Now, on with other business. Years ago, it used to be easy to write the NightMessenger. Now, it takes some time to do it. I also think it is I who have changed (and not the game, which hasn't advanced much in the last few years).

In this issue, we feature things for all seasons.

Tilt-Tires: $500 per wheel, 5 lbs per wheel, for cars and trikes only.
    This option must be specified at the time the vehicle is built. It allows the tires to tilt inwards (in the same manner as a cyclist going into a turn). The effect is to give a a -1D to the maneuver hazard. The effects are cumulative with spoilers, airdams and four-wheel steering.

Gel Seat: $1,000, 50 lbs (per crew member), 0 spaces.
    This item consists of a number of flexible cells filled with shock-absorbing gel. It takes 5 turns to activate (the cells have to fill and then move into place around the driver/gunner/passengers). Once activated, the seat gives a +3 bonus on GLOC rolls, as well as any roll made to avoid collision-induced concussions. Against rams, it quarters ram damage (cumulative with the effects of impact armor). G-suits may not be worn while using a gel seat.

Sand Spreader (SaS): $60, 25 lbs, 1 space, 4 DP, 10 shots, CPS: $20, WPS: 10, loaded cost: $260, loaded weight: 160 lbs.
    The Sand Spreader lays a 1/2" x 1" patch of sand which will negate the effects of any snow, ice or oil that it is laid on. The sand will also extinguish flaming oil. Because of the looser traction caused by the sand, any maneuver done while driving on it has +D1 added to the maneuver hazard. No tire damage is inflicted.

HD Sand Spreader (HDSaS): $100, 50 lbs, 2 spaces, 6 DP, 10 shots, CPS: $80, WPS: 40, loaded cost: $900, loaded weight: 450 lbs.
    The effect is similar to a sand spreader, except that the patch is lays down is 1" x 2".

Rock Salt Ammo: CPS: $30, WPS: 10 for SaS, CPS: $120, WPS: 40 for HDSaS.
    Rock Salt will melt any ice or snow counter it is laid upon. The maneuver penalty is the same as on sand.

Oil-Dry Ammo: CPS: $35, WPS: 10 for SaS, CPS: $150, WPS: 40 for HDSaS.
    Oil-Dry will negate the effects of any oil counter it is laid upon, soaking it up in 10 turns. As with sand and rock salt, there is a +1D to the hazard of any maneuver performed on it.

10-wheel Sand Spreader (10WSaS): $1,500, 500 lbs, 20 spaces, 60 DP, 50 shots, CPS: $80, WPS: 40, loaded cost: $5,500, loaded weight: 2,500 lbs.
    This spreader is loaded into the back of a dumper carrier on a 10-wheel truck. It drops 1" x 2" sand counters.

Pick-up Sand Spreader (PuSaS): $450, 175 lbs, 8 spaces, 20 DP, 50 shots, CPS & WPS as for SaS, Loaded cost: $1,450, loaded weight: 875 lbs.
    This spreader is designed for use on pick-ups. It drops 1/2" x 1" sand counters.

Yes, it is out there (for better or worse). Car Wars 5.0 is beginning to make its appearance, with the design rules expected in a few months. Rumors are flying about the changes that have been made.
    The Black ASP has returned and has killed off the Black Mamba. The Neo-ASPs have now been made a part of ASP. Terrorism is still a very real threat here in New Omaha. The World Dueling Championship is being held at Origins this year. The reason is that SJG is using the championship to mark the official debut of Car Wars 5.0. There will be no WRC this year.
    Mike Owen's Debate Board is more active than ever. Car Wars 5.0, vehicular fire and collisions have received much attention on the board lately. The total number of messages exceeds 13,500 as of today (May 3). On a related matter, WADA has returned from its brief shutdown. Mike Owen has it going again with news from many club duels and convention events.
    We also note that the AADA is shut down until the release of Car Wars 5.0 this summer. This situation is frustrating, but acceptable. On a happier note, NOVA is well into its 17^th consecutive year of operation as an official chapter of the AADA. By any standard of measure, this is a record.
    NOVA's Grand Champion Mike Garrity recently announced that he and his wife are moving to Arizona at the end of June. We wish him and his family good luck on the move. Hopefully, he will be able to visit us from time to time.

December 29, 2051: Star Realm closed its doors for the last time today. NOVA remembers SR and its operator Bill Grush fondly, as he hosted our meetings for over 15 years.

December 31, 2001: The World Autodueling Association (WADA) shut down for reasons unknown. When it will return is also unknown.

January 26, 2052: Mike Garrity won his sixth NOVA club dueling championship today. The event was held at the Crossroads Arena in Denver, Colorado. The other participants were Don Jacques, Norman McMullen, Andy Koehler, Marty Koehler, Joe Petito and Nick Fuhr.

February 14, 2052: Happy Valentine's day to one and all!!

February 22, 2052: The Black ASP made a clandestine radio broadcast today in which he stated "ASP has returned and no one will stop us". In related news, the headquarters of the Missouri National Guard suffered heavy damage along with MADD HQ. Casualties were especially light, considering the damage that was done. NOVA President Joseph Ratner vowed to destroy the ASPs once and for all, no matter what it takes.

February 23, 2052: Norman McMullen won the 2052 NOVA Club Racing Championship held at the Centennial Racetrack in Denver, Colorado. He out-raced Mike Garrity (last year's winner), Marty Koehler, andy Koehler and Bruce Stickney to take the title.

February 25, 2052: The Death Knight announced that DKI will be constructing a factory in Phoenix, Arizona. The ground-breaking is scheduled to be on June 28^th. Production of vehicles and weapons is expected to start in late November or early December.

February 26, 2052: The defenses at NOVA headquarters shot down four small aircraft that attempted to make bombing runs on it. Subsequent investigation showed that ASP was responsible for the attack.

February 26, 2052: The Black Mamba's body was found hanging upside-down from a streetlight in St. Louis, Missouri this morning. There was a datacube in his mouth from the Black ASP. The FBI examined the cube and said that it contained a statement that the Black ASP killed the Black Mamba and took over the Neo-ASPs. The Black ASP's next objective is said to be the demise of the King Cobra.

February 27, 2052: The King Cobra placed a bounty on the head of the Black ASP; the amount is $10,000,000. A smaller bounty of $10,000 was placed on the heads of each member of ASP.

March 7, 2052: The Black ASP again swore to kill the King Cobra. He widened his threat to include the Mongoose. Both were not impressed with the threats. The Nebraska National Guard also foiled an ASP attack on Lincoln. Most of the ASP force was driven off or destroyed. Police Commissioner Death Knight reports that New Omaha is prepared for any terrorist activity. As part of this, the Tank Police division of the NOPD was brought to full combat readiness. Mayor Bill The Cat confirmed the city's readiness also.

March 16, 2052: The hoverball team of Andy Koehler, Marty Koehler and Adrian Shipley defeated the team of Don Jacques, Bruce Stickney and John Smythe in an event held at the Drake Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. No points were actually scored, but Andy's team killed Don's team.

March 17, 2052: Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

March 31, 2052: Happy Easter!!

April 14, 2052: NOVA celebrated its 17 ^th anniversary at their headquarters today. The public got to meet major club figures such as Joseph Ratner, Death Knight, Recoilless Ranger, Bill the Cat. A good time was had by all.

April 15, 2052: In case you didn't notice, it is Tax Day. We hope providing the Infernal Revenue Service its pound of flesh didn't hurt too much.

May , 2002: Spider-Man, Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones

Now Playing: The Scorpion King, Blade II

Summer 2002: The Sum of All Fears, Matrix 2, X-Men 2, Terminator 3, The Fast and The Furious II

2003: The Incredible Hulk

Prequels: Star Wars: Chapter III (Vader Rising??)--2005

Sequels: Batman 5, Terminator 3, Aliens 5, Star Trek 10: Nemesis, Terminator 3, Indiana Jones 4, Matrix 3, new James Bond film, Harry Potter 2, Lord of the Rings 2 & 3.

On Cubes: Planet of the Apes, Jurassic Park 3, Pearl Harbor, Tomb Raider, Evolution, Kiss of the Dragon, Rush Hour 2, The One, Iron Monkey.

With the shutdown of the AADA, we don't know if there will be any World or Regional Championships held this year. We hope SJG releases the new Car Wars rules in time. Otherwise, this will make it difficult to hold any competitions above the club level.

Origins 2002: July 4-7, 2002 in Columbus, Ohio. Confirmed site of the World Dueling Championships. This venue is being used for the official release of Car Wars 5.0.

Gen-Con 2002: August 8-11, 2002 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This running of Gen Con will mark the end of an era, as the 'Con will be moving to Indianapolis in 2003.

Nuke-Con 2002: October, 2002 in Omaha, Nebraska. NOVA will run some dueling events here.

Origins 2003: July, 2003 in Columbus, Ohio. Possible site of the World Racing Championships (assuming they don't get canceled again).

Gen Con 2003: August 21-24, 2003 in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is the first year in Gen Con's new location. Possible site of the World Dueling Championships.

Origins 2004: July, 2004 in Columbus, Ohio. Possible site of the World Racing Championships.

Gen Con 2004: August 19-22, 2004 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Possible site of the World Dueling Championships.

Most of the time, you don't have to worry if your dropped weapon is going to work because of what it is dropped on. Since most arenas are paved in one form or another, all dropped weapons work normally. In off-road arenas, things definitely change. The dirt, sand and gravel that make up the floors of such arenas do have an effect on dropped weapons. Dropped gases and dropped solids are unaffected, but dropped liquids are; oil especially.
    Of the three dropped liquids (ice, oil and stickyfoam), oil is most affected by the off-road conditions. Sand ammo negates dropped oil, just imagine a whole arena filled with it would do. The porous nature of the arena surface will tend to soak up the oil like a sponge. Ice is chemically produced by a reaction that is quick enough to form a nice sheet of ice in off-road conditions. But, any vehicle driving within 1/4" of the counter has a 1-4 chance of spraying sand or dirt onto the counter and negating it. Stickyfoam is sprayed downwards and by its very nature will adhere to the ground. In off-road conditions, the foam will pick up the ground and not be completely stable. As with ice, any vehicle moving within 1/4" of the counter will spray dirt/sand onto the foam and negate it on a 1-4 chance. Stickyfoam is a dirt magnet and will attract enough crud to loose its effectiveness in 60 turns.
    Remember to choose dropped weapons with care when entering an off-road arena

"You do not survive a gunfight. You win a gunfight."
--Colonel Bob Brown

"Think, therefore, on revenge and cease to weep."
--Shakespeare, 'Henry IV'

"Always be polite to men with automatic weapons."
--Michael Garrity (after several encounters with officers in the Nigerian Police Force).

"We are shaped and fashioned by what we love."
--Goethe

"Pray that your loneliness may spur you into finding something to live for, great enough to die for."
--Dag Hammarskjold

Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within
    It is the year 2083, and Earth is under a merciless assault by aliens known as Phantoms. A hardy band of survivors headed by Dr. Akai Ross is searching for the means to fend off the attacks. The voice actors in this movie include Ming-Na, Alec Baldwin, Ving Rhames, Donald Sutherland, Peri Gilpin, James Woods and Keith David. This movie is notable for a technical standpoint because it is entirely computer-generated, with no live action of any kind. It is an interesting effort overall, considering that it was based on a video game.*

The Time Machine
    Alex (Guy Pearce) builds a time machine in order to save the life of his fiancee, who had been murdered in a hold-up attempt four years previously. He succeeds, only to see her get run over by a wagon. Distraught, he then journeys to 800,000 AD where he meets a peaceful tribe of low-tech humans known as the Maura. The Maura are being mercilessly hunted by the sub-human Morlocks who are led by an evil ruler played by Jeremy Irons. This movie is a good effort at adapting H.G Wells' famous novel for the big screen. It is all the more noteworthy because the director is Simon Wells (great-grandson of H.G Wells). There are the usual great special effects; also look for Orlando Jones as the voice and image of a computerized library***.

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
    This movie is an excellent adaptation of the first part of the classic trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. It covers the quest of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) to destroy the One Ring, aided by his companions in the Fellowship of the Ring. Along the epic journey, the Fellowship is opposed by the minions of the Dark Lord Sauron, chief among which are the Nazgul.
    LoTR has epic special effects and a sweeping plot that leaves you wanting even more. It is the first part of a three-movie trilogy; the othertwo installments were filmed at the same time and will be released 12 months apart. Actors in this film include Ian Mckellen (Gandalf), Liv Tyler, Cate Blanchette and Christopher Lee (Saruman). It is a very long movie, so be prepared.*****

The Fast and the Furious
    A police officer named Brian Spliner (Paul Walker) hoes undercover to break up a hijacking gang using imported cars. A criminal named Dominic leads the gang. Street racing is highlighted throughout the movie (of course). The obligatory love interest is Dom's sister Mia (played by Michelle Rodriguez). Splinre's efforts are complicated by the activities of rival gang leader Johnny Tran (played by Rick Yune). Overall, this movie is a workmanlike effort, and did well enough at the box office. Expect a sequel**

This year's championship was a Division-25 event held at the Crossroads Arena in Denver, Colorado in anticipation of a large turnout. Seven duelists attended: Mike Garrity (defending champion and 5-time holder of the title), Andy Koehler, Marty Koehler, Don Jacques, Norman McMullen, Joe Petito and Nick Fuhr. Designs from Death Knight Industries, Blaster Motors and Mystic Motors were used.
    The duel commenced as Joe and Andy went head-to-head in the east passageway. Norman turned out of his gate to chase Andy. Meanwhile, Don went after Mike, who in turn traded shots with Marty. Mike did some damage with his ATG, while Marty's AC did nothing to Mike. Elsewhere, Nick angled towards the maze area.
    Andy started a double line of spikes which blocked the east passageway and forced Norman to turn around. Mike dropped oil in front of Marty, making him swerve around it. Joe turned toward the north passageway to avoid Andy, who was also dropping spikes. Almost immediately, Andy stopped his spike droppers, realizing that he was trapped in the passageway. Don missed with his BC shot at Mike's rear, then traded shots with Marty. Both did moderate damage to each other's front armor. In passing, both were hit in the back by each other's rear-mounted flamethrowers. Both drivers had their rear armor on fire a moment later.
    Nick made his turn and entered the north passageway. Mike left a trail of oil that reached to the central building; he then turned and engaged Marty again. An open spot in Mike's oil trail allowed Don to slip by and engage Norman. An HVMG round fired by Joe hit Nick's front armor and did moderate damage. In reply, Nick's AC did a number on Joe's front. Marty was hit in the back by Mike's ATG. Taking evasive action, Marty tried to shake Mike, but to no avail. The rear armor was eventually breached and Marty's driver was killed, thus giving Mike the first kill of the event.
    Andy made an improvised entrance to the maze by blasting through the wall with his HVMG. Joe managed to avoid Nick, but was sideswiped anyway. He was hit by four MFR rockets, accompanied by ice and oil dischargers. The overall damage to Joe was moderate, but the hazard was huge. Joe lost control, fishtailed then skidded down the north passageway. He dropped some spikes along the way. Nick slowed down to avoid some of Andy's spikes and entered the maze.
    In the maze itself, Andy slowly worked his way through, while Nick was doing the same thing at the other end. Coming out his skid, Joe continued down the north passageway, Mike dropped some more oil near the outer wall, closing off a section of the arena. Don and Norman traded BC shots, inflicting some damage on each other. In passing, Don fired his FT at Norman's back. No damage was done due to Norman's substantial metal armor. Both drivers turned easily at their speed of 60 mph because of their paired spoilers and airdams. Another trade of BC shells did the same damage as before. Norman turned again and dropped spikes to block off another part of the arena.
    Mike engaged Joe by hitting with his ATG, and Joe returned the favor with light damage from his HVMG to Mike's front. In a sideswipe, Joe was plastered by Mike's stickyfoam and paint dischargers. Joe slowed and Mike turned to pursue, another ATG shell hitting Joe's side. Joe slowed and turned sharply, doing minor damage with his HVMG against Mike. Making a sharp turn of his own, Mike rammed Joe's left side and fired again. Joe's driver was killed. This was Mike's second kill.
    Don went towards the west outer wall of the arena while Norman dropped spikes to block off another section of the arena floor. Turning left, Don went over Mike's oil (which turned out to be pyrophoric) and had his right-side tires and underbody set on fire. The same thing happened to Norman when he drove over another patch of Mike's oil a short time later. Both duellists charged Mike at 60 mph and 67.5 mph respectively. Don and Norman fired their blast cannons at point-blank range, doing major damage to Mike's front armor. Don then went to Mike's right, while Norman went to the left. Mike sideswiped Don and triggered his other set of stickyfoam and paint dischargers. The stickyfoam caused Don to lose control and perform a major fishtail. Norman continued his left turn and entered the north passageway.
    Nick turned about in the maze and left, only to see Norman approaching. They closed in on each other, with Norman dropping more spikes as he got closer, Nick fired his AC and did minor damage to Norman's front armor. The BC shell that hit Nick in reply did moderate damage. Nick swerved to avoid some debris and activated his FOJ. Norman swerved to avoid the burning oil and entered the maze. He hit some of Joe's spikes and damaged his left side tires.
    Don also went into the north passage, dodging Norman's spikes and using his flame-cloud discharger. Still in the passage, Nick fired at Don and did some damage to his front armor. Don's return fire did considerable damage to Nick's front armor. Don slowed to avoid the spikes and flaming oil, but lost control after he performed a number of drifts and skidded into some spikes. His tires were destroyed as was his underbody armor. Don's vehicle came to rest partially on a patch of flaming oil. Since it was Norman's spikes that wrecked Don's tires, Norman was awarded a mobility kill on Don. Nick got the firepower kill on Don when his flaming oil entered through the breached bottom of Don's car and knocked out the driver.
    Mike turned to enter the north passageway only to find Nick coming out. Both fired on each other and did some damage to each other's front armor. Nick went around Don's flame cloud to avoid Mike, but was trapped against the corner of the central building by Mike. An ATG shell crashed against Nick's sore left side armor. Nick attempted to escape by firing his AC to breach the wall.
    Norman's underbody armor burned through as he took the maze at 60 mph. Coming into view, Andy fired his HVMG at Norman's left side and did moderate damage. As the fire progressed in Norman's car, the driver was knocked out and the car went into a wall. Norman's wreck blocked off a portion of the maze. Mike was awarded his third kill of the event because it was his pyrophoric oil that started the fire in Norman's vehicle.
    In the final turns of the duel, Mike breached Nick's left armor with his ATG and killed the driver, but not before Nick fired one last time into the wall. No breach was created. Andy slowed down in the maze as he realized that he couldn't get out in time before Mike laid down some more oil along the perimeter of the maze. The duel was called, and Mike (with four kills) was named club champion for a record fifth straight time.

Elapsed Time: 23 turns

Finishing Positions

1^st place: Mike Garrity (killed Marty, Joe, Norman and Nick)
2^nd place: Andy Koehler (survived the arena)
3^rd place: Nick Fuhr (firepower kill on Don, was killed by Mike)
4^th place: Norman McMullen (mobility kill against Don, was killed by Mike)
5^th place: Don Jacques (firepower-killed by Nick, mobility-killed by Norman)
6^th place: Joe Petito (killed by Mike)
7^th place: Marty Koehler (killed by Mike)

Club Dueling Championship Vehicles

Jungle Justice (Mike Garrity): Mid-size w/CA frame, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, large power plant, 4 PR tires, driver, ATG w/ HEAT ammo F, 1 extra magazine (HESH), OJ w/ pyrophoric oil B, 2 SfD w/ bumper triggers (1 R, 1 L), 2 PD (1 R, 1 L) linked to SfD, HrSwc, magazine switch, HD shocks, high-torque motors, Composite metal/plastic armor: F20/60, B0/60, R0/55, L0/55, T010, U0/10. Acceleration: 5 (10 w/ HTMs), HC: 3, Top Speed: 92.5 mph (70 mph w/ HTMs), 5,760 lbs. (Designed by Mike Garrity, variant on the 2051 Bonk).

2051 Chainsaw (Andy & Joe): Sedan, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, large power plant w/ PCs, 4 PR tires, driver, HVMG w/ extra magazine F, 2 linked SDs w. explosive spikes (1 R, 1 B), HD shocks, high-torque motors, 10 pts CA on driver, 4 10-pt wheelguards, Sloped Armor: F65, B50, R40, L40, T4, U4. Acceleration: 5 (10 w/ HTMs), HC: 3, Top Speed: 92.5 mph (70 mph w/ HTMs), 6,112 lbs, $24,469 (designed by Mike Garrity)

Ravager (Nick Fuhr): Luxury, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, large power plant w/ SCs, 4 PR radial tires, driver, AC w/ extra magazine F, FOJ (B), 2 MFRPs (1 R, 1 L) w/ bumper triggers, 2 IcD (1 R, 1 L), 2 OD (1 R, 1 L), SWC (AC), blow-through concealment for MFRPs, 4 weapon links (dischargers/MFRPs), 2 10-pt wheel hubs F, 2 10-pt wheelguards B, Sloped Armor: F55, B45, R50, L50, T9, U10. Acceleration: 5, HC: 4, Top Speed: 90 mph, 6,595 lbs, $24,493 (designed by Mike Garrity)

Fightblaster F-3 (Norman McMullen): Mid-size w/CA frame, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, large power plant, 4 PR radial tires, driver, BC w/ HESH ammo F, SD w/ explosive spikes B, SWC, high-torque motors, spoiler & airdam, Composite Armor: F15/33, B8/33, R8/32, L8/32, T0/4, U0/5. Acceleration: 5 (10 w/ HTMs), HC: 4 (5 at 60 mph+), Top Speed: 92.5 mph (70 mph w/ HTMs), 5,757 lbs, $24, 884 (designed by Norman McMullen).

Mystic Motors 2052 Centaur (Don Jacques): Luxury, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, large power plant w/ SCs, 4 PR tires, driver, BC w/ HESH ammo F, 2 armor-piercing MRs (1 R, 1 L), FT w/HT ammo B, FcD (B), hi-res computer, spoiler & airdam, high-torque motors, 10 pts FPCA on driver, 10 pts FPCA on FT. Armor: F72, L40, R40, B40, T6, U6. Acceleration 5/10 w/ HTMs, HC: 3/4 at 60 mph+, top speed 90/67.5 mph w/ HTMs, 6,600 lbs, $24,958; driver carries 2 paint grenades (designed by Don Jacques)

ACFT Bonk (Marty Koehler): Mid-size w/CA frame, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, large power plant, 4 SBPR tires, driver, AC (F), HDFT (B), Armor: F67, B67, R57, L57, T11, U15. Acceleration: 5, HC: 3, Top Speed: 92.5 mph, 5,692 lbs, $24,984 (designed by Mike Garrity)

With the possibility of a large number of rookies in attendance, NOVA President Joseph Ratner contacted Radius Motors about designing stock vehicles for this event. The vehicle that was produced was the Warp 3-F, plus 3 variants. Attending NOVA members were Mike Garrity (defending champion), Andy Koehler, Norman McMullen, Marty Koehler & Bruce Stickney. Each driver chose a design and got ready to race.
    Bruce got pole position, Andy got the middle position in the front row, Marty was outside first row, Mike was inside second row and Norman was middle second row. All drivers had their high-torque motors activated and accelerated to 80 mph down the front straightaway. They accelerated into the first hairpin with Bruce leading Mike, Marty, Norman and Andy. Again, they accelerated to 120 mph going into the third hairpin. Norman shot the inside line of the turns and took over the lead from Bruce. Everyone kept on accelerating, but at 140 mph, the high-torque motors cut out for Bruce, Andy and Mike. Norman began to stretch his lead over Bruce and the others. Norman and Marty's high-torque motors cut out at 160 mph, with Marty starting to pass Mike and Bruce. Marty got past them in the back hairpin turns. With speeds now reaching 200 mph, Mike got around Bruce to take over third place.
    Norman, Marty and Mike scored their first lap, with Bruce and Andy close behind. Marty fired his MML at Norman and missed. Norman did not return fire. Mike fired his RR at Marty's back armor and did moderate damage. The hazard caused Marty to fishtail and skid next to the pit wall. As Bruce and Andy crossed the starting line, they fired their light sonic cannons at Marty and Mike. Bruce did minor damage to Marty's back armor, while Mike took average damage to his. Mike and Marty went into the first hairpin turn going side-by-side, with Mike barely in second place. Marty took the hairpin turn wide and let Mike get in front of him. Norman stretched out his lead by several inches. Marty fired at Mike (who was in the middle of the hairpin turn and did a point of damage. The resulting hazard caused Mike to loose control, fishtail and then spin out into the wall at 192.5 mph. The crash confettied Mike's vehicle and spread debris all over the track. At the same time, Bruce and Andy had been bumping each other through the hairpins.
    Norman hit a debris counter at 230 mph and took heavy damage to his tires. He was able to make it safely through the hairpins however. Marty squeaked through some of Mike's debris field and took minor damage to his right-side tires. Bruce and Andy tapped each other again and lost control. They both rolled into the wall and confettied. Norman went on to win the race by a sizeable lead.

Elapsed Time: 12 turns

Finishing Positions

1^st place: Norman McMullen (1.5 laps)
2^nd place: Marty Koehler (1.4 laps, killed Mike)
3^rd place: Bruce Stickney (1.3 laps, killed Andy, was killed by him)
4^th place: Andy Koehler (1.3 laps; killed Bruce, was killed by him)
5^th place: Mike Garrity (1.2 laps, killed by Marty)

Club Racing Championship vehicle & variants

Warp 3-F: Mid-size, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, thundercat power plant, 4 PR racing slicks, driver, 2 linked MMLs (driver's choice of facing), SWC, high-torque motors, overdrive, spoiler & airdam, Armor: F30, B30, R30, L30, T15, U15. Acceleration: 15 (20 w/ HTMs), HC: 5 (6 at 60 mph +), Top Speed: 192.5 mph (145 mph w/ HTMs), 5,760 lbs, $23,750.

F-1 variant: remove one MML and link. Add streamlining and HD brakes, Armor: F35, B35, R35, L35, T10, U15. Top Speed: 210/157.5 mph w/ HTMs, $24,020.

F-2 variant: replace linked MMLs w/ light sonic cannon, Armor: F30, B30, R30, L30, T2, U3, $24,900.

F-3 variant: Replace linked MMLs w/ RR, Armor: F30, B30, R30, L30, T7, U10, $23,442

Norman and Marty used the F-1 and Mike used the F-3. Andy and Bruce used the F-2.

Subject: Fwd: SCAB Mailing List, Div. 5 & NOVA

Date: Thu, 4 April 2002 18:35:01 -0800

From: "Michael P. Owen" <owenmp@serv.net>

Organization: N/A

To: "NOVA; Jacques, Donald" <drjake@novia.net>

Dear Norman:

I thought you would like to read the message below, which was posted to the SCAB mailing list.
    Please do me a favor. Tell Michael Garrity to delete messages from his Hotmail account. The recent issue of CWIN was bounced back to me with an error message stating Michael's account could not accept the newsletter because its storage allocation has been exceeded.

Subject:

(SCAB) Everything you wanted to know about Div. 5 but were afraid to ask.

Date: Thu, 04 Apr 2002 00:33:56 -0800

From: "Jeremy Willis" <throach@blar.org>

Reply-To: Scab@blar,org

To: recipient list deleted

Checking out the NOVA website for the first time in months, I found their new comprehensive guide to Div. 5 vehicles. Wow, 189 designs with 183 variants. I was so impressed that I copied it and made a few printer-friendly adjustments (it's now only 27 pages long) so I could have a hard copy. TCM tips its hat to NOVA for this amazing guide to Div. 5 vehicles! Among my favorites were the car/trailer combos and the punishment vehicles! I think I have been inspired for the next Ugly duel series!

Jeremy

Throach Corp. Motors.....building a better future

Scab mailing list

Scab@blar.org

http://blar.org/mailman/listinfo/scab.blar.org

Editor's note: Michael Garrity was out of the country on a three-week honeymoon trip.

From time to time, we make mistakes for one reason or another. In the last issue of the NightMessenger, we mis-spelled Bruce's last name as Stickly. It is supposed to be Stickney. Also, the report of the duel where John Lafreniere joined us in November of 2001 had his finish incorrectly listed. Actually, John finished in second place.

Killer Shrike: Mid-size, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, blueprinted 150-ci gas engine w/ tubular headers, VP turbocharger & 5-gallon  dueling tank, 4 PR tires, driver, turreted LSC w/ tight-beam modifications, SfS (B), SD w/ extra magazine R (all spikes are explosive), SWC, laser battery, weapon link (SfS/SD), 2 10-pt wheel hubs F, 2 10-pt wheelguards B, Sloped Composite Armor: F15/30, B0/50, R0/40, L0/40, T0/40, U0/10. Acceleration: 10, HC: 3, Top Speed: 70 mph, 5,760 lbs, $29,106.

Skybolt: Streamlined luxury, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, blueprinted 150-ci gas engine w/ tubular headers, VP turbocharger & 5-gallon racing tank, 4 PR radial tires, driver, driver, HSC w/ tight-beam modifications F, SfS (B), HrSwc, 2 SfD w/ bumper triggers (1 R, 1 L), 2 PD (1 R, 1 L) linked to SfD, HD brakes, anti-lock braking system, tinted/no-paint windows, 10 pts FPCA on driver, 10 pts FPCA on engine, FP insulator on gas tank, 2 10-pt wheel hubs F, 2 10-pt wheelguards B, Sloped Armor: F75, B60, R45, L45, T7, U8. Acceleration: 10, HC: 4, Top Speed: 75 mph, Base MPG: 45, 6,600 lbs, $48.085.

Repair & Recharge Vehicles

These are designs used by road-assistance services and convoys in order to give repairs and recharges without having to pull into a refit station or truck stop.

Fix-it: Van, x-hvy chassis, hvy suspension, super power plant w/ extra power cells, 6 PR tires, driver & gunner, VMG (F), VMG in universal turret, JD (B) linked to front VMG, 2 HrSwcs, smart link (turret/front VMG), LD radio, high-torque motors, overdrive, HD brakes, 4-space portable shop, Armor: F23, B23, R23, L23, T23, U6. Acceleration: 5 (10 w/ HTMs), HC: 2, Top Speed: 95 mph (72.5 mph w/ HTMs), 7,194 lbs, $32,080.

Amp: Mini-bus, x-hvy chassis, small truck power plant w/ extra power cells, 10 PR truck tires, driver & gunner, 2 VMGs linked F, 2 VMGs in universal turret, JD (B) linked to front VMGs, 2 hi-res computers, smart link (turret/front VMGs), high-torque motors, HD brakes, Armor: F48, B48, R48, L48, T48, U17. Acceleration: 2.5/5 (7.5/10 w/ HTMs), HC: 1, Top Speed: 100 mph (75 mph w/ HTMs), 13,648 lbs, $63,574.
    Cargo Capacity: 11 spaces, 752 lbs.

Watt: 30' bus, x-hvy chassis, medium truck power plant w/ extra power cells, 10 PR truck tires, driver & gunner, 3 VMGs linked F, 2 VMGs in universal turret TF, JD (B) linked to front VMGs, 2 hi-res computers, smart link (turret/front VMGs), high-torque motors, HD brakes, 4 portable shops, flush-mount solar panel TB, Armor: F42, B42, RF41, RB41, LF41, LB41, TF41, TB41, UF12, UB12. Acceleration: 2.5/5 (7.5/10 w/ HTMs), HC: 1, Top Speed: 100 mph (75 mph w/ HTMs), 17,993 lbs, $74,840.
    Cargo Capacity: 16 spaces, 1,207 lbs.

Volt: 40' bus, x-hvy chassis, regular truck power plant w/ extra power cells, 10 PR truck tires, driver & gunner, 4 VMGs linked F, 2 in universal turret TF, JD (B) linked to front VMGs, 2 hi-res computers, smart link (turret/front VMGs), high-torque motors, HD brakes, 4 portable shops, flush-mount solar panel TB, Armor: F59, B58, RF58, RB58, LF58, LB58, TF58, TB58, UF15, UB15. Acceleration: 2.5/5 (7.5/10 w/ HTMs), HC: 1, Top Speed: 122.5 mph (92.5 mph w/ HTMs), 23,083 lbs, $95,300; Cargo Capacity: 28 spaces, 2,117 lbs.

When you're out there on the road or in the arena, think of this: Big Dreams for Big People and Little Dreams for Little People. Now, which are you and why?. It is never too late to become the former.
    In our next issue, we'll more of the hype surrounding Car Wars 5.0. There will also be the usual craziness in the rest of the newsletter. Really, we are completely sane (at least that's what the doctors keep telling us).

"DRIVE OFFENSIVELY"

NOVA Works
    Tilt-tires: Mike Garrity
    Sand Spreaders: Norman McMullen

The 10 O'clock News: Norman McMullen

Nuts & Bolts: Norman McMullen & Michael Garrity

Quotes: Michael Garrity, Norman McMullen & Adrian Shipley

Cube Logs: Norman McMullen

In The Arena: Norman McMullen

On The Track: Norman McMullen

Return Fire: Norman McMullen

Murphy's Corner: Norman McMullen

The Showroom
    Killer Shrike & Skybolt: Michael Garrity
    Repair & Recharge Vehicles: Norman McMullen

Typesetting & Page Layout: Michael Garrity

Editor: Michael Garrity

All other sections: Norman McMullen

The Nightmessenger is published quarterly by the New Omaha Vehicular Association, 2524 Madison St., Bellevue, NE
68005. All material is copyright 2002 by the New Omaha Vehicular Association. All rights reserved. Car Wars, Dueltrack,
Boat Wars, Car Warriors, Crash City, Truck Stop, Convoy, Uncle Albert's Catalog From Hell, Autoduel and AADA are
registered trademarks of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated, or are used under license. The above trademarks, and the
characters and situations of the Car Wars background are the exclusive property of Steve Jackson Games Incorporated and
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Nightmessenger, or any unauthorized publication of fiction using the Car Wars background without the express written
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