A Female Carexpert’s Weblog

Riding in the No. 74 Dodge Ram of former Daytona 500 winner, Derrike Cope, Jennifer Jo Cobb will now be on NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Today is her debut on this race.

In different interviews from the past days prior to her race today, she had expressed her excitement.

Cobb has been exposed in the field in an early age because her father, Joe Cobb, had been also into racing. Her father started racing when she was just three and she laved being in the garage and usually fall asleep in her father’s racing seat.

In 1991, Cobb began racing. Like other racers especially women, she also experienced some up-and-down but still acquired several achievements. In the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series, she had always finished in the top ten championship standings for every season. In 2002, she had her debut in the ARCA RE/MAX Series at the Kansas Speedway, obtaining the 16^th position and 9^th place on the national race. In 2006, however, she had decided to put her racing career on a halt and divert her focus on garments. She had put up a clothing line exclusively for female race fans called Driver Boutique.

After some time, her passion was awoken and so continued driving by testing at several tracks. She also worked at Richard Petty Driving Experience where she logged over 1,000 laps per weekend at different NASCAR-sanctioned racetracks like Daytona International Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, California Speedway, Michigan International Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, and others.

Indeed, Jennifer Jo Cobb is a versatile woman because not only in the race tracks and clothing she is dedicated but also she is business minded and has love for studies. She is a business professional and has served a decade in the marketing and advertising world. Her academic background would state that she has an Associate’s degree in Pre-Journalism and currently studying broadcasting. Likewise, she also appeared in several TV channel and programs.

Meanwhile, Cobb considers her victories as the highlight of her career. She raced for 10 years in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series wherein winning the points championship at I-70 Speedway in 200 is its best highlight. Her first ARCA race at Kansas Speedway is a milestone for her, qualifying 28^th out of 55 cars during her first NASCAR Busch race make her feel great.

To compete full time in the NASCAR Busch Series and to race in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series are her future goals. For this year, she strongly hopes to get more sponsors because it is quite hard to race under-funded.  

Derrike Cope and Cobb is presently partners in tadays race. The two are business partner from a former crew chief of Cobb and they are both drivers who are both seeking for sponsors. Derrike thought that they could work together to advance in their career by obtaining sponsors. Their team up is just new but they are working together to both achieve their ends.

When Cobb was asked if she has any apprehensions in today’s race, she confidently said that none because since she just live 2 miles from the track and have worked at the Kansas Speedway. She thinks that the track is driver-friendly and best fitted for her debut.

This year and her NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series today is her another chance to achieve more in her career. Though she doesn’t have national sponsorship yet, she will still do her nest to finish the race. Derrike also has great confidence in the equipment he had and she in their new team.

So, what we can do best is to support this versatile woman in her endeavors. Today is her debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, better turn your TV on or if you have reservations, go and watch her now!

Though spring has already started, in fact we are almost on its half; it is never too late to do the general cleaning for your car. Through this way, the performance, and lifetime of your car will be made longer. There are numerous procedures that you can follow in cleaning you car. However, you can’t perform all the procedures because some require the service of your mechanics/technicians. Still, you can perform what you can to save more dollars and also to have an extra exercise. So, here are some things that you can do yourself.

The following will help you give back the shape of your vehicle after long days of winter driving and to keep your ride safe on the road this spring season.

·        Eliminate the mess from your car. From the interior, clean the carpet, floor liner, or floor mat. Wipe the windows, windshield, and lightings using a spongy, moist rag. Rinse the entire exterior of your vehicle to remove the dirt and keep its finish splendor.

·        By using the manual’s instructions, flush and replenish the cooling system f your car. Remember that its condition and the concentration of the coolant should be occasionally checked. Likewise, let the engine cool down first before removing the radiator cap.

·        Change oil when recommended. It is important to change your car’s oil as what the manual recommend because it if you miss to do so, the life of your vehicle would be greatly reduced.

·        Safety first. Lightings of your car are one of the important factors in making you safe during your ride so make sure of its condition. Inspect all lights. If found any defect, replace them with durable and efficient replacement parts.

·        Check the tires. Defective tires can affect the performance of your car so have it checked including the spare. When checking the pressure, let them cool down first. Replace those which have defects.

·        Secure washer solvent always to fight dusts and insects. Meanwhile, replace worn out wiper blades.

·        Refer to your manual and check the recommended service schedules for your vehicle.

Now, for the systems of your car which you can’t check yourself, have your car scheduled for a mechanical service.

·        First, find a service shop that is reliable and renders quality-service. Choose the one that equals the value to your car. There are several ways on how to secure the reliability of a shop. You can visit a shop and see the equipments used. Through it, you can gauge the service that they can offer you. You can also check for the certificates, awards, and other credentials. Further, the parking of a shop alone can tell you how it is accepted by clients.  

·        As an important system, have the engine checked. Tell your technician if you experience troubles in starting your engine. Other devices connected to it must also be checked because since they are connected; whatever damage to any part will surely have an effect to the whole system.  

·        The belt, hoses, and clamps must also be checked. The tightness and other defects must be diagnosed to prevent serious problems.

·        Remember the Transmission. Manual transmissions rarely experience trouble except for its clutch while fluid breakdown is the usual problem of automatic transmissions.

·        Air conditioner system must also be checked.  Efficient air conditioning gives you comfortable ride. Further, if the system doesn’t work well, it could emit ozone-depleting chemicals.

·        All defective car parts and accessories should likewise be replaced because small defects can affect other parts thus will lead to more serious troubles.

Portland Historic Races is renowned for its open compound that gives aficionados the chance to walk near the cars that they value most. Some most historic and highly-valued sports and racing cars are being featured in this event. Portland Historic races also presents visual display of more than 700 collector cars and hot rods, an expensive food and wine cabin, kid zone, autocross, and a seller midway. 

On the 32^nd annual event of Portland Historic Races, “Women in Motorsports” is its theme and will feature women racers in one of its race. The event will be held on July 11 through 13 at Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd. More than 200 prominent historic racecars are presented in an annual entry list.

Car groups are divided into make, age, horsepower, and those that raced to their maximum potential who delight their fans like when they did during their prime. This year’s Portland Historic Races will likewise feature the historic stock cars from NASCAR series with a field of almost two dozen stock cars.

From 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Portland Historic Races is open. Tickets for three days cost $40, however only $10 for Friday and $25 for Saturday or Sunday. All children age under 12 are admitted for free if accompanied by an adult.

Meanwhile, Portland Historic Races acknowledged another achievement done by Danica Patrick last Sunday, when she won the Indy Japan 300, which is undoubtedly a history for women in motorsports. Well, we can’t deny the fact that Danica really gained a lot of acknowledgement and respect by being the first woman to win an Indy Car race.  

Last Tuesday, Earth Day was commemorated. Earth Day was founded in the 60’s and aimed to celebrate and inspire awareness of the environment. It was made as a tradition that the weekend before or after the said day have several events on environmental protection that are sponsored by all organizations. Such activities are trail maintenance, and park and beach cleanup.

The following are the different supporting campaigns and activities from several car manufacturers:

“2008 Energy Bill”, which was passed last year by the legislation, is one of the government’s shares. The government also released details on the timeline in obtaining the CAFÉ standards which is increased to 35mpg by 2020.

Toyota gave 15 $500 awards across Canada. Found in the site of Toyota are several links on how to support the different foundations such as Earth Day Network, National Arbor Day Foundation, Nature Conservancy, Audubon, Tree People Eco Tours, and others. There were also numerous environmental news.

In General Motor’s website, you can find lesson plans on the environment for grades K-12. Gm has also a media story on recycling rates of cars which you will definitely find helpful especially when you are an educator.

In Ford’s website, however, has advertised its success in cleaning up its operation.

Go-Green.com is a new site which was launched last Tuesday. As its name imply, the site is designed for supporting environmental campaigns.

Google homepage also has special graphic to show its support for the Earth Day.

Since our environment is suffering from the abuses done and being done by people, Earth Day should not only be a one-day celebration. Earth Day must be everyday! Through that way, we have a great chance of saving our environment and giving back its original status. Besides, all of us will be benefited from whatever good deed that we are doing to our mother earth, right? So, let’s not wait for the Earth day to be celebrated, let us make ourselves duty-bound in caring for the environment.

By the end of next year, the Norwegian firm Th!nk, has announced last Monday that its Think City electric cars will be introduced in the US. Do you think it will be a click? Well, let’s wait and see.

Think City is battery-operated. It has a range of up to 110 miles on a solo charge, a speed of about 65 mph, and a price under $25,000. Think’s spokesperson said that they plan to produce 30,000 to 50,000 within two years. Think produces 100,000 of this kind of vehicles in Europe per year.

Think City, run by sodium battery, is currently on sale in Europe but next versions could utilize lithium ion batteries. A123 Systems, which is the supplier of Chevrolet’s forthcoming Volt, is one of the partner of Th!nk. Likewise, EnerDel, Inc., whcich develops batteries for range and speed.

Think City is a two-seater electric car which can be added with additional seats for children. Whew! It sounds great for us, women who have children to carry during our travel.

Last weekend, Danica was hailed as the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race, the Indy Japan 300. Though Danica already won several times in the said race, this is something that is totally different because she no stands at the top of the podium whereas before she was just at its sides.

In the 200-lap event, during the two laps left, Danica (with her Andretti Green open-wheeled machine) advanced over Helio Castroneves while Castrovenes was in fuel conservation mode.

As we all know, Danica has gained numerous titles from the time she started racing. However, there are still who do not believe in her ability and who do not take her seriously as part of the motor sports. She is even considered as Anna Kournikova of motor sports. This time, regardless of gender, results of her races greatly matters.  

NASCAR (national Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is the largest sanctioning body of motorsports in the United States. The three largest racing series authorized by NASCAR are the Sprint Cup, the Nationwide Series, and Cranftsman Truck Series. Becoming one of its racers is such a great opportunity for someone most especially for a woman.

Mackena Bell is truly the youngest female NASCAR driver so far. She is only seventeen years old from Carson City, NV. She has started her rookie season in the NASCAR Whelen Series with a top 10 finish of the 22 car field, in the 50-lap season opener. At the age of fourteen, she became the youngest driver to get a Championship Title in asphalt Legends car in her hometown tracks.

She attended several driving schools. In March 2005, she joined Wally Pankratz Driving School in San Bernardino, CA; Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Phoenix, AZ; In April 2007, in Jimmy Sills Schools of Open Wheel Racing Dirt Midget & Winged Sprint Car in Marysville, CA.

Further, Mackena graduated from the prestigious Lyn St. James Driving School in 2005 wherein she had four Rookie of the Awards and a “Most Inspirational Driver” title under her team. Early this year, she established her own company, “Mackena Bell Motorsports”. Likewise, she is currently managing the family owned 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix with 2002 Lahorgue Chassis.

In this year’s season, Bell is progressing everyday and gaining the respect of those who are already in the field. Sha had said that everytime she is on the track, she wants to be more patient and up-on-the-wheel. Her goal is to improve each week, stay her optimism, and finish her races.

Over 20 racers are scheduled for Mackena at the Roseville based speed way from now until October. K. Bell Tile & Marble, NGK Spark Plugs, Bell Racing Helmets & Accessories, K. Dub Creative Web Design, Joe the Chromer, Benny’s Auto Painting, and Sciarroni Bros. Racing are her sponsors.

This year’s One Lap of America, Amanda Hennessey is one of the competing racers aiming for a win. Amanda will race a 2008 Chevy HHR SS, supported by General Motors and sponsored by Dubler Racing (a Swiss chocolate factory). One Lap of America is an eight-day event, extending over 4,000 miles across the United States. Amanda will compete in the twenty events at different racetracks, from skidpads and circle tracks to drag strips and road courses. 75 miles to 820 miles is the distance of the road courses.

Amanda will join in this race to raise money for her charity, 1 in 8 Motorsports, which has a mission to early detect breast cancer. Amanda said that she loves this event not only because this is a great race but also because this race gives her the opportunity to help others and raise money for a great cause.

If you would also like to join her in her purpose, Amanda would be more inspired if you support her intention. Hennessey Racing Inc. is accepting donations from anyone who is willing and open to help. All donations will go to 1 in8 Motorsports. Any amount is welcome, no limits or quotas. You can also base your donation on an amount per mile that Amanda drives over the course of the event like $1 X 4,000 miles = $4,000. Your name would be placed on Amanda’s racecar for the event. If you are interested to donate, just email Amanda at Amandahennessey@mac.com

The great intention of Amanda would at least be compensated by featuring her in this post. To give you more information about Amanda, here is a little of her biography.

Since she was sixteen, she has been rolling screws. Her passion in racing came only next to it. At seventeen, like other women racers, she started running Go-karts. She also got involved in Ire Racing, a race on frozen lakes, but she did not stopped here. She then moved to roadway driving a Spec Racer Ford with SCCA.

She had attended Skip Barber Racing and Finishline Racing, which equipped her and made her ready in racing the Formula Woman’s Nations Cup series in UK.

Recently, she won 1st in Class at the One Lap of America; likewise she joined in the SCCA FE National Series, hailed victorious with top three finishes; she extended racing in Europe where she vied in the Swiss Perilli Touring Cup Masters wherein she finished 4th for the season and became the rookie of the year. The following are her latest racing records:
One Lap of America 1st in Class: raising money for 1in8
Motorsports
Swiss Perilli Touring Cap Masters: 4th (rookie of the year)
IMSA Lites West Race Car test driver

To give her the credit, she was also the first woman to represent the United States in the Formula Woman Nation’s Cup Series in Europe. Currently, she will race in the Renault Clip Cup series in Europe but she will still continue running with SCCA, Grand Am, and SVRA in the Unites States. She will also race in the historic LeMans Classic.

Amanda is brought to racing by her love for cars; determination is driving her to surmount the obstacles; and her passion moves her further in the unconceivable path she chose. “Any Car, Anytime, Anywhere”, is her motto which she carries along her race.

Indeed, Amanda is not just a victorious woman racer but also a compassionate woman who cares for the welfare of women. Since women are the most prone to breast cancer, Amanda makes use of her victories to give her share in fighting against breast cancer. Amanda truly deserves the winnings that she had and those that are to come because of her concern.

Though, we are already in the middle of the month but I still prefer to make this post to give you some additional reminder and tips in taking care of your vehicles. As we all know, April is National Car Care Month, the American Society of Appraisers (ASA), encourages drivers to do the necessary actions in taking care of their vehicles.

David Kinney, ASA senior appraiser, said that maintaining the well condition of your vehicle helps in improving its value, safety, and efficiency. He added that since cars are the second largest purchase of people (after their house), it makes sense to take all the care of your vehicle not only for its performance but also for safety purposes.

The following tips can aid you in keeping your vehicle’s fine performance.

1. Maintain its cleanliness. The cleanliness of your car will bounce back to yourself. You will also feel good, fresh, and light even just by watching your car and more so when you ride inside it. The maintenance of your car will also have an effect when the time that you will trade or sell your car.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s specifications. Upon your purchase of your car, you are given an owner’s guide; follow the instructions written in it because doing so will help you maintain the efficiency of your car.
3. Consider synthetic oil change. When you need to change your oil, try the synthetic oils. Though, these oils are more expensive, their lifetime service is longer. Synthetic oil is made up from regular oil but the molecules are of the same size, increasing flow and decreasing wear.
4. Give proper attention even to small problems. The newer the car model is, the more complicated the systems are. Therefore, little troubles need prompt attention to avoid it from getting worse. Like when you hear something strange sound in your car, don’t ignore it, get it fixed immediately.
5. Have your car’s paint be checked. There are several auto parts store that surely have paint touch-up products that you can use if your car’s paint have some defect. These little paint chips can become bigger that can make your car ugly.
6. Wax your car regularly. Purchase a high quality paint wax and spend an afternoon in discovering every corner of your car. Have your car waxed at least once a year.
7. Avoid parking your car in a crowded area. Choose a parking space for your car where there are few cars to avoid your car from getting scratched. It would also be beneficial if you park your car to some distance from your destination. In doing so, you would have a chance to walk and have a little exercise.
8. Be practical yet cautious. When you need some replacement parts, choose the one that is approved by the manufacturer or comes from reliable source. Aftermarket products are good and sometimes better than the original ones but be cautious. Make sure that the aftermarket products that you will get come from a trusted and dependable auto shop provider.
9. Do annual check up. If people go to their doctors for an annual check-up, cars also need such. Actually, most states require an annual inspection for all vehicles. This process would also give you some refreshment in doing the 25,000 mile point check-up wherein you must discover possible problems in tires, hoses, brakes, and other systems.

10. Keep important records. Your bills, receipts, e-mails, and letters concerning your car must be kept for future references. have a simple file of all these papers because future buyers would probably have a greater chance of buying your car if they have an idea, based on those papers alone, on how your car performs. 

Hydrogen 7 Mono Fuel is the new-and-improved version of Hydrogen 7- a 7 series sedan customized to burn liquefied hydrogen gas or gasoline. This new version of Hydrogen 7 runs only on Hydrogen. It uses a 6.0-liter internal combustion engine and shares in the performance, safety, and comfort of the BMW 7-series.

Hydrogen 7 Mono Fuel is an environment-friendly car because liquid hydrogen contains no carbon- which is the major element that contributes in the pollution of our environment. Its engine emits no CO2 or hydrocarbon and it even consumes the existing pollution in the surroundings during its combustion process. What comes out in its tailpipe is essentially cleaner and safer than the ambient air. Whew! It can definitely be a great help in the increasing problem of global warming, isn’t it?

No matter how noteworthy and valuable this Hydrogen 7 is, there are still other who are cynic about the effectiveness of this car. BMW however laid three reasons for the potential of Hydrogen 7 to be believed.

First, Hydrogen 7’s emissions contain no carbon. Therefore, during combustion process, there are also no CO2, hydrocarbons, and other pollutants that are emitted. Then, another reason, hydrogen used by this car can be produced in many ways using renewable, safe, and clean technologies like solar, geothermal, and bio-processes. And lastly, hydrogen can be made in “stable’ areas in the environment for energy security. BMW said that hydrogen is somewhat easy to produce and store. Also, hydrogen cars can be refueled faster than electric vehicle.

This Hydrogen 7 and the other environment-friendly cars that I featured in my previous posts are the cars that we, women, should include in our list when choosing the best cars. Not only these cars offer distinct style but also the contribution in reducing the pollutants that make our environment contaminated.