Now Introducing: Finley Racing

For the first time in a year I have launched an all new website from the ground up. Okay, I’ve worked on a handful of smaller, niche sites in the interim but those are fairly limited in scope as I wrote a handful of html pages and uploaded them. My newest site, Finley Racing, uses WordPress for its content management system though I’ll be managing it more as an information portal than as a blog.

Making Something Out Of An Abandoned Domain Name

The name Finley Racing actually belongs to a real life race car family who developed the site in 2003. Apparently, they abandoned the domain name and went with something else, which I found to be a curious move. I snapped up the name when I found it on GoDaddy for next to nothing.

Regardless, my site has nothing to do with Team Finley but I thought that the name sounded cool. Besides, an aged domain looks good even though I’ve sat on it for the better part of the last year. Think SEO!

Right now, I’m covering NASCAR related topics for the simple reason that my motorsports knowledge is fairly limited. Admittedly, I have yet to take in a NASCAR race, but since I now live in North Carolina (I moved here in 2004) I don’t really have an excuse not to go. Of course, being given tickets to the pricey Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte later this month would be nice. You hear that Coke?

When It Comes To Car Sites, Three Is A Charm

Finley Racing represents my third major automotive site following The Auto Writer (launched February 2006) and Auto Trends (launched April 2008) as car sites I know manage. I’m still writing automotive articles for one customer and I have a monthly automotive column that appears in 435 South Magazine (Overland Park, KS) as well a bi-monthly column in Wisconsin Golfer.

Let’s just say that I have found my niche and I enjoy covering cars from many different angles — i.e., by manufacturer, car parts, accessories, automotive trends, sporting, you name it.

Speaking of niche, I have several small sites I plan on launching over the coming few weeks (probably months) basically activating a number of domains I have held onto for the past several years. I’m of the mind that a small, tightly knit network of sites can be beneficial, a good way to share links as well as to bring in traffic for new business.

Stay tuned!

Fed CAFE Timing Is Bad Timing Indeed

Ever since Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of these United States on January 20th, we’ve been treated to one plan after another regarding stem cell research, abortion policy, the banking bail out, mortgage rescue, education, you name it. Honestly, I can’t keep up with everything, perhaps that’s the idea: flood the American populace with news and soon they won’t be paying attention to anything at all.

Well, I’ll stick to my area of expertise, namely what is going on with the auto industry. Just to let you know, approximately half of my income (work) is derived from writing about this industry alone, but that percentage would be higher if some of my clients didn’t have to cut back recently. I’m sure I’ll survive even if some of the main players do not.

CAFE Standards Will Rise For Model Year 2011

You would think that with the auto industry being in dire straits that the Obama administration would cut it some slack, especially when it comes to regulatory requirements. But, they won’t as they promised today to raise corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards to 27.3 mpg for the 2011 model year.

In case you don’t know it, some 2010 model year cars are already out (Mercedes GLK350, Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan to name a few) — guess who’ll have to think quickly on their feet to meet the new standards? Everyone!

To be fair, requiring better fuel economy makes sense as that move helps lower our dependency on foreign sources of fuel while reducing pollution.  I think most manufacturers will have no trouble meeting the new numbers, but I think it would have been better to delay the changes for at least a year or two. Most definitely until after the economy recovers.

Additional Increases Through 2020

By 2020, the corporate average will increase to 35 mpg which means that an automaker’s fleet of passenger vehicles will have to become even more efficient. I believe that most manufacturers will be able to achieve these numbers for the simple reason that the technology to produce hybrid and pure electric vehicles will already be in place.

But, I also know that developing, refining and bringing this technology online will cost the industry billions of dollars.  Per company, that is. Even supposedly “healthier” car companies could use a break…what’s the rush?

There are a few other things looming which could add to the industry’s burden such as pushing that 35 mpg CAFE threshold higher, perhaps above 40 mpg for 2020 and allowing individual states to establish their own guidelines.

CARB Manages California Policy

California, for instance, operates the California Air Resources Board (CARB) which establishes it own emissions and fuel economy guidelines. Under President Bush, the Golden State was only allowed to regulate emissions, but not fuel economy. However, the Obama administration is willing to let California and other states set their own requirements, which will be higher.

Why are we putting yet another burden on the backs of a troubled industry? And, why isn’t big labor speaking up? Every hit against the car companies means additional lost jobs. If I were an assembly line worker, I’d be screaming at my union rep.

Let us not forget: California is essentially broke with a $41 billion budget shortfall on the horizon. In California they’re quick to raise taxes even as unemployment jumps and the housing industry slumps. No wonder there is a net migration out of the state.

Hitting Back Against DC Tyranny

There is a huge backlash brewing in this country aimed toward a rapidly expanding federal government that is seeking more power, expanding regulation and raising our debt burden to unseen levels.  Lost on many is that a contributing factor to the woes besetting the car industry are federal government regulations. Laws are passed and the car companies are expected to comply at their own expense, not all of which can be passed on to the consumer.

Billions more money will be going to General Motors and Chrysler over the months ahead, a good chunk of money will also be dished out to suppliers. The federal government’s involvement in the industry won’t do much to help out, with the taxpayer left holding the bill.

There is something terribly wrong with this picture!

Related Reading — The Carnage That Is Called Detroit