DAKOTA DEFENDS HIS TITLE AT VEGAS THIS WEEKEND

Posted on October 11, 2013January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

11 Oct

October 09, 2013

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (Oct. 9) – For action, excitement, and good times there aren’t’ many places that rival Las Vegas and that’s especially true this weekend as the stars of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing series descend on the famed Strip at Las Vegas Motor speedway for the JEGS Pacific SPORTS nationals presented by K&N Filters. The third of three JEGS Mail Order-backed events that highlight NHRA’s sportsman racers, more than 400 competitors are expected.

Much like its companion events, the JEGS Cajun SPORTS nationals in Belle Rose, La., and the JEGS Northern SPORTS nationals in Hebron, Ohio, the Pacific SPORTS nationals will crown champions in Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street and the exciting Top Dragster and Top Sportsman eliminators. The Sportsman Motorcycle class will also be featured during the four-day race.

Keeping with the longstanding tradition, the JEGS Pacific SPORTS nationals promises a fun-filled experience that includes intense on-track action and plenty of after-hours entertainment. There will also be a wide variety of bonus features including traditional class eliminations for drivers in Super Stock and Stock, as well as a the Las Vegas Shootout and a Gambler’s race on Thursday, Oct. 10.

The defending event champions who are expected to once again challenge for coveted NHRA Wally trophies include Alan Ellis (Comp), Gregg Luneack (Super Stock), Leo Glasbrenner (Stock), Aaron Kinard (Super Comp), Eddy Plazier (Super Gas), Gary Ruest (Super Street), Art Hoover (Top Dragster), Daryl Hemley (Top Sportsman), and Dakota Sun (Sportsman Motorcycle).

I shall be attending this year with his lovely mum Jennifer and give him some good moral support, Dakota is the defending Sportsman Champion and will be stoked if he can back it up, competition is tight and I know Kota will give it 110%.

If any of you are near Las Vegas this weekend, come watch him race, he’d love it, also his dad is racing on his GSXR and wish him great success for that weekend too so a cool event for all.

I shall enjoy the time there with My Girlfriend and her son of whom she is very proud of, wish him luck.

IRWINDALE DRAGS LAST NIGHT

Posted on August 9, 2013January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

09 Aug

Thursday run what ya brung was a fun evening to be had that’s for certain, I was amazed at how many people turned up for the event, we drove in at about 7pm and there were cars all over the place getting into the staging lanes.

Once we parked, it is an easy walk to the track and to be honest- for spectators, this is a great vantage point to see racing from the whole length of the 1/8th mile.

There was so may entrants is was great to see so many different rides out there and the temperature was near on perfect for Racing.

We walked the staging lanes and it was more packed than Superman in a kids costume.

It was funny to hear people brown nosing their competitors, or hearing another bloke telling everyone how great his ride was and what it can do etc.

I personally love the 50’s and 60’s era of the drags the Gasser wars are the best as these are just Bricks in shape but haul so much arse!!!

The track was actually prepped for a change and only one issue all night , that’s quite rare.

As they track now has advertising banners, the roar of the motors sound even louder as the sounds bounce off the walls.

Plenty to see at the race and am glad that we went as it was fast and quite furious at times.

This 55 was tough and is a regular at the track and is a dialed in machine. Reminds me of my old one I had back in the UK in 1996.

Many different models are in the staging lanes and it was great to be able to stroll up and have a look at what they were running etc.

This ride blew everyone’s mind, it is a 4 second 1/8th miler so he had to Slow down to 5’s here as the track runs out real quick, but boy was it FAST !!!

Constant 6 seconds this machine and the old fella that drove it was grinning all the way.

This was a tight ride and the thing just dug in and rode hard all the way down the track.

Yep- running the devils time up here is a wee bit daunting for me.

This fella ran his quad, high 8’s and low 9’s but he was having fun that’s for sure.

Everyone’s delight was watching the local ice cream van roar up the strip, whilst playing his music and the crowd hollered hard, he took the race easily too.

And the winner gets an Ice Cream !!!!

Bikes ran too and at night I would find it a little bit unnerving but I love Motorcycles so much the fear for them goes away, this takes a lot of heart and determination for motorcycles as there is a bad bump on the right side of the track and if you get that lane, you will be sure to bang your chin on the tank Hard when you hit that point.

My little camera is not good at night but I thought I would add some videos for you to watch that I took.

It is always good to come and attend a local track as they need your support to keep people drag racing off the street.

We had a super night and am glad that I took my camera with me to try and share some of the nights events.

If you are ever in Southern California, try and check out Irwindale as it has a Dragstrip and Speedway circuit.

Have a Great weekend everyone.

NEW ALLOY GAS TANKS COMING SOON !!!!

Posted on July 22, 2013January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

22 Jul

Many of you have asked me anout Alloy Gas tanks, well, I am now in talks to have these made and available for about $500 a tank.

Not sure who is interested but thats a great deal and will look like mine that is on my Cafe Racer.

If you have a CB750 K model from 1969-1976, then this might be right up your alley?

And, if you are interested in having one of these beauties, then just drop me an email at carpy@carpyscaferacers.com and I will put you on the list.

These will be a polished alloy and ready to rock on your inline Four motorcycle, so stay tuned…..

MOONEYES OPEN DAY EXTRAVAGANZA

Posted on July 13, 2013January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

13 Jul

Well, was it that time of year already?

I looked at the calendar and there was the date em-blazed, today is Moons show !!!!

So, after catching up on a few orders at the shop, we closed the doors and jumped into the Scooby Do wagon and headed up the 5 freeway.

Soon as we parked, you could see that there was plenty of eye candy at this great Iconic building.

Then, the first person I saw was Dean Moon Junior, and wanted to chew the fat a little bit as I hadn’t seen him in a few years.

So then, as we walked around in the belting hot Sun, we saw all sorts of cool rides that were just chill-in for the great event that’s an annual gathering for die hard Hot Rodders and sickle nutters.

Today is a great day to wander around and look at everything, there was more than you could hope for.

I love all rides but as I have owned a number of Hot rods over the years, my passion always draws to this style of yesteryear and good memories come flooding back to my worn out noggin. I love this style and always will I think.

But too many to write about, so I took some snaps as we walked around with Dakota, digging the rides, the sights and sounds of the Flatheads and the Hemi’s whilst you can hear music playing and burgers fryin.

Some neat rides that came in and drove out, sharing some of the days hot weather on camera for some of you to look at and see what you think.

People seemed to all be having a good time and I was meeting some friends I have not seen for ions.

For instance, Me and Skratch pretty much started the same time doing our Own thing and glad to see he is doing so well these days , it was nice to chill and chew the fat for a while , as it has been about 13 years when I first met him in the O.C.

We hung out for quite some time, just having a look at other peoples rides etc and boy was there some cool set ups there this year.

I loved this Roadster, it just screamed at me to come and look, this really is a Nostalgic ride and you cannot beat the sound of a tuned Flatty.

If you are into the 1940’s and early 50’s Hot rod scene, well, this is where it all kicked off in 1948 and there were many like this bombing about these very roads, it must of been quite a site that’s for sure.

I am pleased that we took the journey up to see Moon’s as you are bound to always see something new or just pulled out of a garage and today was a good day for that.

This AV-8 something I really do love, I built a 28 Roadster when I first moved here and a similar Ford Blue too but I didn’t have the cool Quick change rear end this guy has in his 31 A-Bone Roadster.

Plenty of Customs there this year too!!!!! I haven’t seen this coupe for about 7 years, so great to see it still around.

Check out the suede rides and the classic custom paint jobs these rides have had done.

I mean, how much sanding and masking alone is in this roof job? This must of taken forever to get right and if I had a hat on, I would tip it your way mate.

Plenty of cool rides lines up on the left and right side of the BLVD and everybody seemed to be having a blast.

This is a good and fun annual event that if you get time to attend, you will be glad that you did.

1960’s rides are just the essence of fins and chrome and this was no exception today.

They say Mad dogs and Englishmen come out in the mid-day sun, well today the American guys out did me.

But, I loved the Hot Rods and Customs that were just parked up and down the main drag on Norwalk BLVD.

So am glad that I took a few snaps, as I know you will enjoy some of the snaps of the day? It must of been close to 90 degrees today.

Hot Rods, Cruizers, Gassers and Motorcycles were all there for this event, so a little for everyone. from Choppers to good old Café Racers.

Just some of the great old time machinery that is still used today at the Moon shop, churning out parts galore for people like us to bolt onto their favorite ride.

I would love to own just one of the mills or lathes from this place, so much great History at this building and am stoked to be part of todays activities.

I’d take the sling shot frame home and hang it in the shop at anytime.

Then a quick tour around the workshops of moon’s just to have a peek at all the cool machinery they have. And also a few projects that look like they may make an appearance in later months?

Then we had some Japanese sign writer hand painting the moon logo on the fender of this guys GASSER 55 ride. I do lettering but this guy was super fast.

This thunderous Gasser was a total head turner today and when he fired up, you could smell the Av-Gas, it was awesome.

These are just insane for their time and to see these fly down the tarmac is just exciting to watch as they are as aerodynamic as a house brick. 331 cubes of Screaming power !!!!

Just tons of neat stuff to check out, I loved the Gassers that were here this time, just something about these machines that turn my crank.

Some real Nostalgic rides adorned the Moon shop and plenty for everyone to see.

A little something for everyone, I must of been to this shop 100 times and never tire of it.

Other cool stuff still all about the place were more Hot Rods and motorcycles, something that I will Never tire of.

Got a spare one hundred and twenty five grand kicking about for a popcorn maker?

A little warm under the bubble top and wonder once inside that your eyes bulge like looking into the back of a spoon?

Always great to walk around the Moon shop and see many of the cool old parts laying about , just as it was in the early days of Racing in Southern California.

If you could bottle the atmosphere from this place, Id take a 6 pack right now !!!

Now- there is a nice display case and shelf I would love at my shop.

Try and come down next year as the weather is always great for this show and you will really enjoy yourselves.

We had a superb day today, saw many friends and just generally cruised about taking in everything at a relaxed pace, the day was something I am sure Shige will be happy about.

NEW STUFF ARRIVING ALL THE TIME.

Posted on July 10, 2013January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

10 Jul

Hey Gang

Well, here at C.C.R. westrive to continue to improve, I have ventured into other realms of our hobby and I shall be offering new products as we go along this for ever twistie road.

Keep checking back as we will be adding all the time, if you look to the right , you will see new products that I have made or have offered, and that changes everytime I introduce a part.

I shall be offering New exhaust systems too, some for the CB750 and some for the GS1000 as well as CBX and some for the Triumph Thruxton too.

I am also going to be selling new Custom made Oil tanks that have that race look and you can leave your side covers off to show the cool detailing of the oil tank, there will be round, pill shape and flat styles, so stay tuned on this.

Next up will be other machined parts like oil filter housings, triple tree’s and clip ons.

I am also looking at another front brake set up to swap out and hopefully supply a full video, explaining how we do this swap, that way it is really easy for you to do the same thing on your mean machine.

We do have a NEW website coming out this year with many new features and I know you will enjoy that, it will be very interactive and I am sure you will find it so much easier to navigate around etc.

Right now I am concentrating on a few Customers builds, but also I shall be having MY own CAFE RACER on display at STURGIS this year, if you can make it to the Buffalo Chip you can see my bike and 29 other cool Cafe Racer builders and their rides at this one off show that’s bound to take some of your breathe away.

With Gas prices climbing up faster than an ill fitting pair of underwear, many people are turning to the 2 wheeled variety and I have seen a sharp spike in the interest to make their ride ” A little more cooler” and I am glad to say that all my competitors are saying the same thing.

There are a lot of cool shops out there making some unbelievable rides of which some-are simply stunning- and I am happy that this industry is getting very popular and friendlier.

Motorcycling should be fun and friendly, I have made so many friends all over the world and, when I meet them its great to hear what they are building and, what their trends are in that part of the globe. I have been doing this many years and will continue to do so.

So, if you are reading this, then you are genuinely interested in what I do and I thank you for that, it takes a lot of time and effort to keep the website up to speed, answer phones , pack orders, build bikes and R&D new parts, but I love it and I thank you for all your purchases.

Stick with me and I will look after you, I am going to be stepping it up in many area’s soon from leather jackets-helmets and Apparel, to Motorcycle parts, DVDS and some charity rides.

Have fun with what you do and I cant wait to see what you have created, so always send us photos of the bikes you are building as we like to pass this on to everyone else that reads this.

I am also on Facebook under Steve Carpy carpenter or Carpys Cafe as well as twitter under 750racer and lastly i am even doing the instagram too under 59 club.

Now, get back in the shed and start wrenching!!!!!!

Irwindale Drags on Sunday !!!!

Posted on June 10, 2013January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

10 Jun

Sunday at Irwindale !!!!

Sunday was a good morning for me, the clouds were nice and grey for a while. what we call JUNE gloom was here in Southern California, something I enjoy, as by Mid-day, the Sun burns the clouds away and gets hot.

Kota has a New ZRX Kawasaki and this was his first shake down run to see how the bike handles and he reacts to , as this has a longer wheel base as well as a little bit more power from the New model.

Sunday was overcast to start with but good to see people there, Kota was getting ready for his first run and needed to see how the bike would perform, as this is a Brand new bike with new clutch set up etc,, and after a steady Burn out, he ran hard and fast, the tire hooking and launching him down the 1/8th mile tarmac.

t was determined after another Pass, that the rear tire seemed to be spinning too much, but that can be a multitude of things on a new bike, for one, Kota weighs about 140 and this could be an issue why the rear lights up, he may need to eat more Burrito’s to get some serious weight at the rear.

The clutch needed some fine adjustment and tire pressure etc but thats all part of the day in Drag racing.

Dakota sits in the staging area, his Girlfriend ” Taylor” is there to give him support, and to her right is Kota’s lovely Mum Jennifer as she always makes sure to give him a good luck hug before he gets on the track.

Aaron sits on his ride and gets ready to take the 1/8th mile with anticipation of a good ET.

Dakota above getting a run in, but clutch and tire issues for this new ride is causing a few headaches and frustrations.

Dakota’s dad- Aaron Pine, getting to grips with his ride. As the temperature starts to climb on this muggy morning at Irwindale.

The track was warming up, but unfortunately the track is never cleaned up as much as everyone would like, and that can cause all sorts of issues further on in the day.

There were a few Brands out there, Harley, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Honda. so someone favorite brand to root for.

Last minute checks before Aaron takes off and hopes to run mid 5 seconds on His Suzuki.

Pop’s giving Dakota some last minute tips before he ventures forward and gets to his race lane.

Words of advice from the ” Old man “.

Time for Dakota to contemplate what he has to do in the next few minutes, you need to “Focus” when you are running a 6 second or less 2 wheeled drag bike.

Mum’s good luck tap and then its up to her lad to come up with the goods.

Aaron and Bob try and sort out the clutch issue on this run as the tire was lighting up, and with a bag full of MTC parts, this should be back together in no time at all.

MTC design great clutch kits that give you many variables in drag racing and they are sure glad they have them supplying their parts for the bikes.

Kota back out again to see if he can dial his New machine in, the track wasn’t helping either as the Sun was out and the track seemed to deteriorate fast.

There was more rubber laying around than a Trojan manufacturing machine being serviced.

Kota kai up on the left lane and getting ready to launch , whilst his pops is checking the lane out before its his turn. Whilst Grandpa Bob gets ready for both of his lads.

More stuff to try and dial in, some times things like this can be a bit of a headache to get the thing to how you want.

Well, Dakota looking a little bewildered, and not surprising on a Brand New machine, nothing goes right out of the box as we would all be racing.

Kota looking on as he has seen some Vintage tin that his Boss really digs.

Yep! That’s a Genuine 650 Tiger 110 and these are a rare breed in this condition that’s for sure.

OK, here we go again, time to take bike off the stand and head back to the track.

Taylor and Dakota spend a few minutes together.

Taylor, reminding Kota that even though she has Denim shorts on, ” She” wears the trousers.

Yes dear, I understand.

Grandpa and Kota with the fist pump, many drag racers like to stick to their ” Special ” good luck routines before each pass.

Mum gives her boy a pat to let him know she loves him and wishes him luck before he leaves for the lanes.

Kota lights them up, we think he may fare better with a full slick next race.

Back again to see if the clutch is set to how they want it, once this bike is dialed in, you just watch Kota fly.

Yes I know, unlimited texting, nice!

Vintage Iron was there all day banging fenders.

More bikes and I love watching them, I never did this as a youngster, always wished I could but love going to the drags any time.

” Hey whats that?” Looks like NOS to me?

Jeez! I haven’t seen centerlines for years !!!

An array of cars and trucks turn up for Summit and love to see, hear and smell the whole event.

Tri Chevy ran hard all day.

Mid 9’s getting back from a run, and the day was full of tire burning fun for me, the lads didn’t fair well this time but I assure you, when these guys are set and the track is in good condition, they go all the way.

I had A blast-TRY AND GET OUT TO THE DRAGS IF YOU CAN AS IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR AND I AM SURE YOU WIULL GET HOOKED LIKE I HAVE?

I want to thank Aaron, Bob, and of course Dakota for a cool Sunday as always and I look forward to July for their next encounter, try and come out and watch too, you will love it.

Bike,Bikes,Bikes

Posted on June 5, 2013January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

05 Jun

I am sure, like me, many of you have had a fascination of the two wheeled variety for many moons? And today I thought I would just spend half an hour cruising around the net just to show some of the cool stuff that I dig and other people build.

I have always dug motorcycles for as long as I can remember, me and my brother loved them and still do, I just think that it is something that’s in your blood and no real honest explanation or theory can truly explain why things like this make us tick.

I wanted to see if you like what I like and throw some up on the Blog today and see if I get positive feedback, and I am sure I will.

Some will be modern, some will not, but some will be old with modern parts, I dig it all.

These are all very cool and of course, unique and has someones own styling to their machine.

Everyday I have something to do with motorcycles, whether it is designing a new part, polishing an old one, answering the phone to a customer that is stuck on their project, or simply me playing with my own machine in the shop.

There are so many people out there creating their own cool rides, and i love seeing it all, in any guise or form of repair.

Obviously, if you are looking at this page right now, then you are into it and into it deeply and I thank you lot for being as crazy as I am in the Motorcycle fraternity.

I am stunned by the cool styling of what people accomplish and love to share my interest with others as I believe we are part of a global family.

It is so nice to see many motorcycles being built from old to new, this keeps the passion for these 2 wheeled beasts on the road and of course, in the public eye.

So, whilst I am here having a cuppa, I am adding photos for you lot to have a beek at and see if anything turns your crank.

Every day I see a motorcycle round where I am and can see they have modified it from stock, that’s so awesome to see.

I will always be into these machines, too long in the tooth not to , and I sure hope it is the same for the many of you who are reading this right now?

many people would bag you for not having a Brit bike maybe 10 years ago, but things and views are changing as I spoke to an original 59 club member back at the Ace last year, Mark Wilsmore told him I built cafe Racers, he was all smiles, but then Mark said mine are predominantly Honda Fours.

His smiled went away and almost scowled me as he said they will never look like a Cafe racer motorcycle, so I showed him a magazine and on the front was a Cafe Racer that I built and I was riding it, he said. ” Now that’s a Cafe Racer” looking at me with defiance.

Well sir, I said, that’s me and that’s My CB750 Honda, he almost spat his tea out and now has a different view of the rice boilers.

So I am glad that many people look at the other brands of motorcycle that have been turned into a cafe Racer and look at it as if it were from back home in Great Britain.

I hope to finish one of my own and start to get out of the shop a bit more as i need to stretch my legs and get to meet a few more people etc. there are so many cool builders out there and love what they do.

I always stop and look at anything that has just come out of the mold or someones garage as I know how long, hard and frustrating it can be to create your own motorcycle.

Just enjoy Motorcycles and the lifestyle, you will be amazed how friendly people are.

For me, its the designing and also, getting something that has been sat many years and is a rusty and corroded mess, then transforming it into a head turning piece of art, It is a great feeling.

I enjoy watching all the tv shows and right now I am watching the T.T. as that just blows me away the amount of speed they carry in the bends and on the straight away, so all motorcycles I like but the cafe style is what floats my boat.

There will always be Motorcycles in my life and am sure it will be the same for you?

So enjoy these photos and keep doing what you lot do.

I am going to get back in the shop as I have to fit a Gas cap and lock on a Bike I am building and sending to Korea of all places.

I never know where a customer is going to call from, and I hope it continues, its hard work running a shop and you never really understand it, until you end up owning one.

Enjoy these photo graphs and I shall try and do another blog later in the week.

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