• About
  • Contact
  • Testimonials
  • Newsletter
  • More
    • Demographics & Advertising Rates
    • Terms & Conditions
Saturday, February 4, 2023
No Result
View All Result
California Business Journal
  • Front Page
  • Business
  • Finance
  • People
  • Featured
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • Law
  • News
  • Food
  • Art & Culture
  • Human Interest
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Real Estate
  • Health & Fitness
California Business Journal
Rusnak Driv Chall Koby and Erik SB

DRIVER’S DELIGHT

by Rick Weinberg, Editor in Chief, California Business Journal
A A
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Rusnak Auto Group’s Driver’s Challenge ‘wowed’ VIP guests with its dazzling array of luxury vehicles on a magnificent sun-splashed Southern California day.

By Rick Weinberg, Editor, California Business Journal
Email: Rick@CalBizJournal.com / Mobile: 949-648-3815
Photos by Leah Palmer

Hollywood actor Erik Valdez and girlfriend Candace Huckeba of Radio Disney at the Rusnak Driver's Challenge.
Hollywood actor Erik Valdez and girlfriend Candace Huckeba of Radio Disney at the Rusnak Driver’s Challenge.

AS CANDICE HUCKEBA STEPPED OUT OF THE RADIANT SILVER JAGUAR F-TYPE V8S, she quickly glanced over at her boyfriend, Hollywood actor Erik Valdez, and said, “Sold. This is my next car.”

Huckeba was among more than 300 VIPs who were invited to the exclusive Rusnak Driver’s Challenge at the Santa Anita Race Track in Arcadia on Saturday November 7. The event enabled auto enthusiasts from around Southern California – and beyond — to drive a marquee selection of exquisite luxury vehicles from the Rusnak Auto Group, one of the nation’s most renowned automotive organizations, on a test track featuring a number of challenging twists and turns.

The dazzling array of stunning vehicles included Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche, Maserati, Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Volvo. Lines of car aficionados lined the perimeter of the track, their eyes bulging, their jaws dropping at the sight, sound and smells of the elegant sports cars, sport sedans and sport utility vehicles.

“We have an amazing portfolio and lineup of vehicles and thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to extend an invitation to our customers to drive our cars and experience first-hand the thrill they provide,’” says Victoria Rusnak, CEO and President. “Not many dealerships offer this opportunity in the luxury segment.”

Most people never drive their vehicles even close to the limits of their cars performance envelope – most drive their vehicles simply as commuter cars.

“That’s what makes an event like this so special,” says Vadim Fedorovsky of Jaguar Land Rover Anaheim Hills. “For many people, this is their only chance to experience the full capabilities of high-line cars like this.”

Valdez has appeared in Graceland, New Girl, General Hospital, CSI: Miami and Numb3rs.
Valdez has appeared in Graceland, New Girl, General Hospital, CSI: Miami and Numb3rs.

Star of the Day

The crowd was simply blown away by the performance and style of the vehicles on this glorious sun-splashed California day — and the ultimate star of the show was easily the Jaguar F-Type V8S.

“I’m speechless,” Huckeba first said after she drove the vehicle. Then, the on-air Disney Radio host couldn’t contain herself, talking incessantly about the sleekness and uniqueness of the car.

“I loved it the second it started up,” she says. “The sound of the engine was intoxicating. I feel like I’m speechless but I can’t stop thinking or talking about it,” she adds with a laugh. “It’s an incredible mix of luxury and performance – and I mean performance. Wow. I was blown away. And the luxury of it – forget about it,” she adds, mimicking the famous New York-style phrase.

“I absolutely loved everything about it. It’s my next car without a doubt. The second I got into it, started it up and drove it for a few seconds, I was sold.”

Her 2013 Mercedes Benz 250 SLK will soon be on a Rusnak pre-owned car lot, replaced by the F-Type … which is certainly alright with her boyfriend.

Jag f-t v8s“I love the car,” says Valdez, who has appeared in Graceland, New Girl, General Hospital, CSI: Miami and Numb3rs, to name a few. “I love what Jaguar has done with it. It’s dynamic. To me, it’s the first modern Jaguar that truly captures the essence of the old Jaguars. There’s really nothing you can compare to it.”

Even Valdez’s close buddy, fellow actor Coby McLaughlin, was “blown away” by the Jag’s performance and style. “Amazing – absolutely amazing,” says McLaughlin, who stars on Parenthood and Graceland. “There’s nothing not to love about it.”

Valdez (R) with fellow actor Coby McLaughlin, who stars on Parenthood and Graceland.
Valdez (R) with fellow actor Coby McLaughlin, who stars on Parenthood and Graceland.

‘Most Fun’ Car

Andrew Pappas of Jaguar Land Rover Anaheim Hills was on site to answer any questions about the F-Type as well as the Jaguar XF and XJ sedans. He was quite busy most of the day, being peppered left and right from enthusiastic and inquisitive event attendees.

“This is the ‘most fun’ car that’s here today,” Pappas tells a guest. “It’s the ‘most balanced’ car here. In other words, it has the most predictable precision handling void of nasty habits that challenge your driving skills.”

The pulse-quickening F-Type V8S has off-the-chart levels of dynamic capability and control. With its 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine, it produces 495 horsepower, accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. It is a pure sports car in the full sense of the term. It combines effortless and exhilarating performance, quick response and precise, agile handling with everyday refinement and usability.

Lonnie Limon, an advertising executive from Dallas who was in L.A. to produce a commercial with Sprint, couldn’t stop talking about his experience in the Jaguar.

“It exceeded all my expectations,” says Limon, the head of Inspire, a Texas-based ad agency. “I was hesitant at first … then I heard the roar of the engine. And when I stepped on the accelerator, my head snapped back. It was like a plane taking off. That’s the car I want to drive. I felt like ‘a million’ driving that thing.”

Dominant SUV

While Pappas handled queries about Jaguars, Fedorovsky took on car enthusiasts for the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque, which dominated the SUV class of vehicles on this magnificent California day.

“It’s the best experience I’ve ever had in a SUV,” says Erin Shields, an environmental scientist from Whittier, Calif. who test drove the Evoque. “It’s not SUV or truck-like at all. It drives almost like a sports car. The handling reminds me of Porsche – it has a solid, planted feel. I never expected a SUV to handle this well.”

Fedorovsky smiles and nods as Shields describes her Land Rover experience. He’s not surprised. Few people know Land Rover better than Fedorovsky.

“There’s nothing else on the road like the Evoque,” he says. “It’s totally unlike a small SUV.”

ADVERTISEMENT

The distinctive Range Rover Evoque features a powerful and responsive 240-hp turbocharged lightweight aluminum alloy 2.0-liter engine coupled with a state of the art nine-speed transmission that delivers improved fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emission. Intelligent start/stop technology automatically shuts down the engine at rest and restarts as soon as your foot is lifted from the brake.

“It’s like a rolling spa treatment,” LA’s Andrea Pullman says with a laugh.

“It’s amazingly cozy for a SUV and it drives much more like a car,” adds Erik Huley of Beverly Hills. “It feels like it’s a car that’s been lifted. And it’s easily the best looking SUV out here.”

LR SportThe Range Rover Sport is equally as amazing as the Evoque. It was transformed in 2014 with an all-aluminum unitized body, shedding 800 pounds of mass while gaining a 340 hp six-cylinder supercharged engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, independent air suspension, massive ventilated four-wheel disc brakes, and electrically assisted rack-and-pinion power steering. The result: Even more responsive handling, unparalleled ride quality, and much improved fuel economy compared to the previous generation of Range Rover Sports.

Like the Evoque, the Sport got people’s adrenalin flowing.

“Awesome,” says Jeff Pierce, owner of Thirst, a LA talent agency. “Smooth, powerful, stylish, superior. I can definitely see myself driving it – today.”

Huley agrees, but the Jag, he adds, “can’t be beat today. It’s easily the best car out here.”

“Totally,” adds Tim Sargeant of Walnut, Calif. “The Jaguar is the [bleep]. “Easily the best ride of the day. The sound of it is intoxicating. The steering is incredible. Jaguar has done an amazing job rebranding itself. It has not only caught up to all the brands in its class. To me, Jaguar has surpassed them.”

VIEW THE MAGAZINE ARTICLE HERE

Rusnak Driver Chall screen shot

Contact:

Jaguar Land Rover Anaheim Hills

5425 E. La Palma Ave. Anaheim Hills, CA 92807

(714) 693-4646

www.JLRAH.com

Rusnak Auto Group

325 W. Colorado Blvd.

Pasadena, CA 91105

(626) 449-0770

www.rusnakonline.com

Tags: advertisingAnaheimAnaheim HillsArtAutomotiveBMWCACaliforniaCandice HuckebaCEOcommercialDallaseconomyenvironmentalErik ValdezexecutiveGroupHollywoodindependentJaguarJaguar Land Rover Anaheimjaguar land rover anaheim hillsLandLand Roverland rover anaheim hillsluxuryNew YorknicePasadenaportfoliopowerpre-ownedRange RoverRideRoverRusnakRusnak Auto GroupRusnak Driver's ChallengesilverskillsSouthern CaliforniatechnologyTexastreatmentVadim Fedorovskyvehiclesvictoria rusnak
ADVERTISEMENT
Rick Weinberg, Editor in Chief, California Business Journal

Rick Weinberg, Editor in Chief, California Business Journal

Rick Weinberg is Editor-in-Chief at California Business Journal. He is a well-known writer, reporter and on-air talent who has worked for the New York Times, FOX and ESPN. He launched California Business Journal to focus on California businesses and business professionals as well as California business news and information. Contact: Rick@CalBizJournal.com / 949-648-3815

Related Posts

6 Pro Tips On How To Find The Ideal New Car Deals
6 Pro Tips On How To Find The Ideal New Car Deals
How often should you take a break when driving?
How often should you take a break when driving?
advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT

CBJ Newsletter

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram LinkedIn

Advertise With CBJ

Contact Rick@CalBizJournal.com

CBJ Rates and Demographics

Job Postings

CEO Wanted


Requirements: BS/BA + 2yrs of Business Managing Experience

Mail Resume: Grand Life, Inc. 14647 Northam St. La Mirada, CA 90638.

$114,754/year

ADVERTISEMENT
1REALTOUR-SAN DIEGO-WEB DESIGN
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn LinkedIn Instagram
C B J   LOGO  SVG-01
  • About
  • Contact California Business Journal
  • Testimonials
  • Demographics & Advertising Rates
  • Terms & Conditions

Categories

  • Art & Culture
  • Business
  • California Hotel Listings
  • Daily Updates
  • Editor's Choice
  • Education
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food & Dining
  • Health & Fitness
  • Human Interest
  • Insurance
  • Law
  • Lawyers
  • Marketing
  • Medical
  • News
  • Newsletter
  • Opinion
  • People
  • Popular
  • Real Estate
  • Social Media
  • Technology
  • Top 25 Wealth Management Companies in California
  • Uncategorized

CBJ Partner Firebrand Media

Laguna Beach Independent Newspaper
 Laguna Beach City Guide
 Newport Beach Independent Newspaper
Newport Beach Country Club Magazine
  Montage Magazine
 Omni Escapes Hotel Magazine
 Bespoke Concierge New York
 Evans Hotels
 Laguna Beach Magazine
 On The Menu Laguna Beach
 Newport Beach Magazine
Coastal Real Estate Guide (NB,LB, CDM)
Monarch Beach Resort Magazine
 Pacific Coast Magazine (SoCal)
Sea Island Life Magazine
Salamander Hotel & Resorts Magazine
 View our entire portfolio

 

Most Viewed

  • Gavel, scales of justice and law books

    Lawsuit Basics: How Much Does It Cost to Sue Someone?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Investigation: Can TriumphFX Take Your Money?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • The Impact of Covid: Racing to Buy Second Citizenships

    3 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • What to Do When an Online Casino Refuses to Pay Out Your Winnings

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Top 5 Flavors On Elf Bar BC5000 Review

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • NFL Paychecks: How Do NFL Players Get Paid?

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Five Reasons Why The Government Does Not Like Bitcoin

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • How to Start a Telecommunication Business: A Step-By-Step Guide

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Temu’s New Shipping Policy Is A Smashing Hit For Shoppers All Over the Country

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • 6 Types of Business Records and Receipts Every Small Business Should Keep

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Latest Articles

Super Bowl

5 Best Sports Betting Apps For The Super Bowl

Free Spins: If You Love Online Slots, Check Out These Casinos

Free Spins: If You Love Online Slots, Check Out These Casinos

How to Optimize the Learning Process and Allocate More Time for Yourself

How to Optimize the Learning Process and Allocate More Time for Yourself

Should You Junk or Sell Your Unusable Car? 8 Considerations

Should You Junk or Sell Your Unusable Car? 8 Considerations

Q&A with Jennifer Woods, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of FrontDoor on Why Companies Should Release Sustainability Reports.

Q&A with Jennifer Woods, Vice President and Associate General Counsel of Frontdoor on Why Companies Should Release Sustainability Reports.

Best Practices for Establishing Secure Password Protocols

Best Practices for Establishing Secure Password Protocols

How to Up Your Marketing Game with Real Estate 3D Rendering

How to Up Your Marketing Game with Real Estate 3D Rendering

Tips For Designing A Vinyl Banner For Your Business

Tips For Designing A Vinyl Banner For Your Business

15 Useful Animation Makers for Novice Entrepreneurs (2023)

15 Useful Animation Makers for Novice Entrepreneurs For 2023

What is FinTech?

What is FinTech?

California Business Journal | California Business News, California News Media, California business articles | Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire, Northern California, San Francisco | Huntington Beach CA 92649 | (949) 648-3815
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY CALIFORNIA BUSINESS JOURNAL.
Site Design by 1REALTOUR

No Result
View All Result
  • Front Page
  • Business
  • Finance
  • People
  • Featured
  • Opinion
  • Technology
  • Law
  • News
  • Food
  • Art & Culture
  • Human Interest
  • Education
  • Insurance
  • Real Estate
  • Health & Fitness

California Business Journal | California Business News, California News Media, California business articles | Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Inland Empire, Northern California, San Francisco | Huntington Beach CA 92649 | (949) 648-3815
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY CALIFORNIA BUSINESS JOURNAL.
Site Design by 1REALTOUR