Author Archives: gwebs

Short History of the US Auto Races

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Auto racing has a long history in the United States, with its roots dating back to the late 19th century. Here are some key events and milestones in the history of auto racing in the US:

  • 1895: The first recorded automobile race in the United States takes place in Chicago. The winning vehicle, a Benz, has an average speed of 7.5 miles per hour.
  • 1903: The first 500-mile race is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The inaugural race is won by driver Louis Chevrolet.
  • 1911: The first Indianapolis 500 is held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Driver Ray Harroun wins the race in a Marmon Wasp.
  • 1927: The first 24 Hours of Le Mans race is held in France, featuring American drivers and cars.
  • 1949: The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is founded, establishing a formal organization for stock car racing in the US.
  • 1950s: The 1950s are known as the “golden age” of American auto racing, with the introduction of the NASCAR Cup Series and the rise of drivers like Richard Petty, Lee Petty, and Junior Johnson.
  • 1960s: The 1960s are marked by the rivalry between American drivers and European drivers in sports car racing, as well as the popularity of drag racing and the establishment of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.
  • 1970s: The 1970s are marked by the dominance of drivers like Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt in NASCAR, as well as the introduction of safety improvements like the HANS device and the SAFER barrier.
  • 1980s: The 1980s see the rise of driver Bill Elliott in NASCAR, as well as the debut of the International Race of Champions (IROC) series.
  • 1990s: The 1990s are marked by the emergence of driver Jeff Gordon as a dominant force in NASCAR, as well as the introduction of new safety measures like roof flaps and restrictor plates.
  • 2000s: The 2000s are marked by the continued success of NASCAR, as well as the establishment of the Grand-Am Road Racing series and the rise of drivers like Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart.
  • 2010s: The 2010s are marked by the continued dominance of NASCAR, as well as the rise of electric and hybrid cars in racing, including the establishment of the Formula E electric racing series.

Throughout its history, American auto racing has been characterized by innovation, competition, and a passion for speed and performance.

History of the Wentzville factory where they produce Chevy vans

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The Wentzville factory is a General Motors manufacturing facility located in Wentzville, Missouri, USA. The factory produces a variety of vehicles, including full-size vans, mid-size pickup trucks, and SUVs.

Wentzville factory is a General Motors manufacturing facility located in Wentzville, Missouri

The production of Chevy vans at the Wentzville factory began in 1985, with the introduction of the first-generation Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari vans. These vans were designed to compete with other popular vans on the market, such as the Ford Econoline and Dodge Ram Van.

Over the years, the Wentzville factory has undergone several expansions and upgrades to accommodate the production of new vehicle models. In 1995, the factory began production of the second-generation Astro and Safari vans, which featured updated styling and improved safety features.

In 2003, production of the Chevy Express and GMC Savana full-size vans began at the Wentzville factory. These vans were designed for commercial use and offered a range of engine and body options to suit various needs.

In 2014, the factory underwent a major expansion to prepare for the production of the third-generation Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans. This expansion included the addition of a new body shop, paint shop, and general assembly area, as well as upgrades to existing facilities.

Today, the Wentzville factory is one of General Motors’ largest and most advanced manufacturing facilities, with over 4,000 employees and the capacity to produce over 400,000 vehicles per year. The factory continues to produce the Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans, as well as the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickup trucks and the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon full-size SUVs.

12 tips for stealth camping in a fleet van

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Stealth camping can be a great way to save money and experience nature in a unique way.

Here are 12 tips for stealth camping in a fleet van

  1. Choose a van that is inconspicuous – A fleet van or a cargo van can blend in better than a camper or RV.
  2. Avoid parking in busy areas
    – Look for quiet streets or secluded parking lots away from prying eyes.
  3. Cover your windows
    – Use window covers or curtains to prevent light from escaping and drawing attention to your vehicle.
  4. Be mindful of your noise level
    – Keep noise to a minimum and avoid playing loud music or watching TV with the volume up.
  5. Keep your van clean
    – A clean van can help avoid suspicion and prevent any unwanted attention.
  6. Use solar power
    – Install solar panels on your roof to power your lights and charge your devices without needing to run a generator.
  7. Use a camping toilet
    – This will save you from having to find public restrooms or facilities.
  8. Bring a portable shower
    – Some campers opt for a portable shower to keep clean while on the road.
  9. Be aware of your surroundings
    – If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, move to a different location.
  10. Park away from other vehicles
    – Try to park in areas where you won’t be noticed, and park away from other vehicles to avoid suspicion.
  11. Be respectful of the environment
    – Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles to avoid attracting wildlife or damaging the environment.
  12. Have a backup plan
    – Always have a backup plan in case your initial location doesn’t work out or you need to relocate quickly.

Stealth camping in Van vs. Camper, RV, Truck or Tent

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Fleet Van stealth camping comparison to other vehicle types:

  • Stealth camping in a van is more inconspicuous than in a camper or RV because they tend to look more like a regular vehicle.
  • Compared to a car, a van has more space to store camping gear and can be equipped with amenities like a camping toilet or shower.
  • A truck with a camper shell can also work for stealth camping, but may be more noticeable than a van and may not have as much interior space.
  • A tent or hammock setup can be a good option for stealth camping in remote locations, but may not be as comfortable or convenient as a van setup.
1986 Chevy G-30

People Who Drive Close Behind a Van

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There are a few types of people that get behind you in the van at 60 miles per hour

The Texter

Usually a girl on the phone texting away, she looks up and figures out she’s got a pace vehicle in front of her.. eventually, when she figures out you’re only going 60 and not 75 she passes you real fast with a dirty look
 

This has happened dozens of times so far

The Shadow

The tailgater who just sits behind you, only half a car length back, for miles, then eventually figures out you’re only going 60 miles an hour

They will sometimes pass you with a dirty look and will sometimes successfully meet up with someone else who passes you, and tags behind them at… 63 miles an hour

The Hot Rod

Usually a kid in a fast car, they like to gun it, pass the van going 60mph, and they really feel like they accomplished something when they pass

The Businessman

He ain’t got time for this..they are usually in cities with traffic, they will haul past the van, then make a big point, to zoom around and then back into your lane I’ve got plenty of these guys on the dash cam footage

The Trucker

I feel bad for these guys, since they’re doing a real job so I get out of way when I can.  But sometimes I just get in their way and I know it, but until I can drive 75 mph, I am saving those three miles per gallon

Slo Mo

Then every once in awhile you get the Slowpoke who only goes 50 and then I get to go around them. it’s usually not fun unless we’re in the middle of nowhere

Rubber Paint on Cars

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Those cars painted with non-glossy rubber paint look pretty cool

I’ve seen them in quite a few States now quite a few different styles of cars and quite a few different colors and they’ve all pretty much looked interesting

What I haven’t seen yet are the Earth colors like tan or brown which might look pretty cool in the flat with texture

Replaced Water Pump

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Had to replace the Water Pump while on the Gun Show Loophole Tour

Looks like the water pump is about to go out on the van so instead of being stranded on the side of the road we stopped at a auto parts store bought a new pump We did the daily gunshow right on schedule while the engine cooled Now it’s time to dig in to replace in this water pump

Removing fan from water pump on 2002 Chevy Express 3500