HotShoe Studios

"Ascension" Cavallino Debut

2010-01-24T12:20:00.005-05:00

I am proud to announce the debut of my second major sculpture "Ascension" at the Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach, FL.

This half scale tribute of the legendary Ferrari 500 F2 was an extremely challenging piece for me to see to fruition. My intention was to capture the essence of the car and pay homage to the craftsmanship techniques of the great coachbuilders by using the same materials and processes. Much like my previous sculpture "Heritage of Speed", I focused on a deconstruction technique that would allow me to convey an abstract representation of the car at speed and illustrate it in a way that went from polished perfection to rough, hand shaped metal complete with visible gas welds and hammer marks.

The final pice weighs over 700 lbs. and stands just under eight feet tall. It's completion took nearly 1,000 hours of meticulous labor and is a unique "one off" that I will never duplicate or rerelease in any way. The oak buck and aluminum car "drives" on a real concrete base that is supported by a wood beam and plank structure representative of the old banking at Monza. There are several intricate details incorporated within such as twin carbs with velocity stacks, aluminum suspension, hand made Borrani wheels, gas welded exhaust, replica engine complete with gas welded headers, rear differential, and a hand crafted wood rimmed steering wheel mounted to an engine turned aluminum dash complete with gauges.

The 500 F2 chassis #5 is a significant part of the Ferrari mystique and is arguably the most winning chassis in all of Grand Prix Racing. Driven by the legendary Ascari, it led to Ferrari's first Grand Prix Racing Championship and began their dominance in Grand Prix Racing. It single handedly secures their place in the history of racing. I chose to have the piece symbolically rising from the ground to represent Ferrari's "Ascension" to the pinnacle of automotive perfection.

Check back soon for more detailed info and photos here and in my portfolio.

5 Time Champion!

2009-10-12T09:18:00.007-04:00

I am very proud to announce that my brother in law Pierre Kleinubing secured his fifth World Challenge Touring Car Championship this Sunday at Laguna Seca.

Pierre went into Laguna focused and put his car on the pole. From there he showed why he is an unstoppable force behind the wheel and went flag to flag to nab the championship away from Saini who needed to finish fourth or better.

Congratulations to one hell of a racer and friend. I wish I had a fraction of his talent behind the wheel. Hopefully he can pass that skill on to my son and daughter soon!

Here's the official release:

MONTEREY, Calif. (Oct. 11, 2009)Pierre Kleinubing, of Coconut Creek, Fla., led Sunday's Applied Computer Solutions Monterey Sports Car Championships Presented by Bondurant from start-to-finish and captured his fifth SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Touring Car Presented by Toyo Tires Championship. Teammate Peter Cunningham, of Milwaukee, Wis., and James Clay, of Blacksburg, Va., completed the podium at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

Kleinubing started his No. 42 Acura/RealTime/Red Line Acura TSX on the pole, and knew he had to win if he was to have a chance to secure the Drivers' Championship and the Manufacturers' Championship Presented by RACER Magazine for Acura. He did just that, taking the lead on the standing start and leading every lap to secure his second win of 2009, the 29th of his career.

Kleinubing beat Cunningham to the stripe by 0.610-second, averaging 72.615 mph.

"The start was the best scenario that could have played out for us," Kleinubing said. "Peter [Cunningham] is the master of numbers and I'm sure he was doing his math every lap out there, but I just kept my head down and didn't pay any attention to him. I made a little mistake on lap two going into Turn 11 and I think that made me more alert for the rest of the race. I knew what I had to do. I had to win and everything else had to fall in place. It did and I'm surprised to [win the Championship], trust me."

Kleinubing came into the race 54 points behind Jason Saini and Acura was one point behind Mazda. With the pole and Saini's eighth-place qualifying effort, Kleinubing picked up 15 points on the leader. Saini needed to get into the top five in order to win the title, but finished eighth in his No. 74 MAZDASPEED/Stoptech/ProParts MAZDA6.

"I didn't know the Championship scenarios, but everyone else on the team did," Kleinubing said. "I just wanted to do my part. When we took the checkered flag, I waited a little bit until Turn Four, then I asked 'did we win the Championship?' You never know. Maybe everyone pulled over and let [Saini] by! I wasn't thinking about anything other than winning the race.

"Coming into the weekend, I knew my chances were pretty slim. I was surprised at Jason [Saini's] pace this weekend. They missed something and we had a great handling car.

"This feels awesome. I'm not letting Peter [Cunningham] run away with all the records. I'm keeping it a tight battle with him. Now I've got one more pole and one more win, so I opened up a gap on poles and closed on him in wins. We're saving money too, all we have to do is swap doors and hoods [for Kleinubing to take No. 1 and Cunningham to return to No. 42] and we'll be ready to go next year!"

As the team owner of RealTime Racing, Cunningham's primary goal was to secure the Manufacturers' Championship for Acura, entering the weekend one point behind Mazda. Kleinubing's pole tied the Championship, meaning whichever brand finished ahead would take the title.

"We knew what had to happen," Cunningham said. "We honestly didn't think, coming into the weekend, that [RealTime] had a shot at the Drivers' Championship, but we knew that we had a shot at the Manufacturers' Championship and that was our primary objective today. We knew that we had to stay clean at the start and stay focused to the end.

Clay started second in the No. 36 BimmerWorld/GearWrench BMW 328i, but struggled off the line, falling to fourth.

"My start was absolutely horrible," Clay said. "I couldn't get the line lock to come off of the car. I was sitting there, jiggling it, and went about 20 feet with the front wheels locked up before I finally got going. Luckily, I tucked in and managed to have a good race after that."

From there, he waged a fierce battle with the No. 75 MAZDASPEED/Stoptech/ProParts MAZDA6 of Chip Herr. On lap eight, the two made contact, going into the Andretti Hairpin, allowing Nick Esayian to move past both into third place in the No. 34 BimmerWorld/GearWrench BMW 328i. A four-lap caution from laps eight through 12 bunched the group back up, and on lap 15, Clay was around Herr, taking third from his teammate Esayian two laps later.

"I knew I had brakes on Chip [Herr] and I had a faster car," Clay said. "I was having difficulty getting around him. He picked a mid-line coming into Turn One and broke earlier than I've ever wanted to brake there. I couldn't do anything, but I almost turned it around there."

Clay was able to catch the leading Acura duo, setting the Debaufre Fastest Race Lap of 1:38.112 (82.118 mph) in the process. While he was able to catch Cunningham, he was not able to make a pass.

"I had a great car and I could turn fast laps," Clay added. "Catching up to Peter [Cunningham] is one thing, but getting around him is another. I don't know that it was one more lap and I would have had him, I strongly doubt that was the case, but I wouldn't have minded a couple more laps to give it a try."

"James [Clay] turned his headlights on, because I think there was a lapped car he was warning and he left them on after that and it was very annoying," Cunningham laughed. "I was going as fast as I could. I wasn't sure if I could hold him off and I wasn't sure how many laps were left, so I knew I just had to keep going and eventually the starter would show the white flag. We were very close coming into Turn 11 on the last lap, but James didn't dive-bomb me or pull any Hail Marys, so I was safe."

Esayian finished fourth to earn his fourth top-five finish of the season. Making a cameo appearance, and his first start since the season-opener at Sebring, Herr was Mazda's top car throughout the race, and finished fifth.

Charles Espenlaub (MAZDA6), Seth Thomas (BMW 328i) and Saini (MAZDA6) finished sixth through eighth.

Making his first-career World Challenge start, Graham Downey, of Morgan Hill, Calif., finished ninth in the No. 7 Redstone/Blacktrax Honda Civic Si, advancing four positions and earning the Sunoco Hard Charger award.

Patrick Lindsey, of Santa Barbara, Calif., completed the top 10 and took the AutoWeek Move of the Race for his pass of Espenlaub and Thomas for sixth on lap 21 in his No. 57 StreetUnit.com/Snapitt.com MAZDA6.

Kleinubing tied Cunningham and Michael Galati in securing his fifth World Challenge Championship, although all of Kleinubing's have come in the Touring Car class while Cunningham and Galati have won in multiple categories. Kleinubing finished with 973 points to Saini's 960. Defending Champion Cunningham finished third, with 921, followed by Thomas (878) and Espenlaub (847).

Acura earned its eighth Manufacturers' Championship, the 13th for American Honda in total. It finished with 72 points to Mazda's 65. BMW finished third, with 42.

"Going into the race we knew it was a possibility and we just had to perform," Cunningham added. "Acura has been in the series since 1997 in Touring Car and this is their eighth Championship, which is unprecedented. We're proud that we get to run those cars because of their speed, handling and reliability."

Sunday's race will be broadcast Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. Eastern, 11 a.m. Pacific on SPEED.

Cavallino Features "Heritage of Speed"

2009-08-25T16:23:00.003-04:00

I am proud to announce that my Ferrari 250 Testarossa sculpture "Heritage of Speed" is featured in this month's issue of Cavallino magazine on pages 72-74.

I'm a long time fan of the magazine and have been reading Cavallino since I was a senior in high school back in 1989. I am honored and humbled to be featured in such an esteemed publication. I can't thank John and Alicia Barnes enough for their generosity and gracious exposure. Hopefully I can repay them in kind at this year's Cavallino Classic by unveiling an even better sculpture for everyone's enjoyment.

Be sure to check it out for yourself if you are a subscriber or stop by Barnes and Noble and grab one of the rack. Better yet, give them a call and subscribe! I promise you'll be happy you did.

If you haven't yet seen my sculpture and don't have access to the magazine just check out my sculpture gallery for more images or head to the sculpture shop for pricing.

458 Italia Announced

2009-07-28T10:36:00.004-04:00

Ferrari put to rest all the rumors and speculation regarding the F430 replacement today by officially announcing the 458 Italia. The 458 Italia will debut this September at the Frankfurt Motor Show but Ferrari decided to release the official press details early today as seen below.

Personally I reserve my final judgement on new designs until I see them in person. Ferrari tends to over retouch their studio shots for my tastes and I think a lot of the car's subtleties get lost in the process. I would much rather they use shots of the car in a more natural, outdoor environment.

Regardless, my first impression is that the 458 is an excellent new direction for Ferrari that manages to infuse some of the strengths of the California without the awkward proportions. I have to admit that after the California debut I was concerned about what direction Ferrari would take with this car. Afterall, I consider myself a purist and the California is not at all what I correlate with the soul of Ferrari.

Let's just hope one can still order their Italia with the traditional gated shifter and a radio delete option. That beautiful high-revving motor just over your shoulder is all the music I would ever need. I can't wait to see it in person at Cavallino 2010!

Here's the details:

ITALIA - Ferrari's innovative new V8

The 458 Italia is the latest incarnation of the mid-rear engined berlinetta and will be unveiled at the next Frankfurt Motor Show

Maranello, July 28th 2009 – While it's true that every Ferrari is innovative by definition, it's equally true that in the course of the Prancing Horse's history, certain cars have marked a genuine departure from the current range. This is very much the case with the Ferrari 458 Italia, which is a massive leap forward from the company's previous mid-rear engined sports cars.

The new model is a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology, characteristics for which Italy as a nation is well-known. For this reason Ferrari chose to add the name of its homeland to the traditional figure representing the displacement and number of cylinders.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics, just to name a few.

A two-seater berlinetta, the Ferrari 458 Italia, as is now traditional for all Ferrari's road-going cars, benefits hugely from the company's Formula 1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which the car responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased. However, Ferrari's track experience makes its presence felt in the 458 Italia not only in terms of pure technological transfer but also on a more emotional level, because of the strong emphasis on creating an almost symbiotic relationship between driver and car. The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - played an invaluable part.

The Ferrari 458 Italia's Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. The Ferrari 458 Italia has a compact, aerodynamic shape, underscoring the concepts of simplicity, efficiency and lightness that inspired the project. As with every Ferrari, the car's styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140 kg at 200km/h generated by the new model. The front features a single opening for the front grille and side air intakes, with aerodynamic sections and profiles designed to direct air to the coolant radiators and the new flat underbody. The nose also sports small aeroelastic winglets which generate downforce and, as speed rises, deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and cut drag.

The new 4499 cc V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines which contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers 570 CV at 9000 rpm and, with an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment. Maximum torque is 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, over 80 per cent of which is available from 3250 rpm. Specific torque is a record 120 Nm/litre. However, what is truly extraordinary is the amount of torque available while still maintaining high levels of power at low revs.

The car's soundtrack is also typical Ferrari, with an exciting, powerful growl emerging from the engine before it channels through to the exhaust's three rear tailpipes.

The 458 Italia is equipped with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which increases performance whilst providing very smooth shifts even at full throttle. The engineers have developed specific, sportier gear ratios to match the power and torque curves of the new V8, guaranteeing high torque even at lower engine speeds and allowing the car to reach its maximum speed in top gear.

This new Ferrari is also a major leap forward when it comes to cutting emissions. Despite the fact that the new engine is significantly more powerful than the V8s that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia produces just 320 g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption is 13.7 l/100 km (combined cycle), the best in the entire segment.

The engineers also focused on weight reduction during the design phase for similar reasons. Consequently, the Ferrari 458 Italia has a dry weight of 1380 kg with a power-to-weight ratio of 2.42 kg/CV. Weight distribution is also optimal with 58 per cent over the rear axle. The result of the engineers' endeavours can be summed up in to two simple statistics which together perfectly encapsulate the Ferrari 458 Italia's exceptional performance: 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 3.4 seconds and a maximum speed in excess of 325 km/h.

For the new chassis, once more in aluminium, Maranello's engineers incorporated various types of advanced alloys along with aerospace industry-derived manufacturing and bonding techniques.

With regard to vehicle dynamics, the Ferrari 458 Italia's suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear tuned for maximum roadholding and superlative handling. Along with a more direct steering ratio, the 458 Italia thus offers extremely rapid turn-in and body control whilst maintaining superior ride comfort.

The integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac (now controlled by the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32 per cent increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models. The evolution of the control logic, with even faster and more accurate calculation of levels of grip, ensures even greater roadholding, better handling and ease of control on the limit.

The same ECU also governs the high-performance ABS, providing even more precise control over the logic threshold and greater efficiency. The brakes also feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the callipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimise delay in the brakes being applied. This combined with the ABS has cut the 100-0 km/h braking distance to a mere 32.5 metres.

The Ferrari 458 Italia's interior is another area of the car that exalts its sporty personality. The driver is welcomed by a new layout and a revolutionary ergonomic interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel.

With the Ferrari 458 Italia, Maranello has brought a highly distinctive new car to its 8-cylinder range. The company now offers two models that share a common, race-derived DNA, both exceptionally sporty and fun to drive in true Ferrari tradition, but aimed at two very different kinds of client. While the Ferrari California was created for owners requiring a more versatile sports car with a practical edge, the 458 Italia is designed for owners for whom the priority is uncompromising on-road performance with occasional track day capability, but who still demand a car that is useable in day-to-day driving like all Ferrari's recent models.

Impossible is Nothing: Team Hoyt

2009-07-10T09:49:00.005-04:00

I've been a fan of the Hoyts for a long time now. I discovered their story when I first became interested in triathlons and needed a little push to get moving. I've been sharing it ever since.

As a father, there are few things in this world that have inspired me to my core as their story does. I am a firm believer that there isn't a single thing we can't accomplish with the right dedication and will. The greatest obstacle we face is to believe in the impossible. Team Hoyt proves that impossible is nothing. The first step is simply believing "yes I can".

Goodwood Audi Sculpture

2009-07-03T08:49:00.003-04:00

Anyone who appreciates automotive sculpture or classic cars in general would have to agree that one of the world's best venues is the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Held annually on the 12,000 acre Goodwood estate in West Sussex, the festival is marked with a different themed sculpture honoring a featured marque. These sculptures are always the most impressive pieces of art you've ever seen if not simply for their massive scale alone. Imagine standing in the presence of a 40 ton, 135 foot tall ribbon of steel and cars. I don't think there are any superlatives that could accurately convey the experience. Breathtaking would be an understatement.

Click here for a gallery of some of the past displays or read below for this year's official press release:

VAST 35-METRE AUDI 'MONUMENT' TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT GOODWOOD

Audi Celebrates its Centenary at 2009 Goodwood Festival Of Speed

Every year since 1997, Lord March has surprised us all with ever more vast and spectacular centrepieces for the Festival of Speed at his home, Goodwood House in West Sussex. For 2009 the latest sculptural 'monument' will be unveiled for the start of the three day Festival (3 to 5 July), which is likely to entertain a record number of 130,000 visitors for this year.

The Festival's work of art is the focus of Audi's global centenary celebrations - a truly breathtaking 35 metre high automotive 'monument'. The Audi 'central feature' art installation is one of the most ambitious and stunning sculptures ever constructed for Lord March's unique and world leading annual Festival, representing the unique style of one of the world's most progressive automotive brands.

The jaw-dropping 2009 Festival of Speed Central Feature actually marks the second occasion that Audi has chosen to celebrate a significant anniversary at Goodwood. In 1999, Audi was honoured with one of the most striking and memorable Goodwood central features to date for its 90th anniversary. The famous Avus race track banking was recalled in an astonishing installation that also included the iconic Auto Union Streamliner and a stunning Audi Avus quattro concept car perched high on the banking.

Designed by the award-winning Gerry Judah, Lord March's evergreen creative collaborator, the sculpture features two Audi cars – the legendary 1937 Auto Union streamliner as well as the just launched R8 V10 sports car suspended in the air, at either end of a dramatic 'swoosh' of tyre tracks, as if they are driving off into the sky. The sculpture is the latest in a grand tradition of central displays at the Festival. Each year Judah honours the featured marque with its own central display but this year's is something very special.

"I wanted to design something iconic because this year is Audi's 100th anniversary," explains Judah. "The sculpture had to have a celebratory theme and it also had to encompass the qualities of the Audi brand: sporty, prestigious and progressive.

"I drew about 20 ideas and some had elaborate bridges with vaulted arches but somehow they didn't have quite the right style. I then had a flash of inspiration and designed this 'swoosh' with a car at either end to represent Audi's 100-year history.

"It's made entirely of steel and although the design looks simple, it's actually extremely complex, because the structure has to be rigid and completely balanced without the need for hundreds of supporting props."

The total weight of the structure is 40 tonnes – the equivalent of 40 small family cars. It took two 100 tonne cranes to erect the structure and four weeks for 12 men to fabricate, build and install the structure.

As well as the Audi sculpture, the Festival will showcase Audi's most important cars and drivers from its illustrious century – from the days of the Grand Prix Auto Union 'Silver Arrows' of the thirties, through the 'quattro years' of the Eighties, right up to the present day.

Ten years on from its Goodwood debut, the Audi marque has progressed to become an even more significant player in the global premium car market, combining an enviable image for innovation and quality, and exhibiting consistent worldwide sales growth breaking the million global the widest and most comprehensive product programmes in the premium car sector, ranging from the hugely successful A3, right through to the pioneering R8, and including the Q7 V12TDI, with an engine directly developed from Audi's all-conquering turbo diesel sales barrier last year.

The Festival is famously held on the hill climb course and the grounds of Goodwood House on Lord March's 12,000-acre West Sussex estate.

"That Which You Manifest is Before You."

2009-06-24T13:28:00.004-04:00

I recently had a chance to read "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein on a flight to Boston from Florida. As both a racing fan and dog lover I found the book very enjoyable. It is an engaging, easy read that can be appreciated by everyone regardless of whether they like racing or not.

The book is currently listed #7 on the New York Times bestseller list and has gotten many excellent reviews. Here's the synopsis:

"Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoe at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it."

Better Than Coffee!

2009-06-22T09:02:00.004-04:00

Early Monday morning normally calls for a few cups of joe to get that day started and the blood pumping. Lucky for me I got this link in my email and didn't need to brew a pot. Why bother when you can have Maranello's finest?

I can't afford it and I'm not skilled enough to really drive it the way you see here but I still want one. That's Schumacher behind the wheel as a "guest" stig by the way. What a lucky bastard!

Enjoy!

Tokyo Mater!

2009-05-19T13:20:00.003-04:00

What car nut doesn't love Pixar's movie Cars?

I can't tell you how exactly many times my son and I watched that movie but it has got to be at least in the hundreds He went through a whole Cars phase when the movie was first released and still plays with the toys to this day. It is the one movie that I actually don't mind watching over and over.

Logically, a sequel is in the works. Disney is teasing our appetite for more Cars hilarities in the interval by offering a series of shorts entitled Mater's Tall Tales. They are every bit as creative and entertaining as the original film. The latest one named Tokyo Mater has got to be my all time favorite spoof on the Fast & the Furious.

These guys at Pixar undoubtedly have the greatest jobs on earth. I truly envy them.

Enjoy!

12 Cylinder Symphony

2009-05-06T08:51:00.004-04:00

I believe there are very few objects in this world that are pure poetry in motion. A Ferrari V12 is surely among them. The soulful wail of all twelve cylinders near redline substantiates the existence of man made perfection. This video elegantly portrays the inherit art of the process that defines the very soul of Ferrari. It stirred my soul as I'm sure it will yours.

Enjoy!

Remembering Senna...

2009-05-01T08:44:00.001-04:00

May 1st will forever be etched in my memory. That is the tragic day back in 1994 that the racing world lost its' legend Ayrton Senna at the San Marino Grand Prix.

I still can vividly remember the course of events now 15 years later. At that time I was feverishly preparing to graduate from the Cleveland Institute of Art with hopes of landing a design position at one of the Big 3. I was so entrenched in completing my work for the I.D. Spring show that I missed the race. I was a hard core F1 fan even back then so you know I was buried in work to miss a race! In fact, I didn't watch any TV at all that weekend because I was barricaded in my basement sketching so I had no idea of the tragic event that had transpired.

It wasn't until I arrived at school the following Monday morning that my friend Rich Scheer asked if I heard what happened. Needless to say I was shocked. I knew even then that would be a milestone in my life that I would always remember.

I had the honor of experiencing the magnitude of Senna's reach a few weeks later when I went to his hometown of Sao Paulo Brasil to visit my future wife. Even though the funeral had already occurred the palpable sadness and grief that still hung over the entire country was staggering. I had never in my life witnessed an event that had touched so many.

I never always agreed with Senna or approved of some of his more infamous on track antics but there is no denying that he will go down in history as one of the few true legends of racing. Even today, fifteen years later, he is still the standard of excellence by which others are compared.

Singing in the Rain

2009-04-30T14:15:00.003-04:00

Ferrari F430 Scuderia in the rain at Monza.

Need I say more?

Going once, going twice!!!

2009-04-23T12:10:00.009-04:00

Have a few million laying around and can't find the perfect gift? Don't feel safe leaving your hard earned money in Wall Street? No need to worry, the RM Maranello auction is just around the corner.

Browse through their stunning list of lots for sale and find the Ferrari of your dreams for you or your favorite (hint, hint) artist. Even for the majority of us who can only dream of owning such priceless works of art it's fun to look through and put together the ultimate collection.

Put me down for lot #204, #209, #213, #216 for starters.

Your Ferrari Is Waiting...

2009-04-06T09:31:00.016-04:00

I recently discovered that Ferrari updated their web presence. The Scuderia's new updated web site dramatically improves all of the graphics and visuals as well as a plethora of new content.

The best new feature of the Ferrari.com site is an unbelievably cool car configurator that lets you create your own personalized dream machine. Now all of the world's tifosi can pass countless hours each day configuring our fantasy Ferrari. Productivity be damned!

The harsh reality that I can't buy my prancing online creations at this point in time is no deterrent. This new tool is so much fun I don't care if I don't have enough green to buy today's Nero Daytona 430 Scuderia! Configuring a different car each time is so much fun I can't stop doing it. The allure here is the dream of owning such an incredible work of art and the temptation of how much fun it would be to sit down and order it exactly the way you'd like. I think I'll put together a 599 during lunch and then another 430 before dinner.

How much is the Powerball up to now anyways?

Truth In 24

2009-03-18T15:03:00.014-04:00

Here we go race fans! It's mid March and the new 2009 season is finally upon us. God, I love this time of year!

The 12 Hours of Sebring and Homestead Ferrari Challenge are just a few days away and I'm amped up and waiting to enjoy the smell of race fuel and burnt rubber. What better way to kick off the events this weekend than watching this new feature called "Truth in 24"?

The show will air on ESPN March 20th at 8:00 PM EST and has already generated a strong buzz within the racing community. Be sure to check it out because it looks like it's going to be a winner.

The Moment of Truth

2009-01-28T09:33:00.009-05:00

After months of anticipation, endless hours of work, and many sleepless nights Cavallino 2009 has come and gone. How can something you've spent a year preparing for go by so fast?

I still can't believe that just one week ago I was working around the clock to try and finish my 250 TR sculpture entitled "Heritage of Speed" for its' debut. I've been trying to rest in the aftermath of this weekend's events to regain my strength enough to get back to some semblance of normality. Now I know why sleep deprivation is such an effective means of torture!

The moment of truth came this past Saturday January 24th at the Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. Things started out a little crisp in the morning when I awoke at 5 am but once the sun climbed up in the sky we were blessed with a chamber of commerce day. I'm convinced John Barnes has discovered a method to manipulate the weather because every year the conditions are perfect.

The artists were busy arranging their artwork in a tent just off the main lawn as the cars began to drive onto the field in the early morning sun. As I positioned my art work among them I briefly thought about what an honor it was to display with such an esteemed group. Many of the artists have been an inspiration to me since I began my art career and it was exhilarating to be in their company. I can only hope someday I'll be fortunate enough to join their ranks in the AFAS.

I'm very proud to say that my sculpture "Heritage of Speed" was a hit and was very well received. I had an incredible time talking to everyone and sharing my sculpture with the public. It's always rewarding to see other people enjoy and appreciate my art and it inspires me to create more. I especially enjoy the fascination and intrigue that surrounds every art show. The unique, handcrafted nature of my piece made sure there was no shortage of questions. It was a lot of fun to "talk shop" with everyone and explain the process of hand forming aluminum. I'm glad I had the foresight to keep a running tally of my hours because that was the question of the day. When guests heard that it took me just under 1,100 hours to complete I often wondered if the astonished look on their face meant that I was crazy or stupid. Maybe it's a little of both!

I hope that this show illustrated to everyone just what I'm capable of and the endless possibilities that could be commissioned. Although "Heritage of Speed" was quite large I tried to emphasize throughout the day that I could create any subject at any scale. Anything is possible from a small piece to be displayed in a foyer or something immense that could serve as a corporate focal point. The sky is the limit!

I'm currently in the process of having professional studio shots taken of my sculpture that would accurately convey its' presence. In the meantime, be sure to take a moment to check out the portfolio page for some crude shots I've included in a impromptu gallery. They are rough around the edges but they will have to do until I get some more professional images.

Last but not least a very special thank you to John Barnes for hosting such a wonderful event and for allowing me to be a part of it. I cannot express in words just how honored and grateful I am to have been among the artist of Cavallino 2009. I hope I can return next year.

Forza Ferrari!

Watching Paint Dry...

2009-01-13T18:47:00.008-05:00

Ahhhh, there's nothing like having a million things to do yet you can't get to them because you have to wait for paint to set up! I can literally here the clock ticking down.

With Cavallino merely a ten paltry days away I'm burning the midnight oil to complete my sculpture. Thanks to a 60 minute cure time on my primer I have a chance to eat and shoot off a quick update for those keeping track of this insane project.

I knew I was going to have to pull a few all nighters to try and get under the wire and now it's crunch time. Although the sculpture appears 90% complete it's these last little details that really make it come together. It's also the task of finishing this minutia that voraciously eats up the clock. You have to really be careful to stay on your game or you'll get eaten alive. The slightest mistake and you could lose 12 hours. The very thought of a drip or run in the paint drops me into the fetal position. Factor in lack of sleep with the stress and you can see why I'm on edge.

Why am I doing this again?

Because it's there! Isn't that the defacto Mt. Everest answer anyone gives when they are chin deep in an act of lunacy? In a way there is a simple truth in the bravado. I imagine there is something deep inside all of us that lives for the challenge of attempting the impossible. Either that or I'm too stupid or too crazy to know better!

Whatever the logic, it is an exhilarating experience to envision something and see it to fruition. I've had this picture in my mind's eye for over a year now and I'm finally about to see it complete. Succeed or fail at least I'll be able to look my children in the eye and tell them I gave it my best shot. How could I teach them to go after their dreams if I didn't do the same?

The scary thing is my mind is a dream factory and I have half a dozen or so more crazy ideas in my head stacked up ready to go. I'm going to have to win the lotto somehow to finance all of them. Any dream investors out there?

Now if only that damn paint would dry so I could go home and sleep!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T09:50:00.008-05:00

I'm always amazed at how quickly time seems to pass from Thanksgiving to New Years. This year was no exception and seemed to fly by quicker than most. I still can't believe tomorrow is Christmas already!

My son certainly is ready. He's at the age when Christmas is truly a joy. I can't describe in words how wonderful it is to watch a young child enjoy Christmas. It really makes you feel like a kid again. You can't help but get swept up in their excitement and anticipation. Even my daughter at nearly a year and a half knows something special is happening. When I see the looks on their faces Christmas morning I know I am blessed.

I make a concentrated effort each year to focus on my family at Christmas time. No matter how busy I am, I always drop what I am doing and celebrate with my loved ones. All my work, no matter how urgent, gets put on the back burner. There is nothing more important in this world than our families and Christmas is meant to be shared with them. What better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than to be surrounded by the ones you love?

With that said, here's to all our friends and your families! You will all be in our thoughts and prayers on this sacred day. May your Christmas be filled with love and laughter. God bless you and have a very merry Christmas!

Controlled Chaos

2008-12-10T09:31:00.009-05:00

One of my favorite pastimes is shifter karting.

There are few things in this world more exhilarating than getting violently thrown around a kart track at up to 100 mph with your butt an inch off the ground. At times I'm not sure if I drive the shifter kart or if it drives me. This might be due to the fact that I'm not a skilled karter or it could have something to do with the mind numbing power to weight ratio. Let's just say it's the latter to save my ego the embarrassment of admitting I'm slow.

The karting experience transmits the sensation in the seat of your pants that you are on the verge of losing control at any moment. It is raw and primal in every way. I personally think it is so damn addicting because it gives you the illusion of being in control of an object that is inherently out of control.

Painting is similar in its' own regard.

Now I know it might seem like a stretch to compare painting to driving a 100 mph kart but they both offer the illusion of controlled chaos. This comparison is fresh on my mind because I've entered the final phase of my artwork and have been applying "paint" to my sculpture.

Applying paint in an abstract manner to any piece of artwork, whether it be a piece of canvas or an aluminum form, is a discipline much like that of driving a shifter kart. You know where you want to go, the question is does the kart want to go there? You apply the necessary inputs to achieve your line but in reality you are always on the edge of loosing control. Flowing paint reacts in much the same fashion. You know what you would like the paint to do but invariably you have to will it to follow your line. That is the beauty of it all.

Thankfully I'm a far better painter than shifter kart driver!

Although fun, it is intimidating to throw caution to the wind and begin painting something that has taken you a thousand hours to make. Just like karting, if you screw up you'll have a worthless twisted pile of scrap metal! Thank God I'm one week in and I haven't wrecked it.

I knew from the beginning that I wanted a finish as unique and gestural as the sculpture itself. I spent a great deal of time researching and testing finish and paint combinations until I felt I had the right look. I envisioned something that was very saturated in color and value yet translucent and fluid like a watercolor wash. I tried several different wash techniques to perfect the flowing water visual I desired.

This is where controlled chaos theory comes into play.

I have to position my sculpture in space and let loose with a Pollokesque technique of throwing paint and letting the different colors flow and run amuck. It is a difficult balancing act. Too much color at once and it all blends together into a muddy mess. Not enough color and it becomes opaque and looks like graffiti. If you don't have the sculpture at the right angle gravity pulls the finish in the wrong direction and it contradicts the flowing lines and forms of the sculpture. You have to also factor in preheating the sculpture so that the essential patina effect takes hold. If it isn't preheated to exactly 180 - 200 degrees the patinas won't do their job and you start back from square one.

Sound like fun? Yeah, that's what I thought too!

It's been a very stressful process but things are going well to this point. I am still building up the layers of finish and color but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I still have a long way to go before the final clear. Now is the most exciting time of the entire art process because I can really start to see things coming together. I've got my fingers crossed and I'm hoping things continue to go well.

I'll keep you posted!

Knowing When to Stop

2008-12-01T20:54:00.004-05:00

It has been my experience through the years that the most difficult part of creating a piece of art is knowing when to stop.

I've often dreamed of being able to work at leisure and let each piece dictate it's own time frame. Who wouldn't want to be free of all time constraints and nuisances such as deadlines? It may sound liberating but I know things would spiral on for eternity and I would never get anything done. You can't show, let alone sell, a collection of unfinished art.

No matter what painting, sculpture, or design I've worked on I've always felt it could use just a "little bit more". I've always wanted just one more brush stroke. Just one more hour. Sooner or later you have to accept enough is enough and move on.

Today was my self imposed deadline for that moment. Ready or not, I had no say in the matter. "A man's got to know his limits." as Clint would say.

Today was circled in red on my project calendar as the point of no return months ago. It's been glaring at me from a distance like some crimson beacon of inevitability. If I hope to finish on schedule I need to leave the remaining time for finishing and refinement. Those are uncharted waters and I'm going to need some wiggle room just in case things go awry.

Time to cover the english wheel and put down my hammers and dollies.

For once I feel the timing is perfect. I am very comfortable with where I am today and I feel it's "there". I've spent the last few months adding a pinch and a dash here and there just like a pot of pasta sauce. The last taste today was just right. Time to move on.

This doesn't mean the pace will let up. Only the focus will change. I'll now have to spend hour upon hour grinding, sanding, and buffing the metal to get just the right look. I've got the finished image in my mind's eye, all I have to do is make it a reality. There is no room for error.

I'll get to have a lot of fun and be more loose at this stage so I'm excited and reenergized. Working six days a week has worn me down but the notion of playing with patina and wielding my paints has me enthused.

Time to fire up the Pink Floyd and fling some paint. Dark Side of the Moon anyone?

Tig and Turkey

2008-11-24T12:14:00.004-05:00

The end of November is already upon us. How did that happen so quickly?

Thanksgiving brings sunny Florida a few chilly days when the occasional cold front pushes through. Being the Sunshine State those "chilly" days are in the low 60's with brisk nights in the high 40's. That's one of the reasons I don't miss Ohio this time of year!

Normally I like to take advantage of the long holiday week by heading up to Stuart to enjoy some of the incredible pompano fishing that heats up this time of year. If I can't find any pompano I know I can always shoot outside and have some fun with the spanish mackeral. It's a sure thing and is always fun.

This year things will be different. I'll be working.

With Cavallino looming even closer I'll be foregoing the turkey and fishing for some much needed extra time on my artwork. I still have a lot to do if I want to finish in time and I need every minute I can get. Too bad I have to sleep or I'd be done.

Things are progressing nicely but I'm at the stage where every little detail is tedious and time consuming. I need to be ready for paint (for lack of a better term) by December 1st to remain on schedule. That means this week will be spent fabricating every chance I get. How long does it take a Sync 200 to tig cook a 15 pound turkey?

Take a look at the second teaser image above and you'll get a glimpse of where I'm going. I can't show my hand until the event but it's made of aluminum. Lots of aluminum! Keep checking in for my weekly update and you'll see more each time. Until then...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Don't Call It a Comeback!

2008-11-17T21:24:00.007-05:00

In case you haven't noticed, the Hot Shoe home page has been heralding January 22, 2009 as my triumphant return into the world of automotive art.

Well, at least I hope it will be triumphant despite the current economic environment of which I have the misfortune to relaunch the pursuit of my life-long dream. A successful art career is a long shot in the best of financial climates. Recession not withstanding, I'm maintaining an optimistic attitude. With only 65 days to go I won't have to wait long.

I have always loved creating automotive themed artwork. Having been through the transportation design program at the Cleveland Institute of Art, it was a natural progression to draw and paint the subject matter I so dearly loved.

Design is an exciting and ever challenging career but its real world demands and parameters limit you creatively to be less "artistic" in your approach. Automotive art lets you take this skill and add your own interpretation as an artist, there are zero rules. Dig a little deeper and you'll find that most of the industry's top designers also moonlight as automotive artists. I suppose it's cathartic.

The point being, it's something I truly love to do. When I was a bit younger I tried to make a full time career out of it but foolishly let it fall by the wayside in the quest for the more traditional "steady paycheck" approach. I'll divulge more details of the course of events that led me to this crossroads in the About section in the upcoming days. It's a long, long story.

Suffice it to say here and now that I'm back! As ridiculous as it sounds I've got that LL Cool J tune earworming in my head. Hence today's title.

This time I'm bringing out the big gun. You'll have to wait for the Cavallino Classic in January of 2009 for the official debut. I'm not going to show anything more than the vague teaser image above but I promise you it will be like nothing you've ever seen before. It has been the most demanding, intense piece of artwork I've ever created. I think everyone who has seen the piece since its inception thinks I'm insane for even attempting it. Hell, even I think I'm crazy!

It's been a nonstop roller coaster ride since I began one year ago. At my current pace I will have just over 1,000 hours of total time invested. The scariest thing is the amount of work still remaining. I will barely finish in time for the event. There are going to be a lot of late nights in the next 65 days! Against all odds it must be finished in time or my dream will end before it has even had a chance to begin. It's do or die.

I'll shed a little insight and additional images each week until the final unveiling. Be sure to check here weekly from now until Cavallino for more updates.

Mama said knock you out!

Cunnigham Drives to 5th Title

2008-10-07T08:44:00.006-04:00

My brother-in-law Pierre Kleinubing just missed his 5th World Challenge Title October 3rd coming in five points behind team owner Peter Cunnigham in the 2008 season finale at Road Atlanta.

This is Peter's 5th World Challenge Title and wraps up an incredible season for Realtime Racing where they nabbed the Championship as well as second, third, and the Manufacturer's Title. It was an amazing season that won't be easily eclipsed. Afterall, how do you do better than the Championship, 2nd, 3rd, and the Manufacturer's Cup? I guess we'll find out next year when the Realtime crew kicks off the 2009 World Challenge Season at Sebring.

I'll be there as usual with my kids to cheer Pierre and RTR on to victory. If you are at the track stop by the RTR trailer and say "hi".

In Memoriam: Paul Newman

2008-09-30T11:13:00.008-04:00

This past Friday dealt yet another blow to the racing community with the passing of Paul Newman. Known not only for his incredible acting career, Paul Newman was also an accomplished driver and team owner. I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone who could say they didn't like Paul Newman. He was one of the few genuine, charismatic individuals who was loved and respected by all.

He has long been one of my personal all-time favorite celebrities. A real "man's man" in a sea of shallow, conceited actors and athletes. I was fortunate to have met Mr. Newman a few times at the Cleveland Grand Prix at Burke Lakefront Airport back in the glory days of Champ Car Racing. When I first met him I was struck by how sincere and affable he was. There was never a hint of ego or elitism despite his legendary status.

He was an icon who will be missed but never forgotten. Godspeed!

iPhone Dyno

2008-09-23T08:46:00.006-04:00

I love my iPhone more with each passing day and it's apps like Dynolicious that make it even better.

Despite the ridiculous name, Dynolicious is an incredible "pocket dyno" app that any car nut will appreciate. Dynolicious utilizes the accelerometer built in to your iPhone or iPod Touch to sense the motion of your vehicle. This data is sampled as many as one hundred times per second, developing a detailed picture of the car's acceleration. This information is then used to determine the speed of the vehicle and the distance travelled.

Additional features include:

*0-60 MPH
*Other Speed Tests (0-10 MPH through 0-100 MPH in 10MPH increments)
*Quarter Mile Elapsed Time
*Quarter Mile Trap Speed
*Elapsed Time and Trap Speed for standard intervals (60', 330', 1/8 Mi, 1000')
*Lateral G's (current and peak)
*Braking G's (current and peak)
*Wheel Horsepower
*Estimated Engine Horsepower

I can't wait to see what this baby says after a few laps in a shifter kart. Dynolicious is available for download to your iPhone for $12.99 through the Apple iTunes App Store.