Detroit AutoRama News: Pfaff Designs Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Announcing the Pfaff Designs 10th Anniversary Celebration Presented by Flowmaster

Noted hot rod and concept car designer Murray Pfaff is excited to announce that his firm, Pfaff Designs, celebrates its tenth anniversary this year. To salute the occasion, Murray and friends are throwing a little party: the Pfaff Designs 10^th Anniversary Celebration Presented by Flowmaster, to be held at the 2013 Detroit Autorama this coming March 8-10.

Murray’s career got an early boost when he designed the G-Force Pontiac GTO for Hot Rod Magazine. From a whole field of leading rod stylists, readers voted his design their favorite and the car was featured on the Hot Rod Power Tour. Since then Murray has gone on to design many top rods in the industry, including concepts for the King himself, Richard Petty. And then there’s Murray’s own famed creation, the fabulous Imperial Speedster, which has been featured in major publications and car shows across the country.

Detroit Autorama veterans, Murray and Pfaff Designs will have a very special exhibit on the floor at Cobo Center this year, thanks to presenting sponsor Flowmaster, the Exhaust Technology Company. Vehicles from the Pfaff Design family confirmed for the one-of-a-kind display include: Boost, Randy Weaver’s 1950 Chevrolet Speedster; the twin turbo Full Force Trans Am from Schwartz Performance; and Mayhem, the Optima Challenge-winning ‘67 Camaro prepped and raced by Pro Touring guru Mark Stielow.

Along with presenting sponsor Flowmaster, event partners include Pilot Transport, Painless Performance, Optima Batteries, National Parts Depot, AirLift Performance, PPG, and Nitto Tires. Murray plans to catch up with all his old friends at the Autorama and hopefully, meet many more new ones. “In these past ten years, we’ve done over 300 designs and counting,” he says. “All along the way I have met great people who embody the hot rodding spirit and truly make my work a dream job.”

HRML/CTR Broadcast Preview

Are you ready for todays show?

Today’s HRML and CTR broadcast will be starting at 1pm PST and is filled with some great guests and prizes. NHRAs Scott Smith will give us a LIVE update from the MAC Tools US Nationals and then Todd Lesenko driver of the Jim Dunn Racing Top-Fuel Funny car will give us his take on the action at the MAC Tools US Nationals. Finally Mike Yager, Mid America Motorwork's Chief Cheerleader will stop by to give us the scoop on this year Corvette Fun Fest.

In the Circle Track Radio Hour opens with "Editor in Chief" Rob Fisher to share the lastest news from the magazine that is "The number one source for advanced racing technology". After that Mark Wauge Modified Driver will talk about his dominance of Southern Oregon Speedway and finally I'll give you the scoop on the Nissan NV2500 tow vehicle. 

CLICK HERE TO FIND A STATION NEAR YOU

CLICK HERE TO STREAM THE SHOW LIVE

SAN Announces Winner of Hot Rod Magazine Contest

SEMA Action Network (SAN) member Joseph J. Glosek was recently announced as the winner of the Hot Rod Magazine contest for his submission on “How Has the SEMA Action Network Served the Auto Hobby?”  After reviewing all the entries, the staff of Hot Rod Magazine chose Mr. Glosek’s testimonial as the winner.  Glosek currently owns a 2008 Challenger SRT8, a 1967 Charger and a 1970 Daytona Charger Tribute.  A self-proclaimed ‘Mopar guy,’ Glosek is a member the Winged Warriors/National B-Body Association, Daytona-Superbird Auto Club, Mopars Unlimited of Arizona and the National Street Machine Association.  Here is his article which, along with a photo of Mr. Glosek, will appear in an upcoming issue of Hot RodMagazine:

            In today's busy world most of us have little free time with work and family so we tend to use this limited resource doing things we enjoy such as working on or driving our cars.   In many ways our cars, whether they are muscle cars, antiques, collector cars, race cars or even just a really nice daily driver, offer a refuge from a world that at times seems to move way to fast.  As a result we tend to let "the other guy" handle tasks that are mundane or unpleasant.  This unfortunately also includes keeping a tab on legislation that could directly affect our hobby.  Most of us only learn of the negative impact of new laws and regulations on our hobby, after the fact when it is too late to take action.

            Fortunately, we have the SEMA Action Network watching out for the best interest of our hobby.  They do what we should be doing, watching for any new legislation that could limit or even end our hobby.  They are "the other guy" so that we can continue to enjoy our vehicles for years to come without being unduly burdened by unfriendly laws and regulations.  Thanks to the SEMA Action Network, we can enjoy our family friendly hobby, and aftermarket manufacturers are willing to invest in our hobby with new and improved products.  Without the SAN, we would not have our hobby and manufacturers would find little reason to invest in new product development.  The SAN makes our hobby a win/win for all involved.

MAC's Radiator 2nd Annual Cruise-In: Image Collection

Here is a collection of shots from the MAC's Radiator 2nd Annual Cruise-In. 

The cars, people and fun was all top-notch and family friendly for everyone.

‘WAR HORSE’ ON WESTERN RAMPAGE

Fallbrooks’ Roger Garten and Las Vegas’ Mike Tocco and their ‘War Horse’ Nostalgia Nitro funny car team are readying themselves for nearly a month on tour, racing throughout the Northwest United States in August.  Dubbed the “War Horse Western Rampage Tour,” Garten and his wife of 49 years, will take the reins of the hauler and log nearly 4000 miles in three weeks, rendezvousing with their volunteer crew on the weekends to compete at each event. 

The team’s first stop will be Boise, Idaho for the 41^st NightFire Nationals at Firebird Raceway on August 9 – 12.  This will be a 16 car qualified race with the highly anticipated ‘Key Bank Saturday Night Thunder’ where all the teams will make their final qualifying attempt in the cooler Idaho evening air, giving the fans a spectacular show of nitro header flames.  The NightFire race has long been a traditional stop for the nitro cars, with this year being no exception, as teams will journey long distances to compete in Boise, now a stop on the NHRA Heritage Racing Series.  The always welcoming Idaho fans are what make the trip worthwhile.  Well, that and the well priced tasty ice cream in the snack bar !

Just a short drive to Spokane, Washington to their second stop, the ‘Napa Night of Fire’ at Spokane County Raceway will be on August 18.  The nitro funny cars will compete for a spot in an eight car qualified field with eliminations to be held right after qualifying. 

Finally, the last event will be ‘Nitro Madness’ on Saturday, August 25 in Salt Lake City, Utah at Rocky Mountain Raceway.  Eight nostalgia nitro funny cars will duel it out on the track, making two passes each.  Contact the track for information about an exclusive dinner with Shirley Muldowney with proceeds to benefit the Utah Animal Adoption Center.

Using up much of their yearly vacation accounts at their ‘regular’ jobs, the all volunteer crew is anticipating logging nearly 3000 air miles and 2000 road miles chasing their Mustang on this “Western Rampage Tour”.  Come out to cheer on Roger and his crew as they work to bring the fans an incredible show !

With lots of down time in between these races, the Gartens are interested in talking with anyone who might be interested in having the ‘War Horse’ car and driver make a personal appearance at their business or event.  Fans can follow the ‘War Horse’ Nitro Funny car on Facebook to get updates on their ‘Western Rampage’ tour and also via the official web site at www.warhorse792.com.  

Hot August Nights: Gallery

Please enjoy this collection of some of the sights from the 26th annual Hot August Nights event.