Girls show they have what it takes at Fastimes Indoor Karting Track in Indianapolis, Indiana with a foot of lead!
Glass Hammer Racing (also known as www.beatbyagirl.org) hosts a program called the Glass Hammer Racing Experience. As a sponsored GHR driver I was asked to go out to Indy this past November and instruct the girls participating. I love this program because it’s focused on individual development and setting goals. While some girls may have the interest and talent to progress to a professional auto racing career, GHR Experience focus is on providing each girl with the opportunity to develop her individual skills at a pace which will be both challenging and rewarding.
As females in the industry we already have obstacles to overcome. Well let me tell you, and I’ve got my girlfriends to back me up – given the opportunity – women could help advance the sport, the industry and open doors from young women around the world. GHR sole purpose is to give guidance and help elevate young women early on in their careers to help them reach their fullest potential.
So, you could only image how honored and humbling it was to be asked to instruct four fast young ladies ages 10-13 November 13th at Fastimes Indoor Karting www.fastimesindoorkarting.com track. GHR has three comprehensive Stages to fit the needs of each girl and further help grow the knowledge and race craft.
By Diana Merrill Claussen Contributing Editor AskPatty.com
I recently attended a special media unveiling of Honda’s newest generation 2012 CR-V. The event was held in San Diego at the gorgeous Hyatt Aviara Resort. Upon arriving at the well-manicured Aviara grounds we drove up a long winding entrance and became overwhelmed with the beauty of the lush and tropical flora throughout the property. Plants such as Lavender Seagrass, Hibiscus, and palms covered every inch of the resorts lawns and made one feel like they had arrived in a dreamlike utopian secluded paradise.
After arriving at the hotel I was promptly checked in and shown to my room which was every bit as aesthetic and gorgeous as the rest of this (5-star/black diamond) resort. My room even had a private balcony which overlooked its own secluded courtyard. My downstairs neighbor, who was cattycornered from me, had his own private mini pool nestled in his courtyard. Thankfully, my cottage was surrounded by native trees so that at some point I would not see the neighbors were they to go for a ‘private’ swim.
After settling into the ultra-plush accommodations, I threw open my balcony door (which I kept open for most of my stay), so as to enjoy the comfortable sea breeze, and the whisper of my courtyard trees. After sprawling across the bed for a spell while looking at Honda’s event itinerary, I decided it was time to get more acquainted with my new (and unfortunately temporary) surroundings.
In early December, I had the great fortune of attending THE FABBIES at the Automotive Hall of Fame (www.automotivehalloffame.org) in Dearborn, MI to recognize and honor those who have made a difference in this grand world of the automobile. THE FABBIES is a collection of awards celebrating those fabulous individuals who are automotive women or who support women in the automotive industry presented by the AHF.
In 1909 Alice H. Ramsey became the first woman to drive an automobile across the USA, and it was not until October, 2000 that she became the very first women to be inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. In little more than a decade, 50 more women have been recipients of AHF (Automotive Hall of Fame) awards given to those who have had an impact on the automobile.
Maureen Kempston-Darkes, General Motors Corporation Group Vice President and President GM Latin America-Africa-Middle East (Retired) received the prestigious 2011 Alice H Ramsey Legend Award. Maureen has been an inspiration to men and to women. In 1975 she joined the General Motors of Canada Legal Staff and throughout her entire career she has been devoted to making a difference in the automotive industry. She has pioneered the way as a trailblazer and retired as the highest ranking woman in the Automotive Industry. Along the way, she made it possible for woman to advance to levels never before achieved. Maureen serves on numerous boards and continues to provide the benefit of her talents to help guide other companies.
Deep in the heart of Texas’ south central hill country lies 500 acres of a privately owned ranch complete with every type of off-roading terrain imaginable. For any truck enthusiast (especially 4x4s) this central Texas facility is the ultimate proving grounds to test and tune a true Texas truck.
The sprawling property includes ravines, canyons, dirt, mud, water and rock ledges from which to climb and crawl, and experience everything a fine off-road vehicle has to offer. The ranch provides ideal conditions for those who are into heavy duty all-terrain action. Recently, Nissan held an off-road test driving event at this privately owned property.
Nissan’s ‘Overdrive’ event was designed specifically for automotive reviewers, giving the media a complete ‘pass’ to take advantage of each truck within their Nissan fleet. The opportunity to push these trucks to their full potential and off-road capabilities on rugged, wooded adventures was nothing short of a truck lover’s ultimate dream come true.
Within the provided Nissan test fleet were Armadas, Xterras, Pathfinders, Frontiers, and Pro models. First in the line of vehicles was not a truck at all, but the Nissan Armada, a large SUV which seats up to eight. Taking the SUV into the wilds of our Texas jungle was actually a surprisingly delightful experience.
Through rocky twists and turns, the large Armada was able to easily conquer steep ascents and descents and easily weaved around the large wild game which could be sunning on the other side of a curve. Free roaming, live animal obstacles were not purposely part of our test trails but made for even more thrilling rides. At one point I shrieked at a fellow driver to ‘watch out for Bambi’ who suddenly appeared out from a tree line and stopped directly in our path.
Although there was a massive amount of braking needed in order to avoid our four-legged friend, the Armada was not only completely responsive but brought us to an unwavering and controlled stop.
The rest of the fleet tested included a new Titan Pro4X featuring an electronic locking differential, Rancho Suspension®, and rugged trail tires. All of the features included within the Pro4X are perfect for those who are not only in the market for a 4x4 but those who have plans on using it for ‘all terrain’ purposes.
After a full day of tearing up the trails it was time to head to my ‘ranch style/western chic’ room complete with fur bedspread, cow skin rugs and a gazelle head on my wall which seemed to stare at me no matter where I was within the room. Because I am an animal lover, I realized there was no way I could shower and later sleep with what remained of a once-alive creature staring at me. I took matters into my own hands, and threw a towel over its head (where it remained for the rest of my stay).
After showering in one of the most ornate marble and stone showers imaginable, it was time to get ready for an evening dinner at the ranch’s guest lodge. The meal placed before us was lovely. The scenery however was a nightmare for anyone who feels at one with the animal kingdom. For example, the dining area is in the midst of a room with hundreds of taxidermied animals placed at every nook, cranny and square inch of wall, floor and corner. For the first time in my life, I could not eat a steak and could barely choke down the rest of my meal for the ‘trophies’ were all around me.
I had to limit my time and visits in the lodge for fear of going “PETA postal” in front of those within my group. I will spare any further details and will not impart any further description of the images I witnessed within those four walls. Instead I will speak about the lovely grounds, the great weather, the meandering stone walkways and the abundant wildlife at the ranch. I later learned that the beautiful zebra’s on the property were among the many animals ‘hunted’ on the ranch grounds.
With all of this knowledge, it actually became quite an effort to concentrate on the trucks as opposed to concentrating on the ‘hunting’ grounds where I was invited to stay. I must admit I’d have had second thoughts about accepting the assignment had I known of the history and purpose of the ranch.
In the end concentrating on trucks did help me out of my horrified state of mind. When the time came to leave, the enjoyment of driving had gone far to save the day. I eagerly waved good bye to all including the (still) towel-covered gazelle head hanging on my hotel room wall.
This Holiday PSA from the Ad Council and AskPatty.com CEO Jody DeVere needs very little in the way of introduction. Watch the video and take Jody's message to heart this holiday season - remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.
Jody DeVere was driving to a family gathering for the Thanksgiving holiday when a car suddenly crashed into her on the highway. It turned out the woman driving the oncoming car had a few too many drinks that evening. When she arrived at the emergency room, Ms. DeVere learned that the young children riding with the alcohol-impaired driver had tragically died from the crash, leaving an unfortunate mark on Jody that affects her still today. This holiday season we ask that you remember - you don't have to be falling down drunk to be too drunk to drive - Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. Visit http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/.
Holiday Car Shopping? Costco Auto Program and GM have partnered to bring Costco members GM Preferred Pricing at participating dealerships, along with a $500 Cash Card
to use on any Costco goods! We sat down with Gina Paolino, president of the Costco Auto Program, and India Rayl, VP of Marketing for the Costco Auto Program, to talk a little about the initiative.
Established in 1989, the Costco Auto Program has always operated with the same philosophy, according to Gina: “To make it easy for Costco members to purchase vehicles at a great price. We select dealerships across the nation that offer both service and value, and we direct all of our members into those dealerships.” These select dealerships are subject to a training and certification program to ensure that Costco members receive only the best in service and value when they shop for cars there.
This GM promotion is unique in the Costco Auto world. Though they are often approached by OEMs to partner, they want to make sure that the program's value doesn't suffer as a result. “Our very first promotion was with Volvo,” says Gina, referring to their 2007 partnership with the manufacturer “and it worked out extremely well,” saying that this program's success was a major contributing factor leading to the current, comparatively larger, promotion with GM.
Whether the person on your gift list loves anything with wheels, has a new car under the tree, or would like to accomplish an easy do it your/herself project here are some easy ideas from 3M for stuffing Christmas stockings. I had the chance to spend some time with 3M at the recent SEMA show in Las Vegas, and they shared some great automotive products with me, perfect for gifts or for winterizing your own car.
Paint Restoration System from 3M: Winter salt and sludge can leave your car’s finish dull but with 3Ms Paint Restoration System (a three-step process which removes swirl marks, minor scratches and oxidized paint) your ride can look bright and shiny during the holidays. Add a buffer/polisher to the gift list, and it’s the perfect present for your paint. “The three steps with this syste are color coded and are an easy process,” said 3 M Auto Care Marketing Manager Cathy Markovitz. “I think the system is like painting your nails, the first step is buffing (removing scratches and old polish). The second is a base coat which is a shine restorer, uses a fine touch pad and removes haze. The third and last step adds color with a synthetic wax protectant which is also buffed over the surface with a very fine pad. The three products and color-coded pads are all included within the system all the recipient needs to buy is a 6” polisher. If a lady can use a drill then she can definitely use the polishing/buffing tool,” Markovitz ensured.
Lens Renewal Kit from 3M: Dashing through the snow on a winter’s night isn’t smart with headlights that aren’t bright. But with the Lens Renewal Kit from 3M, car owners can make their headlights shine brighter, “And there are no tools required to achieve desirable results,” said Markovitz.
3M also sells Leather and vinyl interior repair kits, and easy do it yourself kits from windshield repair to their soon to be released Auto Essentials kit which includes the interior restorer, tire shine and cleaner, all purpse scrub and a glass cleaner for shiny and clear windows. All items can be found at most auto parts stores and other large retailers such as Walmart. The Auto essentials kit will be available online at www.shop3M.com just in time for the holidays.
Remember me and my story this Holiday Season. Buckle Up and Say No to Buzzed Driving !!!
We left for home Thanksgiving day in the twilight, filled with Grandma Cleo’s cooking, lots of hugs and our heads filled with family stories shared in laughter.
The drive on Palmdale Highway 138, a two land undivided road, was lined with cars coming and going like bumper cars. I always hated this part of the drive and kept checking my speed to stay at 55 MPH, which was not my normal routine driving practice.
After about ten minutes, feeling overly cautious, I looked over at my son in the front passenger seat and noticed his seatbelt was not fastened and sharply told him to “Put on your seatbelt, NOW!”, and glanced over my shoulder to make sure my other son was buckled up!”
Thirty seconds later a small car driven by a drunken women with five children, only one two year old in a restraint system, swerved from the oncoming traffic right in front of me. There was no way to avoid the accident. I slammed on my brakes to attempt to stop in time. Her oncoming speed and my oncoming speed were equal to at least 110 miles an hour. Not enough time to stop.
That moment of impact will be imbedded in my soul forever. Three of the five children were killed instantly. The woman driver killed her only daughter and two of her sister’s children. The driver (She) survived along with the two year old in the car seat and one other young boy cousin.
Happy Veterans Day, Ask Patty nation - or, happy Remembrance Day if you're in Canada. Either way, it's time to take some time to show our gratitude to those who have served so we can read blogs about auto advice for women.
As a historical note, this day was originally known as Armistice Day, because on 11/11 in 1918, at 11 am in fact, World War One came to an end. Today it's a celebration of all those who have served, not just the observation of the end of the first world war, and that's as it should be, but I like to mention it because I feel it's important to know our own history - lest we be doomed to repeat it.
In celebration of Veterans Day today, I bring you an opportunity to do something very special, and very very important. Support homeless female veterans. One of our Certified Female Friendly service centers, Curry's Auto of Northern Virginia and Maryland, supports the Final Salute, Inc., which aims at helping homeless female veterans find a better life. You can support this cause with them by buying one of the beautiful flag charms from their site.
In closing, I'd like to leave you with a reflection that is very appropriate for today, and one of my favorite poems.
In Flanders Fields Lt. Col. John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.
Thank you to ALL our veterans - past, present, and future - for your service and sacrifice.
It's National Teen Driver Safety Week in the Ask Patty Nation! We told you here about the NOYS Teen Distracted Driving Summit, which took place earlier this week. There, technology was discussed as another solution to combat texting and driving. As you all know, there are a number of smart-phone apps already in the market to help squelch the habit of texting behind the wheel. Now even cell-phone carriers are getting involved. Sprint offers an app which locks your phone when the car is moving over 10 mph. For those responsible enough to use the "honor" system, AT&T recently launched DriveMode, which doesn’t use GPS technology. Users have to enable or disable the function through a button on their phone before and after driving. To learn more about these and other solutions and for a full report of the NOYS Summit, visit the Consumer Reports page here - and head past the jump for a trifecta of distracted driving news items.
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