Posted: 06 Oct 2009 06:57 AM PDT

SOURCE: Barrett-Jackson

SCOTTSDALE, AZ--(Marketwire - October 6, 2009) - Some serious star power fuels excitement at the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Collector Car Auction, where Bruce Willis and Don Johnson will sell vehicles from their private collections; and the "Father of the Mustang," Lee Iacocca, will provide an exclusive chance to own one of only 45 limited edition Ford Mustangs. In a special charity auction, legendary TV host Jay Leno will donate proceeds from the sale of a one-of-a kind Yamaha motorcycle to Bailey's Café, an arts education program based in Brooklyn, NY.

Ranging from a Lincoln Limousine used during the filming of "Die Hard," to a powerful off-road SUV, a total of six vehicles from the celebrities will all sell at No Reserve from Oct. 7 - 10, at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Because no collector car auction in Las Vegas would be complete without a nod to the "King of Rock and Roll," Elvis Presley fans will also have the chance to own a race car used in the iconic 1964 motion picture, "Viva Las Vegas."

"The 'Entertainment Capital of the World' is the perfect city to offer some of the most exciting celebrity vehicles we've ever had," said Barrett-Jackson Chairman/CEO, Craig Jackson. "Not only are some of the cars famous in their own right after appearing in some legendary films -- but many have additional significance for personal and charitable reasons. This is a must-see opportunity for fans, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a piece of history."

Bruce Willis, action movie star and one of Hollywood's most recognizable leading men, will sell his 1967 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, 1968 Pontiac Firebird 400 and 1988 Lincoln Limousine.

The Copper Maroon 1967 Corvette convertible (Lot #659.3) features a powerful 427 c.i.d., 435 horsepower Tri-Power engine with a 4-speed manual transmission. Tri-Power 'Vettes are considered by many collectors to be some of the most collectible versions of the celebrated American sports car. Willis purchased the car in El Paso, Texas, while filming "Last Man Standing." He later shipped the car to Sun Valley, Idaho, to enjoy during summer trips.

Also a convertible, the black on black 1968 Pontiac Firebird (Lot #659.2) hails from Willis' hometown of Penns Grove, N.J., where he used to drive to and from the Jersey Shore with his father. Originally used to take Willis to the set of his TV series "Moonlighting," his dark blue 1988 Lincoln Limousine (Lot #659.1) was also used during the filming of the blockbuster movie, "Die Hard."

"Bruce Willis has owned some great American iron," said Jackson. "Cars like his 1967 Corvette and '68 Firebird helped define an era of motoring in this country that was built around power. The Lincoln Limo also tells a story as it was used during Bruce's most iconic film."

Lee Iacocca, known as the "Father of the Mustang," presented the Ford Mustang to the world during a dramatic press conference at the 1964 New York World's Fair. During his time as Ford Division president and general manager, Iacocca made the Mustang a household name. Now, Iacocca is selling one of the most anticipated limited edition versions of this iconic classic, the No. 5 Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang (Lot #3000).

One of only 45 to be built, and nearly two years in the making, the Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is a collaborative effort by Iacocca, designer Michael Leone, and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters. The car is custom-built by a team of artisans using composite construction laminates, a reinforced material from the aerospace industry. Under the hood is a specially equipped 550 horsepower engine featuring a Ford Racing polished Supercharger and a 5-speed manual transmission.

The exterior is painted in a specially created Iacocca silver hue, while the interior is resplendent with luxurious touches that highlight the car's special heritage. These include Iacocca Diamond Design leather seats with embroidery stitching, an Iacocca signature dash plaque with serial number, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with "I" badge and Iacocca-badged aluminum door sill plates.

"This is a stunning modern-day muscle car from the visionary who started it all," said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. "It's hard to imagine where collector car enthusiasts would be if Lee Iacocca hadn't championed the Ford Mustang project 45 years ago. Now, he has teamed up with some of the top automotive talent in the world to produce the 45th Anniversary model. It's an instant collectible."

Jay Leno, one of the most popular TV hosts and stand-up comedians in the country, and one of the world's most ardent car and motorcycle collectors, will sell his Yamaha Star V-Max motorcycle (Lot #761.1) to benefit Bailey's Café (www.baileyscafe.org) The educational program based in Brooklyn, NY, uses poetry, theater, video, writing, music, dance, cooking and fine arts to build community and inter-generational understanding and respect in inner-city neighborhoods.

"Bailey's Café is a wonderful arts program," said Leno. "Since I didn't have any Yamaha musical instruments to auction off, I thought I'd sell my Star V-Max, which is made by Yamaha, to support the program."

The 200-horsepower Star V-Max is one of the world's most powerful production motorcycles. This is a limited-production, built-to-order, one-of-a-kind motorcycle Leno customized with additional features using noted San Diego custom-bike designer Jeff Palhegyi.

Movie star car and celebrated racer, the 1961 Ol' Yaller VIII (Lot #709), is one of only nine Ol' Yallers built by road racing icon, Max Balchowsky, from 1956-1963, and appeared in the 1964 movie, "Viva Las Vegas," with Elvis Presley. Assembled with spare components from fairly humble production automobiles, Balchowsky's Ol' Yallers became famous for their triumphs over road racing titans of the 1950s and early '60s. While the unusual design and bright yellow paint made them noticeable, it was Balchowsky's remarkable engineering that made the Ol' Yaller a force on the track. Famous drivers such as Dan Gurney and Carroll Shelby piloted Ol' Yallers during their careers and raved about their capabilities.

"At Barrett-Jackson, we consign a wide range of vehicles that fulfill all of the wants and needs of today's collectors," added Steve Davis, president, Barrett-Jackson. "Increasingly, collectors are seeking cars that are not only rare, but can be raced or displayed at a Concours. They want a monetary investment that can be observed, touched and enjoyed. This Ol' Yaller delivers the exclusivity and thrill that collectors crave."

Ol' Yaller VIII is powered by a 350 c.i.d., 350 horsepower V8 engine with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, 4-speed manual transmission and independent front and rear coil suspension. While most of Balchowsky's earlier creations were based on a tube-frame chassis, it was constructed on a Jaguar E-Type shell, making it one of the most aesthetically pleasing Ol' Yallers ever built.

The car spent its early years in the SCCA West Coast Championship series. It was then modified by customizer Dean Jeffries and later became a show car for Grand Stand Amusements in 1972. Shortly after buying the car in the early 1990s, noted collector and vintage racer Gordon Apker commissioned a full restoration to return Ol' Yaller VIII to its original configuration. Balchowsky meticulously supervised the restoration.

Don Johnson, television and film actor, Golden Globe winner, and star of the hit television show "Miami Vice," will sell his 1994 Land Rover Defender 90 (Lot #410), a specialized vehicle for trips off the beaten path. The two-door yellow on black SUV features a 4.0 Liter V8 engine with a 5-speed manual transmission, and comes fully-loaded with front winch, head lamps, and both hardtop and convertible soft-top. There are only 14,687 original miles, and the vehicle has been garaged in Aspen, Colo., since it was purchased brand new from the dealer.

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces the "World's Greatest Collector Car Auctions™" in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

Viper Motorcycle Company Signs Letter Of Intent For Joint Venture With ... - Earthtimes

Posted: 06 Oct 2009 03:01 AM PDT

HOPKINS, MN, Oct. 6 Viper-Motorcycle
HOPKINS, MN , Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Viper Motorcycle Company, a subsidiary of Viper Powersports Inc. (OTCBB: VPWI) and Ilmor Engineering, Inc. announced today that they have executed a letter of intent to partner on the manufacture of an Ilmor developed Viper Motorcycle 152 cubic inch V-Twin engine. The Ilmor version of the Viper polished billet engine, created during the past six-months, will be manufactured and assembled in Plymouth, MI , by the famed race engine design and development company and will be co-branded with the famous Ilmor name. Viper Motorcycles and Ilmor will also provide cross-marketing support to promote the relationship.
Ilmor Engineering is one of the most successful race-engine design and manufacturing firms in the world, best known for its expertise and success in the highest levels of automobile racing. The company has over 200 Indy Car wins to its credit including winning the prestigious Indy 500 no less than 15 times. Created as a race engineering company in the UK more 25 years ago, Ilmor has more than 150 personnel worldwide with facilities in Michigan, USA and Northampton, England .
John R. Silseth II , Viper Powersports CEO, said, "We anticipate a public launch of this exciting product in early 2010. Ilmor is the ideal partner as Viper prepares to increase production and take its rightful place as a premiere American OEM of high performance cruiser motorcycles."
Paul Ray , Ilmor Engineering, Inc.'s President, said, "Reaching this next stage in our growing relationship is a testament to how well our companies work together. We continue to share a strong passion for excellence that will help us forge a very long and successful relationship with Viper Motorcycle Company."

Viper Powersports designs, manufactures and markets a line of premium American V-Twin Super Cruiser motorcycles, V-Twin aftermarket engines and other related aftermarket products through an independent dealer network. Viper Powersports and Viper Motorcycle Company's websites are www.viperpowersports.com and www.vipermotorcycle.com.

Ilmor Engineering is a world-class company that specializes in design, development, testing and manufacturing of high-performance and racing engines including automotive, marine and motorcycle. Ilmor Engineering's website is www.ilmor.com.

The foregoing material may contain forward-looking statements. We caution that such statements may be subject to uncertainties and that actual results could differ materially from the fore-going statements. Readers accordingly should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which do not reflect anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances occurring after the date of these forward-looking statements.

CONTACT: Terry Nesbitt , President, Viper Motorcycle Company, Tel: (612) 328-1558, E: tnesbitt@vipermotorcycle.com

SOURCE Viper Powersports Inc.

Don V. Somers, Troy - detnews.com

Posted: 05 Oct 2009 10:01 PM PDT

Don V. Somers, Troy

Mark Hicks / The Detroit News

Don Somers loved to stop and chat with people, a trait that helped him throughout his years volunteering with a local American Red Cross mobile blood bank unit.

"It fit his personality. He was always outgoing and friendly," said his son Keith Somers. "No matter where he was, he always struck up a conversation. He was always happy to talk."

Mr. Somers died on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. He was 85.

Born March 5, 1924, to Raymond and Estelle Somers, he grew up in Buffalo, N.Y.

Spurred by the Dec. 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor attack, Mr. Somers quickly enlisted in the military.

Serving in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, he flew in a B-24 Liberator bomber as a waist gunner and was active in the South Pacific.

During his third mission, his plane was shot and Mr. Somers lost a leg.

Among his honors was a Purple Heart, relatives said.

After a lengthy recovery, Mr. Somers earned bachelor's degrees from what was then General Motors Institute in Flint as well as Cornell University.

On March 31, 1951, he wed Teresa Haitgema.

Relocating to Metro Detroit, he began working at GM Technical Center in Warren and became an automotive engineering manager in the Chevrolet division.

Even after retiring in 1980, Mr. Somers was devoted to automotive interests: motorcycles and tinkering with cars.

"He just loved cars and motorcycles," his son said. "He was always doing something with cars ... had a bunch of motorcycles over the years. He just liked the freedom of it."

Besides volunteering with the Red Cross, Mr. Somers also was a member and past president of the West Bloomfield Township school board and served with a GM retirees' group, relatives said.

"He was always active in the community," Keith Somers said.

Another love was journeying nationwide with his wife.

"They went all over the country," their son said. "They would spend a couple of months a year driving all over. Wherever their children lived they would go, from Colorado to Massachusetts to New York City to North Carolina to Louisiana. They were always there to visit."

At home, Mr. Somers enjoyed walking his dogs and hoisting an American flag in the front yard.

"Every day he flew a flag," Keith Somers said. "He was a very proud American."

Besides his wife and son, other survivors include three daughters, Ruth Somers, Debby Claussen and Cyd Karr; a son, Michael Somers; five grandchildren; a brother, the Rev. Eldon Somers; and a sister-in-law, Eileen Somers.

He was predeceased by a brother, Lowell Somers.

Services were held Friday.

Memorials may be made to Henry Ford Hospice/Lakeland Center, 26900 Franklin Road, Southfield, MI 48033.

PRESS DIGEST - Thai newspapers Oct 6 - Reuters UK

Posted: 05 Oct 2009 06:47 PM PDT

BANGKOK, Oct 6 (Reuters) - These are some of the leading stories in Thai newspapers on Tuesday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

TOP STORIES

- Driver carelessness is suspected as a possible cause of a train derailment at Khao Tao station in Prachuap Khiri Khan which left eight people dead and 88 injured (BANGKOK POST)

- A court-ordered suspension for a year of investment projects by PTT and other state enterprises could slice 0.4 percentage points off economic growth next year, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said (THE NATION)

- A bomb planted on a parked motorcycle has gone off near a religious festival crowded with revellers in Pattani's Khok Pho district, injuring 17 people, five of them seriously (BANGKOK POST)

- Negotiations to finalise an ambitious international climate-change deal have not made any progress at the midway point of a two-week meeting in Bangkok (THE NATION)

- The United Nations Development Programme is urging countries to reconsider their approach to migrants and improve their conditions and welfare (BANGKOK POST)

- GM Thailand's automotive assembly plant in the Eastern Seaboard province of Rayong was shut down yesterday as a result of a workers' strike (THE NATION)

BUSINESS Continued...

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Text Size - Chicago Tribune

Posted: 05 Oct 2009 04:43 AM PDT

BOATING UNDER POWER The Waukegan Sail and Power Squadron is offering a "Boat Handling Under Power" seminar at the Waukegan Yacht Club from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 6. The class will demonstrate how to depart and dock under a variety of conditions as well as all about trimming the boat underway. Fee is $10 for non-members. Call Lt. Col Mike Ludtke at 815-575-0809, e-mail wspsxo@gmail.com or visit www.wspsboating.org.

TERROR ON THE RAILROAD The Illinois Railway Museum hosts its annual haunted event, Terror on the Railroad, Oct. 9 and 10, 16 and 17, 23 and 24 and 30 and 31. Participants must be at least 13 and in good health. The event will run from 7 to 11 p.m. all eight nights. Tickets, available only at the gate, are $12. Visit www.irm.org or call 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL (244-7245).

RAILROAD SWAP MEET The Blackhawk Chapter National Railway Historical Society hosts its Fall Railroad Swap Meet Oct. 10. The meet is set for from 1 to 6 p.m. at American Legion Post 485, 7485 Burr St., Schererville. Vendor fee is $15. Admission is free. Visit www.blackhawknrhs.org.

SIMPSON'S RALLYE Join the SCORE rallye team for The Simpsons Rallye VIII, a gimmick car rallye, Oct. 10. Registration opens at 6 p.m. at the Firestone Auto Center at Woodfield Mall, north entrance off Golf Road between Ill. 53 and Meacham Road, with cars out at 7:15. Fee is $15. Call 847-398-8342 or e-mail road-rallye@sbcglobal.net.

FALL SWAPFEST Mid America Motorworks hosts its Fall Swapfest Oct. 10. Swapfest will also include an uction, flea market and car corral from 8 a.m to 4 p.m. at Mid America, on U.S. 45, 2 miles north of Interstates 57 and 70, in Effingham, Ill. Vendor spaces are $40 and the corral costs $25 per vehicle. Visit www.mamotorworks.com.

FAMOUS GHOST HUNT Wheels Rallye Team presents The Famous Ghost Hunt Halloween rallye Oct. 17. Dig up your friends and visit new haunts on the rallye that starts with registration at 6 p.m. at Woodfield Mall parking lot, in Schaumburg, just west of the Firestone Tire Center at Light Pole B-2. A beginner's school will be held at 6:45, and the cars head out at 7:10. Fee is $15 per vehicle, with proceeds benefiting MS research. Visit www.wheelsrallyeteam.com or contact Dennis at 847-446-2904 or roadrallye@aol.com.

GHOST TRAIN The Monticello Railway Museum hosts its Ghost Train Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30 and 31 in Monticello, off I-72 between Champaign and Springfield. The trains, with a Haunted Boxcar, run every half hour from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 30 and 31. The run on the half hour from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 25. Tickets are $6 for ages 2 and older. Visit www.mrym.org.

AIRLINE COLLECTIBLES The Chicagoland Airline Collectibles Fall Show is set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Holiday Inn Elk Grove Village. It will include models, post cards, dining-service items and more. Admission is $5 with kids younger than 12 free. Visit www.graylandstation.com or call Steve Mazanek 773-775-5623.

LOOOONG RACE The Chicagoland Sports Car Club hosts the 39th annual Loooong Race Oct. 24-25 at Blackhawk Farms in Rockton. Visit www.cscc-racing.com.

TRICK OR TREAT TROLLEY Tricks and treats await you at every stop on this spooky and kooky trolley ride at the Illinois Railway Museum Oct. 24 and 25 and 31. Kids in costume get a free prize. Hours at the museum in Union are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fares are $12 for adults, $8 for kids or $45 for families. Visit www.irm.org or call 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL (244-7245).

SKIP'S SWAP The 17th annual Skip's Auto and Truck Parts Swap Meet is set for Nov. 1 at the new Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. The meet and sale for collectible and performance vehices is set for 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults and $2 for kids 6-11. Vendor fee is $35 and cars for sale $25. Visit www.skipsusa.com or call 630-340-4744.

POLAR EXPRESS The Polar Express pulls into the National Railroad Museum in Ashwaubenon, Wis., Nov. 27, 27 and 29 and Dec. 4, 5 and 6. The annual trip to the North Pole will be made at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. each day and include a dramatic reading of the Christmas story about a boy who is not sure whether he believes in Santa Claus. Standard class fares are $12 for adults and $8 for kids 2 through 12. Fares in premium class--a restored 1950s streamline buffet-lounge-observation car, are $25 for lounge seating and $18 for table seating. Reservations are required. Call 920-437-7623, ext. 10, or visit www.nationalrrmuseum.org.

THE POLAR EXPRESS The Monticello Chamber of Commerce hosts Lunch with Santa on the Train Dec. 4 and 5 at the Monticello Railway Museum, off I-72 between Champaign and Springfield. The journey, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., leaves the Wabash Depot in downtown Monticello and includes a reading of the story. Tickets are $20 per person. For information, visit www.polarexpressride.com or call 877-762-9011. For tickets, visit www.mrym.org.

LUNCH WITH SANTA The Monticello Railway Museum hosts the Polar Express Nov. 27 and 28 and Dec. 5 and 6 in Monticello, off I-72 between Champaign and Springfield. Departures are 10 a.m. and 1, 2:15 and 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5 and 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 and 2:30 p.m. Dec 6. Tickets are $11 per person. Visit www.monticellochamber.org.

HAPPY HOLIDAY RAILWAY Take a train ride through holiday light displays and visit with Santa Claus and his elves at the Illinois Railway Museum Dec. 5 and 6, 12 and 13 and 19 and 20. Children on Santa's "good" list will recieve a gift. Trains run every two hours at the museum in Union. Visit www.irm.org or call 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL (244-7245).

TOYS FOR TOTS The 32nd annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at Dan Ryan Woods, 85th Street and Western Avenue, Chicago. The parade will proceed up Western to the Marine Reserve Center at Foster Avenue and Troy Street. Participants can gather at 8 a.m. and should bring an unwrapped new toy or game -- but no plush toys. Visit www.chicagolandtft.org or call 773-866-TOYS (8697).

Having a public event? Rides would like to list it. Please send the information--event name, time, place, admission/fees and contact information--to What's up, Rides, 435 N. Michigan Ave., 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611 or e-mail to transportation@tribune.com at least two weeks before the event. Submissions will be accepted in writing only.