Matt M. Myftiu
Matt Myftiu has been a journalist for two decades with a focus on technology, NASCAR and autos.
TRANSCRIPT: Martin Truex Jr. addresses media at Michigan International Speedway
MARTIN TRUEX JR., No. 78 Furniture Row Toyota Camry, Furniture Row Racing
Q: What did you learn from the test session at Michigan International Speedway about the new package?
“It was a short test because of rain, but we did learn a few things. I think the biggest thing was just off-throttle time was more and middle of the corner speed was slower and straightaway speed was a little faster. Just more in the same direction we went from last year’s package to what we’re racing now. Definitely another step in a direction we’re all looking for so should be a lot of fun. I think everybody is really excited and optimistic about the weekend to see what it’s all about and learn about the new package and try to figure it out. Hopefully the racing will be what we hope and it should be a lot of fun.”
Q: Are the rules changes moving in a direction you enjoy and that fits your driving style?
“Yeah, I mean, I enjoy driving the cars more this year with them just being on top of the track more – just sliding around more. Guys are – we’re having to work a little bit harder in the car and it’s been a lot of fun, so been able to race at most tracks a little bit easier behind cars, get up closer to guys and this year is the first time in a few years we’ve been able to kind of get up behind somebody – get close enough to make them loose like you used to do in the old days. It’s been good. I think the racing has been great. We obviously still have some challenges at certain tracks and you’re always going to have that just based on tracks all being different, but pleased with what we’ve seen so far this year I feel like. Hopefully again like you said this will be another step in that direction and hopefully be a lot of fun for everyone.”
2016 Mazda CX-9 gets lighter, more attractive, and more efficient
Mazda’s powers-that-be must be big Monty Python fans, because the first thought in my head when I saw and drove the new 2016 Mazda CX-9 three-row SUV was “And now for something completely different … “
Often new model years bring little to no change to a vehicle, but this is the polar opposite. I remember driving the 2015 CX-9 and not being very impressed with the performance vs. other three-row SUVs, but the 2016 model invites much warmer feelings. I recently drove a 2016 CX-9 and here are the key takeaways I have from my week in the car.
Redesigned 2016 Chevy Camaro is a visual stunner, joy to drive
Few car makes can stand alone as one name, and instantly be recognized by nearly everyone: “Camaro” is one of those that can, with the muscle car having been part of the collective American consciousness for fifty years -- let’s just call it what it is, an icon.
I recently spent some time in a 2016 Camaro, and here are some key things you need to know about this Michigan-made hot rod.
2017 Kia Sportage: An actual fun-to-drive crossover
Kia, the South Korean automaker that was initially scoffed at by car buyers, has had an incredible couple of decades, with constant growth throughout and a march toward respectability. I recently tested out one of their latest offerings, the 2017 Kia Sportage, and I’m back with a rundown of the key things you need to know about this crossover offering from the upstart automaker.
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It is, in fact, sporty:
Many vehicles that label themselves as SUVs (sport utility vehicles) are anything but sporty. But thankfully that wasn’t the case here, as the 2017 Sportage is quite impressive in this regard. To be frank (and subliminally quote Shania Twain), most crossovers of this size don’t impress me much with how they perform. But this is one of the few exceptions to that rule in the class.
2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription offers understated luxury, extreme safety
As luxury cars go, you don’t see the name Volvo in the news much. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Acura, Audi, Infiniti, Cadillac, Lincoln, Jaguar/Land Rover and Porsche, along with newcomer Tesla, steal most of the headlines.
But while the Swedish brand (now Chinese-owned) isn’t as ubiquitous, a ride in a Volvo will tell you that it’s a shame more people aren’t aware of the brand.
I recently tested a 2016 Volvo S60 T5 Inscription, and I’m back with a full report on a very
positive experience behind the wheel.
And FYI, if I never even mentioned to you that this vehicle was actually “Made in China”, a label which makes some people wary based on the connotation of that phrase, you would never know, as it maintains the Swedish automaker’s heritage impressively.
NASCAR Announces 2017 Cup, Xfinity, Truck series schedules
NASCAR has announced the 2017 schedules for its three national series, giving fans and stakeholders a significant head start in planning for next season’s thrilling slate.
A credit to unprecedented industry collaboration, specifically the five-year sanctioning agreement between NASCAR and its tracks, the sanctioning body finalized its 2017 schedules months ahead of previous years’ release.
The result: Three unique schedules featuring race tracks that have hosted record-setting races already this season, with the majority of the slate still remaining.
NASCAR returns to MIS on Father’s Day in 2017
NASCAR is back on Father’s Day at Michigan International Speedway in 2017.
NASCAR has released its 2017 schedule, and NASCAR’s fastest track will once again host two action-filled weekends of NASCAR racing in 2017: June 16-18 and Aug. 11-13.
The first of the track’s two traditional NASCAR weekends is June 16-18 with the Corrigan Oil 200 ARCA Racing Series on June 16; NASCAR XFINITY Series Menards 250 presented by Valvoline on June 17; and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 is on Father’s Day on June 18.
The Sprint Cup Series will wind up its summertime stint at MIS, and be back again on August 13 with the Pure Michigan 400. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Careers for Veterans 200 presented by The Cooper Standard Foundation & Brad Keselowski’s Checkered Flag Foundation is onAugust 12.
"Back to the Future"-inspired Toyota Tacoma comes to Comic Con
Last October, the world celebrated the 30th anniversary of the beloved “Back to the Future” movie franchise. Toyota joined in the fun by unveiling a re-imagined version of Marty McFly’s dream truck, in the form of a new Toyota Tacoma, adorned in vintage aftermarket accessories.
This movie-inspired Tacoma will appear at Motor City Comic Con, May 13-15, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. The “Back to the Future” theme will be bolstered by the scheduled appearance of actress Lea Thompson, who played various incarnations of Lorraine McFly in all of the franchise’s films.
Wood Brothers return to Dover for first time since 2008
Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing and Wood Brothers Racing return to the AAA 400 Drive for Autism at Dover International Speedway for the first time since 2008, riding a bit of a hot streak after a ninth-place effort in Talladega and a fifth-place showing in Kansas.
The back-to-back top-10 finishes put rookie driver Ryan Blaney in 16th place in the points standings and back in the hunt for the 2016 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. He also tightened the gap to 22 points between himself and Sunoco NASCAR Rookie of the Year leader Chase Elliott.
Michigan Speedway offers tours, chance to drive on track
Fans have the opportunity to drive the high banks on the two-mile oval at Michigan International Speedway in 2016 and they can take a behind the scenes tour of the entire facility. In 2016, guests can experience both on the same day as the speedway will host track laps and track tours together on the following days:
-- May 26
-- June 16
-- July 12
-- August 11
-- September 15
Track laps at MIS return in 2016 where fans will have the chance to drive on the two-mile racetrack. Laps will take place from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Guests who wish to do both the track laps and track tours will be slotted to drive the track from 12:30 – 1 p.m. This will allow you to be ready for the Track Tour at 1:30 p.m.
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