2012 Hot Rod Power Tour Recap

The 2012 Hot Rod Power Tour was a great experience for our team. I want to start this post by thanking the folks at Motorama LIVE and Ford Motor Company for providing two brand new 2012 model year pick up trucks for the journey. The Ford Motorama Team consisted of members from Texas, California, and New Mexico. We embarked on a pre-run from a rainy Addison, Texas on the Thursday prior to the Power Tour, We prepped the truck for a run straight through to Detroit, we utilized the broad array of optional items on the truck, in particular the live traffic, navigation, and live weather to dodge bad weather. We arrived in Detroit, Michigan early Friday Morning. The first day of the Power Tour took us to the General Motors Proving Grounds. We were warmly received in the 2012 Harley Davidson Edition F150 and SVT Raptor Pick Up Trucks. The following day in Muskegon, MI was great, we even participated in the Optima Batteries Performance Challenge - Autocross in the trucks. The following day presented us with an opportunity to help out a stranded participant. We towed the participant car with our Harley Davidson F150. The truck performed flawlessly all the way to the St. Louis stop. We were also able to drag race the trucks together and had a great time. We had a great time on the tour and will be posting a extensive update.

Follow Us on the 2012 Hot Rod Power Tour!

Team New Mex Express is teaming up with the team at Motorama Live to bring you live coverage of the Motorama LIVE Ultimate Summer Road Trip on the 2012 Hot Rod Power Tour. Over the coming weeks be sure to check back with us on our twitter feed during the 2012 HRPT for exclusive content.

Guest Post

This is the first in a series of guest posts on our blog. The subject of this post is the dangers present in the replacement parts we often handle doing maintanance on our cars



Terrible Dangers in Automobiles - By Brian Turner

Automobile garage workers face an increased risk of developing mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos in automotive parts. Hood liners, brake pads, drums, clutch assembly parts, transmission boxes, valve stem packing and gaskets often contain asbestos. The asbestos laden dust created by such parts adversely affects the respiratory system. Some workers who breathe in the dust will later go on to develop mesothelioma.

The toxins n-Hexane, acetone, xylene isomers, ethyl-benzene and toluene are all found in automobile parts. An automobile's interior plastics often contain toluene, which has been found to impair the central nervous system. Ethyl-benzene and n-Hexane occur in the auto's plastics. Both chemicals pose a risk to the neurological system. Inhalation of xylene isomers used in paints and glosses can cause nose and throat irritation. Ongoing exposure will often cause headaches. Excessive exposure may cause miscarriage or severe birth defects, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Acetone is normally present in the glues used in the auto. Over time, it can cause severe mucus membrane irritation.

During the manufacture of an automobile, phthalates are often used to soften upholstery and plastics. Phthalates are a known carcinogen. Excessive exposure can also cause birth defects and intellectual delays in children. The chemicals have also been found to cause liver toxicity.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) is often used in fire retardants that are used in automobile foam. The dust created by the PBDE can linger in the auto for years. The California Environmental Protection Agency states that PBDEs may cause developmental deficits, act as a reproductive toxin and disrupt thyroid hormones. The chemicals are also believed to be a carcinogen.

Even the best automobile exhaust system will not successfully filter out all exhaust. Minute amounts may still flow back into the auto's interior. The auto's exhaust often contains benzene, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and polycyclic hydrocarbons. Long-term exposure to benzene can decrease the bone marrow's function. Short-term exposure may cause headaches and gastrointestinal problems. Carbon monoxide affects the oxygen in the blood. If the exposure to the carbon monoxide is excessive or prolonged, the person will suffocate and die. Sulphur dioxide in large amounts causes skin burns or irritation. Polycyclic hydrocarbons exposure often causes shock in sensitive individuals.

All automobiles contain varying degrees of harmful chemicals. Older auto's often have higher levels of the chemicals and pose the greatest risk. Automobile garage workers still face the greatest danger from exposure to the excessive chemicals that go into the manufacture of the automobile's various parts.

About the author:

Brian Turner has been working with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance as an environmental health and toxic substance safety advocate since June of 2007. Brian brings a tremendous amount of research and awareness experience in environmental health risks, environmental carcinogens, and green building expertise. Brian is very interested in all types of cars; his favorites are classic, muscle, and imports. Brian is commonly found playing and watching various sports with his friends.
http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/brian/

Big News! Guest Post Coming Soon!

Hello Everyone and Happy New Year!

2012 will be a great year for Team New Mex Express and we are proud to announce that starting very soon we will be featuring guest posts from automotive enthusiasts and car nuts just like you.

If you have a topic or subject you would like to read about on our blog, send us a message or comment.

We look forward to a great year of automotive events and motorsports!

Thank you for your support of our blog! We are approaching our fourth year!

Great Write Up About the Gila Tour!

Here is a great write up about the Dustball GilApache Tour:

May Tour de GilApache

Six Porsches, a '79 Mustang pace car and Trans Am formed this new event that some hope to become an annual tradition. Drivers met in the quiet town of Pinos Altos, NM and enjoyed each others company over drinks and fine dining at the Buckhorn Tavern. The cozy overnight quarters for the weekend was at the Bear Creek cabins. The combination of the active crowd at the Buckhorn and the serene scene of the cabins was a great experience. Saturday, drivers met up in Silver City for breakfast before heading out on the day's drive.

All of the drivers were looking forward to the planned route, which crossed everyone into Arizona to travel northbound on the intense Highway 666 from Morenci to Alpine. Driving this roadway can often lead to motion sickness, with over 60 switchbacks along a 60-mile winding mountain road. It looks as if the civil engineer dropped a Ramen noodle on his road development map and mistook it for new construction. The road was incredible and gave everyone a great workout - cars included.

After a needed stop for lunch in Alpine, drivers picked up the pace and headed for the historic catwalk for a quick hike. The catwalk was more than enough of a stretch for those that needed some fresh air, and some up-close scenery. Upon return to the Buckhorn that night, drivers once again enjoyed each others company, live music and a fine dining experience.

Sunday morning came and after meeting up for breakfast, the day's route was laid out and traversed the participants along a windy un-marked road near the (then) fire-line of the Gila wildfires. The scenic and shaded route featured plenty of wildlife and great views for everyone. Passing through the main fire camp of the 2500+ firefighters was a wake-up call for those of us that didn't realize the fire threat in the area. At the end of the road, drivers hung a left at the tee to cross through emory pass and pause in Hillsboro to regroup and say their goodbyes before heading home.

"Tour de GilApache" was sponsored by Zia Homes and Varwal Enterprises.