SVRA Celebrates the 10-Year Anniversary of Tony Parella at The Helm

SOUTHLAKE, Texas (September 8, 2022) – SpeedTour returns to Watkins Glen International for an action-packed weekend with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli and International GT. However, the excitement surrounding the weekend goes beyond the 400-plus cars that are expected to participate in the festivities, and extends to a special anniversary being celebrated by SVRA and the series’ CEO and President, Tony Parella.

Exactly 10 years ago today, on September 8, 2012, Parella signed the paperwork to purchase SVRA and begin his business venture in motorsports. Since then, Parella has taken sole ownership of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, and added the exclusive financial rights for the U.S. market to Formula Regional Americas Championship Powered by Honda, Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda and SCCA Pro Racing to his portfolio.

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I feel like we’re just getting started,” said Parella.

A racer first and foremost, Parella’s passion for the sport is what drew him to become involved on a business level. After starting to race with SVRA in 2011, Parella was moved to act when he got to race on the same track where he attended his first racing event as a child—Watkins Glen International.

“Watkins Glen is where I attended my first race as a kid,” Parella continued. “I saw the Trans Am Series race here in 1969; I was 10 years old. The first time I got to race at The Glen was June 2011, and I found myself emotional being on the race track where my father took me so many years earlier. That experience made me realize the potential that SVRA had in racing at these tracks. I met with the owner at the time, Peter McLaughlin, and we worked out a deal.”

When Parella took ownership of SVRA in 2012, the series raced at three tracks—Watkins Glen International, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Sebring International Raceway.

In 2023, the series is slated to compete at 22 tracks across the country. Meanwhile, Parella Motorsports Holdings—SVRA’s parent company—will be involved in 25 events nationwide with its various race series.

“Ten years later, and I still feel like we’re just getting started—there’s endless potential and possibility. The best is yet to come,” Parella said with a smile.

SVRA joins the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli and International GT for the Watkins Glen SpeedTour this weekend at Watkins Glen International. Spectator gates are open Thursday through Sunday, September 8-11, with tickets available at TheGlen.com. Several of Saturday and Sunday’s races will also be available for streaming on SpeedTour TV’s YouTube Channel (YouTube.com/SpeedTourTV).

About SpeedTour: SpeedTour hosts motorsports festivals encompassing America’s top road racing series at the most prestigious race tracks across the country. Competition ranges from the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli (Trans Am), Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA), Formula Regional Americas powered by Honda (FR Americas), Formula 4 United States Championship powered by Honda (F4 U.S.), to International GT (IGT) and more. Trans Am, FR Americas and F4 U.S. are all sanctioned by SCCA Pro Racing, which is also related to the SpeedTour through a long-term agreement to the commercial rights to brand and operate SCCA Pro Racing. With 21 events on the 2022 schedule, SpeedTour will exceed 5,500 entries. Between racing, concerts and car shows, SpeedTour events often attract more than 25,000 spectators. Additional marketing and promotional opportunities for the SpeedTour are available through SpeedTour Quarterly, a quarterly magazine delivered in both print and digital formats and SpeedTour TV, a live streaming platform. Several marquee SpeedTour events will be live streamed at SpeedTour.TV.

Flatbed trucks are designed to haul large, heavy equipment such as tractors, construction equipment, and farm machinery. These vehicles are also referred to as combination trucks or simply a flatbed. The term “flat” refers to the vehicle’s appearance rather than the actual weight of its load. 

Flatbed trucking is a niche but growing segment of the trucking industry that provides opportunities for those who have an aptitude for heavy lifting and driving. 

Flatbed drivers generally earn a higher hourly wage, have less job security, and face more physical hardship than other drivers, but they also enjoy better benefits, including health insurance coverage and 401(k) retirement plans. 

Flatbed drivers may feel isolated from others in their profession because of the differences between the trucking industry and other industries that require frequent interaction with customers.

What is Flatbed Trucking And How Does it Work?

The vehicles can often be recognized by their large, flat beds that allow the cargo to be loaded from either side. The biggest difference between a standard trucker’s job and a flatbed driver’s job is the type of loads that are delivered. 

Because these trucks carry heavier loads, the driver usually doesn’t deliver goods on a regular basis. In order to avoid excess wear and tear on the engine, most flatbed drivers follow routes with little or no traffic so they don’t need to stop as often. 

This saves fuel consumption as well as money spent on gas. Flatbed drivers work primarily in dry freight (trucking materials without liquid cargo).

Because of this and the heavier loads to carry, it’s obviously important to hire a trusted flatbed trucking service like Nationwide United Auto Transport for your auto transportation needs.

Flatbed trucking requires a unique skill set that includes securing loads properly to ensure safety during transit. One area of interest within this field is non CDL hotshot trucking, which involves transporting smaller, time-sensitive loads without the need for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Despite the lower barrier to entry, non CDL hotshot drivers must still adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards to avoid fines and ensure reliable delivery of their cargo.

How Flatbed Trucks are Different From Other Types of Trucks

Flatbed trucks are designed for hauling large and heavy loads. They have a different design from other types of trucks, so they tend to be more expensive. 

Flatbed trucking is an industry that bridges the gap between small and large trucking companies. 

It offers opportunities for those who want to work in a niche with limited competition and pay better wages than other truckers, but it also offers less security, fewer benefits and a higher risk of injury or death.

Flatbed Trucking Advantages for Auto Transport

1) Flatbed truckers have a high hourly wage. 

2) They have less job security and face more physical hardship than other drivers. 

3) They enjoy better benefits, including health insurance coverage and 401(k) retirement plans. 

4) They are less isolated from others in their profession because of the differences between the trucking industry and other industries that require frequent interaction with customers.

Flatbed Trucking Disadvantages for Auto Transport 

The high rate of success for flatbed drivers has led to a lot of demand for these types of vehicles. There are fewer available flatbed truck driving positions than there are applicants. 

In order to meet the demand, trucking companies will pay higher rates for flatbed operators which can be very expensive in terms of fuel costs, maintenance, and labor needs. 

This makes it difficult for smaller companies to compete with larger ones who have the resources needed to fund these types of operations. Companies may have to compromise on their product quality or service levels when they cannot afford flatbed trucks because they are too expensive.

Toyota is a famous and popular car line in the Philippines. The company always develops and upgrades vehicle lines to lead the market. This article will introduce seven famous Toyota cars in the Philippines at different prices. Let’s find out together.

Toyota Cars In The Philippines

Toyota 4Runner

As a car that is not appreciated for its appearance, the Toyota 4Runner has an outdated appearance. However, there are still quite a few people looking for the car because of its good engine and ability to move on many terrains.

The car has a 270-hp 4.0-liter V-6 engine with a five-speed transmission. The car is equipped with an 8-inch screen and a modern 15-speaker system. The car is suitable for those who do not care about appearance.

Toyota Rush

The Toyota Rush is one of Toyota’s most popular SUVs. With prices from Php 1,012,000 to Php 1,176,000 this is an affordable car. The car is appreciated for its appearance and safety. The vehicle has six airbags and received a 5-star rating from ASEAN NCAP standards.

This is a fairly large car with a dimension of 4,435 x 1,695 x 1,705 mm. Toyota Rush has a sporty and flashy appearance, suitable for young people. The car is also suitable for families with spacious spaces.

Toyota Corolla Cross

Toyota Corolla Cross stands out for its high technology, priced at Php 1,014,000 – Php 1,610,000. This is one of the most attractively designed sedans.

The car has a grille located around the headlight cluster. The car’s roof is lower than other cars on the market, making it more prominent.

Inside, the Corolla Cross is spacious, bringing comfort to users. The steering wheel and seats are covered with leather for a luxurious feel. The car also has an entertainment screen in the middle, displaying important parameters for the driver’s convenience.

Toyota Innova

Toyota Innova’s price ranges from Php 1,186,000 to Php 1,739,000, depending on the model of the car. It is an eight-seater MUV. 

Vehicles are equipped with LED lights combined with halogen lamps with good efficiency. The wheels have a diameter of 17 inches combined with 205/65/R16 tires.

The car’s interior has not changed much, almost the same as the previous version. The dashboard is highlighted with eye-catching metal details.

The car has a 7-inch screen with USB, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker system. Depending on the car model, you may have fewer speakers, but they are still enough to keep the user entertained.

Toyota Fortuner

This is a seven-seat and five-door SUV with a price range from Php 1,633,000 to Php 2,450,000.

The interior of the car has a luxurious dark black color. The steering wheel is made of wood and leather combined with control buttons to help the driver not be distracted.

The car has a square and modern shape, bringing a strong feeling. The car has a convenient 360 camera for the driver to reverse the car. Toyota Fortuner 11 speaker system to entertain users.

Toyota Highlander

Priced at Php 1,858,820 – Php 2,563,400, The Toyota Highlander is quite pricey. The car has a luxurious, high-class look. They are suitable for those with a large budget who want to find a car worth the money.

The car is large, with a height of 1,729 mm, a width of 1,930 mm, and a length of 4,950 mm. The disadvantage of the car is that it will be difficult to move during rush hours and park in tight places.

The inside of the car is spacious, so it is suitable for families. However, the thỉd row of seats is smaller than the upper two rows, making the occupants uncomfortable

Toyota Tundra

Toyota Tundra is a truck famous for its aggressive design, as strong as a predator. This is a 5-seater SUV for Php 4,500,000.

The car is equipped with a lot of technology, ensuring safety. Vehicles with automatic high beams and blind spot monitoring. Automatic emergency braking and forward collision detection keep you safe when in danger.

The inside of the car is very spacious. Toyota Tundra has an 8-inch screen and dashboard. This screen will display the vehicle’s speed and other data for your convenience.

Conclusion

The article introduced about seven famous Toyota cars in the Philippines. Each vehicle has its strengths and attractions. You can choose a car based on your preference and price. Hopefully, through this article, you can choose your favorite Toyota car.

Keeping your vehicle in the best condition possible is essential if you want to get the most years of use out of it as possible and avoid any mishaps on the road. While any car can malfunction and suffer a breakdown, you increase your risk of this happening to yours when you don’t take good care of it. During the winter, this can be even more difficult as there will be even more checks to make on your vehicle, and there are a few more risk factors when driving. Here are some important steps to take when looking after your car during the winter.

Keep Your Car Clean
Many people think about washing their car during the warm months when the roads aren’t muddy, and you can appreciate your car’s appearance much more with the sun beaming down on it. However, the reason you should clean your car isn’t purely for aesthetic reasons. You might want to avoid throwing water all over your car in the cold, partly because you’re worried it will just make it frosty, and being outside in the cold will be unpleasant for you. But it’s important to take care of your car this way, as it will help prevent rust and excessive ice build-up if done properly. This includes a full wash of your car to remove dirt and grime and to finish up with waxing your car. This is a hydrophobic substance that will help to repel water, ice, and dirt for longer.

Regularly Check Your Oil
There are a few different types of oil that you can choose for your car, but it’s important to consult your car’s manual before making this decision. Certain engines will struggle to perform properly with certain types of oil, which the weather can also impact. Cold weather will naturally cause oils to become thicker and more viscous. The thicker the oil, the more chance you have of your engine simply not starting. The thinner the oil, which depends on the type of oil and if the weather is warm, the more chance you have of your engine not being properly lubricated, resulting in the materials inside the engine wearing down faster over time. It’s important then to check your oil often during the cold months to ensure that it is consistently and regularly topped up when needed to keep your engine in good condition.

Optimize Windshield Wipers
Visibility can be hampered much more quickly during the winter months compared to the summertime. While you can still experience things like fog and rain during the summer, the winter brings the constant threat of snow flurries, hail, and frost. Combine that with the longer hours of darkness we experience, and it’s fair to say that visibility should be a top concern when driving at this time of the year. This is why it’s crucial to ensure that your windshield wipers are in good condition and that you’re also using the right solution of wiper fluid for your environment. Certain fluids just won’t cut through the ice and snow like a quality de-icer winter fluid, so make sure you research to find the right thing for your car.

Get Your Car Serviced
Unless you’re experienced in maintaining and fixing cars, you’ll want to strongly consider taking your car in for a service at an auto repair shop like Paul Campanella’s Auto & Tire Center. An auto repair shop will be able to assess your vehicle, preferably before the extreme weather rolls in, to decide whether or not your car is up to scratch to handle the colder months. They can check everything, including your engine, tires, brakes, transmission, and wheel alignment, and even do an oil change for you. While a full service like this will be able to identify any potential issues you can have remedied, it’ll also provide you with some peace of mind when driving out and about in bad weather.

Use Winter Tires In Heavy Snow
One such part of your vehicle that can struggle with the cold is your tires. When driving in the cold, it’s not uncommon for ice to form on the roads, whether it’s frozen rainwater or compacted ice underneath the snow. Many drivers will have specialized tires to deal with this in areas where this is a common occurrence. These tires will be much thicker, harder, and heavier, with deeper treads than normal road tires. Some can even be inlaid with metal studs to improve grip. You can also add things like tire chains, which fit over the surface of your wheels and act as a temporary improvement to your grips as the hard metal chains dig into the ice, assisted by the weight of the vehicle itself.

Charge Your Battery
Another thing to consider is to keep an eye on your battery. The cold air can sap the life out of a car battery, and you might only find this out when it’s too late. Attempting to start your car when you’re leaving for work in the morning, only to find that nothing happens when you turn the ignition, is very frustrating. A battery can die in any type of weather, but when temperatures fall to around 32°F, the capacity of your car battery can drop by around 20%. Always ensure that your batteries are charged, and consider keeping a spare or two with you at all times, as well as a heated battery blanket to revitalize those that may have succumbed to the grip of winter. 

Pack An Emergency Kit
Our final suggestion is less related to taking care of your car and more about taking care of yourself and your passengers during the winter. As we said before, even the best-maintained car can run into problems, especially in the cold. Break downs occur whether you’re driving a brand new Ford Ranger or an old Volkswagen Golf. It’s absolutely essential then to pack an emergency winter car survival kit and a repair kit, especially if you’re going to be driving around far away from civilization. This kit should include everything you might need to stay safe and comfortable while waiting for assistance, including warm clothing, blankets, first aid, bottled water, and even road flares. You’ll also want some tools that could help you repair your car yourself or things like a snow shovel to dig your way out of a snow drift you may have gotten stuck in.