The Caffeine & Octane brand has worked hard to earn its enviable reputation in the car community.
They combine a syndicated TV show on the NBC Sports Network, with thousands of devoted followers showing up each month to their Perimeter Mall car show.
Such is the power of North America’s largest recurring car show, but the question remained. Would those who are used to attending a free, static car show drive down to the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Ga, and pay to play?
Sure, the value proposition of combining drag racing, drifting, and a burnout box was compelling. Still, would spectators pay $25.00 in advance, $30.00 at the event to watch?
If you wanted to compete, park in the infield or use the VIP lounge, all of that cost more obviously for the seven-hour event.
Would the power of the Caffeine & Octane brand be strong enough to carry the day? More importantly, would people pay to do what they do on the street every Saturday night for free?
Garage Dad Talk
Naturally, the tire-smoking, exhaust wailing, drag strip portion of the event captured our undivided attention. Among the many competitors was an ominous-looking black C6 that consistently hooked up well coming off the line and clearly had its way with the competition.
Come to find out, Paul Martinez, a mechanical engineer and creator of Garage Dad Talk, was behind the wheel of that very quick C6. We took advantage of the engine cool-down time between runs to get a few words in with him.
Rod Worley – Editor – Paul, tell us about the black C6 you trailered to the track. How long have you been working on it, and what mods are you running?
Paul Martinez – Garage Dad Talk – Rod, I have had the car for nine years. I always wanted a C6 and couldn’t help myself by racing it.
We tend to trailer it to events. Since it is a two-seater, it would be hard to fit my daughter’s car seat in there. It is a complete bolt-on car with the majority of the modifications done to the drivetrain.
I decided to wait on additional power until I have everything else bulletproof. I learned the hard way that it could get expensive.
All of the modifications have been done in the garage with close friends and family. It could not have been done without them.
Modifications include:
- Built differential.
- Built transmission.
- 15″ conversion from Carlyle racing.
- WELD Race Wheels wrapped in HOOSIER tires.
- ALDAN coilovers.
- Kirkey race seats.
- Phil Hartman made rollbar at PHFabrication in South Carolina.
I especially want to thank Stephen Coggins from SMC Restorations, who has helped out on this project. It was SMC Restorations who did the interior paint and carpet.
Also, I’ve added a Hinson short shifter, Monster Clutch, and BTR cam and valvetrain. We also have a Vararam intake, line lock, Mighty Mouse Catch Can, Hooker Headers, and a Motion Raceworks removable steering wheel.
Campaigning A Vette
Rod Worley – Editor – There are a lot of cars suited for the dragstrip. Why campaign a Corvette?
Paul Martinez – Garage Dad Talk – Corvettes were just the ultimate car to have as a kid. The sound, the look, and the performance were all there.
The Corvette suits me, and I couldn’t ask for a better platform. Since my introduction to the car, we have worked on several of them and do not plan on stopping!
Rod Worley – Editor – When you’re not at the track, Paul, what do you do for a living?
Paul Martinez – Garage Dad Talk – I am a Mechanical Engineer and enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter. We love to travel and experience life to the fullest.
However, we do find ourselves most of the time in the garage with our hobbies.
*** Special thanks to Paul for allowing us to use the video he put together of this experience. The video gives you a good feel for this event at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Savoy Automobile Museum
While walking the paddock area, we came across some exciting news for Atlanta area car enthusiasts. The Savoy Automobile Museum is currently being built in Cartersville, Ga, and due for completion sometime this Fall.
The intent of the facility is to allow visitors to explore the history and diversity of automobiles. There will be changing exhibits, educational programs, and other engaging experiences.
This one-of-a-kind museum will be comprised of three buildings and sits on over 35 acres. The main museum structure will be 65,000+ square feet with four exhibition galleries, a presentation theatre, and an on-site café.
There will also be a 30,000+ square foot storage garage and an outdoor pavilion. They plan to host car shows, concerts, cruise-ins, swap meets, and more at this roughly 10,000+ square feet section.
The surrounding landscape will be conducive for car shows year-round. The address is 3 Savoy Lane, Cartersville, GA 30120, at US Highway 41 and GA Highway 20.
For more information, you can call 770-416-1500, or email [email protected]
Street-Style Action
“Caffeine & Octane at the Drags” was street-style action at its best. The events tried to convey the raw energy feel of hitting the local car scene late Saturday night.
The drag racing was thundering mano a mano street style all the way. It was a savage burnout, followed by a quick lineup and the click of a flashlight to send them down the road.
No time slips here, just chest-thumping bragging rights at the end. There were no judges for the car show, points given at the burnout pit, or trophies distributed at the drifting event.
C&O at the Drags took the best parts of the underground Atlanta street scene and made it safe, legal, and spectator-friendly.
Judging by the solid turnout, it was clear this unique event struck a chord with participants and spectators alike.
At the end of the day, “Caffeine & Octane at the Drags” delivered their promise of street-style action at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
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