Latest / BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show / The Wheels of Time: 1988

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The Wheels of Time: 1988 · BREAK/FIX the Motorsports & Vehicle Enthusiast Variety Show

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  Wheels of time.
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  A retrospective on automotive innovation is a series highlighting the significant
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  developments in both the automotive industry and motorsports, showcasing
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  the rapid advancements in technology, the establishment of notable and iconic
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  brands, and the constant changes in competitive racing as a popular sport.
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  Each lap that the wheels of time completes represents another
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  transformative period that laid the groundwork for future innovations in
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  both vehicle manufacturing and racing.
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  I. And next up the top 50 most significant developments in the automotive industry
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  and motor sports for the year 1988.
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  Did you know that Chrysler became the first automaker to offer driver side
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  airbags as standard equipment making a pivotal advancement in vehicle safety?
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  In 1988 on March 20th, 1988, the last Pontiac Fiero rolled off the assembly
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  line, concluding the production of America's first mass produced
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  mid-engine sports car in 1988.
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  The Toyota.
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  Supra was released.
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  Toyota launched the super turbo, enhancing its performance lineup and appealing to
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  sports car enthusiasts around the world.
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  Also, in 1988, the Nissan 300 ZX Turbo Debuts featuring advanced technology
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  and performance improvements.
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  Additionally, the second generation RX seven Turbo from Mazda arrived
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  combining rotary engine technology with Turbocharging for additional performance.
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  And not to be outdone Toyota introduced its supercharged MR two
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  model in 1988, boosting their mid and sports cars power and appeal.
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  Meanwhile, the Hyundai XL gained popularity in the United States making
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  Hyundai strong entry into Western markets.
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  Also, in 1988, the Acura legend continues to rise in popularity,
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  and the Integra was acknowledged for its performance and design.
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  Earning a spot on car and driver's 10 Best list meant to compete
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  with the Japanese automakers.
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  General Motors begins planning to bring the Saturn brand to US markets.
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  With the Fox body Mustang at the height of its popularity, it
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  secured a position amongst the top 10 best cars for the year 1988.
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  At the same time, the SOB 9,000 Turbo was celebrated for its
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  engineering and performance.
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  Also making it on the 10 best car and driver list.
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  Meanwhile, in lower Saxony, BMW introduced the E 34 5 series, which
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  became a luxury sedan benchmark.
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  At the same time, completion mirrors on Toyota's development
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  of the new Lexus brand with its public debut coming in 1989.
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  In 1988, the PEO 4 0 5 was awarded European Car of the Year, while Volkswagen
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  acquires a stake in sayat strengthening its foothold in Southern Europe.
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  Capitalizing on the legacy of the famed Magnum pi.
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  Ferrari 3 0 8 Ferrari decides to introduce the 3 28 GTS refining its V eight lineup.
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  Introducing a 3.2 liter V eight and a face lifted version of the iconic 3 0 8.
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  In 1988, the Jaguar XJ two 20 concept cars revealed and its viewed as a
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  precursor to the modern supercar.
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  Speaking of concept cars, Mitsubishi introduced the Gallant VR four, which
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  would later evolve into a rally legend.
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  Audi continues to promote.
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  Its Quatro all-wheel drive systems through its TransAm and IMSA racing programs.
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  Influencing all-wheel drive's future popularity.
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  Mercedes-Benz continues to advance anti-lock braking systems, also known
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  as a BS, and making them more available in passenger cars throughout 1988.
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  Also, in 1988, the US Clean Air Act sees revisions, pushing for stricter
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  emission standards across the board.
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  Meanwhile in Formula One ton, Sena clinched his first world
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  championship, driving for McLaren Honda, showcasing exceptional skill.
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  And as a result, McLaren Honda dominated the formula one season
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  winning 15 out of 16 races, Honda Engines proved dominant powering the
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  McLaren MP four four to victory after victory, setting a record for the
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  highest percentage of lapsed lead in a.
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  Season at 97.3% in one of the most iconic races in the formula.
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  One season of 1988.
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  After stalling at the start, Sena made a remarkable comeback to win
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  the Japanese Grand Prix securing his championship that year.
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  His teammate, Alan Prost, made a strong performance.
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  He won seven races, including the Brazilian Grand Prix, Monaco,
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  the French Grand Prix, and contributed to McLaren's dominance.
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  But loses the championship title to Sena.
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  Ferrari had the sole victory outside of McLaren during the 1988 season in Formula
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  One, which was earned by Gerhard Berger.
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  Securing the only win of the season at Monza, breaking
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  McLaren's shutout winning streak.
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  Formula one's legendary designer Adrian Newey develops the March
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  8 81, considered one of the best handling cars of that season.
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  The Monaco Grand Prix stands out as one of the most iconic races in Formula One
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  history, especially the 1988 Grand Prix.
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  It's highlighted as one of Senna's most.
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  Dominant F1 performances and brings about the famed lap of the gods.
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  The Monaco Grand Prix has always showcased Formula One glamor, and in
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  1988, it celebrated its 46th running and continues to be a prestigious race that is
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  highlighted on the Formula One calendar.
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  Even today in 1988, F1 saw the end of the Turbo era regulations begin to
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  curtail the power output of F1 Cars and Nigel Mantle joins with Ferrari.
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  Over an IBI car and cart, Rick Meers wins the Indianapolis 500,
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  claiming his third Indy 500 victory.
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  Leading a dominant performance by team Penske.
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  Bobby Rahal triumphed the Poe in oh 500.
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  His win marked the first and only victory for the Judd engine
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  in IndyCar racing that year.
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  Danny Sullivan wins the Michigan 500, which was a significant
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  victory for him and adds another successful milestone to his resume.
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  In 1988, the Elmore Chevy Indie V eight engine powered numerous cart winds
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  showcasing its superiority in the series.
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  In 1988, Azer Sr. Ran his final full season.
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  He concluded his legendary career, and Jim Crawford made a remarkable comeback.
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  After several injuries, Crawford returned to lead laps at the Indy 500
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  finishing sixth, a notable achievement for him and the Buick V six engine.
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  Notable events in nascar, Bobby Allison wins the Daytona 500 in 1988, which
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  was his third Daytona 500 victory.
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  Finishing ahead of his son.
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  Davey Allison.
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  At the same time, the 30th Daytona 500 marks an iconic
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  milestone for nascar solidifying its place in Motorsport history.
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  Meanwhile, bill Elliot maintained strong performances throughout the NASCAR season,
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  dominating at super speedways, including a third place finish at Watkins Glen Ricky
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  Rudd, triumphed at the Glen that year.
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  And secured a victory demonstrating his skill on road courses.
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  Rusty Wallace won the Atlanta Journal 500, dominating the race, leading
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  166 laps and earning his sixth win of the season, and it was also a
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  standout season for Rusty finishing.
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  Second in the points overall.
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  In 1988, Kenny Schrader secured the Daytona 500 pole.
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  Highlighting his qualifying prowess and marking his emergence as a top driver.
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  And wrapping out the NASCAR season for 1988, Dale Earnhardt Senior
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  endures a challenging season, finishing third overall in points.
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  And in 1988 we saw the inaugural Race of Champions.
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  The new IROC series event brought together top drivers from various
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  disciplines for head to head.
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  Competition in the world of endurance and international racing.
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  The 10th Dakar rally was held a grueling rally that continues to challenge
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  competitors across harsh terrains.
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  Even to this day, in 1988, the 24 hours of Daytona celebrated its
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  26th edition and continues as a premier US endurance race testing
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  team stamina and vehicle durability.
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  1988 marks the 72nd Indianapolis 500, drawing a massive crowd
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  with 400,000 fans in attendance.
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  The event underscored its popularity and continued significance.
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  The 71st aisle of MAN TT continued to challenge riders.
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  This motorcycle race has remained one of the most demanding
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  and dangerous in the world.
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  At the same time, Wayne Rainey and Kevin Schwan's rise in prominence
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  in Grand Prix motorcycle racing.
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  And Eddie Lawson wins the 500 CC Motorcycle World Championship for Yamaha.
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  The 56th anniversary of the 24 hours of LAMA was celebrated in 1988, where
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  teams competed in the ultimate test of speed and reliability where Jaguar
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  won the 24 hour of Lama with the XJ R nine ending Porsche's dominance.
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  Meanwhile, Mazda continued its WSC development, laying groundwork for their
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  1991 LeMans win in the famous four rotor.
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  7 87 B 1988 marked the 16th running of the 24 hours of the nurburg ring.
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  This race continues to challenge drivers on the demanding Nord wife's.
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  Circuit.
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  The 24 hours of SPA celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1988.
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  This Belgian endurance race continues to attract top GT teams in motorcycle racing.
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  The 11th running of the Suzuka eight hours took place in 1988
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  highlighting the popularity of endurance motorcycle racing in Japan.
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  Touring car remains a classic.
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  And a staple in Australian motorsport culture.
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  Marking the 29th anniversary of the 2D 1000, which is a
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  group, a touring car classic.
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  And the 35th Macau Grand Prix continued to be a proving
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  ground for future racing stars.
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  In 1988, the NHRA added four new races.
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  The National Hot Rod Association expanded its calendar with events in
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  Sonoma, Seattle, Memphis, and Houston.
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  And at the same time, van Deme Speedway underwent renovations.
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  The Colorado Track was closed for significant updates in
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  1988, including a new VIP tower.
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  And finally, the Chevrolet Corvette is recognized once again.
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  The Chevrolet Corvette continued its streak by being named Car and drivers
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  10 best for the fourth time in 1988.
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  The events captured here, though not all encompassing of this particular
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  year, reflect the dynamic nature of the automotive industry and motorsports as
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  a whole, and how seemingly unrelated events in history are simultaneously
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  connected like links in a chain.
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  I. It's truly remarkable to think about what we've been able to
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  accomplish with the combined efforts of artists, scientists, chemists,
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  aerodynamicists, machinists, engineers, and the countless numbers of other
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  people that have contributed to the continued turning of the autos sphere.
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  Be sure to stay tuned to Break Fix podcast for episodes where we chat with
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  those very people from the diverse parts of the autos sphere, discussing cool
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  careers, captivating personal journeys, and the unique living histories of
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  individuals from all over the industry.
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  Just remember the wheels of time.
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  Keep on turning.
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  We don't know where we'll be tomorrow, but those wheels just keep on turning.
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  This episode is brought to you in part by the Society of Automotive Historians.
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  They encourage research into any aspect of automotive history.
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  The SAH actively supports the compilation and preservation of papers,
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  organizational records, print ephemera, and images to safeguard, as well as to
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  broaden and deepen the understanding of motorized wheeled land transportation.
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  Through the modern age and into the future.
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  For more information about the SAH, visit www.auto history.org.
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  We hope you enjoyed another awesome episode of Break Fix Podcasts, brought
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  to you by Grand Tour Motorsports.
• 11:35
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• 11:37
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• 11:42
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  be sure to check out the follow on article@gtmotorsports.org.
• 11:50
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