So many other items to consider: (1) Don't trust a bumper hitch (especially on older vehicles with rust) for towing -- a properly welded chassis mount is the way to go (2) For loads exceeding 3500 lbs. considerer using torsion bars on trailer tongue (3) When loaded or unloaded your trailer/tongue should be level with your towing vehicle -- if your vehicle "squats" you have either too much weight on the tongue or your vehicle springs are overloaded. ... View more

Troy, your comment  "Right now in my life I’m single with no kids (I hope to change that)"  is the "perfect storm" to end your dreams.  As a road racer of 40 years (SCCA, IMSA, SVRA, HMP, etc.), see if you have "the right stuff" by going to an approved and recognized racing school lasting at least 3 days.  Brutal ego-busting reckoning will follow if you don't finish in the "top three" of your class.  At that juncture, you will know whether to proceed to race, or be content with "track days".    ... View more

A cool article on complimentary cars and bikes.  I would add one more:  A Datsun 240Z with a Honda 750.  Both revolutionized our thinking about Japanese motorized products. ... View more

Great story.  Probably should be presented to the French government as a "good will gift".  After all, without France's help (especially at Yorktown), we might still be an English colony... ... View more

My, my.  Want a great handling 3 door hatch with a 2.0 litre twin cam red-lined at 7200, factory headers, Recaro seats, 6-speed, 4 wheel discs with ABS, IRS all-around, etc?  Look no further than the much, under-appreciated Ford Focus SVT produced from 2002-2004.  Considered to be the best of its kind, if you can find an unmolested example, grab it!  Decent ones, about 5K -- excellent ones, about 10K. ... View more