April 1. April Fools’ Day.

This is the day we usually clown on each other, pull pranks, and otherwise try to fool people into believing the sometimes absurd.

We’ve done it ourselves on this very site…with our too-good-to-believe story on the classics buried at a construction site…or the development of the Summit Racing movie (not coming soon to a theater near you). Or how about the decals that really DO add performance to your vehicle?

This year, though, it seems the joke is on us.

Only it’s no joke—and the scenario plays out day-after-day like a real-life version of the movie Groundhog Day.

COVID-19 has changed almost everything. It’s sickened hundreds of thousands of people and taken too many lives, cost countless jobs and sheltered entire businesses, and relegated most of us to our homes in hopes of stopping the spread. It has spawned a whole new term: social distancing.

Having said that, it might seem at a time like this as if our cars, trucks, mechanical projects—our hobby as a whole—isn’t very important.

But we’d argue that it’s more important than ever.

Not in a life-and-death way, of course.

But as way for us to relieve stress and find happiness in a troubled time.

And as a way to practice life-saving social distancing (there’s that term again) while bonding with our rides, reconnecting with an old passion, rekindling a dormant project, or powering through a maintenance to-do list.

We said above that COVID-19 has changed almost everything.

Social distancing (everyone, take a drink) has made us realize that the hot-rodding and automotive communities are just as strong as ever—but in a different way.

We can’t go to car shows right now, but Summit Racing and OnAllCylinders have hosted their first-ever online car show and plan to host more in the future. Projects continue in our garages, and forums, YouTube channels, and Facebook groups continue to provide advice, support, and inspiration—and Summit Racing will continue to do so as well. Races are canceled, but some of those clever guys at NASCAR hosted a virtual race for charity.

Truth is we’re car guys and girls—and that doesn’t just go away.

So, if you are able to, keep those projects going.

Enjoy some extra garage time (and maybe introduce the kids to the hobby). Participate in your favorite online communities, re-watch some of your favorite races or car-related movies and TV shows, or do some FaceTime bench racing with your buddies.

We’ll do our best to contribute to the cause with tech stories, how-tos, news stories, and fun features.

We know our partners at Summit Racing remain committed to delivering the parts you need for those quarantine projects. Most importantly, we hope to hear from you, our community, on our Facebook pages as we continue to talk and share all-things automotive performance.

We’ll get through this together—and our hobby and passion will be stronger than ever!

No foolin’.

Please stay safe everyone.

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Author: David Fuller

David Fuller is OnAllCylinders' managing editor. During his 20-year career in the auto industry, he has covered a variety of races, shows, and industry events and has authored articles for multiple magazines. He has also partnered with mainstream and trade publications on a wide range of editorial projects. In 2012, he helped establish OnAllCylinders, where he enjoys covering all facets of hot rodding and racing.