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Cars, Gaming

5 Of The Coolest Auto-Themed Pinball Machines Ever Made

Our record begins with a recreation from the “Golden Age” of pinball.The first coin-operated pinball machines appeared in 1931, and the primary electrical ones (powered by a small battery) emerged in 1933. Coil bumpers appeared in Bally tables in 1937, and D. Gottlieb & Co. invented flippers in 1947. This evolution ushered in what many contemplate the “Golden Age” and ran from 1948 via 1958.

Speed Way was constructed by Williams Manufacturing Company and appeared first in 1948 with a theme centered round automotive racing. However, other than the identify and the backglass art work, you’d by no means comprehend it had something to do with automobiles, as neither the playfield nor cupboard art work conveys any racing theme.

It’s an electro-mechanical (EM) machine that makes use of relays, motors, solenoids, and switches however accommodates no digital elements per se. And on this case, it makes use of lights fastened behind the backglass as a substitute of a mechanical wheel to tally the rating.

The ball is shot from the plunger on the appropriate aspect, takes a lap across the playfield (ala, a race automotive across the observe), then dives right into a playfield with two flippers, 5 passive bumpers, and three kick-out holes. Those options sound pedestrian, nevertheless it appears to be the primary to make use of cars because the motif. Speedway additionally used outward-facing flippers as a substitute of the standard inward, and it had a pop bumper within the heart.

Lexus

Lexus and Vasser Sullivan to Pace GTD Field With First Rolex 24 Pole

GTD PRO Title Defense additionally Begins for the No. 14 RC F GT3

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2024) – Lexus Racing and Vasser Sullivan will lead the GTD class to inexperienced within the 62nd Rolex 24 at Daytona after claiming their first pole place on the famed endurance race by Parker Thompson and the No. 12 RC F GT3. Lexus manufacturing unit driver, Jack Hawksworth, simply missed out on capturing pole place as nicely in GTD PRO, qualifying second within the class within the No. 14 RC F GT3, which begins its championship protection this weekend. Hawksworth and Thompson certified second and third, respectively, out of 37 whole GT entries.

The 25-year-old Thompson, now operating full time with Lexus and Vasser Sullivan, captured his first profession sequence pole with time of 1:44.494 on the three.56-mile Daytona street course. Thompson’s time claimed the GTD pole by a mere 4 one-hundredths of a second. Thompson made his sequence debut final season serving because the endurance driver for the workforce, and now takes on the total IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship schedule in 2024.

Joining the younger Canadian within the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan RC F GT3, can be Vasser Sullivan veterans Frankie Montecalvo and Aaron Telitz, together with first-timer and Toyota Gazoo Racing driver, Ritomo Miyata. Montecalvo enters his sixth full-time season driving the No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3 within the GTD class. Last season, he and Telitz completed third within the GTD class standings and captured victory at Watkins Glen. Telitz returns for his fifth season with Lexus and Vasser Sullivan, now as an endurance driver. Miyata is the ultimate addition to the No. 12 entry for the celebrated endurance race, making his debut within the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. The 24-year-old is the reigning Super Formula and Super GT500 Champion and also will be contesting the Formula 2 championship and the European Le Mans Series in 2024, together with serving because the reserve driver for the Toyota Gazoo Racing WEC Hypercar workforce.

Though he missed out on pole place by eight one-hundredths of a second, Hawksworth positioned the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan RC F GT3 in prime place when the inexperienced flies for the Rolex 24. The Bradford, England native and fellow Lexus manufacturing unit driver, Ben Barnicoat, start their GTD PRO class championship protection after capturing the primary full-season GT title for Lexus and Vasser Sullivan final season. En path to final 12 months’s championship, Hawksworth and Barnicoat scored victories at Long Beach and Watkins Glen to accomplice with 4 pole positions and 9 podium finishes in 11 races. Now of their third season collectively, they’re centered on successful the largest race in American sportscar racing after ending third final January.

Hawksworth and Barnicoat can be joined by Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Mike Conway, together with INDYCAR racer and Florida native, Kyle Kirkwood for this 12 months’s race. Both drivers additionally competed for Vasser Sullivan within the Rolex 24 final season within the No. 14 and No. 12 RC F GT3 entries. Conway brings in depth endurance race expertise with him making his seventh begin within the Rolex 24, together with a third-place end with Hawksworth and Barnicoat final 12 months. For Kirkwood, this can be his fourth begin within the endurance occasion with a greatest end of fourth in 2022 with Hawksworth and Barnicoat.

Twenty twenty-four marks the eighth season Lexus Racing is fielding RC F GT3s in IMSA competitors and the sixth season Lexus and Vasser Sullivan will race collectively within the GT classes. Over their partnership, Lexus Racing and Vasser Sullivan have amassed 13 wins, 39 podium finishes, 18 pole positions, the 2023 IMSA GTD PRO Driver, Team, and Manufacturer Championship, and the 2020 IMSA Sprint Cup titles.

The Rolex 24 at Daytona can be broadcast dwell on NBC beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 27 with extra tv protection all through the race on USA Network. Live flag-to-flag protection may even be streaming on Peacock for authenticated subscribers. To sustain with all of the racing motion, comply with Lexus Racing on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok by utilizing #LexusEfficiency.

Vasser Sullivan Driver Quotes
JACK HAWKSWORTH, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3
What’s your outlook for the race beginning on the entrance row?
“We feel like we’ve prepared well for the race with our Lexus RC F GT3. Obviously coming off the championship last year, we’ve kept the same people and crew on our Vasser Sullivan team to go along with good consistency in our driver lineup. Mike (Conway) did the Rolex with us last year and Kyle (Kirkwood) did a lot of endurance races, along with Ben (Barnicoat) and I coming back together again. We’ve continued to build since last year. We feel positive about everything, but the thing with this race is that you never really know until the last two or three hours. We’ll have to wait and see, but will give it our best from a good starting spot.”

BEN BARNICOAT, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3
How does the robust qualifying effort construct confidence for the workforce heading into the Rolex 24?
“As a group for Lexus and Vasser Sullivan, it’s a great way to start off the year with a pole in GTD and a second starting spot in GTD PRO. From our side on the No. 14 RC F GT3, to start on the front row for a prestigious race as this is amazing. Jack (Hawksworth) has always done a super job in qualifying. On the 12 car side, so happy and excited for them with Parker (Thompson) getting the pole in his first GTD attempt. That’s very special and shows that even though we were champions last year, we’re not resting, and we’ve continued to work, especially the guys on the Vasser Sullivan team and Lexus. We’ve all worked extremely hard in the offseason to allow us to arrive here and start the year leading the field. Very excited to get to the race.”

KYLE KIRKWOOD, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3
How has all the pieces gone thus far main as much as the race this weekend?
“So far, so good for our No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 Vasser Sullivan team. Really happy with the performance of the car and team. Everything has been very smooth so far which is exactly what you want going into a 24-hour race. The fact that we have some pace gives us confidence and everyone on the team is gelling well. Things have happened at this race in the first lap over the years, so being at the front and staying up there to keep our nose clean will help us avoid those situations happening behind us. Super proud of Parker (Thompson) getting pole in the GTD class, and Jack qualifying P2 is great. Really excited for this weekend.”

MIKE CONWAY, No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3
How is it being again with Lexus and Vasser Sullivan within the Rolex 24?
“Great to be back with Vasser Sullivan in the Lexus RC F GT3, driving a championship-winning car. I knew the guys were doing a great job last year when I was with them, so to see them win the championship at the end was great. Getting back in the car and used to the nuances of going fast around here. Good qualifying overall, starting in the front of the field. Looking forward to race day.”

PARKER THOMPSON, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
How does it really feel to say pole on the Rolex 24 and what’s your outlook for the race?
“One for one in GTD qualifying, getting pole at Daytona! Doesn’t get much better than that. It’s incredible to think I was spotting here two years ago and now I’m taking my first pole in a Lexus RC F GT3. I can’t thank the Vasser Sullivan team and Lexus Racing enough for the opportunity. Getting the first Rolex 24 pole for the team and Lexus is neat. I still have a lot to learn going into the race this weekend, but we’re starting from the best spot with the best driver lineup. There’s no reason we can’t compete for a Rolex watch on Sunday. Excited to see what we can make happen.”

FRANKIE MONTECALVO, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
What does a pole on the Rolex 24 imply for all the workforce heading into the race?
“The team did a phenomenal job in a hectic qualifying, getting out in a hole after the red flag since it was basically a two-lap shootout. Both cars did a phenomenal job. Parker did an awesome job in his first qualifying effort in the No. 12 RC F GT3, putting us on pole for the Rolex 24, which is amazing. It’d be good to stay up at the front, away from all the hectic stuff in the back. Phenomenal start to the racing season that brings along some good points with the pole, so that will help us down the line considering to how many points it took for us to get third in the championship. We can take everything we can get early on. The Vasser Sullivan team has been firing on all cylinders this weekend. Our Lexus RC F GT3 keeps getting better and better, and the team keeps functioning as a complete family. I have complete confidence going into the race.”

AARON TELITZ, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
What are your ideas and emotions heading into the race this weekend?
“The Vasser Sullivan team is operating at such a high level just like we were all last season, carrying it over into 2024. The team has been working great. Ritomo (Miyata) has been awesome and is a great addition to the No. 12 RC F GT3 team. Parker (Thompson) sticking it on pole for the Rolex 24 has us on cloud 9. We’re really excited for this weekend.”

RITOMO MIYATA, No. 12 Lexus RC F GT3
Can you discuss your expertise thus far on the Rolex 24 and what you’re anticipating this weekend?
“My first time racing in the U.S. has been great. The Vasser Sullivan team and my teammates have been kind to me so far. I’m trying to take everything step-by-step with the difference in the RC F GT3 compared to what I’ve raced before. It’s been very good overall. I’ve had a great time working with everyone at Vasser Sullivan and Lexus so far and the result from qualifying is great as well. Really proud of the team. It’s all been very enjoyable.”

About Lexus
The Lexus RC F GT3 enters its eighth season within the GTD class, and third 12 months within the GTD PRO class, competing within the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Over the final six seasons, Lexus and Vasser Sullivan have mixed to earn 13 wins, 39 podium finishes and 18 pole positions with the RC F GT3. Lexus gained its first full-season IMSA GTD PRO Manufacturers Championship on the power of two wins and podium positions in 9 of 11 races in 2023.

Lexus’ ardour for courageous design, imaginative expertise, and exhilarating efficiency allows the posh life-style model to create superb experiences for its clients. Lexus started its journey in 1989 with two luxurious sedans and a dedication to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to satisfy the wants of worldwide luxurious clients in additional than 90 international locations. In the United States, Lexus autos are bought by 244 sellers providing a full lineup of luxurious autos. With eight fashions incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the posh hybrid chief. Lexus additionally gives 9 F SPORT fashions, one F efficiency mannequin and one F mannequin. Lexus is dedicated to being a visionary model that anticipates the long run for luxurious clients.

Technology

These 5 Brands Still Make Tools In The USA

The history of the Milwaukee Tools begins, in fact, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the place it’s at present headquartered. The firm has grown considerably since its founding within the Nineteen Twenties, making a variety of energy instruments, hand instruments, storage merchandise, and extra. Milwaukee instruments normally sport the model’s signature hearth engine crimson coloring and will be discovered all over the world, with its top-rated tools sold by Home Depot and different main retailers. 

Since it is such a big company, it should not be stunning that it has a number of abroad manufacturing services, together with China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Germany, and Mexico. Many of the facility instruments Milwaukee sells within the U.S., which incorporate brushless motors, lithium batteries, and different sophisticated parts, are made in these nations. For instance, all the facility instruments that make-up Milwaukee’s in style M18 and M12 traces are made in China.

However, Milwaukee nonetheless has factories on American soil that make its merchandise. Two such factories will be discovered within the firm’s dwelling state of Wisconsin — one in Mukwonago and one in West Bend, specializing in instruments for plumbers, electricians, utility linemen, and different mechanical trades. Two different factories will be present in Mississippi, in Jackson and Greenwood. Milwaukee employed round 7,600 individuals in 2021 and is in the midst of increasing its home footprint, constructing new services within the U.S., together with one lately constructed in Cookeville, Tennessee. The firm can also be increasing what it makes in its present crops and lately launched a brand new line of hand instruments, together with pliers and screwdrivers manufactured in its West Bend facility.

Motorsport

Is Alfa Romeo Teasing An Electric Tonale?

# Is Alfa Romeo Teasing An Electric Tonale?

“A new era begins” for [Alfa Romeo](https://www.motor1.com/alfa-romeo/). That’s quite a bold statement, but the Italian manufacturer has released a new teaser image that promises something very exciting. The teaser shows a taillight signature that likely belongs to the [Tonale](https://www.motor1.com/alfa-romeo/tonale/).

The Tonale’s lineup already offers something for everyone’s taste. Depending on the market, it is sold with gasoline, diesel, mild hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The only thing missing from the puzzle is the fully electric model. Although it hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, the slogan in the new teaser hints at something radical for Alfa Romeo.

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Smartphones

Don’t Even Think About Going On Your RV Trip Without Installing These Apps First

To ensure a great road trip experience, it is essential to plan your route, discover interesting places to visit, and know where to find delicious food along the way. The Roadtrippers app stands out among other RV camper apps as it provides information about all the exciting points of interest in the places you travel through. With this app, you can easily chart a path that takes you to the most scenic views, roadside attractions, and even hotels for when you want to take a break. Additionally, you can make use of pre-made trip guides that will enhance your journey with the best sights to see.

However, it’s important to note that the free version of Roadtrippers only allows you to map out routes with three stops, showcasing the interesting things along the way. For longer trips, which are more common, with up to 150 stops and access to all the roadside attractions, you will need to subscribe to the app for $2.49 per month or $29.99 per year. By subscribing, Roadtrippers offers custom routes that are better suited for RV travel, offline map access (which is crucial for RV travelers), real-time traffic updates, and an ad-free experience.

News

This Massive Motorcycle is Absolutely Terrifying to Ride

When it comes to custom motorcycles, there’s a wide range of possibilities. Some people make minor modifications, while others build entirely new machines from scratch. One legendary custom bike, known as the RoaDog, was originally created by William “Wild Bill” Gelbke in the 1960s and has recently found a new home at Dale’s Wheels Through Time Museum in North Carolina.

Wheels Through Time Museum, known for its collection of American vehicles and motorcycles, takes pride in restoring and preserving historic bikes. The RoaDog, weighing in at a whopping 3,200 pounds and measuring 17 feet long, has undergone some restoration work to bring it back to its former glory.

A Brief History of RoaDog

At first glance, the RoaDog appears to be nothing more than a massive sculpture. However, Gelbke, an engineer, built this colossal machine because he wanted a dependable long-distance cruiser that could reach speeds of 90 miles per hour without any problems.

In 1965, Gelbke started building the RoaDog using a 153 cubic inch, four-cylinder engine from a Chevy II and a PowerGlide transmission. The bike was also equipped with a modified Chevy truck differential and Corvette disc brakes. Instead of using traditional stands, Gelbke designed a system of four hydraulic rams to keep the RoaDog upright when parked.

Gelbke toured the United States on this unique creation, covering approximately 20,000 miles. After his death, the RoaDog mysteriously disappeared, but Buzz Walneck eventually located it at Gelbke’s mother’s house. It changed hands a few times before ending up at the National Motorcycle Museum in Sturgis, South Dakota, and later in Anamosa, Iowa.

The RoaDog’s Comeback in 2023

Unfortunately, the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa closed its doors permanently in September 2023, and as a result, the RoaDog was put up for auction along with the rest of the museum’s collection. The bike was eventually purchased and then sold to Sean from the YouTube channel “Bikes and Beards.” Sean, knowing the expertise of Matt Walksler at Wheels Through Time, decided to bring the RoaDog to the museum for restoration.

In a recent video, Wheels Through Time shows the process of getting the RoaDog running again and even takes it for a terrifying ride. The massive size and weight of the bike make it challenging to turn, especially to the left. However, despite its challenges, the RoaDog remains an awe-inspiring machine, leaving viewers to question whether they would be brave enough to take it for a ride themselves.

Motorsport

2024 Chrysler Pacifica Celebrates Minivan 40th Anniversary, Adds New Colors

Chrysler’s 2024 Pacifica marks a significant milestone as it enters production – the 40th anniversary of the minivan, a segment created by the original Chrysler Corporation.

The very first minivans hit the market on November 2, 1983, with the Plymouth Voyager being built at the Windsor Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada. This paved the way for the sale of over 15 million Chrysler and Stellantis minivans to date. Alongside introducing the first minivan, Chrysler has continuously led the segment by incorporating new and innovative features.