The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Cup Series is one of America’s top 10 sporting events, with the Daytona 500 attracting more than 7 million viewers this year. The stockcars that participate in racing are built for speed and optimal performance. They must be well-maintained, with engineers and mechanics working on them round the clock to ensure that the cars are ready for the racing events. Let’s take a look at what and who’s involved in keeping these vehicles in a great shape to win the contest.

An Entire Crew Is Responsible For Maintenance

Any vehicle requires maintenance to keep it running smoothly, including NASCAR racing cars that are being tested on the track every week. It takes more than one person to maintain the car in excellent condition. An entire crew is deployed to look after a racing car, and each member has an important job to ensure that the vehicles are running optimally. The crew is headed by a crew chief who is responsible for everything concerning the vehicle and manages the rest of the team. Underneath the crew chiefs are specialized engineers and mechanics who work on the vehicle and tweak it to suit a specific race track.  

The team works on the car several days a week. One person may oversee the interior of the car, and sees to it that the temperature inside is comfortable. Since temps can reach up to 150 degrees, it is critical that the driving cooling system works. The driver’s seat is also checked, molding it to the body of the driver for safety, and keeping them in place and preventing them from being thrown around in the event of a crash.

Engine Specialist

One of the most important people on the team is the engine specialist or tuner, who ensures that the engine runs smoothly. They must be able to diagnose possible problems and anticipate the solutions should they occur during the race. Engine specialists must also do all they can to avoid engine failures during the competition because troubles kill the chance of winning.

They must also find ways to optimize engine performance. For example, engineers must avoid car radiator leaks, which, in turn, can cause coolant loss, increasing the possibility of the engine overheating. The coolant works by removing heat from the engine and diverting the heat through a series of coils. By fixing leaks, engine problems are avoided.

Tires Are Crucial

Tires play a critical role in each race, and multiple people are assigned to ensure that the tires of racing cars are working well. For example, at every pit stop, a ‘jackman’ raises and lowers the car so that the tires can be changed. Two people carry the tires and hand them to the tire changers. All these take place within about five seconds. In addition, there’s also a person who fills the vehicle with fuel, while another will clean the windshield and tend to the driver, handing them a drink or snack.

Racing cars are special vehicles that involve high maintenance. A special crew of engineers, mechanics, and tire specialists, among others, work together with the goal of putting a car on the track worthy of winning the race.

Chevrolet is a car manufacturing company that opened its doors in 1911. To this day, this brand is considered as one of the world’s largest, continuing with their goal to provide high performing vehicles. The racing engines under the Chevy brand has seen a continuous evolution throughout the years. With a history in racing that continues since a century back, the racing engine division has continued to improve. 

If you are planning to build your own race car, or simply want to enhance the power of your engine under the hood, checking out the following high-performance Chevy engines for racing will no doubt save the day. With the number of options that are currently out there, you may end up feeling confused and overwhelmed. Worry no more! We are here to help you with your special project. 

1. 427 Engine

It was in 1963 when Junior Johnson attracted the attention of the crowd at the qualifying race at Daytona 500 with unprecedented performance. Under the hood of his car was the 427 engine, dubbed because of its size, while being given the nickname “Mystery V8”. According to GM, this engine was designed especially by Chevrolet, incorporating some elements in design which would later be integrated into the family. 

2. 409 V8

The 409 V8 engine is considered as the patriarch of the Big Block family. In the 1960s, this engine has played a huge role in the racing industry. While it debuted back in 1961, it continues to gain attention from enthusiasts with its high horsepower and strong torque curve capacities. It is easy to recognize, thanks to its rocker covers that come in a W-shape, setting its own trend in the engine world. The rating from the factory reached 425 HP, making it a powerhouse. During the 1963 model year, the output of this engine went up to 425 HP. It was made available for racing through the middle part of 1965, then it was replaced by the Mark IV Big-Block Engine. 

3. 427 ZLI Big-Block

This engine was first developed under the Can-Am series for racing and was later on reintroduced under a special ordering system of Chevy. This motor continued to flourish as swapping engines became more and more popular, and have become very easy to complete. The 427 ZLI Big-Block offered the best, with the power of a real Big Block, while weighing less, with the use of aluminum in its construction.

4. 302 Small Block

As Chevy used its options on Small Block engines, the engineers came up with a decision to use the 4-inch bores out of the 327 engine, combining it with a 3-inch stroke coming from a 283 engine. As a result, the 302 cubic inch engine was born. With their goal of achieving an inspected and approved homologated engine for eligibility on the series, the company chose to use a special version of its Camaro installed. The car that was powered by this engine eventually became the famous Z28 model. This chevy engine, despite its size, can easily fit into anything. However, it does not mean that its size cannot handle amazing power, as it is powerful enough to make it to the line of racing engines.

5. R07 NASCAR Engine

Chevy continued to search for ways to improve the potency of their engines. The R07 race engine was introduced first in 2007, as a monstrous V8 engine that features computational fluid dynamics. This engine was strictly designed for NASCAR racing, powering NASCAR Sprint Cup competitors, with a blast of 15 wins in 2015, along with a record-setting manufacturer’s title in 13 consecutive times. 

6. SB2 NASCAR Engine

The SB2 NASCAR Engine represents the very first time in which Chevy created an engine package that was developed primarily for NASCAR races. It was inspired by the classic Small Block V8 engine but brought to a new level by introducing features such as a one-off arrangement of the valve which allowed for higher RPMs, and more durability and efficiency than other GM cylinders. 

7. 1.6 Liter Turbocharged Inline-4

This may not be considered as the biggest out there, but it definitely made some rounds in the racing industry because of its fun offers. It is despite the fact that it is simply a 1.6-liter turbo motor, it has established domination at the World Touring Car Championship series. It is dynamite that came in a small package. This engine is also based on the production engine that was used in several global brands and in the Cruze models. 

8. 2.2 Liter Twin-Turbo V-6

In 2012, this engine received attention. Just like other amazing engines created a few decades back, this engine features a direct-injection, as well as a small-displacement type of engine which has the capacity to produce about 700 HP in a consistent manner. For this reason, this engine was almost lacking in weakness. It has made possible the 10 victories of Chevy drivers at the 16-race season in 2015. 

Conclusion

Indeed, Chevy is one of the most recognized manufacturers of high-performance engines for racing. The list mentioned above will no doubt give you a clear view of the options that you have. Factor in your personal considerations such as budget, preferences, and needs, and you will no doubt be able to get one that will not just improve the power of your car, but will no doubt give you a satisfying ride, whether on the race track or for everyday use!

Most of us have heard the old bit of wisdom that a car depreciates the minute it’s driven off the lot. Indeed, it’s true. In fact, some research suggests that cars lose between 20 and 40 percent in their first 12 months of ownership. That means that if you bought a new car today for $40,000, you might only be able to sell it for between $32,000 to $24,000 in a year. Scary, right? Sure, but most people don’t look at cars—at least not their daily drivers—as investments, and most don’t intend to make anything on a sale. 

No, you likely will not make money on your car, unless of course, it’s a rare, collectible, or special model. With that said, there are some great things you can do as part of your car maintenance plan to keep the deprecation to a minimum. Reference this guide to learn a bit about car depreciation and find some great ways to keep it within reason so you still get max value when you go to sell.

How Much Do Cars Depreciate?

How much your car will depreciate depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of car, how much you drive, and the region in which you live. Here’s a general idea of how much a typical vehicle will depreciate in a decade:

• Month 1: Research shows that cars can lose as much as 10 percent of their value within a month after driving them off the lot. So, your $40,000 car might only be worth around $36,000 after you’ve only driven it for a few weeks.
• Month 12: A loss of between 20 and 40 percent is a good rule for the value of brand-new cars after a year’s time. From there, the experts say your car is likely to depreciate by between 15 and 25 percent each year until it reaches the five-year mark.
• Year 5: The five-year mark is when your car is likely to take the biggest hit. That’s when it will lose about 60 percent of its value, potentially selling for less than half of what you paid for it to begin with. At this point, your $40,000 car would only be worth around $20,000. 
• Year 10: Once your car is a decade old, your car value may technically be very low, but that doesn’t mean it has no market value. If it’s in good condition and has relatively low miles, it can still fetch you a good chunk of money, and maybe even enough for a down payment on a new car. 

Why Do Cars Depreciate in Value?

Cars are like any other commodity in that they lose value because they accumulate wear and tear. Vehicles are constructed from thousands of tiny little components, so a lot can—and will—go wrong. On top of general wear and tear, even the best-maintained vehicles lose value because the market interest for them drops. A car of a certain color, make, or body style might be a hugely popular one decade and quite unpopular the next.

And don’t forget about the reputation of the maker! Car manufacturer’s reputations are constantly ebbing and flowing. If your maker has taken a hit in the time since you bought it, there may be less of a market for your vehicle when you go to sell later on. The opposite can be true, too. Manufacturers that once had less-than-ideal ratings can regain favor, which could help your car maintain some value in the future.

Minimizing Depreciation: Is There a Way?

So, with all this in mind, one thing is clear: Depreciation is inevitable. It’s just a simple fact of life. However, there are definitely some things you can do to keep the depreciation to a minimum. Though it’s highly unlikely that you’ll get anywhere close to what you paid up-front—and virtually impossible to turn a profit, unless you’re in the business of buying and restoring collectibles or rare cars—you can still minimize depreciation somewhat. Here’s how:

1. Invest in a Good Car Cover – If you don’t have a garage or an option for indoor storage, be sure to cover your vehicle with a high-quality outdoor car cover. These can help keep the exterior of the vehicle pristine while defending against UV damage, moisture damage, bird droppings, and potentially irreversible storm damage. Even if you do store your car in a garage, a car cover can help keep it in excellent shape and keep the finish well-preserved.
2. Keep a Maintenance Schedule (and Records) – You probably already know how important it is to keep your vehicle on a good maintenance schedule. Regular oil changes, tune-ups, and alignments ensure that your car’s sensitive mechanical components stay working at their best. When you keep detailed maintenance records, you’ll be able to show potential buyers everything you’ve done so they can also keep it in good shape.
3. Buy the Right Makes and Models – Some makes and models historically tend to stay in good shape and remain favorable among buyers, which can help keep depreciation down. Some cars that tend to depreciate the least include the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Toyota 4Runner, and Porsche 911. All of these, it could be argued, are considered “cult follower” cars, with a huge fanbase and tons of collectors who love them any year. With the exception of the 911, they’re also all utility vehicles.

Accepting the Inevitable

Unfortunately, there’s no real way to prevent your car from losing at least some value over time. The more time it spends on the road, the less it will be worth at the end of it. With that being said, understanding why cars depreciate and doing a few simple things to prevent it can undoubtedly help you get the most out of it when you go to sell later on. Remember, cars are a luxury and, if you enjoy your time with yours, you shouldn’t think of it as money wasted!

If you wondered about how complicated it is to lease a car, here’s your answer. Leasing a car is an easy and very straightforward process. You can choose if you want to either lease or buy a new car online. But before you do that, there are things you should know first.

When you find a BMW car model that you like and the leasing company that’ll provide you with the lease, all you need to do is agree to pay a specific amount of money for a predefined period. In exchange, you’ll get the keys to a brand-new BMW vehicle that you can drive for a pre-determined number of miles without worrying about costly repairs and maintenance. When the lease contract expires, all you have to do is return the vehicle to the dealership.

If you’re looking for a new lease or if you’re in the middle of an ongoing lease contract, there are many strategies that’ll help you save money. These ideas will help you understand how to avoid potential penalty fees:

Make Several Security Deposits To Lower Your Monthly Payment 

You can lease both pre-owned and a new BMW vehicle at https://www.rodo.com/lease-or-buy-new-bmw or any service provider. However, to do so, you’ll need to pay a security deposit upfront. This security deposit is usually the same amount as your monthly payment would be. 

However, if you decide to pay the amount equivalent to several security deposits upfront, you’ll significantly lower monthly payments and interest rates. Moreover, you’ll get your deposits back when the lease term expires, provided that the car didn’t suffer from any severe wear and tear. 

You should know that all leasing companies provide their customers with this practice. Additionally, some companies have a limit on the security deposit amount. It’s important to know that the amount you give as a security deposit is locked during the lease period. 

Earn Money During The Lease Period 

Some methods can help you earn money with your leased car. Some of these methods include working as an Uber or Lyft driver. 

However, doing so is not generally recommended since not all lease companies and their Terms of Service (ToS) allow their customers to earn money using leased vehicles. Many lease company contracts prohibit lessees from engaging in business that directly derives revenue from operating the company’s car.

In case this idea doesn’t break the company’s ToS and policies, you’ll need to purchase a specific car insurance coverage since standard insurance policies don’t cover for using a car for ride-sharing or delivery. Additionally, bear in mind that you’ll subject the car to more wear and tear and you could easily stack up a lot of miles that’ll exceed the limit set in the lease contract. 

Get Out Of Lease By Transferring Your Lease To Someone Else

It’s possible to get out of your lease for any reason that you may have. Some websites and platforms exist for this particular purpose, and they’ll help you transfer your lease to somebody else. 

What they do is they’ll list the vehicle and find someone who’s been looking for that particular car to take over your lease. Moreover, these sites will also help you with all the paperwork for a certain fee.

Some leasing companies allow lease transfers, but they’ll require the original leaseholder to retain ‘post-transfer liability.’ This means that the other person doesn’t make payments for the lease as you’ll have to make those payments. 

Even If You’re Burning A Lot Of Miles, You Can Still Get A Lease 

Many people believe in the wrong idea that leasing is only suitable for those who don’t burn many miles. They tend to think that way because somewhere in the fine print of the lease contract, it usually states that there’s a specific limitation on the miles that you can drive your car. In case you drive it for more miles than allowed by the lease contract, you’ll have to pay a hefty fine.

In contrast, you can make prepayments for additional miles. By doing so, you’ll pay less per each mile. It’s worth mentioning that you won’t get a refund in case you didn’t use all the miles you paid in advance. 

Wrapping Up

These simple yet effective strategies should help you get a BMW lease. Ensure that before you decide which BMW model you want to take, you know your limits regarding the allowed miles, insurance coverage, etc. 

Also, it would be beneficial to check if you can use this vehicle for work, like ride-sharing via Uber. By doing so, you’ll earn some money that’ll help pay off the lease without paying penalties or fees.

When it is time to take a trip, why not do it in style? Whether one is traveling for business or pleasure, style is always something to be considered. Imagine traveling to somewhere as beautiful as a Greek island without finding the best rental cars in Crete to accompany you? Whatever the need, no matter the number of people, there is a perfect match for the driver and car.

But where does one start?  Check out this recommended list of cars best suited for those who want to make an impression on the people they meet along the road.  People want to travel in comfort and style.  There is no reason why a traveler in these modern times cannot have both.

What Is a Luxury Rental Vehicle?

A luxury car is one that provides comfort within the vehicle’s cabin while also conveying a level of style and high design for both the interior and exterior.  These are vehicles in which the driver wishes to cruise and enjoy the ride.  Luxury cars are not meant for speeding down a highway.

Mercedes-Benz S Class

Mercedes provides an entire car experience with design, performance, and style.  The S Class vehicles, especially the 2021 models have taken an already gorgeous, luxury car and made it even better.  In a technology-driven world, the S Class models embrace technology so whether someone is traveling for business or pleasure, they are never disconnected.

The technology is very real and very up-to-date.  The S Class can also come with not only touchscreens for the front driver and passenger but also rear screens.  Whether everyone is traveling for an adult getaway or as the whole family, every person in the vehicle can truly travel in comfort and style.

Just because the S Class Mercedes are luxury vehicles that provide comfort and space for the traveler, it does not mean this car is meant for only a casual Sunday drive.  Getting around 26 MPG on the highway means the traveler will not need to make stops at every gas station along the travel route.  Be on the lookout for possible plug-in models in the upcoming future.

Mercedes-Benz EQC

What about renting a brand new crossover new to 2021?  The Mercedes-Benz EQC provides the luxury of the Mercedes brand with a zero-emission focus.  For the traveler who seeks style and is eco-conscious, this could be a perfect rental pairing. 

This model provides the renter with a smooth, quiet ride while looking good.  For those short on time, a fast charge can refuel the battery in just four hours.  While the driver rests and recharges, the vehicle can do the same thing: resting up for yet more of travel and adventure.

A sleek, round, shiny design, coupled with a comfortable interior filled with technology for everyone in the car makes for the perfect luxury rental.  Have electric crossovers ever looked so good?  Not since the 2021 Mercedes EQC.

Audi A8

For the person looking for a simple, yet elegant rental car, the Audi A8 may just be the one.  The outside has an understated beauty and design.  However, that should not deter the renter from checking the inside.

The interior can be fitted with massaging seats for both front and rear travelers.  Being in the backseat does not mean one’s legs will be cramped.  The interior design of this sedan provides ample legroom for rear passengers.  

Long road trips do not mean the traveler needs to sacrifice luxury and comfort.  In addition, because a tech-savvy traveler appreciates luxury partnered with technology, these vehicles also provide a charging pad for smart devices.  No need to worry about low phone batteries when renting this vehicle.

For a person who wishes to rent a luxury car with an understated, and beautiful design, the Audi A8 makes for an excellent choice.  It does not scream an over-the-top message the driver is all about luxury; rather it gives other passing drivers an acknowledging nod of style and comfort.  Renting this vehicle gives the riders amazing amenities without an understated, sleek design.

BMW 3 Series

For the renter looking to go out alone or with a partner, the luxury 3 Series by BMW can pack luxury in a smaller package.  This car can get great gas mileage and look good doing it.  Getting up to 33 MPG on the highway can get someone who wants to travel far without making a lot of stops to fill up the tank.

The interior is luxurious but is not obnoxious.  The technology is up-to-date with touchscreens and even hand-gesture recognition in which by the wave of a finger, the radio volume may be adjusted.  

Do not forget the voice-recognition as well.  Safety and technology blend well together in the 3 Series for the person traveling who does not want to miss the views along the road while also maintaining a connection through technology.

There is ample room in the 3 Series, but there is also a lot of trunk space for all of the luggage the travelers need.  There is no need to pack things in the back seat when the trunk is so large.  When renting this car, size does not mean you are losing style and luxury.

Rent Smart, Rent Luxury

Renting a vehicle does not mean you need to rent a family van or a basic car.  With the high-end, luxurious vehicles available today, the time could not be better to rent a luxury car.    The renter clearly can have both style and functionality – one does not need to be sacrificed.

In the 21st century, there is a wide variety of luxury vehicles to choose from when it comes to renting.  Different people require different amenities, technology, style, and design.  Renting a luxury vehicle allows a renter to go with a classic, well-known luxury vehicle or try something new one would normally not drive.

By renting a luxury vehicle, one gets all the benefits and style of a high-end mode of transportation without needing to constantly care for it.  Whether someone is taking a weekend trip or an excursion that will take someone across the country, people can have fun, travel in style, and maintain the comfort and dependability of today’s technologies.  

Rent smart, and reserve a luxury vehicle for the ultimate getaway transportation! 

A National Stock Car Auto Racing Association (NASCAR) car is a beautiful vehicle that challenges the physical limits of automotive engineering. NASCAR has formulated a safety proposal which it hopes would allow racing to restart. Excluding fans, strict social distancing laws, and just necessary staff, the stock car series aim to do so.

At the racetrack, NASCAR drivers regularly reached triple digits. Here’s a short look at what the group did to keep them safe over the years:

Seatbelts

NASCAR also required that all drivers wear seatbelts. That seems to be the simplest of specifications possible, but the use of belts in those days was a matter of some debate 

Around 19 years ago, NASCAR started requiring the use of Hubbard’s Head and Neck Support devices —- HANS — that act to defend drivers today.

“The HANS eliminates the friction forces present on the spine when a driver wearing a helmet is exposed to the (gravitational forces) of a collision,” according to HANS Performance Products’ Facebook page.

Helmets

There are two major NASCAR goals to avoid and cure concussions and to protect drivers from a back injury. Health is a moving target and previous tragedies have helped to keep the governing body of the sport watchful in instituting more change and reforms. It’s probably thanks to the safety modifications introduced due to Dale Earnhardt’s loss that Ryan survived.

The racing helmet required provided nothing more protection than football caskets in leather. The seatbelts were actually wound around the middle portion of a driver and attached to the seat.

The formula 1 helmet or f1 helmet is usually used in NASCAR. Otherwise, the NASCAR helmet is also sometimes provided to the drivers. Some drivers also make f1 custom helmets according to their needs. 

Fire-extinguisher

In 2003, NASCAR in all three major touring series, installed in the cockpit and triggered remotely by heat, needed an additional fire-extinguishing cylinder devoted solely to the fuel cell area. In addition to ordering fire extinguishers, in the early 2000s, NASCAR ordered black boxes. This compact gadget is kept in the buses, about the size of a paperback book.

Roof flaps and Window nets

Advanced window covers and windshield laminates threaten entry into the cockpit by external objects. The HANS brace is a shoulder belt connected to either side of the driver’s helmet with tethers. The seatbelt is installed over the HANS system in order to keep it attached to the body.

And as for the networks, which can also be removed easily once a driver wants to get away a crash, they are there to safeguard drivers from the wreckage and help keep their arms in a high-speed impact.

Racetrack walls have steel foam

According to the race sanctioning body INDYCAR, the barrier has been “one of the most important safety steps adopted in recent years by the racing industry.”

After the Gordon accident at Atlanta Motor Speedway and another in Daytona International Speedway that left Kyle Busch with several injuries after he struck a concrete wall, NASCAR started extending these barriers around tracks in 2015. 

A competent and skilled pit crew is also dramatically more critical than you would know. If there is an issue with his vehicle, a driver needs a pit stop: he might need petrol, change his tires, patch his racing suit, or correct some other glitch.