RENO, NV (July 18) — Although the classic car-show in Genoa has to be canceled due to smoke two other car meets were held in Reno. While the turnout was a bit less than usual due to the heat and smoke, both had their share of cars.
Reno Cars & Coffee held their meet by the Human Bean coffee stand. It is located near the corner of Keitzke Land and Moana Lane.
Looking over the lines of cars part of one row belonged to the NVUS Car Club that came out in force to help support the event.Not far away was a short Corvette row and these were just a few of the cars on display.
One of the more interesting cars was a black 2009 Mercedes SL263 AMG owned by Dale Law. While some modify their cars he didn’t.
“I’m a purist so did not want either Turbo or Superchargers,” he said. “This is the last naturally aspirated motor Mercedes made for these vehicles. It has been computerized tuned and it’s over 600 horsepower.”
Law has had the car for two and a half years. He usually drives it about every other weekend during the season. During thattime he’s had the hood repainted and has to do it again due to some small damage.
“Some of the things that make it unique is the automatic body control,” he said. “So where most cars have a shock absorber system this has oil filled cylinders that are monitored by a computer thousands of a time a second. This car never dips or leans.
It’s exclusive to Mercedes and I love it because back in the day in Southern California I used to be a Mulholland racer. So this car is phenomenal in that regard.”
He added the car has some features that are great for older gentlemen like heated head rests. Another feature he likes is the car can either be a convertible with the top down or he can raise the hard top.
Not far away Tom Crouse had his immaculate 1968 XKE E Type 1.5 series Jaguar. That year is when Jaguar got rid of the plastic covers for the headlights and switched from the three-carburetor to a two-carburetor system for the inline six motor.
“It’s a simple, simple wonderful little car,” he said. “I’m a purist so I bought it in Tennessee, had it shipped here. I’m a Marine so I’m good with a polishing rag and I’m a good custodian so I can zero onto something that needs my attention. But to take it apart and rebuild it like a lot of these guys have done is beyond me. I just enjoy them already kind of finished.”
He also drives it on weekends and to events like the one Cars & Coffee had. One future project, if he can find it, will be replacing the radio with one the car originally came with.
• That same day, not far away, the Bonanza Casino has the AG Exotic Car Show. The turnout was on the light side but there was a mix from the exotic to the restored.
Walking into the display area there was a new Corvette parked next to a Lambo and both were painted orange.
Moving a short distance away and down a row was the silver metallic 2019 Acura NSX owned by Robert Castillo. While it is a hybrid its nothing like most people think of when they hear that term.
“It’s pretty much all spec’d out from the factory with a carbon fiber wheel package,” he said.
Then he explained the car has three electric motors, to in the front and one in back plus another motor.
“In the rear is a twin-turbo V-6, the car’s an all wheel drive and can do zero to 60 in 2.7 seconds. It’s a joy to drive, has a nine speed dual clutch transmission with paddles if you go into manual mode,” he said.
Asked about driving it he added, “It’s got four maps, a silent mode, a sport Mode, Sport Track and a Track mode. it’s my first full year, got to register it and just got the news from the DMV what it’s going to cost to register it.”
After laughing about that last part he said, “The car culture is getting nicer here in town.”
Over at one corner was a truck owned by Jay Wurz, a Purple Heat Vietnam veteran.
“This is my Purple Heart truck dedicated to all the Purple Heat veterans. It’s a 1948 Ford, had a350 Chevy motor in it and it’ll scoot. I’ve only had it for a year and a half so I’ve put all the decals on her, had to totally rewire it and I’ve still got a lot more to do yet. That’s the color I got it but it’s got a couple of spots so it’s going to need repainting pretty soon.”
Asked what he intends to add Wurz said the solenoids that control the door poppers are bad so those will be replaced. He also wants to change the transmission and have the new one be a floor shifter.
Asked about the response to his truck he added, “I get a lot of photographs and stuff. I’ve had people that want to photograph me next to it.”
Hopefully next week’s weather will be better as there will be more meets and cruises. Check this site Thursday for a list of them.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• Tuesday from 4 until 8 p.m. is when the south Steak ‘N Shake has its weekly cruise in.
• On Wednesday, starting around 5 p.m. the Sparks A&W has a cruise in. It is located across the street from Reed High School.
• Teresa’s Garage Radio Show is on the air from 2 until 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. In northwestern Nevada it can be heard over the air air 1060 AM.
There is a Podcast at amm.streamon.fm or the show can be seen live on Face Book. This show is focused on all things automotive.
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• Tread Connection is our newest sponsor and Blake Sobiloff owns the local franchise. The business brings the tire store to the customer so they don’t have to take time off wokr or even leave home.
Once the tires are ordered Sobiloff picks themup and arrives in a van full of state of the art equipment. The tires can be chosen and paid for online so it can be a no contact operation.
Another service he provides is scanning tires. This can tell if any alignment is necessary. A useful service to a fleet manager as they can see what is happening and won’t have several vehicles needing tires all at once. There are discounts for first responders, veterans, active duty military as well as members of the national guard and reserves.
His primary area is Reno and Sparks and the direct line is 775-870-3600 or one can either check the Face Book page or the website at, www.treadconnection.com.
• Next sponsor is G.I.S.L Land Services that, while having a global client base is focused on the Western United States. Owner Greg Ekins is a long time off-road motorcycle racer competing with MRANN or the AMA National Hare and Hound Series.
Among the services offered are surface and mineral title reviews and cartographic services. The website is, www.gislandservices.com.
• Next sponsor is General Transmission and Power Train Specialists owner by former motorcycle racer Pete Attashian. The shop is located at 2515 Sutro Street in Reno, a few blocks down from Hut High School.
The shop services older and new transmissions and no has a section for high performance units as well as those used in towing. Phone number is 775-786-5888 and the website is, www.generaltransmissionreno.com
• Racing photographer Melissa Coker is another sponsor. If one has raced at Summit in Elko, Battle Mountain, Winnemucca, Lovelock, Rattlesnake or Diamond Mountain Speedway chances are she has a photograph of your car on the track.
She’s been to Duel in the Desert, Northern Nevada Modified Tour, Wild West Tour and the IMCA Super Nationals. She produces hero cards and memory books. To see her work or place an order please go to, www.melissasoutonalimb.smugmug.com.
Two of our sponsors are first class motorcycle shops in Reno.
• Our first sponsor is Reno Motorsports (RMS). Not only do they have about anything a rider might want or need but the store has a full service shop.
They are located at 964 Terminal Way, by the intersection with Mill Street. Phone number is 775-322-1499 and the site is, www.rms-renomotorsports.com.
• The next shop is Moto-Source located at 3180 Mill Street. Once again they have a full service shop as well as a showroom that has about anything a rider might want or need. Phone number is 775-856-3855 and the website is, www.moto-source.com.
• Sponsor Concours Body Shop, located at 250 Telegraph Street in Reno, does quality collision repair for cars and trucks.
Owner Brian Saul is a car enthusiast himself and is committed to continuing the shop’s reputation of quality work. Phone number is 775-329-4557 and the website is, www.concoursbodyshop.net.
• Hungry, want a place to eat? Try PJ&CO for breakfast, lunch, dinner and it’s a great place to watch your favorite sports. Wednesday evenings, starting around 5 p.m. is Bike Night. A good time to meet fellow riders and have a great dinner.
Location is 1590 South Wells Avenue, just north of the round about. Phone number is 775-323-6366 and the website is, www.pjandco.net.
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