IT”.

Operating a modern shop today by just looking at the bank balance and sales compared to same month last year is a recipe for potential financial disaster.

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Our studies have shown that a typical shop in Canada is missing between $25,000 and $30,000 NET profit per BAY per YEAR out of the CURRENT business coming through the door. That amount is truly “real” money to anyone’s business.

Where is it in yours?

A shop under “financial duress” should produce a proper “management” operating statement for at least 24 consecutive months. This allows management to see the trends and understand “how” the profit is made in the shop.

The basic elements of an Analytical Financial Statement comprise of (A) Total revenue in predetermined category’s for the month and year-to-date, (B) Gross Profit return measurement for each revenue category for the month and yearto-date, (C) Expense categories, for the

month and year-to-date, (D) Net profit for the month and year-to-date, and (E) full Balance Sheet compared to the previous month.

(A) REVENUE CATEGORIES: The basic revenue categories that are measured today include, fluids, tires, aftermarket parts, dealer parts (domestic and foreign name plate separately), maintenance labour, diagnostic labour and reflash labour. Some shops will break labour down even further such as including fluid labour, tire install labour, and vehicle inspection labour. Before one gets too complicated and confused, it is recommended to start with the 8 initial categories mentioned.

By understanding “where” the revenue of the shop comes from, it becomes

Bob’s Business Development

easier to “measure” performance against industry data and surveys. It also allows you to determine what type of customer/ client base you are serving. For example, in the measurement of its parts sales, if the shop is averaging in sales mix, 95% aftermarket parts and 5% dealer parts, traditionally it means the shop is repairing and working on older vehicles. Conversely, if the shop is averaging 70% aftermarket parts, and 30% dealer parts, then clearly, the shop is working on more newer vehicles. Each scenario has repercussions as to the staff and equipment requirements the shop requires to meet the demands of its client satisfaction. As the sales mix changes over the course of 2 to 3 years, either way, one can judge quite accurately the future demands of the shop in terms of staff competency levels, staff training requirements, and equipment acquisitions required.

(B) GROSS PROFIT MEASUREMENT: Gross profit return is critical to net profit performance. But once again, one must understand “where” the profit is made. The following guidelines work well to ensure one is on the way to a healthy bottom line. The gross profit return for oil should average a minimum of 40%, however 45% is achievable through good management. Tires will average from 10 to 26% for a traditional independent service shop, aftermarket parts can be managed to an average of 45%, dealer parts domestic usually range from 18% to 22% while foreign name plate can even drop to a low of 8% but can be managed in the range of 14% to 20%, maintenance/mechanical labour should average 90% and higher when technician wages are eliminated from the cost of labour and only sublet costs inserted into the labour cost, while diagnostic, re-flash and the other labour categories would show a 100% GP% re-

I want my auto atlantic!

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turn. Put all the other costs such as freight, supplies, tech wages etc. that accountants insert into the cost of labour (that is a cost accounting format) down into their own expense categories.

The shop should target to produce $1.25 in total labour revenue (maintenance, diagnostic and re-flash combined) to $1.00 in total parts sales (aftermarket and dealer parts combined). The shop also wants to target a minimum of 15% but preferably 20% of its total labor revenue as “diagnostic” labor which is charged out at a higher tier rate.

When these guidelines are achieved, and measured in this fashion, the shop will average 70% to 75% total gross profit return from total sales of the bays.

(C) EXPENSE CATEGORIES: It is important to take the time to customize the operating expenses of the shop to your needs and requirements.

What expenses should be measured and are important to you? One of the unique ways of setting up the entire wage expense is to break it out into technician wages, service advisor wages, administration wages, management wages, and shop burden (shop’s portion of payroll taxes, Workers compensation, group insurance etc.). One of the criteria of measurement is to produce a minimum of $1.30 in total labour revenue to $1.00 spent on the entire wage package of the shop including management wages (at a professional wage level) and includes shop burden.

The balance of the shop expenses should be monitored and managed answering the real question of whether the expenses are controllable, non-controllable or common sense expenses in relation to what the shop is trying to achieve in client service and satisfaction.

I believe you will find, with a detailed analysis that many of the operating ex-

penses fall into the surprising category of “common sense” in relation to what the shop is trying to achieve in client value and satisfaction.

(D) NET PROFIT: Net profit seems to be an “elusive” figure to many shops. The shop should measure true net profit after the management wage, drawings and dividends have been factored in. The objective should be to net a minimum of 15% of the shops total gross sales. The net profit is before corporate taxes, but definitely after professional management wages, drawings and dividends. When this is achieved, the capital is usually in decent supply to keep the shop well equipped not only with top equipment but also with top quality staff.

(E) Balance Sheet: A full balance sheet compared to the previous accounting period, allows the management to “see” where the profit dollars went throughout the shop. Some profit may be tied up in accounts receivable, inventory, or equipment. Maybe some net profit got “spent” by reducing debt load or accounts payable. Wherever it went, it is important to “see” how management is handling the profits made in the shop. Only a full comparative Balance Sheet allows you to accomplish this.

The more accurate and complete, the information I have on my business, the more accurate, and conviction action, I have with my management decisions.

Take the time to measure your business completely and accurately. You will be “shocked” at where there are net profit dollars to be found on your current business and with your current client base.

Establish a more structured approach to managing your business. The biggest obstacle you face to making real change in your management system will be your “tradition” of doing things.

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East Coast Road Report

SPRING 2019 ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT BITS AND PIECES OF NEWS YOU CAN USE COLLECTED FROM AROUND THE ATLANTIC REGION, SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO! NEWFOUNDLAND

Provincial Government Announces Tow Plow Pilot Project On November 21, The Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Transportation and Works, unveiled a new addition to the department’s provincial snow clearing fleet that will improve how the province clears snow from the Trans-Canada Highway on the Avalon Peninsula this winter.

The department’s new tow plow is towed behind a traditional snow plow.

The rear blade allows for snow to be cleared from the left lane and right lane at the same time.

The plow, the first of its kind for Newfoundland and Labrador, will be a part of the province’s tow plow pilot project that will examine the safety and effectiveness of using tow plows on provincial highways.

While signs on the rear of the equipment will alert motorists when the rear blade will move to the right or back behind the truck, motorists are reminded

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to maintain a safe driving distance behind the tow plow and all snow clearing equipment. The new equipment will be deployed out of the department’s Foxtrap depot and be assigned to clear snow from the Trans-Canada Highway between Route 2 and Salmonier Line this winter.

The tow plow is a new addition to the more than 300 snow-clearing flyers throughout the province.

Following the winter season, the department will review its winter snow clearing “Snow plows on highways with multiple lanes often clear one lane at a time or work in tandem with another plow so both lanes can be cleared together. The addition of the tow plow will enable crews to clear snow more effectively on our highways and make them safer for residents,” said the Honourable Steve Crocker Minister of Transportation and Works

NEW BRUNSWICK

Capital budget focuses on maintaining infrastructure

The provincial government announced December 11 that $321.1 million will be set aside in the 2019-20 capital budget for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

“Our government is focused on maintaining the infrastructure we have and using asset management practices to identify projects that are needs and not wants,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Oliver. “Going forward, we will look to partner with the federal government on projects which align with our priorities for improving or maintaining existing infrastructure.”

The department will allocate $168.6 million to its highway program, $44 million to its bridge program (including $4.8 million for the ferry program), $52.6 million for the federal-provincial program, and $32.1 million for public works and infrastructure.

“We agree with the auditor general’s recommendations to manage the assets that we have in a sustainable way,” said

East Coast Road Report

Oliver. “We will do so by taking politics out of infrastructure spending with the asset management system.”

The capital budget for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is included in the government’s five-year, $600-million strategic investment plan.

Through this plan, the government will set priorities, reallocate funds to upgrade existing infrastructure, and help associations and companies develop more predictable business plans.

The department will continue or complete work on several projects, including; Twinning Route 11 between Shediac River and Cocagne River Centennial Bridge in Miramichi Petitcodiac River Bridge Fundy Trail Connector Coles Island bridges Little Bouctouche River No. 1 Bridge Florenceville Bridge Anderson Bridge The following projects are being reevaluated and funding to complete them has not been allocated: Centennial Building and Justice complex New Brunswick Museum Memramcook Institute renovations Perth-Andover roadway connections reconstruction Route 11 between Glenwood and Miramichi Route 11 between Cocagne River and Little Bouctouche River Oliver said, while the government understands these are difficult decisions, the focus must be on maintaining the province’s current infrastructure.

“In the case of the Centennial Building project, the decision to not move forward will result in savings of approximately $60 million, and will also allow us to protect our rural courthouses, ensuring that community-based access to justice continues,” said Oliver. “In the case of Route 11, we are committed to bringing tourists back to rural New Brunswick, and we cannot do that if we are building new roads that bypass communities.”

The department’s capital budget also

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reduces the Municipal Designated Highway Program to $10 million from $25 million.

Not proceeding with these projects will contribute significantly to the government’s efforts to curb the provincial debt by eliminating over $200 million from previous spending plans.

NOVA SCOTIA

Province Spending $300 Million to Improve Roads, Highways and Bridges Nova Scotia’s roads, highways and bridges will be safer thanks to a $300 million investment in capital spending for 2019-20.

“We are making the largest investment in Nova Scotia’s infrastructure in eight years and one of the largest in our province’s history,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Lloyd Hines. “It’s part of our commitment to ensure safe and connected communities.”

Major construction on new highways and bridges accounts for the $15 million overall increase with much of the additional funding focused on twinning portions of Highway 101, 103, 104 and Highway 107 (the Sackville-Bedford-Burnside Connector) The plan outlines new projects such as the beginning of construction on the Lantz interchange in Hants County and road improvements on the Cabot Trail at Cape Smokey.

It also renews the $20 million in spending for a Gravel Road Program to proactively rebuild existing gravel roads in rural Nova Scotia, improving safety and reducing maintenance costs.

The plan maps out government’s approach, year by year, to repair and maintain the province’s 23,000 kilometres of roads and highways and 4,100 bridges.

The plan is subject to approval in the 2019-20 budget.

To see the plan go to, https://novascotia.ca/tran/highways/5yearplan/highways-5-year-plan-2019-20.pdf .

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Pass a bus, lose your licence In order to better protect Island students, drivers who illegally pass a school bus will lose their licence.

As of December 8, 2018, failing to stop for a school bus when the red flashing lights are activated will lead to 12 demerit points, resulting in suspension of the licence for three months. This is in addition to the fine of up to $5000.

“We all have a role to play in keeping children safe on their way to school. This change means that drivers who ignore this law are not allowed on Island roads,” said Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar. “We are working with our police and education partners to prevent the dangerous practice of illegally passing school buses and we continue to explore comprehensive options to eliminate this unnecessary risk to children.”

This change increases the penalty for illegally passing a school bus from eight demerit points to 12 demerit points. When any driver accumulates 12 demerit points, the licence is suspended is for a period of three months.

In order for the licence to be reinstated, the driver meet with Highway Safety, pay a $100 reinstatement fee, and take a defensive driving course within six months of the getting their licence back.

After the reinstatement, the driver is on a demerit point probation in which any further demerits within one year will result in a further licence suspension.

Government has ramped up public awareness efforts to prevent dangerous and distracted driving, and continues to explore additional prevention and enforcement options including new technology and safety features on school buses and further legislative amendments.

“No distraction is worth risking the life of a child,” said Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Jordan Brown. “I’m glad to see one more step being taken to protect our children who rely on the bus

to get to school every day.”

To learn more about keeping school children safe, visit School Bus Safety.

Improving diversity and inclusion on driver’s licences Islanders will now have the option to identify their gender on their driver’s licence.

The Prince Edward Island government has added the two new non-binary gender options of ‘gender not listed’ and ‘prefer not to say,’ which join the existing ‘male’ and ‘female’ options. The selection will appear on the licence as X, blank, M, and F respectively.

“Adding two non-binary gender options to our driver’s licence is an important step in advancing equal human rights for everyone, no matter the gender identity or expression of Islanders,” Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Paula Biggar said. “We are committed to supporting the LGBTQ2S+ community,

transgender people, those transitioning, and anyone who does not identify as a male or female so all Islanders feel included.”

While some other provinces and the federal government allow for an option to choose X or ‘gender not’ listed on identification, PEI is the first jurisdiction in Canada to allow for the option of ‘prefer not to say’ or blank.

“We, at PEERS Alliance, applaud this

action by government to intentionally recognize trans and non-binary identities in public processes,” said Cybelle Rieber, Executive Director of PEERS Alliance. “Providing non-binary gender options on provincial government IDs will better reflect the diverse identities of Island citizens.

Important actions, such as this, formally acknowledge the reality of gender diversity and prevent the systemic erasure of non-binary people.

TRACTION ANNOUNCEMENT

Stephen M. Henman, GM Sales for UAP HVPD, announces the hiring of John Downing in the Saint John region. John will be responsible for the sales and marketing of UAP Traction products and services throughout Saint John and Charlotte County.

John brings with him to Traction, a wealth of experience in the heavy duty industry and we welcome him to the UAP family! autoatlantic.com

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Industry News

THERE’S RUST IN YOUR FUTURE

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UTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY HAS SEEN RAPID TRANSFORMATION SINCE MOST OF US STARTED IN THE TRADES AND WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF EVEN GREATER DISRUPTIONS.

Electric and autonomous are the buzz words of an industry hell bent on revolutionizing our automotive future.

True, the industry has been back peddling recently on the promise of robotic flying on demand, transportation pods but even the most skeptical amongst us cannot deny that change is coming - if not tomorrow, not far down the road.

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But what of the complaint of vehicle owners and technicians since the dawn of the twentieth century, corrosion! Like death and taxes, rust is an unwelcome passenger on whatever road to the future OEM’s from Detroit to Shanghai envision.

Don’t believe me? That harbinger of change, the mass market Tesla model 3 has largely abandoned aluminum for steel construction. Any of the electric or hybrid cars you can name from the Chevrolet Volt to a Volvo is made of corrosion susceptible steel.

Telsa even had its first rust related recall last March when “excessive corrosion” was found on Model S power steering bolts, creating the potential for a serious accident. The corrosion was of course

found primarily in regions that use salt to clear roads.

Just because a vehicle has an electric motor or self-driving capabilities, does not mean that it is immune to basic chemistry.

As the world of automotive technology has changed, so have the tools for keeping our roads clear of ice and snow.

The effect of new chemical compounds sprayed on our roads has had a very traditional and rusty effect on the chariots of the future.

Time for a quick and dirty science lesson. Simple rust is oxygen reacting to the iron in the vehicles steel to create iron oxide, i.e. rust. Water brings more oxygen and carbon dioxide in contact with the metal further promoting corrosion.

The introduction of road salt supercharges the process by adding more free floating ions to the electrochemical reaction. The hydrogen produced by the corrosion creates hydrochloric acid that further damages metal, paint and can burn fabric and leather.

We need to concern ourselves more with the advances in winter maintenance techniques.

Clearing snow covered roads used to be performed by fleets of plows and salters that would wait by the roadside until the snow started to fall. The last decade has seen the widespread adoption of chemical and organic liquid brines to melt snow and ice on contact with the treated road.

The use of brine and the “pre-wetting” of rock salt with water or chemical agents mean considerable savings in equipment and overtime hours as roads can be sprayed in advance of bad weather.

Carbohydrates like beet juice and cheese brine are added to the mix to lower the freezing point of the salt mixture and helps the brine stick to the road. It is possible for a brine mixture to cling to a road for up to five to ten days.

These advances help make our roads safer for longer periods but have a terrible impact on the lifespan of the average vehicle. Mechanics across North America report a significant increase in vehicle corrosion, the rapid rusting of brake lines and suspension components on nearly new cars.

The salty spray that covers trucks and cars after a few minutes on the highway is the residue if these brines. In its liquid state the salt mixture penetrates sub frames, under plastic trim and between every spot weld. Once the snow is gone the brine turns to dust that is even more pervasive, finding its way into radiators and even wiring connectors. To make matters worse the dust is deliquescent, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air continuing the cycle of corrosion long after winter is over.

The effect on cars and trucks is insidious....a better means to destroy your vehicle could not have been invented if it were done on purpose by a mad scientist.

The cost of rust damage to drivers is in the billions, the American Trucking Association estimates that the cost at $250 billion a year.

Ask any mechanic the difference between working on southern rust free vehicle and Canadian car that has seen a few winters. Is there a greater joy than a bolt that breaks free instead of having fused into a rusted mass that must be torched

or cut off?

It is true that there have been some advances in steel composition and coatings by manufacturers to prevent corrosion. According to Jim Gordon, the head of research and development at Rust Check, “over the last decade we have seen an improvement in the quality of metal treatments from the factory, protecting vehicles for the first three to five years of

use”.

“In newer vehicles rust occurs when sheet metal is subject to gravel and debris impact breaking through coating layers exposing unprotected metal to liquid brine and salt”.

The only solution to the man-made corrosive environment that Canadian drivers must endure is to create a barrier between a vehicles metal and the year round

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effects of salt.

The use of seasonally applied Rust Check has proven the most effective method rust proofing in the Canadian marketplace. Returning to Jim, “we have observed a significant reduction in corrosion in vehicles between five and ten years old, that are regularly oil sprayed compared to those that are untreated”.

The answer isn’t anything new, in fact it dates back to 1973 says Mario Segreti, V.P. at Rust Check., “not to say we aren’t constantly researching and improving the corrosion fighting properties of our product, but so far nothing has proved better at preventing rust than an annual Rust Check application. Our process is also safe to use on all electric and hybrid vehicles””.

Rust Check uses a specially formulated blend of chemicals that is applied to the undercarriage and inner body structure.

The Rust Inhibitor formula is blown through the vehicle’s inner panels as a mist using specially designed applicator guns and wands to reach every weld and seem.

The product creeps over time, working its way into all areas, forming a barrier against salt brine and displacing the moisture necessary for rust to occur.

A premium heavier gel, Coat & Protect, is used on the floors and subframe that cannot be easily washed off by snow or even car washes. The oil contains a proprietary mixture of chemical bonding agents and corrosion inhibitors that are environmentally friendly and non-toxic.

So until we finally get those flying cars promised us since the 1950’s annual rust proofing will remain the best way to beat the rusties today and well into tomorrow.

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2019 PARTS FOR TRUCKS PRO STOCK TOUR

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HE PARTS FOR TRUCKS PRO STOCK TOUR IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THEIR 2019 SCHEDULE OF RACES. THE SERIES WILL CONTEST 12 RACES AT FOUR SHORT TRACK OVALS WITHIN THE MARITIMES, TRAVELLING TO THREE PROVINCES BETWEEN MAY AND SEPTEMBER. The 2019 season will mark the 19th year for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour. The Series will kick off on Saturday, May 18th at Petty International Raceway in River Glade, New Brunswick and crown a champion at Scotia Speedworld in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Saturday, September 14th in a 200-lap feature. All events on the Series are scheduled for a 150-lap distance, with the exception of 250-lap features at Riverside International Speedway in Antigonish, Nova Scotia on Saturday, July 20th and Scotia Speedworld on Saturday, August 10th.

Petty International Raceway will also host a 200-lap main event on Saturday, August 24th.

2019 PARTS FOR TRUCKS PRO STOCK TOUR SCHEDULE DAY DATE LAPS TRACK Sat

May-18 150

Petty International Raceway

Sat

Jun-01 150

Scotia Speedworld

Sat

Jun-08 150

Riverside International Speedway

Sat

Jun-22 150

Scotia Speedworld

Sat

Jun-29 150

Oyster Bed Speedway

Sat

Jul-13

150

Petty International Raceway

Sat

Jul-20

250

Riverside International Speedway

Sat

Aug-03 150

Oyster Bed Speedway

Sat

Aug-10 250

Scotia Speedworld

Sat

Aug-24 200

Petty International Raceway

Sat

Sep-07 150

Riverside International Speedway

Sat

Sep-14 200

Scotia Speedworld

In total, 2,100 thrilling main feature laps are planned for the upcoming Summer! Please note: start times and sponsors will be announced in the coming weeks.

ABOUT THE PARTS FOR TRUCKS PRO STOCK TOUR: The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour (PST) is considered the highest level of stock car racing in Canada. The Tour is recognized in the industry as one of the healthiest stock car racing series in North America. PST visits four tracks throughout the Maritimes during its May through September season. The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour is owned and operated by Maritime Pro Stock Tour Limited. For more information, call our administration office at 902.481.2531 or click www.maritimeprostocktour.com. You can also follow us on Twitter attwitter.com/prostocktour and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/prostocktour

Atlantic Racing News

TRACKS THINKING “OUTSIDE THE FREEZER” TO FEED FANS

By Tim Terry

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H E N YO U T H I N K A B O U T STOCK CAR RACING, OR ANY STICK AND BALL SPORT FOR THAT MATTER, THE FIRST THING THAT COMES TO MIND IS THE SPORT. Sure, diehard race fans go to an event to watch their favourite players or teams perform and cheer them to victory. The sporting and event landscape has changed though. In a digital world where fans can

digest a game and its pre and post event celebrations on a smart phone or a computer, promoters have to think outside the box in a way to enhance the environment and atmosphere at an event.

Simply put, what once can be considered as a pure sporting event has now grown. We hear “sports entertainment” a lot when we hear about the world of professional wrestling, but to grow with the times, many promoters are having to think about their sporting events as being an entertainment event as well.

While we can go on and on about what that entails and what event managers are doing to provide a fan an extra bang for their buck, I want to focus on something else. Something that those that oversee events sometimes overlook in

their promotion of their events. That is the food served up at their events, or in our case, races.

From a personal standpoint, race track food is a part of my life. When working an event, a typical event will last a minimum of six hours. On big race events, you could be there from sunrise to well after the sun sets and the lights of the speedway illuminate the facility. If you are traveling to and from the track from a long distance, it takes even more time in your day. In the case of a weeknight show like Scotia Speedworld and Petty International Raceway run many times throughout the Summer, most fans and teams will come directly from work to the race track with no time to stop on their commute.

That leaves the age-old question -

what’s for supper? Or, in some cases, what’s for lunch, breakfast or whatever meal you are missing because you are at the race track.

Many of us have been to sporting events and have paid over the top prices for run of the mill burgers, dogs and fries. All of us have done it. I thoroughly enjoyed my $14 Philly Cheesesteak sandwich I had at Daytona the last time I was there for the 500, but it is too expensive to get on a regular basis and local short tracks would be criticized if they had a menu item like that on their offering for that price. On the other hand, I don’t mind going out to a restaurant, or even a “fast food” type of establishment and pay a higher price for good food.

Hold up the train for a second though, we are talking about short track stock car racing. With that in mind, we are talking about folks who want their food as fast as their race cars on track and that preferably taste better than a piece of cardboard stuffed between two stale buns. Race tracks are businesses, so they want to save costs wherever they can, whether that be in staffing, preparation or food.

So, how do you balance the two needs? Simply put, some find it easier than others.

The easiest thing for a race track, or any event for that matter, to do is slap something on a barbeque or flattop, or dump a basket in a deep fryer. It is quick, it is easy and it is served quick without much effort. It is the care that is taken before and after that process that sets a race track apart from their peers.

I think back to a trip to Peterborough Speedway I made in 2011. It was their annual Autumn Colours Classic weekend, which takes place in October and traditionally falls on Thanksgiving Day weekend. The Saturday and Sunday programs were long with full days of practice, qualifying and features. Instead of driving into the City of Peterborough, ordering food and coming back to the Speedway to fight for a parking spot anywhere close to the track was seen as more of a hassle, so we ate at their concession area.

What set them apart from any other track I had been at all season was seen simply by looking at their menu. They had many themed burgers and hot dogs and, while my memory cannot fully recall the full offering, I do remember a Hawaiian burger, for example, that included a piece of pineapple. The point is that they thought outside the bun on this and added something to a burger that you could not get at another track. Think of the food truck boom that has taken off in recent

years, each truck trying to set themselves a part from their peers.

Peterborough Speedway wanted fans to eat their food, not because they were forced to because that was the only option offered by the track, but because the food was different and looked appealing.

The fact that it tasted good would bring them back, if not again that day but at

their next event.

As someone who eats at many canteen and concession areas around Eastern Canada, I’ve know of at least one race track that prides themselves on their food services.

While you have to take the paved roads to get there, the Valley Raceway dirt track is way ahead of their peers when it

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comes to race track food in this neck of the woods.

A few short years ago, the track located outside of Kingston, Nova Scotia, brought Chef Will Macintosh on board to oversee their food trailer at the track.

Ever since, their food has been so well known that folks will come to the track, pay the $12 admission, come and eat the food Mackintosh is cooking up and head home. Yes, they have fans that come for the food first and the racing second.

Macintosh’s approach is simple, fresh ingredients. The meat comes from nearby Meadowbrook Meat Market and is lightly seasoned. His potatoes for French Fries are cut on site the morning of every race and will typically sell out of hundreds of pounds on the Sunday afternoons they run. Get this - he even has toppings and garnishes for his burgers! His signature Valley Raceway burger is a double cheeseburger topped with caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and a secret sauce mixed by Macintosh himself. The track also serves a Bacon Cheeseburger, something simple that no other track in the region has caught on to.

They are also serving dessert, and I’m not talking your standard chocolate bars and chips. They have upped the ante with a Deep Fried Mars Bar. A staple in most county fairs to our south, it is just as it sounds, it is simple and its taste is far better than most expect.

Everything is served hot and to order, everything is fresh and everything is priced right. While the prep might take a bit longer and the cost for food might be a little bit higher than ordering the cheapest skew at the local wholesaler but with the concession stand selling out of most products before the checkered flag falls each race day is telling.

Other race tracks that are on the trend of great food at their events include Oyster Bed Speedway, Petty International Raceway and Speedway Miramichi. Like Valley Raceway, they go to their local butcher and order their hamburger fresh.

With a little bit of seasoning and love on the flat top, they continue to impress race fans with every bite. Lake Doucette Motor Speedway is one of the only oval tracks in the region that are offering fans burgers and dogs from the barbeque, giving it a touch of home as they watch their short track heroes on track.

Another thing that race tracks like Oyster Bed Speedway are doing is the introduction of different things you typically do not see on traditional race track 26

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menus. While burgers, fries, dogs, onion rings and pizza are commonplace at most tracks, there are some that are looking outside of the norm to bring fans something different to chow down on.

Oyster Bed Speedway serves Popcorn Chicken, which has quickly grown to popularity to ultimately take home the Tim’s Corner Motorsports (TCM) Fan Favorite Short Track Food in the region.

It’s simple to prepare by tossing it in the deep fryer and easy to eat with the bite sized format. To the other side of the size, Riverside International Speedway is the only track in the region that boasts a Footlong Hotdog on their menu. It’s different, it’s filling and it is usually one of the first items to sell out on their menu.

Of note, Wilma’s Pit Stop offered a Pizza Sausage during the IWK 250 last season.

Packed with flavor, it was

a hit amongst some in the press box during the rain delay in that event in 2018.

In addition to a traditional cheeseburger, Petty International Raceway offers sometime truly East Coast for their front gate fans in a Donair Burger. Coming from a shop in Eastern Passage, the burger is packed with flavorful spices and sauce like the Maritime delicacy should have. In the pits, Peggy’s Canteen will offer Breakfast Sandwiches on early mornings at the track. Also included on Peggy’s menu includes ribbon fries, something special when it comes to race tracks within the region. They have also tested the waters

with handheld fare like deep fried pickles and mozzarella sticks over the past year.

While they only run a limited schedule per year, the favorite at Shediac’s CENTRE For Speed is their bologna burger.

It’s a big thing at some Southern tracks like South Boston Speedway, but a delight special in these parts to the New Brunswick track. Think of it as a grilled cheese sandwich with a healthy slab of bologna wedged in the middle. You can get the sandwich served with a fried egg, but you best get to the pit concession stand early, because the eggs run out really quickly at events like the Atlantic Stock Car Championships.

A favorite amongst French Fries in the Atlantic Provinces are at Speedway 660.

Crispy coated fries, deep fried and golden brown, they were voted as the TCM Fan Favorite Short Track Food for three years straight. Of note, they are also the only concession stand at a race track in Atlantic Canada that I know of that stocks Chocolate Milk for young and young at heart fans.

Of course, some of the best food found at a race track is in the campground served up by those making up the small villages at major events. You never know what could be grilling up next door over an open flame!

So, the next time you head out to your local short track, consider making a trip to the concession stands and take a look at their offerings. While there are still some track management groups that consider their food services as an afterthought and providing the service essentially because they have to, some think outside of the freezer. Some tracks are plating food that they would put above what you can get from a late night stop post race to your favorite fast food joint with some pushing out burgers and fries that are good enough to crack fine dining menus. After you visit your local short track this summer, ask yourself this. Would you eat there again because you have to and it’s your only option at the track or would you eat there again because you want to and enjoy their food.

Either way, be sure to let your local track know what you think. Most are always open to improving their program, whether it is on the track with their racing or off the track as an entertainment product.

After all, improving the racing program as a whole at your local track helps their business thrive, brings more people into the gates and sells more food at the concession area, right?!

Carter’s Corner

NEWS OF THE WEIRD BITS AND PIECES OF STRANGE, BIZARRE AND NEGLECTED, COMPILED FROM AROUND THE INTERNET SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO. PEOPLE ARE SLASHING THE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES’ TIRES AND TRYING TO RUN THEM OFF THE ROAD. Motor 1 recently reported that people in Arizona are retaliating against the rise of the machines. Well, okay,maybe that’s a slight exaggeration, but surely Waymo’s autonomous Chrysler Pacifica minivans (pictured below) fit that bill. Local media reports that there have been at least 21 instances of people attacking the vehicles in a two-year period. Crimes include slashing tires and throwing rocks at them, according to The New York Times.

Some people have tried other more unconventional methods as well. Some have attempted to thwart the artificial intelligence by suddenly stopping in front of Waymo’s vehicles and weaving into their lane. One man, who local police described as “heavily intoxicated” even decided to stand in the road in front of the vans because he no longer wanted them in his neighborhood. The plan actually

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worked, though, and Waymo decided to route its vehicles elsewhere.

So far, Waymo has largely decided against pursuing any charges against these attackers. The company is worried that any prosecution could interrupt its autonomous vehicle testing in Arizona.

Waymo unveiled its highly modified Chrysler Pacifica minivan in 2016. They feature a huge array of sensors and the

software to stitch all of this info together that allows for full self-driving, but a human is behind the wheel in case of any situations that the code isn’t ready for.

PLANE MAKES EMERGENCY LANDING AFTER ENGINE DIES, BUT RELIEF TAKES MANY FORMS. Back in December, a Cessna experienced an engine failure, forcing the pilot

Carter’s Corner

to touch down on a straight section of Interstate 20 in Talladega County in Alabama.

Video footage shows a highway heavy with traffic so bravo to the pilot for an emergency landing without incident.

Now this is where things get really interesting. The airplane does pull over to the shoulder before coming to a stop, and the camera car pulls in behind to see if everyone’s okay.

Here’s where the video takes a very bizarre turn. The pilot jumps out, grins and flashes a thumbs-up as if it’s just another day.

Suddenly he promptly heads to the very open grass on the roadside for a wee.

Seriously, we couldn’t make this up if we tried.

The video abruptly ends with the dude relieving himself, though the video description goes on to say there were two people inside.

Apparently it was the first flight for a student pilot, and that’s who we see exiting the airplane. Considering his introduction to aviation included an emergency landing on a highway followed by a pee in public, we’re not sure if fate actually wants this guy to earn his wings.

FORD EUROPE USES ‘ROBOBUTT’ TO TACKLE PROBLEM OF SWEATY BUTTS Those of us who even occasionally drive somewhere to exercise - say, to meet friends for a run on a hot summer day -

know the struggle is real: Repeated sweat sessions without benefit of a post-workout shower or dry clothes to drive home in definitely lend your driver’s seat a certain funk. And over time, all that sweat adds to

wear and tear.

So the engineering wizards at Ford Europe are working on the second half of this problem, at least, using something they’ve dubbed “Robobutt.”

It’s based on existing robot simulations used to mimic how human posteriors get in and out of car seats to improve durability. Here, over three days, a Kukla automation robot is fitted with a dummy bottom, heated to approximate human temperature and fed about 450 milliliters of water (about 15 fluid ounces) to get soggy and re-create that condition fondly known as swamp ass. Then the robot, as shown in the video above, smooshes the dummy bottom to and fro, side to side, sitting on the seat 7,500 times over three days to simulate a decade’s worth of use.

As the old saying goes, it’s nice work if you can get it.

Ford says Robobutt helps to ensure its car seats look good no matter what sweaty drivers throw at them. Robobuttcertified seats were introduced last year for the Fiesta in Europe but are now being rolled out for all Ford vehicles on the continent.

That’s great, but it still leaves workout junkies or chronic sweathogs yearning for a solution to that funk of their own making. There are, of course, a number of aftermarket car-seat covers or sweat towels to take the brunt of your eau de B.O., and you can always just use a regular bath towel. Others swear by spraying their seats with a 2:1 solution of water and white vinegar to remove sweat stains and odors from cloth seats.

AND FINALLY . . . TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN Nearly $300,000 remains missing after two bags of money fell out the back of an 30

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armored truck and set off a mad scramble by motorists to grab some of the fluttering bills, police in New Jersey said.

More than a half-million dollars spilled December 13 from a Brink’s truck near MetLife Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Jets and Giants.

East Rutherford police said in a statement that two bags of cash fell. One of the plastic bags had $140,000, and the other held $370,000.

Police say the bags fell from an open rear door that had a mechanical issue.

Authorities said the bags opened when they hit the roadway, with cash becoming airborne because of the wind and vehicle traffic.

The swirling cash caused drivers to stop their vehicles and hop out on the highway to gather the money. There were two car crashes as a result, according to police, though it’s unclear if anyone was injured.

Police say Brink’s workers and other motorists recovered about $205,000 from the roadway. Five people turned in about $11,000.

Online video of the incident showed a sedan with its front bumper smashed as people walked along Route 3 during morning rush hour to pick up the cash.

About $294,000 is still missing. Police ask anyone with video of the frenzy to contact them.

Reading this?

You’ve just proved that ads work!

We can help sell your product.

Visit us online: autoatlantic.com or call us at 1-866-423-3939 autoatlantic.com

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Industry News

LINE-X CONTINUES TO BE MARKET LEADER

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By Pat Healey

ALIFAX: IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR TOUGH, DURABLE COATINGS FOR YOUR TRUCK BEDLINERS, THERE’S ONLY ONE CHOICE YOU SHOULD BE LOOKING AT. THAT CHOICE IS LINE-X.

LINE-X, which has stayed a market leader for more than 20 years, has been able to do that because of many reasons, most notably because of satisfaction from customers.

According to data from LINE-X, 50 per cent of drop-in liner users switched to spray-on bedliners as their preferred method of truck bed protection.

LINE-X provides durability; aesthetic looking; impact and abrasion protection; installation; and repairable.

And there’s even more good news for people considering their options that should make it easy for you to decide.

LINE-X isn’t just for spray-on truck bedliners - it can be used on just about anything which needs protection. That could range from your boat; trailer; and motorcycle to fire trucks.

“The LINE-X ranges of tough, durable coatings are guaranteed to protect more than just your truck from the harshest elements,” said an information pamphlet

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from the company. “With manufacturing and military applications, LINE-X has you covered.

“We also provide all types of truck accessories, including our exclusive product line, Truck Gear by LINE-X, which is backed by a Lifetime End-to-End Warranty.

LINE-X, which is a nationwide franchise, offers national limited lifetime warranty at its more than 500 locations across North America.

“Because we are a franchise based company, we have strict guidelines and procedures that must be followed when spraying your customer’s truck to consistently ensure the best results,” said LINE-X in their pamphlet. The information pamphlet went on to say that: -Other spray-in bedliner businesses are not required to spray to specific standards and therefore do as they please with no consistency. Their sprayers do this every day – they are highly trained experts with one focus, spraying high quality bedliners and protective coatings.

- LINE-X continues to be the #1 SprayOn Truck Bedliner and has been for over 25 years.

- They have a complete corporate support staff that ensures each LINE-X dealer is applying the latest technology in Polyurea coatings. LINE-X products far exceed the performance of our competitors in

PIERRE LEGERE - LINE-X HALIFAX

strength, abrasion, chemical resistance, and long-lasting durability.

“Whether you are in the market for a bedliner, vehicle accessory or need advanced coating protection – we have the answer,” LINE-X said.

LINE-X Halifax 2823 Robie Street , Halifax 902-455-7877 or visit www.linexhalifax.com.

At The Car Wash

REGISTERED YET CARWASH PEOPLE?

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By Brenda Jane Johnstone

OMEN IN CARWASH CONFERENCE GETS SET TO RAISE THE BAR TO NEW LEVELS. WITH HOT MEDIA SPONSOR CONVENIENCE STORE DECISIONS IN ITS CORNER, FIRST-EVER WOMEN IN INDUSTRY CONFERENCE IS POISED FOR SUCCESS. The first-ever Women in Carwash ™ conference is getting ready to make a serious industry impression when it debuts in Niagara Falls ON, April 29.

This landmark occasion is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated events for the North American carwash sector. Over the past decade the number of women stepping into management and ownership roles in the carwash, convenience store and retail fuel industries has increased significantly. This conference will bring stakeholders together to celebrate this trend, while connecting people to discuss hot-button issues affecting their businesses.

“Carwash sales are among the fastestgrowing segments in the convenience store and petroleum industry in the U.S. market. Convenience Store Decisions is proud to join Convenience & Carwash Canada and the Women in Carwash™ conference as a media partner to recognize the outstanding work women are doing in this field,” said John Lofstock, vice president and editor of Convenience Store Decisions. “The impact of their leadership is driving new sales and profitability across North America.”

The Women in Carwash™ conference

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offers one-day or full conference passes.

We encourage you to come for the entire event and take in cutting-edge educational sessions covering a variety of significant issues you need to know about.

How’s your stress level? What about your employees? Daily stresses can accumulate and manifest in a mix of emotions that are difficult to manage. Whether it’s trying to achieve greater work/life balance, striving to be more in your relationships or feeling the pressure of not having enough self-care in your life, feelings of stress, defeat or anxiety can be alltoo consuming. Our keynote, renowned physician and best-selling author Dr. Peter Hanson, will bring practical, medicallydemonstrated tips and techniques to help you navigate the choices to improve your life and turn stress into positive energy.

How well do you know your brand and what does your logo tell your customers about your business? Contrary to popular belief, branding is not just your logo, website, or marketing collateral. Audience members will leave with an understanding of the true definition of branding that business owners can use to their advantage. By discovering the one idea that an audience buys into, gives way to defining a company’s brand, positioning, story, and ultimately how people connect with that business. It’s quite empowering, and we want you to be a part of this.

How do you deal with conflict? Many of us cringe at the thought of having to engage in conflict or tough negotiations with staff or customers. During the final morning of the Women in Carwash™ conference Gary McDougall, a retired hostage negotiator, will provide you with information relating to how our perceptions, assumptions, and mindset affect our

thoughts, behaviours, and attitudes and ultimately the outcome of our interactions.

Is there one person in your life that you simply don’t get along with? In today’s busy world it’s good to know how to hire people who can mesh with all of your other staff. Ms. Nancy Schmautz will help attendees do just that with a two-part Disc Profiling workshop. For the uninitiated, DISC is a powerful personal assessment tool used by industry leaders to improve team work, communication and workplace productivity.

This DISC profile will help you improve interpersonal communications and connect with your staff, co-workers, owners, management, suppliers and others more effectively. You will leave with a DISC Classic 2.0 booklet and much more.

The first carwash trade show I attended almost two decades ago saw almost 8,000 attendees of which only 200 – yes, that’s right, 200 – were women. They quietly accompanied their husbands and had little to say.

Today, women are almost equal in number to men and are fully engaged with their male peers in industry. The Women in Carwash™ conference will be an event where women and men can share ideas and talk about ways to make their businesses better and how to encourage more young women to get involved.

The Women in Carwash™ conference will be a celebration of how far the carwash industry has come since the “old school days”, and we look forward to celebrating with you.

If you have questions or require additional information, please call me directly at 204-489-4215, email me at bjj@womenincarwash.com or visit www.womenincarwash.com to register online.

Around the Atlantic

NAPA DEALER PONDERS SELFDRIVING CARS AND THE CHANGES IT WILL BRING TO AUTO SUPPLIERS

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By Susan Bradley

EING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS MEANS NO TWO DAYS ARE EVER THE SAME.

“When I leave my house in the morning, I think I have the day planned. Within an hour (or less), pretty much everything can change, says Robert Saunders (photo below), owner of DRS Auto Supplies Ltd. in Woodstock, N.B. On a chilly January day, Saunders spent part of the morning plowing snow, which had just turned to freezing rain by the time he got to work.

The NAPA store, located at 489 Main St., employs 11 people and Saunders is proud of the high level of customer service they provide.

About 80 per cent of the store’s customers are commercial: garage owners, farmers, forestry operations, sawmills and a cement company to name a few.

The other 20 per cent are do-it-yourselfers and walk-ins. That is when customer service skills are really called upon.

“They sometimes come in after being told they need an (automotive) item

so they want to purchase it and put it on themselves. They want information about how to do it and sometimes they are even looking for detailed pictures,” Saunders said.

But it pays off. Saunders said the store has received online praise on social media sites for its knowledgeable staff, fair prices and quality products.

The business, which Saunders bought in 2003 after working there for 13 years, does very well annually.

NAPA rotors, filters, brake pads, chassis parts, paint and automotive chemicals are among the biggest moving items in the business. The store also has three delivery vehicles to transport orders to its customers which are, for the most part, located within a 15-20 mile radius.

Saunders said he is pleased with the NAPA inventory system which streamlines ordering products, and anticipating and tracking sales, and doesn’t leave the store with quantities of unsold items.

“I am glad we are with NAPA, they have quality products and do a good job of branding.” But Saunders said the store struggles with staffing. With fewer young

people, and out migration, “getting them and keeping them is almost impossible.

But we are doing pretty well.” Also on staff are Saunders’ two daughters, one of which works full-time and the other parttime.

He likes the human interaction of operating the NAPA store, and says he isn’t attracted by the world of online commerce focused on filling orders and shipping them out.

Saunders says he is anticipating the changes that self-driving cars will bring to businesses like his. He said NAPA is already preparing for the needs of the new industry. He predicts computers and scanners will emerge as the most important tools in garages by 2025.

Sensors and other sophisticated overlapping technologies will make programming knowledge a necessity.

“It is going to weed out the small, backyard mechanics,” he said.

“They’ll be no more taking out nuts and bolts and replacing something. Even right now . . . with backup cameras, on certain cars it can take up to three hours alone to program.”

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Future Technologies

THE 10 BEST DRIVING APPS OF 2019

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By Carter Hammett

has turned into a “driving experience” and the living has seldom been better.

With a range of services that do everything from help you navigate, identify quality mechanics and even phone calls, there’s something for everyone, and it’s all literally at your fingertips.

So, without further delay, here’s some of our favourite apps to help you get your new year off to a flying start. In no particular order:

HEY COME AT US FAST AND FURIOUS AND NEW IMPROVEMENTS ARE BEING MADE ALL THE TIME ON APPS THAT HELP US IMPROVE THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE. HERE ARE JUST A FEW OF OUR FAVES.

WAZE: When researching apps, one that came up over and over again and received almost unanimous praise, was WAZE. This is a Google-owned app that’s a must for navigation. The app is especially good for improving the driving experience especially through heavy traffic. The app can recommend speed limits, identify short cuts and alternate routes. Crowd-sourced information to report on current traffic conditions. The app also reports accidents, police locations and other obstacles. With

Trying to find the cheapest gas near you? Find it cumbersome trying to keep up with all of your transport expenses?

Maybe you’re a trucker who’s feeling burned out and need to track your health?

The range of apps available is a galaxy unto its own and growing by the minute.

Without question, travelling long distance

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over 100 million installs on Android machines, WAZE is undoubtedly one of the most popular—and useful—apps you can hope to have. Free download that comes with adds. No in-app purchases.

GASBUDDY When we first start reviewing apps about five years ago, one of the more popular and reliable of these was GasBuddy. Five years later and the app is still among our faves, as it has a database of almost every gas station in North America, so you’ll always be able to make a direct beeline to the cheapest petrol station wherever you are (well, in Canada, Australia and the US). Updates are frequent and accurate too and if the app’s claims of an average of $340 are correct, that makes for a happy driver.

PLUGSHARE The rise of the e-vehicle and hybrid equals a corresponding community coming alive online. With over 140,000 charg-

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Future Technologies

ing stations across North America and Europe that are now available through PlugShare’s stunning map, the app also features pictures and reviews of stations as well. It’s pretty much become our fave go-to app for anything green. (App Store, Google)

ALLSTAYS We haven’t forgotten truckers for this article. Allstays is a map app that helps truckers identify the type of rest stop nearest them. Looking for a stop with laundry? No problem. Game room? Got it.

DEF Dispensers? Bring it. Using a superior search feature, the app can even sort by restaurants too

COST PER MILE I always used to joke that grade 10 math was the best three years of my life.

Now, with Cost Per Mile, there’s no more worry about adding things up.

This handy little worker helps you organize all of your business expenses, so you know exactly what your cost per mile is, and hopefully in turn, making a profit in the process.

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WEATHER CHANNEL Another must-have, for the trucker, this free app offers a wide range of weather-related info including visibility, sunset and wind speed. ºModels demonstrate rainfall and other weather indicators. One of the more useful benefits, is the ability to set up Severe Weather Alerts to be forewarned about matters of concern like blizzards and tornadoes and the like. There’s even a sharing feature so you can upload pictures, tweets and more.

TRUCKLOGICS If there was an all-in-one app to be found on this list, TruckLogics is most likely it. You can almost manage all aspects of your trucking business with one application. Equally handy for independent owner-operators as it is for fleet managers, the app has a plethora of offerings that’s hard to beat.

TL helps fleet owners manage dispatches, monitor expenses and send documents. For independents, the app allows you to send documents, make calls and more. Documents are stored in the cloud

allowing you to access them any time from any device. Day-to-day operations can be managed easily and efficiently and there’s even a chat feature which enables you to improve communication with owners, managers and drivers.

REPAIRPAL So you’re having vehicle problems in an unfamiliar city. You have no idea where to access a decent mechanic, let alone one whose trustworthy. RepairPal is a great resource that helps prevent being overcharged. The app collects quotes for the exact repair needed on a specific vehicle. It also helps identify mechanics with good ratings in your area. RepairPal’s a great addition to your phone.

ROLLING STRONG We couldn’t let an app story slide by without sneaking at least one wellness service into the mix. With such an emphasis on wellness and mental health these days Rolling Strong does a good job focusing on nutrition, fitness and sleep. Drivers can fill out an assessment form once they log into the app and almost immediately it be-

gins to compose diet and workout plans as well as completing recommendations for sleep and other elements of wellness.

You can even compete with other drivers who have the mindset as you. Winners can redeem points for rewards. Sweet deal if you ask us.

ANDROID AUTO With a simple interface and easy access so you can switch between calls, GPS

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navigation, media and other functions, it’s hard to beat this free app. It’s got compatibility with over three dozen apps, which makes it versatile. You can use WAZE or other apps for directions, or connect with people through Messenger, Skype, WhatsApp and a multitude of choices. All of them voice activated too. The downside?

Only for Android. Still, this one’s hard to beat. Would you believe it’s estimated that over 197 billion app downloads were

made in 2017 alone? That’s about 25 apps per person around the world in one year!

But it also demonstrates how much people rely on their phones as a source of information, communication, entertainment and efficiency among other uses.

Rest assured new apps will come along and improve on the current offerings, and that’s part of the excitement of the driving experience.

We wait with baited breath.

Atlantic Racing News

SYDNEY OVAL SOLD! LOCAL BUSINESSMAN BUYS CB RACE TRACK STOCK CAR RACING WILL RETURN TO CAPE BRETON ISLAND IN 2019.

BY Tim Terry

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R EG DOW E OF BEDFORD, NOVA SCOTIA, HAS PURCHASED WHAT WAS MOST RECE NTLY KNOWN AS CAPE BRETON MINERS MEMORIAL SPEEDWAY FROM BILL VASIL. The quarter mile oval has a rich history within the stock car racing community, dating back to 1976. The track was purchased in 2014 by Bill and Lynne Vasil after sitting idle since 2010. The Vasils operated the track until the end of 2016, when it was listed for sale.

Dowe is a successful businessman and has a passion for stock car racing. When he is not overseeing Provincial Pavement Markings (PPM Inc.), he can usually be found at a race track somewhere in North America. When he is not behind the wheel of a car himself, Dowe turns wrenches on cars for his son Dylan and daughter Brooke in the Bandolero division. Both have seen success behind the wheel with Brooke racing to the 2017 Scotia Speed-

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world Beginner Bandolero championship.

Greg has also supported numerous race teams through PPM Inc. as a marketing partner.

In 2019, Dowe will add track owner to his list of growing roles within the racing industry. It is something that only recently came to mind with the track in Cape Breton for sale.

“This sport has a rich history on Cape Breton Island and we are excited to write our own chapter this summer,” said Dowe on the purchase of the Grand Lake Road speedway. “With our travels, we’ve found that with more tracks to race on it makes for a better season. Some teams like to travel and enjoy the different atmospheres at different tracks and in different regions.

The race track itself is a driver’s race track, you have to get up on the wheel and work every lap. As a race fan, I am looking forward to seeing the green flag fly again in Sydney.”

While several upgrades were made to the facility in the last three years it operated, there are still a number of areas that need attention. Among those that Dowe has indicated will be addressed include the aging racing surface, grandstands on both sides of the track, the race control tower and a technical inspection area.

With his construction company, PPM Inc.,

he hopes to have the facility race ready by the end of June.

With facility upgrades planned along with working with other race tracks and touring series, a three to five race schedule is currently being organized with the first event anticipated for July. Divisions have not been announced at this time, but fans can expect the return of Legend cars and the debut of the Bandolero division at the Sydney oval this Summer. Additional events outside of stock car racing are also being explored. A new track name and branding will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

As with any new business, new roles will have to be filled. Dowe is now searching for a track/event manager and advertising coordinator, among other roles to be filled.

“I do not necessarily want to run or manage the track at this time in my life,” said Dowe. “With owning multiple business, my spare time is limited. For this season to be called a success, I would like to see three to five events and build from there. Hopefully I can find some others to come aboard if we want to look at expanding the schedule.”

All inquiries regarding the Sydney race track can be directed to Greg Dowe at greg@sydneyspeedway.ca.

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Industryand News Dollars Sense

REPORT: AUTO INSURANCE RATES HAVE RISEN CONSIDERABLY ACROSS CANADA IN THE PAST YEAR RATES REACH NEW PEAKS IN ALBERTA AND ATLANTIC CANADA, INCREASING 10.05% AND 3.75% IN Q4

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OWESTRATES.CA, AN ONLINE RECOMMENDATION SITE FOR PERSONAL FINANCE PRODUCTS LIKE INSURANCE, MORTGAGES, LOANS AND CREDIT CARDS, RELEASED ITS Q4 2018 AUTO INSURANCE PRICE INDEX, WHICH USES PROPRIETARY DATA TO TRACK THE AVERAGE COST OF CAR INSURANCE IN CANADA EACH QUARTER.

Report: Auto insurance rates have risen considerably across Canada in the past year (CNW Group/LowestRates.ca) The report found rates in Alberta are up 10.05% in Q4 when compared to the same time last year — the steepest increase in the country. Ontario saw an annual increase of 1.7% and Atlantic Canada saw a climb of 3.75%.

“For drivers, it’s likely no surprise that auto insurance costs continue to increase as rates have been rising steadily for over a year now,” said Justin Thouin, co-founder and CEO of LowestRates.ca. “While rate changes are influenced by a number of external factors, it’s important for drivers to understand that while some insurers are raising rates, others may be lowering theirs.

Insurance companies raise rates when their costs rise. And not all companies experience the same costs. That’s why it’s important to compare online to ensure you’re being charged a competitive rate.”

BREAKDOWN BY SEX: ONTARIO Men are paying 0.67% more than in Q4 2017 Women are paying 4.68% more than in Q4 2017

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Men are paying 9.49% more than in Q4 2017 Women are paying 11.13% more than in Q4 2017

ATLANTIC CANADA Men are paying 2.88% more than in Q4 2017 Women are paying 5.70% more than in Q4 2017 Prices fell in Ontario on a quarterly basis While it’s important to look at auto insurance prices on an annualized basis to smooth out seasonal volatility, the data did show that prices in Ontario fell for the first time since 2017 on a quarterly basis. Prices in the province were down 5.63% from Q3 to Q4. Alberta and Atlantic Canada, on the other hand, saw an increase of 4.2% and 1.95%, respectively, on a quarterly basis.

The decline in Ontario premiums shows the value of comparing auto insurance prices online. While the average quoted premium for LowestRates.ca users in Ontario declined 5.63% in the fourth quarter, that was less than the amount insurers were approved to raise rates. The Financial Services Commission of Ontario, which regulates auto insurance in the province, approved insurance providers for an average 3.35% rate hike in Q4 2018.

How does the Auto Insurance Price Index Report work?

The index works by looking at the lowest auto insurance rates available on LowestRates.ca each quarter, getting an average and then comparing it to past quarters. A benchmark quarter, in this case Q1 2018, is used to create a baseline (a reading of 100) for the index. Each point on the index above or below 100 represents a roughly 1% change in prices. For instance, a 105 index reading would mean the price has increased by 5% since Q1 2018.

Each market has seen the following increases on LowestRates. ca’s Auto Insurance Price Index: Ontario increased from 100 on the index at the end of Q1 2018 to 101 at the end of Q4 2018 Alberta increased from 100 on the index at the end of Q1 2018 to 107 at the end of Q4 2018 Atlantic Canada increased from 100 on the index at the end of Q1 2018 to 105 at the end of Q4 2018 Why do rates increase?

Insurance rate increases are directly related to costs incurred by providers. For instance, if the number of claims rises in a given quarter for one insurer, they’ll increase their premiums, even if other insurers lower their own prices. There are several trends right now that may contribute to these increases, including a higher number of distracted driving accidents, the rising cost of new vehicle repairs, and fraud. The LowestRates.ca Auto Insurance Price Index tracks the percentage change in the average car insurance quote received by individual drivers insuring only one vehicle in either Ontario, Alberta or Atlantic Canada.

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY ADVERTISER

PHONE

Adams Car Wash

1-902-497-7260

adams.carwash@ns.sympatico.ca 21

Atlantic Autowash

1-506-459-8878

Cabot Shipping

1-800-565-0606

Dunphy’s Mobile Wash 1-902-210-7279

INTERNET

aautowash@nb.aibn.com

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Fleet Brake Atlantic

1-902.468.1396

fleetbrake.com

Ideal Equipment Ltd

1-506-458-9322

idealequipmentltd.com

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Johnstone Media Inc

1-204-489-4215

convenienceandcarwash.com

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Krown Halifax

1-888-545-7878

krownhalifax.com

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Krown Rust HQ

1-800-267-5744

krown.com

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Line-X Halifax

1-902-446-4006

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Maritime Auto Parts 1-800-565-7278

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Maritime Pro Stock Tour 1-902-873-2277

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MacLellan & Moffatt 1-888-893-0508

mmgc.ca

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Maritime Car Wash

1-902-861-4747

NAPA Auto Parts

1-800-263-2111

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NLS

1-800-465-0500

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NGK Spark Plugs

1-877-2-SPARKY

ngksparkplugs.ca

Parts For Trucks

1-800-565-4700

ll partsfortrucks.com

Prime Lift / MJS

1-866-461-1045

mjsholdings@ns.aliantzinc.ca

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Uni-Select (BtoB)

1-506-857-8150

uni-selectcanada.com

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Qué-mont

1-800-361-1932

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Rotary Lifts

1-866-461-1045

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Rust Check

1-888-RUSTIES

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Traction Truck Parts

1-506-857-8840

WCB of NS 1-800-870-3331

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PETTY RACEWAY UNVEILS 2019 RACING SCHEDULE

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UE TO A SCHEDULING CONFLICT WITH ANOTHER MAJOR STOCK CAR EVENT IN THE REGION ON LABOUR DAY WEEKEND, THE PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED EVENT ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 31ST HAS BEEN MOVED TO SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7TH.

The Legend division has also been added to the four day Summer Shootout event from Thursday, August 1st to Sunday, August 4th. The division will run 30-lap features each day.

Expanded schedule includes 16 stock car racing cards over 11 weekends. Petty International Raceway is excited to unveil their racing schedule for the 2019 season. This year’s racing schedule will see various motorsports events on 13 weekends from May to September, making the 2019 season one of the biggest since the track re-opened in 2011.

The 2019 schedule at the River Glade, New Brunswick oval kicks into high gear on the Victoria Day Long Weekend in May. The Saturday, May 18th card will feature the opening event for both the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour and the East Coast Mini Stock Tour along with the house Late Model Sportsman and Street Stock divisions. This is the second straight season the Maritimes top Late Model touring series has opened their season at Petty International Raceway. The 2019 Season Opener at Petty International Raceway is slated for a 4pm start.

The Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour will return twice more following the May opener. The Series will contest a 150-lap feature on Saturday, July 13th and headline the 55th River Glade International with a 200-lap main event on Saturday, August 24th.

Both the July and August race cards with the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour will include support from the Maritime League of Legends Tour and the house Mini Stock and Bandolero divisions. All support classes on the three Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour events will contest features only.

The River Glade International Weekend will open on Friday, August 23rd with an extended distance, 100-lap Late Model Sportsman feature. The Petty International Raceway Street Stock and Mini Stock classes will race on the undercard during the opening night for the 55th running of the prestigious event.

The 55th River Glade International and the Sixth Annual Mike Stevens Memorial will be double header weekends for race fans with racing on both Friday and Saturday. The Sixth Annual Mike Stevens Memorial weekend will serve as the final weekend of racing at Petty International Raceway for 2019. Friday, September 20th will see the Atlantic Modified Tour, Street Stock, Mini Stock, Bandoleros and Women on Wheels open the weekend. Saturday, September 21st will see the Super Late Models (Pro Stocks), Late Model Sportsman, Legends and Bandoleros race for their shot at the checkered flag on this finale weekend. Of note, all Petty International Raceway house divisions will crown their point champions on the Mike Stevens Memorial weekend in September.

Crossword Contest

CROSSWORD (ANSWERS IN THE NEXT AUTO & TRUCKING ATLANTIC)

JANUARY 2019 WINNER!

Kathy Irving, of Summerside, PEI, is our latest Crossword Puzzle winner!

Congratulations on winning your new Rust Check package of goodies. Deadline for entry is March 15th, 2019

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IT’S SO EASY TO WIN!

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CROSSWORD BY MURRAY JACKSON - THECROSSWORDGUY.COM

YOU COULD WIN THIS SWAG BAG OF GOODIES FROM RUST CHECK THAT INCLUDES A JACKET, BALL CAP, TOUQUE AND TWO RUST CHECK PROTECTION PRODUCTS. ENTER WITH YOUR CORRECT PUZZLE ENTRY, AND IT COULD BE ALL YOURS!

16 Fill out info below and fax your crossword to us in Halifax, NS at: 902-423-3354, or mail us: 51 Bethany Way, Halifax, NS B3S 1H6, or Email us at: rob@autoatlantic.com NAME:

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1. Western Star driver’s oasis (5,4) 6. Racer’s service station 8. The final Olds 9. Toyota model since the ‘60s 10. Swimmer’s breathing device, perhaps 11. Roof rack watercraft 12. Cape Breton’s ____ Colours musicfest 14. Grassy highway divider 17. Mr. Musk’s electric car 19. ‘78 Dodge Li’l Red ____ Truck 22. “The Munsters” coffin car 23. Showroom haggler’s focus 24. Once around the track 25. Certain USA toll highways

1. Drag strip timing lights 2. Recyclable lube bay liquid (4,3) 3. Ominous engine sound 4. Angler’s gear, collectively 5. Carrera company 6. Orange traffic diverter 7. Frequent new-car deal factor (5,2) 12. Halifax national historic site 13. Frobisher Bay’s current name 15. Zamboni driver’s workplace (3,4) 16. ‘50s Chevrolet full-size (3,3) 18. ‘71-’76 Valiant variant 20. Early Miata headlight type (3,2) 21. Snowmobiles, slangily

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NAPA Guess & Win contest

NAPA GUESS & WIN! BROUGHT TO YOU BY

M

ovie fans, it’s dejavu time again! Maybe you can name what this beast is, or anything more about this famous on-screen film car. Details please and a FREE Stanley 1/4” and 3/8” Drive SAE 123pc Socket Set from NAPA is all yours! The more the better!

Send in your answer at autoatlantic.com/Contest.htm or Fax us at: 902-423-3354, and make sure to include your name, town and province and telephone number. Maybe this time it’ll be you! Deadline for entry is March 15th, 2019.

Congratulations to Lonny Curry of Falmouth, NS who correctly answered that the vehicle in the photo is a Delorean DMC, produced from 1981-83 in Belfast, NI. About 9000 cars were produced, including a famous example used in ‘Back to the Furure’.

Thank you to all who entered our contest, you could be next!

YOUR NAME: DAYTIME PHONE: CITY / TOWN / VILLAGE: PROVINCE: EMAIL: YOUR ANSWER:

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