Bakersfield Californian iPad app hits market

One of our tabloid front pages as seen on our new iPad appIt's taken us awhile but a replica edition of The Bakersfield Californian is now available for the iPad. 

And I must say it looks pretty sweet. 

I'm not a big fan of reading replica versions of broadsheet newspapers on computer screens but our weekday tabloid format is well suited for most monitors and is near perfect for larger tablets like the iPad. Those with reasonable eyesight (I'm blind without contacts or glasses) will be able to read text without zooming.  

We're not alone in sharing that enthusiasm. Shortly after learning Apple had finally released the app into the iTunes The cover of our classified front as seen on our iPad appstore, we shared the good news with some of our readers who had been clamoring for an iPad-enabled version. One downloaded the app, then wrote us back a short time later:

"My compliments.  Quick download with % DL indicator, always handy with slower connections.  Great organization.  Crisp text and graphics.  I like how closely it mirrors the print version and the fact you can see the whole page.  Call me old fashion, but that's what I like about a newspaper, one glance and you can see everything.  Good work!"

How's that for a first reaction? We couldn't pay for that kind of applause. 

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How scripted viral video can dwarf traditional ad outlets

YouTube has certainly revolutionized the concept of homemade video and, for better and worse, lowered the bar for what can become popular entertainment. 

It's also spawned a new form of entertainment that threatens longtime vehicles for high-dollar advertising. 

Case in point is Kenny Block, a professional rally driver better known for his Gymkhana driving stunts in which he does amazing things with small cars. Block's YouTube videos have been viewed more than 100 million times, making him one of the most popular viral-video stars in history. 

I wrote about Block back in September but am mentioning him again in light of a very astute AutoRacing1.com column that suggests viral-video stars like Block may be a better spot for advertisers rather than well-known auto racing series like IndyCar. 

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My interview with Mario Andretti

Mario Andretti's 1969 Champ Car win at Hanford Motor Speedway represented extreme highs and lows: a secret tire setup that left competitors in his dust and a freak pitlane accident that contributed to the death of a mechanic.

In a telephone interview from his Pennsylvania offices on Monday, Andretti recalled his five appearances at the Hanford tri-oval: a 1965 USAC stock car drive and four Champ Car races from 1967-1969 that resulted in one win, two third-place finishes and two DNFs from the third and fourth starting spots. He obviously found the speedway -- the rough 1.4-mile 1965 version and the renovated 1.5-mile late 1960s version -- a good match. 

Read my complete interview with Andretti in my Marchbanks Speedway/Hanford Motor Speedway history section. And if you missed it, check out my interviews with Bobby Unser and other race legends in my section devoted to the "History of Marchbanks Speedway, aka Hanford Motor Speedway."