November 11, 2018 wasn’t just Veterans Day in Millville, New Jersey. For dozens of adrenaline junkies, November 11 was also a day reserved for going fast and having fun. As part of the day, the Chip Miller Amyloidosis Foundation hosted its annual track day at New Jersey Motorsports Park. The day included hands on driving sessions, door prizes and more; all in the name of Amyloidosis awareness and fund-raising efforts.

Under sunny skies and crisp fall temps, drivers showed up for a day of fun. A more than expected crop of novice drivers showed up and mixed nicely with the “skilled” drivers who were part of the fun too. It all started with a delicious breakfast, then drivers meeting. The breakfast and lunch were hosted by Jerry Raffa and backed by the all-new automotive app, Motorcrush.

As the drivers took to the track, one of their biggest enjoyments wasn’t just being on the track, but the amount of time spent driving. Trained drivers helped the novices learn the ropes and by the end of the day, it was clear that everyone, regardless of skill set, learned a little bit of something. Along with the intermediate and advanced driver groups, many attendees and drivers converged for drinks and Hors d'œuvres at the conclusion of the day, which once more, raised thousands for the CMAF.

“Many of the drivers raved about how much track-time was provided which is exactly what we were after,” noted CMAF president Lance Miller. “Mike Ramano helped us run the event and did a phenomenal job,” continued Miller. “It was neat to see the excitement of so many drivers following the fun filled day. New Jersey Motorsport Park and their team were all top notch and we’re looking forward to doing it again in 2019 (dates TBD).”

The Track Day concludes the 2018 CMAF fundraising season and while there are no in-person events to attend at this point, donations are accepted 24/7 online at www.ChipMiller.org or by calling 717-243-7855. In the meanwhile, stay tuned for an announcement about season fundraising totals, plus the release of the 2019 CMAF schedule.

Explorer began as a trim package offered on Ford F-Series trucks from 1968 to 1986, but ever since the Ford Explorer became its own model line and replaced the Bronco II in the 1991 Blue Oval line-up, the mid-size SUV had been a top-seller and arguably was the vehicle that mainstreamed sports-utes. Through two decades and four generations, the Explorer was the No.1-selling SUV in America.

Now, in the eighth year of its fifth generation, Explorer is still a top-seller, ranked as the No. 7 top-selling SUV/Crossover this year, and coming in second on Ford’s SUV list to its smaller sibling, Escape. With a new design possible for 2020, the 2019 version should only see upgrades in tech, some new appearance packages and a few interior add-ons. So for 2018, Explorer gets a few upgrades over last year, including a new grille insert, with redesigned and smaller fog light housings. Five new wheel options and four new paint options are offered, and the interior gets a 4G LTE modem and Wi-Fi hotspot that connects up to 10 devices. A new Safe and Smart package combines several popular active safety and driver assist tech together.

Built in North America at Chicago Assembly Plant, as well as in Venezuela and Russia, the global Explorer is packed with such standard driver-experience enhancing interior items as: auxiliary rear climate controls, AM/FM stereo/ single-CD player with MP3 capability and six speakers; SYNC® with 4.2-inch color LCD screen in center stack, and media hub with smart-charging USB port; eight-way power driver’s seat; and steering wheel-mounted cruise, audio and five-way controls.

Outside, Explorers have power, heated sideview mirrors with integrated blind spot mirrors; automatic headlamps; roof-rack side rails; and automatic LED headlamps with halogen reflector high beams. And all Explorers come with trailer sway control; a standard Six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission; front wheel drive; hill start assist and much more.

Explorer’s tweaked look remains rugged and functional, and its closed-off lower roof rack with channels cascade rainwater off the vehicle and create excellent aerodynamics. Explorer’s clean, angular design is set on a unitized steel body that measures 198.3 inches long, 90.2 inches wide including mirrors, and 70.0 inches high on a 112.8-inch wheelbase. Minimum ground clearance is 7.8 inches. Curbweight for the 4WD version is 4629 lbs. and 2WD is 186 lbs. lighter.

Under the hood, my test Explorer was powered by a 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine, rated at 17 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. The aluminum block and head set-up delivers 290hp and 255 lbs-ft of torque and a week of mixed-use testing achieved an average of 23.3mpg.

Other available engines are a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 that delivers 280 horses and 310 lbs-ft of torque, and is estimated at 28 mpg on the highway; and a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 that provides 365 hp and 350 lbs-ft of torque.

With responsive low-end torque, and power available at all speeds with only minor hesitation, I was able to accelerate my 290hp 3.5-liter from zero to 60mph in 7.9 seconds during a 16.2-second quarter-mile.

Handling is carlike, with only minor top-wobble in quick turning, and autocross tests, and Explorer performed well for the niche on- and off-road. Explorer is stable, smoothing out rough roads with a MacPherson strut front suspension with a 32mm stabilizer bar, and an SR1 independent multi-link 22-mm stabilizer bar. Electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and AdvanceTrac braking system are predictable and capable.

Inside, the Explorer is roomy, refined and functional with seating for six or seven, and provides a comfortable 41.4 inches of front headroom with 40.6 inches in row two (and 37.8 when there is a third row); legroom is 42.9 inches maximum up front and 39.5 in the second seats (and 33.3 inches in a third row), and shoulder room comes in at 61.5 and 61.0. The third row provides 50.8 inches of shoulder room.

With five-star safety ratings, Explorer safety features include dual-stage front airbags, front-passenger knee airbag, front-seat side airbags, and three-row Safety Canopy System with side-curtain airbags and rollover sensor. Other safety and security items include: AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ and Curve Control; Anti-Lock Brake System; battery saver with headlamps-off delay; four-wheel disc with Illuminated Entry System; LATCH – Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children; rearview camera; SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System; SOS Post-Crash Alert System™ and tire pressure monitoring system (excludes spare).

The 2018 Explorer is base priced at $32,140 including destination fees of $995. The XLT trim raises the base to $34,175 for reverse sensing system, LED signature lighting, fog lamps and cosmetic extras. And Limited, Sport and Platinum trims raise the ante to as much as $53,940 (Platinum trim) for upticked cosmetics, tech, power, suspension and interior. My base model in Blue came with the 3.5-liter Ti-VCT V-6 engine, 6-speed SelectShift® Automatic Transmission and FWD. I added Intelligent 4WD for $2150; black running boards added $595; roof rack cross bars added $140; splash guards added $205; and the ticker-as-tested came in at $36,225, but incentives may be available, so check with your local dealer.


> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.

Car show season at Carlisle is an annually celebrated event akin to the opening day of baseball season, the leaves falling each October, fireworks in July or snow at Christmas. Over a half a million guests converge on America’s Automotive Hometown to buy, sell and trade all things automotive, see decades of classic cars or trucks on display, connect with old friends or make new ones. Best of all, of the people who come to Carlisle from around the world, not many of them are paying full price to attend. Why? The annual Carlisle Events Holiday Sale is why.

This year the sale returns and kicks off on Black Friday, November 23; running through Wednesday, January 2 at 5 p.m. For more than one month, fans of Carlisle Events and the 10 events produced by the company (plus four auctions backed by Carlisle Auctions) can secure all types of access at a 20% discount. This 20% discount includes season passes, weekend passes, single day tickets and showfield registration; again all at a 20% discount. Passes of all types are available via www.CarlisleEvents.com starting November 23, so act now!

Why pay full price for access to some of the most historically significant automotive family fun on the planet when the holiday sale is specifically designed for that to never happen. Every 20% discount is applied at check out and multiple passes or tickets can be purchased in a single shopping session. Give the gift of Carlisle Events for Christmas, Chanukah, Valentines, a birthday gift, etc. and do it starting November 23. Again, online sales are an option for you 24/7 at www.CarlisleEvents.com. Passes and discounts are value priced for all Carlisle Events/Carlisle Auctions happenings, including the season opening show in Allentown, the event in Lakeland, Florida or any of the events at the Carlisle PA Fairgrounds.

With 10 annual events (plus four auctions), a season pass is the best way to experience all that Carlisle Events has to offer. The on-sale price for this pass will be $71.99, a 20% savings off the already low rate of $89.99. More so, this discount pricing carries a true value of $423. WOW – what savings! The season pass is THE gift that keeps giving all year long, so whether it’s for one of Carlisle Events loyal guests or a gift for a Carlisle first-timer, this is a deal not to be missed.

In addition to a 20% limited time savings for season passes, showfield/fun field registrations are also available. Right now, passes are available at a 10% savings via Gate-N-Go; however, for a limited time, passes will see an additional 10% discount, providing for a total of 20% in savings through the end of this Holiday Sale. Weekend and single day passes are also discounted, so act today and order your passes online.

Overall, taking advantage of the 2018 Carlisle Events Holiday Sale is a tremendous way to save time and money prior to the upcoming event season. Anyone interested in grabbing a discounted pass in time to stuff into a Christmas stocking may call 717-243-7855 through 12 p.m. on December 21. Passes purchased through that 12 p.m. timeframe will be mailed. Otherwise, with the business office closed December 24 through January 1, enthusiasts may purchase passes online at www.CarlisleEvents.com. Any passes purchased during the holiday break will be mailed once the office re-opens at 8 a.m. on January 2, 2019.

It seems just like yesterday for fans of the annual Auto Mania event at the Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds. Thousands of guests ventured to eastern Pennsylvania to buy, sell and trade vintage cars, parts, advertising, collectibles, literature, services and more for more than fair prices. Wait and reminisce no longer, as Auto Mania 2019, powered by Carlisle Events returns to jump start Carlisle Events 45th Anniversary season.

The annual Allentown weekend runs January 18-20 and spotlights Pennsylvania’s largest indoor and heated automotive flea market. In addition to the treasure trove of goodies within the Agri-Plex, guests can also enjoy a limited number of outdoor car corral and vending spaces. In fact, the demand for inclusion over the past few years has grown to a point where outdoor space has been expanded for yet another year.

Not far from where guests will spend hours satisfying their automotive appetite is an outlet to satisfy everyone’s culinary appetite too! Less than 200 yards from the main entrance of the Agri-Plex is the Allentown Farmer’s Market. This expansive footprint spans the underbelly of the fairgrounds grandstand and has all types of home grown and home cooked foods and treats. Much like the merchandise for sale as part of Auto Mania, the market offers affordable treasures and must be experienced first-hand to truly appreciate. This aspect of the weekend runs on Friday and Saturday only of Auto Mania weekend.

Spanning nearly three-full days, Auto Mania has entertained and assisted motor heads for decades, offering some indoor solace from the otherwise dark and chilly winter months. Auto Mania hosts those selling automotive pieces and parts, food vendors, movies, collectibles, signage, merchandise, antiques, aftermarket accessories and more, all will be offering a safe haven for like-minded enthusiasts to gather and catch up. After all, a show like this backed by Carlisle Events isn’t just an automotive weekend, it’s a reunion of sorts.

Situated conveniently off many of eastern Pennsylvania’s major roadways, Auto Mania sells out annually. Vendors and guests travel from far and wide to buy, sell and trade all automotive flea market items and to get out of the house in the midst of winter. From rare to common, unique to exotic, the event certainly does have it all!

In the seventh year of its 11th generation, the 2018 Toyota Corolla sedan continues its legacy as a top-selling sedan. Currently the ninth top-selling vehicle and third best-selling sedan in America, Corolla has gained a 52-year-reputation for being a sensible, practical and reliable car, and recent engineering has gained it a sportier demeanor.

Corolla offers minor upgrades for 2018, following last model year’s enhancements in which it received sportier exterior styling and Toyota Safety Sense-P. All Corolla models come standard with TSS-P, a system that bundles the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection; Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist; Dynamic Radar Cruise Control; and Automatic High Beams. Having standard TSS-P puts Toyota four years ahead of the model-year 2022 industry target for standard automatic braking supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

For 2018, all trim levels gain driver and front passenger illuminated visor vanity mirrors. The XLE and SE grades feature a leather-trimmed 3-spoke steering wheel with controls for audio, Multi-Information Display, Bluetooth® hands-free phone, and voice command.

Part of the Corolla’s popularity can be attributed to its wide appeal. The model line covers the gamut of tastes and needs with the L, LE, LE Eco, XLE, SE, and XSE grades. There’s a sporty, sophisticated look to all thanks to Bi-LED headlamps on the L, LE, and LE Eco grades, and Multi-LED headlamps come standard on SE, XSE, and XLE grades. The sporty SE and XSE trims roll on standard 17-inch alloy wheels.

Striving to add sporty to safety, the Corolla SE I tested was part of the 2017 restyling that included front end freshening, with a glossy-black mesh grille, sculpted body lines, and faux brake-cooling ducts. Unibody construction utilizes high tensile-strength steel, a rigid platform for precise handling, and quality fit, finish and materials including an acoustic glass windshield, floor carpet insulation, an instrument panel seal between the cowl and the windshield, fender insulators, and an inner dash silencer pad that provide a luxury quietness in the cabin.

The compact Corolla measures 183.1 inches long, 69.9 inches wide and 57.3 inches high on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, providing ground clearance of 6.7 inches and a curb weight of about 2870 lbs.

Corolla has been known for its fuel economy and that continues this year. The 2018 Corolla offers two efficient 1.8-liter, all-aluminum inline-four-cylinder engines. The base 1.8-liter unit with VVT-i is available on all trims but the LE Eco, and is rated at 132 horsepower and 128 lbs.-ft. of torque. The Corolla’s LE Eco trim level is equipped with a 1.8-liter engine with Valvematic, to bring a five-percent improvement in fuel economy and engine output, at 140hp, but the system loses a bit of torque to 126 lbs.-ft. Economy is a factor here with the main plant rated at about 28/city and 35/highway for about 32mpg combined for most trims. The Eco setup gets 30/40/34. My mixed-use tests showed an average of 31.7mpg in an LE.

But Corolla’s fuel economy is a trade off with acceleration quickness. Corolla has always been known more for economy than for acceleration, and this year’s entry is no different. While the ride was comfortable, Corolla is hesitant from a start, though slow and steady during uphill and passing maneuvers. Typical of a fuel-efficient compact, time trials seemed tedious as a sprint from zero to 60mph took 9.8 seconds and a quarter-mile lasted an interminable 17.6 seconds. At speed on the highway, passing power was good after initial unwillingness, so passing needs some strategizing.

With seating for five, Corolla’s cabin is compact-niche cozy, with 38.3 inches of front headroom and 37.1 inches in row two; legroom stretches out a bit at 42.3 inches in the first row and a comfortable 41.4 inches in the second seats and shoulder room is comfortable at 54.8 in both rows. The cabin is packed with infotainment, climate features, cool upscale lighting and instrumentation and various informational displays that are driver-friendly.

From a safety perspective, Corolla is built with front and rear energy-absorbing crumple zones, side-impact door beams, energy absorbing collapsible steering wheel, head impact protection structure and high-tensile strength steel body panels. Installed safety items include Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, driver and front passenger advanced airbag system, driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags.
The 2018 Toyota Corolla Base L sedan starts at $18,600. Third up among the six trims was the sporty SE trim I tested, basing at $20,545. The top-of-the-line XSE starts at $22,780. My SE had a sporty front fascia with a Gloss-Black Mesh-Pattern grille, Multi-LED headlights, integrated backup camera with projected path, and a Sport Instrumentation Cluster with speedometer and tach. Blue Crush Metallic exterior paint came with the SE Premium Package for $1535 that included infotainment, GPS, Siri® Eyes Free, power/tilt/slide moonroof, 7-inch touchscreen, iPod® Connectivity and Control, Bluetooth® wireless technology and much more. Mudguards were $129, a four-season floormat package added $373, door edge guards added $125, and a Body {Protection package with body side moldings, and door sill and rear bumper protectors added $487. With delivery, processing and handling fee of $920, the price-as-tested was $23,194.

> Visit www.CarlisleEvents.com for more on the automotive hobby.

Mike Blake, former editor of KIT CAR magazine, joined Carlisle Events as senior automotive journalist in 2004. He's been a "car guy" since the 1960s and has been writing professionally for about 30 years.