Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick elected to NASCAR Hall of Fame

 

Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick elected to NASCAR Hall of Fame

By Gray Caldwell

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Rick Hendrick is a NASCAR Hall of Famer.
The owner of Hendrick Motorsports was named to the 2017 NASCAR Hall of Fame class Wednesday evening, joined by Benny Parsons, Mark Martin, Raymond Parks and Richard Childress. Hendrick had been a nominee for induction since the inaugural class of 2010, and in the eighth annual class, it was his time.
The decision was made by a voting panel that includes representatives from NASCAR, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, manufacturers, track owners, broadcasters, media members, former owners and drivers – and even one ballot from a nationwide fan vote.
The main criteria for induction are NASCAR accomplishments and contributions to the sport.
There’s no doubt Hendrick meets that standard.
Under his leadership, Hendrick Motorsports has grown from five employees in its inaugural 1984 season to more than 600 – and 242 Sprint Cup Series wins have followed.
Hendrick is currently second on NASCAR’s all-time Cup victories list (1949-present) and leads all owners in modern-era wins (1972-present). His teams have won at least one Cup-level race each season since 1986 – the longest active streak – and averaged 10 points-paying wins annually over the last decade (2006-15).
Hendrick pioneered the modern multi-car team model, and his organization has garnered a NASCAR-record 14 national series owner’s championships and 15 overall – a record 11 in the Sprint Cup Series, three in the Camping World Truck Series and one in the XFINITY Series (driver’s title only).
And those Cup championships came via three different drivers, making Hendrick the only owner to have that distinction.
Former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Steve Letarte, now an analyst for NBC Sports, once said there was a reason why he continued to work for the organization since he began in 1995 sweeping floors.
“People don’t work at Hendrick Motorsports because we win races,” he said. “People work at Hendrick Motorsports because they want to work for Rick Hendrick, and that’s a big difference.”
Kasey Kahne, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet SS for Hendrick Motorsports, said it took no time at all when deciding to join the organization. He is now one of the 16 drivers to have visited Victory Lane for Hendrick Motorsports in the Sprint Cup Series.
“Just to listen to stories and just think about how much history is involved in Hendrick Motorsports already and what Mr. Hendrick has done for racing and how much he’s been a part of racing definitely got me excited and kept me wanting it pretty bad,” Kahne said. “I wanted to be one of those drivers who would win a race for him.”
Hendrick’s sustained success and impact on the sport has earned him the most prestigious honor one can receive in NASCAR. He will officially be enshrined in the NASCAR Hall of Fame during the class of 2017’s induction ceremony in January.

The Best Time To Buy - Factors to Consider

In the case of the all new 2018 Honda Odyssey...you may want to see what that version of the Odyssey has to offer as compared to the current 2017 model.  The current savings may offset any of
the value added advanced features for the all new Odyssey.   Here's a great link to the introduction of the 2018 Odyssey.  I'd love to hear your response to what you see and learn.  Please.

Introducing The 2018 Odyssey (Click Here)

Earth Dreams Technology

These days when you lift the hood of your Honda car or truck you may notice three curious words engraved on a small badge affixed to the top of a Honda engine: Earth Dreams Technology (EDT).  Makes one wonder about the vision behind the technology.  Sort of piggybacks the whole "Power of Dreams" motto, progressive and has an environmentally-friendly ring to it. Here's what it means

A New Set of Design Qualities

Firtst introduced in Japan toward the end of  2011, Honda then announced it was developing a set of vehicles that would embody EDT.  ( a set of advancements focused on the dual need to protect the environment and provide a joy of driving. engineered from bumper-to-bumper with similar qualities in mind.

Here's how Honda state what EDT is in that 2011 press release:  “‘Earth Dreams Technology’ is a next generation set of technological advancements which greatly enhance both driving performance and fuel efficiency at a high level, using as its base advanced environmental technologies to pursue the joy of driving unique to Honda. It is a series of measures in which efficiency of internal combustion components including engine, and transmission, as well as electric-powered motor technology, is further improved.”

Components

There are six key components of EDT, all reinforcing the dual need discussed above.

1. A gasoline engine that achieves optimum driving performance and fuel efficiency
2. A compact diesel engine that achieves top-of-class acceleration and fuel efficiency
3. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) that combines a high level of driving fun and fuel efficiency 
4. A two-motor hybrid system that achieves industry-leading efficiency
5. A high-efficiency, high output electric SH-AWD hybrid system that combines superior driving and environmental performance
6. A compact, high-efficiency electric powertrain for EVs

Favorite Tires for you? - How do you drive? - A not so new player in the industry

I didn't know Hankook as one of the most recognizable and trusted brand names in the tire industry. Apparently they do have a strong global reputation.  This purportedly the result of the company’s commitment to providing customers with the best tire possible. It is with rigorous testing and constant technological advances that Hankook achieves this goal.

       

Hankook supplies a wide range of vehicles with tires. Who isn't looking for: superior handling,
traction, and
ride comfort.

Whether you drive the roadway to the raceway, Hankook Tires are entering the field to get you where you need to be.

As part of the 70th Anniversary of their founding in 2011, Hankook has expanded their operation outside of Korea to China, and Indonesia.  They expect this to greatly strengthen their capacity for growth.

 

Not being a brand that many of our customer are familar with, I find it impressive that Hankook Tire was named the official tire for Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in Germany, the largest motorsports competition in the world.  This would seem to substantiate the claim of being one of the top tire manufacturers in the world.  They've even start the groundwork for yet another research center with technologically advanced equipment in 2014.

 

With the aim to reinforce their global competitiveness they've strategically invested in a skilled labor force to expand R&D. They are quick to foster a creative and competitive personnel is also a goal at Hankook Tire as we strive to continuously do our part as a member of global community and grow in tandem with the world.

 

A 70-year-long history, in any business is impressive.  Sounds like they are pare paving the way for the future with a commitment to create new possibilities and overcome challenges that lie ahead. Many of our Honda cars are now equipped with Hankook tires. Like Honda...a focus on making a major contribution to the development of the driving experience worldwide.

Add Honda Tech Tutor to Your Tablet or Phone Home Screen

Honda Tech Tutor contains new-model delivery videos that you can use to help your customers learn how to use key features on their new cars—in-store or after delivery by using the email function.

 

Be sure to add Honda Tech Tutor to your phone or tablet home screen so you can easily share vehicle delivery videos with your customers. Click here to view instructions for both IPhone® and Android™.

All-New 2018 Honda Odyssey Minivan Makes World Debut at 2017 NAIAS

              

Jan 9, 2017 — Honda today took the wraps off a sleek, sophisticated and innovative new 2018 Odyssey minivan, launching at dealerships nationwide this spring. Already the most popular minivan with individual American car buyers for seven years running, the next-generation Odyssey brings a host of new features and technologies for 2018, including a uniquely versatile new Magic Slide™ second-row seat; new Cabin Watch and Cabin Talk technologies; new Display Audio touchscreen with Honda-developed OS; 4G LTE Wi-Fi connectivity; new Rear Entertainment System with streaming video; and Honda Sensing™ safety and driver-assistive technologies, now offered standard on EX and above trims.

Introduced in 2015 - Honda Roadside Assistance

Honda Roadside Assistance is a 24-hour emergency road service

Honda Roadside Assistance is a 24-hour emergency road service

available to you in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico

throughout your 3-year/36,000-mile warranty term starting

with 2015 vehicles.

24-Hour Roadside Service

With the Honda Roadside Assistance Service, if you experience any of  the following while on the road, just call our toll free number and we will dispatch a unit to provide services that can let you proceed to your destination. You are covered for any of the following services (limitations apply):

24-Hour Emergency Towing

Honda Roadside Assistance will arrange to transport your vehicle to the

nearest Honda dealer in the event of a mechanical disablement that renders

it inoperative. Your vehicle must be accessible to our dispatched transport

unit (as determined by our local facility) to receive this service.

Please note: You will be required to pay up front for warranty repairs

performed by any facility other than a Honda dealership. Please submit

claims for warranty reimbursement to your Honda dealer.

Emergency Lockout Service

If your keys are lost, broken or locked in your car, Honda Roadside

Assistance will assist you in unlocking your vehicle.

» Winching

» Jump start

» Fuel delivery*

» Lockout

» Flat tire

» Mechanical tow

» Accident tow

Call toll free:  1-866-864-5211

 

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

You may call this toll-free number any time you may require any

of these Honda Roadside Assistance services from anywhere in

the United States, Puerto Rico or Canada.

*Two gallons provided, not to exceed twice in a calendar year. Requires VIN at time of service request.

 

Cross Country Motor Club, Inc. (CCMC) acts merely as a dispatcher or referral service to persons or entities who provide the actual service. These persons and/or entities are independent contractors. Accordingly, CCMC assumes no responsibility for the acts, errors, omissions, negligence, malfeasance or misfeasance of such persons and/or entities. All persons availing themselves of this benefi t of Honda Roadside Assistance are to look solely to such persons and/or entities for liability arising in connection therewith, and not to CCMC. Honda Roadside Assistance services are provided through Cross Country Motor Club, Inc., Medford, MA 02155, except in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Wisconsin and Wyoming, where services are provided through Cross Country Motor Club of California, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA 91360. Honda reserves the right to limit services or reimbursements to an owner or driver when, in the judgment of Honda, the claims become excessive in frequency or type of occurrence. Honda also reserves the right to alter or withdraw the Honda Roadside Assistance program at any time without notice.

AND THERE IS MORE....

 

Trip Interruption

 

Trip Interruption benefits are available in the case of mechanical

disablement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

» The vehicle must be disabled 100 miles or more away from the Honda owner’s primary residence.

» Reimbursement consideration is for expenses incurred during the first three days following the disablement.

» The total Trip Interruption benefi t is $300; $100 per day for three days maximum.

» Reasonable expenses for food, lodging and alternate transportation such as a rental vehicle and/or commercial transportation are covered.

» Costs for reuniting the Honda owner with the vehicle are included in the total of $300 maximum benefit.

 

 

Alternate Transportation, Rental Vehicle**

Upon request, Honda Roadside Assistance will attempt to secure a rental

vehicle or taxi service for you.

Hotel Reservations**

Upon request, Honda Roadside Assistance will assist in locating emergency

lodging when you are away from home, at a hotel that best fi ts your needs.

Airline Information

If your Honda is disabled, Honda Roadside Assistance will assist in

obtaining fl ight information, such as fl ight times and fares.

Message Relay

Should an emergency arise, Honda Roadside Assistance will attempt to

contact those persons for whom telephone numbers are provided in order

to relay important messages, such as your spouse or your offi ce.

Enhanced Directory Assistance

Honda Roadside Assistance will attempt to locate nearby service stations,

ATMs, and/or banks and provide telephone and address information,

including directions.

**Any third party costs (such as vehicle rental, taxi, lodging, fl ight fares, etc.) associated with

the rendering of the Trip Continuation Services noted with an asterisk (**) above shall be

borne by the driver requesting such service.

©2014 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. - All Rights Reserved 00X31-HRA-6000 AJA51465

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smokin' Performance - Team Hendrick - Congrats Jimmie Johnson!!!

#NEVERQUIT
It was a battle that began before the green flag waved. The No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet SS started at the rear of the field, but he soon made quick work of driving to the front.
He passed 34 cars in the first 41 laps, breaking inside the top five on Lap 48.
Following a couple slower visits to pit road, Johnson and the No. 48 team worked hard to rebound, even after briefly going a lap down on the track.
"Obviously you never give up until that checkered flag waves," Johnson's former teammate Jeff Gordon said. "You know, there were moments throughout the weekend where I thought Jimmie and the No. 48 team were the best ones out there and there were times when it looked like we were going to settle for less than the championship. But those guys never stopped fighting or gave up."
Johnson's hope for #se7en seemed like it might be just out of reach when he restarted fifth with 10 laps remaining, but the No. 48 team never gave up.
That restart is the one that changed the entire race, as a red flag was thrown due to a multi-car incident involving two of Johnson's Championship 4 contenders.
As a result, Johnson assumed the fourth position for the restart before another caution was thrown, placing him on the front row in second for the overtime restart. Johnson jumped out to grab the lead at the green and never looked back.
"The best pit stops came at the right time and the calls that Chad made came at the right time," Gordon said. "Jimmie had the most incredible moves and restarts at the end when it counted most and that is why those guys are seven time champions and proved it again tonight.”

Worth the Wait? - Time will tell!

A Must Read - Alway Safety First - Safety for Everyone

There's a booklet online that every car owner should read in my opinion.  Knowledge is not only power, it can mean safety.

Here's a link to a broad overview of some key safety features you will find in many Honda Cars and Trucks.

 

Please Click Here

 

Please take a few moments to read.  The more you understand how your safety equipment works, the safer you and your passengers will be.

Since some equipment may not be specific to your model,

be sure to consult your owner’s manual.

2017 CR-V? Yes it is all new!

The all-new 2017 Honda CR-V just made its official debut in Detroit last week (October 2016). 

The completely redesigned and reengineered CR-V boasts bold new styling, a more premium interior, the model’s first-ever turbocharged engine and a host of new features and technologies. It goes on sale this winter.  So with that, is it true that the 2016s are being sold at clearance prices.

I'll keep you informed as more details become available about the 2017s availability.

Unit-body Construction - Have a look at the 2017 Ridgeline's new body

Unlike many trucks, which use body-on-frame design, Ridgeline features unit-body construction. This uses different strengths of steel throughout the entire structure — higher grades of steel where it’s needed — and then it’s completely welded and/or bonded together to create an extremely rigid structure. Benefits of unit-body construction include a lower floor height making loading cargo and getting in and out easier, improved isolation from wind noise and vibration and better driving characteristics.

Ridgeline features a powerful, 280-horsepower direct-injected engine that not only provides brisk acceleration, passing power and towing capacity, but also is impressively efficient for a truck.*

• Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs. (AWD) – 3,500 lbs. (2WD)*
• 262 lb-ft. of torque*
• Variable Cylinder Management^TM (VCM^®)  
• 24-Valve SOHC i-VTEC®
• Eco-Assist System™
• Hill Start Assist®
• High-Capacity Radiator with 2 High-Power Fans

Honda S-Dream Streamliner Sets Bonneville Records

The evolution of the Honda product is a synergy of engineering, technology and rigorous design and testing and human factors....to name a few.  I felt this article illustrates a couple facets of that synergy.

- Honda R&D Japan-led effort sets FIA Class record of 261.875 mph-

 

- Fastest speed ever recorded for a Honda vehicle-

 

- Volunteer team surpasses previous mark set by Honda F1 car-

 

 

 

TORRANCE, California, September 21, 2016 - Honda products have won dozens of motorsports championships throughout the world, dominating competition at legendary venues from Indianapolis to Monaco, and on surfaces ranging from the sands of Dakar to the dirt of Carlsbad.

But this past week, an intrepid group of young Honda engineers took to the salt flats of Bonneville, Utah to post the fastest speed ever recorded for a Honda vehicle.
Not only did the Honda engineers post a new FIA World Record of 261.875 mph (1 mile), 261.966 mph (1km) for a vehicle in its class (Category-A Group-1 Class-4), it posted a speed faster than any Honda-powered car ever including the record established by BAR Honda F1 car at Bonneville in 2006, by using a 660cc engine based on the three-cylinder powerplant designed for the Honda S660 sports car.
The project "Bonneville Speed Challenge" was internally announced at Honda R&D in Japan in 2015 and 16 members were chosen from a pool of 100 volunteers, including the project leader Keisuke Tsuta, to build the car that would be known as the Honda S-Dream. The goal of the project was very simple: "Achieve world speed record with 660cc engine."
The team carefully re-investigated every part of the S660 engine and renewed many of them including cylinder block, pistons, crankshaft and valves in hopes of coaxing more than three times the power for which it was designed. Additions such as the replacement of the lower block with a steel unit and reinforced connecting rods gave the unit the rigidity it would need to withstand the record run, and the car completed several test runs in Japan before heading to the U.S.
But as can happen when building racing machines, an unforeseen problem popped up once the team made its first test run on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Test driver Hikaru Miyagi returned after his run and told the team that he could not see properly through the narrow canopy.
The vision had not been a problem on the test track due to the abundance of landmarks and road marking, but on the bleach-white expanse of the salt flats, the former Japan motorcycle champion was having trouble keeping the car pointed in the right direction.
So the team took the car back to Honda Performance Development in Santa Clarita, California where they restyled the canopy and most parts of the upper body just 10 days before the first day of the Bonneville.
The Honda S-Dream made several strong runs at Bonneville Speed Weeks but was unable to reach the record speed that it sought. But soon after the conclusion of Speed Weeks, Honda was officially invited to Mike Cook's shoot out at Bonneville to take another run at the record.
The team broke the FIA record mark with a run of 227.776 mph on the first day of the shootout, then went quicker on subsequent runs until officially topping out at 261.875 mph (1 mile), 261.966 mph (1km). In fact, the team reached 266 mph on one of its runs late in the event, but was unable to duplicate the speed on the return run as required to set an official mark.
With the run of 261.875 mph (1 mile), 261.966 mph (1km), the Honda S-Dream has surpassed the record BAR Honda F1 machine established at Bonneville in 2006 to become the fastest Honda car ever.

Safety For Everyone

Honda Collection Hall

 

Here's a site well worth visiting.  In lieu of a trip to Japan please follow the link below.  Pretty sure we'll be seeing a lot more virtual reality ports on the internet in the very near future. 

 

Honda Collection Hall

“Machines never lie.
Success will always come if they’re really good.
So let’s show the world what we’ve done.
Then they can see the real Honda!”
- Founder Soichiro Honda at the inception of the Honda Collecti on Hall.

All the machines on display at the Honda Collection Hall embody the dreams and passion of not
only the people who founded Honda, but also everyone who has ever used and come to love a Honda product.




Please Click Here

Honda's LEGACY BEGAN WITH A PIECE OF SHEET METAL AND A DREAM.

Meet Serial One, the first Honda automobile imported to the U.S. It was one of the first Honda test vehicles for America and it’s getting a new life as Honda brings it back to its original glory. After collecting dust in a junk pile for nearly 50 years, it’s safe to say this hidden gem has seen better days. Through fate, this vehicle found its way to the only man who could bring it back to life, Tim Mings. Tim has owned and restored over 300 of these vehicles, but none as special as Serial One. During this 12- to 18-month rebuild, we will be documenting Mings’ progress and sharing some special surprises along the way.  Have your attention?  Check this out: http://www.serialone.com/

 

 

Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program

The Honda Customer Mobility Assistance Program is proud to support the mobility needs of drivers and passengers with physical disabilities. Honda will provide a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to each eligible, original retail customer for expenses incurred to purchase and install qualifying adaptive equipment on any eligible purchased or leased Honda vehicle.

Adapting Your Vehicle

Honda suggests that you request a copy of the Department of Transportation brochure "Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities." Copies are available by visiting www.nhtsa.gov.

The process includes these steps:

1. Determine your state's driver's license requirements.
2. Evaluate your needs - Contact the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) for further information.
3. Select the right vehicle - Consult with your evaluator, an adaptive installer and your local Honda dealer to determine the best Honda model to meet your needs.
4. Choose a qualified mobility equipment installer - Shop around and ask about qualifications, capabilities, experience, warranty coverage and service. Confirm that they are members of NMEDA.
5. Obtain training on the use of the new equipment - When this process is complete, follow the guidelines and complete and submit an application for assistance to recover up to $1,000 of the cost of your adaptive equipment and/or conversion.

For all of the information, online...Please Click Here

If you have questions visit the Honda Owners Site

With all the great technology that is embodied in any of the latest Honda cars and trucks, information resources need to be 24/7....AND THEY ARE.

 

If you haven't registered yet...anytime is a good time to do so.  Did you know that you can register for free to get these online resources:            

Schedule service appointments
Buy Genuine Parts and Accessories.
Get recall information.
Order an owner's manual.

Learn more about these benefits and more at the Honda Owners Site.

Accord is Second Most American-Made Car - How right is that?

This makes Honda's investment in America obvious:

 

Last year more than 99 percent of Hondas sold in America were made in America (using domestic and globally sources parts). No wonder three Honda models – Accord, Odyssey, and Pilot – recently snagged spots on the American-Made Index (AMI) from Cars.com.

 

Usually the AMI includes the top 10 cars made in the U.S., but this year only eight cars met the criteria. The list rates vehicles produced and purchased in the U.S., taking into account factors such as the percentage of parts used for the car that are considered domestic, cars assembled in the U.S. and U.S. sales. Models with a domestic-part content of less than 75 percent were disqualified as were models built exclusively outside of the country, information from Cars.com said.

 

Taking those ratings into consideration, the Accord was named second on the AMI, followed by the Odyssey at fourth and the Pilot in fifth.

 

 

Where Are They Made?

Below, find out where Honda’s North American models are currently made.

 

Honda of America Mfg., Marysville Auto Plant, Marysville, Ohio
Honda Accord Sedan
Honda Accord Coupe
Acura TLX
Acura ILX

 

Honda of America Mfg., East Liberty Plant, East Liberty, Ohio
Honda CR-V
Acura RDX
Acura MDX (beginning in 2017)

 

Honda of America Mfg., Performance Manufacturing Center, Marysville, Ohio
Acura NSX

 

Next Level Personal Mobility Device - What?

Honda is in the business of moving you in every sense of the word.  Honda has developed intelligent technologies that enrich lives and make the world more fun to move around in — on the road, on the water, in the air and beyond. Our driving inspiration will always be to enhance the joy and freedom of mobility for all. 

 

Mobility Today and Tomorrow

What will the future of mobility look like? At our advanced North American facilities, we’re building exciting answers to that question. The Power of Dreams is about watching these answers come to life. The Honda UNI-CUB mobility device was featured in a video by alternative rock band OK Go. Watch now. 

 

Click here for a glimpse>>>>