Mobil 1 World Import Challenge - Initial Timing

We're Here To Archive!A few things need to be addressed, so I'm taking this time to talk about an event that will be unlike any other event that has occurred in the past. Of course, I'm talking about the Mobil 1 World Import Challenge, which will be held at Houston Raceway Park in Houston, Texas from June 8th to the 10th. Primedia's very own Sport Compact Car and Turbo & High-Tech Performance will be presenting the event that features the Import Tuner Auto Show Spectacular 2001. The promoters promise a guaranteed total payout of more than $100,000. And you will get paid on Sunday if you place in the top three in any of the designated heads-up and bracket classes. Theoretically, you could walk away with $20,000 by sundown if you can take the Pro-Import class and record the quickest e.t. for the weekend.

Besides backing the head-to-head combat between some of the world's top import racers, Import Tuner will be sponsoring the car show, which should keep everyone busy the entire weekend. Whether you're into VHT-burning, high-revving front- and rear-drives or out-of-this-world show cars, you won't be disappointed.

Now that I got that out of the way, it's time to reflect on a very disappointing incident. A very good friend of mine got her '95 Honda Civic Si hatchback stolen. First and foremost, that sucks...kids. Come on now, that shit's wrong; that kind of nonsense can get you in way over your head.

The reason I'm bringing up this topic is because it just so happens that this particular Civic has been put through its paces by both Import Tuner and Turbo magazines for product evaluation and testing. In fact, APEXi borrowed the Civic in order to prototype its Mega Dunk exhaust system for the U.S. version '92-'95 Civic Si.

During the middle of the night, some thug or thugs decided to steal and destroy my friend's work of art. The police department recovered the car the very next day. The thieves took the 17-inch wheels, hood, speakers, CD player, shift knob, three-piece wing, head lights, taillights, air filter, strut tower bar and even the rear hatch window shocks. They also unbolted the header and motor mounts but didn't have enough time to remove it; the Civic was recovered quickly somewhere in California, sitting on a spare and three steel wheels. Luckily, Body Pros, which has worked its magic on many aftermarket manufacturer vehicles and show cars in the import world and beyond, is taking care of bringing the Civic back to life. Of course, the insurance company is also lending a helping hand.

OK, you tell me kids; is it really worth jail time for stealing a car and only taking around $4,000 worth of stuff off it? I don't think so, because freedom is worth a lot more than $4,000. Furthermore, why do you have to go around disrespecting people like that? Remember, karma is a mutha-f*cker and will hit you when you least expect it-so watch it. Peace out.

Editor's Note:If you are going to attend the May 26th Hot Import Nights event held at the Long Beach, Calif. Convention Center, do not forget to stop by the McMullen Argus Publishing, Inc. booth. This month's cover girl, Cherie Roberts, will be making a guest appearance to meet, greet and sign magazines.

Subscriber Inquirestoll-free US/Canada 800/875-9414int'l ph. number 850/683-9815e-mail address importtuner@neodata.com