Author: SM

  • NASCAR Bass Pro Shop Night Race Preview

    NASCAR Bass Pro Shop Night Race Preview

    Saturday will bring racing fans the last NASCAR Series Playoffs race of the Round of 16, with the Bristol Motor Speedway to play host to the 60th annual running of the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race. 

    The event will be the first time NASCAR will have a race happen on the concrete surface inside the “Last Great Colosseum” this season –  the spring race at the Tennessee track took place on dirt.

    This race is expected to be a very exciting one, given that drivers are desperate for playoff points, and it will be as crucial as it will be exciting due to track position being of great importance in any short race.

    Race Details

    Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021
    Start Time: 7:30pm. EST
    Track: Bristol Motor Speedway — Bristol, TN
    Coverage: NBCSN
    Pole Sitter: Martin Truex Jr.
    Defending Champion: Kevin Harvick
    Distance: 266.5 miles
    Laps: 500
    Lap Length: 0.533 miles
    Stages: Three (Laps 1-125; 126-250; 251-500)
    Surface: Concrete
    Turns: 4

    Kyle Busch is the favorite going into the event at +400 and the Android betting app will be offering odds. Busch has won the race on three occasions, the most for any active racer, and has two wins this season. 

    Kyle Larson follows at +450 while Denny Hamlin is +600 and Chase Elliot at +800. Joey Logano is +1000 with Kevin Karvic at +1100.

    You could find a full list of odds right below.

    Kyle Busch – +400
    Kyle Larson – +450
    Denny Hamlin – +600
    Chase Elliott – +800
    Joey Logano – +1000
    Kevin Harvick – +1100
    Ryan Blaney – +1500
    Kurt Busch – +1500
    Brad Keselowski – +1600
    Martin Truex Jr. – +1800
    Christopher Bell – +2200
    William Byron – +2500
    Alex Bowman – +2500
    Tyler Reddick – +3000
    Aric Almirola – +3000
    Ross Chastain – +3000
    Austin Dillon – +4500
    Matt DiBenedetto – +5000
    Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – +8000
    Bubba Wallace – +8000
    Daniel Suarez – +10000
    Cole Custer – +10000
    Ryan Newman – +13000
    Chris Buescher – +13000
    Erik Jones – +15000
    Chase Briscoe – +15000
    Ryan Preece – +20000
    Michael McDowell – +25000
    Corey Lajoie – +25000
    Anthony Alfredo – +50000
    Justin Haley – +60000
    Quin Houff – +100000
    B.J. McLeod – +100000
    J.J. Yeley – +100000
    David Starr – +100000
    Garrett Smithley – +100000
    James Davison – +100000
    Josh Bilicki – +100000

    NASCAR has ditched the practice and qualifying runs for most races following the interruption on the calendar last season due to COVID-19. Group draws and a formula involving performance metrics were used to make up the starting grids. The formula has been kept for most of the races in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season and Saturday’s Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race will be no different.

    The performance-metrics formula takes several factors into account,  including individual race performances and results over the course of the season. 

    You could check the breakdown out right here:

    35 percent: Team owner points ranking
    25 percent: Driver’s finishing position from the previous race
    25 percent: Car owner’s finishing position from the previous race
    15 percent: Fastest lap from the previous race

    The starting lineup is also below:

    1 – #19 – Martin Truex Jr.
    2 – #11 – Denny Hamlin
    3 – #22 – Joey Logano
    4 – #9 – Chase Elliott
    5 – #5 – Kyle Larson
    6 – #20 – Christopher Bell
    7 – #12 – Ryan Blaney
    8 – #4 – Kevin Harvick
    9 – #18 – Kyle Busch
    10 – #2 – Brad Keselowski
    11 – #48 – Alex Bowman
    12 – #10 – Aric Almirola
    13 – #8 – Tyler Reddick
    14 – #24 – William Byron
    15 – #1 – Kurt Busch
    16 – #34 – Michael McDowell
    17 – #42 – Ross Chastain
    18 – #3 – Austin Dillon
    19 – #21 – Matt DiBenedetto
    20 – #14 – Chase Briscoe (R)
    21 – #99 – Daniel Suarez
    22 – #43 – Erik Jones
    23 – #47 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
    24 – #6 – Ryan Newman
    25 – #17 – Chris Buescher
    26 – #41 – Cole Custer
    27 – #37 – Ryan Preece
    28 – #23 – Bubba Wallace
    29 – #77 – Justin Haley
    30 – #38 – Anthony Alfredo (R)
    31 – #7 – Corey LaJoie
    32 – #78 – B.J. McLeod
    33 – #52 – Josh Bilicki
    34 – #00 – Quin Houff
    35 – #51 – J.J. Yeley
    36 – #53 – Garrett Smithley
    37 – #15 – James Davison
    38 – #66 – David Starr

    Martin Truex Jr. was awarded the pole for the event on Wednesday as a result of the aforementioned metric. He earned an automatic spot in the Playoffs’ Round of 12 by winning at Richmond last weekend and has joined Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson in automatic qualification. Alex Bowman, who will need to have a strong run in Saturday’s race to advance to the Round of 12 has the highest starting position at 11th.

    The four drivers, Tyler Reddick, William Byron, Kurt Busch, and Michael McDowell,  placed below the cutoff line will all start in a cluster in Rows 7 and 8.

    Only Truex, Hamlin, and Larson will be guaranteed to continue chasing the championship no matter what happens.

  • IPL 2021: Most Successful Captains in IPL History

    In this article, we have tried to establish who is the best captain in IPL history. We have considered only those skippers who have led their franchises in at least 10 matches. 

                                                        Most Successful Captains in IPL History
    CaptainIPL Matches LedMatches WonMatches LostSuccess Percentage
    Rohit Sharma116704560.34
    Steve Smith42251759.52
    MS Dhoni1881107758.82
    Sachin Tendulkar51302158.82
    Cameron White127558.33

    Who Is the Most Successful Captain in the IPL?

    1. Rohit Sharma

    Rohit Sharma’s IPL captaincy record speaks for itself. He has won 70 out of 116 matches as captain, registering the highest win percentage amongst IPL captains of 60.34. Sharma is inarguably the best captain of IPL, having led Mumbai Indians to five titles in eight years at the helm.

    2. Steve Smith

    Former Australian skipper Steve Smith has had enough experience of captaincy at the international level as well as league level. In 2017 he was appointed skipper of Rising Pune Supergiant, in place of Dhoni. Smith led the franchise to the final where they lost to MI by a solitary run. Smith has also skippered Rajasthan Royals in a few seasons. With 25 wins registered in 42 matches on his watch, Smith has a win percentage of 59.52, second only to that of Rohit Sharma.

    3. MS Dhoni

    MS Dhoni has been considered one of the world’s best captains. Dhoni is the only player to have captained a side in the inaugural IPL 2008 edition who is still leading a team in the league. CSK has won three IPL titles on Dhoni’s watch. The former India skipper has led IPL franchises in 188 matches, winning 110 to establish a winning percentage of 58.82.

    4. Sachin Tendulkar

    Sachin Tendulkar compensated for his lack of success leading India in international cricket by captaining Mumbai Indians with a high degree of success in the IPL. Though MI did not win any IPL trophy on Tendulkar’s watch, they won 30 out of 51 matches in which they were led by Sachin, which translated into a win percentage of 58.82.

    5. Cameron White

    Former Australian player Cameron White featured for RCB, Deccan Chargers, and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. In 2012, he took over the captaincy of DC mid-season from Kumar Sangakkara. He also captained the SRH side in the following season. In the 12 matches White captained, 7 were won by his team, giving Cameron a success percentage of 58.33 in the tournament.

    Captains Who Have Led Their Teams to IPL Titles

    The question, “who is the most successful captain in IPL?” can also be decided by finding out who has won the most IPL titles for his franchise.

    Rohit Sharma

    The current Mumbai Indians skipper, Rohit Sharma, has led his franchise to the most IPL titles. MI has won five IPL trophies with Sharma at the helm. In 2013, MI won their maiden IPL trophy beating CSK led by Dhoni in the final. MI batted first and made 148/9 before keeping CSK down to 125/9. In 2015, MI became IPL champions for the 2nd time, again beating the Dhoni-led CSK in the title match. Batting first, MI scored 202/5 before restricting CSK to 161/8. MI’s 3rd IPL trophy came in the 2017 season when they beat Rising Pune Supergiant led by Steve Smith in the final. Batting first, MI scored 129/8. In reply, RPS scored 128/6 handing MI a one-run win. MI won their 4th title in 2019, beating Dhoni’s CSK in the final. Batting first they made 149/8 before restricting CSK to 148/7 for another one-run victory. In 2020, Sharma led MI to their 5th IPL trophy, beating the Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi Capitals in the final match. DC batted first and scored 156/7 before MI chased down the target with 5 wickets and 8 balls to spare.

    MS Dhoni

    Dhoni who leads Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL season has led his franchise to three IPL titles. CSK won their first IPL title on Dhoni’s watch in 2010 when they beat MI Indians by 22 runs in the final. Batting first in the game, CSK scored 168/5. In reply, MI could manage no more than 146/9. In 2011, Dhoni led CSK to a successful defense of their title, when they beat RCB, led by Daniel Vettori, in the final. Batting first, CSK made 205/5 before restricting RCB to 147/8 in their 20-over innings. In 2018, CSK won their 3rd IPL trophy under Dhoni. In the final, they faced Sunrisers Hyderabad who was led by Kane Williamson. Batting first SRH scored 178/6.

    Gautam Gambhir

    Gambhir, the former skipper of Kolkata Knight Riders, who led his franchise to two IPL trophies in 2012 and 2014 was once considered the best captain in IPL. In 2012, KKR chased down a target of 191 set by the Dhoni-led CSK with 5 wickets to spare. In 2014, KKR faced Kings XI Punjab led by George Bailey in the title match. Batting first, KXIP scored 199/4. In reply, KKR scored 200/3 in 19.3 overs.

    David Warner

    In 2016, Warner led SRH to their only IPL title. SRH batted first and scored 208/7. In reply, RCB led by Virat Kohli fell tantalizingly short of the target, managing to score only 200/7.

    Shane Warne

    Warne led Rajasthan Royals to their only IPL title in the inaugural season of the league in 2008. In the final, Royals clashed with CSK. Batting first in that game, CSK scored 163/5 before Royals chased down the target with three wickets to spare, on the last ball.

    Adam Gilchrist

    Gilchrist skippered the now-defunct Deccan Chargers franchise in their successful title run in IPL 2009. In the final of that edition, Chargers were challenged for the title by Royal Challengers Bangalore led by Anil Kumble. Batting first in the game, DC scored 143/6 before restricting RCB to 137/9 in their allotted overs.

    Conclusion

     At cric-life.com, we believe that Rohit Sharma is inarguably the best IPL team captain.

  • How a Bad Credit Car Loan Works

    How a Bad Credit Car Loan Works

    Upon hearing the phrase “bad credit,” people automatically think of late payments and maxed-out credit cards. Yes, these are the prime reasons why a person has a low credit score; however, there could be other reasons too such as:

    • The adult with no credit history. Since lenders can’t assess your financial stability, they don’t think you can be trusted with a loan.
    • The shopper with debts. Even if you are using 40% of your DTI ratio, which is 10% more than the ideal DTI, consider yourself in debt. When your income is less than your debt, lenders assume you can’t be trusted with a loan as you might not be able to pay it back due to your spending habits.
    • The person who defaults on the loan. A single missed monthly payment is understandable. You might have had utility bills to pay or a necessary expenditure. However, when this becomes a regular occurrence, lenders don’t see you as a reliable borrower.
    • The co-signer. Before you co-sign a loan, make sure the person you are vouching for can be trusted. If they default on the payment, your credit score will also suffer.

    So, which category are you in?

    Keep in mind that despite all these problems, you can still apply for bad credit car loans.

    Amazed, right? Well, don’t just jump up and down with joy yet. There are a few things that you need to know before you go about financing your first car. 

    Before we begin, let’s take a brief look at a credit score chart by FICO so that you can find out in which range you fall: 

    Credit Score Range

    • Very Poor: 300 to 579
    • Fair: 580 to 669
    • Good: 670 to 739
    • Very Good: 740 to 799
    • Exceptional: 800 to 850

    If you have a bad credit score, then you will probably fall somewhere between 300 and 579. 

    Understanding Your Credit Score

    Now that you know what your credit score is, let’s take a look at the individual factors that make it up:

    Note: You need to be aware of this information because it is considered by lenders while deciding whether you should be given bad credit car loans or not.

    Payment History (35%)

    Your payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. From making late payments to missing them completely, delinquencies on the report, and more, all these contribute to your payment history. It makes up for the largest part of your credit score and shows the lender how good you are with borrowing money and then paying it back. 

    You can improve your payment history by simply making payments on time. 

    Money You Owe (30%)

    The amount of money you own collectively should not exceed a 30% mark. The higher this percentage, the deeper in debt you will be. This will make the lender think that even if you are a good candidate, you won’t be able to make the monthly car payments. 

    Credit History (15%)

    Your credit history is based on how many open lines of credit you have. The longer it dates back to, the easier it will be for the lender to know how good you are with managing your finances.

    Credit Mix (10%)

    This refers to your instalment loans such as mortgages and auto loans, and student loans. These have a set amount that needs to be paid each month. Then, there’s “revolving” credit, in which the amount owed is based on how many times your charge it and how quickly you pay off the balance. 

    New Credit (10%)

    The more credit lines you open, the further your credit score will fall because you might not be able to keep with each account’s payment.

    Final Word

    A few other factors that affect your credit score and are of importance to the lender when deciding whether to give you a loan or not are your employment history and how old the car is. The former shows the lender that you can hold down a job and will be able to make the monthly payments on time. The latter is all about securing the investment.

    While financing a new car will be more expensive than a used one, the interest rate on it will be low. That’s because if you do miss any of the monthly payments and you can’t pay back on the maturity date, the lender will be able to sell the car and cover their losses easily. On the other hand, a used car might have mechanical problems that don’t make them a good investment. Moreover, if you default on the loan, the car won’t be sold for much.

  • 2023 Nissan Z: The seventh-gen Z arrives with a V6 engine, 400 horsepower and a manual gearbox

    2023 Nissan Z: The seventh-gen Z arrives with a V6 engine, 400 horsepower and a manual gearbox

    The Nissan Z is a series of cars that have been in production ever since 1969. First starting in 1969, the Nissan Z, or the Datsun 240Z, as it was marketed, was loved across the United States. It was produced until 2000, and then it went on a short hiatus. Back in 2002 as the Nissan 350Z, the car got many fans excited and it did offer a lot for a sports car at a fair price. Nissan produced the car until 2020 and then it went on a short hiatus again. Now, it is going to be back in 2022 again, as the 2023 Nissan Z.

    The Nissan 370Z is the most recent out of all the cars, and it provides a combination of power and driving experience for less money. Now, the 2023 Nissan Z with a V6 engine is a reality. Some rumors floated around that it might be called the 400Z, but Nissan had enough of the numbers. This time, it is just the 2023 Nissan Z. Zed or Zee, we would leave that up to you to decide.

    The 2023 Nissan Z is revealed to have a starting price of $40,000. Staying true to its core and still being the same two-seat, rear-wheel drive layout, the new Z has a lot of fans excited. The pricing is one of the most interesting aspects. Despite the popularity, Nissan has decided to stick to reasonable pricing, which would make it more accessible to the enthusiast and niche market that it aims to target.

    The new Z will have a 3.0L V6 at its heart, which would be capable of producing 400 horsepower. Maybe the 400Z rumor stemmed from that figure. The transmission duties will be handled by a six-speed manual, and we are really excited to find out how the new transmission performs. Obviously, with the same rear-wheel drive layout, it would also be very interesting to see how it handles on the track. Nissan has placed the engine farther back in the chassis, still a front-engined car, but one with more balance and stability. Nissan claims that it is “an authentic sports car in the purest sense of the word”.

    The twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 will have 24 valves. It would feature an aluminum-alloy block and head, to save weight. For cooling inside the engine, a water-cooled intercooler has been used. Nissan says that they have added an optical speed sensor, which would speed up the turbine up to a massive 220,000 rpm. Also coming with a new mechanical limited-slip differential, the Z will have the best traction and grip on the road, as each wheel would receive the perfect amount of torque from the powerplant.

    As already mentioned, the standard is a six-speed manual transmission. It has been enhanced and designed specifically to offer a more “direct and positive” feeling, according to Nissan. But other than this, a 9-speed automatic would also be available. It would also come with paddle shifters directly from the GT-R. No matter how good it is, we still think enthusiasts would go nowhere near this automatic transmission and rather stick with the manual for the best experience.

    But more exciting than these would be the inclusion of launch control. Remember, no other Nissan Z prior to this had a launch control. This is a first. As a typical launch control system, it would hold an RPM (one that you would set manually) and just as you launch the car, the engine would spit all the power and the wheels would spin to life. Nissan also claims that it would provide a very consistent acceleration every time. We are excited to see how it would perform in real life.

    For suspension, the new Z will feature monotube shocks with new front geometry. The rear suspension would also have been tuned. So, we can expect the car to be very rigid while on track, but also be able to soak up bumps while on a regular road. For the first time ever, the Nissan Z will also come with an electric power steering, and they claim that is extremely precise and very sharp, and direct. Other than the steering, the body has also been made more rigid, with a 10% increase in torsional rigidity over the Nissan 370Z.

    But of course, none of that power would matter if you would not be able to come to a stop within a reasonable distance. That is why the new Japanese sports coupe will be equipped with Sport Brakes with 14” front rotors with 4-piston calipers. Those are some big brakes.

    The interior of the new-gen Z has also been refined. It makes use of new sports seats that would hug the driver and keep him from slipping, thanks to the anti-slip material and slide-reducing center pad. The interior is now more driver-focused. The color contrasts also look nice. There would be a new digital gauge cluster and a 9” infotainment touchscreen, which would run on NissanConnect

    Features such as Door to Door Navigation, Wi-Fi Hotspot, and Remote Access would all be made common. The dashboard also looks very stylish and modern. Buttons and dials are still present to keep the driver focused and not to modernize the car too much. The steering wheel would have the “Z”-logo in the center to remind you of the car you are sitting in.

    But what we see first is what makes the best impression, and Nissan has taken a bold approach to the redesign of the Z. For starters, it does not look anything like the 370Z, but at the same time, stays true to the Z-heritage. A new and unique design, the headlights are completely changed and the front fascia now features a vertical grille. The front could sort of remind you of a Jaguar car. The roof scoops down and meets the rear-end, in a way that is very coupe-like. The car looks pretty stylish and modern from the side. 


    However, we have some doubts about the front. We are not really sure if people would like it. It could be a polarizing design, with some people loving and some people hating it. Time will tell. But what we do know is that the new 2023 Nissan Z is set to bring the best out of its rivals. Toyota Supra, watch out. 

  • Looking for a New Family Car? Here’s What You Need to Consider

    Looking for a New Family Car? Here’s What You Need to Consider

    As our family grows, they are a lot of different changes we have to make. Some individuals may need to move into a bigger house, while others look at different career options. 

    One thing that many will face is the process of purchasing a new car. The more people you have to drive around, the bigger vehicle you will need.

    Below we are going to take a look at some of the different things you will need to consider when buying a new family car to make this decision a little easier.

    Sound interesting? Then keep on reading.

    Budget and Finance Options

    Obviously, the first thing you need to think about when buying a car is your budget. Vehicles are one of life’s biggest expenses, and you need to make sure that you can pay the bills.

    This doesn’t just include the upfront price of the vehicle, either. Gas, insurance, and other car maintenance costs will all need to be accounted for.

    If you’re unable to buy outright, speak to the dealership about financing options and see if there is something suitable for you. Just be prepared to pay a lot of interest.

    Size

    When it comes to finding a family car, size is undoubtedly one of the most critical aspects. Not only do you need to have enough seats, but there also needs to be enough storage for all of your belongings.

    When looking at options, make sure to pay special attention to the size of the trunk, whether seats can be taken out and how tall the vehicle is. It’s always better to be overly cautious.

    Seat capacity

    Alongside the actual size of the vehicle, don’t forget to check the seating capacity if you will be driving children that are required to be in child safety seats.

    If you’ve got more than three who all need to be in them, you’re going to need to make sure there is enough space and anchor points. Sometimes even SUVs won’t be able to fit them all next to each other.

    Style and appearance      

    If you’re going to spend money on a new vehicle, you at least want to like the way it looks. If you haven’t already, browse around and see what style you are most drawn to. 

    With so many different colors and types, there is bound to be something that takes your fancy. However, remember to keep practicality in mind. That lovely red sports car may look amazing, but it probably isn’t the most appropriate option.

    To get started, check out heber city car dealerships to see their range. 

    Fuel type

    You don’t have to be a car person to know that vehicles take different fuels. When choosing what is suitable for you, it’s a good idea to look into the different types and weigh up the pros and cons.

    These include:

    –      Petrol: Less expensive and most common.

    –      Diesel: Higher energy content resulting in less time filling up.

    –      Hybrid: Contains both an electric and internal combustion engine.

    –      Electric: Runs purely on electricity and requires charging.

    Safety features

    Ensuring your family’s safety while driving is extremely important, and with young ones in the car, you may want to keep an eye out for certain features. 

    Things such as stability control systems, overspeed warning devices, rearview cameras, and anti-lock breaks all impact a vehicle’s rating.

    Do some research and take note of the safety features that are most critical to you. This will help with your final decision.

    Longevity

    Another thing you need to look into when browsing vehicles is how long you want it to last. Not everyone can afford something brand new, but you don’t want to get something used and have it break down in a couple of months.

    On the other hand, if you know you have four extremely messy kids, investing in something used right now could be the better decision. 

    It all depends on your unique situation.

    Insurance

    Sometimes we get so into looking for the car itself that we forget about one of the most essential things – insurance. While you are budgeting, you need to think about what you can afford to pay and what is the best option to protect your family.

    Remember, alongside your age and driving history, the make and age of the vehicle can impact how much you will pay. So, talk to your local dealer and compare different insurance agencies to find your most suitable option.

    Entertainment 

    Most new vehicles come with a wide range of entertainment tech that can significantly benefit your family. If you want to keep your children occupied on long trips so that you can focus on driving, it’s certainly worth looking at what’s available.

    Things such as seat-back tablets, DVD players, wireless charging pads, and sound systems can make your driving experience much more comfortable. If you don’t have a strict budget, paying for some unique technology can be a wise decision.

    Living Situation

    Finally, your living situation is the last thing you need to think about when buying a new family car. Your geographic location can impact the type of vehicle that is best suited to you.

    For instance, those in large cities might want to choose something more compact, while those that are driving on primarily dirt roads could want a sturdier vehicle. You also need to think about where you are going to be parking and if it can fit in your driveway/garage or on the street.

    It’s these little things that can often be forgotten about. It’s always better to be one step ahead.

    Final Words

    And that’s it! By following the above, you can start the process of looking for a new family car that ticks all of your boxes. It might seem like a lot to take in, but it’s better to make the right decision first than be stuck with a car that doesn’t meet your requirements.

    Good luck!

  • Are Aftermarket Alternators Worth Buying?

    Are Aftermarket Alternators Worth Buying?

    When buying alternators, and auto parts in general, there are two types of classifications you will come across: original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and aftermarket. OEM parts come from the company that manufactured your vehicle, and while they used to only be available through authorized dealerships, today they can be easily bought and shipped through online orders. Aftermarket alternators are designed to operate just like OEM alternators except that they are manufactured by a competing company and often offer an increased level of customization for your vehicle.

    The primary benefit of buying OEM is clear: it is an exact replacement. As long as the part matches your make and model it will fit perfectly. For some people, this alone makes it worth buying even in the face of a higher price. However, there are also a lot of benefits that buying an aftermarket part can give you that an OEM part cannot:

    1. Cheaper Price – A cheaper price tag is probably what many know as the primary benefit of buying an aftermarket part because it is a competitor competing not only with the OEM but other aftermarket manufacturers. This shouldn’t be mistaken for being of a cheaper quality but quality should be always be questioned and all parts should be properly researched. Quality may be either higher or lower than OEM.
    1. Customization – Only by buying aftermarket parts will you have access to levels of customization that OEM parts will not be able to provide you with. Every part offers you greater variety and choice that OEM doesn’t.
    1. Availability – A huge benefit that aftermarket parts provide is the increased availability that dozens of brands provide you with. You’re much more likely to find the part you need when you look for it.
    1. Why Buy An Aftermarket Alternator?

    In most cases, the reason you would want to buy an aftermarket alternator is because you need to provide your electrical system with more wattage than your stock alternator offers. If you’ve made upgrades to your vehicle, especially on power-hungry components like the stereo system then the necessary wattage needed to run smoothly may have begun to exceed the range that your OEM alternator provides. Perhaps the vehicle might be experiencing various electrical failures, dimming of lights, stalling or difficulty starting. All of these are reasons to consider replacing your current alternator with an aftermarket alternative.

  • 75 years of NASCAR next year – what are the all-time great races?

    75 years of NASCAR next year – what are the all-time great races?

    NASCAR has long been a favorite sport in the USA and for fans of high-speed racing worldwide. The intense action which unfolds on track, plus the off-track rivalries, always makes for superb entertainment. 2021’s NASCAR Cup Series is a great example of this and has served up some fabulous action during the regular season. With series playoff action set to commence soon and the season finale in early November 2021, it will be interesting to see if Kyle Larson can hold off people like Ryan Blaney and Martin Truex Jr. when racing starts again. 

    For those NASCAR fans who want to get a head-start on series playoff racing, it can be fun to see who is being tipped to emerge triumphant in 2021. Checking out sports betting analysis sites is a good way to do this, as they show the odds given by sportsbooks for each driver to win. Of course, if you like to get more from NASCAR by actually placing bets, then looking at sites like this can also provide tips on which driver to back.

    Although the 2021 season is heating up nicely, keen followers of this sport will know it has a long history to look back on. Actually, NASCAR is due to celebrate its 75th anniversary next year! The fact it has stuck around for so long shows just what an amazing sport this is and what a loyal fanbase it has. Of course, over these 75 years, there have been some iconic races that stick in the memory. 

    But which are some of the very best?

    Goody’s Headache Relief Shot 500 – 2015 

    The simple truth is that you don’t have to go too far back in NASCAR history for some of the best racing ever. For many, the 2015 playoff race in Martinsville is the only choice when it comes to the most dramatic action ever produced. To begin with, Matt Kenseth decided to exact revenge on Joey Logano for spinning him out in Kansas by driving him into the wall! 

    The resulting crash is one of the best-known scenes in NASCAR. This crash resulted in Kenseth being banned for two races, but also ended Logano’s championship hopes. As a result, Jeff Gordon and Jamie McMurray were left battling it out on the front row. After a restart with two laps left, Gordon got clear to claim a stunning victory and make it to the championship four. Jeff Gordon’s win in 2015 was his last one and this proved a fitting farewell to fans.

    Cracker Barrel 500 – 2001 

    Heading a little further back in time, many would agree that the 2001 Cracker Barrel 500 was a memorable event. It was also a highly emotional one for many involved with NASCAR. Only three weeks previously, racing legend Dale Earnhardt had sadly died in a high-speed Daytona 500 crash. This resulted in Kevin Harvick stepping in to take his spot when the action arrived in Georgia. 

    Jeff Gordon started well and looked certain to win a second NASCAR race on the spin. Harvick came back at him though and eventually raced into the lead. In the final lap, Gordon made a late dash to take it, but Harvick won by just 0.06 of a second. After winning, he drove around the track backward with three fingers aloft in a tear-jerking tribute to Earnhardt.

    Talladega 500 – 1984

    For a lot of NASCAR followers, this 1984 cracker in Talladega is hard to beat. But what makes it so special still today? For starters, you had an insane line-up of some of the best drivers ever to jump behind the wheel. For example, the top seven spots included Dale Earnhardt, Buddy Baker, Bobby Allison, Harry Gant, Terry Labonte, Darrell Waltrip, and Cale Yarborough.

    The star names on offer did not disappoint and the high-octane action saw the lead change a massive 68 times across 16 different drivers. Eventually, Earnhardt took the victory to extend his Winston Cup lead at the time. This did not last though because he finished in fourth behind Labonte, Gant, and Bill Elliott in the standings eventually.

    Top racing in 75 years of NASCAR history

    The above are certainly some of the best NASCAR races ever and show what makes this sport so magical. It is not only the high-speed driving or cool cars but also the drama, emotion, and characters it contains. With Kyle Larson crowned 2021’s regular season champion after some excellent racing and a 75-year celebration on the horizon, there is no doubt that the future of the sport is in good hands.

  • The average prices of used cars near me for sale – how to get a special offer

    The average prices of used cars near me for sale – how to get a special offer

    If you are in the market for getting a new vehicle, you might be thinking that you absolutely need one to get from Point A to Point B – but you simply can’t afford the price of a new vehicle. And that is okay! Many new vehicles today are extremely overpriced and would require you to pay thousands per month for many years just to pay off the deposit, so how can you find an affordable option that works well for your lifestyle?

    Consider purchasing a previously-owned vehicle that gives you the flexibility of being able to drive whenever you want, avoid hefty payments, and provide a stylish and performance-oriented vehicle for you to use! But who can you find the vehicle that meets all of your needs in your local area? Find out more here!

    How to find used cars near me for sale

    If you’re trying to find used cars near me for sale, then you need to make sure that you can get a special offer. Instead of just finding used cars at your local dealership that might not even be that inexpensive, you need to do some research and some looking around to find the best prices in your area. Instead of just going with the first dealership that you stumble upon, do some price comparisons so you can compare the prices of specific models and see how they stack up against each other at various locations. This way, you can see who is giving the best prices and how they are given the best deals in your local area!

    Let’s check out a few average prices of used cars near me for sale that can give you an idea of what to set your price range for when you are shopping for a used vehicle. 

    Chevrolet Camaro

    If you are searching for used cars near me for sale, you might be in the market to buy a Chevrolet Camaro. Keep in mind that there are many different years and engine options, ranging from back in the early 2000s to the latest models. You will also find there are various sheen choices, such as the 6.2 V8 engine or the RS 3.6 V6 engine. The typical price of a 2018 6.2 V8 engine is around $38,000, whereas a 2013 Camaro will be closer to around $12,000. If you are interested in an older version, you can usually find a Camaro for under $5,000. 

    Toyota RAV4

    Another common model when looking at used cars near me for sale is the Toyota RAV4. If you are interested in monthly payments for your RAV4, you can usually find a lease of a car for around $400-$500 per month, with an initial payment of around $4,000. When looking to buy a used Toyota RAV4, you can expect to pay around $30,000 for a 2019 2.5-liter option, or as low as $6,000 for a 2008 RAV4.

    Conclusion

    By knowing the average price of some of the used cars around your local area, you can get a good deal and discounts when shopping for used cars near me for sale. 

  • Most reliable anti-theft device for your motorcycle

    Most reliable anti-theft device for your motorcycle

    In the US alone, around 44 thousand motorcycles get stolen each year. However, new industry technologies have given thieves a run for their money, offering high-tech alarm systems and fail-proof digital anti-theft apps. 

    For years on end, motorcycle owners had to always be cautious about their vehicle safety. Always keeping one eye open for a possible burglary. Are there really weren’t any fool-proof devices to either help eliminate theft risk or help detect the whereabouts of a stolen bike. When you buy used motorcycles be careful to check everything out first.

    Chain locks or even brake disc locks would often be used as a way to give any potential thief a hard time. However, with the right tools at play, a chain lock would be easy work for any burglar. Also, these anti-theft devices would be pretty out there and obvious to crack. Motorcycle owners would need something a bit more discrete and intelligent to outwit and outplay an experienced bike thieve. 

    Although tracking systems were always viewed as a possible weapon against theft, the odd-looking GPS trackers bought from a random web listing aren’t that reliable. They can usually be easily spotted and hard to hide. Also, these devices would have a pretty cheap battery and in general, lack any intelligent and smart features. 

    Thankfully, the digital age has turned a new page, and innovative tech companies have come out with a solid solution for motorcycle owners. By revamping old-school GPS technology and combining it with high-tech in-app functionalities bike owners around the globe can now get a hold of a GPS motorcycles tracker

    Want to know how these trackers perform and save against theft? Keep reading to find out their main features. 

    Hide it anywhere

    These innovative and easy-to-use GPS trackers can be easily hidden anywhere on/in your motorcycle. You’d usually see GPS devices that require wiring and could only have a limited amount of places to hide. Clever thieves would know these main hiding places and would be able to remove GPS devices. Thus a wireless option is a real industry game-changer. 

    The durable and lightweight solution makes for the perfect hidden alarm system. No help or assistance is needed. 

    Control by smartphone

    But it doesn’t stop there, by syncing the tracker with your smartphone you’ll be able to track the whereabouts of your motorcycles and even receive a dedicated phone call if the GPS senses movement without any key fob nearby. This makes theft alerts faster, wherever the owner may be.

    Easy to set up with a smartphone and use to track any motorcycle, new or old. The app also de-alarms itself when it can detect that a key fob is nearby (included in the GPS tracker set). Which also prevents any accidental and unnecessary alarm system breakouts. 

    Battery longevity

    These GPS trackers are made to last and help the owner in case of a burglary. The tracker is powered by batteries that can last for up to 12 months. Little maintenance is needed to extend the longevity of a motorcycle tracker. 

    With this simple device, any motorcycle owner can feel more confident in riding and parking their bike. No need to worry about guarded or in-door parking. Also, owners won’t be needing old-fashioned security tools like chain locks to prevent possible theft. State-of-the-art GPS trackers make for easy maintenance, a fool-proof anti-theft guarantee, and no more stress over motorcycle robbery. 

    An easy and relatively cheap way to prevent any motorcycle owner’s worst nightmare. 

  • 5 Daily Habits That Will Make You Better at Racing

    5 Daily Habits That Will Make You Better at Racing

    When you’re training, you are always pushing yourself to hit that next level. There is a desire to keep doing better, to out-perform yourself, and reach all your goals. For runners, it can be tricky to keep up this level of intensity and performance improvements, since it’s quite normal to hit a plateau. Getting stuck on a plateau is frustrating and can chip away at your motivation. 

    That is exactly why these five daily habits will prove to be so useful. Each of them can help you to be better at racing and help you to achieve your personal fitness goals.

    Introduce Into Your Routine Strength Training

    If you haven’t yet introduced strength training into your routine, it’s time to do so. Runners are often focused on the cardio side of things, but strength training can also play a pivotal role in your training. Embrace exercises like planks, squats, lunges, and pushups to get started. This will build your core muscle and strength which, in turn, will help you to be a better racer.

    Eat a Healthy Well-Balanced Diet

    To be your best, you also need to fuel your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs, which requires eating a healthy well-balanced diet. Although it can be tempting to head out to a restaurant to eat, get takeout or choose a pre-packaged frozen meal, those aren’t the healthiest decisions. 

    If you’re the type that opts for takeout due to the convenience factor, this is a great time to embrace meal planning and advanced meal preparation. There are several compact food storage options that allow you to prepare ingredients in advance or even the full meal and then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to eat it. The proper storage solution will ensure the items are kept fresh and tasting great.

    Speaking of a healthy well-balanced diet, be sure that you are drinking plenty of water. If you allow yourself to become dehydrated, it will negatively impact your performance.

    Learn the Right Time of Day/Night for Your Training

    Did you know that everyone is different in terms of what their best time of the day is for training? Some people respond well to early morning workouts and runs, whereas others do better in the evenings. It’s important to figure out what your best time of day is, be honest with yourself, and then plan accordingly.

    Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

    When you think about racing better, there’s no doubt you think about training harder and more often, but what about sleep? Did you know that adequate sleep is just as important to your performance level? Ideally, you want to aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This gives your body a chance to recover from your workouts and runs. The less sleep you get, the longer it will take for your body to recover and make the necessary repairs.

    Do You Have the Right Type of Shoes?

    Although there is no such thing as magical shoes that will miraculously make you a better runner, there are differences worth noting. They can affect your comfort and performance even in a small way. If your shoes are old, no longer have good support, don’t fit well or don’t have ample support and cushioning, it’s time to invest in new ones. This is an item worth shopping around for, so make sure you get a quality pair.

    By following these tips and being mindful of the small changes you can make, it won’t be long until you get better at racing.