OMG to conduct Terminology Services Information Day to explore terminology services (News-Medical-Net)

OMG(TM) today announced that a special event, Terminology Services Information Day, will be co-located with the OMG Technical Meeting in Long Beach, CA USA on December 8, 2009. For more information and to register for this special event, please visit http://www.omg.org/terminology-services-day.

Continued here:
OMG to conduct Terminology Services Information Day to explore terminology services (News-Medical-Net)

Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer’s Top Ten Things Lawyers Know Can Make a Pedestrian Accident More Probable

1. Pedestrians wearing headphones from a music player.

 

2. Heavy pedestrian traffic in a place like the Las Vegas Strip.

 

3. Frustrated drivers.

 

4. Pedestrians ignoring red lights and holding up traffic wanting to turn.

 

5. Long distances between crosswalks around entertainment facilities and busy restaurants.

 

6. Drinking holidays like Memorial Day.

 

7. Events with heavy alcohol sales, like concerts and sporting events.

 

8. Locations near high schools and high school age hangouts.

 

9. Shopping mall parking lots.

 

10. Shopping districts at Christmas time.

Here are ten actual tips of advice from a pedestrian accident lawyer to follow if you have been in an accident. You can also learn more about how to handle a personal injury in Fullerton, or any city, by calling the Law Offices of R. Sebastian Gibson at any of the numbers which can be found on our website at http://www.SebastianGibsonLaw.com  and learning how we can assist you.

 

Obviously, if you have had an accident, and you are reading all of this advice, it may have been a few hours since the accident. However, if you ever have another accident, or if it’s only been a few hours since you were hurt, here’s what you should do from the start.

 

First, take a look around and determine if you or anyone, are hurt. If so, taking steps like trying to prevent further injury or loss of blood are the most important thing you can do. Even if some other driver caused you to be injured, it’s just good manners to help the other driver if they are hurt. They may even be so thankful that they admit their fault to you. The worst thing you can do is get angry or start a fight.

 

Second, make sure everyone is safe from being injured further. If you are in the middle of traffic, and you are dizzy, sit down away from traffic. If your vehicle is a traffic hazard and you have accident warning devices like flares or triangles, put them out on the road to warn other drivers and get away from the car. Let the police an other emergency personnel investigate the scene with the vehicles in place and move them more safely at a later point.

 

Third, call the police. Accident reports are extremely helpful if the police will do such a report. Let the police know you are injured immediately. Answer the police questions honestly. But if you are dazed or confused, let them know you need medical treatment and answer only what you feel sure about. Remember, your statements can and will be used against you if you admit fault, and it will be too late and too fishy to later say you didn’t know what you were saying at the scene. Police know that your best recollection is immediately after an accident.

 

Fourth, get the other driver’s information including their names, addresses, driver’s license numbers, make and model of their vehicles, license plate numbers, and their insurance company name and policy number. If there are witnesses, get their names, addresses and telephone numbers as well. If the other driver makes any admissions of fault, write those down as well.

 

Fifth, if you have a camera on your cell phone or in the car and you aren’t too injured, take some photos of the vehicles and the scene. If you can’t do it right away, do it after you are released from the hospital.

Sixth, if you are hurt, obtain medical treatment. Don’t decline the ambulance or hospital examination to save your insurance company money or to be stoic. Take your valuables out of your car if you can and get checked out at the hospital. If you are not hurt, don’t get treatment you don’t need. However, remember, after an accident, you may feel a rush of adrenaline that causes you to only start feeling symptoms of pain a few hours later. If you have a health plan that requires you to obtain permission first, call them and find out where you are allowed to seek treatment.

 

Seventh, call a good pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as you have had your initial treatment, so the attorney can gather other important evidence and prevent the insurance company from taking advantage of you and obtaining such things as recorded statements that you feel fine, when many of your symptoms have yet to manifest themselves. A good pedestrian accident lawyer can save you from making a great deal of mistakes and can shoulder much of the hassle of knowing what to do about car repairs, car rentals, medical treatment, witness statements and the like. If you think you will save money by not having an attorney, think again. A good pedestrian accident lawyer can almost always obtain much higher settlements, obtain reductions of medical bills and insurance liens and prevent you from making costly mistakes. Also, most pedestrian accident attorneys advance costs of obtaining police reports, medical records and the like and are paid and reimbursed for these costs only out of any settlement.

 

Eight, you will need to report the accident to your insurance company, but since they will want to take a recorded statement from you, just like any other driver’s insurance company, it’s good advice to retain an attorney first. And if the other driver did not have insurance, remember that it is your own insurance company that will be your adversary. You will also need to report the accident to the Department of Motor Vehicles and your lawyer can give you the form for this.

 

Ninth, do not agree to settle your claim privately with the person at fault for the accident. This almost never works out to your advantage. Don’t agree not to call the police. Police reports that determine the fault for an accident are golden. Your agreement to not involve the police only affords an opportunity for the other driver to change his story and blame you when the police will no longer investigate the accident.

 

Tenth, don’t pay a traffic ticket without a fight if you weren’t at fault or agree to accept a small payment for your vehicle repairs without knowing that the amount will in fact cover the cost of all the repairs.

 

If you’ve had a pedestrian accident in Orange County, Newport Beach, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Santa Ana, Orange, Fullerton, costa Mesa, Westminster, Buena Park, Mission Viejo, Garden Grove, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Chino Hills, or anywhere in Southern California, we have the knowledge and resources to be your Fullerton Pedestrian Accident Lawyer and your Orange County Pedestrian Accident Attorney. Be sure to hire a California law firm with auto, motorcycle, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, car, bus, train, boat and airplane accident experience, wrongful death experience and insurance law expertise who can ensure you are properly represented and get the compensation you deserve.

 

If you have a personal injury legal matter, a dog bite or if you’ve lost a loved one in a wrongful death accident, call the Law Offices of R. Sebastian Gibson, or visit our website at http://www.SebastianGibsonLaw.com  and learn how we can assist you.

Mario Andretti – All Round Driver

Mario Andretti and his twin brother Aldo were born on February 28, 1940 in Montona, Isria that was then part of Italy. His father, Luigi, worked as a farm administrator. At the end of World War ll, Isria was separated from Italy and made part of Yugoslavia under the Treaty of Paris. So in 1948 Andretti’s family joined the Isrian exodus to a camp in Lucca, Italy. In 1955 they came to the United States of America and went to live in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Andretti’s interest in cars began at a very early age as he piloted his toy wooden cars along the streets of his hometown in Italy.

When the Andretti twins arrived in Nazareth, they found the town had a half-mile dirt-racing track so they started working in their uncle’s garage to earn money for a 1948 Hudson Hornet Sportsman stock car. They then started racing it on the tracks around Nazareth. This was kept secret from their parents until Aldo was injured. Mario won three races in 1963. Then in 1964 he entered the USAC sprint car and Indy car races. The following year he placed third in the Indianapolis 500 and won the Rookie of the Year Award. While some drivers choose to specialize in one or two types of racing, Andretti was extremely versatile competing in every type of race on every type of track.

Andretti won nine open wheel races in 1969 and in that same year won the Indy 500 and the season championship. Andretti started running Formula One in 1968. Then in 1971 he won the South African Grand Prix, his first Grand Prix win. He won the United States Grand Prix West at Long Beach in 1977, the only American to ever win it as of that time. Andretti returned to Indy Car racing 1982. Mario’s son, Michael followed in his footsteps and together they were the first father/son team to compete in IMSA GT and Champ Car racing. Andretti ran twenty-nine times in the Indy 500 but won only once.

Andretti also competed in endurance racing. He was a three time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring. He won the 24 Hours of Daytona once in 1972. He entered the 24 Hours of LeMans in four different decades for a total of nine competitions. His best finish was second place in 1995.

Andretti was named ‘Driver of the Year’ in the United States three times in three decades. On October 23, 2006 the Italian government awarded him the highest honor that can be given to a civilian, the Commendatore dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana in recognition of his career in racing, public service and devotion to his Italian heritage. He is the second person from automotive racing to receive this honor. The first was Enzo Ferrari.

Andretti married Dee Ann, his English teacher from 1961. They still live in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. Mario devotes his retirement to his various businesses and numerous speaking engagements. He also works as a test driver for Road & Track and Car and Driver magazines.

Create Your Own Luxurious Retreat With The Right Patio Furniture

Even if you are not able to take the time jet off to an exotic luxury holiday you can recreate your own tropical haven in the garden. With the right patio furniture and accessories you can relax in the luxury of a Caribbean island every time you step outside.

Do you see yourself lounging on a Caribbean beach every time you close your eyes? If the answer is “yes” you probably need a vacation. With the pressures of modern life it can however be rather difficult to get away, and organizing time off a busy schedule can sometimes be a real headache. Still with the right outdoor décor you can create the illusion of a luxurious tropical hideaway in your own backyard. All you need to create you very own exotic retreat is a luxurious design and planting scheme, with matching patio furniture and accessories to recreate the magic of proper vacation. With a bit of creativity you can have your own private Caribbean island, even if you have precious little spare time to indulge in its sanctuary.

Nowadays patio furniture sets come in all shapes and sizes, so you should be able to find just the right design and material to set out your deck in style. From classic lines to luxurious materials there is a set out there that is a testament to your taste in exotic travels and your love for the the finer things in life.

The luxury feel is not limited to the priciest items and sometimes a relatively cheap wicker set can be just the ticket to provide that touch of exotic, long-haul feel. It can be accessorized to great effect with vibrant soft furnishings like plump cushions, perfect for you to sink into for a moment of blissful relaxation. Weather resistant rugs can also successfully add style and warmth to your scheme. With a bit of creative flair you can bring out your taste for comfort and luxury to your outdoor entertaining area, yet still have a space that is easy to maintain and keep in shape. A water fountain is a great addition to further enhance the relaxing effect, and simple items such as wind chimes and candles will also go a long way in carrying the theme. If so inclined you can also look into building your very own tropical cabana where you can seek shelter from the sun’s harmful rays on hot afternoons.

By selecting luxurious patio furniture and taking great care with the finishing touches of your design you can have your very own tropical haven in the garden. You need not have the time to go on a proper vacation to reap the benefits from an exotic break!

Long Beach Teams up with Freedom Waterless Car Wash (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)

Long Beach City’s Police Department and Freedom Waterless Car Wash announce a partnership in a pilot program to clean their Black and White police vehicles spotless and shiny using NO WATER. On October 29th, 10am, Thursday, on the steps of Long Long Beach City Hall will be the formal unveiling and announcement of the Freedom Waterless Car Wash Pilot Program in partnership with Long Beach City …

Originally posted here:
Long Beach Teams up with Freedom Waterless Car Wash (PRWeb via Yahoo! News)

What Does a Personal Injury Attorney Do?

When you’ve been the victim of someone else’s carelessness, a personal injury attorney is your most valuable asset when it comes to obtaining the compensation and negotiating the settlement that you deserve. Time is of the essence when it comes to filing your personal injury claim, so it’s vital that you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the accident to ensure that you don’t forget any of the details surrounding the incident and, equally importantly, that you are well within your state’s statutory guidelines for filing a claim. (Most states allow you to take legal action for a year or two after the incident, but after that point declare that too much time has passed. Don’t let that happen to you!)

The first thing your attorney is going to do is meet with you to discuss the details of your case and determine whether or not it will be able to stand up in a court of law. An experienced personal injury attorney will have heard just about every story in the book when it comes to the events (and protestations of innocence) surrounding an accident, and they’ll be able to pick through the fine print and determine whether or not the parties responsible for the injury or death can be held liable by law for the accident. Because most personal injury attorneys work on contingency (which means that unless they manage to negotiate a settlement for you, they don’t get paid) they will be honest with you from the beginning about your chances of winning your case-they don’t want to waste hours of their time and yours when neither one of you will benefit.

From that point your personal injury attorney will walk you through the process of filing your claim. Unfortunately, it is the victim of the accident that must prove the guilt of the other party, and while ideally everyone would be willing to step up to the plate and take responsibility for their actions, the truth is that nine times out of ten they’re going to fight tooth and nail to protest their innocence. Your attorney will be able to help you document the evidence that they were, in fact, responsible, and they’ll file the papers through the court to get the legal wheels turning.

Most personal injury cases settle out of court, because let’s face it-no one wants the hassle or the bad publicity of a long, messy court battle. Your personal injury attorney will work together with the legal counsel of the responsible party to negotiate a settlement for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, embarrassment, rehabilitative therapy and other expenses that may have developed as a result of your injury or the wrongful death of a loved one and help you put your best foot forward and reclaim your future.

Condo Boom In Pattaya – An Excellent Long Term Investment

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations to live in. It is even better when you prefer to live in Pattaya, an incredible island destination, situated in the northern Gulf Coast of Thailand. The city of Pattaya is dotted with an amazing range of attractions covering superb beaches, picturesque landscapes, interesting museums and art galleries, beautiful parks and gardens, sumptuous as well as authentic seafood cuisines, and exciting nightlife.

The cost of living in Pattaya is exceptionally cheap when compared to other popular cities of the country, such as, Bangkok. Further, its great culture, salubrious climate, and presence of amicable Thai people all have made Pattaya truly a unique destination. Perhaps for these reasons, many people, especially westerns, choose Pattaya as their retirement destination, apart from a holiday destination. Many organizations function here exclusively for the welfare of expatriates, including, Expats Club of Pattaya, UK Club of Pattaya, and Pattaya Sports Club. Hence, it is no wonder why property market is booming in Pattaya.

A spectrum of properties is available in Pattaya. From affordable and stunning bungalows and villas to apartments and gated communities like flats, accommodation choices in Pattaya are vivid and colorful. However, with the flow of westerners as well as the increased demand for western style of accommodation, the demand for condos is greater than ever before. Many foreigners even prefer to acquire land and build houses as per their tastes and requirements.

However, expenses in connection with the building of single detached houses are quite high. Additionally, in order to own a land and build a house by a foreigner, certain legal tangles are associated with it. For instance, if you are a foreigner, you must require either a Thai spouse or a legitimate company to acquire a land in the region.

But, when comes to owning a condominium unit in Pattaya, the Thai government does not enforce any kind of precincts, except for some requirements to be complied with under the Condominium Act of 1979, including bringing in 100% of cash for the purchase of condominium unit in foreign currency and recording of it through a local Thai bank on a Foreign Exchange Transaction Form (FETF), which is regarded as an evidence to present it to the Land Department office.

Probably for this reason, nowadays both foreigners and natives prefer to own and stay in condominium units. Many of the upscale condo units in Pattaya are centered around such areas as Bang Saray and Tawanron beach, Jomtien beach, and Wong Amat beach.

On the basis of your lifestyle, budget, and preferences, different types of condo units are now available in Pattaya, from low cost condos to high end luxury condos. Condo units are also available depending upon the number of members in your family. You can choose from a range of condominiums in Pattaya, such as, apartment model, townhouse, and sometimes even in the form of a single detached structure.

No matter it is of any model, a condo unit in Pattaya comes complete with amenities such as superb bedrooms attached with relaxed beds, expansive living rooms, sophisticated kitchen, and bathing area with uninterrupted water supply. Some luxury condominium properties are replete with most modern facilities such as game rooms, laundry facilities, whirlpool spas and saunas, pools, meeting rooms, and parking areas.

A plethora of benefits can be derived from owning a condominium in Pattaya. Foremost is that condo living in Pattaya enables you to live in a well-controlled community. Another key benefit of living in condo is security, since many of the condo units are coupled with most sophisticated monitoring system. Low interior and exterior maintenance costs and access to superb facilities such as elevators and swimming pools are the other benefits of living in a condo unit.

In addition, buying a condominium in Pattaya is regarded as an excellent long term investment, guaranteeing good returns. But, the price of condominium units is exceptionally high in contrast to other accommodations options such as apartments and single houses.

With the introduction of the internet, purchasing or renting a condominium in Pattaya is no longer a tiresome process. Scores of realtors as well as real estate firms, property builders, and consultants, are now in the scenario to help in fetching your dream condo unit in Pattaya. Majority of them have their own websites, with details including expected price, amenities available and pictures of the condominium, it allows for convenient purchasing of a condominium. Further, many of them customize condo units according to your specifications.

Surfers Paradise Gold Coast: The best place for a Holiday

Surfers paradise Gold Coast is aptly called the jewel of Queensland; set in the heart of the gold coast the area is among the most popular tourist destinations of Australia. With the perfect blend of city and beach life the area has an impressive skyline that is surprisingly complemented by the vast expanse of beaches. It is a veritable paradise for sports enthusiasts with the turquoise blue water offering a host of opportunities to indulge yourself in surfing, jet skiing and fishing. It is safe to say that it is the tropical paradise of the southern hemisphere.

 

The area is eclectic, vibrant and on the move 24/ 7 bustling with throngs of tourist vying to experience everything that Surfers paradise Gold Coast has to offer. From its theme parks and family attractions to the abundant and spectacular shopping experience you will never run out of things to do in Surfers Paradise

 

Even if you simply stroll the streets of Surfers Paradise Gold Coast you will discover numerous jewels in the form of art galleries showcasing the works of local artists and alfresco dining restaurants. For those of you who don’t mind splurging on the luxuries of life the area has numerous shops where you can buy the latest from Gucci and Versace. Even if you are on a shoe string budget don’t fret because there are numerous bargain outlets in the area as well. And then there are the nighttime beachfront markets that you simply must visit.

 

Come nightfall you will not be able to stop yourself from entering one of the happening night spots and dancing to thumping beats and live music. Surfers Paradise gold coast epitomizes 24 hour non stop excitement. If you are in the area in October you cannot possibly miss the frenzy created by the Indy Races. The event attracts thousands of visitors to Surfers Paradise Gold coast to experience the sound of the screeching brakes and the smell of burning rubber as some of best drivers compete for the title.

 

And when you have had your fill of all the excitement you can retire to one of the many Surfers Paradise hotels. Don’t worry just like all other things in Surfers Paradise there are numerous options available to suit all tastes and budgets even when it comes to hotels.

 

If you are traveling with your family and kids the best one of the best Surfers Paradise hotels for you would be the Paradise Resort with its extensive entertainment facilities for the parents and the kids. But if you are looking for luxury Surfers Paradise hotels you cant go wrong with the Crown Towers Resort, the amenities offered are simply stunning from its very own pirate ship to the huge lagoon styled pool and from the world class gymnasium to the restaurants in atrium setting; the place has them all.

 

Other Surfers Paradise hotels include the Break Free Morocoon for a luxurious Holiday experience, the Break Free Long Beach located at the heart of the Caville Ave Shopping and Dining Precinct and the famed Q1 Resort and Spa with its breathtaking high rise luxury.

 

Since most Surfers Paradise Hotels are located at the beach you just have to get out of the hotel and walk onto the sand to enjoy the surf and the sun.

Los Angeles , Ontario And Anaheim City Attractions In California State

California State is the most popular state in the United State of America. This come the third position in USA as populations and largest area. This is the attractive destinations where many people visit to their beautiful places in it. Some of attractiveness is Disneyland, Hollywood and beaches at southern California. And Golden Gate Bridge, hills, parks, attractive valleys and ice covered area at northern area of California. At these places many activities are take places like skating, hiking, camping and lots of more. In California most attractive cities like San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Anaheim and Ontario these are cities to visit. In these above cities have their own attractions with adventure and activities.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is bigger city in United State of California. This county contains many attractions like mountains, valleys, forest and beautiful ocean. This one is the second largest in populations and many cultures and over hundred language are appear their. Los Angeles International, Long Beach Airport, Bob Hope (Burbank) Airport and Orange County/John Wayne Airport are airport to visit in it. Other sources are buses, trains are used to visit form nearer Los Angeles city. In the city massive sprawl and dysfunctional public transportation are provide to visit this in the city from attractive places.

The larger tourist attractions are Hollywood Boulevard, The Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Hollywood/Highland and The Wax Museum.

Mulholland Drive is famous driving put more adventure in the trip. Museums The Getty Center, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, Page Museum at La Brea Discoveries and Japanese American National Museum. Parks Griffith Park, Exposition Park and Six Flags Magic Mountain to get entertainment of see wildlife, nature and many more.

Cemetery Screenings and Esotouric Bus Adventures are also so entertaining Dodger Stadium, Staples Center and Home Depot Center are the sports places.

In Los Angeles there are many shopping malls and other attractions to get enjoyment of shopping there. And lodging facilities are hotels and inn at effective rates to suite your pocket. Restaurants that win you heart taste delicious foods of different kinds. Nightlife is so glamorous that can never easily for get it. Los Angeles destinations make journey so excited.

Anaheim

Anaheim city name of fame and attractiveness is Orange County in United State of California. Disneyland and National Hockey League, Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles are the fame of Anaheim City.  John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana are near one airport in the Anaheim city. Amtrak and Metrolink , Disneyland on Metro bus are other convenient to visit this city. Orange County Transit Authority that provide to visit in downtown and get the attractions of the different places.

Some of the attractions of city are Disneyland, California Adventure and Crystal Cathedral. Disneyland is the main attractions of the city. California adventure is newly open in Disneyland and increase attractions of the city.

Dave & Busters and AMC Theaters are places to get entertainment. Near to that shop, restaurants are available there for shopping entertainment. Angel Stadium where get the sport facilities are available there. Anaheim Ducks play at Honda Center are get the adventure of the ice skating and many more. And other place near to Disneyland is The Garden Walk and contains numbers of shops and eating places there. La Brea Bakery Café, Shabu Shabu and Outback Steakhouse also famous places near to Disneyland eating places.

There are numbers of the lodging places like Alpine Inn, Americas Best Value Inn & Suites, and Anaheim Courtyard by Marriott, Comfort Inn & Suites Anaheim, Hotel Pepper Tree and other hotels. They provide the discounted lodging facilities with more attractions. The nightlife of city is so interesting with full of charming and adventure which make it attractions of the city. Really Anaheim city why not take the visit to this city.

Ontario

Ontario City which is one of attractive and adventurous places and mostly visitors visit this one in every year. This beautiful county is in the San Bernardino County in United State of California. LA/Ontario International Airport is the famous and near airport. In this many airlines like Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines and Aeromexico are visit there. Other ways to visit it are cars, buses and other public transportation resources available there. Train also the best and cheap and light transportation medium to visit.

In city many car rental exist there and provide to visit in different attractive places in Ontario. From airport large numbers of car rentals available there.

Museum of History and Art places where large collections of art and other attractive thing. People to enjoyment of the old thing and get many histories about the things.

Ontario Mills and Chino Town Square are the recreational places to get the adventure and put the journey in between the attractions.

Ontario Mills Mall this is one of biggest shopping malls. And single-story malls at the West Coast is abundant are also generate the shopping adventure.

There are many places to for staying there like Best Western Country Inn, Best Western Innsuites Hotel & Suites Ontario, California Inn, Holiday Inn Ontario ,Holiday Inn Express Rancho Cucamonga  and many more at very effective rates of hotels and inns available there.

Many restaurants and nightclub are also there for entertaining. And provide the adventurous environment to lose in the life enjoyment. Ontario City is city to make more fun and put into the glamour world. Destinations really make your trip so interesting with more adventure.

Acura’s Big Move Into Motorsports’ Competition

It was only last year that Acura celebrated its 20th birthday. It seems like only yesterday when Acura has brought the world its sporty Integra two-and four-door compact coupe and sedan together with its V6 powered legend four-door midsized sedan. And from then on Acura, Honda’s upscale brand has turned into a major key player in the US automotive market.

Acuras have also emerged as a power on the sports racing department. Motorsports aficionados have been following Acuras in the racing circuits while privateers have been campaigning Integras, RSXs, and NSXs to racing championships for many years now. Despite the fact that Acura has grown into a profitable brand it has preferred to leave factory backed efforts to Honda, the largest engine maker in the world.

Acura has expanded its reach and have started hitting the shores of China last year. And for 2008, Honda will officially introduce the Acura brand in the Japanese market. At present Acuras are sold under the Honda badge in Japan. The main purpose of such move is to market the Acura brand as an international brand and it can also be concluded that this move is born out from the natural desire for competition similar to when Acura decide to join the big-time motorsports competition.

Currently the automaker is officially supporting three LMP2 class cars for this year’s American Le Mans Series (ALMS) campaign and will be supplying the chassis work for two of them. The opening of the ALMS at the 12 Hours of Sebring has proven a fruitful one for Honda with the Acura Andretti Racing team scoring a class win and placing second overall behind Audi’s super powerful LMP1 car. The two other Acura powered teams namely the Fernandez Racing and Highcroft Racing also did well , and has garnered second and fourth in the LMP2 class, respectively.

All of Acura’s ALMS efforts were formulated at the Honda Performance Development (HPD) center in Santa Clarita, California which is approximately 60 miles away from Long Beach. The HPD was founded in 1993 and since then been utilized as an instrument in the development of Honda’s Champ Car and IRL teams. It employs some 120 engineers, technicians, and mechanics.

The HPD facility is also where vital components that the ALMS teams will use such as Acura RSX performance parts are developed. The facility is equipped with five dynos which include a transmission dyno that are utilized for the development of electronic systems such as traction control. Unlike any automotive facility the HPD possess environmentally friendly features like for instance the byproduct of electric dynos is ice which is then used to cool the building and the machineries inside the facility. Catalytic converters are also used on all gasoline powered equipment to keep emissions as low as possible.

Fernandez who is a longtime Honda partner will be lending a hand in helping the HPD massage the gas-powered 3.4 liter V8 that powers all three cars and is presently using a Lola chassis to remove the Acura underpinnings as a variable. The engine revs up somewhere 550 horsepower—this is not the official figure since the team preferred to keep a secret.

Roger Griffiths, HPD Technical Group Leader said, “There are two things I always say I don’t discuss. How much horsepower we have and how much money it cost us.” Despite how hard the team tries to keep it as a secret but its obvious how the Griffiths and company are particularly proud of the engine which is the first to be ever created by HPD.

The Acura LMP2 car is a real screamer and mind you it’s really loud. Fortunately the ALMS governing body makes sure that the engine will not exceed 113 decibels at any given time. The Acura engine runs somewhere between 116-117 decibels which is quite close to what a jet produces at around 120, this particular trait of the Acura engine can help you to distinguish it even when you’re not looking.

The Highcroft Racing which is a new team is concentrating in updating and improving the Acura ARX 01 A chassis which started life as a Courage. However not everything the is Courage was removed or changed, there were also some parts that remained like the tub, crashbox, and the gearbox—all the rest have been re-engineered by the HPD team.

Andretti team which was the most established team among the three will obtain the benefits of the engine as well as the improvements done on the chassis in order to produce the most powerful Acura car ever developed. Highcroft driver David Brabham said, “We’ve got a good car and a good group of drivers, so I think we have a really strong package early in the season.”

At Long Beach the Highcroft team was able to snap a fourth place which was the best Acura result of the weekend. On the other hand the Andretti Racing after taking the top qualifying position has finished sixth and this is attributed to the faulty pit strategy that the team employed. The Fernandez Racing team grab seventh place.

« Previous Page — Next Page »