WHEN YOU'RE READY, TIGER.

I always get a knot in my stomach when I hear about race related accidents. I have lost a number of my heroes to such accidents. Safety equipment and better-engineered racetracks have now made motorsports much safer than in the years past. However, equipment failure and driver errors still account for mishaps on tracks. So, when I heard that Tiger Woods’ SUV jumped a curb, rolled on a lawn, ricocheted off a fire hydrant and fused into a grown tree, before his wife, Elin, had to bust him out with one of his Nike Drivers, I got worried. To add to the confusion, he’s remained impressively quiet.

The motorsports enthusiast and amateur Sherlock Holmes that I am, I couldn’t help but do a little speculating myself. Right off the bat, I can tell that Tiger violated one of the most important laws of racing – he didn’t have enough seat time in a car. But that could be explained away because “PGA Rules” prohibit golfers from driving golf carts on any of their sanctioned events.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, we at TEAM HYDROLAC would like to send out a friendly invitation. We’d like to offer Tiger a seat in any of the cars that we will campaign in the “24 Hours of Lemons” this coming season. Based on our experiences, we've found that it takes a special kind of individual - with skills and recklessness to be able to compete successfully with our equipment. All of which we are now certain he possesses based on the pictures taken at the accident scene.

If any of our readers have a way to get this invitation to Tiger, we'd really appreciate it.

CLICK ACCIDENT PICTURES

A THANKSGIVING SONG

Our stated goal has always been "To wean America from its dependence on foreign oil." It is a cause that should never have even a single detractor. However, because of the complexity of the challenges, technologically, politically or otherwise, we are certain it could not be done unless we involve people beyond the motorsports community. These efforts must transcend this generation. For if we succeed in achieving this goal, it will be one generation’s gift to the next. It is an interesting point to make when one considers this generation has earned the dual title of being not only “the laziest generation” but also “the brokest generation” bequeathed with the biggest deficit in America’s history.

We calculate that this generation couldn’t solve this problem of America's addiction to foreign oil all by themselves. We say this in a way JFK might have said it - "not because they are lazy but because they are broke". As a result, we've had to find a way to make this cause appealing to the next generation, as well. So, to that end, we dedicate this song to our future team members born and unborn. We pre-apologize for passing on these challenges but will endeavor to lessen the impact so you won't be too financially strapped.

It is one of rock’s classic tunes covered by the Sesame Street Rock Band. It’s very hot ….. Happy Thanksgiving to One and All.

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO

PALM SPRINGS TRIP

We were on the road early Wednesday to get to the “Hydrogen Fuel Cell Convention” in Palm Springs, CA. The purpose of the trip was to create contacts with individuals who are in the forefront of developing these technologies. On the trip with me were Dan Deluca and Jesse Meza, both ex-Marines who see the need to find alternative forms of energy.

What emerged from the trip was the commitment to run two different hydrogen approaches. There are really two ways to power a car using hydrogen. First, there is the ICE Approach - acronyms for “Internal Combustion Engine”. This is where hydrogen is used as a fuel to power an engine internally. Then, there is the “Fuel Cell” that uses hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, which in turn produces the power to turn the wheels of the car.

On our way back, we made the decision to develop both systems and compare it to see if there is one that is best suited for our application. Next step is to look for two cars as donors for our development program.

CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE TRIP

'10 LEMONS SCHED ANNOUNCED

The schedule for the 2010 Season of the "24 Hours of Lemons" was announced by the promoters this week. Of note is the addition of one more race in California to bring it to a total of 3 races – Infineon Raceway (Sonoma), Buttonwillow Raceway and Thunderhill Raceway. The promoters have also added two “Concourse D’ Lemons” where many of the rolling crapolas on wheels will be displayed. In all, the calendar has been expanded to include 20 races and 3 concourse events.

Major financial constraints and unexpected personal challenges have made this year’s goals unattainable. I am, as of this post, homeless. The next and the last California event for this season will be held on the 21st and 22nd of November at the Thunderhill Raceway in Northern California. Based on commitments and projections, it does not appear that we will be able to line up as a starter there this year. However, next year should prove to be a better environment for organizing and developing a race team. Just because the car is worth $500 does not mean it’s inexpensive. When you get a bunch of Yahoos and throw in speed, dangerous machinery and race them against competitors with about the same dangerous stuff, you know it has the potential to get expensive real quick. So, we’ve decided it will be better if we were to wait and get everything together before we campaign in the Lemons.

READ THE 2010 LEMONS SCHEDULE

A RACING FAMILY

Where is the best place to spend an afternoon with your kids if you have speed coursing through your veins? It has been a year in the making but finally I was able to take my kids to the track yesterday to start working on a lifelong goal of winning the “24 Hours of Le Mans” as a privateer team. It also coincided with my son’s 14th Birthday making it an extra special treat.

We got to Dromo One a little before 6PM and practically had the track to ourselves. There were only two other karters on the circuit doing practice laps. When we were called to the track there was only the three of us - Ashley, Nelson and I.

I had to benchmark our fitness to see what we have to do. Top-level racecar drivers are some of the fittest athletes in the world. Anyone can probably drive a car at 80% but driving a car on the very limit lap after lap requires concentration and a level of physical and mental endurance that many sports do not demand. There are G-forces during acceleration, braking and turning that wears on the body over the length of the race. There is also the soaring temperatures inside a cockpit that by design have been stripped of all civility like an air-conditioning system. Top-level competition such as a sprint races (Formula One) lasts a little over two hours. Endurance races (24 Hours of Le Mans) will require a driver to put in a minimum of 2 hours per stint and will cycle through 24 hours among 4 drivers. Against that backdrop is one element that is ever present in racing - the danger and the attendant consequences of speed.

My daughter, Ashley, actually out-qualified Nelson and I, meaning she was the fastest during the first four laps of qualifying. When the race started, she lined up P1 (First Position). But as the race progressed, her lap times started dropping as the race wore on and she got fatigued. Nelson’s fitness, on the other hand, is much better but left much to be desired.

My fitness was a huge unknown before I took to the track. I’ve been preparing for a “4 Round Boxing Match” and ballooned from a running weight of 138 lbs to just over 150 lbs. I had to bring my weight up to be able to make the weigh-in at Welterweight (147lbs). I wanted to carry that weight as long as I can so my body can adjust to it and not lose speed and power in the boxing ring. In the end, my fitness was adequate but a long way from where I know I can be.

As drivers, my kids and I are a far distance away from competing at the very top levels of motorsports. What we lack in experience and talent we will have to compensate for in other ingenious ways. One of my fitness goals is to make sure that on any circuit and any race we compete, no team will be able to outlast us. We have to place a premium on mental and physical toughness.

VIEW DROMO ONE WEBSITE

VIEW FAMILY PICS

PAINT IN MOTION

We are pleased to announce the addition of artist extraordinaire Luis Antonio Vargas to TEAM HYDROLAC. Luis Antonio or "El Maestro", as he is affectionately called, is an accomplished artist with many years experience in marketing and design that included successful stints as a retail merchandiser, graphic artist and advertising director.

He has agreed to hand paint one of the HYDROLAC cars that will be fielded in an upcoming "24 Hours of Lemons". This idea was inspired by memories of the BMW M1 Car that was hand painted by Andy Warhol and raced in the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans. This artistic enterprise is not without challenges as it mirrors the difficulties that the project faces. He will not have a clean canvas as he is accustomed to, but rather he will take delivery of a car that will certainly be in the throes of extinction. As required by Lemons "Rules & Regulations", it will be a car that can cost no more than $500.00. At the very least, it will include dents, scrapes, dings and a history we could not be sure of.

TEAM HYDROLAC is part of an emerging national movement trying to wean America from its dependence on foreign oil. The vision of bringing about a hydrogen economy is a concept that is being fashioned from ground-breaking initiatives with solutions that are being invented along the way. Ever present in that design process is the question, “What will America look like if a hydrogen economy were to come about?” We will attempt to paint that picture in the best way we can while working diligently to bring about that reality. That is why we consider our association with Luis Antonio critically essential, as he will help us articulate those ideas and imagery in ways that words may not adequately explain.

Welcome to our team, El Maestro!

VIEW SAMPLES OF EL MAESTRO’S WORKS
VIEW A CLIP OF THE WARHOL BMW M1

300 MPG HYDROGEN CAR

How would you like to have a car with the equivalent energy consumption of 300 MPG? Enter Riversimple, a UK based company funded by the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche that produces open source cars powered by hydrogen fuel cells. If you like the specs below – particularly the 300 mph claim, you'll find the article interesting.

SPECIFICATIONS

INSTALLED RANGE: 200 MILES (320 Km)

TOP SPEED: 50 MPH (80 kmh)

NO. OF PASSENGERS: 2

CARBON EMISSIONS: LESS THAN 30g CO2/km

ENERGY EQUIVALENT: 300 mpg

READ THE FASTCOMPANY ARTICLE

CAR CONTROL DEFINED

I’ve always regarded rally driving as the purest form of motorsports. Over a season, rally drivers and their navigators compete on a variety of courses in every conceivable road condition including snow, ice, rain, dirt, gravel, smooth tarmac etc. From start to finish a team must race against time. Since the driver and the navigator races on the course alone, there is no opportunity to block other competitors just to maintain a position. A team only knows their position after the race leg, requiring that they drive on the very limits. What amazes me most about rally drivers is the incredible car control that they posses.

I've attached a clip below to give our readers an opportunity to appreciate their skills. Enjoy.

CLICK TO VIEW CLIP

FORD & UAW CUTS DEAL

Executives at Ford and Representatives of the UAW (United Auto Workers) just announced an agreement that allows for certain employee benefits to be curtailed in order to bring costs in line with their competitors'. This is good news as it shows that the union is flexible and willing to concede long held positions to help the company survive these difficult times.  Experts also view this as a model from which GM and Chrysler can use when negotiating with their unionized workers.
 
The auto sales forecast numbers remain bleak. Sales were down for all the Big Three Auto companies. Yahoo News reported on March 3, 2009 the following US sales numbers for the Big Three Auto companies from the previous 12 months. General Motors was down 53%, Ford was down 48% and Chrysler was down 44%.

READ MSNBC ARTICLE 
READ YAHOO NEWS ARTICLE           

IS CLEAN COAL A LIE?

Don’t be fooled. Despite the many millions of dollars spent by the coal industry to promote the concept of “clean coal”, not one of the 600 plus coal burning power generating plants in the US exercise clean coal concepts. That’s what the Coen Brothers and Reality, a coal industry watchdog, wants the public to consider.
 
The term “Clean Coal Technology” is a catchall phrase for technologies that try to reduce the emission of pollutants generated by the burning of coal. The process includes the re-capture and treatment of impurities by chemical process. 

WATCH "AIR FRESHENER" BY THE COEN BROTHERS 
READ THE REALITY FACT SHEET ON CLEAN COAL 

DETROIT'S PRIUS PROBLEMS

Here’s Detroit’s problem. While they were busy flying their executives to meet with members of Congress for hand-outs, a group of auto engineers and designers from Toyota were getting ready to introduce the next iteration of the Prius Hybrid. The new model slated for the market in 2010 claims it can achieve an average of 50 MPG. Given the history of this company, it’s certain that even before the unveiling they were already looking for a way to make the 2010 Prius obsolete by making the next model a better car as defined by its customers. And every time they do that, they also come a step closer to making their competition obsolete.
 
READ THE PRIUS ARTICLE BY FASTCOMPANY 

BORROW THAT H/ENGINE?

In October of 2008, Mazda shipped a fleet of Mazda Hydrogen-powered RX-8’s to Norway under a program called "HyNor". That was the first time that the HE RX-8's were shipped outside Japan and is part of what Mazda Program Manager Ashihiro Kashiwagi calls “the next stage” in the development of the hydrogen program. This agreement will provide Mazda with valuable information and practical experience that they will utilize to develop the program.  
 
That got us thinking. What if we can get a hold of some of those used engines to use for racing at the Lemons? After thinking real hard, we decided that Mr. Kashiwagi will be receiving a well-crafted piece of correspondence from us in the future. We are working on a spiel right now that includes borrowing the engine because we have a $500 spending limit on the car. While doing that, we'll also have to distract him long enough so he doesn't notice that the engine will be running around a track full of jalopies and road unworthy machines driven by second rate drivers - and that his engine may accidentally morph into useless scrap metal.

Well, as you may have already discerned, we at “Hydrolac” are the best at what we do. Right guys?
 
READ THE NORWAY ARTICLE 

HONDA FC HYDROGEN CONCEPT

There are currently two ways to power cars using hydrogen. One approach uses hydrogen as the fuel in a combustion engine. Mazda took this direction and is currently developing the rotary engine to burn both gasoline and hydrogen. The other approach uses hydrogen to power fuel-cells. Recent pictures taken at the LA Auto Show gives us a glimpse of a new Honda Supercar that is powered by hydrogen fuel-cells called the FC Sport Concept. Since it is a concept car, neither economy nor performance claims were made. But I suspect that will be just a matter of time as the engineers and designers continue to work on this car and dial it in. Honda has a very long and proud heritage of developing cars for use on and off the race track. 

CLICK TO VIEW ARTICLE OF THE HONDA FC CONCEPT 

LEMONS SLIDESHOW

Here's a slideshow that was featured on the Lemons Facebook site. It gives a good flavor of the different kinds of cars that are represented in the series. Enjoy!

CLICK TO VIEW SLIDESHOW 

THE MAN, THE MYTH ...

On a previous blog, I wrote about a friend of mine, Benedict Jones, who will spearhead the efforts to assemble the equipment and the team of four handicapped drivers for the races we have committed in 2009. We met last night at the Café at Barnes & Noble in Aliso Viejo in what turned out to be a very short and productive meeting of the minds. We’ve established a task list that we will try to pick off one at a time leading up to the races. As a guideline, the following tasks were included on our to do list:

1. Source the equipment
   
2. Build the equipment
   
3. Select Drivers
   
4. Select Mechanics
   
5. Practice and Train
   
6. Develop the logistics for the events
7. Source sponsors (Ongoing activity)

As an update, I have already found a source for a Miata that costs under $500 – however seemingly impossible that feat is. I personally didn't think that could be done, so we'll have to wait and see. A disclosure of the specifics will be made once the car has actually been secured.
 
There was another decision that was made at the meeting. Since Benedict is a certified gear head and someone who hailed originally from Indianapolis with just the right connections, an invitation was personally extended to me to join him and his family to be a spectator of the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing” - the Indianapolis 500 – scheduled for the 24th of May 2009. The answer was a qualified yes as I saw it as yet another opportunity to polish my sports-casting chops.
 
Moreover, to liven up our web blog, future posts will also feature Benedict as a contributor. He is a passionate motorsports enthusiast and an all around great guy. We welcome his thoughts and contributions to our web blog and to our future endeavors.
 
PICTURE OF ROBERT & BENEDICT  
WEBSITE OF THE INDIANAPOLIS 500