Skipped Gears

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Chris Trapp

Chris Trapp

Rejection Hurts

Rejection Hurts

A few weeks ago, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts rejected me. Well, not me exactly. Massachusetts rejected my 1989 Jeep Wrangler, the metaphorical me. Unlike 19 other states, Massachusetts requires annual safety and emissions testing of all vehicles wearing Bay State license plates. Any car not up to snuff gets the

A Logistical Marathon

A Logistical Marathon

For a 30,000+ person foot race, the Boston Marathon requires a lot of vehicles. It’s a bit ironic when you think about it. I wish I was lying when I say that it seems like every state and local government vehicle is mobilized on Marathon Monday, but I’

Paddle Shifts Are Like Broccoli

Paddle Shifts Are Like Broccoli

The turn of the 21st century was a wild time to be a car nut. Cars, like music and movies, were ditching everything analog and going digital. Computers were being stuffed in a car's every nook and cranny while software and sensors began to reign with an iron

Suburban Uber Alles

Suburban Uber Alles

During the last few weeks I’ve been traveling to trade shows with co-workers. It’s not fun, but it’s not terrible either. While my companions aren’t that annoying, I secretly pick a seat on the flight far, far away from them. Even if it means riding in

I Want to Go Schwimmen

I Want to Go Schwimmen

Everyone has a bucket list. I’m sure it’s quite a shocker that mine can be sorted into two distinct categories: car stuff and bike stuff. Naturally there’s epic items to check off, like ride up Mauna Kea and do a hot lap of the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Others

Slacking On Company Time

Last year, after sensing my career growth potential was been sputtering out, I decided to leave the car business. I’m sure it will try to pull me back in eventually, but for now I can’t say that I miss it. I miss some of the people and some

Clocking Commutes

Efficiency. Cars have made leaps and bounds in it over the last few decades. Engines are making more power with less displacement while achieving better fuel economy than ever before. Despite these advances, the internal combustion engine will never be the most efficient way to power a car. Most road