Re-visiting a classic

Here is a hands-down classic that PatrickH up in Seattle created a while back -- we're re-offering it because it is so good, the best thing EVER to appear at PTW.

Jeff Goodman/FOX was supposed to do a take on each league at his blog -- either we missed the WAC entry, saw it but have forgotten about it or he has yet to do so and likely won't be doing one. The reason we mention this is because we were hoping Goodman would include Patrick's contribution as part of whatever he had to say about the WAC.

So with that not likely to happen, we present matching cars to the WAC coaches:

Stew Morrill, Utah State - Volkswagen Jetta GLS - Runs on diesel, but it gets better mileage and has more power than a Prius without all the expensive technology. Does more with less but it's just not hip and few people know about it...or seem to care. An outstanding performer around Utah, but when it comes to a road race versus a real power car it's lack of muscle is exposed. But it's the best at what it's supposed to do. Great car for commuting close to home or trips to visit the poor folk out in the rural areas of the country. Doesn't impress the in-laws in the big city, but that's ok since it only goes there if they agree to return the visit to Logan, Utah - and they hate Utah.

Greg Graham, Boise State - '87 IROC Z28. Runs great for a while but breaks down every other year or so. Parts are hard to find so you have to look far and wide. Usually you have to buy used parts just because they are easier to find and they save money, plus you have to wait too long for new parts to arrive and get the car running again. When it's right, the thing is quick, but because of the occasional breakdown a lot of people want to get something more reliable.

Bob Nash, Hawaii - 1972 Citroen with oxidized paint and a lot of dents, but a plush interior. It's ugly and it's slow but it's sturdy and fun to crash into things. Nobody likes having it on the road with them as you often end up with dents or scratches. It sucks having to always order new parts from overseas as the quality isn't always what you expected. A lot of people miss the old car even but this one is quite similar though it is a different color.

Marvin Menzies, New Mexico State - A Nascar Stock Car with loose steering and bald tires. Looks like the fastest car in the race but requires constant course correction to keep it going in a straight line. You never know when a tire will blow out causing an untimely pit stop or on occasion a violent collision. If it ever stays on the road for the whole race it will be tough to beat. Or the whole thing could crash through the infield leaving carnage in it's wake. Not as pretty as the last car, but that one broke down on it's most recent owner so they probably got all they could out of it.

David Carter, Nevada - '98 Porsche 911. After it sat in the garage for the last 10 years, some idiot crashed into it just as it was leaving the driveway on a test drive. Most of the engine and drive train were unnaffected, but a lot of new body parts had to be installed, and we're not sure of the quality of the work that was done. Since the last car was recently sold it's now the sole source of transportation. Is it reliable? Who knows? But it's supposed to be faster than the old ride. The last car had a governor on the throttle but it was extremely reliable so some people are concerned, but most are excited that they get to drive a sports car instead of a sedan.

Kerry Rupp, Louisiana Tech - '69 GTO. A rebuilt old muscle car that doesn't have the acceleration of modern sports cars but with the big engine up front it's still powerful. Strangely enough, it wasn't running well last year until he ripped the spoiler off the back, then the thing began handling much better. The big spoiler must have been adding more drag than traction.

Don Verlin, Idaho - 2007 Toyota Corolla, very low mileage. Picked up for next to nothing at the Volkswagon dealership in Logan, Utah. The former owner was some older guy that stayed close to home and was very reluctant to let it go. Cherry condition but needed some accessories. Displays excellent handling in some tight places but doesn't have a lot of power. More durable than it looks as it ran over 2 donkeys last year yet encountered no problems other than angering some neighbors. It's still too early to judge it's reliability, but it looks like a great buy.

George Nessman, San Jose State - '83 Monte Carlo SS, was up on blocks when purchased. Now after adding new tires, upholstry, hydraulic shocks and a great paint job it looks better, especially when parked, but it still needs engine work as only half the cylinders seem to be firing. People no longer laugh every time it cruises by, but the hot chicks still aren't asking for rides.

Steve Cleveland, Fresno State - Funny Car, very fast on the track near home but pretty much useless out on the road. The rebuilt engine is a thing of beauty, but the expensive upkeep and a history of faulty replacement parts have lead to much disatisfaction and a lot of neighbors have complained about the noise. Once the new engine is fully broken in those problems and complaints may disappear. If not, he may have to start riding public transit.