September 2018 Auto & Trucking Atlantic

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STARTING THE DIALOGUE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND TRUCKING

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EDITOR’S LETTER – With marijuana legislation set to come down the proverbial pipe, does your company have the right policies in place to address the issue?

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EDITOR Carter Hammett carter@autoatlantic.com

NIGHT RIDE HOME – Trucking’s dirty little secret is finally being discussed. It’s about time. By Carter Hammett

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NEW AFTERMARKET DEMANDS A “RE AND RE” OF THE BUSINESS. Bob Greenwood argues that old school businesses are struggling to hold on because they lack “business focus.” Learn more, here.

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2018 UNI-SELECT MEMBERS CONVENTION IN NEW BRUNSWICK – The Algonquin Resort serves as brilliant host to another successful convention…which just happens to coincide with certain association’s Big 5-0.

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LAKE DOUCETTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY A HIDDEN GEM IN MARITIME RACING – Tim Terry says “if you build it, they will come.” They did and they do.

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NEWS OF THE WEIRD – Eye glasses that fight motion sickness? Fish that keep your car on track? And that dang sloppy yogurt thang …

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QUALITY AND RELIABILITY BROUGHT FORMER BANKER INTO NAPA FAMILY Susan Bradley writes the quality of automotive products can be most apparent in areas where the reliabiity of a vehicle is crucial.

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Letter from the Editor

MARIJUANA AND TRUCKING: A HAZY SHADE OF WEED

F

By Carter Hammett

ASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS: IT’S GONNA BE A BUMPY RIDE. OCTOBER 17 IS THE TARGET DATE THAT CANADIANS CAN START TO FREELY CONSUME WEED WITHOUT FEAR OF CRIMINAL PENALTIES. Although its arrival is late, Bill C-45 makes Canada only the second country in the world to legalize wacky tobacky, after Uruguay which came around in 2013.

Canada is also the first G-7 country to implement these types of laws.

Bill C-45 leaves it up to the provinces to decide how to market the product.

As expected, a wide array of strategies abound. Ontario for example, will distribute Mary Jane through provincially-run outlets, while Alberta has chosen to open up the private sector for marriage-ya-wanna sales.

The feds have established a minimum age of 18 to buy marijuana, although some provinces have stated that that age will be raised to 19 to mirror liquor-purchase

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laws. Distributing marijuana to minors will be considered an offence.

The long-awaited bill fulfills a Liberal promise made in 2015 to move an illicit market into a regulated framework.

Under the bill, Canadians will be allowed to: purchase fresh or dried cannabis, cannabis oil, plants and seeds for cultivation from either a provincially or territorially regulated retailer, or — where this option is not available — directly from a federally licensed producer; possess up to 30 grams of dried legal cannabis or its equivalent in public; share up to 30 grams (or its equivalent) of legal cannabis and legal cannabis products with other adults; cultivate up to four plants at home (four plants total per household); and prepare varying types of cannabis products (e.g., edibles) at home for personal use provided that no dangerous organic solvents are used in the process.

Closer to home, a recent survey suggested that only about 22 per cent of Nova Scotians were expected to “need the weed” while NS dispensary owners have no plans to go away quietly, citing a “gap

in access” for medical marijuana users.

But there’s another, perhaps more pressing question to ask: what will the impact be on the trucking and transport sector?

Several provinces have already made their positions clear: zero tolerance while operating a vehicle and increased penalties for driving under the influence.

Earlier this summer Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau stated that the feds were working to secure policies to address marijuana use in the workplace.

Furthermore, there’s also human rights, occupational health and safety standards and privacy issues that have yet to be worked out.

Another sticking point is that, as of this writing, there’s currently no roadside test that determines if a driver is actually impaired, although there is an oral fluid test to identify the presence of weed in a driver’s system.

The legislation also means that companies that don’t have clearly stated policies relating to drugs and alcohol should get the lead out and move forward on the issue. This is an subject that has to be clearly communicated especially as it relates to workplace performance and standards.

Employers should bear in mind that illness linked to drug and alcohol abuse already costs Canadian companies a whopping $39 billion annually. Therefore it’s imperative that policies recognizing addiction as a disability are implemented by HR departments.

Addiction very often goes hand-in-hand with mental health, and that’s the lead story this issue. I want to personally thank all those who took time to share their stories and insights with me for this particular piece. It means a lot: You are helping to open doors on a subject that’s long been taboo and laced with stigma.

My hope is that if this story helps to motivate even one trucker into recognizing they have an issue and seeking help, we’ve made a contribution.

Let’s start that conversation: Now.

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NIGHT RIDE HOME STARTING THE DIALOGUE ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH AND TRUCKING

By Carter Hammett

ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

LITTLE BY LITTLE THE WALLS OF STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HE ALTH ARE STARTING TO CRUMBLE. PEOPLE ARE STARTING TO OPEN UP AND TALK ABOUT SOME OF THE RUDE REALITIES THAT EXIST WITHIN THE TRUCKING SECTOR. SOMETIMES THE WORDS STING. THAT MEANS THE HEALING HAS BEGUN. PART TWO IN A TWO-PART SERIES ON MENTAL HEALTH AND TRUCKING PUTS A HUMAN FACE ON A TOUGH SUBJECT. WE HOPE IT MAKES A CONTRIBUTION.

That “dark spot” was eventually diagnosed as depression and it’s a condition that’s likely more pervasive then people in the trucking and transport industries like to admit. Despite the disproportionately higher rates of mental illness present in the trucking industry people still fall prey to the stigma associated with being something “less than.”

Despite the presence of national programs like Bell Let’s Talk Day and national training programs offered by everyone from the Canadian Mental Health Association to The Mental Health Commission of Canada, mental illness remains the proverbial elephant in the room: everyone knows it’s there but nobody wants to discuss it.

Time to change that.

The statistics are nothing short of startling. And in a workplace context, the figures are downright alarming. During any random week more than 500,000—a half-million people, folks—Canadians will miss work because of some kind of mental health issue.

The standard figure usually given is that one-in-five Canadians, or 20 percent of the population is living with some form of mental illness today.

Those are fairly large numbers. But what do they mean exactly? First, let’s start with a working definition of what exactly “mental health” is before driving these numbers home.

Although definitions of mental health vary widely, this article centers on a workplace context, so we’ve chosen to use the definition offered by The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (www. ccohs.ca), which defines “mental health” as “a state of well-being in which a person understands his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.

“Both physical and mental health are the result of a complex interplay between many individual and environmental factors, including: family history of illness and disease/ genetics lifestyle and health behaviours (e.g.,

When Gerald Burley finally decided to do something about his issue he realized he was quite possibly at the worst stage of his life.

Over the years He’d experienced a string of self-destructive relationships with enablers, had experienced binge drinking and through much of that time was living with a feeling of just being “down.”

Looking back, the 56-year-old Haligonian trucker “always suspected there were issues” he says, but couldn’t readily identify what those issues were or what they meant.

“I went through a down time for about two years where I didn’t go out or do much of anything,” he says. “I was just existing.”

Although Burley denies feeling suicidal, he does admit that he felt “really down” and “going through the worst circumstances of his life,” especially after he tried quitting smoking.

“I had a good job, career,” he says.

“I thought I was happy and just going through a dark spot. That’s the only way I can describe it.”

smoking, exercise, substance use) levels of personal and workplace stress exposure to toxins exposure to trauma personal life circumstances and history access to supports (e.g., timely healthcare, social supports) coping skills “When the demands placed on someone exceed their resources and coping abilities, their mental health will be negatively affected. Two examples of common demands are: i) working long hours under difficult circumstances, and ii) caring for a chronically ill relative. Economic hardship, unemployment, underemployment and poverty also have the potential to harm mental health.

Conversely, “mental illness” is a recognized, medically diagnosable illness that results in the significant impairment of an individual’s cognitive, affective or relational abilities. Mental disorders result from biological, developmental and/or psychosocial factors and can be managed using approaches comparable to those applied to physical disease (i.e., prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation).”

According to a 2016 federal report: Psychological health problems and illnesses are the number one cause of disability in Canada.

Psychological health problems cost the Canadian economy ~$51 billion per year, $20 billion of which results from work-related causes.

47% of working Canadians consider their work to be the most stressful part of daily life.

Psychological health problems affect mid-career workers the most, lowering the productivity of the Canadian workforce.

Only 23% of Canadian workers would feel comfortable talking to their employer about a psychological health issue.

Now let’s bring the subject a little bit closer to home and look at the nature of the trucking industry.

A 2016 joint webinar presented by The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and Trucking HR Canada (THRC) revealed that approximately two-thirds by value, of Canada’s trade to the US is

Truckers Corner

moved by truck. A staggering 400,000 people are employed in the sector including approximately 300,000 commercial vehicle operators.

Drivers are widely considered a vulnerable population with an unacceptably higher risk of injury, disease and mortality –Higher rates of obesity, diabetes, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and drug addiction than the average individual –Mental health issues play off physical health issues and vice versa. Not surprisingly, occupational stress is highest among longhaul drivers.

There’s also a variety of risk factors that come into play in the industry as well.

Some of these include, time pressures, loneliness, boredom, financial pressures, and being away from home for extended periods of time. Compounding this are additional stressors like uncertain driving conditions, fatigue, road rage, dangers around truck stops and violence and the risk of psychological issues increases, as does the risk for unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse and unhealthy sexual behaviours.

There’s a couple of other variables that

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contribute to the stress of driving and one of these is the fact high injury rate associated with the profession. A 2012 study by the US-based Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration revealed that one-third of all drivers would be involved in an accident at some point in their careers.

One more element is cause for concern. According MHCC, the average age of a Canadian trucker is 47 years old. By the age of 40, more than half the population have, or will experience a mental illness.

When you realize the sobering fact that many drivers are absent from their homes and support systems for long periods of time, accessing psychological support seems rather unlikely.

In an industry where 97% of the workers are men, and that sector is largely seen as “hyper-masculine,” female truckers are at a distinct disadvantage says Ellen Voie of Women in Trucking, a United Statesbased agency that promotes the participation of women in transportation.

“I see a lot of anger from drivers,”she says via email. “They seem to feel victimized and lash out because of it. For example, on Facebook they swear at one

another, call each other names and use it to humiliate others. I see it on Twitter as well, as people seem to feel the need to denigrate others. It’s sad that social media is used to harm others (doesn’t sound very social, does it?)

“I also think there is a higher level of loneliness with the driver community.

They are often alone for so many hours, they have a lot of time to think and if they are focusing on negative situations, it only makes matters worse.

“It’s hard for drivers to be away from their family and friends for extended periods of time. Also, a lot of interaction drivers have with their companies is not always positive. They are reprimanded if they are late or don’t complete their paperwork on time. They don’t have the good interactions as often as the bad ones, so it makes it seem as if no one is supporting them. They also have so many regulations that govern their life, from hours of service to cameras and satellite tracking devices, they are always being monitored.”

Burley concurs. “In the trucking industry you get it from both ends,” he says.

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Truckers Corner

“The dispatcher typically has a stack of 200 envelopes of work that needs to be done. They don’t care what the weather is, nor does anyone else, including the enduser. They’re just expecting a delivery and don’t care about the weather. All they care about is, you’re late.”

Burley points out that longhaul truckers have it the worst. “You could be on a route from Mississauga to Halifax and your phone rings. It’s your wife and she’s crying that your kid’s in the hospital or the water tank broke. All that stuff from home comes with us,” he says.

There are some elements that occur on the road people don’t often talk about.

One of these is suicide. A trucker will be driving along a stretch of highway when a suicidal driver in an oncoming vehicle decides to ram into the truck in a suicide attempt. They are often successful. People have been known to jump from overpasses into the oncoming path of a truck.

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THE S-WORD

ily?”

The answer to that can be summed up in one word, says Linda Corkum: Stigma.

Corkum, executive director of the Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association (NSTSA) says that her association’s main goal is trying to get people talking.

“We’re trying to break down barriers in a male-dominated industry and get people speaking about the subject,” she says.

But too often drivers who do want to talk about their struggles are met with phrases like, “suck it up” or “deal with it.”

And unfortunately there’s lots of “small-tomedium sized companies that don’t have

So, with all the facts squarely on the table, why does the sector seem to stay mum on how to assist their “trucking fam-

medical plans or employee assistance programs to support their employees; that’s part of it,” she says.

Others will walk along the side of a highway and throw themselves in front of the truck. One can only imagine the stress caused to the driver.

Drivers involved in this type of incident whether as a participant or even witness can be triggered into a state of stress and anxiety which can lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among others. And absence from any support systems for weeks at a time may deter then from seeking help to cope with these issues, which can compound over time or manifest as unhealthy behaviours.

Truckers Corner

In response to some of these absences, NSTSA offers a training program called The Working Mind. Based on the Mental Health Continuum Model, The Working Mind is an evidence-based education program designed to address and promote mental health and reduce the stigma of mental illness in a workplace setting. The program is offered in two formats, a fullday option geared towards managers and supervisors and a half-day version aimed at workers.

The program—which includes some cognitive behavioural approaches--aims to reduce the stigma of mental illness, while increasing awareness of mental health and offers resources to maintain positive health and resiliency. Overall, the goals of the program includes improving the productivity of employees while encouraging employees to seek help for mental health issues .

The progam also teaches selfmanagement skills.

“Through the mental health program, there’s certain techniques truckers can use to manage their situations,” says Corkum. “For example if they were in a situation where they saw a collision they could try a breathing technique where they hold their breath for several seconds. It’s a calming activity they can use while driving.

You can also do it in everyday life.”

Another element the program creates is a “framework where truckers can express themselves in a comprehensible manner, that’s safe and people understand.” The framework is organized around colour with each colour representing a varying degree of wellness, from healthy to ill. For example, a trucker might say ‘I’m feeling yellow today,’ and people will understand, says Corkum.

THE OTHER S-WORD: SOLUTIONS “Supervisors need to know how to talk to the driver,” says Corkum. “How do you have that difficult conversation? They need to recognize the signs and symptoms that show up.

“We’re making a real difference in the industry,” she says.

But that’s not the only tool available to assist workplaces. Companies are start14

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ing to wake up and see mental health as a very real issue and offers solutions to help supervisors and workers alike. Earlier this year, The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety redesigned an online toolkit to help workplaces take action on psychological health and safety.

The toolkit, Guarding Minds at Work (www.guardingmindsatwork.ca), is designed to “ assess and address psychological health and safety in the workplace and is available to all employers in the public or private sector at no cost. The tool provides employers with an eight-step process to conduct a thorough audit of their organi-

zat ion’s mental health using work sheet s, surveys and reports that evaluate psychosocial risk factors in the workplace.

“The tool offers human resource professionals, managers, supervisors, union representatives, and small or mid-sized business owners a practical resource to focus on psychological health and safety in their workplace, undertake appropriate interventions, and measure the effectiveness of their actions. Guarding Minds at Work can also be used to help organizations as they implement the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace.

Developed by the Mental Health Com-

mission of Canada, The Standard is a set of voluntary guidelines, tools and resources intended to guide organizations in promoting mental health and preventing psychological harm at work. The first of its kind in the world, the Standard provides a framework to help all types of organizations guide their efforts with productivity, financial performance, risk management, organizational recruitment and employee retention. For more information on accessing the standard, visit https://www. mentalhealthcommission.ca/English/national-standard On March 19 of this year, while this story was being written, Trucking HR Canada announced a new project: Trucking HR Canada, with support from the Ontario provincial government, announced a new project focused on mental health in the trucking and logistics sector.

Spanning two years, the new initiative will work to increase understanding among trucking and logistics employers on the importance of psychological health in the workplace; and, develop practical and relevant resources and tools to support employers in addressing employee mental health.

“Mental health in the workplace is an important, emerging priority among trucking and logistics employers,” said Angela Splinter, CEO of Trucking HR Canada. “This project enables us to focus on the development of tools tailored to the needs of trucking and logistics’ employers in supporting workers dealing with mental health issues.”

Gerald Burley was lucky. Entering the field a decade ago, he landed a trucking job that kept most of his deliveries local, thereby avoiding issues often experienced by long-haul counterparts. However, he still struggles with depression on a daily basis, yet no longer takes medication to manage it.

“It’s not always about a pill,” he says.

“You have to find the right combination of factors. I’m not a believer in western medicine. For me, food is medicine and I manage my condition through a combina-

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Truckers Corner

tion of diet, exercise, mind set, thoughts and smiling. I have my music and my pets.

“Everyday I do something to help myself. I listen to my music or sometimes I sit here in absolute silence, or I’ll use essential oils and aromatherapy. This is the way I meditate. We all have to find what works for us.”

“Companies have to get staff trained

to recognize changes in people,” he says. “ We need to start those conversations with people, ask questions like, how are you doing today?

A simple question like that might actually save someone’s life.

RESOURCES

TruckingTruth.com provides a positive, yet honest view of the trucking industry with

friendly advice from experienced drivers. Of particular interest are the driver blogs. www. truckingtruth.com National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace www. csa.ca/z1003 Assembling the Pieces -An Implementation Guide to the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace www.csa.ca/z1003 Mental Health First Aid Training www. mentalhealthcommission.ca/MHFA Healthy Trucker is a community of drivers, trucking companies and industry partners interested in creating a road to a healthier lifestyle for drivers: www.healthytrucker. com. The Healthy Trucker provides tips for life on the road and the truck driving lifestyle: www.thehealthytrucker.net/lifestyle ‘Driver Health’ News Category of The Trucking Networkprovides articles to support the physical health and wellness of drivers: http://thetruckingnetwork.ca/category/driverhealth/ Smart-Trucking.com provides drivers with a range of resources including tips on maintaining mental health while on the road: www.smarttrucking.com/tips-forgood-mental-health.htl. Bell Let’s Talk: https://letstalk.bell.ca/en/ is a wide-reaching, multi-year program designed to break the silence around mental illness and support mental health all across Canada.

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East Coast Road Report

ATLANTIC ROAD REPORT BITS AND PIECES OF NEWS YOU CAN USE GLEANED FROM THE ATLANTIC NEW BRUNSWICK

Investment of $15 million in roads in the Grand Falls region The provincial government will invest more than $15 million in transportation infrastructure projects in the Grand Falls region this year, as part of its 2018-19 capital budget.

“Strategic investments in transportation infrastructure help stimulate the economy and create jobs for New Brunswickers,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “As part of our multi-year economic growth plan, we are focusing on creating the right environment for job creation and economic development to occur.”

Projects in the Grand Falls region this year include repairing the Saint-Léonard/ Van Buren International Bridge, paving on sections of Route 17 and Route 108 and chip seal on sections of Back California Road, Diamond Road, Lane Road, LeBel Road, Ouellette Road, Third Tier Road and

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Violette Station Road.

“These projects will greatly improve travel in this region and create employment opportunities for local residents,” said Victoria-La Vallee MLA Chuck Chiasson. “I am proud to be part of a government that recognizes the importance of rural roads.”

Chiasson attended for Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Bill Fraser.

Under the Municipal Designated Highway Program, the provincial government will fund the paving of a 1.1 kilometre section of Route 108 in Drummond, a 500-metre section of Route 17 in SaintLéonard and a one kilometre section of Route 255 in Saint-André. In Grand Falls, the province will share the cost of paving a 1.2 kilometre section of Tobique Road, along with the installation of storm sewer, curb and gutters, with the municipality.

The program allows municipalities to apply for funding assistance for capital up-

grade projects. Funding for the Municipal Designated Highway Program has more than doubled since the 2014-15 fiscal year, increasing to $25 million in 2015. It has remained at that level as part of a government commitment to sustain funding for municipalities.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s $688.2 million capital budget reflects the government’s priority of investing strategically in its buildings, highways and bridges. Strategic investments in infrastructure are a key component of the multi-year New Brunswick Economic Growth Plan, the province’s framework for growing the economy and creating jobs.

NEWFOUNDLAND

The following statement was given May 3 in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Transportation and Works:

Minister Crocker Provides Update on Provincial Roads Plan Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to update Newfoundlanders and Labradorians about the steps our government is taking to improve highway infrastructure in our province.

In February, the Department of Transportation and Works updated its provincial roads plan that outlines road projects over the next five years.

Our approach has been praised by the Heavy Civil Association of Newfoundland and Labrador as a way for contractors to plan their expenditures, plan their work and keep Newfoundlanders and Labradorians working in the province.

The plan allows us to take better advantage of our short construction season through early tendering, which leads to more competitive bidding and ultimately better value for taxpayers.

Mr. Speaker, this approach to transportation infrastructure delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation, operate a more efficient public sector, and deliver better services and outcomes for residents.

I’m happy to report that tenders for 29 of the projects identified in the five-year provincial road plan have already closed, enabling contractors to hit the ground running as soon as the asphalt plants open in the coming weeks.

We’ve also taken steps to improve our summer maintenance activities. We know our municipalities have concerns about highway infrastructure in and near their communities. Earlier this week, I wrote all municipalities in the province, asking them to identify the infrastructure issues, such as potholes, guiderails and highway shoulders that are most important to them.

Mr. Speaker, we anticipate a busy road construction season ramping up in the coming weeks. While we take great pride in our provincial roads plan, we must stress that our top priority is the safety of motorists and our crews. We remind motorists to be patient and drive slowly and cautiously in all road construction zones.

“Nova Scotians are on our roads every day and we want to hear what they have to say as we develop the new act and regulations,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Lloyd Hines. “The existing act was written in the early 1900s and we need to modernize our laws. We want the new act to be more flexible and responsive.”

The new act, expected to be intro-

duced in the Nova Scotia legislature this fall, governs and regulates the registration and identification of motor vehicles and the use of provincial highways and roads.

This includes driver’s licences, the registration and inspection of vehicles, traffic laws and equipment standards.

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Governments of Canada and PEI

NOVA SCOTIA

Province Proposing New Traffic Safety Act The Nova Scotia government is planning to replace the Motor Vehicle Act with a new Traffic Safety Act. Nova Scotians will have a chance to provide feedback.

One of the first areas being updated are rules of the road, including distracted driving, speed limits and bicycling. september 2018

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East Coast Road Report

invest in safer and more efficient roadways Modern and efficient roadways are crucial to encouraging and supporting economic activity, facilitating trade, and creating well-paid, middle class jobs. The governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island are investing in infrastructure that will make it easier and safer to move people and products across the province, while supporting sustained economic growth for years to come.

The Honourable Lawrence MacAuley, Member of Parliament for Cardigan and Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; and the Honourable Paula Biggar, Prince Edward Island Minister of Transportation, Infrastructure and Energy, today announced joint federal-provincial support of over $7.9 million for a series of road improvements across the Province.

The Government of Canada is contributing more than $3.6 million through the New Building Canada Fund. The Province of Prince Edward Island will provide the remainder of funding.

The work will include resurfacing, widening, and adding roundabouts at locations across PEI’s National Highway System, National Roads and Community Connectors.

Today’s event also marks the completion of a number of previously announced projects that are contained in the PEI National Regional Projects Umbrella Agreement, with a total federal investment of over $14.9 million for roadway improvements.

These improvements increase safety, provide greater travel efficiency, and will extend the use of PEI roadways for decades to come.

“The province’s National Highway System, and National Roads and Community Connectors, are integral to the safe and efficient transportation of people and goods.

We are committed to working in collaboration with our partners and showing flexibility to their regional needs. Our decision to add eligibility criteria to our infrastructure programs allowed for projects like the ones we are announcing today to happen for Islanders,” said Lawrence MacAulay Member of Parliament for Cardigan and Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities.

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Bob’s Business Development

NEW AFTERMARKET DEMANDS A “RE & RE” OF THE BUSINESS

S

By Bob Greenwood

TUDIES OF THE INDEPENDENT SECTOR OF THE AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET INDUSTRY ARE CONFIRMING THAT INDEPENDENT SHOPS ARE LOSING THE STRUGGLE TO RETAIN THE CONSUMERS’ ON-GOING BUSINESS VERSUS THE GROWTH IN BAY SERVICE BUSINESS THAT NEW CAR DEALERSHIPS ARE EXPERIENCING.

know that, on average, 60% of the work that they do does NOT create $1 of NET profit for their business.

It only creates sales and gross profit.

They do not know how to measure this.

They are working very hard to stand still

In close examination as to why this is happening, the main reason is due to a lack of business focus by Management of the Independent shop. Too many business owners and managers are “too busy” not making money instead of slowing down and preparing their business to meet the client’s real needs and wants in their market area.

Consider that weak shop owners focus on “cost’ to save money, whereas the most successful shops focus on “value” to make money.

Consider that new business standards are required for this new aftermarket that most shop Owners/Managers have not addressed within their business operation.

It is time to “re & re” the Independent shop.

Review each of these items within your own operation to ensure your business is heading in the right direction to retain all your clients business. If you ignore these items, there is a real possibility that you have already, or soon will, lose your clients to the dealerships within your area.

1. Re-New the Business Format: The “same old, same old” does not work anymore. Shops cannot “bang them in and bang them out” to create large car count numbers. The math does not work anymore with that format. In fact, Independent shops that concentrate mainly on “volume” to keep “the boys busy” do not september 2018

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Bob’s Business Development

and in many cases actually move backwards in their business. Today, your business must be very focused on each individual client, one client at a time and deliver value. Management’s number one job is to build relationships; therefore Management must slow down at the front counter and take the proper time to meet, understand, and council individual clients as to what the manufacturer recommends to ensure safe, reliable and efficient driving with their vehicle. Client vehicle technology and maintenance education is more critical today than ever before. The average consumer is not “stupid”; they are uninformed!

Slow down!!! and define the value you are prepared to deliver to each client.

many. It is a new world order today and this new order affects the very profitability, and potential future viability, of an Independent shop. Management must learn and measure the business in a totally different format today. Just measuring parts and labour sales and following the shops bank account up and down, doesn’t work.

Management must stay on top of the business numbers to ensure they are measuring NET PROFIT on each invoice before the invoice is closed off, one invoice at a time. Businesses that are only interested in sales and price of commodities don’t get it yet. The question that must be asked is “do these shop owners have any desire to get it?

2. Re-Learn the Business: Continuous technical and business training and development is mandatory today. Professionally operating an Independent automotive maintenance and repair shop is the most complex retail business in this new aftermarket, requiring not only a great deal of capital, but also higher indepth skills than ever before.

Consider technical development of the vehicle now requires highly skilled technicians who embrace vehicle knowledge with a tremendous amount of personal pride. These technicians are highly skilled professionals. The depth of knowledge they must completely understand, and stay on top of, is mind boggling, and it is the shop’s Management’s responsibility to ensure these professionals have all the right training and tools to execute their skill.

Management (shop owners) must also continuously visit “classrooms” to stay on top of all business issues, and there are

3. Re-Tool the Business: Management must ensure the business is profitable enough to have available the funds for continuous investment in the “right’ equipment required for today’s vehicles.

As an example, consider basic equipment required to properly execute all vehicle fluid maintenance today such as a system flush, carbon clean, oil flush and transmission flush to name a few. Equipment and tool requirements are higher today than ever before in the history of our industry.

Without the right equipment shop inefficiency settles in affecting the profitability of the shop, but ultimately the most important, is that the shop is NOT servicing its client base in its most professional manner which in turn, over time, will affect the relationship of the client with that shop, potentially driving the client right back to the dealership.

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4. Re-Certify the Business: Management must establish “standards of

execution” throughout the shop. Define your standards in print. Each staff member from the front counter, to the back office, to the back shop must completely understand and “believe-in” to “how” to execute their function that in turn exceeds the client’s expectations. Certification today is just not a piece of paper or experience. Certification is an Attitude! “We will not let the client down”. “We care!”.

We will take the “responsibility” to make sure your vehicle maintenance and your experience within the walls of our shop, exceeds your expectations. “We will be second to none.”

5. Re-Professionalize the Business: Management must establish ongoing reviews with each staff member to ensure they are continuously aware of the importance of their personal day-today execution of their particular function within the shop and how it affects the clients perception of the shops professionalism. Management must also continuously review the systems within the shop. The systems are not only the software systems but also include the “processes” in “how” the shop delivers its services to the consumer.

To “Re & Re” your shop today is simply not “knowing what to do”. You must become proactive. Consider this statement; “It’s not what you know, it is what you do with what you know”.

Too many shop owners today are very apathetic and act like “deer staring into the headlights”. Their actions seem to be advertising “I don’t care about that stuff (above) and I have no desire to get it.” It is very unfortunate that these shop owners insist on hanging around in our industry as they are definitely affecting the image of the Independent sector which in turn hurts the best Independent shops within our country.

Consider also that these weak shops work to the benefit of the new Car Dealers in that consumers do not enjoy the experience at the weak shops and too many consumers are assuming all Independents must be the same.

The challenge in front of the Independent sector is not an easy one; however, it is possible to turn things around when all Independent shops start to communicate with each other about the importance of raising the shop operation bar.

Consider discussing the above issues with your parts supplier who sells to these weak shops and all of your shop peers to see if your market area is interested in “taking the market back”.

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Around the Atlantic

2018 UNI-SELECT MEMBERS CONVENTION IN NEW BRUNSWICK

U

NI-SELECT ATLANTIC HELD ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL M E M B E R S CO N V E NTI O N FROM JUNE 12TH -15TH 2018 AT THE BEAUTIFUL ALGONQUIN RESORT IN ST. ANDREWS NB. THIS IS A VERY SPECIAL YEAR FOR UNI-SELECT AS THEY CELEBRATE THEIR 50TH ANNIVERSARY!

On Day 1 the annual jobber meetings were held followed by a nice casual buffet dinner, followed by a haunted ghost tour of the Algonquin Resort.

On Day 2 jobbers met for a series of supplier presentations given by Tenneco, Braber Equipment, Spectra Premium, Dorman, and Permatex. In the afternoon a mini- trade show was held on site with over 70 suppliers in attendance.

That evening they held their Awards

ALGONQUIN RESORT ST. ANDREWS NB

MEAGHAN BENNETT- USI ATLANTIC MARKETING SPECIALIST AT THE MINI TRADE SHOW

Banquet where Nadine Collette Regional V.P and Chris Lesperance Regional Operations Manager handed out several awards which were presented to: Kings Auto Parts & Services – Now an Independent Bumper to Bumper Store, for their 30 Years of Service – Award presented to Jason Moore & Ralph Moore.

The Following Suppliers were recognized for achieving the highest sales growth in the past year:

Application Parts: Awarded to Raybestos accepted by Mark Woodburn.

Non-Application Parts: Awarded to Braber Equipment accepted by Craig Ivatts.

The Uni-Select Atlantic Division membership Voted to recognize the top 3 Regional Sales Representatives for outstanding support: Keith Mitchell- Bluestreak Eric Allen- Mevotech

Around the Atlantic

John Coyle- J.D Coyle Sales Finally the division’s highest honour, an Award of Excellence was presented to DNS in recognition of their outstanding

accomplishments in fill rate, lead times, product support, and inventory Management. John Coyle, Roberto Bagorda, and Steve Stockdale accepted the award on

AWARD OF EXCELLLANCE PRESENTED TO DNS-LEFT TO RIGHT: JOHN COYLE, CHRIS LESPERANCE, ROBERTO BAGORDA, STEVE STOCKDALE, NADINE COLLETTE

HYPNOSIS SHOW - BY DAVID LAWEANCE

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behalf of DNS. The evening closed with some fine entertainment, a hypnosis show performed

by David Lawarence.

Tires and Treads

TIME TO CHANGE TIRES WELCOME TO THE TIRE INDUSTRY REVOLUTION

T

By Phill Feltham

H E TI R E I N D U STRY H AS CHANGED IN THE LAST 20 YEARS: MORE COMPETITION AND MORE TIRE OPTIONS. LET’S NOT FORGET TECHNOLOGY. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES HAVE CHANGED HOW INDUSTRY PARTICIPANTS COMMUNICATE AND MANUFACTURERS MAKE TIRES. PLUS, TIRE DEALERS NOW SELL MORE THAN JUST TIRES. INDUSTRY: YESTERDAY AND TODAY Similar to other industries, the tire industry has become highly competitive, says Frank Connor, the executive director of the Atlantic Tire Dealers Association.

Connor has worked in the Canadian tire industry for more than 30 years selling tires in the Atlantic provinces.

“The Canadian tire industry has more and bigger manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and other market participants worldwide—China is a great example,” Connor says. “Some dealers sell more than just tires. Some manufacturers have partnered with auto dealers to exclusively sell their tires and other related products and services.”

Competition has greatly impacted independent tire dealers.

Connor

says they were prevalent in the Canadian marketplace 30 years ago. But now, small retailers have closed their doors or sold their business to bigger dealers or large manufacturers.

“Independent tire dealers could make a good living just selling tires,” Connor says. “But, the industry has become so competitive that these shops have to provide other products and services. For example, tire shops now fix cars and trucks as well as sell tires to survive. More brickand-mortar retailers, like Canadian Tire and Costco, and, online retailers have entered the marketplace to sell tires.”

There are also more size options for consumers. “Twenty years ago, tires came in fewer sizes: 12-inch, 14-inch and more,” Connor says. “Today, tires are bigger and wider: 18-inch, 20-inch passenger options—not just for large trucks.”

TOMORROW’S TECHNOLOGIES Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): TPMS alerts a driver when tire pressure is low, and ensures tires are always properly inflated. It can help prevent accidents and increase fuel efficiency.

Discolor tire: Discolor tire technology gives the age and durability of a tire through its colour. Once the tire wears out, a colour indicates the tire needs to be replaced immediately. Discolor tires is another way to keep drivers safe on the road.

Alternative materials: Rubber isn’t the only option for tire production. Some tire manufacturers are experimenting with alternative materials to replace rubber. Guayule, a desert shrub found 28

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Besides competition and product options, digital technologies have changed the Canadian tire industry. Analytics measure sales and provide marketplace information. Automation creates more efficiency when manufacturing new products. Email, social media and mobile technologies have changed business communications.

“Today, communications happen on iPhones and iPads,” Connor says. “Years ago, I was talking to people on the phone a lot, and face to face with dealers more often.”

Connor adds: “Analytics is great, because companies can monitor their sales more closely—find out what works and what doesn’t.

Also, business transactions can move faster by sending an email instead of picking up the phone.” Connor says. “People are busy. If you send an email, they’ll get right back to you.”

TIRE TECHNOLOGIES Technologies have also impacted how tires are made. Glenn Maidment, president of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) says, when it comes to tire technologies, manufacturers continue to focus on the key areas of reducing rolling resistance, reduced weight and noise generation—mainly in connection with hybrid and electric vehicles, advanced solutions

in southwestern U.S, is one option. Another is Russian dandelion roots. The aforementioned are considered “eco-friendly” compared to their rubber counterpart.

Self-inflating tires: This technology uses sensors which measure tire pressure. If it’s too low, an air source inflates the tire; if it’s too high, a pressure relief valve allows for deflation.

Airless tires: Airless or non-pneumatic tires (NPT) don’t require air pressure. This is not new to the marketplace; airless tires are currently used on moving machines, such as motorized golf carts and lawn mowers. Bridgestone announced it’s developing an airless tire for passenger vehicles. And, according to the company’s website, a prototype is currently in development.

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Tires and Treads

for tire puncture such as self-sealing tires and run-flat tires, and development of “intelligent” tires through sensor technology, connectivity and the opportunities offered by performance data collection.

“While tire technologies continue to improve, tire production automation has been one of the main drivers in producing high-quality tires,” Maidment says. “From design software and robot technology for production and material handling, to intelligent software solutions that provide total control over the material and data flow, as well as real-time data gathering helping with decision-making for production and inventory management. Today’s tire factories are some of the most advanced manufacturing operations in the world, consistently creating products that meet the highest quality standards.”

TIRES: YESTERDAY AND TODAY There are other changes happening in the Canadian tire industry. These include changes in fuel efficiency to reduce gas emissions. Also, industry participants are recycling rubber to get more use from end-of-life tires. Plus, tire performance has improved significantly. Technologies have changed how engineers design tires

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and consumers use them. Lastly, new tire standards will no doubt change the industry.

FUEL EFFICIENCY Transportation, according to the Government of Canada, represents 23 per cent of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Thus, the federal government is leaning on vehicle manufacturers to reduce emissions.

Vehicle fuel efficiency is a major factor in reducing carbon emissions, and efficient tires—tires with low rolling resistance—are a part of the solution.

The Canadian Government is looking at implementing standards for fuel efficient tires. So, tire manufacturers are working with the automotive industry to engineer tires that improve mileage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help the environment.

According to Maidment, “Governments in Canada and globally are battling global warming by directives aiming at overall reduction of GHGs, and tire manufacturers see themselves as part of the solution.”

“By modifying factors such as tread patterns, rubber compounds and tire con-

struction, tire manufacturers are able to lower rolling resistance in tires by 10 to 20 per cent, which can bring two to four per cent improvement in fuel efficiency under normal driving conditions,” he adds.

“With the average Canadian household spending $2,600 annually on fuel, they can save $100 per year. These efficiency gains become far more significant with commercial vehicles and large fleets.”

SUSTAINABILITY The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) considers a tire expired when vehicles can no longer use it. The original practice was to dispose of end-of-life tires (ELTs). But, Canadian manufacturers now see value in end-of-life tires (ELTs), considering them as a resource instead of waste.

“The days of end-of-life tires piling up in landfills are long gone in Canada,” Maidment says. “Today, end-of-life tires are managed responsibly with recycling rates close to 100 per cent across the provinces.”

He adds, “End-of-life tires have a number of uses, and recycled rubber can replace natural resources in a number of applications. Various industries use end-

of-fife tires for cost-effective clean energy; rubber polymer serves as an addition to the asphalt for increased durability; And, tire manufacturers also include recycled rubber in production of new tires, closing their environmental impact loop and creating a true circular economy.”

PERFORMANCE In order to achieve efficient performance, tire engineers consider multiple factors when designing tires, such as rolling resistance, wet grip (that is, traction), treadwear, noise, and handling.

Traction—or wet grip—plays a large role in driver safety. Traction helps the driver accelerate, stay stable and brake at higher speeds. It also provides grip in different types of weather and road conditions.

to consider their driving needs and habits, and be aware of the different tradeoffs that come with specialty products such as high-performance tires.”

- DURABILITY Tires need to be able to resist whatever the road brings. Manufacturers consider a number factors that ensure tires are durable for the road. And, consumers must be mindful of certain features when shop-

ping for new tires. For example, according to Consumer Reports, drivers should always use four tires from the same brand— same speed rating and load index.

“Tire manufacturers meet rigorous safety standards when it comes to tire grip, treadwear, load, among others.”

Maidment says. “However, motorists still need to drive responsibly and adjust to the road conditions, be it asphalt, gravel, or snow, and they need to consider the

BALANCE Maidment says: “When it comes to basic tire performance triangle: rolling resistance, traction and treadwear, manufacturers work to expand these performance attributes. When tire manufacturers look to build tires with focus on a specific performance attribute, there may be tradeoffs.”

“For example, if a car manufacturer wants to make a high-performance tire, or to increase fuel economy by demanding a far-superior rolling resistance performance, other aspects of performance may be impacted. While tire technology continues to improve, the overall product performance is still bound by the basic laws of physics, material limitations, and the varying conditions all tires endure during their lifetime.”

- High-Performance Tires: Longevity Michelin.ca says there’s no exact science in determining a tire’s lifespan. Many factors determine how long a tire lasts and its mileage: driving habits, climate, road conditions, tire care and the tire’s design.

But, drivers must consider other factors when measuring the lifespan of high-performance tires.

“In recent years, mainstream consumers have been introduced to high-performance tires that provide drivers with superior performance design and handling.

These tires are engineered for maximum grip and handling, and are manufactured with compounds that have a ‘sticky’ tread and low-profile sidewall,” Maidment says.

“However, the performance advantages come with a tradeoff when it comes to the tire lifespan compared to lifespan of standard seasonal tires engineered to provide optimal comfort, grip and lifespan.

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general road conditions in their area when choosing the right tire. A conversation with a tire professional is always worthwhile when looking for a new set of tires.”

WINTER TIRES According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, there are two aspects

affecting winter tire shipments across the country: market growth and education.

The first, growth. TRAC reports winter tire shipments across Canada have risen four per cent over the past five years. This makes winter tires one of the fastest growing products in the tire industry.

According to a TRAC press release: “the growth of [the winter tire] category is due to efforts by tire [manufacturers],

retailers and the [Federal Government] to educate drivers about the superior traction and shorter stopping distances provided by winter tires. [Federal] Government incentives to make winter tires more affordable have also had a positive impact.”

Last year, TRAC released the 2017 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study, which details tire usage, and up-to-date market and test data.

The study reports that 66 per cent of Canadian motorists—83 per cent in Atlantic Canada—use winter tires. Others who don’t use winter tires believe that the allseason varieties provide enough traction, reduced winter driving and less cost. But, these beliefs, Glenn Maidment says, are dangerous to motorists who drive in coldweather conditions.

“Imagine the massive reduction in vehicle damage and personal suffering during the winter driving season across Canada if all drivers protected themselves and their families with winter tires,” Maidment says in the TRAC press release.

Winter tires, Maidment says, outperform their all-season counterparts.

Advances in technology, particularly in tread design and rubber compounds, play a part in improving traction quality and braking capabilities. These features have helped improve winter tire performance.

Maidment says more education is the answer to increase the winter tire usage percentage. “Despite increasing winter tire

Q&A: MICHELIN WEIGHS IN ON TOMORROW’S TIRE INDUSTRY

Auto Atlantic Magazine spoke with Anton Thomas, VP Product Performance for Michelin North America about the future of Canada’s tire industry.

Q: Looking 10-plus years down the road, what tire performance criteria do you anticipate will be most important? (for example, rolling resistance; weight; all-season versus winter grip, puncture-resistance, tread life, among others.) How will that differ from today?

A: Ten years from now, consumer performance expectations will continue to drive performance criteria. The priority on safety and wear will remain key for consumers. Safety will include the performance of tires in both new and worn states, with an emphasis on wet stopping. We believe emission and fuel economy regulations will continue to drive our focus on producing robust tire solutions for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The rise of autonomous vehicles will require tires to connect seamlessly with the vehicle control system to optimize longevity, safety and comfort.

Q: Could Michelin describe its “auto-regenerate” tire design?

The design has been around awhile, but researchers Agnes Poulbot and the late Jacques Barraud, were recently given the Euro32

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usage, educating drivers about the safety benefits of winter tires remains critical to making our roads safer in winter.”

REGULATIONS New tire standards are regulated by Transport Canada, and each provincial jurisdiction is responsible for ensuring tires on the road are safe.

Tire industry representatives, Maidment says, meet with the Federal Government on a regular basis in order to keep the lines of communication open.

“We want to ensure that the government is aware of any industry issues that may relate to potential regulatory changes that impact the tire industry.”

According to Maidment, the Canadian government currently seeks to implement minimum standards for low rolling resistance and wet grip. And, the tire industry is working with government to ensure manufacturers, suppliers and dealers are able to comply with any pending future regulation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the governing body of the U.S. Department of Transportation for the U.S. government, is expected to soon publish its low rolling resistance and wet grip standards in the U.S. And, Canadian tire regulators are looking to work with the U.S. government to ensure that the tire industry in Canada has a harmonized approach to these changes.

pean inventor of the year award, by the European Patent Office (EPO), for their efforts. What do you think will be its impact on the Canadian marketplace?

A: Auto-regenerate technology incorporates an evolving tread design, that when combined with a high-traction rubber compound, delivers exceptional levels of wet grip and enhanced long-lasting performance even as the tire tread wears down. This breakthrough technology is enabled by our investment in 3-D printing and it results in extended excellent wet-braking and wettraction performance to the end of a properly maintained tire’s useful service life.

Atlantic Racing News

LAKE DOUCETTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY A HIDDEN GEM IN MARITIME RACING

By Tim Terry

T

HINK OF THE MOVIE FIELD OF DREAMS, W H E R E I F YO U BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME. FOR GASTON COMEAU, THE “IT” WAS A HALF MILE OVAL AND “THEY” ARE RACE CAR DRIVERS. Most of us in the racing community only dream about having a race track in their backyard. A motorsports oasis not far from home. Comeau had that dream

and built Lake Doucette Motor Speedway in the lot next door to where he calls home. He built a dirt track, a type of racing that had roots in the Southwest portion of Nova Scotia. Just over a decade ago, Comeau made the decision to pave his palace of speed and it currently thrives as the track is well within the 2018 season.

The track is unique and unlike any others in the region and would be rivaled across North America. For one, getting to the race track brings a scenic tour towards the southern tip of the Province. The track is located on Hectanooga Road in the 34

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small community of Salmon River within the county of Clare. To get there, you travel along Highway 101 to Exit 32. The Exit is located approximately 20 minutes north of Yarmouth and about an hour south of Digby. After the Exit, you climb the hill to see the track at the top on the left. It is one of those drives into a race track that is memorable, similar to the tower of Riverside Speedway popping out of the trees and Speedway Miramichi nestled in the middle of a residential area.

Passing through the track entrance for competitors in Turn Two, you get your first look at the one of a kind layout of Lake Doucette Motor Speedway. Registered as a half mile, it is measured around the centre of the track which makes it a big 3/8-mile to most. The layout of the oval is di f ferent than any other in Atlantic Canada and features elevation changes like no o t h e r .

The front s t r a ig ht away is uphill into a banked Turns One and Two that races like it has two apexes. The “top turns” are longer than the “bottom turns” at the bottom of the hill from Turns One and Two, making drivers adapt to one side of the race track completely different than the other. While brakes are key in short track racing, they are pivotal into the third turn at Lake Doucette especially with the speed you carry down hill into the corner.

If you are a NASCAR fan, think of a short version of Darlington with a big elevation change.

The fan support the track gets is tremendous for an area that does not carry the population that a track say in Hali-

fax, Moncton or Fredericton would have.

The capacity is not over 5,000 like Scotia Speedworld or over that number like a Speedway 660 or Riverside Speedway can pack in during their 250 weekends, but the stands they do have are full on big events. The wooden bleachers pack fans from the tower at the start/finish line all the way around to Turn Two and every two weeks you can find most of them jammed with passionate race fans cheering on their local heroes.

The community support has been strong as well with a number of local businesses hopping on to support motorsports at Lake Doucette Motor Speedway.

Signage bearing the names of a number of familiar business logos line the inside of Turns One and Two, windshield banners on race cars display division sponsors and a number of teams carry businesses on their cars to help them get to the track every week. As the old saying goes, it takes sponsors to support both a race track and race teams to put on a show that the fans will flock to see when the gates swing open on race day.

Lake Doucette Motor Speedway runs every second Sunday throughout the Summer at 1pm. The schedule begins in June and typically runs through to September. The track does not have lighting for night racing and has ample time to run their program in the afternoons. Of note, even with the proximity to the shoreline and the occasional fog that can roll in, the track (as of press time) hasn’t lost a racing program due to weather since the 2016 season. It is the longest streak of no rained out races of any track within the region and while some had threating forecasts, the track has not had a cancelation in over two years. Whatever it is they have figured out with the weatherman and Mother Nature has worked for them.

The outside support of the race track is great – but what about inside the fence you might ask?! The racing is what everyone comes for and the hundreds that show up on race day to see an event are not disappointed.

While the track is owned by Comeau, the day to day operations are overseen by the Southwest Stock Car Association, or the SWSCA. The SWSCA is a society

Atlantic Racing News

formed to make sure the track is healthy on all aspects, from financials to making sure the appearance is upkept to the actual racing product on the race track and overseeing the program on race day. The Board of Directors is made up of racers, crew, fans with the ultimate goal of seeing the sport thrive on the southern tip of Nova Scotia. Each appointed member has a different role with Shaun Burke serving as President. The same club style structure is used on both the Maritime League of Legends Tour and the East Coast Mini Stock Tour.

Each event features four classes of racing. The Four Cylinder division is broken into two classes, one for male competitors and one for females. The division is comprised of Four Cylinder General Motors products such as Sunfires, Cavaliers and Cobalts. There is a V8 Stock class, which brings together a number of different racing vehicles powered with eight cylinder motors. The Sportsman division is like most other Late Model headliners across the Maritimes and follows closely the rules established at Scotia Speedworld just outside of Halifax.

While competitor participation at

other tracks ebbs and flows, car counts are stable at the track. With the nearest paved oval being over three hours away, they have to rely on local racers to keep the proverbial wheels turning around the track. The Four Cylinder counts have been knocking on the door or just over the double digit threshold on race day.

The Sportsman class has seen quite the resurgence in 2018 with a handful of rookies making the jump to the top class at the track. Don’t be surprised to see a dozen Sportsman on a regular basis if you make a Sunday drive to Southwest Nova Scotia. Of note, the car count in the Late Model Sportsman division is on par with the likes of Speedway 660 and Petty International Raceway in New Brunswick.

The typical race day format sees each division run two 15-lap heat races followed by a 25-lap feature. Like all racers, they put on a show for the fans from flag to flag over all four divisions. The front wheel drive stars in both Four Cylinder classes drive hard every lap as they fight for the checkered flag. While they are going a higher speed and the possibility of disaster is greater, the V8 and Sportsman divisions each put on a thrill show with

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not a lot of incidents and typically more green racing than caution periods.

The racers that are fighting on track for every inch each have a diehard following of fans. Lake Doucette Motor Speedway’s fanbase can be likened to a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series fanbase where the fans cheer hard for their favorites. Most of the fans, whether they are young or young at heart, wear gear representing their favorite driver or team.

When they like something or they don’t, they’ll make sure the drivers hear it. Following the race, they line the fence at the top of Turn Two to celebrate with their heroes for their victory lane ceremonies.

Most drivers will even give their trophies to their fans. The fans, in turn, are rewarded for their loyalty with special promo days that offer such things as meet and greet autograph sessions, kids rides and much more.

What sets Lake Doucette Motor Speedway apart from many tracks is its unique Facebook presence. The track has a group set up, found on the popular social media platform as LakeDoucetteMotorSpeedway. While the number of folks within the group, which is just shy of 2000 as

of press time, is not the factor that sets its apart, it is the number of contributors and active posters that puts them ahead of most tracks. Photographers such as Frankie Crowell, Greg White and Alan Fitzgerald, just to name a few, share photos and videos of the races in the days between events and throughout the long winter.

Unlike some that restrict media through one outlet, the SWSCA embraces all media through open arms and is willing to share all work of content creators at the track on their social media outlets.

While the track has produced local favourites like “Fast” Frank Hurlbert and the late Larry Gavel, fans up the road will be able to relate to two drivers who cut their teeth racing at Lake Doucette Motor Speedway. Colby Smith is a multi-time Sportsman champion, winning titles at both Riverside International Speedway and Scotia Speedworld along with big race wins throughout the region. Before Colby was making laps in Sportsman and Pro Stock cars, he was a four cylinder standout at Lake Doucette. JP Arsenault, who still races the No. 0 Sportsman at Lake Doucette Motor Speedway on a full time basis and is their reigning champion,

is a member of the Flemming Motorsports pit crew for John Flemming and a former Truck champion at Scotia Speedworld.

The track has many fan favourites and personalities racing on a regular basis at the track. Chasing Arsenault in the Sportsman division includes Steve MacPhee.

MacPhee is a former Hobby Stock racer at Scotia Speedworld before making the move to the South Shore. Like many at the track, it is a family affair for the MacPhee’s with his wife Tam racing in the Four Cylinder Ladies division and son Shay racing (and winning) in the Four Cylinder Mens division. Dominique Hanna is a fan favorite who has moved up to Sportsman this year after running to the top of the Four Cylinder ranks in 2017.

Willard Hurlbert is still racing (and winning) north of 70 years young. “Wild Willie” won the V8 Stock championship crown in 2017 and continues to rack up wins in the current year. The Morris clan are a popular bunch in their yellow No. 56 entries along with Barb in the Women’s division. Mikey Power is an up and coming star with a fan following in the No. 25 car. The list goes on and on of drivers you can find yourself quickly relating to on a

trip to Lake Doucette.

The track will see a milestone in a visit from the MJS and Prime Lifts East Coast Mini Stock Tour for the Bruce Honda Showdown on the Shore. The 75-lap feature will bring well over a dozen Hondas to the track for the first time in nearly ten years. In fact, this is the first time a major stock car touring series will visit the venue since the NAPA Sportsman Series competed at the track in 2010. The winner that day was Steve Ross as he took home well over $7,000 in one of the richest Sportsman paydays over the last ten years. The Mini Stock stars like Dave Matthews, the Warren brothers, Cody Byrne, JR Lawson and more will take to the track on Sunday, August 5th.

One thing is for sure, Lake Doucette Motor Speedway is in one of the best positions it has been in over the last two decades. While some tracks struggle to grow the sport and connect with their fan base, Lake Doucette is doing a wonderful job at nurturing both. The hidden gem is quickly becoming a household name in stock car racing within the Atlantic region and should be one you put on your bucketlist before long!

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Around the Atlantic

NEWS OF THE WEIRD BITS AND PIECES OF THE STRANGE, BIZARRE AND NEGLECTED, COMPILED FROM AROUND THE INTERNET, SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO! EYE GLASSES THAT FIGHT MOTION SICKNESS A popular brand in the noble sense of the term aimed resolutely at providing comfort for all, Citroën is presenting SEETROËN, the first glasses to do away

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with motion sickness. While unable to prevent high tides or traffic jams, they do provide a solution for this widespread complaint (also known as kinetosis) that affects over 30 million Europeans in a chronic manner. One in three people experience motion sickness symptoms at least once in their life.

Having learned of a solution initially developed for sailors, Citroën decided to extend its use to the general public – on boats as well as in cars and buses and on planes – by creating the SEETROËN glasses.

SEETROËN glasses use Boarding RingTM technology developed by the start-up of the same name based in the Var in the south of France. The patented and tested paramedical solution has an efficacy rating of 95%.

Equipped with moving liquid in the rings around the eyes, both along the frontal axis (right/left) and sagittal axis

(front/back), the glasses recreate the horizon line to resolve the conflict between the senses that causes the affliction.

For the design of the glasses, Citroën called on 5.5, a collective design studio based in Paris, which has successfully incorporated the Brand’s fresh, simple and ergonomic style.

The result is a pair of glasses with a high-tech look in white soft-touch plastic.

So how do they work exactly?

Put on the glasses as soon as you experience the initial symptoms.

After 10 to 12 minutes, the glasses enable the mind to resynchronise with the movement perceived by the inner ear while the eyes were focused on an immobile object such as a smartphone or a book.

Take the glasses off and enjoy the rest of your journey.

For use by adults and children aged

Around the Atlantic

over ten (when the inner ear has finished growing).

The glasses are glassless, so they can be shared by all the family and travelling companions. They can also be worn over other glasses.

THE FISH AS VIRTUAL CAR ASSISTANT The Nissan Xmotion concept car (image previous page) was introduced earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show among the unique features of this vehicle of the future was…

“Floating koi” virtual personal assistant Fingerprint authentication is used to start the operation of the Xmotion concept.

When the driver touches the fingerprint authentication area on the top of the console, the opening sequence starts, awakening the virtual personal assistant -- which takes the shape of a Japanese koi fish.

The koi jumps into the main screen.

After linking with the driver’s smartphone, the navigation system automatically recognizes the destination, and other user information -- such as weather, music and vehicle system info -- will be activated.

The navigation system recognizes the surrounding “information” while traveling.

For example, in autonomous drive mode, while changing lanes or overtaking other traffic, the virtual personal assistant will pick up other “browsing” information about points of interest along the way. In this way, the koi acts as a storyteller to connect human and machine.

The Xmotion concept also uses a camera monitoring system in place of traditional door mirrors and displays images and other information on the end display screens. The system senses and monitors other vehicles around the Xmotion concept.

“The vehicle has a beautifully unique

I want my auto atlantic!

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graphic user interface, or GUI, that’s designed for the human in all of us -- presenting a novel spatial world with digital precision,” said Albaisa. “It puts powerful technology at the users’ fingertips, including both the driver and passengers. It is designed to make your life easier and the journey and more exciting and enjoyable.”

And in Australia…Melting Roads!

Melting bitumen has forced drivers in Australia to abandon their vehicles after the tyres became coated with tar.

Up to 50 motorists may be entitled to compensation over the incident in Q ueen sland on Tuesday, reports said.

“I have never seen anything like it and when the reports started coming through yesterday, it was just incredible,” said local mayor Joe Paronella The incident has been blamed on a change in weather, and damage to the road after it was recently resealed.

Local resident Deborah Stacey said “big globs” of tar had stuck to vehicles, amid hot weather that followed several cooler days and rain.

“We had a week of cracked windscreens... then as soon as the sun came out, it started sticking,” she said.

The tar meant tyres on several vehicles had to be replaced, and it caused damage to bumper bars and panels.

The road, located in the Atherton Tablelands south of the city Cairns, was briefly closed.

Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads said compensation would be offered to drivers whose vehicles were damaged.

YOGURT SPILL CLOSES FOUR LANES OF CANADA’S BUSIEST HIGHWAY Autoblog reported about a bizarre accident on Toronto’s main roadway, Highway 401. It’s one of the busiest highways in Canada and North America. One can imagine, then, what might happen if four of its many lanes were doused in yogurt.

And in case you can’t, it actually happened June 22 on the westbound 401 leading into Toronto through the eastern suburb of Scarborough.

At around 3:30 am, a truck hauling a refrigerated trailer filled with yogurt cups smashed into an electronic sign post. That sheered the trailer’s right side clean off, dousing four lanes in yummy yogurty goodness, yet creating “a big, slippery mess,” according to Sgt. Kerry Schmidt of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP).

Many flavors seemed to be involved, specifically of the YOGO variety, as opposed to regular, Greek or Jamie Lee Curtis lady kind.

The 25-year-old driver has been charged with careless driving.

You or somebody you know would like to receive this magazine? Get a FREE Subscription to contests, news and links & more, then visit us online at autoatlantic.com and get your FREE Subscription!

QUALITY AND RELIABILITY BROUGHT FORMER BANKER INTO NAPA FAMILY

T

By Susan Bradley

HE QUALITY OF AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS CAN BE MOST APPARENT IN AREAS WHERE THE RELIABIITY OF A VEHICLE IS CRUCIAL. Drivers who travel roads where mechanics and autoshops are not a frequent sight or those whose livelihood depends on being at a destination at a specific time.

For them, top quality products for vehicle maintenance and repair are essential In rural and small town Atlantic Canada, NAPA automotive replacement and service products are especially important to fulfill those needs.

John Robertson of Antigonish Auto Parts Ltd. knew this when he saw an opportunity to operate a NAPA dealership in

1981. The former Antigonish banker entered the NAPA automotive business and now he and his family have three stores in Nova Scotia - Antigonish, Port Hawkesbury and New Glasgow.

The stores sell quality auto parts to both retail and wholesale customers, including car dealers, repair facilities and the region’s farming, fishery and logging industries.

Robertson says his Antigonish store services a wide geographical area, that includes Sherbrooke and Guysborough, where there are fairly large accounts even in sparsely populated areas.

Brake parts - pads, rollers and calibers - make up a big chunk of the store’s business, Robertson says.

The NAPA distribution system, with its Moncton, N.B. warehouse, is a valuable asset to the business, he says.

“If we order by 10 a.m., we can have it

by 10 p.m., by courier. Or order by 4 p.m. and have it come in the next morning.”

But “we keep a pretty large inventory” as people don’t want to be kept waiting, he says.

NAPA’s product lines cover all product categories in the industry. Besides auto parts, many of them original items used in vehicle manufacturing, NAPA is known for its high quality and resilient auto paint and body supplies, garage accessories and supplies and tools and equipment.

Fishermen in Antigonish and Guysborough counties depend on NAPA marine and small engine parts, while loggers and farmers know that the heavy duty and off-road machinery parts they rely on can also be sourced through NAPA. Robertson’s son now has a NAPA store and his daughter works in the family company as well. There are about eight employees at the busy Antigonish store, september 2018

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located at 52 St. Andrews St. As far as the future goes, Robertson is satisfied with keeping up and exceeding

the high-quality service his company is known for and working with the customers who keep coming back as well as new

ones who know the value of the NAPA name.

JOHN ROBERTSON OF ANTIGONISH AUTO PARTS LTD. HAS BEEN A NAPA AUTO PARTS DEALER SINCE 1981

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ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY ADVERTISER

PHONE

INTERNET

PAGE

Adams Car Wash

1-902-497-7260

adams.carwash@ns.sympatico.ca

Atlantic Autowash

1-506-459-8878

aautowash@nb.aibn.com

Cabot Shipping

1-800-565-0606

cabotss.com

5

Dominion Sure Seal 1-905-670-5411

dominionsureseal.com

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Dunphy’s Mobile Wash 1-902-210-7279

halifaxpressurewashing.ca

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19 19

ELV Select Inc.

1-519-400-5204

elvselect.com

Fleet Brake Atlantic

1-902.468.1396

fleetbrake.com

Ideal Equipment Ltd

1-506-458-9322

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Johnstone Media Inc

1-204-489-4215

convenienceandcarwash.com

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Krown Rust HQ

1-800-267-5744

krown.com

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Krown Halifax

1-888-545-7878

krownhalifax.com

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Line-X Halifax

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linexhalifax.com

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Maritime Auto Parts 1-800-565-7278

maritimeauto.com

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Maritime Car Wash

1-902-861-4747

Maritime Pro Stock Tour 1-902-873-2277

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NAPA Auto Parts

1-800-263-2111

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NAPA Auto Parts

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NAPA Auto Parts

1-800-263-2111

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NAPA Auto Parts

1-800-263-2111

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NGK Spark Plugs

1-877-2-SPARKY

ngksparkplugs.ca

NLS

1-800-465-0500

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NLS

1-800-465-0500

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NLS

1-800-465-0500

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NLS

1-800-465-0500

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INSERT

Parts For Trucks

1-800-565-4700

partsfortrucks.com

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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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Rotary Lifts

1-866-461-1045

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Rust Check

1-888-RUSTIES

rustcheck.ca

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Shell

1-800-661-1600

shell.ca

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Stark Auto Sales

1-416-654-7222

starkautosales.com

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Traction Truck Parts 1-506-857-8840

rotarylift.com

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Worldpac Inc. 1-800-888-9982 worldpac.com

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TRUCK INDUSTRY HONOURS THE BEST OF THE BEST IN MASSTOWN, NS

T

HE ATLANTIC PROVINCES TRUCKING ASSOCIATION’S SAFETY COUNCIL GAVE OUT TOP MARKS TO THE DAY’S MOST TALENTED PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS AT APTA’S ANNUAL PROFESSIONAL DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS HELD IN MASSTOWN, NS ON JUNE 16TH. A TOTAL OF 36 PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS COMPETED, INCLUDING 9 ROOKIES. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2018 ATLANTIC DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS WINNERS: 2 Axle (Straight Truck) 1st place – James Chambers, Armour Transportation Systems 2nd place – Scott Comeau, Armour Transportation Systems 3rd place – Home Whittaker-Coldron, Midland Transport Ltd Professionalism Award – Donald Delong, Day & Ross 4 Axle (Single Tandem) 1st place – Steve MacPhee, Day & Ross Transportation Group 2nd place – John Chambers, Armour Transportation Systems 3rd place – Chester Williams, Armour Transportation Systems Professionalism Award – John Chambers, Armour Transport 5 Axle (Tandem Tandem) 1st place – Dave Taylor, Armour Transportation Systems 2nd place – Peter O’Connell, Home Hardware Stores Limited 3rd place – Richard Patriquin, Midland Transport Limited Professionalism Award – Doug Hirtle, Eassons Transport Ltd B-Train (Super B Train) 1st place – Rob Stevens, Home Hardware Stores Limited 2nd place – Glenn Fisher, Midland Transport Limited 3rd place – Byron Tuttle, Home Hardware Stores Limited Professionalism Award – Glenn Fisher, Midland Transport Rookie of the Year Award Chester Williams, Armour Transportation Systems Team Award Midland Transport Ltd

Crossword Contest

CROSSWORD (ANSWERS IN THE NEXT AUTO & TRUCKING ATLANTIC)

JULY 2018 WINNER!

Kayla Conrad, of Musquodoboit Harbour, is our latest Crossword Puzzle winner! Congratulations on winning your new Rust Check package of goodies.

Deadline for entry is September 15th, 2018

IT’S SO EASY TO WIN!

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!

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: ADDRESS:

PHONE:

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Peterbilt pilot’s oasis (5,4)

1. Ocean movements

6. Kid’s hobby shop purchase

2. U in SUV

8. Really boring hand tool

3. Canadian unit of weight

9. Body shop pro

4. Elon Musk’s cars

10. ‘Vette variant

5. Auto shifter’s P

11. Car tire, slangily

6. Roof rack watercraft

13. Gift for a gearhead child (3,3)

7. Truck World show location

14. Devilish ‘90s Lamborghini model

12. Negotiated a car’s price

17. Corrosive battery liquid

13. John Deere product

19. New car option groups

15. Veyron supercar brand

22. Sailboat steering devices

16. Fast lane maneuvers

23. Caliper-gripped brake

18. Burned fuel pointlessly

component

20. Pixar “Cars” Willys Jeep name

24. Traffic light colour

21. Frequent fender flaw

IT’S FUN! IT’S EASY! LAST ISSUE’S CROSSWORD

25. Spin in a dealer’s demo (4,5) september 2018

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NAPA Guess & Win contest

NAPA GUESS & WIN! BROUGHT TO YOU BY

O

K police car fans (we know you’re out there!), Tell us anything about this patrol car, the model, etc! Maybe you can name what it is, or anything more about it.

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 September 15th, 2018.

Congratulations to Rod Boone of Grand Falls / Windsor, NF who correctly answered that the vehicle in the photo as a VW Beetle, introduced in Germany in the 1930s to be ‘the peoples car.’ An air cooled engine in the rear provided all the power that was needed. Early models were all standard transmissions.

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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