What makes a great story teller? Some may say it is the ability to relay a story effectively. Others might be happier if they can just hear the facts. When you get someone with a truly incredible depth of experience who can also spin a captivating tale, you get a truly great story teller. Gary Faules is just that.

I slept in Africa is a collection of short stories about childhood life in the Sixties in rural Oregan. Friends and family combine with tales of world travel. Gary gets chased by a wounded wildebeest and then there is the wild run away go kart that gives some clues about Gary’s obsession with speed. On a more serious note, we learn of Gary’s accidental blindness and unexpected return of his sight and of the death of a niece due to cancer.

I slept in Africa can be bought from Barnes & Noble and other outlets all over the world. Not only will the book make you feel great, but the purchase will as well with all proceeds going to breast cancer research.

As we’ve pointed out many times here in The Garage (maybe too many) the car hobby is about more than just cars. It’s about people. We’ve had some incredibly cool people hanging out in The Garage, and maybe the coolest thing is when those people inspire each other. Last week, one of our creative friends, Warwick Patterson from Formula Photographic, Flat Over Crest, MTB Films and God knows what else launched yet another blog.

Inspired by watching Gary Faules chronical the build of Lucky, the GT-350 clone on their way to La Carrera Panamerica, Warwick and friends have decided to launch their own rally timeline blog. With the 2007 running of Targa Newfoundland only just in the record books, Warwick and partner in crime Dave Hord have announced their intention to enter the 2008 Targa. The cool thing here is that we’re going to watch a pair of talented, money strapped young guys from start to finish. That includes sponsor hunting, car choice & build right on up to the actual event. Somehow I suspect that we’ll be treated to some pretty incredible photography and maybe a video or two along the way.

Be sure to bookmark Road to Targa Newfoundland. If we’re lucky, Warwick will shoot the odd tidbit towards The Garage too!

Finally, after all these months, Gary Faules’ GT-350 clone, Lucky, has some laps under his belt. Last weekend, Team California’s Best took Lucky to Sears Point (ok, so it’s called Infineon now but this is a GT-350) for his first shakedown. Fortunately for us, they’ve got some rough video of the car on track for the first time.

After the break, a short interview with Gary about the day. The quality of this snip may give some indication of whats coming soon from Team California’s Best.
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For the last 6 months or so, west coast contributor to The Garage, Gary Faules has been hard at work preparing his GT-350R clone, Lucky, for the 2007 running of La Carrera Panamerica. Earlier this week, Lucky breathed in some fresh air and fuel and burst to life with a roar and a belch of fire. Team California’s Best was kind enough to catch this on video to share with the world.
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West coast contributor to The Garage, Gary Faules has been waiting almost a year to hear the small block for his GT-350 clone Lucky. The engine has finally been completed and began dyno breaking and testing yesterday.

The numbers are incredible. 503 ponies and 385.2 foot pounds of torque at a little over 6800 rpm. From a 289!!! You can visit Lucky’s build blog to get the full stats on the engine.

Follow the jump & crank up the speakers to hear the beast on the dyno.
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