About AutoMatters

Like them or not, automobiles have become an essential part of our modern culture. At a minimum, we need them for transportation of people and goods. Some of us crazies also like to drive and collect them. Whether you love automobiles or simply depend on them for transportation, you've come to the right place. My hope is that you will find AutoMatters informative and entertaining.

What is AutoMatters?

AutoMatters is a column for which I travel near and far to explore the wonderful world of automobiles. From its base in Southern California, destinations have included Las Vegas, New Orleans, New York City, Washington, Vancouver, Calgary, the Caribbean and beyond.

The first of these columns was published (under another name) in June of 2002 in the Del Mar Times newspaper. As you can see in the column archives of this Web site, that was just the first of well over 200.

My name is Jan Wagner. I write AutoMatters and shoot most of the photos. I am a member in good standing of the Motor Press Guild, the American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association, the American Society of Media Photographers and Nikon Professional Services. Feel free to contact me via email at AutoMatters@gmail.net.

You probably will not know what I'll be writing about in any particular column because often I don't even know until just before I write it. I try to mix up the topics to keep things fresh and interesting for everyone — including me.

I write AutoMatters like I try to talk to people — in a friendly, relaxed, person-to-person style which my readers seem to enjoy. I've been told more than once that reading this column is sort of like reading a letter from a friend, complete with photos.

AutoMatters subjects have included:

My "Real World Road Tests" of new vehicles:
- Focusing on features and driving impressions, not the sometimes dry, technical stuff that goes on behind the scenes.
Professional and amateur races, including NASCAR, IndyCar Series, Champ Car World Series, Trans-Am Series, Championship Off Road Series (CORR), SPEED World Challenge, American Le Mans Series, drifting, sports car racing, historic cars racing, autocrossing, RallyCross and more. I promise that you will never find long, boring race reports on these pages.
Automotive art
Road trips to places near and far
Automotive events
- "Ride & Drives" hosted by individual automobile manufacturers and affiliated companies can be great opportunities to put new vehicles through their paces.
Interviews with automotive personalities and enthusiasts.
Special treats, like a tour hosted by Jay Leno of his incredible automobile collection.
Auto shows:
- LA Auto Show, SEMA Show (Las Vegas), New York International Auto Show, Hot Import Nights, World of Wheels (New Orleans), local car club shows, Art Center College of Design show, San Diego International Auto Show, GOODGUYS Del Mar Rod & Custom Nationals, California International Auto Show.
Unusual or especially significant vehicles
Car club 'runs' or tours
Accessories:
- GPS navigation, car audio and car care products.
Discussions about significant transportation issues:
- traffic safety, alternative fuel vehicles and leading edge technology
Auto-themed movie reviews:
- including a real, honest-to-goodness Hollywood premiere with a red carpet, limousine ride and the works.

What especially differentiates this, the online edition of AutoMatters, from the various paper versions is the color photography and typically a larger variety of photos in the Column Archives (past columns).

Getting around this online edition is as easy as clicking on the blue buttons above. For example, the current column can be found by clicking on the Most Recent Column button. You can also find it at the top of this year's Column Archives.

In case you need to hire someone to do writing, photography or both, please send an email to my attention at .AutoMatters@gmail.com While you're here, check out the Freelance Work section.

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What makes me tick?

For about as long as I could hold a camera (my first was a Kodak Instamatic 100 -- remember those?) I have been an avid photographer. Most of my professional digital camera gear is made by Nikon.

One of the neatest things about having a website is that I am no longer limited to publishing columns on a restricted schedule or from one fixed location, as my cross-country drive in a SMART car so well demonstrated. Whenever and wherever there is a need for more frequent columns, that can happen quickly — and with plenty of full-color photos. Think of me as your roving, extremely enthusiastic automotive reporter. You may also have tuned in to me on the radio, when I co-hosted an automotive and motorsports radio program.

My automotive photojournalism endeavors are not limited to AutoMatters. I also am the editor for Grid Lines, the official publication of the San Diego Region of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). It is published within the SoPac News newspaper, which is mailed to SCCA members throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles and surrounding areas. You will see AutoMatters versions of some of my work from Grid Lines here, on the AutoMatters website.

Aside from these skills, perhaps the one of my most important credentials is my enthusiasm for things automotive and motorsports. Since before I was old enough to drive I've especially loved cars, which is what led me to start producing an automotive column on a weekly basis several years ago.

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If you like what you see, spread the word by telling a friend. As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome. Send them to AutoMatters@gmail.com.

Thank you.

Jan