Author: SM

  • Five times NASCAR made it to into the movies

    Five times NASCAR made it to into the movies

    When something attracts significant attention it doesn’t take Hollywood long to feature it in film and the world of sport is no exception; American Football has The Blind Side, Boxing has Rocky (all eight of them) and even Ice Skating has a hit movie made in its honor in the form of Blades of Glory. So, what films fly the flag for NASCAR I hear you ask – let’s find out.

    NUMBER 5 – STROKER ACE

    This 1983 film was ridiculed at the time as a complete and utter failure but, over time, the loveable lead Burt Reynolds has helped transform it into a cult hit. It’s far from an accurate depiction of NASCAR but it does have a few laughs. Stroker, the driver played by Reynolds, is an experienced hand at the wheel and he pens a sponsorship deal with a takeaway chicken company, but the contract is littered with clauses that make a mockery of the three-time champ.

    The finale of the movie sees Reynolds battling between clinching a fourth title in his Ford Thunderbird – and therefore triggering an extension to his contract – or losing out on glory, at the expense of his ego, but with freedom in sight. What does he choose?

    NUMBER 4 – GREASED LIGHTNING

    Greased Lightning is a movie based – almightily loosely – on NASCAR Hall of Famer Wendell Scott. The movie sends Richard Pryor, who plays Scott, on through a journey that covers him as a child, a soldier and into the big wide world as a taxi driver. Scott’s life takes an unexpected turn into crime but he’s offered a way out through professional racing and, against all odds, he takes it to become the first ever African-American to appear in NASCAR.

    NUMBER 3 – CARS

    Disney launched the animated movie Cars in 2006 with Hollywood funny man Owen Wilson in the main role – Lightning McQueen – and surrounded him with some of NASCARs biggest names such as Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt and it grossed nearly $500m before triggering a series of sequels and spin offs. The film follows McQueen who is an ambitious but cock sure rookie that is aiming to make it into the big time.

    An unexpected detour though sees McQueen find himself stranded but rather than journey on to victory, McQueen instead discovers himself with the help of love and a legendary old-time champion.

    NUMBER 2 – DAYS OF THUNDER

    Is it a racing film, is it an action film? The answer is both and Tom Cruise stars as a hot shot young driver who, despite struggling on his first moves into the elite, eventually finds his place at the top. Cole Trickle – Cruise’s character – faces a tough time from the more experienced driver, Rowdy Burns, but the relationship between the pair blossoms into a bromance with a new rival emerging under the guidance of Trickle’s former boss. The film comes to a head at the Daytona 500 with Trickle effectively racing for his best friends future but can he get over the line in first place?

    NUMBER 1 – TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY

    Well it’s not the highest grossing film on our list but this fast-paced comedy that is named after the famous NASCAR circuit is rightfully in first place. Will Ferrell is the standout name and the movie follows his – well Ricky Bobby’s – adventure from birth in the back of a car through to success at the very top. Bobby and his number two driver – played by John C Reilly, who also has a role in Days of Thunder – dominate until the emergence of fresh talent threatens to derail Bobby’s legacy.

    Bobby steps away from the track but his passion is rekindled through comical and unorthodox means and he returns to NASCAR only to learn that winning isn’t everything.

    The film proved such a hit that the current crop of pros – and some Formula One betting experts – have even been known to reference it in quotes or through artwork on their cars.

    There you have it, five times NASCAR has been put on the big screen and, as always, it puts a smile on the faces.

  • What are the best NASCAR drivers of all time?

    What are the best NASCAR drivers of all time?

    The accelerated spreading of coronavirus is ripping the sporting calendar apart. We already have seen the F1 races being postponed and the upcoming Kentucky Derby horse race being delayed to September. So, the NASCAR schedule is no different.

    We’re not in the position to speculate over how or when things will get back to normal – frankly, if we were, we’d be getting paid handsomely by the governments.

    Still, we can look back in time and here we’re going to look at five of the greatest drivers of all time.

    NUMBER 5 – DAVID PEARSON

    Pearson first came into the NASCAR picture in 1960 and was the breakthrough star of his time and within nine years – a third of Pearson’s overall career – he’d landed three Championship wins. 18 barren years followed but, to be fair, he would have won more if it wasn’t for particularly tough competition in the shape of Richard Petty.

    Many will try and tell you Pearson was the better driver, and whilst bookies odds might have struggled to separate the pair at the time, the trophy cabinets speak for themselves. Still, we’re sure Pearson doesn’t look back to negatively on what was a quite splendid career.

    NUMBER 4 – JEFF GORDON

    Gordon came into NASCAR in 1990 with a decent youth career under his belt and wins at Indianapolis and in the Coca-Cola 600 did his stock no harm at the higher level but it was off the circuit where he was making the real impression with his charm during interviews.

    In 1995 though Gordon elevated his standing with a first Championship win before back to back titles in 97 and 98 followed – with the former year seeing him become the youngest ever winner of the Daytona 500.

     2001 saw a fourth title and, with years left in the tank, it seemed inevitable that more would follow. It never transpired that way but he remained competitive at the top level until his retirement in 2015.

    NUMBER 3 – JIMMIE JOHNSON

    Johnson is due to retire from racing at the end of the current campaign and a good season could propel him to the top of this list but, for now, third will have to do. In the early years, it looked like Johnson might be a near man with two fifth and two second place finishes in the Championship standings but what followed in the next five years was – and is to this day – an unequaled feat.

    He already won five consecutive Championships with a subsequent sixth and, record levelling, seventh added in 2013 and 2016 respectively. If Johnson goes out with a win at the end of this season, then nobody could argue with him as the best of all time.

    NUMBER 2 – DALE EARNHARDT

    People who don’t follow NASCAR will probably be familiar with Earnhardt’s name due to his tragic death at Daytona 2001 but that’s not why he’s regarded as a legend. Earnhardt earned fans and struck fear into rival drivers with his fearless approach on the track and it earned him 76 career wins and, like Johnson, seven Championship triumphs that came across a 26-year career.

    Would more have followed if was able to go out on his own terms? Nobody knows but his legendary status will never fade.

    NUMBER 1 – RICHARD PETTY

    Sometimes determining a standout best of a sport can be a hard task; not this time though as Petty is far and away the best in history. Petty burst on the scene in the late fifties when he won the Rookie of the Year award and it proved just the start of a stunning career as he was named Most Popular driver on eight occasions.

    ‘The King’, as he became known, has more race wins (200) than anybody else in the sport and in 1979 he became the first driver to land seven Championship wins and given he spent 35 years out on the track it’s little surprise that he was inducted into the hall of fame.

    There you have it, five drivers who are absolute legends of NASCAR and they’re legacies will long out live Covid-19.

  • The Future of Seat Covers According to Top Car Concepts

    The Future of Seat Covers According to Top Car Concepts

    Every year, the style of vehicles go through a subtle evolution. You see design trends echo through the marketplace. Some are big changes that make a bold statement, and others are subtle upgrades that contribute to a different overall aesthetic.

    With these design changes, the options for vehicle accessories also change somewhat. The functionality or the style of the 4×4 seat covers may change, depending on what the new design element is. Based on what we’re seeing from some of the top car concepts being presented at auto shows right now, we expect to see some big changes in the future of car seat covers. Here are a few of the trends we expect to see emerge in the car seat cover market:

    Timeless Designs

    There’s a saying that if you like a certain style enough, you should just be patient and wait because it will become popular again. The same is true for automobiles. Many retro design elements are making their way back into automotive design. Car seat covers will be following the same trend.

    You can expect to see seat covers in retro designs, prints and fabrics. Think neon colors, shaggy faux fur, animal prints, two-tone designs, and more.

    Versatile Fabrics

    Technology is making some amazing things possible in our vehicles. For example, now you can slide into a warm, cozy seat even in the dead of winter, thanks to a heated seat. Or in the summer, you can expect those leather seats to feel cool and refreshing thanks to seat ventilation. No need to worry about scorching the backs of your legs.

    More and more vehicles are going to start coming equipped with heated and ventilated seats – not just the luxury models. Seat covers are going to have to keep up by using more breathable fabrics that will let the heating or ventilation work instead of being blunted by the thick insulation of the seat cover. Seat cover designs will also evolve to accommodate these features, including the use of mesh, panels, or slits to allow the free flow of air.

    Adaptable Styles

    Car interiors are becoming more unique to each model. Though vehicles might have the same basic seat, the details are going to vary widely. There may be more of a flare on one side, or there may be a different shape to the seat back to provide more comfort. Each of these variations will have an impact on the way a seat cover will fit a particular model.

    Expect seat covers to evolve to have a custom fit. You should be able to buy seat covers based on the particular make and model of your vehicle, ensuring that you get a proper fit for both the front and rear seats.

    Relaxation on the Road

    Vehicles are being designed more and more with comfort in mind. Massage is becoming a more common feature in automobile seating. Typically, you’ll find it in the driver’s seat, but it will likely become more common in other seats as design evolves.

    Seat covers that have thick or inflexible fabrics are likely to blunt the effects of in-seat massage. Therefore, designs predict that the future of seat covers involves more flexible fabrics or designs that will allow for the breakthrough of massage rollers or other features.

    Big changes will continue to be seen throughout the automotive industry, both in terms of the integral design features of the vehicles themselves and in the features of the accessories that go with them. You can expect to see more luxury features in vehicles across the board, but also a focus on how to make things more functional and manageable. You’ll see those same trends reflected in car seat covers, which will give you options to elevate the style of your vehicle while also keeping it protected.

    Seat Covers Unlimited sells a wide variety of seat covers to fit every make and model. Our custom fit covers come in many different fabrics, colors, patterns, and textures, so you can find the right covers to reflect your style, enhance your comfort, and protect the investment you have made in your vehicle. You’ll keep your car looking great for much longer, and you’ll reduce the maintenance you have to do.

  • How Motorsports Betting is Rapidly Improving

    There are many motorsport events which you can bet on. The biggest of these is Formula 1 but the choices ahead of motorsport punters are certainly growing.

    We are seeing this in two different ways. The first is the number of different motorsports that have regular betting available, not just on the big events but on races that take place each week.

    The second is how we can bet, with numerous new betting markets being created to give you a range of options when it comes to how you place your wager.

    For those who already place bets on motorsport, or those who are thinking of doing so, the choice on offer now is as good as it has ever been.

    With the latest sports betting offers and these betting markets together, punters have an excellent range of tools for them to use when wagering against the bookmakers.

    Motorsports Where Betting is Available

    The number of different motorsports that have betting available has rapidly improved over the past few years.

    There was a time when the only motorsport to bet on was Formula 1 but that is no more.

    Now we are seeing the biggest bookmakers offer betting on NASCAR, speedway, rally championships and much more.

    There are many motorsport fans who like multiple different disciplines and for those, this is great news. No longer will you watch three different types of motorsport but only be able to bet on one of them.

    If you watch major events then you are likely to be able to place a bet on them all. Whether it is the big speedway leagues in Europe or the NASCAR series in the USA, betting can be found with the bookmakers who support motorsports betting in full.

    Increasing Number of Ways to Bet

    Not only are we seeing the bookmakers focus on adding new sports to their portfolio, but we are also seeing them increase the number of different ways in which we can bet.

    This is going to prove extremely useful for those who are betting on a regular basis. In the past we have seen the regular win market available on individual races, but there are times when this is not useful.

    For example, if we have a long odds on favourite then there is little betting interest in the race. That is no longer the case now that we have other markets to use though.

    These include forecast betting, where you select who will finish first and who will finish second. There are also markets surrounding qualifying if applicable, so you can bet on who wins that and takes pole position on the grid.

    We also have a wider range of antepost betting markets, which can be used at the start of a season.

    What to Expect in the Future?

    There are two big improvements we have seen in betting as a whole recently. The first is in play betting and the second is streaming.

    These are yet to really take off when it comes to motorsports, although Formula 1 does have in play betting available.

    The expectation is that these will eventually grow in the motorsport genre, with many more sports being used in the live betting sections of bookmaker’s websites.

    This is then where sports could help themselves out by offering a live streaming service through selected bookies. Not only does this help punters watch the action, but it attracts potential new fans to the sport, because they can watch it and see what all the fuss is about.

    Bookmakers will be making improvements for their own benefit, but that could help smaller sports as a whole.

  • A Flywheel? What Is A Flywheel? Learn What It Is And Why It Matters

    A Flywheel? What Is A Flywheel? Learn What It Is And Why It Matters

    When discussing driving performance, especially in manual transmission vehicles, the type of flywheel you have installed is going to come up.

    What is a flywheel, and how does it affect the performance of your car? Keep reading for all you need to know about flywheels.

    What is a Flywheel?

    A flywheel is a circular metal disk that serves as the meeting point between your engine and your transmission. Its job is to transfer energy using the torque and horsepower created by your engine and to engage the gears inside your transmission. That energy is then processed by the gears of your transmission and applied to the axels, turning your vehicle’s wheels on the ground.

    This may sound complicated, but choosing an upgraded flywheel is a relatively simple way to improve your car’s performance. There are different weight and material options for you to choose from.

    Flywheel Materials

    There are different qualities of flywheels. Most flywheels are made out of steel and conventional bearings. These are usually in the heavy flywheel category. Most modern cars come standard with a steel flywheel.

    For an upgrade, you can choose an aluminum flywheel. Aluminum is a lighter metal that has come to replace a lot of steel and iron components in vehicle manufacturing. It is lighter than steel but still very strong. 

    Carbon Fiber Flywheels

    Some of the best flywheels are made out of carbon fiber and use magnetic bearings. Carbon fiber is becoming very popular because of its strength and is the ultimate lightweight material. This is used most often in professional race car builds.

    Carbon fiber flywheels are also the safest option for racing. In cases of malfunction at high speeds, steel flywheels can cause extra risk. They can become dislodged and tear through the vehicle during a crash. This can be very dangerous.

    The carbon fiber material disintegrates under malfunction. This makes it a much safer option if you plan to take your car to high speeds and especially if you plan to use your vehicle on a racetrack.

    However, carbon fiber can be exclusionary expensive and is really only an option if you plan to race professionally. 

    How Does It Work?

    In a vehicle with a manual transmission, rotational energy is applied from the crankshaft to the flywheel. The flywheel then applies that energy to the transmission using the clutch disk and splines. The amount of energy transferred by a flywheel is proportional to the square of its rotational speed.

    The bigger the mass of the flywheel, the more momentum it can store. It is able to preserve the energy applied by the crankshaft by resisting changes to rotational speed. This is useful to save energy during deceleration and stopping.

    The smaller lighter flywheels use more initial energy but are able to apply more horsepower to the transmission. 

    There are different types of flywheels available for your vehicle. It is important to learn about them in order to determine which one best fits your needs.

    Heavy Flywheel

    Heavy flywheels are most commonly installed in everyday vehicles. They have higher momentum and are able to store more energy. They store more energy because they have a larger rotating mass. 

    Heavy flywheels require the engine to do less work during initial takeoff. This helps compensate for lower-powered vehicles. They do not need as much horsepower and torque going to the crankshaft to send energy through the larger flywheel. 

    The negative aspects of this type of flywheel are you lose more horsepower making it to your wheels. The more rotating mass the flywheel has, the more horsepower is lost turning it. It also causes the engine to build RPMs more slowly.

    Lightweight Flywheel

    Lightweight flywheels are marketed to consumers who are trying to get the most power out of their vehicles. They are ideal for vehicles that sport more power in general. It’s important to remember, your flywheel can only use the power it is given by your engine crankshaft’s performance ability. 

    Lightweight flywheels have less rotating mass. They store less energy in the flywheel; therefore they require more torque from the engine. Higher RPMs are necessary at initial takeoff. 

    They are able to transfer more horsepower after initial takeoff to the transmission and therefore to the wheels. You are loosing less power. Lightweight flywheels cause less parasitic drag in your powertrain. 

    Symptoms of a Bad Flywheel

    There are signs that its time to replace your flywheel. If you can feel vibrations coming from your clutch pedal, this is a sign that your flywheel needs to be replaced. 

    A bad flywheel can also make it harder for your clutch to grab, which can cause slipping while shifting into higher gears. If this is happening, you will also notice a slight burning smell after you shift gears. 

    Clutch chatter is also common on a flywheel that is defective. You will feel your clutch lurch and stutter as you are shifting gears. If this is happening, it’s time for a new flywheel.

    Benefits of a Flywheel Upgrade

    When choosing a lightweight quality flywheel, such as Fidanza Flywheel, you get torque and horsepower gains. You can expect faster throttle response and quicker acceleration. You will also notice more fuel efficiency. 

    During driving, your engine will be able to free rev. This means it will be easier to get your engine to your desired RPM. This also helps with rev-matching on downshifts.

    You are also able to shift in a faster, more efficient manner. Better flywheels also increase clutch holding capacity. 

    Flywheels are also pretty inexpensive, costing just a few hundred dollars for one of good quality.

    Your Flywheel is Important

    Choosing the right flywheel for your manual transmission vehicle is essential to getting the performance out of it that you desire. Details such as changing out a heavy flywheel for a lightweight one can make a larger difference then you might have thought. 

    If you want more information about other changes you can make to help your car go faster, check out some of our other blogs.

  • For all the NASCAR fans, the current situation is devastating, with the season postponed for at least until May 3

    For all the NASCAR fans, the current situation is devastating, with the season postponed for at least until May 3

    For all the NASCAR fans, the current situation is devastating, with the season postponed for at least until May 3. However, one of the most exciting racing competitions in the world found a way to keep its fanbase happy and content. Sunday’s virtual race received positive critics, and the public wants to see the next chapter.

    The drivers put together one hell of a show during this weekend, as they participated in the eNASCAR iRacing Pro Series, at the virtual Homestead-Miami speedway.

    As many of you know, Denny Hamlin won the “silverware,” although there wasn’t any to take home with him. Dale Earnhardt Jr, and Timmy Hill were second and third, earning their place on the virtual podium.

    Behind all these guys were, in order, Chase Briscoe, Garrett Smithley, Alex Bowman, Bubba Wallace, Ryan Preece, Ty Majeski, etc. A total of 35 drivers from the NASCAR championship participated in this event, and we need to add that it looked pretty fun. The situation on the virtual track was much different than in real life, and we had an opportunity to see some inverse roles, with those who didn’t have too much success during the campaign, posting much better results than champions.

    For example, Kyle Bush, the current Cup Series champion, was far away from the podium and the battle for the top spots.

    Now, many are wondering after this event, whether it is possible to see something like this on a regular basis. Several days ago, vice president of development Ben Kennedy told that NASCAR wants to please the fans with iRacing, and move their minds of the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to ease their hunger to watch and bet on racing events.

    Immediately after the contest ended, the social networks went wild from positive reactions. The race was dramatic, with Hamlin jumping out from behind and snatching the win. Along with this, Fox Sports has done one hell of a job of covering this, and it is safe to say that the quality of their organization was at the same level as during the real races. Plus, all the participants were in a relaxed mood, which only improved the atmosphere. Lots of laughers seen during the contest was something very much needed in these tough times.

    eNASCAR could be one of the best things which happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. With all other sports like NBA, NHL, UFC, UEFA Champions League, etc., on hold, and their players without chances of competing in any way, iRacing Pro Series could be one of the most popular events in the US.

  • Why shop the Largest Ford Dealership In Canada

    Why shop the Largest Ford Dealership In Canada

    Nowadays, a car is almost a basic need. This is because it enables you to travel from one place to another at your own convenience without having to go through the delays and congestion that awaits those who use public transportation. The other advantage is that you can always sell your car when you need liquid cash or use it as collateral for securing a loan from a financial institution. As a motorist, you can buy a car from a private seller or a dealership in Canada. While buying a car from an individual seems easy, it comes with so many shortcomings that are hard to predict in the first instance. Continue reading below to learn why you should consider buying your new ride from an established dealership.

    1. Clean Cars

    When you buy a car from a reputable dealership such as Windsor Ford, you can be 100 percent sure that the vehicle has a clean record. Keep in mind that there are some people that will not hesitate in selling you cars that were stolen from their original owners. Such sellers usually tamper with the details of the cars before disposing them to unsuspecting buyers. In case you are caught with such a vehicle, you risk going to jail for handling stolen assets.  And that’s not all. The same dubious traders are capable of selling you a car that was previously written off by an insurance company. You can avoid all these unforeseen risks by ensuring that you acquire your car from a registered dealership. The cars that are sold by such dealers have clean documentation because they are normally sourced directly from the manufacturers.

    2. Wide Variety of Cars

    The problem of shopping from individual stores is that they will try to persuade you to buy what they have in their yard even when it’s certain that it doesn’t meet your needs. The reason why they do this is because they lack a wide pool of cars. But when you walk into a car dealership, you will realize that they stock so many models such that you can’t run out of options. In fact, they have a car for everyone. The other advantage is that they offer free advice so that you can make an informed purchase. They will first ask you questions that will help them find out what you need the car for and then recommend an ideal model. For instance, if you need a car that you can use for delivering stuff to your customers, they can recommend a pickup truck. And if you need a family car, they will advise you to invest in a station wagon or an SUV.

    3. Offer Trade-Ins and Financing

    Private sellers can never accept a trade-in. If you don’t understand what trade-in means, it’s basically an instance when you take your old car to the seller and get a new model at a much lesser amount. For instance, if your old model is worth $10,000 but the new car costs $30.000, it means you will only part ways with $20,000. Such an arrangement comes in handy when you are short of funds. In addition to that, car dealerships are usually considerate enough to allow you to acquire a vehicle through a loan. The good thing is that you won’t even tarmac to find a lender because they usually have a long list of banks that they partner with.  

  • NASCAR and iRacing form eNASCAR iRacing Series

    NASCAR and iRacing form eNASCAR iRacing Series

    NASCAR and iRacing recently announced the formation of eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series. It will be an exhibition esports series that features many of racing’s most well-known drivers. The competitors include drivers from the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series and other NASCAR personalities.

    It will consist of multi-week events and the first event is scheduled for Sunday at 1:30 p.m. ET on the virtual Homestead-Miami Speedway. Broadcast details and the remaining race schedule will be announced at a later date.

    NASCAR and iRacing have been partners for over a decade and their eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series is the longest-running officially sanctioned esports racing series. The formation of of eNASCAR iRacing Pro Invitational Series came about as a way to keep sports fans engaged after NASCAR announced that all racing would be postponed through May 3 with the next at Martinsville Speedway.

    NASCAR President Steve Phelps said that NASCAR intends to re-schedule all points-paying events that have been postponed and would consider various options including mid-week events and doubleheader weekends.   

    “At this particular point, we would like to finish the season at Phoenix and keep the playoff portion intact. With that said, that will require a lot of different opportunities for us to look at. We’re in the process of doing that. So no specifics around midweek races or you’ve heard about doubleheaders and different things, so at this particular point, a lot of things on the table for us to look at, working with our race teams, working with our race tracks to make sure that the things that we’re putting on the table are feasible for us to do.”

    In the meantime, the formation of the new series is a perfect fit as NASCAR and iRacing have a partnership that is over a decade long with the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series. They are currently in their 11th season and features 40 sim racers from all over the world who compete for more than $300,000 in winnings

    Drivers who will participate in the iRacing Series include Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell. NASCAR fans and fantasy sports fans can also take advantage of bonus offers as they pick their favorites.  

    “Until we have cars back on track, the entire NASCAR community has aligned to provide our passionate fans with a unique, fun and competitive experience on race day,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s vice president of racing development. “Our long-time partners at iRacing offer an incredible product, and we are excited to see how many of our best drivers will stack up in the virtual domain of competitive racing.”

  • NASCAR 2020: Who wins the race in Homestead Florida?

    NASCAR 2020: Who wins the race in Homestead Florida?

    South Florida hosted the NASCAR season finale for almost two decades, but the Championship Weekend will be replaced to Phoenix International Raceway as of 2020. The annual race at Homestead Miami Speedway will thus be moved to March. The first such race is just around the corner as NASCAR superstars will take on each other on March 22nd in Homestead.

    We’ll take a look at the list of the main favorites to win the event. William Hill NJ have already come out with the odds for the race winner.  The reigning champion Kyle Busch snapped his long winless thread in November when he took the checkered flag in Homestead. One of the all-time greats will be among the main favorites to match such success this time around. Let’s see who are his main rivals?  

    The top five favorites

    Denny Hamlin clinched the Daytona 500 victory and will no doubts be among the main contenders in South Florida. His win was overshadowed by a tough Ryan Newman crash as the driver was forced to rush to the hospital following the last-lap collision. Hamlin thus bumped his chances of winning the NASCAR Cup Series and will arrive at Homestead in the highest of spirits in spite of his results in late-February/early March. Denny won the Florida race two times in his career but has not been at the top of the caravan here since 2013.

    Joey Logano and Kyle Busch had disappointing runs at the start of the season finishing the Daytona 500 outside the top 20 each. They are both expected to bounce back with a strong challenge at the Dixie Vodka 400, especially following their recent form. They have won the event in the last two years. Interestingly, Busch and Hamlin are the only two active drivers to have won the Homestead Speedway more than once.

    Aside from this trio, we see Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. as drivers capable of causing troubles to the aforementioned trio. Harvick will be looking to keep his fine spell of form going following the 5th-place finish at Daytona 500, while Truex Jr. is still among the main contenders for the Cup Series Championship despite a slower set of performances in February.

    The standings after Auto Club 400

    Alex Bowman climbed up to third place in the overall NASCAR Cup Series standings thanks to the victory at the Auto Cup 400 at the start of the month. Bowman secured his second career win after leading 110 of 200 laps.

    Ryan Blaney tops the field for the second consecutive week in spite of the 19th-place finish on the first weekend of the month. Joey Logano, Jimmy Johnson, and Chase Elliott are within six points inside the top five in the overall standings, while the Daytona 500 winner Hamlin sits seventh with a nine-point deficit to Elliott.

    Driver’s performances at Homestead-Miami

    Joey Logano finished sixth or better in five successive years at Homestead-Miami. He led the race 80 laps two years ago when the legend won both the event and the championship. His recent form and results at this particular race over the course of history make us believe Logano will indeed do well on March 22nd.

    Kyle Busch also finished at least sixth in each of his last five appearances in South Florida. The defending champion will no doubts be the one to keep a close eye on.

    Kevin Harvick, who holds the fourth place in the 2020 rankings, is the only driver to have completed a top 10 finish in each of his 12 appearances at Homestead-Miami. He finished fourth or better in five of the last six races here and is also well worth backing to take the checkered flag here in mid-March.

  • How Using a Cherry Picker Can Improve Project Efficiency

    How Using a Cherry Picker Can Improve Project Efficiency

    As the name implies, cherry pickers were originally intended to do nothing more than pick cherries. However, these machines have gained a lot of traction over the years and are now used for many other purposes besides harvesting crops.

    The cherry picker includes an elevated aerial platform that allows you to work on areas that are otherwise almost possible to reach. They are a great alternative to scaffolding, offering an efficient method of accessing difficult to reach areas at altitude.

    Cherry pickers can be used in such widely different tasks as window cleaning and roof fixing. They can also be perfect for aerial shots for a film or TV production. With so many varied uses for businesses, the cherry picker is not only a great investment for electricians and builders, but also business owners and project managers. Here are some ways where cherry pickers can streamline projects and increase efficiency.

    Speed

    When you use a ladder, you’re forced to stop and adjust it on multiple occasions. A cherry picker, on the other hand, includes a hydraulic lifting system that saves you time and enables you to access several floors of the building. Some cherry pickers even have wheels and can be relocated once the platform has reached the desired height.

    Building maintenance

    A tall building that either needs painting or cleaning can benefit from a cherry picker, given the task of working at height and sometimes at an awkward angle. While you could use a ladder, a cherry picker offers safety, security, and mobility when moving to a different part of the building while stretching, reaching, or handling maintenance equipment.

    Inside and outside

    When working inside, the key issue is ventilation. You should probably go for an electric machine rather than a diesel powdered one, as it won’t give off the fumes.

    While working inside, check the measurements of the smallest space the machine will need to fit through. You’ll also want to think about the turning radius and make allowances for any space you may need to turn the machinery in.

    When working outside, you’ll need to think about the ground surface. A slope, for example, will affect your choice of equipment. So check the specifications of any machine you’re considering in terms of the gradient it’s capable of. Another thing to consider is groundwater, as you may need to choose a machine with outriggers in order to spread the load, which many models include.

    Wrap up

    A cherry picker is a great way to help you with a number of different jobs. They come with a vast number of features that you won’t find in other less efficient and less effective equipment. A ladder might be sufficient for small jobs, but if you need to access high-up places or you’re working in a large building, a cherry picker is the most efficient solution to help you complete the job within a given timeframe. The most cost-effective solution is to buy a used cherry picker such as Cumberland platforms. That way, you will always be able to access those hard-to-reach places whenever your project demands it without having to make a substantial investment.