Would You Like a GPS with Your CB Radio?
Cobra Electronics has purchased Lowrance Electronics, which manufactures the Eagle and Lowrance lines of GPS receivers and was the first GPS manufacturer to cater to the off-roading community with its Accu-Trail receiver/plotter. GPS Notes reported in the Sept. 2000 issue that the previously announced acquisition of Lowrance by Orbital Sciences (Magellan GPS receivers) had collapsed.
If you own a CB radio, the chances are very good that it's made by Cobra. Owners of Lowrance units now have a much stronger company to support its products. Lowrance should have access to new capital, as well, which will allow for a modernization of its product line.
Truckin' Nationals locks in Three-Year Agreement
A three-year co-promotion deal was struck to host the Gr8Ride Truckin' Nationals and Hot Bike Jamboree, the preeminent truck and motorcycle show in the country, between Phoenix's Firebird International Raceway and McMullen Argus Publications. If you were wondering, that's us, along with the likes of OFF-ROAD, Today's SUV, Classic Trucks, Mini Truckin', and, of course, and Hot Bike. This also marks the second year of Gr8Ride as the title sponsor.
The 2001 event, being held October 13-14, will offer a wide range of activities and events, including show 'n' shines for both trucks and bikes, drag racing, toughest 4x4 championship, off-road rides and drives, monster trucks, a beauty contest, live bands, and more than 100 vendors and displays. For more information about this year's event, visit the Gr8Ride Web site at www.Gr8Ride.com.
Paris-Dakar 2001
The first race event of the new millennium kicked off before dawn on New Year's Day in Paris at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. It began in the dark, in the rain, and wound its way through France and Spain, and on to Africa through Morocco, Mauritania, and Mali, finishing in sun-drenched Senegal. The three vehicle categories - Motorcycles, Cars (SUVs), and Trucks (heavy-duty diesels) - raced on highways and racetracks, through vineyards, in the desert, and on the beach, with the Car class providing the most exciting footage.
The Car class lead changed many times during the course of the race, with France's Jean-Louis Schlesser, in a prototype Renault buggy, and Japan's Hiroshi Masuoka, in a Mitsubishi Pajero, fighting for First Place. In stage 18, Masuoka broke a wheel and Schlesser took the lead - until he punctured a tire, giving Masuoka the stage. At the beginning of stage 19, a controversial early start by the Frenchman caused him to be penalized one hour, a setback that was too much to make up in two stages. He finished Third. Masuoka, then in the lead, battled with German Jutta Kleinschmidt, also in a Mitsubishi, for the win. They raced along the beach in Senegal toward the city of Dakar, and Ms. Kleinschmidt was the first to the finish line, just minutes ahead of Masuoka. Her victory marks the first time in Paris-Dakar history that a German has won. It is also the first time a woman has ever won the 20-stage, 10,000-kilometer (6,250-mile) competition.
CA4WDC's 42nd Annual Convention
The California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs gathered in Woodland, California, last February for its 42nd annual convention. Made up of more than 53 California clubs, the CA4WDC hosts the meeting every year to discuss changes to current policies and governing rules as they pertain to 4x4s and 4x4 enthusiasts, and what trails need extra environmental work to either preserve or make them better.