Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
While scientists and engineers continue to develop hybrid cars and search for alternative fuel sources, one man in Brazil has turned to using beer to power his vehicle…sort of.
If you take a look at the first-quarter financial statements Harley-Davidson recently released, you’ll see some shallow valleys in their landscape of numbers. However, if you wander far enough across the land, you’ll come upon a deep crevasse.
If you watch a TV show or a movie, groups of motorcycle riders are typically shown to be gruff, crude, and ready to commit violence. However, in real life, most motorcycle riders are law-abiding citizens who pay their taxes. Some of them may even enjoy an occasional round of golf. If you happen to be that type of biker, a cart like the one you see here should be right up your alley.
Ever dreamed of riding your Harley-Davidson alongside Bill Davidson, the great-grandson of H-D founder William A. Davidson? Ever had a fantasy about taking a tour of Harley’s Powertrain Operations and having lunch with the company’s engineers? If so, then pull up the calendar on your phone and keep reading.
“Flashy” clothing is usually awful to look at. Garishly bright colors and tastelessly bold patterns? Giant logos? Yuck. However, it’s a good idea to wear something flashy – in the truest sense of the word – when you’re riding a motorcycle, especially at night. The jackets you see here are just that.
Don’t mess with Texas. It’s not just a slogan. It’s a good idea, especially once you know how skillfully some of the state’s police officers ride their Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
