So-Cal '55 Chevy Shoebox Gets Best Engineered at Sonoma

Shaver racing engine’s (Ron Shaver) ’55 Shoebox got best engineered at the recently completed NHRA Sonoma event. The “Low Rider” Shoe driven by P.J. Giacalone from San Pedro didn’t get out of the first round of S/G competition but did get the best engineering gold. Since the T/S decal is on the window, we are betting the car is powered by a Shavers-built rat motor.

Hedman Hedders Best Engineered Vehicle ($1,000 to the best engineered vehicle) - Shaver Specialty Engines '55 Chevy Super Gas entry. Driver: P.J. Giacalone, San Pedro, Calif. [7/30/2008]

Stewart to form new team

Office Depot and Old Spice will serve as co-primary sponsors of Tony Stewart’s No. 14 Chevrolet Impala SS NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entry beginning in 2009. The winner of 31 manufacturer’s championships since coming to Sprint Cup in 1955, Chevrolet adds another powerful team to its already potent lineup with the addition of Stewart-Haas Racing.

Putting an exclamation point on Stewart’s new ride for 2009 is that his red and black Office Depot/Old Spice Chevrolet will carry the No. 14, made famous by the legendary A.J. Foyt.

“Tony and I have been friends for a long time,” said Foyt, a winner of four Indianapolis 500’s, the 1972 Daytona 500 and the 1967 24 Hours of LeMans. “I think I first met him when he was running Midgets. It was quite a while ago so I don’t actually remember where and when. A few times he drove the Silver Crown car I had with George Snider back in the mid-90s and I gave him his first test in an Indy car in Phoenix (in 1995) and he ran pretty quick as I recall.

“In addition to being quick, he’s always told it how it is. I don’t think there’s anyone better to carry the No. 14.”

Stewart has always admired what Foyt, currently an IRL IndyCar Series owner, accomplished in a driving career that began in 1957 and spanned such racing divisions as Indy car, NASCAR, USAC and sports car racing.

“He has given a lot back to racing and has been one of its biggest supporters, Stewart said. “Without guys like him, guys like me wouldn’t have had a chance to succeed.”

For an in-depth look at Stewart’s move, see our News & Analysis by John Carollo.  (photo by Getty Images) [7/30/2008]

New Michigan plant to build engines for Volt and Cruze

We hear that General Motors intends to make Flint, Mich., the manufacturing home of the engine for the much-touted, battery-powered Chevrolet Volt.

The Volt, hailed for its potential to reduce the world's reliance on fossil fuels, would run entirely on a battery charge for about 40 miles and use a gasoline engine to keep the vehicle powered for longer trips.

The engine for the Volt would be built at a new plant announced by GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner in June. The site also will produce the four-cylinder engine for the next-generation Cobalt, called the Cruze. [7/30/2008]