Danny B here again. Unlike Dave W. I feel cars are totally utilitarian.  Hop in turn the key and get from point A to B .  Wash it ? Never.  That’s what Mother Nature is for.  If anyone out there knows what “rat bikes” are then you’ll understand my theory of transportation.  For some the ultimate annual automotive event may be the Indianapolis 500 but for me it’s the “Gopher Dunes MudBog.”   This is an event that takes place every year in the spring and autumn in southern Ontario and is like no other event on the planet.  Locals gather with their “mudders” and spend the afternoon playing in the black gold that is usually several feet deep and can swallow you up faster than a wild pig at lunch time. This is motoring.  A celebration of some of the strangest machines you’ll ever see on four wheels.  A place where everyone can be a “redneck” for the day.  No doubt this is one of the greatest secrets this area presents.  No shiny chrome low riders here.  Just pure horsepower surrounded by metal and driven by people who know how to have fun with their machines.

Your invitation to witness the event starts on our next show and if you need some grit to get you in the mood you can check out my slide show from the event this past spring.

I recently had a chance to drive Audi’s supercar, the R8.  There is nothing quite like getting behind the wheel of such an exotic machine.  The seats grab you and hold you in and, as you mash the throttle, the engine plays it’s symphony.  A stunning design, (I swear this thing loves the attention) this car does not slip by unnoticed.  A sleeper it ain’t.  All in all a breathtaking blast to drive, and a new icon in design.  

Two quibbles tho:  you have to use the key fob to unlock the door AND you have to put the key in the ignition and actually TURN it to start the car.  All other Audi’s I have driven, and I have driven nearly the entire 09 line-up, have a keyless go system.  Perhaps it’s an option, but at $160,000, should there really be any options?  And I’m not a huge fan of the shifter.  Sure it looks really cool, all brushed stainless steel, but I found it a tad clunky compared to the shifters in, say, the S5 or S6.

Minor things really, on a car that can make you forget about all those other cars.  You know, the ones that start with a ‘P’ or an ‘F’.

=D

Danny B here.  I’m one of several videographers here in the garage that help make those four dudes look good week after week.  I know it’s a tough job and I DO know someone has to do it.

Lots of great stories and test drives coming up this next weekend with the premiere of “Motoring 2009.”  Did I say ” 2009 ?”  Whoa !  It’s amazing how fast time has gone.

Some of the highlights for me that will be coming up in the next few shows will be our introduction to the new Dodge Challenger and the “redneck” styled antics of the participants we witnessed out at the Gopher Dunes and their annual ” MudFest.”

I just recently returned from one of the craziest races I have ever witnessed down in Mexico.  The 2008 La Carrera Panamericana is a 3000 KM road race like no other on the planet.  If you’d like to see some of the
photos you can check out my slideshow.

Anyway…. don’t forget to vote for your selection for the “Car of the Year” and your chance to pick up some of the sweet “schwag” the show has up for grabs.

Toronto just had it’s first snowfall.  What happened to global warming, but I digress. I drove home in our long term Saturn Astra which did not have winter tires since it will be returned this week.  I tested the roads with short braking and it was scary, sliding, ABS kicking in, etc.  This morning I took an Audi A3 with snow tires to work.  It was like my rubber was equipped with chains!!  Better traction and much improved braking.  Yes you still had to drive slower but there should be no debate whether winter tires are worth the money.

The snowfall also brought out the lazy or stupid drivers.  They refuse to take the time to clear their vehicle, many this morning had simply turned on the wipes and didn’t touch the rest of the car.  Lazy or stupid ? you choose.

Brad

Editor Dave here, real excited to see our new blog in action.  I’m the guy that edits and packages each and every show for delivery to TSN.  I’ve been doing it for about 8 years now, and it’s a great job.  One of the best perks, as you might have guessed, is the opportunity to drive some of the coolest cars around.  Did someone say Nissan GT-R?

I’m no expert, and I’m certainly not a journalist.  But I love cars, and I have learned a lot working on this show.  So I’ll be tossing out my opinion, telling you what I really like, and dislike, about some of the hottest rides.

And, from time to time, I may provide some behind the scenes info on what it’s like to get Motoring ready for broadcast.

Stay tuned.

=D

I will have to admit, that like my good friend Jim Kenzie I am a bit of a Luddite. I still think computers are a fad, but nobody seems to agree with me, story of my life!

So, with that said, why am I writing a blog?  My first reaction was, “who cares what I have to say,” I’ve always felt that blogs, facebook, etc are an indication of a society that is becoming… shall I say, narcissistic.  Well, my young friends have convinced me that after 22 years on TSN and with so many people passionate about cars, it would be a great opportunity to chat about what we love most without having to go to a commercial break.  Hopefully this will be a good opportunity to garner some feedback from you as well.  It could be about the program, your experience with some of the cars we review, pet peeves etc.

The first order of business is to remind you that we have our annual 1 hour Car of the Year Special coming up.  We will have a viewer poll up on the web site when Motoring 2009 debuts at the end of Nov (check our schedule on the home page).  We invite you to vote and will have some cool stuff to win!