summer issue 2015 vol15 2

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40609642

Summer 2015 Vol. 15 #2

• Performance in Motion • 3

Peter Roberts: A History with Cars 6_

.SUMMER

Drag Strip Memories 10_

Fitted Lifestyle Coverage 6_

Centennial Street Rods Open House 26_

30_Reluctant Passenger & Changing of the Guard

4 • Performance in Motion •

Lately, I have been thinking about all the negative forces in play for those of us

who love our vehicles and motorsports. Here are some of my thoughts in no particular order; I am curious what others see coming.

There is a movement to get out of fossil fuels. Currently it is a quiet movement, but none the less there are people who feel we should replace their use “for the good of the environment,” for us that is gasoline and diesel fuels. What will we do with our treasured “old” cars, if there are no fuels available?

The enthusiast’s average age continues to climb. If you attend many events, you will be looking across a sea of gray hair or no hair. Who will be the next generation of car nuts? When I grew up, all of us could not wait for the moment we could get our driver’s licence, appointments were made far in advance of our birthdays to be sure we did not waste a minute without one. It appears that today’s young people do not have that same desire. I often talk with 20-something’s who “never got around to getting one.” Are young people more interested in the latest electronic devices? Does the ease of communication through social media take the place of the need to get together face to face? Or does the outrageous insurance costs they face keep them from driving? Who is going to replace all us old guys?

If you are a motorsports fan, check out all the empty seats at major events. Why are the fans staying away? Too expensive? Ticket prices are huge. Too long? NASCAR 500 and 600-mile events can go on forever if there are a few cautions. Too boring? The major drag race events field nothing but cookie cutter vehicles. Usually, the only differences in a 16 car, top fuel, funny car, or pro stock field are the paint schemes and decal placement.

Publisher’s Note

Performance in Motion Publications 87 Advance RoadToronto, ON M8Z 2S6Phone: 416-259-3678 • Fax: 416-259-6433

PUBLISHERBob [email protected]: 416-259-3678 x221

EDITORRob McJannett

CONTRIBUTORS Edward BarryBurnout PhotographyTed BarnesMark BoveyJim Madigan Miles MarkovicRobert MichaelsonPeter RobertsDave ThomasThe Department of Style

with Bonnie Staring as the Reluctant Passenger

COVER IMAGEDeposit Photos

PROOFREADERCarol “Miss Comma” LaVigne

MOVING? Please let us know! E-mail both your old & new address to: [email protected]

Canada Post please return undeliverables to: 87 Advance RoadToronto, ON M8Z 2S6

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40609642PERFORMANCE IN MOTION is published five times a year: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, and Winter. Circulation is 30,000+ (ISSN 1703-8421)

Copyright ©2015 All rights reserved by Performance In Motion Publishing. Be good to the environment, recycle this magazine – give it to your friends! The fine print: We respect your privacy, and do not sell our mailing list. All opinions are those of our writers, (the usual gang of idiots) most of whom think gas fumes are acceptable as aftershave. The information presented is via said gas sniffers from which there can be no responsibility by the Publishers as to legality, completeness and accuracy. If you enjoy our magazine, be sure to let us know! This magazine may not be reprinted without permission of Performance In Motion Publishing. (We’re nice guys, just ask) • Thanks for the Logo upgrade Mark!

Nostalgia drag race events are getting strong support. Do you think there will be nostalgia NASCAR events featuring cars from the 70s and 80s with all their original body styles?

Self-Driving vehicles. Now here is one that really scares me. The same technology that operates our computers (that never fail or crash) and the GPS system that sends you down a dark alley sometimes, will be driving cars around us! Currently, the self-driving equipment required to convert a car runs about US$150,000 so these may be awhile. Why self driving? “To protect the public from vehicle accidents.” Wouldn’t it be far better to improve required driving instructions and make the future drivers acquire more skill before turning them out on the roads?

Continuing pressures from the various levels of government and insurance vendors against the car enthusiast will make some enthusiasts lose interest. The stupidity of requiring original emission devices (many that don’t work efficiently and are long discontinued for other more useful designs) on modified cars that seldom drive more than 2,000 kms a year is at the top of my list.

So what do you think? Will we all be driving solar-powered jelly bean-shaped cars or will we find a way to keep our treasured rides? Just some random thoughts for today. Tell me what grinds you. I can be reached at [email protected]. Meanwhile, get out on the road and have some fun. •

What will the Future Bring for Automotive Enthusiasts?

Photo: cayusa “The Scary Crazy Driving Robot Is Back” (CC BY-ND 2.0)

July 5, 2015 is the second-ever Classics on the Square car show. Mississauga’s Celebration Square will

be surrounded by Hot Rods, Custom Cars, Classic Cars, Specialty trucks and much more!

From first thing in the morning, till the end of the day, more than 300 cars from all over Ontario will be on display for all to see. In addition, there will be Music, Food & Superheroes too.

Presented by the Mississauga Classic Car Club, Blaine Shaw and Councilor Ron Starr. •

CLASSICS ON THESQUARE


Ontario has passed legislation increasing fines for distracted drivers up to $300 - $1,000, plus three demerit points upon conviction.

With the passing of Bill 31, there are changes that will affect all Ontario road users, as well as increasing penalties

for various infractions as soon as it’s signed into law. This will certainly hurt some drivers in the wallet and possibly change some behaviours for the better.

Fines for distracted drivers will increase to between $300 to $1,000, plus three demerit points. Ontario was the last province to impose demerit points for distracted drivers. Fines for opening a door into the path of a cyclist will increase to the same amounts as for distracted driving.

If you’re a cyclist, you should note that for not having lamps, reflectors and reflective material (yes, you need a combination of all three) the fine has increased to between $60 and $500.

Amendments to the bill also requires drivers to remain stopped at a pedestrian crossover or school crossing until the person crossing the street (and the school crossing guard) are off the roadway. Currently, drivers can proceed once the person crossing is no longer on the driver’s half of the roadway.

Also, novice drivers convicted of distracted driving will now face the following licence suspensions:

• First conviction: 30-day suspension• Second conviction: 90-day suspension• Third conviction: licence cancellation. Driver must return

to the start of Ontario’s graduated licensing program

The move marks an effort for the province to “reduce collisions, injuries and fatalities on Ontario’s roads” and makes Ontario’s penalties the toughest in the country. The Ontario Provincial Police report that distracted driving is the number one killer on our roads, causing more deaths than impaired driving and speeding.

If distracted driving is found to have played a role in a collision, drivers can be charged with careless driving as well. This has serious implications on your driving record and your auto insurance premiums. Put the phone down to keep your rates low and the roads safe. A phone call or text is not worth becoming a statistic. •

What Does Bill 31 mean for Motorists?

Photo credit: frankieleon (CC BY-ND 2.0) via flickr • Article with files from InsuranceHotline.com

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I thought we should do this story as a “where is he now” type. But it seems

he was never really lost. If you lived in Toronto’s west end in the 60s and were one of the many hot rod enthusiasts in the area, you either knew or had heard of Pete Roberts.

Pete was a car nut early in his life. In fact, at the tender age of 13, he co-owned a 1937 Ford. In those early days, most Saturdays he and another pal would ride their bicycles from their homes by Downsview Airport over to Pinecrest Speedway located on the south side of Highway 7 between Jane and Keele streets.

Pinecrest was a tight quarter mile paved oval that was considered one of the best tracks in Ontario. Most of the race cars were flat towed to the track, and if they damaged their front ends, they could not be towed home. Pete and his pals helped to repair those damaged racers, so they could be

returned to their home shop. Their reward was to drive the repaired cars around the track. A big deal for a 13 or 14-year-old car nut.

During his high school years, he bought and sold several cars: one that he still wishes he had was his 39 Pontiac Convertible. At the same time, Pete worked at the local Canadian Tire as a parts counterman. It was at this time he bought a 1950 Ford Business Coupe.

The 50 Ford was his first serious project. Working in his west end driveway at home, he chopped the top about 4”, then if that wasn’t a tough enough project, he sectioned the body 5”. For power, he installed a highly modified 1955 Oldsmobile V8 topped with six-two-barrel carbs. They went drag racing with the Ford. Now this car was not a super smooth, pretty car, in fact, he called it “the Beast.” Pete drag raced it at the local tracks in Ontario and also Dunkirk, New York.

Success was limited.Not one to stand still, a group of local car

guys formed a car club “The Flamers,” but it wasn’t destined to be, and it didn’t last long.

Next up was a Super Modified Stock car, Pete pulled his Olds Engine from the Beast stuffed it in the stock car, had his partner Jim Milson drive and spent the next period of life racing at the CNE.

At the same time, he was serving his apprenticeship to get an Interprovincial mechanics licence. Once he had his ticket, he worked as a Service Advisor then moving to a Service Manager in a number of Ford dealerships.

After the Super Modified, about 1959 he bought a Model A Coupe body from Bob McJannett. He rebuilt the Model A adding his own unique torsion bar front suspension. Once again, the faithful Olds engine was transplanted to a new home. The Model A saw action at the area drag strips.


Story by Bob McJannett - Photos courtesy of Peter Roberts

Peter Roberts a remarkable enthusiast’s automotive career

Pete’s Model A, powered by a highly modified 1955 Oldsmobile V8 topped with six-two-barrel carbs.


It was driven to the track with the slicks in the trunk. They were changed, the car was raced and when the day was over, the slicks went back in the trunk and the car was driven home. As well, he proudly displayed his work at Toronto’s Speed Sport show in 1961. Simpler times, for sure.

During the same time period as the Model A Coupe, Pete was helping to wrench Joe Hlywka’s Super Modified efforts. They ran this car at Bridgeport, Nilestown, Flamboro and other tracks within reach. Joe had reasonable success in the day and was considered one of the drivers to watch anywhere he raced.

Eventually, Pete joined the Roadmates Car Club one of Ontario’s oldest car clubs still operating today. He teamed with Nick Minialoff to help work on Nick’s drag race Chev Coupe, then they built a B/G Anglia with a virtual duplicate of the engine in the record holding C/Altered Fiat of Rowland, Pratt and Skura.

After working at the Ford dealerships, Peter and Carl Rowland teamed up to start their own company, Drag Dimensions. Carl was one of the three owners and driver of the legendary Percy Also C/Altered Fiat Coupe that held the NHRA record. Drag Dimensions manufactured numerous hot rod parts, particularly supplying traction bars to Mr. Gasket in Cleveland. As well,

they designed and made their own tubular headers. After four years, they attracted the attention of Thrush Mufflers who wanted their header technology, so the company was sold to Thrush. Pete became the more formal Peter and spent the next 17 years as V.P. of Engineering at Thrush.

As well as managing the Thrush engineering department, Peter also served as their Racing Director. At this time, Thrush was very involved in Canadian Motorsports, sponsoring drag racers, stock car racers and many other automotive endeavours. Peter helped wrench Gary Beck’s, Thrush-sponsored top fuel dragster at NHRA National events and worked with Jerry Makara on his Thrush-sponsored American Speed Association late model Camaro. They travelled all over the eastern United States representing Thrush, including Daytona International Speedway. He also had an opportunity to work in the pits for Canadian Earl Ross when he was racing NASCAR for Junior Johnson at Ontario Motor Speedway in California. The time at Thrush was very intense.

After Thrush, Peter took a sabbatical from working on cars, taking plant

manager positions for a number of Ontario automotive companies. Eventually ending up in a position with Gates Rubber causing him to move to Windsor. During his time at Gates, he traveled often on their behalf to the Pacific Rim countries. He ended his career with Gates, but not his car enthusiasm.

Just two years before he retired-he found a very rough 1928 Ford Pickup for sale on the side of Highway 7. A deal was struck and that Model A ended up in his shop in Windsor.

The next five years were a whirlwind of effort. Over 5,000 hours were invested in the truck, ending up with a super nice, closed cab, show-quality street rod capable of being driven anywhere. Once the dust settled, Peter noted that the only parts on the original truck that had not been replaced were the A pillar and the top of the cowl.

Gary Beck and his Thrush-sponsored top fuel dragster.

Peter got his hands dirty as the Thrush Racing Director.


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Working with Model A expert Ron Jones, all other parts were either made from scratch or bought new. Once complete, Peter traveled his truck to car shows all over southern Ontario. The truck was even asked to participate in the invitation-only Willistead Classic show. Considered one of the best shows in Ontario.

Eventually, it was time for something new. Peter began to look for an entirely different type of a ride. His truck was sold, and a 1999

Corvette Convertible caught his eye. It was in exceptional shape, low kilometres were on the speedo and it had every possible option. A complete change from his street rod. All the late model comforts a car like this could bring. The only problem was it had been equipped with really wide Z06 wheels and tires that stuck out 2” past the rear quarters. He loved the wheels, but hated the look. After a lot of hunting, he found a supplier who was making flared fenders that would

cover the wheels. Best of all with a lot of careful fitting, they didn’t look like an add-on part. It took three months to properly fit and paint them to his satisfaction then the Vette was lowered to make it look just right.

Now we are up till today. Peter and Joan are enjoying their Corvette, but who knows what could be next. Quite a career eh! So many cars, so little time. I suspect there will be more to come. •

Peter and his wife travelled all over with their home-built 1928 ford Pickup.


Peter is now rolling in a 1999 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, flared fenders cover the Z06 wheels and tires.

Photos by: Edward Barry • Story by Len Sly

On April 19 this year, the historical warplanes housed in the

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Mount Hope, Ontario were rolled aside to make room for the latest presentation of the Canadian Dragstrip Memories show.

This show proudly put on by drag racing photographer and historian Rob Potter with the help of Tony Hayes, featured drag racing vehicles from both today and yesterday. No matter what era in Canadian Drag Racing you favour, there were cars for you to see and enjoy. Plus there were loads of pictures and other historical items to view.

As a special feature this year, two of Canada’s most successful racers were on hand for autographs and to tell their stories. Both John Petrie who ran Chrysler’s Super Car clinics from 1969 through 1972 and Barrie Poole, the winningest of Sandy Elliot’s Ford Border Bandits, were having a ball. It was great to see them both.

The Dragstrip Memories event is a terrific way to start the season. Plan to be there in 2016, it will be better than ever. •


BurnOut Photography, for more photos visit: burnout.smugmug.com

Drag Strip Memories

_REVIEW


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In the mid 60s, muscle cars were stuffed with high horsepower engines. Large V8s loaded with

performance camshafts, high compression and all manner of unusual intake systems, were all the rage. At the drags, these cars were potent. However their suspension systems and chassis components were usually the same as their low -powered brothers. Now that these cars are over 50 years old, those lucky enough to still have one want to use it for more than just straightline running.

Author Mark Savitske shows you how to take these poor handling, poor riding behemoths and turn them into Pro Touring pleasures to drive. He explains front and rear suspension geometry and the modifications necessary to bring their handling into the 21st century.

In 144 pages with more than 325 colour photos, you will learn about spring rates, ride height, shock dampening and everything else that affects your ride. By following his suggestions, you will extract the maximum handling performance from your GM, Ford or Mopar muscle car.

What was once king of the drag strip will now amaze onlookers on lapping courses as well. Using the information in this book, you will be able to unlock the maximum handling and performance potential of your muscle car.

How To Make Your Muscle Car Handle can be your guide to better handling, improved ride comfort and extra performance. •

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P.I-SO-CAL_East_2015-1.indd 1 2015-06-19 11:44 AM

Year after year Fitted Lifestyle continues to better their events and for many it

serves as the offical season opener. Held at the Brampton Fairgrounds on May 23, 2015.

The quality inside the venue yields quality outside, and of all the events I attend, Fitted is top three when it comes to interesting cars in the parking lot.

Of course, the main attraction of Fitted has always been inside the two halls, and this year there was a lot to see.

Many old favourites were back and completely redone, in addition to a handful of first-time shown vehicles.

The next Fitted Lifestyle event is July 11th at Rockliffe Airport in Ottawa, and following that, they return to Ontario for a show at Ontario Place August 15th. More info can be found at fittedlifestyle.com. •

Photos and Story: Dave Thomas


I spent so much time circling this Datsun on CR01s that I am surprised there isn’t a visible ring in the grass in this photo.

Fitted Lifestyle Toronto: 2015

Intuned Online’s Rocket Bunny FR-S

FTD

Cimon Brouillette’s RPS13 was a winter-long project completed for Fitted.

Despite laws banning this type of wheel fitment, this Qubec native still rolled in hard.

Last year, this car was white, stock body and sitting on BBS replicas.


Alex Lachance’s incredible WRX wagon - STI front fenders, rear quarters, and doors make this one SERIOUSLY awesome wagon.

Finally, I have transferred my air ride to the new daily. happy to finally have these Mtechnica wheels on the car.

Liberty VIP member Steve Luangpakdy’s Acura TL is mostly complete - The trunk was done by Ultimate Autosports a short two days before the show.

Brian shocked everyone by revealing not only wider wheels but a super clean, turbo set-up.

EF’s as clean as Petey’s are almost as rare as his SSR Defi Fins.

I wouldn’t be upset if the RSO5RR became the new RPF-1.


Dave Thomas runs the best suspension mod focused, Greater Toronto Area based, automotive blog. Intrigued? Visit: stanceiseverything.com

Performance Directory


Jalopy Jam UP

Want to go back to a time before billet wheels, elaborate budgets and trailer-transported show ponies? A group of Ontarians

had an idea to bring the ‘good old days’ back – even if just for a day. The Jalopy Jam Up draws pre-1964 vintage cars to the town of Durham’s Frontier Ghost Town. This time-forgotten venue is the perfect location for a gathering of hot rods and kustoms that represent a bygone era. Mother Nature may have had her knickers in a twist last year, but in true hot rod fashion people still came from far and wide. Even with the rain, mud and unseasonably cool weather, The Jalopy Jam Up was a resounding success. Hopefully, August 14 & 15 this year, gearheads will get their day in the sun! •

Don’t miss the

Story & Photos by Dave Thomas

Photos and Story: Bob McJannett

CENTENNIAL STREET RODDERS


On a beautiful Saturday in May, Centennial Street Rodders,

one of west end Toronto’s longest surviving car clubs, invited all their car friends to an open house at their shop. We were treated to a chance to see some of their interesting projects in various stages of completion and to view some of the great cars that were driven to the event. Best of all, we were even treated to some great burgers. Loads of interesting cars being built. Here are some of the photos taken that afternoon. •

Performance Directory



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Keep Everything In Top Tune: Fresh spark plugs, clean plug wires, fresh distributor components and coils all combine to provide the maximum economy for your engine.

Computer Programmers: If you own a computer controlled car or truck there could be a tuner available that will change the parameters of your stock computer. Manufacturers such as Bully Dog, SCT, Superchips and Edge can provide multiple levels of tune that will provide increased fuel mileage, additional horsepower and improved driveability.

Electric Fans: Anything that will reduce parasitic horsepower loss, will improve fuel mileage. By replacing the heavy, belt driven fan with one of the Flex-a-Lite or Derale electric fans you will reduce the energy require-ments of your engine. Plus you will extend the life of your water pump since you have removed the heavy steel object from it’s nose.

Tonneaus: Your open pickup bed causes fuel burning turbulence while driving down the road. The installa-tion of a smooth Tonneau will remove that turbulence improving fuel mileage. •

IMPROVE YOUR FUEL ECONOMY

ondr

On a dark and overcast day, a group of us went off to see the ONDR Nostalgia Nationals at St Thomas Raceway Park.

The ONDR (Ontario Nostalgia Drag Racers) is an organization dedicated to reliving the heady days of drag racing, the 50s, 60s etc. In fact, they run no cars that appear newer than 1974. The motto is to have fun. For those of us who regret the way drag racing has become so cookie cutter, ONDR give us a chance to enjoy those glory days when there would be dozens of different appearing cars in a class. There would be Chevs, Fords, Willys, Anglias, and much more racing down track. If you like the thought of the old days, check the ONDR web site for their complete event list in 2015. •


It’s come to my attention that “things are never going

to be the same.” Usually, when a passenger hears a driver mutter something along the lines of an opening statement like that, two possible scenarios come to mind:

The love is goneAfter years of pouring attention, time and money into a relationship, the driver is ready to move on. Cut his or her losses and start anew. Perhaps with a younger model. Of vehicle. Sheesh, what the heck do you think I was talking about?

This year’s winter put our daily driver out to pasture. It felt even worse than when I got the estimate for replacing the broken leaf springs in my ’75 Ford Granada. (You should’ve seen what my car did to that heinous pothole.)

The band’s not touring anymoreSure, we all get older, but we forget that some people—like the musicians we appreciate—age right along with

us. Since my driver happens to be a progressive rock fan,

there’s been a lot of moping going on since many great artists are taking up lawn bowling and cruises instead of getting on stage.

Unfortunately, neither of those items were the cause of the “our world is ending” mood that’s clinging around the house like the aroma of bacon gone wrong.

Departures and debaclesIf you know your boot from your bonnet and always have a spanner at the ready, chances are you may have watched a little program called Top Gear. And no, I’m not talking about the poor-replica American version of the show, which thankfully got the axe earlier this year.

When news that Jeremy Clarkson was suspended from the show hit our household, we thought things would be cleared up and back to normal soon enough. But they weren’t.

Third parties got involved and the spotlight focused on Clarkson no longer revealed a car-show rock star, but a guy who probably made a ton of mistakes. A guy who’s bombastic way of being might have a side we don’t want to see. As it turned out, the BBC didn’t want us to see it either.

Now, this column isn’t about rights and wrongs. It’s about passengers having to live with drivers who won’t be getting their original-lineup Top Gear fix. And, admittedly, it’s about us not getting our fix too. Although I tend to be drawn towards shows that involve competitions between people singing, dancing and making donuts with a randomly selected ingredient, the Clarkson-May-Hammond trifecta of Top Gear kept me entertained.

Yes, there were all those bits about new rides that were only available across the pond, but they interspersed them with must-watch footage. Like the hosts driving through the terrifying landscape of Chernobyl, or celebrities taking on the test track in reasonably priced cars and their unforgettable interviews.

Seriously, people. Where else could we learn about the real reason why Hugh Grant doesn’t like driving a Bentley Continental GT? Or witness Cameron Diaz’s manual driving skills? Or watch three great friends having a grand old time?

Top Gear may continue but with new guards. And—you guessed it—things are never going to be the same.Enjoy the Ride. •

About the Author: Bonnie Staring is a comedic triple-threat (writer, performer, coupon user), and she

appreciates the road of life a lot more than she might let on. Bonnie has plans to master social

media one day, right after she learns how to machine rotors. www.bonniestaring.com

The Changing of the Guard

The

Reluctant

Passenger

Photo: PJL “Sunset in Zadar” (CC-BY 2.5) and Paula Brown “Top Gear silhouette”

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summer issue 2015 vol15 2

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