Auto News 5

If you watch enough cable TV, you'd think than any monkey with a flame wrench can build a killer machine in twenty minutes or less with parts scavenged from unaware neighbors. Reality lives on a different planet: one inhabited by skilled professionals working to a plan. This is the story of one such plan.

Corvette ZR1 rage is spreading with viral intensity. Montana collector Dave Ressler bid a million bucks at a charity auction to own the first production ZR1. A Chevrolet dealer in Texas allegedly charged $400,000 apiece for two such Corvettes. After British journalists blitzed the Bonneville Salt Flats in one ZR1, German writers raced another press car around a 7.8-mile circular track near Nardo, Italy.

What do you think of when you thing automotive accessories? Fuzzy dice? Underbody LED lights? Aerodynamic windshield wipers? If so, then you're missing the best parts about SEMA, one of the greatest automotive events on the planet. For those not familiar with SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), it's simply the largest aftermarket tradeshow in the world. Unfortunately, you're not invited to this annual Fall gathering. Like most trade shows and conventions, you've got to be part of the "business community" to attend. Not to worry. AutomobileMag.com was there in your stead.

I first saw Paul Newman at Lime Rock Park at an SCCA race in the 1970s. I'd heard he was racing, but I'd never seen him, maybe because we drove in different classes - Newman in C Production, me in Formula Vee. I had also gathered that there was an unspoken rule not to ask for an autograph or call him "Cool Hand" or generally be a pain in the ass. Just treat him like anyone else.