by Gabrielle DeSantis

Since Clint Bowyer joined the Fox NASCAR Cup Series broadcast team to start the 2021 season, he’s never shied away from sharing his honest feelings. It’s often entertaining as he and Jeff Gordon banter back and forth throughout much of the race broadcast, often making jokes at the other’s expense. 

During Sunday’s race at Dover, Bowyer trained his sights on the grandstands and made a joke at the expense of some of his fans in attendance. While his remarks were very Bowyer-like, and some likely found funny, there’s no doubt a certain segment of the viewing audience watching at home found the comments offensive. 

Clint Bowyer the butt of jokes this season on Fox

RELATED: How the Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer Hilarious Days of Thunder Racing Skit on Fox Turned Scary When 1 of the Cars Caught on Fire

Clint Bowyer knows his role on Fox’s NASCAR coverage and plays it well. He and Jeff Gordon provide their expertise while playing off of each other throughout the broadcast day with commentary and comedy from the prerace show through the checkered flag. 

Bowyer accepted when he took the job that his Cup Series career total of 10 victories would consistently be compared to Gordon’s 93 wins and four championships. As a result, Gordon and others, including Chris Myers during the prerace show, have regularly pointed out how he’s always second-best.  

Gordon and Bowyer’s parents recently teamed up for an embarrassing prerace segment at Kansas where the hometown boy’s father talked about how his son once got pinned and lost to a girl in a wrestling match, only to be outdone by his mom, who called him out for having no friends as a child.

“He was kind of quiet. Wasn’t real social with his friends,” his mom said. “Our other two boys — he’s the middle one — and they had lots of friends and spent the night. Clint wasn’t really like that.” 

Bowyer jokes about weight of several fans in stands

RELATED: Clint Bowyer Mocks Jeff Gordon During Dixie Vodka 400 Broadcast With Comments Some NASCAR Fans Likely Found Offensive

Early during Sunday’s race from Dover, the Fox broadcast returned from a commercial break and the cameras focused on a group of four (three men and a woman) wearing Clint Bowyer t-shirts. Two of the men realized they were being shown on the in-stadium big screen and triumphantly raised their arms.

Up in the broadcast booth, Mike Joy started a conversation about the same video being shown on TV.

“Clint, is that you on that shirt?” Joy asked.

“Yes. Yes, thank God I didn’t charge by the chin,” Bowyer answered, referring to the weight of the individuals shown. 

“Wait a minute, they spelled it B-o-y-e-r,” Joy pointed out, clearly making fun of the intelligence level of Bowyer’s fans while completely glossing over the initial remark. 

“It’s perfect. It’s perfect, Mike. It couldn’t be any better,” Bowyer responded. 

“Details, details,” Gordon chimed in with a laugh. 

Takes a shot at Gordon and his age

RELATED: Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer Shocked NASCAR Rules Against Bubba Wallace at Darlington and Voice Displeasure With Decision

Bowyer isn’t a stranger to questionable remarks. Earlier in the season at Homestead, he made an observation about the No. 19 car of Martin Truex and took a shot at Gordon and his age in the process. 

“I tell you what, Jeff, I really like this 19 here,” Bowyer opened. “I was looking at the side of this thing. It’s exactly like looking at your phone with those big letters and everything that you can see it. Everything shows up. That bold print.” 

Gordon initially laughed, then fired back. “I can’t wait for you to get older, man.”

“It’s your car. It’s built for you,” Bowyer replied. 

“That is definitely something I can see,” Gordon confirmed, as Bowyer laughed.

The fans at Dover didn’t have a chance to offer a retort to Bowyer’s comments. But there’s a pretty good chance if they could, and despite being loyal fans, it wouldn’t be too pleasant, considering they had their size called out in front of a national television audience.

The post Clint Bowyer Makes Offensive Remark About Weight of Fans During Fox NASCAR Broadcast: ‘Thank God I Didn’t Charge by the Chin in That Picture’ appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When we’re car shopping, there’s quite a lot to consider. For any buyer that plans to sell their car at some point down the road, resale value is undoubtedly on their radar. Here is a list from a recent study showing 10 models under $35,000 with the best resale value.

2021 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

Best resale value according to iSeeCars data

iSeeCars chart of the 10 vehicles under $35,000 that also have the best resale value
iSeeCars chart | iSeeCars

For shoppers with a $35,000 budget, there are several models with good resale value. In the above chart, iSeeCars gives the top 10 models under $35,000 in terms of depreciation. In other words, these 10 vehicles have the lowest depreciation rates when compared with others cars, trucks, and SUVs.

The top 5 best resale value vehicles under $35,000

 a Rubicon 392 Jeep Wrangler driving on a scenic two way highway in the desert
2021 Jeep Wrangler | Jeep

There’s a decent variety of models in the top five. That said, three of the top five vehicles under $35,000 with the best resale value are compact pickup trucks. If resale value is a high priority and the buyer has $35 grand to spend, the Toyota Tacoma is the vehicle with the lowest depreciation rate of all.

A blue 2021 Subaru WRX STI and a red WRX parked on asphalt in front of mountains
2021 Subaru WRX STI (left) and WRX | Subaru of America, Inc.

Following the Toyota Tacoma are the Jeep Wrangler, Subaru WRX, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier. The Toyota Tacoma has a depreciation rate of 32.4% over five years of ownership. The Jeep Wrangler and the Subaru WRX follow the Taco with depreciation rates of 32.8% and 39.8% respectively.

a red GMC Canyon at an auto show on display
GMC Canyon | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

Unsurprisingly, two more midsize trucks take fourth and fifth. The GMC Canyon and the Nissan Frontier have some of the best resale of any model offers for $35,000 or under. Their depreciation rates are 41.2% and 43.5% over five years, respectively.

The resale value of a 2022 Nissan Frontier, like this one driving in the desert, is estimated to be higher than most other vehicles'
2022 Nissan Frontier | Nissan

Iconic sports cars, family SUV models, and another midsize truck

The 2021 Ford Mustang on a race track
2021 Ford Mustang | Ford

The next five on the list of the top 10 models under $35,000 with the best resale value are also from a range of segments. The Ford Mustang comes in sixth place with a 44.1% depreciation rate. After that come two popular family SUV models.

The Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V are both two-row crossover SUV models that are a popular choice for many households. They also boast some of the best resale value for vehicles under $35 grand. These two crossover SUV models have five-year depreciation rates of 45.7% and 45.8%, respectively.

A midsize pickup truck, the Chevrolet Colorado has a depreciation rate of 46.0% over five years. Then the iconic Chevrolet Camaro sports car with a five-year depreciation rate of 46.8% comes in tenth. Every single model on the list of the best resale value for vehicles under $35,000 have better-than-average five-year deprecation rates.

An orange 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 driving
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 | Chevy

Does resale value matter?

a green Chevrolet Camaro on display exemplifies a car with some of the best resale value around
Chevrolet Camaro | Todd Korol/Toronto Star via Getty Images

For most buyers, the day that they will sell their new car on the used market is all but inevitable. Few cars, trucks, SUVs, or crossovers are kept forever. So yes, resale value is important.

It matters because depreciation affects how much money you will get for your car when it’s time to sell it. Or, it will affect the amount of trade value a dealership offers for a used model in a new car deal. While there are certainly other more important factors to consider, resale value definitely matters to many buyers. According to iSeeCars data, these are the 10 models under $35,000 with the best resale value.

The post These 10 Models Under $35,000 Also Have the Best Resale Value appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Boats have evolved so much. There are now boats for everything, and everyone wants one for themselves. That’s understandable because boats signify freedom, and most of us love being in the open water. You need the best boating accessories and the right fuel for a great boating experience. 

Fueling a boat is something that most do like second nature. However, you must follow fueling rules to ensure boat and people safety while fueling. That’s because, unlike cars, boats are more dangerous and can react explosively when fueled incorrectly. Not to mention the fact that oil spills in water bodies are illegal.

Extra caution is necessary when fueling a boat. Proper boat fueling is part of good boat launch etiquette that every responsible sailor should embrace. 

Is fueling a boat dangerous?

There are a few things that are as dangerous and deadly as improper fueling of a boat, especially with gasoline. Vapor from just a cup of gasoline has an explosive power of five pounds of dynamite and can burn at 15,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat can melt and burn a boat to the waterline in a matter of minutes.

Some common boat engine problems can be dangerous when fueling. Make sure you check your engine and ensure it is safe before fueling.

Watercraft tanks are vented which can cause water to enter the tank, messing with the oil and leading to pressure buildup which can cause explosions. Cars have sealed tanks that prevent this from happening. They are also filled up more frequently so it’s easier to detect any problems. 

Compared to cars, boats store gas for longer periods and have more chances of interference with the water, which is why you need to be extra cautious when filling up a tank. Keeping your boat motor in good condition means keeping water away from the fuel tank. 

Proper fueling procedure

RELATED: How Bad Is Ethanol Fuel for Your Boat?

Following the proper procedure when fueling your boat can help avoid explosions and fuel spillage. The first precaution is to ensure everyone is ashore. Tell your crew and staff to get out and stretch their legs when fueling up. This reduces the chances of potential injury and dangerous behaviors.

It is also important to close the hatches. Make sure you close all doors, hatches, and ports before fueling. Doing this prevents the gas fumes from outside from sinking into the boat interior. Outside gas fumes are heavier than air and could sink into the lower parts of a boat and can cause combustion in case of a tiny spark or a rush of fresh air.

Besides undertaking these safety measures, ensure you turn off all engines, electronics, and all flames and smoking materials are extinguished. Shutting down every machine that has the potential to cause fire is important in the safe boat refueling process.

Using quality fuel and checking fuel leaks

Only use the proper type of fuel for your boat; do not mix different types of fuel. Also, determine the quantity of fuel needed. This is especially important since gas dock fill handles don’t have trigger catches to keep them open. You need to control the handle yourself or ask for help.
No static

According to BoatUS Foundation, static electricity can cause fire during boat fueling sessions. Make and maintain firm metal-to-metal contact between the nozzle and the fuel deck pipe. Hold the nozzle firmly against the pipe opening to prevent sparks created by static electricity.

When fueling, do not overfill because gas expands once in the tank. Don’t overfill the tank since this could cause an explosion once the gas starts expanding and meets with a spark. Wipe all the spillages immediately after they occur.

Don’t ignore suspicious smells

Once done fueling, open the hatches and sniff for gas fumes in the engine compartment and the bilge. If you don’t smell any fuel, run the blower for about four minutes before starting the engine. This should blow out any fumes and ensure the air is free from flammable gases before ignition. 

Fueling up a boat can be expensive but these boat fuel conservation tips from Boater Exam can help you reduce the environmental impact of gasoline and help you get better mileage.

Well, fueling a boat isn’t that safe

You must follow the correct fueling techniques to prevent accidents from occurring and keep the water clean and safe for marine life to thrive in a healthy environment. Make sure you always follow these procedures when fueling your boat for the safety of the people and the environment.

The post Fueling up a Boat Is Much Different Than a Car appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Car models come and go over the years, and many people are disappointed when their favorite model is discontinued. Fortunately, fans of the Chevrolet Suburban, the Ford F-Series, and Volkswagen Transporter have yet to see these vehicles fade into oblivion since their first year of manufacture. All of these car nameplates have a long and rich history over decades, and many families have remained loyal to these models for generations. 

Learn more about these historic nameplates and how they have evolved over the years. 

When did the Chevy Suburban, Ford F-Series, and Volkswagen Transporter debut?

Of these three vehicles, the VW Transporter is the youngest, as it was first manufactured in 1950. According to CarAdvice, the idea for a smaller and lighter commercial vehicle was first sketched by Ben Pon in 1947, and it later became the first VW Transporter a few years later. Nobody was quite sure how well the Transporters would sell, but by 1964, over one million vans had been sold. 

The Ford F-Series is the second oldest of the bunch, first coming out in 1947. The Ford F-Series was the first pick-up, and it opened the door for other manufacturers to release their own pick-up style trucks in the future.

Before pick-ups became popular, most people just used cars or smaller semi-like trucks to haul their stuff around. The first iterations were known as Ford Bonus-Built, and it came in three versions: F-1, F-2, and F-3. 

The oldest car still in production today is the Chevrolet Suburban, which was first released all the way back in 1935. This vehicle was particularly popular for several decades because it could seat up to eight people or haul a sizable amount of stuff with ease. Despite seating up to eight, the Chevy Suburban relied on only two doors until 1973. 

Overviews of the 2021 models of these old nameplates

RELATED: 3 of the Most Comfortable Pickup Trucks You Can Buy in 2021

The VW Transporter is still a lightweight cargo van that looks and feels like VW should. It has maintained the boxy exterior, though it looks sleeker and more modern than ever. The Transporter got an all-new look in 2016 as part of the T6 version, and according to MotorAuthority, some speculate that a new T7 VW Transporter will be available in 2022. 

The 2021 Ford F-150 has come a long way since its debut, and it’s been a favorite among truck owners for years. This is largely thanks to its powerful engine offerings, straightforward infotainment features, and full redesign inside and out. The F-150 looks aggressive yet polished, and it can tow up to 14,000 pounds. Not bad at all. 

The Chevy Suburban is still a beast of a vehicle, but it got a full redesign in 2021 to make it look and feel a bit more elegant. It boasts powerful engine options, both gas and diesel, ultra roomy seating, and tons of standard infotainment features. It’s a bit difficult to drive and park in tight areas, but that’s just the price you pay for having a massive SUV. That’s been the truth as long as this old nameplate has been around.

Infotainment and safety features 

Clearly, all of these cars have undergone incredible transformations over their long histories. All of these vehicles now offer infotainment features that would seem completely alien to those who drove the first iterations of these vehicles.

Having a form of entertainment in your car wasn’t even a standard feature throughout the 1930s, as according to Car and Driver, the first car radio was costly, so most didn’t bother to add one. People simply expected their car to get them from point A to point B, and it never crossed their minds that your car would also have entertainment features like radio, Wi-Fi, or DVD players. 

Vehicle safety has also come a long way, as the most recent versions of these old nameplates come equipped with a slew of standard safety features that were unheard of even a decade ago.

The 2021 Ford F-150, for example, has a rearview camera, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and forward automatic emergency braking. The Chevy Suburban has all of that and Teen Driver settings, automatic high-beam headlights, and more to keep individuals and families safe. The first versions of these vehicles didn’t have anything even remotely close to this; after all, seatbelts, as we know them, weren’t even designed until 1959!

The post The 3 Oldest Car Nameplates Still in Production in 2021 appeared first on MotorBiscuit.