8.31.2009

GEAR // HARVEY MUSHMAN MOTORING APPAREL

Harvey Mushman, once the motor racing alias of Steve McQueen, is now a line of motorsport lifestyle apparel influenced and inspired by this timeless icon and his passion for motorsports. Based in the UK, Harvey Mushman apparel features a full line of t-shirts, polos, hoodies and jackets. Certainly a must-have for fans of the King of Cool, follow the link for a look at a few of our favorites... [read more]

The Santa Cruz Jersey Moto Jacket - Available September 1st

Santa Cruz LS Tee - Available September 1st

Life is Racing Tee - Grey Marl

Santa Cruz Tee - Vintage Red

For a look at more from Harvey Mushman, click here


VIDEO // RADICAL SR8LM RUNS 6:48 LAP @ THE RING

Having upgraded their 360bhp SR8, a car that set the record for fastest production vehicle around the Nurburgring nearly four years ago, the gentlemen at Radical returned to Eiffel late last week looking to break their own record.

Powered by a modified Suzuki Hayabusa motor good for 455bhp, Radical's newly introduced SR8LM managed a blistering 6:48 lap of the Nurburgring. The SR8LM's lap, a solid eight seconds faster than Radical's previous record, was verified by Germany's Sport Auto and England's Evo magazines. Follow the link for the complete press release as well as on-board footage from Radical's record breaking lap... [read more]


PRESS RELEASE

Radical Smash Nordschleife Lap Record

Peterborough sportscar manufacturer Radical Sportscars has smashed the Nürburgring production car lap record, with driver Michael Vergers posting a committed 6m48s lap time. The road-legal SR8LM smashed the previous record, also held by Radical since 2005, by an incredible eight seconds. All this, less than 24 hours after the car was driven from England to Germany for the record.

German motoring magazine Sport Auto oversaw the attempt, with the UK's evo magazine confirming the time, which will be officially finalised tomorrow (Thursday).

Conditions for the record were perfect, with clear skies and temperatures in the high 20s. Vergers initially battled with the Nordschleife's fearsome kerbs, jumps and bumps, but soon found the ideal setup, inspiring confidence to push harder.

"The car was great, I could push really hard and it felt clearly faster than the previous SR8 in 2005," said Vergers. "It's fantastic that we've beaten the record; hopefully I'll get an opportunity to return with Radical in the future."

Radical co-founder Mick Hyde said: "I'm obviously delighted, the record has been a real team effort headed up by Phil Abbott and Rob Wheldon. Dunlop have supplied us with brilliant, hard-wearing trackday tyres, indeed we've only used one set to both drive to the 'Ring, and set the record.

"We've proved that the SR8LM is not only the world's best trackday car, but it's also practical enough to drive to and from the circuit. It is a genuine production sportscar, with genuine performance credentials, as we've shown today."


NEWS // STILLEN TO UNLEASH GT-R RACE CAR @ 2009 TARGA RALLY

After more than six months in the garage, Stillen has finally completed work on their R35 Skyline GT-R race car. Scheduled to compete in the 2009 Targa Newfoundland in a few weeks time, Steve Millen and his crew took the recently completed Stillen GT-R race car to the El Toro Marine Base for a few shakedown runs. Follow the link for additional information, a few photos and video from their test session... [read more]







STILLEN GT-R Targa Race Car

Performance Numbers (As Set Up For 2009 Targa Rally)
• Horsepower: ~620 @ 15psi (91 Octane Pump Gas)
• 0-60mph: 2.9 seconds **
• 1/4 Mile: 11.0 seconds at 127.9mph **
• 0-130mph: 11.4 seconds **
• Lateral Grip: 1.1G+ **
** (as tested by Road & Track)

Engine
• STILLEN Downpipes
• STILLEN Secondary Cat-Delete Y-Pipe
• STILLEN Race Exhaust w/Center Rear Exit
• STILLEN Intake System w/K&N Filters
• Turbosmart e-Boost Street 2-Stage Electronic Boost Controller
• Turbosmart Dual Port Blow Off Valves
• COBB Tuning AccessPORT
• Dodson Motorsports Transmission Cooler
• Red Line High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil – 0W40
• Red Line High Performance Synthetic Gear Oil – 75W140
• Red Line WaterWetter

Suspension
• High Performance Coil-Overs – Adjustable Bump & Rebound, Ride Height – Eibach Race Springs
• STILLEN Adjustable Sway Bars
• STILLEN Adjustable Endlinks
Brakes / Tires
• STILLEN / AP Racing Carbon Ceramic Brake Rotor Upgrade
• STILLEN / AP Racing Brake Pads
• STILLEN Brake Cooling Package
• STILLEN Stainless Steel Brake Lines
• AP Racing PRF High Performance Brake Fluid
• Bridgestone RE070R 255/40ZRF20 Front Tires
• Bridgestone RE070R 285/35ZRF20 Rear Tires

Interior
• STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Chromoly Roll Cage
• STILLEN Designed & Built Custom Seat Frames
• Status Racing Seats
• Status Racing Harnesses
• Monit Rally Computers
• ChaseCam On-Board Video Camera System
• Nordskog GPS Speedometer (KPH)
Exterior

STILLEN Urethane Front Lip Spoiler
STILLEN Urethane Side Skirts
STILLEN Urethane Front Canards
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Custom Race Hood
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Trunk Lid
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Wing
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber Radiator Shroud
Password:JDM Dry Carbon Fiber NACA Ducts
Password:JDM AeroCatch Flush Mounting Plates
APR Carbon Fiber Side Mirrors
BASF Carizzma Orange Sherbet Pearl Paint



BLOGROLL // INSPIRATION FROM AN INTERESTING SOURCE

Roughly one year ago, while wandering hopelessly through the internet, I came across a French automotive blog dubbed The Blenheim Gang. A site that provides some rather interesting editorial (use Google's translator for those of who that skipped French class) as well as some great photos of both vintage and modern automobiles, The Blenheim Gang, in addition to 0-60 Magazine (one of the few quality motoring publications being produced stateside, I might add) is one of the things that inspired me to launch ColdTrackDays some seventeen months ago. So for those who haven't visited, follow the link and have a look. You might just find a bit of inspiration waiting on the other side // [comment]


NEW RELEASE // FERRARI 458 ITALIA IN THE FLESH

After unveiling their F430 replacement earlier this month, Ferrari has release yet another batch of photos of their 458 Italia. In addition to a few shots of the new Ferrari being driven on a private road, follow the link for a look inside the 458 Italia as well as a bit of video highlighting its design process... [read more]






2009 BELGIAN GRAND PRIX // RACE RESULTS & PHOTOS

In one of the most exciting races in recent memory, Kimi Raikkonen edged out a win over pole sitter Giancarlo Fisichella, ending a 26 race winless streak for the former World Champion. Raikkonen, aided by a fully functional KERS unit, was able to claim the lead from Fisichella after a first lap incident brought out the safety car. Close on his heels for the remainder of the race, Fisichella would finish the day in second, scoring the first championship points for his Force India team. A strong finish for Fisichella who is rumored to take the helm of Ferrari's F60 at Monza, relieving the rather unsuccessful Luca Badoer.

Follow the link for complete race results, additional photos and video of the first lap incident... [read more]














2009 Belgian Grand Prix // Race Results:
1. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
2. Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India-Mercedes
3. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull-Renault
4. Robert Kubica, BMW
5. Nick Heidfeld, BMW
6. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren-Mercedes
7. Rubens Barrichello, Brawn-Mercedes
8. Nico Rosberg, Williams-Toyota
9. Mark Webber, Red Bull-Renault
10. Timo Glock, Toyota
11. Adrian Sutil, Force India-Mercedes
12. Sebastien Buemi, Toro Rosso-Ferrari
13. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams-Toyota
14. Luca Badoer, Ferrari
DNF
Fernando Alonso, Renault – 26 laps
Jarno Trulli, Toyota – 21 laps
Jenson Button, Brawn-Mercedes – 0 laps
Jaime Alguersuari, Toro Rosso-Ferrari – 0 laps
Lewis Hamilton, McLaren-Mercedes – 0 laps
Romain Grosjean, Renault – 0 laps


8.29.2009

2009 BELGIUM GRAND PRIX // QUALIFYING RESULTS & PHOTOS

In what might be one of the most surprising qualifying sessions this season, Giancarlo Fisichella collected his first pole position in three years and the first ever for his Force India team. Also of note is the surprise performance of both BMW-Sauber cars, which as of last week are competing in their final Formula One season. With the green flag scheduled to wave in but a few hours (coverage begins at 4:30am PST on SPEED), follow the link for complete results and a handful of photos from this mornings qualifying for the 2009 Belgium Grand Prix... [read more]









Qualifying Results // 2009 Belgium Grand Prix:
1. Giancarlo Fisichella, Force India-Mercedes – 1?46.308
2. Jarno Trulli, Toyota – 1:46.395
3. Nick Heidfeld, BMW – 1:46.500
4. Rubens Barrichello, Brawn-Mercedes – 1:46.513
5. Robert Kubica, BMW – 1:46.586
6. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari – 1:46.633
7. Timo Glock, Toyota – 1:46.677
8. Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull-Renault – 1:46.761
9. Mark Webber, Red Bull-Renault – 1:46.788
10. Nico Rosberg, Williams-Toyota – 1:47.362
11. Adrian Sutil, Force India-Mercedes – 1:45.119
12. Lewis Hamilton, McLaren-Mercedes – 1:45.122
13. Fernando Alonso, Renault – 1:45.136
14. Jenson Button, Brawn-Mercedes – 1:45.251
15. Heikki Kovalainen, McLaren-Mercedes – 1:45.259
16. Sebastien Buemi, Toro Rosso-Ferrari – 1:45.951
17. Jaime Alguersuari, Toro Rosso-Ferrari – 1:46.032
18. Kazuki Nakajima, Williams-Toyota – 1:46.307
19. Romain Grosjean, Renault – 1:46.359
20. Luca Badoer, Ferrari – 1:46.957


8.26.2009

EVENT // FERRARI DAY @ AUTODROMO JOSE CARLOS PACE

The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, also known as Interlagos, is home to the Brazilian Grand Prix and was named after José Carlos Pace, a Brazilian Formula One driver. Built in 1936, Interlagos, in addition to being the only F1 venue in Brazil, plays host to a handful of motorsport events throughout the year. From the Maserati Trofeo Series to Brazilian Stock Car, Interlagos, with its 15 turns and sweeping elevation changes is, in my opinion, one of the premiere racing facilities in the world.

Last weekend, with a bit of moisture in the air, ColdTrackDays correspondent Alemiro Almeida headed to Interlagos for the annual Ferrari Day. With a handful of Ferraris expected on track, as well as a few Maserati Trofeo cars, what might have been an otherwise dreary day in Sao Paulo turned into a great opportunity to see some rather impressive iron running laps around the Autódromo... [read more]








For a look at more of Alemiro's photography, click here



NEWS // DARIO TAKES POLE TO PODIUM WIN @ INFINEON

Last weekend the Indy Racing League stopped at Infineon Raceway for the 2009 Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. In a race that saw Dario Franchitti run from pole to podium, with little interruption, follow the link for the highlight reel and complete results... [read more]



Heading up the hill, the field met a bit of resistance as they funneled through turn 2. Helio Castroneves, who is currently 4th in points, was unable to avoid contact during the lap one incident and was forced to retire early.

Avoiding the turn 2 incident, Franchitti went on to lead 75 of 75 laps.

Tony Kanaan, who would finish the day 8th overall, collected a few points this weekend and maintains his 7th place standing in the championship.

Franchitti leads Ryan Briscoe through the esses. Briscoe, who is currently 1st in the points standings, would finish 2nd on the day.

Franchitti leads a pair of Penske-Racing cars toward the checkered flag.

Complete Results // 2009 Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma:
1. (1) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
2. (2) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
3. (9) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
4. (14) Mario Moraes, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
5. (5) Hideki Mutoh, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
6. (17) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
7. (22) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
8. (7) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
9. (18) Raphael Matos, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
10. (15) Robert Doornbos, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
11. (20) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
12. (12) Dan Wheldon, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
13. (10) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
14. (4) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
15. (19) Richard Antinucci, Dallara-Honda, 75, Running
16. (11) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 74, Running
17. (21) Milka Duno, Dallara-Honda, 71, Running
18. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 66, Contact
19. (16) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 65, Mechanical
20. (8) Franck Montagny, Dallara-Honda, 57, Handling
21. (6) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 30, Mechanical
22. (13) E.J. Viso, Dallara-Honda, 0, Contact
23. (23) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 0, Did Not Start
24. (24) Nelson Philippe, Dallara-Honda, 0, Did Not Start

IndyCar Series Point Standings:
Briscoe 497
Franchitti 493
Dixon 477
Castroneves 371
Patrick 335
Andretti 323
Kanaan 318
Wheldon 306
Rahal 301
Mutoh 297

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Photo: SPEEDtv
Editorial: Justin Coffey