Top 10 Best Car Names

Think about celebs with cool names, names completely in sync their personalities: Jay-Z, Kat Von D, Slash; they're much more fitting than Shawn Corey Carter, Katherine Von Drachenberg and Saul Hudson.

Despite what Ford, Lincoln and Mercury have demonstrated in recent years, it's critical for automakers to pick the best car name and stick with them (are you listening, Dearborn?). You can't stick a lame name on a cool car and you can't stick a cool name on a lame car. Here are 10 of the best car names out there.

10 - Dodge Swinger (1969-1976)

Whether or not these were intentionally bought by those pursuing a less vanilla life, we can't say, but the Swinger was one of Dodge's best car names. Not that it was one of the division's best cars, which explains why it's our No. 10. Thing was, nobody at the time paid inordinate attention to the moniker given to two-door Dart models. If anything, it was the Demon that got negative attention from conservative groups.

9 - Porsche Carrera 1956-Present

One of the best car names has never enjoyed continual presence. Since the now-famous script appeared on the fenders of a few special Porsche 356s in 1956, the Carrera (Spanish for "race") name has generally denoted a special, even more potent edition. Even if you didn't know what the name meant, it simply sounded fast. Seen most recently on the over-the-top Carrera GT, it's one of the best car names and also one of the most enduring.

8 - Bugatti Veyron (2006-Present)

The Bugatti name is magical to enthusiasts, so it takes a great model name -- and one breaking from the "EB" designation -- to stand well with the marque. However, one of the best car names is not necessarily as far removed from the automaker as you might think. The car's name comes from Pierre Veyron, Bugatti wheelman and winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1939.

7 - Chevrolet Corvette (1953-Present)

Some have shrugged this off as an imaginary name that just sounds cool and nothing more, but it's a real term for a small warship. Not so far out of place, when you think about it. Harley Earl may have designed it and Zora Arkus-Duntov later refined it, but it was GM employee Myron Scott who christened the two-seat fiberglass curiosity. Over half a century later, it's more or less impossible to think Corvette without thinking speed. That's indeed a sign of one of the best car names.

6 - Dodge Viper (1992-Present)

Dodge was an unlikely candidate for a serious performance car in the early '90s, but thanks to an impressive car and a great name, Viper is worthy of its place as one of the best car names. Known as Copperhead in prototype form before adopting its production name, the reptilian references were just a nod to the look of the car's front end. The Viper name quickly signified more though, as an untamed creature on the edge of control.

5 - Lamborghini Countach (1974-1990)

In a break from Lamborghini tradition of bullfighting-inspired model names, Countach is an Italian exclamation for something beautiful, striking and dead sexy. It was that very interjection at the sight of an early example that led to one of the best car names. For those unfamiliar with Italian colloquialisms, it also became one of the most mispronounced car names. Enlightenment sometimes has a trickle-down effect, and it's been years since we've heard anyone call it a "cown-tack." Thankfully.

4 - Shelby American Cobra (1962-1967)

Carroll Shelby said the Cobra name came to him in a dream; kind of ironic for a car that's anything but peaceful. Regardless of the moment of inspiration, the application makes Cobra one of the best car names. We're talking, of course, of the original AC-bodied Cobras. Ford has liberally used the name on various Mustangs since the '60s, but they're a far cry from the curvaceous yet venomous roadsters that spelled trouble for Corvette owners of the era.

3 - Ferrari Testarossa (1984-1996)

It’s just "red head" in Italian, for the color painted on the cam covers. However, tradition and the beauty of the language make this one of the best car names out there. It's also no accident that the mid-engine coupe is named so similarly to the Testa Rossa race cars of the late '50s. What's more, the moniker was more than a painted-on gimmick. This was, after all, a 12-cylinder Ferrari. Say what you will about the design, exotic performance will always be associated with this car name.

2. Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud (1955-1966)

Automakers have attempted to convey senses of calm and luxury in their cars for decades, but Rolls-Royce is one of the few whose names are as legendary as their models. This car is sterling, and it is soft. Any questions? Not to be confused with the more familiar Silver Shadow that followed, the Silver Cloud hearkens back to a time when Old Money was still Old Money -- just a little less so. It's appropriate for a car that looks like an old bank building on wheels, with approximate size to match.

1 - Ford Mustang (1964-Present)

Said to have been named after the celebrated World War II fighter plane, but publicly marketed with equine overtones, the Mustang name has evoked thoughts of freedom and the open road for generations of drivers. Names like Boss, Cobra and Shelby have signified some even higher-performing 'Stangs along the way; yet even on its own, Mustang is all that's really mattered. The original pony car is still arguably the best, as is its name.

Top 10 Safest Small SUVs

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) released its list of safety winners in the small SUV category. To be awarded Top Safety Pick honors from the Institute, a vehicle must garner Good ratings in all three of the Institute’s tests: 40 mph frontal offset crash test, side crash test, and rear crash test/head restraint protection. All vehicles must be equipped with standard electronic stability control or include it as an available option. In alphabetical order, IIHS awarded the following small-class sport-utility vehicles Top Safety Pick honors for 2009:

Ford Escape Escape

Honda CR-V

Honda Element

Mazda Tribute

Mercury Mariner

Mitsubishi Outlander

Nissan Rogue

Subaru Forester

Toyota RAV4

Volkswagen Tiguan

IIHS Report: Small Cars Can Be Costly to Repair

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reveals that small cars may save on purchase price and fuel, but there is a real reason why their insurance premiums aren't also tiny-accidents cause significant damage and consequently injury risk. In its latest test-based report, the IIHS found that none of seven small cars rated "good" under a new system to evaluate repair costs necessitated by low-speed impacts, putting a dollar value on common accident scenarios. (Learn how the IIHS conducts crash tests on new cars.)

These are the first bumper test results released under a new Institute ratings protocol that's based on repair costs averaged and weighted to reflect real-world damage patterns. The new ratings protocol represents the common damage that insurance claims centers process daily, and it is based on four bumper tests representing full-width and corner crashes at low speeds. Weighted average repairs must be less than $500 for a good rating, less than $1,000 for acceptable, and less than $1,500 for marginal. Repairs of $1,500 or more earn bumpers a poor rating.

With the rules established, the tests identified the Kia Rio as the worst performer with $9,380 total damage, earning it a poor rating. The Rio's repair bill is worse than those of most other small and midsize cars and minivans the Institute has tested. This minicar racked up about $3,700 damage, or 30 percent of its purchase price, in the full-front test alone. The Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, and Mini Cooper also earn poor ratings for bumper performance.

The Smart Fortwo is best overall, with $3,281 total damage in four tests. Costs are relatively low for this microcar because its prepainted plastic body panels are dent-resistant, inexpensive, and easy to replace. The Chevrolet Aveo, a minicar, is next best, with $4,490 total damage.

"You should be able to drive your car home after a low-speed crash, but too often vehicles are sidelined by only minor impacts," says Institute senior vice president Joe Nolan. "Damage to sheet metal, air-conditioning condensers, and safety equipment like headlights should never happen when your car is bumped at just three to six miles an hour. Bad bumpers add up to one big headache for consumers."

Any accident can be expensive, inconvenient, and dangerous. Safety should play a key role in choosing your next vehicle, placing special emphasis on crash-test performance and key equipment: ABS, side and side-curtain airbags, and stability control. (This information is available in the autoMedia buyer's guide.) Repair cost is an interest consideration, though more difficult to compare.The IIHS does have some data available on vehicles, separated by class. (See an expanded list of repair costs from IIHS.)

Before buying, always consult with your insurance company to get an estimate of annual premiums. These will be influence by repair costs, as well as vehicle cost and average driver claim risk. (Learn what you need to know about car insurance before you buy.)

Survey: Best and Worst Road Rage Cities

New York has the most enraged drivers and Portland, Oregon, has the most courteous, according to an annual survey commissioned by AutoVantage. The telephone-based survey focused on 25 major metropolitan areas, with data collected from more than 2,500 interviews. The results indicate where not to commute and also insights into driver behavior.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) describes road rages as a term that “may have originated in the United States. In its broadest sense it can refer to any display of aggression by a driver. However, the term is often used to refer to the more extreme acts of aggression, such as a physical assault, that occur as a direct result of a disagreement between drivers.“

The AAA estimates there are up to 1,200 road rage-related deaths a year in the U.S.


Least Courteous Cities (Worst Road Rage):

* New York
* Dallas/Fort Worth
* Detroit
* Atlanta
* Minneapolis/St. Paul


Most Courteous Cities (Least Road Rage):

* Portland, Ore.
* Cleveland
* Baltimore
* Sacramento
* Pittsburgh

Other cities surveyed include Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa, and Washington, D.C.

Survey respondents reported the behaviors by other drivers that cause stress that could lead to road rage:

* Drivers who talk on their cell phones (84 percent see this every day)
* Driving too fast (58 percent)
* Tailgating (53 percent)
* Drivers eating or drinking while driving (48 percent)
* Texting or e-mailing while driving (37 percent)


And, as a reaction to rude or bad driving by others, people surveyed admitted that they:

* Honk their horn at the offending driver (43 percent admit doing this every month)
* Curse at the other driver (36 percent)
* Wave their fist or arms (13 percent)
* Make an obscene gesture (10 percent)
* Call the police to report the driver (7 percent)
* Slam into the car in front of them – yikes! (1 percent)


When you are bordering on road rage, breath deep and count to 10. Getting feisty will add to your stress and may inspire unsafe behavior – something to be avoided when commanding a two-ton, high-speed weapon.

JD Power: 2009 Initial Quality Study – Detroit Rocks

The Detroit 3 showed marked improvements in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study released this week, with a 10-percent gain over 2008. This accomplishment for Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors is remarkable given the well-publicized challenges they have faced in the past year, and all the more impressive for being greater than the 8-percent rate of improvement by the industry overall.

Cadillac ranks in the top three, moving up from 10th last year, with Ford, Chevrolet, and Mercury all ranked above the industry average. However, Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep remain well below the average.

The study finds that initial quality for newly launched and redesigned models in 2009 has improved compared with previous years. Historically, all-new models have typically launched with below-average levels of initial quality. However, several all-new models in 2009, including the Hyundai Genesis, Kia Borrego, Toyota Venza and Volkswagen CC, perform considerably better than their respective segment averages. Many redesigned models in 2009 also show notable improvement from the previous generation--particularly the Acura TL, Ford F-150, Honda Pilot, and Nissan Z.

The highest ranked for initial quality by car segment
Compact Car: Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Compact Sporty Car: Scion tC
Compact Premium Sporty Car: Nissan Z
Entry Premium Vehicle: Lexus IS
Midsize Premium Car: Lexus GS
Midsize Sporty Car: Ford Mustang
Large Premium Car: Lexus LS
Midsize Car: Nissan Altima
Large Car: Mercury Sable
Compact MAV: Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda CR-V (tie)
Midsize MAV: Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Ford Edge, Toyota 4Runner (tie)
Large MAV: GMC Yukon
Midsize Premium: Lexus GX
Large Premium MAV: Lexus LX
Large Pickup: Ford F-150, Toyota Tundra (tie)
Midsize Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
Minivan: Toyota Sienna

2009 Nameplate IQS Ranking
Problems per 100 vehicles
84 Lexus
90 Porsche
91 Cadillac
95 Hyundai
99 Honda
101 Mercedes-Benz
101 Toyota
102 Ford
103 Chevrolet
103 Suzuki
106 Infiniti
106 Mercury
108 Industry Average
110 Nissan
111 Acura
112 BMW
112 Kia
112 Volkswagen
116 GMC
117 Buick
118 Audi
118 Pontiac
118 Scion
118 Volvo
120 Saturn
123 Mazda
129 Lincoln
130 Subaru
134 Dodge
134 Jaguar
135 Mitsubishi
136 Chrysler
136 Hummer
137 Jeep
138 Saab
138 Smart
150 Land Rover
165 Mini

The 2009 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identifying problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2009.

US President Obama signs cash for clunkers bill

President Obama today signed the “cash for clunkers” law, now known as “Car Allowance Rebate System,” that has been touted as a key stimulator for the auto industry and an environmental aid. The law provides $1 billion in funding, with $50 million allocated for administration. The specific guidelines for the program will be revealed in the next 30 days, when the plan takes effect on August 1.

The CARS program is intended to encourage consumers who own an older, gas guzzler to purchase or lease a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle. In doing so, it is expect to give the auto industry a sales boost, while at the same time transitioning participating car owners to thriftier vehicles and thereby reducing national fuel consumption.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) working with manufacturers, dealers, and recycling centers to develop the program specifics. Dealers will need to register to participate.

Car Allowance Rebate System basics While the details are being finalized, the government has released some elements from the program, which have changed little since our previous reports.
To qualify, the trade-in vehicle must:

have been manufactured less than 25 years before the date you trade it in have a “new” combined city/highway fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less be in drivable condition be continuously insured and registered to the same owner for the full year preceding the trade-in To check the combined city and highway fuel economy, consumers are directed to fueleconomy.gov.

Leases on new vehicles are eligible, so long as the lease is for at least five years—a very long time for a lease. The manufacturer's suggested retail price cannot exceed $45,000. Used cars are not part of the program.

Purchased vehicles may be from domestic or foreign brands, through participating dealers.
The chart below spells out the scenarios, matching the trade-in and purchase to the credit. These funds would be applicable at time of purchase.

The government has launched a Web site to answer common questions at http://www.cars.gov/ , where the law pdf can be reviewed.

GM bankruptcy

As expected, today plaintiffs’ lawyers and attorneys general for eight states filed objections to the General Motors bankruptcy, saying it may deny hundreds or thousands of consumers access to due process if they are injured in or by vehicles sold by General Motors before the bankruptcy. (Read: "What does the GM bankruptcy mean to you?")

As in the Chrysler sale, GM’s Chapter 11 filing under “Section 363” of the bankruptcy code would allow the new GM to emerge “free and clear” of any liabilities for its older cars (although the company has said it will honor basic warranties for those cars that still qualify, and the federal government is backing up those warranties during the restructuring.) In the Chrysler bankruptcy process, certain lemon law claims were protected, while others were not. (Read: "Automaker bankruptcies may limit liability and lemon-law claims."

Critics say that nullifying all lemon-law and product liability claims allows GM to walk away from responsibility for its products and will make second-class citizens of uninformed or poor consumers who drive older GM and Chrysler vehicles. And by avoiding consumer protections that are standard with other automakers, they say it gives consumers a reason to avoid buying GM or Chrysler products in the future.

While there are an estimated 10 million used Chryslers on the road today, the number for GM is as high as 30 million. Sean Kane, CEO of Safety Research and Strategies, estimates that 3,400 more Americans may be injured or killed in GM or Chrysler vehicles in the year after the two companies emerge from bankruptcy.

While both companies would be liable for launching recalls and repairing defects in these vehicles, under current provisions they would not be responsible for injuries caused by those defects. In the Chrysler bankruptcy deal, New Chrysler will take responsibility only for lemon law claims on vehicles produced by the pre-bankruptcy Chrysler within the past five years.
The two companies combined account for a disproportionate number of claims against automakers, 47 percent, while their combined market share is just 38 percent.

To make matters worse, recalls are often based on liability claims filed in court. So if those cases can no longer be filed, there is concern that some defects may no longer trigger recalls.
We hope that as GM moves through the bankruptcy process, legitimate consumer claims do not become casualties of the restructuring.

History of Cars Timeline

1769: The First self-propelled car was built
Nicolas Cugnot, a French military engineer developed a steam powered road-vehicle for the French army to haul heavy cannons.

Using a steam engine fixed to a three-wheeled cart, Cugnot successfully converted the back-and-forth action of a steam piston into rotary motion.

The truck reputedly reached walking speed and carried four tonnes. The army later abandoned his invention.

1801: Britain's steam powered cars
Richard Trevithick improved the design of steam engines, by making smaller and lighter with stronger boilers generating more power. In 1801, he put one of his new compact steam engines on wheels.

His ‘road locomotive’ - known as the Puffing Devil – was the first horseless carriage to transport passengers. Innovations like hand brakes, gears, and steering improvements were developed in subsequent decades.

1824: Uphill struggle
English engineer, Samuel Brown adapted an old Newcomen steam engine to burn a mixture of oxygen hydrogen gas.

He used it to briefly power a vehicle up Shooter's Hill - the highest point in south London.

1858: First Coal-gas engine
Belgian-born engineer, Jean Joseph Étienne Lenoir invented and patented (1860) a two-stroke, internal combustion engine. It was fuelled by coal gas and triggered by an electric spark-ignition.

Lenoir later attached an improved engine to a three-wheeled wagon and completed a fifty-mile road trip.

1865: Speed restrictions introduced in UK
The Locomotive Act restricted the speed of horse-less vehicles to 4mph in open country and 2 mph in towns.

The act effectively required three drivers for each vehicle; two to travel in the vehicle and one to walk ahead waving a red flag. For the next 30 years cars couldn’t legally travel above walking speed.

1876: Stroke of genius
Nikolaus August Otto invented and later patented a successful four-stroke engine, known as the “Otto cycle.”

The same year, the first successful two-stroke engine was invented by the Scottish engineer, Sir Dugald Clerk.

1886: Motor age moves forward
The first vehicles driven using internal combustion engines were developed roughly at the same time by two engineers working in separate parts of Germany – Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz.

They simultaneously formulated highly successful and practically powered vehicles that, by and large, worked like the cars we use today. The age of modern motor cars had begun.

1889: The First Motor Company formed
Two former French wood machinists, Rene Panhard and Emile Levassor, set up the world’s first car manufacturers. Their first car was built in 1890 using a Daimler engine.

Another French company, Peugeot was formed the following year, and still going strong today.

1890: Maybach speeds things up
Wilhelm Maybach built the first four-cylinder, four-stroke engine. Three years later, he develops the spray-nozzle carburettor, which becomes the basis for modern carburettor technology.

A decade later, Maybach developed a race car using lightweight metals fitted with a 35-hp four-cylinder engine and two carburettors. Named the Mercedes, the car reaches 64.4 km/h to shatter the world speed record.

1894: Grand Prix racing begins
Motor racing began as cars were built. Races quickly evolved from a simple chases from town to town, to organised events like time trials endurance tests for car and driver.

Innovations in engineering soon saw competition speeds exceeding 100 mph. Since races were often held on open roads, fatalities were frequent among drivers and spectators.

1896: First Road Traffic Death

Bridget Driscoll, a 44-year old mother of two from Croydon, stepped off a kerb and into the history books. She was hit by a passing motor car near Crystal Palace in London. She died from head injuries.

The driver, Arthur Edsell, was doing just 4mph at the time. The coroner, returning a verdict of accidental death, said “I trust that this sort of nonsense will never happen again.”

1903: The Ford Motor Company Formed
After fitting moving assembly lines to the factory in 1913, Ford became the world's biggest car manufacturer.

By 1927, 15 million Model Ts had been manufactured. Workers on the production line assembled the car just in ninety-three minutes.

1911: Key development
Working for Cadillac’s design and development department, Charles Kettering invented the electric ignition and starter motor. Cars could now start themselves.

Kettering later introduced independent suspension, and four-wheel brakes. And By 1930, most of the technology used in automobiles today had already been invented.

1965: Emissions regulations introduced
Controls on harmful emissions initially introduced in California, the rest of the world soon followed suit.

Safety devices also became mandatory – before this, manufacturers only included seat belts as optional extras.

1973: Energy crisis
After the Arab oil Embargo beginning in October 1973, oil prices rocketed causing a world shortage. Though it was lifted a year later, the effect was explosive – especially in America, where huge gas-guzzling cars were the norm. Fuel economy was suddenly something to consider when buying a car.

1978: Safe stopping distance decreased
The first antilock braking systems (ABS) were developed for automobiles by German manufacurers, Bosch. They first appeared in trucks and cars made by Mercedes-Benz.

ABS brakes to allow the driver to maintain steering control and to shorten braking distances.

1997: Car Manufacturers get green
Manufacturers have acknowledged that oil reserves will dry up in the future. They’re now developing engines that use more than one fuel source – hybrid engines.

Honda and Toyota initially introduced their petrol/electric hybrids to the Japanese market, before releasing them in America and Europe in 2002.

VIDEO: Transformers 2 clip shows Megan Fox tussling with Wheelie

We have some good news and some bad news. First, the good news, because that's just how we roll. We've got another clip of Megan Fox.. er, Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. The bad news? It involves a "bad guy" Transformer named Wheelie that has a really cheesy New York wise-guy personality. His weaknesses appear to include a foul mouth, mousetraps and hot chicks – two out of three which being qualities that we can identify with. In any case, he gets his metallic little ass kicked by Fox.

Most TF2 previews have looked straight-up awesome so far, but if this annoying little 'bot has anything more than a cameo in the movie, well, we're not going to be happy. Hit the jump to see video of Fantastic Ms. Fox taking a blowtorch to mini Megatron.

Video ref:http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/12/video-transformers-2-clip-shows-megan-fox-tussling-with-wheelie/

Keep Your Pants On: Kia Denim Soul on its way

We're clearly fans of the Kia Soul, in case you couldn't tell after reading our recent reviews of the Korean brand's new urban road warrior. One of our few gripes is that we can't order a Soul with as many cool features and accessories as you can in Europe. That may soon change as our recent trip to Seattle to drive the new Forte sedan (review coming soon) revealed.

Quietly on display was this special edition Soul, which we have confirmed will be called the Denim Soul and arrive at a dealer near you soon. We have no other details because Kia isn't talking, but you can tell from our gallery that this aesthetic package will certainly set your Soul apart. From its white wheels to the split stripe, this Soul has a little something extra. And while we didn't see the interior, we're almost certain it's called the Denim Soul because that's what Kia named this shade of blue, not because the seat upholstery is made of hard-wearing Levis like a certain AMC we remember. We'll let you know more and soon as Kia opens up with official info.

Lucky Racing Car Numbers Based on NASCAR Numerology

NASCAR or the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is an organization or business venture that sanctions and oversees multiple auto racing sports events. The organization holds about 17 of the top 20 highest-attended racing sports event in the U.S. and these races are put on air in more than 150 countries around the world in more than 30 languages.

The three largest series of NASCAR are the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Apart from these the organization also sanctions four regional series, one local series, and two international series. The unique aspect of these racing series is that no team or the driver owns a number but NASCAR assigns a number to each one of them at the start of the season. The numbers keep on changing every season but still there are some drivers who are associated with the numbers. During the course of their career they have realized that some numbers are lucky for them.

Though the NASCAR is not an Indian association but if some numbers prove to be lucky in racing in the international races, the same numerology can be tested during the races like the Formula One race held in India. It is believed that numerology plays an integral role in influencing an object or an individual and if NASCAR numerology proves it to be true then why not this unique technique be tested in other countries including India for assigning car numbers.

Following are some of the luckiest racing car numbers found in the history of racing sanctioned by NASCAR:




No. 00 is a strange number that does not have a rich history or success stories in the pages of NASCAR but even then the number is associated with some of the known racing drivers. The number was actually for the first time introduced by driver Ralph Liguori in the 16th race of the 1951 season where it did not won success but still the number exists. The list of drivers that take No. 00 as lucky are Buck Baker, A.J. Foyt, Junior Johnson, Cale Yarborough, Buddy Baker, Sterling Marlin, and Bill Elliott. This number has an all-time record of eight top-five finishes and three poles. In the recent years the number is associated with the Michael Waltrip Racing family.




No. 2 is considered to be a legendary number in the history of racing sports events. This number has till date experienced multiple accomplishments. It is believed that No. 2 has won about 61 races and has proved to be lucky for about 113 drivers in due course of the racing event.



The history of No. 2 began with the victory of Sam Rice in 1949. In the same season other three drivers including Bill Blair, Jimmie Lewallen, and Frank Mundy followed Sam Rice in the same seat and experienced victory. Furthermore, in the 1989 series Rusty Wallace leads all No. 2 drivers with about 522 starts, 37 wins, and 16 seasons. Following Rusty, Dave Marcis and Busch rejoiced second position with 136 starts and third position with 112 starts respectively.




Though No. 3 is considered to be an unlucky number by many it has experienced great victories when it comes to racing. No. 3 has long been associated with the late Dale Earnhardt who experienced victory in six out of seven of his championships driving the No. 3 car. He drove the Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet with No. 3 and then died in that car in the year 2001. Since then the number is not been used by any team or any car.

Apart from this it is also believed that the No. 3 has brought success to many of the greatest mechanical minds of the NASCAR including the Smokey Yunick, Ray Fox, and Junior Johnson.




No. 12 actually became popular in 1971 - 1972 with Bobby Allison winning 11 races. Other popular drivers who won the race with the No. 12 are Ralph Moody, Joe Weatherly, Paul Goldsmith, and Neil Bonnett. In the present years the same lucky number is carried over by driver Ryan Newman for car owner Roger Penske.




For the first when the No. 15 became popular was the victory of Tim Flock in 1956 at the Elkhart Lake (Wisc.) road course. The number is also long been associated with 40 all-time victories with the number being an integral part of the racing legend Bud Moore and his Bud Moore Engineering race shop. Gradually this lucky number became the priced possession of the Moore. Later on, between 1973 and 2000 many drivers drove the Moore’s No. 15 car among which Buddy Baker, Bobby Allison, Benny Parsons, Ricky Rudd, and Geoff Bodine are most popular.




No. 220 beholds a rich heritage as rich and as old as the glorious history of NASCAR. First championship won with this number was for Red Byron, with Raymond Parks as owner. In 1960s No. 15 became more famous and lucky for others with Fireball Roberts taking it to high-profile victories. In the recent years of 1993-2008, the No. 22 has been owned by Bill Davis Racing but on papers this lucky number is the property of Triad Racing Development, which acquired Davis' team after last season. The highlight of Davis' ownership was Ward Burton's victory in 2002 and victory of Bobby Allison in the 1980s by driving the No. 12 for two different owners, DiGard and the Stavola Brothers.

Nissan recruits 100 workers in Sunderland

Nissan is recruiting an additional 100 manufacturing staff on temporary contracts at its Sunderland plant as a result of ongoing car scrappage schemes.

Last month, the plant re-hired 150 staff on 4-month fixed term contracts following increases in demand in countries already operating scrapping initiatives, including France, Germany and Italy.


Now, following the successful launch of the UK scheme, a further 100 staff will be taken on to help support a planned overall increase of 18,000 cars in the June-September production plan.

The additional staff will again be offered 4-month contracts, and will operate on the plant's Micra and Note production line. Recruitment will be targeted from the pool of temporary manufacturing staff who lost their jobs as a result of a re-structure recently.

Kevin Fitzpatrick, Sunderland Plant's Deputy Managing Director, commented: 'The short term spike in demand being delivered by all scrappage incentives is providing a valuable shot in the arm during a difficult period.

'Sunderland models - particularly smaller cars like Note and Micra - are proving very popular with scrappage customers, and although the market remains highly volatile, we welcome this further opportunity to add to our workforce.'

src:http://www.channel4.com/4car/news/news-story.jsp?news_id=19237

Buggati Veyron - Costliest Car Crash in the world

Driving one of the most expensive cars in the world is a great feeling. But how would you feel if your expensive car met with an accident. Worst would be the case if you have purchased that car just a week ago. I wonder how Ajay Soni the owner of the car would have felt. He purchased one of the most expensive cars Buggati Veyron which led to the most expensive car crash in the world. Buggati Veyron went crashing into a Vauxhall Astra, in Surrey on a stormy day. The overall worth of the car was £830,000 which rightly establishes its claim as the costliest car accident in the world.

Computer’ Monitor-No More Distracting Driving!

There are many people who often get distracted while they are on drive. Well this distraction can be avoided to a great extent with the help of computers. Toshiba Company has built a driving computer which literally keeps an eye on your driving to see how attentive you’re to the road. This driving computer uses a dashboard mounted camera to monitor your facial orientation when you’re on drive.

This looks at nine predetermined sectors of your vision and therefore when you pay attention towards AC then this will warn you i.e. it gives you gentle audio warning. This also sees to that drivers don’t fall asleep and it also takes commands just by your facial expressions too. This is of great safety to all drivers as it pays full attention towards the driver and also warns him/her if they’re on some wrong path! Toshiba stated that it would soon commercialize it! Lets see how many people are willing to incorporate this computer in their car..!