The holidays have us thinking of the many things to be thankful for, so we decided to ask a handful of Driving Line contributors what they’re most thankful for in the automotive realm. Do the same thing with your friends and you’re bound to discover a world of variety (and likely something new about them).
Not surprisingly, a few specific cars/car parts were mentioned…
1. Turbos
Tara Hurlin
Aside from the mushy stuff, I am thankful for turbos. The sound of turbo spool is what makes my smile stretch to full capacity. My face hurts just thinking about it.
2. Acura NSX
Motorhead Mama
I'm thankful for my recent hot laps in the new Acura NSX. The NSX is one of my fave Japanese cars of all time and frankly, I wasn't expecting much from its update. But I was so very happy to be wrong. At its launch I met the NSX's designer, the badass Michelle Christensen (yeah, she's an American woman).
Then I heard it could go 0-60 in 2.7 seconds-- a time that barely gives you enough time to swallow. This is all thanks to a mid-mounted twin turbocharged, 75 degree, 3.5L DOHC v6, plus three fun-filled electric motors. It does things around a track that don't really make sense, like hug curves when logic says that all wheels should be off the ground. To experience it at Willow Springs was amazing & the highlight of my year. Plus, I really needed that new pair of underpants anyway.
3. Diesel
Mike McGlothlin
I’m thankful for how far diesel technology has and continues to come in the truck pulling world. For instance, this 391 ci Cummins cranks out nearly 1,900 hp thanks to exotic parts such as a 14mm P8600 injection pump, massive 5 x 0.030-inch injectors and a single turbocharger with a compressor wheel inducer measuring more than 91mm. What’s more is that through the use of a 6.7L Cummins-based (concrete filled) block, crankcase girdle, 14mm main studs, cylinder sleeves and a deck plate, the engine stays together amid seeing 60+ pounds of boost, 1,600+ degree exhaust gas temperature, and 40+ hooks (an entire season). That, and this image is pure eye candy to the diesel lover.
Then of course there were some specific events that made the list…
4. Cars & Coffee
Albert Roxas
The Aliso Viejo event picked up where the world renowned Cars & Coffee Irvine left off, which left a hole in the hearts of those of us who looked forward to early Saturday mornings. Staring at amazing vehicles, talking trash with friends and, of course, drinking some coffee is what makes the start of each Saturday special for me. The locale has changed slightly, but the spirit and cars are the same - with many of the regulars now taking the extra 15-minute trip further south to attend. If you haven’t been, there’s something for everyone - and unlike Irvine, access to the lot is not restricted, so come on out!
5. Bonneville Speedweek
Tim Sutton
When it comes to automotive things to be thankful for, my mind lands on Bonneville. Anyone familiar with the salt knows some said we would never race there again, due to Mother Nature and things beyond our control, but we did in 2016! Racers there span the spectrum from rockstar millionaire to those with only pennies to their name – what all these people find in common is speed. No money is rewarded to the one who wins, but the personal passion makes us do it. We will return year after year, trying to best ourselves and our forefathers. This is Bonneville, the World’s Fastest.
6. Ultra4 (and Jason Scherer becoming 2016 Champion)
Shana Whitford
Watching Ultra Racing being born and grow in front of me… I am thankful for having the utmost pleasure of watching Jason Scherer become the iconic face that we all know, and love, today! From groupie trail riding crusades, to early rock crawling days (pictured), to winning the 2016 Ultra4 Championship, I’ve seen Jason constantly raise his own bar, but his smile remains just as sincere as when I first met him.
But of course, far beyond the metal and gasoline that engages our passions are the people who make up the automotive world…
7. Off-Roading Friends
Lori Carey
I'm thankful for all of the great friends I've made and the awesome people I've met that off-roading has brought into my life.
8. Industry Friends
Justin Pagtalunan
I am thankful for meeting so many people in the automotive industry, it’s a true testament to how tight-knit the community is. From celebrities like Sung Kang to industry partners and fellow media, everyone has been totally cool to work with or just plain talk to. There’s something about the unspoken bond we all have thanks to these things we call cars. While I’m sure everyone I’ve met will be a lasting connection, I can say for sure some have become fast friends and I am thankful that I can rely on them for years to come.
Friends to hang out with. Friends to work with. Friends who inspire…
9. Enthusiast Builders
David Ishikawa
I am thankful for all the enthusiasts. From those that painstakingly restore a car to its former glory to those that turn it into an art-car; those that keep it simple to those that do the insane. I appreciate and thank all of you!
10. Enthusiast Passion
Lindsey Fisher
I'm thankful for the people that have shared their automotive passion with me as a journalist and photographer. As a gearhead myself, I understand where the passion to build, race, show and be part of the automotive community come from, but it's the individual stories, experiences and excitement each person brings to the car scene that makes it what it is. Not only have these people made, and continue to make, my career more fulfilling by including me in their passion, they've also become friends, confidants, inspirations, mentors and ultimately part of my family, and for that, I am extremely thankful!
For me, all of the above roll together and meld into one of my top memories of the year (automotive or not)…
11. Generosity & Racing
Kristin Cline
This past summer I was able to get my land speed license all because of the generosity of a stranger. Jerry built a 1955 Studebaker to race on the Bonneville Salt Flats and upon finding my writings about Studes and land speed racing (owning a ’55 Stude myself), he contacted me and offered me a seat at Speedweek. Zooming down the salty course was truly an experience of a lifetime and I owe it all to Jerry as well as the many committed volunteers who allow Speedweek to happen. Not only did I get my "B" and "C" class license, but I gained a friend for life!