After a 22-year hiatus, MotoGP returned to South America with the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, scheduled as the second round of the 2026 MotoGP™ season (March 20-22). Qualifying: Fabio Di Giannantonio secured pole position for the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, topping the timings in a dramatic session as MotoGP returned to the country for the first…Continue reading “MotoGP Returns To Brazil.”
Author Archives: Rubens Junior
Catch of The Day – Cybertruck
No, I never thought I would publish a post featuring a Tesla, after all, they are the opposite of what we would call “classic machine”, but I believe this catch of the day has some relevance to the dangerous times we are living in. First of all, it is impossible to talk about Tesla withoutContinue reading “Catch of The Day – Cybertruck”
Sergio’s Pictures – Carambeí Historical Park.
Our Brazilian photo correspondent, Sérgio Devens Florentino, has once again amazed me with a stunning collection of pictures from another of his adventures. This time, he visited the charming little town of Carambeí. The city is situated in Paraná state, in the southern part of Brazil. It was established on April 4, 1911, by aContinue reading “Sergio’s Pictures – Carambeí Historical Park.”
Classic Rock – The Down Under controversy.
If you haven’t been living under a rock for the past 40 years, chances are you listened to at least one song performed by the Australian rock’n roll band Men at Work at some point in your life. But if you are an old timer like me, who was young in the 1980s, you probablyContinue reading “Classic Rock – The Down Under controversy.”
Catch of the Day: The Fusca Bar.
It is easy to explain the passion we, Brazilians, feel for the VW Beetle. The car was fundamental to the motorization and industrialization of Brazil, being the best-selling car in the country for 23 consecutive years (1959-1982). Produced nationally from 1959 onwards, it consolidated Volkswagen, boosted the automotive industry, offered toughness for the roads ofContinue reading “Catch of the Day: The Fusca Bar.”
GREAT SCOTT, MARTY.
The Brazilian Effort in WWII – Into Enemy Skies
When the Brazilian president, Getulio Vargas, and Theodore Roosevelt reached an agreement on our cooperation in the war effort, the idea was not only to send army troops to Italy but also to deploy our navy and Air Force. The Lend and Lease Act. allowed the young Brazilian Air Force to replace its obsolete equipmentContinue reading “The Brazilian Effort in WWII – Into Enemy Skies”
The Brazilian Effort in WWII – Chapter II: Parnamirim Air Base
The battle of logistics When considering World War II, our attention tends to be on its causes or key battles that determined its course. However, a closer look reveals some staggering numbers that are difficult to comprehend. Just to put it in simple terms, over 127 million personnel were mobilized globally during the 5 years ofContinue reading “The Brazilian Effort in WWII – Chapter II: Parnamirim Air Base”
The Brazilian Effort in WWII -Chapter I: The Smoking Snakes.
Italian Campaign – (July 9, 1943–May 2, 1945) Following the Allies’ victory over the Axis forces in North Africa, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill persuaded the Americans to capitalize on the momentum and open another front, this time in the Mediterranean region. Churchill’s idea was simple: he wanted to open a second path towards Berlin,Continue reading “The Brazilian Effort in WWII -Chapter I: The Smoking Snakes.”
Catch of the Day – A Pair of Jaguars E-Type
You don’t need to be a fanatic petrol head to know some of the iconic sports cars from the past. Even the most casual car guy can identify a Porsche 911, a Shelby Cobra, or a Ferrari GTO. If we push the knowledge of this casual enthusiast a bit further, he might recognize a JaguarContinue reading “Catch of the Day – A Pair of Jaguars E-Type”
Classic Books – The Encyclopedia of American Automobiles
When we came to Canada in 2015, my wife attended Red River College in Winnipeg, which was an integral part of our immigration program. From time to time, the college library would donate unwanted and outdated books. One day, while going through a pile of those old books, Estela found this gem. This is aContinue reading “Classic Books – The Encyclopedia of American Automobiles”
Sergio’s Pictures – Opalapa 2025
Our Brazilian correspondent, my cousin and good friend, Sérgio Devens Florentino, visited a very traditional classic car gathering in Brazil, Opalapa. The Opalapa is dedicated to the most beloved car produced in the country, the Chevrolet Opala. The 2025 event, the 12th edition, occurred on November 22-23, drawing hundreds of these iconic Brazilian classic carsContinue reading “Sergio’s Pictures – Opalapa 2025”
The 2008 Crashgate – Formula One’s Darkest Moment
On July 20, 2008, the German Grand Prix, the 10th race of the Formula One season, was held at the legendary Hockenheim circuit. The exciting race showcased the mastery of the young Lewis Hamilton, who won the race, and also highlighted the promising rookie Nelson Piquet Jr., son of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, whoContinue reading “The 2008 Crashgate – Formula One’s Darkest Moment”
Catch of the Day – 1969 Dodge Coronet.
This is a very special picture that brings me some good memories. I took it during our trip when we moved from Markham, ON, to Edmonton, AB, in July 2024. I spotted the car as we stopped to refuel at Terrace Bay, ON, known for its lighthouse, by the side of the road. The EssoContinue reading “Catch of the Day – 1969 Dodge Coronet.”
Lancia Stratos
It is no easy task trying to understand the importance of rally in the European motorsport universe. For us, North and South Americans, we are more used to enjoy speed over a smooth pavement, with guard rails and tire cushions on the corners. While we do appreciate rally racing, we don’t have the same levelContinue reading “Lancia Stratos”
Catch of the Day – 1968 Pontiac Firebird
When Ford launched the Mustang in 1965 (or 1964 1/2, if you prefer), the company anticipated selling around 100,000 cars in its first year. However, after 12 months, Ford had sold over 400,000 units. The Mustang was exactly what young customers were looking for at the time: a compact car that offered personality, decent performance,Continue reading “Catch of the Day – 1968 Pontiac Firebird”
Classic Rock – Hotel California
Rock and Roll has been around for quite some time now. Over the years, an enormous number of musicians attempted to make a living playing the most thrilling musical genre ever, often lured by tales of glory and fortune. In rock’n roll history, some bands struggle to take off, while others achieve stardom at lightningContinue reading “Classic Rock – Hotel California”
The Classic Machines 