Thorley Is Back
Doug Thorley, the man who started the performance header business, has opened a new custom header and muffler shop under the original name, Doug's Headers. Located in Anaheim, California, the shop specializes in custom-built headers and exhaust systems, modifications, repairs, and installations. For more information, contact: Doug and his crew, (714) 502-0286.
Governor Davis Appoints New Commissioner
Following the death of Eldon "Curly" Nobles, Governor Gray Davis has appointed Daphne Green to the California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission. Ms. Greene, of San Rafael, California, is the owner of TWENDE, an outdoor adventure consulting company, and is a senior driving instructor for Land Rover North America. In addition, she is a member of the League to Save Lake Tahoe, the Access Fund, the United Four Wheel Drive Association, and the Sierra Club.
Ms. Greene states that there is a delicate balance between OHV recreation management and resource management and she is committed to educating those within and outside the OHV community about the importance of this balance in order to preserve off-highway recreation in the years to come.
The Off-Highway Motor Vehicle
Recreation Commission is a California State Parks advisory board on off-highway issues that makes policies and approves grants for managing OHV recreation in California. Commissioners represent environmental protection organizations, the OHV community, biological scientists, rural landowners, law enforcement officials, and soil scientists. Members do not receive a salary and appointments do not require Senate confirmation.
GM To Build Flex-Fuel Fullsize Suvs
General Motors has announced its plans to begin building fullsize sport utility vehicles with flexible fuel capabilities. Beginning in the 2002 model year, all Chevrolet Suburbans and Tahoes and GMC Yukon XLs and Yukons equipped with the 5.3L V-8 will be able to run on varying blends of ethanol and gasoline - from 100 percent gas to a maximum of 85 percent ethanol (E85). The new Chevrolet Avalanche with the standard 5.3L V-8 will also have E85 capabilities beginning in the 2003 model year.
The fullsize sport utilities join the Chevy S-10 and GMC Sonoma small trucks, whose E85-compatible 2.2L four-cylinder engines went into production late in 1999. By current estimates, GM will have produced more than 1 million flex-fuel trucks by the end of the 2004 model year.
According to Thomas G. Stephens, GM vice president and group director of engineering, "E85 is a viable alternative to gasoline where it is available. It is a renewable fuel that can be produced from grain or agricultural waste, and that makes it very attractive."
GM's flex-fuel trucks offer the same warranty as its gasoline-powered models. Further, the E85 system will be offered to customers at no additional charge.
Coalitions Fight Sequoia Trail Closures
A number of national and state multiple-use coalitions are preparing to file an RS 2477 rights-of-way assertion on the Sequoia National Forest and certain lands proclaimed by the Clinton administration as a National Monument. This action is expected to protect some of the existing recreational Jeep travelways and OHV trails that have been targeted for closure.