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At the launch of its all-electric concept car, NASCAR was at pains to state that it likely wouldn’t ever be its Cup Series platform or race in the Daytona 500. So why build it then? For a series that prides itself in being faithful to its roots, and being the oldest of schools when it comes to racing, the multi-billion dollar sanctioning body has been flexing its muscles recently when it ...Keep readingView the full article

Hailie Deegan is probably more important to NASCAR racing than it realises. Since Danica Patrick retired from competition, Deegan has emerged as the most likely successor to her standing as the leading lady of stock car competition in America. But this week Deegan’s hype train hit the buffers, as at the age of 24, her Xfinity Series team pulled her from its No. 15 Ford Mustang and left her at a ...Keep readingView the full article

The Art of Airing Down: Unlocking the Benefits for Your Overland Adventure Embarking on an overlanding journey promises the thrill of exploration and the serenity of nature. However, navigating off-road terrain requires more than just a capable vehicle; it demands an understanding of how to optimize your ride for comfort, safety, and performance. One of the most effective techniques in the off-road arsenal is airing down your tires. In this blog, we’ll delve into the benefits of reducing tire pressure for your overland adventures and why it should be an integral part of your off-road preparations. What Does “Airing Down” Mean? Airing down involves reducing the air pressure in your tires to levels lower than the standard highway pressure. For most vehicles, this means dropping from around 30-35 psi to 15-20 psi, though the exact numbers can vary based on vehicle weight, tire size, and terrain. The Benefits of Airing Down Tires Enhanced Traction Off-road terrains such as sand, mud, rocks, and snow require a different approach than paved roads. Lowering your tire pressure increases the tire’s contact patch with the ground, providing better grip and reducing the likelihood of getting stuck. This enhanced traction can make a significant difference when climbing steep inclines, traversing slippery surfaces, or navigating loose gravel. Improved Ride Comfort Off-roading can be a bumpy experience. By airing down, your tires become more pliable, effectively absorbing shocks and vibrations from rough terrain. This not only enhances the comfort for you and your passengers but also reduces the strain on your vehicle’s suspension system, leading to a smoother and more enjoyable ride. Reduced Risk of Tire Damage When driving over sharp rocks or uneven surfaces, fully inflated tires are more susceptible to punctures and cuts. A lower tire pressure allows the tire to flex and mold around obstacles rather than being forced against them. This flexibility can significantly decrease the chances of damaging your tires, keeping you moving forward without interruption. Better Vehicle Control Airing down your tires can improve your vehicle’s stability and handling on uneven surfaces. The increased footprint of the tire provides a more stable base, reducing the risk of slipping or sliding. This enhanced control is particularly crucial when maneuvering through technical trails or when precise driving is required. Less Strain on the Environment Overlanding is about enjoying and preserving the natural world. Lower tire pressures reduce the impact on the terrain by distributing the vehicle’s weight more evenly. This minimizes trail erosion and damage to the environment, helping to maintain the beauty and accessibility of off-road paths for future adventurers. How to Air Down Safely While the benefits of airing down are clear, it’s essential to do it correctly to avoid any negative consequences: Use a Tire Deflator Using a tire deflator allows you to reduce pressure accurately and efficiently. These tools can help you achieve consistent pressure across all tires much faster than using a tire gauge. Ask us if you would like to take a set of auto-deflators with you. Monitor Tire Pressure Carry a reliable tire pressure gauge to monitor your tire pressure. It’s crucial to ensure that all tires are evenly deflated to maintain balance and control. We have digital tire gauges available. **Reinflate Before Returning to The Road** The importance of airing back up before getting on the highway can’t be emphasized enough! Driving on highways with low tire pressure can be dangerous and cause excessive tire wear. Always reinflate your tires to the recommended pressure before returning to paved roads. For all of our vehicles that means at least 35psi. Portable air compressors are handy tools to carry on your overlanding trips for this purpose, and if you need it we can add a portable CO2 tank with hose and fittings. Just be sure to ask us before your pickup date. Know Your Limits Each vehicle and tire combination has its limits. If you plan to air down please consult with us prior to leaving so we can go over recommended pressures for your specific vehicle. Conclusion Airing down your tires is a simple yet powerful technique to enhance your overlanding experience. The improved traction, comfort, control, and reduced risk of damage make it an essential practice for any off-road enthusiast. As you prepare for your next adventure, take the time to properly manage your tire pressure, and you’ll find yourself navigating the wild with greater ease and confidence. Happy trails and safe travels! View the full article

Overlanding in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado: An Adventure Awaits Introduction Nestled in the southwestern corner of Colorado, the San Juan Mountains are a paradise for overlanding enthusiasts and our favorite summer destination. This rugged and remote region offers breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and a network of trails that cater to adventurers of all skill levels. From towering peaks to lush valleys, the San Juan Mountains promise an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the wild beauty of Colorado. Join me as we dive into the highlights of an overlanding journey through this stunning mountain range. The Allure of the San Juans The San Juan Mountains are part of the larger Rocky Mountain range and are renowned for their dramatic scenery. Characterized by steep, jagged peaks, deep river gorges, and abundant wildlife, the area is a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. The region’s mining history adds another layer of intrigue, with ghost towns and relics of a bygone era dotting the landscape. Overlanding here is not just a drive; it’s a journey through time and nature. Preparing for the Journey Before setting out, preparation is key. We have spent decades exploring the area and can help you plan a route based on your experience level and interests. Our vehicles are well-equipped for most of the Alpine Loop, but some nearby areas such as Black Bear Road should be avoided. As always make sure you have ample supplies, including food, water, bear spray, and emergency gear. Although the area is generally well-traveled it’s not a bad idea to carry an emergency satellite communicator. Given the high elevation and unpredictable weather, it’s wise to bring layered clothing, rain gear, and a reliable navigation system. The Route Our recommended route begins in the charming town of Ouray (pronounced you-ray) known as the “Switzerland of America” and “The Jeep Capital of The World.” From here, we embark on the famous Alpine Loop, a 65-mile route that weaves through some of the most scenic parts of the San Juans. Ouray to Engineer Pass Starting in Ouray, we head south on Highway 550 before turning onto County Road 18 towards Engineer Pass. This trail is challenging, with steep, rocky sections and tight switchbacks. However, the effort is rewarded with stunning vistas and a sense of accomplishment as we reach the summit at over 12,800 feet. Engineer Pass to Lake City Descending from Engineer Pass, we continue to the quaint town of Lake City. This stretch of the trail offers a mix of forested areas and open meadows, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Lake City, with its historic buildings and welcoming atmosphere, is a great place to rest and refuel. Lake City to Cinnamon Pass The next leg of our journey takes us to Cinnamon Pass. The ascent is less technical than Engineer Pass but equally scenic. The trail climbs through alpine tundra and past remnants of old mining operations. The summit provides panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, a perfect spot for a photo break. Cinnamon Pass to Silverton From Cinnamon Pass, we descend into the historic town of Silverton. This former mining town is a treasure trove of history, with well-preserved Victorian buildings and museums that offer a glimpse into the past. Silverton is also a great base for exploring nearby trails and attractions. Camping and Exploration Throughout the San Juan Mountains, dispersed camping is allowed, offering the chance to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Popular spots include the areas around Animas Forks, a well-preserved ghost town, and the base of Engineer Pass. Remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, respecting the pristine environment and minimizing your impact. Fire bans are not uncommon during dryer spells so please make sure you check current conditions and always put your campfire out completely even if you’re only leaving for a short period of time. For those seeking additional adventures, the San Juans offer hiking, fishing, and even hot springs. Trails like Ice Lakes and Highland Mary Lakes provide excellent hiking opportunities, while the Animas River is perfect for fishing and relaxing by the water. Conclusion Overlanding in the San Juan Mountains is an experience like no other. The combination of challenging trails, stunning scenery, and rich history makes for an unforgettable adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or a novice looking for a new challenge, the San Juans offer something for everyone. So, pack your gear, prepare your vehicle, and set out on an adventure that you’ll remember for a lifetime. The San Juan Mountains are waiting to be explored. View the full article

Our trip west to Nevada didn’t start exactly as we’d hoped. Before we could leave Virginia, we needed to wrap things up on our rental home and do our final walk throughs with the property management. This meant we needed a place to stay, since we couldn’t be in the house and all of our things were in a container. So we rented a cute little cottage on the York River. However, cute doesn’t always mean a good idea. Well that’s not fair, it was a great place to stay, just not at the time we did it. You see, the cottage was built in the 1920’s and it wasn’t what I’d call thermally efficient. If you don’t know what I’m getting at, it’s a really nice way of saying it didn’t hold heat very well and it was frickin’ cold in Virginia that week! We did our best to stay warm, but ultimately Jennifer and the girls came down with some nasty head colds between the cold nights and all of the running around we were doing trying to get things done. This ultimately affected the first 3 days of the trip. North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Louisiana were just flashes in the pan as we blazed southwest chasing warmer weather. We had every intention of stopping in New Orleans along the way, but with highs in the low 30’s and 20mph sustained winds meant it was a no go with sick kids. The first few days were literally spent driving and our nights were spent resting and recovering in hotel rooms. Not a very glamorous start, I know. Things started to change when we hit Texas though. Temps started to warm up as we breezed through eastern Texas, ultimately stopping in the center of the state at San Antonio. Here we rented a VRBO for a few days. This allowed the kids to recover and all of us to do a reset, knock out some laundry and do a little exploring. We’d heard a lot of good things about San Antonio from almost everyone we knew, so we were keen to get out and explore the city. The first day consisted mostly of taking care of life maintenance things like laundry and checking out Jennifer’s car that had developed a hard crank/start issue somewhere along the way from Virginia. With laundry done and a loose camshaft position sensor connector locked back into place, we were ready to see what San Antonio was about. We started off by visiting the old Pearl brewery as the city had revitalized this district and turned the grounds into an outdoor entertainment/shopping venue filled with little boutiques and eateries. Most of this was closed early in the morning when we visited, but we hear it’s a popular place to chill at in the evenings. Next we made our way to the Alamo district. Starting at the famous River Walk, we made our way along the shops and restaurants until we reached Casa Rio, which was the first restaurant to open its doors on the River Walk back in 1946. The food was amazing and well worth the visit. After lunch, we finished walking the loop and made our way to a place I’ve wanted to visit since I was a kid. The Alamo is an interesting place to experience. This small mission, in the heart of the bustling city, embodies everything Texas. Defiance to the end and bravery beyond comprehension. The shear scale of the Santa Anna’s forces outside of the mission walls is hard to judge with the surrounding buildings and cityscape, but the historical placards and dioramas placed around the site do an excellent job of helping you see past that. What it must’ve been like to be inside of those walls with the constant bombardment and impending doom….. Finishing up at the Alamo, we made a quick trip back to our VRBO to let Zephyr out and take a break before heading back to the River Walk for dinner and a cruise. Yes, we did the touristy thing and took the river cruise at night. It was actually pretty amazing and we learned all sorts of interesting facts about how the river walk was conceived and constructed as well as the history of the buildings and the area. Well worth it in our minds and we highly recommend that if you’re ever in San Antonio, you do the same…. View the full article

A gallery of some of the best shots from the High Point National on June 15, courtesy of Align Media.View the full article

A gallery of some of the best shots from the High Point National on June 15, courtesy of Align Media.View the full article