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Make no doubt about it, NASCAR is a business and is run like any other major corporation. It’s a family-owned business with Brian France as the third-generation CEO. Brian France is the son of Bill France, Jr., who passed away at the age of 74 in June of 2007.

The current President of NASCAR is Mike Helton. What is interesting about Mike Helton’s appointment as President in the organization structure is that he is not a member of the France family. He was named as President of the organization in 1999. That was a year that would see much change in terms of safety because of the sudden death of Dale Earnhardt on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 and it was because of this incident that it would begin to head numerous initiatives for the safety of drivers and fans.

The very nature of a family-controlled organization means that the family will control most of the proceeds. This has been a criticism by some who think that it should be a joint owner-player type of profit sharing model. Other critics have made assertions that the organization could do more for driver safety. And there have been accusations that they are monopolistic in its policies. But millions enjoy the sport promoted by this business and advertisers love the exposure they get. Plus, the championship prizes seem to be attractive to many drivers.

NASCAR is not publicly-traded on the stock exchange however its major sanctioning body is International Speedway Corporation which is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under stock symbol ISCA. ISC owns as well as operates 11 motor speedways plus is a major promoter of motor sports. Bill France’s sister Lesa France Kennedy and his uncle Jim France is the Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Board/CEO respectively. Although not an organizational structure per se, it’s structure is built around three main events which could be thought of as three main lines of business: 1) The Nextel Cup Series, 2) The Busch Series, and 3) The Craftsman Truck Series.

And a fundamental part of the organization’s structure is the promoters. Promoter sponsorship has drawn some criticism from the fan base because more and more it seems that it’s more about commercials than it is about racing. However, in order for it to stay alive as an organization it needs the sponsors. Ticket sales alone will probably not bring in the revenue needed to stay healthy in business. The Nextel Cup Series is the most prestigious of them all. This series starts with the Daytona 500 at the beginning and consists of 36 races in 19 states and on 22 different tracks.

The second premier event in the series is the Craftsman Truck Series. This event started in 1996 and was previously known as the SuperTruck Series. Its roots come from a display of a Racing-style pickup truck at the 1994 Daytona 500. And the last premier event in the series is the Busch Series which is considered to be like the minor leagues of NASCAR.

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Source by Christopher DiCicco

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There are generally two requirements for an employee who is injured at work, to qualify for Workers’ Compensation: (1) the employee must suffer by accident; and (2) the injury must arise out of and in the course of employment.

As a general rule, employees must suffer an injury by accident in order to give rise to a claim under the Workers’ Compensation laws. The term “accident” has been interpreted as an “unlooked for and untoward event which is not expected or designed by the injured employee.” For example, injuries by accident often arise in the construction context. An employee that falls from a ladder or trips into a hole would likely be able to claim any injuries resulting from that accident under the Workers’ Compensation statute. Likewise, a welder who is injured due to an equipment malfunction or a supermarket worker who slips on a wet floor could also claim. Satisfying the injury by accident standard does not automatically result in a claim being valid. However it is an essential element. On the other hand, an employee who claims a workplace injury but cannot reproduce any details regarding when, where, and how the accident occurred will have an uphill battle in bringing the claim.

Furthermore, this claim cannot arise based on something that occurs in the normal course of an employee’s work. For instance, if an employee normally lifts boxes and places them on a truck, an unforeseen knee injury resulting from that lifting likely will not qualify as an injury by accident.

As an exception to the injury by accident standard, back injuries-only require a “specific traumatic incident.” The principal distinction between both are that the specific traumatic incident can occur within the employee’s normal job duties. Here, the unforeseen, unusual aspect of the injury is not required, but it does have to be specific. Returning to the hypothetical above, if an employee lifts boxes onto a truck bed everyday as a part of their normal routine and injures his back while lifting one day, that claim could likely be brought as a specific traumatic incident. The employee’s injury occurred during a specific instance at work.

It is often frustrating for claimants that the types of injuries covered under the specific traumatic injury standard are so limited. Every case is very fact specific. If you feel like you have been injured at work, you should consult a workers compensation attorney in your area for an objective evaluation of your case.

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Source by Jeanne Washburn

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Wheel chocks with guidelines on how to use them molded right on the chocks are excellent when you have a new crew on board and you want to follow OSHA guidelines for road safety. Since these devices are often used with utility and telephone fleets, they might be right for you. A wheel chock is basically a heavy duty ninety degree triangular shape with grippers on the bottom and the hypotenuse (the longest side on the triangle). The chock is not an actual triangle, for there is an inward curve on that longest side to fit to the tire more snugly.

Using Wheel Chocks

Utility fleets need to use wheel chocks to protect their trucks from accidentally rolling down a hill because of truck malfunction or possibly the driver forgetting to set the brake or put the truck into park. These things should not happen, of course, yet when wheel chocks are used, it can’t. OSHA guidelines even specify that a truck should always have a parking brake in place even before the chocks are in place.

The beautiful thing is that chocks are usually lightweight, made of urethane, and can be tied together with a rope, wire or chain for easier placement and removal. Some of the heavier chocks are made of recycled rubber, and what you order will depend on your preferred material. Either way, both substances are resistant to oils, chemicals and are weather resistant, and can be used from either side of the tire. The pressure of the tire pressing against the chock, along with the incline, make it balanced and can hold the vehicle in place if the brake is forgotten.

Roadblock Chocks come in both rubber and urethane and won’t damage the road or the tire. While the rubber chocks are black, the urethane ones are bright safety orange for visibility to both the driver and the passers-by to alert them that a service vehicle is working at that location.

Wheel Chock Warnings

With all chocks come warnings. The chocks must be appropriate for the vehicle for which they are being used. They can come in all sizes and heights for different tire sizes. You probably don’t need the monster version that accommodates 400 tons of weight and has to be transported with a cart, but if you’re in the mining or construction industry, that’s what you’ll need. Other warnings are that they should not be placed next to the wheels until the parking brakes are engaged and tested. The chocks should fit snuggly against the tire and road in pairs and in the direction of the grade.

The final warnings should be followed when leaving – don’t forget the chocks and don’t drive over them, for they may damage the truck or the chocks.

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Source by Kari Carson

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Getting into an accident can be traumatic especially if the person who was driving the other vehicle leaves the scene. There is a tool that can help you make sure that that person pays for what they did. Searching for there information online can produce there name and other information you need.

Using a Free Reverse License Plate Search can be a great tool when you need to find out who the registered owner is of a car. There can be an assortment of reasons that you want to get this information. For instance, you got hit by another driver and they left the scene of the accident. If you were lucky and were able to get there license plate number then you can use that number to get the registered owners information.

Another scenario is you may be driving and witness another driver driving all over the road. They may even appear to be driving drunk because they are crossing all lanes of traffic. Write down there license number to find out who they are. You can make the road a safer place to drive by using this tool.

When looking for a site to search make sure that the location allows you to search for free. There are license plate search site that charge you up to $40 or $50. It is not necessary to pay this amount of money for a search that is offered for free. When searching for the identity of a person make sure you get there home address, phone number and in some cases where the person works. This can be very useful information. Many people who are purchasing a used car want to know more information about the car they want to buy. An identity search can help you out there as well by giving you background information on that car.

Remember if you need to find out identity information use a Free Reverse License Plate Search Online. This is your best option to get the information of the owner of the vehicle. You never know when you will find your self faced with this situation so having a place to get identity information can really come in handy.

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Source by Bryan Burbank

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If you are in the market for a new car (or a used car) there is a lot that you need to consider. One important thing to keep in mind is the kind of drivetrain that you want your vehicle to have. Each has advantages and disadvantages and it’s important to understand each in order to make the right decision when purchasing a vehicle. The four different types of drivetrain are all wheel drive (AWD), front wheel drive (FWD), rear wheel drive (RWD), and 4WD (4 wheel drive).

Front wheel drive (FWD) means that the power coming from the engine is relayed to the front wheels of the car or truck. With FWD, the front wheels are pulling the car to create movement. The rear wheels are only following the front wheels and don’t receive any power on their own. The pros to a FWD vehicle is that it typically gets better fuel economy and emits less carbon dioxide. Since the weight of the engine is located over the driving wheels, a FWD vehicle can maintain better traction in the snow. However, car enthusiasts claim that FWD vehicles are less fun to drive.

Rear wheel drive (RWD) means that the power coming from the engine is relayed to the rear wheels. The rear wheels are responsible for pushing the car forward, much like a bicycle. The front wheels do not have a power source and are able to move and turn because of the power coming from the rear wheels. Because the weight of the drivetrain on a RWD vehicle is spread more evenly than a FWD vehicle, it has better balance. This is why most sports cars are RWD and RWD cars are considered to be more exciting to drive. The cons of an RWD vehicle are that they do not perform well in poor weather conditions like rain or snow because it is more prone to loss of traction on slick roads.

There are two different kinds of four wheel drive (4WD) systems. A part-time 4WD system lets the driver select if the power from the engine is relayed to only two wheels or to all four wheels. The default setting is typically rear wheel drive. A full time 4WD system permanently engages all 4 wheels.

All wheel drive is essentially the same thing as a 4WD drivetrain, but there is no option to relay power to only two wheels. Power is relayed to all four wheels at all times. The term AWD can be used for vehicles with more than 4 wheels in which all of the wheels are powered. The biggest advantage of an AWD vehicle is that it provides the best traction in all kinds of conditions. The cons of an AWD vehicle are that it is much heavier which hurts acceleration and uses more fuel. AWD is also the most expensive drivetrain option.

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Source by Dan Tole

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Drag racing, a contest between two cars beginning from a complete stop over a distance of a 1/4 mile (1320 feet) depends heavily on first 60 feet of the race, or the launch. The technique used for launching varies greatly depending on the how the car is equipped. The type of transmission, which wheels are being driven, tires, power, suspension and track preparation all play key roles in how to go about getting the best launch possible from the car.

Improvements on the time it takes for the car to travel the first 60 feet down the track have significant implications on the final ET (estimated time). As a general rule, improvements in the 60 foot time, are magnified by 2x on your final ET. For example, a Dodge Viper GTS that runs a 12.2 @ 120 MPH in the 1/4 mile with a 60 foot time of 2.0 can make significant improvements to it’s 1/4 mile times by obtaining a better launch. If the Dodge Viper GTS is able cut .2 (two tenths) of a second off it it’s 60 foot time, by covering the first 60 feet in 1.8 seconds, it’s final ET for the 1/4 mile would be around 11.8 @ 119 – 121MPH. More examples can be found by searching through the thousands of 60 foot records in the http://www.dragtimes.com drag racing database.

The best possible launch is obtained by obtaining the optimal balance of applying the most amount of power to the ground with the least amount of wheel spin. If too much power is applied during the launch and the tires spin, the resulting 60 foot time will be poor. The same goes for not applying enough power, thereby causing the car’s engine to bog, and having the car limp off the line slowly.

When launching a car with an automatic transmission, a technique called power braking is used. After properly staging the car at the drag strip’s staging lane, tightly hold down the brake with one foot, while slowly applying the accelerator peddle with the other foot. The car’s engine RPM (revolutions per minute) should slowly increase to a point where the car will either start to move or start spinning the tires. Hold down both the brake and accelerator peddles just below the point where the car is starting to move or spinning the tires. When the christmas tree lights reach the last amber light before the green, lift off of the brake and slowly push the gas peddle all the way down. The correct RPM to launch at will be different every car depending on all of the variables mentioned earlier. Start conservative with the first launch and keep increasing the RPM at which the car is launched at during the subsequent runs. If the car starts spinning the tires after the launch, lower the launch RPM and try again.

When launching a car with a manual transmission come to a complete stop after the car is properly staged. Press the clutch in all the way with one foot while pressing the accelerator peddle down with the other foot, raising the engine RPM to a constant moderate level for the first launch. Lift up on the clutch peddle to the point where the car is just about to start moving and hold both peddles still. When the christmas tree lights reach the last amber before the green, slowly release the clutch while quickly applying the accelerator peddle enough to launch the car quickly, but not too much to induce a large amount of wheel spin. Start conservative with the first launch and keep increasing the RPM at which the car is launched at during the subsequent runs. If the car starts spinning the tires too much after the launch, lower the launch RPM and try again.

To obtain better launches and bring down 60 foot times even more, the use of drag radial or full slick tires can be used on more powerful cars that have trouble launching at any RPM on regular street tires. Drag radials and full slicks usually require a burnout to heat up the tires and clean them from debris for optimum performance. A burnout is a rapid spinning of the car’s tires while the car stays relatively still.

All wheel drive cars (AWD) are typically the easiest to launch because the engine’s power is distributed to 4 wheels instead of two. Rear wheel drive (RWD) cars typically launch better than front wheel drive (FWD) due to the transfer of weight to the rear tires during the launch, causing an increase in traction. If the car has aftermarket adjustable suspension, adjustments can be made specific for drag racing to increase the weight transfer to the driving wheels.

The track’s launch pad preparation also plays an important role in how well and how hard cars can launch. The launch area is usually prepped with traction compounds to add to the stickiness of the track. A well prepped track will definitely help drop 60 foot times and result in lower 1/4 mile times.

During the breaks and cool down periods between drag racing runs, make detailed notes about how you launched on the back of each timeslip. These notes can help you diagnose launching issues, fine-tune subsequent launches and show improvements in the search for The Perfect Launch.

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Source by Brooks Weisblat

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Technical knowledge is becoming increasingly more important in modern auto sales training. In the past it was sufficient for salesmen and women to be able to explain to customers how their cars should be serviced and answer general everyday questions such as what the carburetor does.

In fact, even these questions were few and far between because cars driven by gas (petroleum) powered internal combustion engine had not changed much since Karl Benz’s invention in 1885. Yes, various aspects of car design had changed significantly but not the way they were powered. Today we have alternatives.

Staff selling automobiles today must be trained in the differences between the various fuel types: gas, diesel, electric, LPG and whatever else is developed. The days are gone when new developments in automobiles and other vehicles take years to come into production, let alone become available to regular customers.

Potential Questions on Modern Automobile Technology

Here are some of the technical aspects of automobiles about which your sales staff are liable to be asked, and for which they will be expected to have expert knowledge.

• What’s the difference between diesel and gas?
• Is diesel cheaper than gas and are diesel cars harder to maintain that regular cars?
• What’s a hybrid?
• How do hybrid running costs compare to diesel and gas?
• How do I change from gas to electric in a hybrid?
• Where is the nearest electric car charging point to me?
• Will an electric car get me to my work every day for less cost than another fuel?
• What’s a hydrogen cell?
• Are hybrids/electric/hydrogen cell cars easy to maintain – can I fix faults myself?

If you sell vehicles that use any of the above alternative energy sources then visitors to your dealership or car lot will expect you to be able to answer these questions – or questions like them. You can likely think of several more – perhaps through experience!

Importance of a Car Sales Course

Do you have a training course that helps your staff find out where to get this information? Do you teach your staff – or even yourself – these basic fundamentals of modern car technology? Or do you expect them to teach themselves? It is extremely important that your auto sales personnel are aware of each of the above auto fuel options and are able to answer questions about them. But that’s not all they must know!

Another aspect of auto sales knowledge that has changed in recent times is the interaction between prospect and salesperson. Has every member of your sales staff been trained in how to approach and communicate with a new visitor to your lot or showroom? If the first approach and interaction goes wrong, then you can forget about that prospect becoming a customer.

The days are well gone when you could take on a new salesmen or women with little or no sales experience and expect them to learn on the job. Effective auto sales personnel are now well-trained people who understand sales psychology as well as every car on the lot! They can answer questions on hybrids and power cells, and offer advice based on sound technical knowledge.

Sales Staff Auto Sales Training

However, it’s the approach that counts, and how auto sales personnel can interact with prospects that make the difference between a sale to a happy customer and a disgruntled prospect walking off the lot to go somewhere else. A car sales course can make the difference between success and failure, and by sending staff to an auto training course, you can make a significant improvement to your sales figures.

If you are an individual with a desire to make auto sales your chosen career, a recognized car sales course can make all the difference to you as well. By showing a prospective employer your course diploma, you will put yourself ahead of all those applicants without one.

So what is needed by successful car sales staff today – male or female? It is a knowledge of cars and their alternative power sources, and also proper training in how to sell the; how to approach visitors and convert them into new customers; how to retain the customers you have and how to send everybody way so impressed that they will sing your praises to everybody willing to listen! A car sales course can offer most of this – if not all!

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Source by Peter Nisbet

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Have you ever stopped to think about your vehicle’s locks? Most people haven’t unless they find they have locked the keys inside. There’s quite a history to today’s vehicle locking mechanisms and you may be surprised to know just how these locks came to be an integral part of a car’s safety features.

The First Vehicle Door Locks

It was until the 1920’s that locks were installed quite regularly in vehicles. Most vehicles prior to that were only owned by the rather well-to-do. These vehicles were maintained by the employees of the vehicle owner and seldom were a vehicle left alone without anyone looking after it. However, as production number increased, it became more apparent that vehicle locks were going to be a necessity.

Improving the Original Locks

In 1935, General Motors introduced its six cut sidebar lock. By 1959, Chrysler was using the same type of lock on the trunks. However, in 1966, pin tumbler locks replaced both the trunk and door locks. These locks proved to last longer and the vehicle owners had fewer problems with the internal mechanism of the locks.

The Newer Car Locks and Today’s Car Locksmith

There used to only be a need for a car locksmith to open a vehicle with a simple pin tumbler lock. However, the advancements in automobile locks have made the locksmith industry grow and change, as well. Now there are keyless entry systems, touch pad systems, and even bio-tech recognition systems. As these types of entry systems have become standard on many vehicles, locksmithing has had to take on a whole new meaning.

Many of today’s locks are very complicated and require a lot training to open and repair. Just a few years ago, a locksmith needed a ring of master keys, a couple of special tools, and maybe a wedge to make the task easier. However, today’s locksmiths must be highly trained and even specialise in certain types of locks.

How to Find the Right Car Locksmith for Your Vehicle

You certainly don’t want just any locksmith working on your vehicle. You want one that has experience with your type of vehicle. Not all locks are the same and some will require special tools that only a few locksmiths will have. When you begin calling around, make sure you ask if they are qualified to work on your vehicle. This is especially new with the newest model of vehicles.

Don’t settle for just anyone, or you could end up with damage that is very expensive to replace. Sometimes a car locksmith will have you sign a waiver stating that they are not responsible for any damage. This could be a sign that the company has had problems in the past. Avoid signing this waiver and you may want to contact a different company.

In Closing

Choosing a qualified car locksmith is important if you want to avoid costly repairs. Use only licensed and insured companies and get a quote for the unlock before you allow the work to begin.

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Source by Kaleo Johnson

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Regularly washing the exterior of your car will not only make it stand out as shiny and sleek, but it will also help ensure its longevity. A clean car protects against dirt, salt and other contaminants picked up from the road every day. Anyone who lives in an area with harsh winters can attest what the crud can do to a car’s body- rust! Washing your car several times per month, or even once a week, can keep your car’s body in tip-top shape. Here are some tips for washing your car inside and out.

While a warm, bright sunny day may make your car scream, “Wash me!” contrary to popular belief that really is not the best time to wash your car. Why not, you ask? If a car is not kept cool while suds up, the water can evaporate rather quickly, leaving soap spots. So, your best bet is to wash the car on a cloudy day, or at least in the shade on a sunny day.

Before you start washing your car, you will want to gather all the necessary supplies. You’ll need access to water- usually through a garden hose or pressure washer, a bucket, soap, sponges or soft cloths, scrub brush, glass cleaner, paper towels (or newspapers) and any other cleaning materials you may wish to use. For example, polish, bug cleaner for headlines and windshields, tire cleaner or degreaser, etc. Once you have everything together, fill up the bucket with soap and water, making it really sudsy. Be sure to use a soap that is made to wash cars- shampoo and dish soap really won’t do the job.

Begin with the wheels. It is important to have clean wheels because they are in constant contact with the road, and can be prone to corrosion caused by brake dust. You are riding on your tires, and your safety depends on them. Be sure they are clean! You’ll want to use lots of soapy water and a scrub brush to get them clean. You may also need to use a degreaser. You may need to use some good ‘ole elbow grease to get down deep in the tread to get all the dirt and debris. Once clean, rinse them good. Then, you can also use polish your tires and wheel covers to give a finishing touch.

Next, start on the car itself. Start by hosing down the car to get the surface wet. Then, start with small sections at a time so you can pay close attention to detail. For example, you may want to start on the back left, and clean that area from top to bottom. Then, rinse and move toward the center of your car, working your way all the way around. For the car’s body, you’ll want to use something soft so that the paint job can be protected. This can be a range of materials from large sponges, soft chenille pads, wash mitts and even a sea sponge. During this process, you may alternate from the soft sponge to a scrub brush for the grill area to remove bugs. After you are done with all sides, give the car a final rinse.

Next, although the windshield and windows are all probably shining from the good washing, you may want to take another step to make them shine even more and use a glass polish to clean them. Paper towels work fine, but for a more polished look, try ‘recycling’ your newspapers as a window cleaning rag. They work wonderfully, and leave no lint behind like some paper towels do!

Next, you can wax/polish your car. This will rally help protect your car from the elements like dirt, road salt, pollutions and other debris. You can actually wash your car with a pre-wax treatment to prepare for this step. Apply the wax to one panel section at a time using a dry cloth. After the wax dries, you can buff it with a towel. One coat is enough to make it shine- but heck, you can add another coat or two of you want to make it really shine! The wax job can last about two months.

While the interior really doesn’t help maintain the car itself, it’s just nice to have a clean car inside out. After you are done washing and waxing, start by vacuuming the floors, mats and seats. You may need to use the attachments to be able to get in all the nooks and crannies. (Crumbs are everywhere!) If you have rubber mats, those can be washed along with the exterior and laid out to dry. Replace them after the car is cleaned inside. Next, wipe down all the interior surfaces with a damp cloth. Then, just like you did the outside windows, do the same for the inside. Some people like to use a polish to make the dashboard shine. Just don’t polish the steering wheel! It’ll make it slippery.

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Source by Michael Walker

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There are different type of car shelters and garages that you can use for protecting your car. Among these car shelters that are common in many places includes portable and instant shelters. There are also different types of garages that are also used for sheltering cars. They include temporary and instant garages. There are advantages and disadvantages of each car shelter and garage.

Portable shelters are among the most common car shelters. They are also referred to as temporary shelters, thanks to the fact that they are easier to move from place to place. The main advantage of these shelters over other shelters is that, they are easier and cheap to construct. Among the materials needed in order for one to construct these shelters includes tents and steel frames, which are readily available in many stores. They are also convenient for they can be moved from one place to the other, just like their name suggests. Nevertheless, portable shelters too have their own shortcomings. Among them is that they fail to protect the car completely. Therefore, cars that are stored under portable shelters are subject to being damaged and destroyed. The other disadvantage that is linked to portable car shelters is that they can easily be ruined by heavy rains and strong winds.

Instant shelters are much similar to portable shelters, only that the former doesn’t need to be a lot of construction work in order to put them up. The main benefits that are attributed to these shelters are that they are efficient and cost effective, for they require less construction work as compared to other shelters. They are also portable thus being easier to move from place to place. Just like other types of shelters that are used for sheltering cars, they also have their own demerits. Among them is that they are less stable, therefore can collapse anytime there is a heavy wind and downpour. They also fail to offer maximum security to vehicles and trucks that are stored under them. Therefore, the vehicles that are sheltered in these shelters are vulnerable to robbery and destruction.

Temporary garages are also used for the purposes of sheltering cars. The benefits of these garages are that, they are easier to put up as compared to permanent garages. They also provide an alternative place for storing cars when a mechanical garage is needed temporarily. However, they also have their own disadvantages with the first one being that they are expensive to construct. In addition to being expensive to construct, they also require a lot of expertise in order to erect them.

Car canopies are also used for sheltering cars and other vehicles. The main advantage is that they provide an ideal way of protecting cars from a wide array of damages. Secondly, they are ideal for preventing vehicle theft and vandalism alongside reducing the costs of car maintenance. The shortcomings are that, they are too expensive to erect, thus hindering many people from using them to shelter their cars and vehicles. They also require a lot of human expertise for one to completely succeed in putting them up.

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Source by Olive A Garcia