OREGON TRAIL RALLY // 0-60'S SCION XD TAKES 2ND

With Rally America champion Chris Duplessis at the wheel, and our friend Ron Zaras of 0-60 Magazine riding shotgun, the 0-60 x Sparco Scion XD managed to finish second in class at last weeks Oregon Trail Rally. Of the 27 cars that were entered into the two-wheel drive class, only 15 finished without complication, with the 0-60 Scion XD finishing 12th overall, only 1:15 off the pace of Dillon Van Way's Ford Focus. Follow the link for a bit of video and complete results... [read more]



2010 Oregon Trail Rally // Race Results:

1 Andrew Comrie-Picard / Jeremy Wimpey 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX 1:35:19.8 0:00.0 0:00.0
2 William Bacon / Peter Watt 2006 Mitsubishi EVO IX 1:36:04.3 0:44.5 0:44.5
3 Antoine L'Estage / Nathalie Richard 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X 1:37:24.8 2:05.0 1:20.5
4 Patrick Moro / Ole Holter 2005 Subaru STi 1:41:33.0 6:13.2 4:08.2
5 Travis Hanson / Terry Hanson 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 1:41:52.3 6:32.5 0:19.3
6 Carl Decker / Adam M Craig 1993 Subaru Impreza 1:44:13.0 8:53.2 2:20.7
7 Jimmy Keeney / Jason Grahn 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 1:45:13.2 9:53.4 1:00.2
8 Wolfgang Hoeck / Piers O'Hanlon 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 1:45:33.4 10:13.6 0:20.2
9 Mark Mager / Jake Blattner 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 1:47:32.0 12:12.2 1:58.6
10 Don Conley / Christopher Herlache 2007 Subaru WRX Wagon 1:50:02.4 14:42.6 2:30.4
11 Dillon Van Way / Benjamin Slocum 2002 Ford Focus 1:53:16.6 17:56.8 3:14.2
12 Christopher Duplessis / Ron Zaras 2009 Scion XD 1:55:17.5 19:57.7 2:00.9
13 Lars Wolfe / Tina Warner 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer RalliArt 1:57:46.1 22:26.3 2:28.6
14 Yogeshwar Gill / Kieran Wright 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi 2:02:30.9 27:11.1 4:44.8
15 John Conley / Keith Rudolph 2003 Dodge SRT-4 2:03:51.3 28:31.5 1:20.4

DNF:

116 Nathan Conley / Brandye Conley 2004 Subaru Impreza DNF
118 Nick Allen / Erik Lee 2000 Ford Focus DNF
377 Mason Moyle / Gary Barton 1999 Subaru Impreza DNF: Off
47 Timothy Rooney / Mike Rossey 2008 Subaru Impreza Sti DNF
233 Paul Eklund / Jeff R Price 2008 Subaru STi DNF
401 Byron Garth / Sky Pinnick 2006 Subaru WRX DNF
41 Burak Tuglu / Carrie Wilburn 2001 Ford Focus DNF: DNS Saturday stages
40 Dave Mirra / Martin Headland 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STi DNF: Rolled
115 Joseph Burke / Alexander Kihurani 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII DNF
43 Ken Block / Alessandro Gelsomino 2009 Ford Fiesta DNF: Rolled
888 George Georgakopoulos / Aaron Crescenti 2002 Subaru Impreza WRX DNF: Withdrew
74 Ramana Lagemann / Scott Putnam 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi DNF: Withdrew

Photo and Video: 0-60 Magazine
Info: Rally America
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

VIDEO // LAMMERTINK RACING @ NURBURGRING 24 HOURS

Driven by WTCC, F3 and GT driver, Tom Coronel, along with Duncan Huisman and Yasushi Kikuchi, check out this video highlighting the Lammertink Racing Porsche 997 GT3 Cup car that was entered into this years Nürburgring 24 Hours. Video comes courtesy of Clash Produciton // [comment]

2010 TURKISH GP // PRACTICE RESULTS

Jenson Button topped the time sheets during the second of two free practice sessions ahead of this weekends Turkish Grand Prix. Finishing second was Red Bull's Mark Webber, who, along with his teammate, Sebastian Vettel, was plagued with reliability issues all morning long. Finishing fourth was Button's teammate, Lewis Hamilton, followed shortly thereafter by Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari F10.

Follow the link for complete results... [read more]

2010 Turkish Grand Prix // Practice Results:

1 1 Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 1′28.280 30
2 6 Mark Webber Red Bull-Renault 1′28.378 0.098 24
3 5 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull-Renault 1′28.590 0.31 27
4 2 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 1′28.672 0.392 32
5 8 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1′28.725 0.445 30
6 4 Nico Rosberg Mercedes 1′28.914 0.634 22
7 3 Michael Schumacher Mercedes 1′28.974 0.694 22
8 11 Robert Kubica Renault 1′29.225 0.945 34
9 12 Vitaly Petrov Renault 1′29.501 1.221 36
10 7 Felipe Massa Ferrari 1′29.620 1.34 26
11 14 Adrian Sutil Force India-Mercedes 1′29.629 1.349 16
12 10 Nico Hülkenberg Williams-Cosworth 1′29.987 1.707 17
13 23 Kamui Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari 1′30.053 1.773 34
14 22 Pedro de la Rosa Sauber-Ferrari 1′30.176 1.896 34
15 16 Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1′30.386 2.106 32
16 15 Vitantonio Liuzzi Force India-Mercedes 1′30.627 2.347 28
17 9 Rubens Barrichello Williams-Cosworth 1′30.766 2.486 32
18 17 Jaime Alguersuari Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1′30.933 2.653 37
19 19 Heikki Kovalainen Lotus-Cosworth 1′31.610 3.33 37
20 25 Lucas di Grassi Virgin-Cosworth 1′33.013 4.733 28
21 18 Jarno Trulli Lotus-Cosworth 1′33.081 4.801 11
22 24 Timo Glock Virgin-Cosworth 1′33.312 5.032 29
23 21 Bruno Senna HRT-Cosworth 1′33.420 5.14 35
24 20 Karun Chandhok HRT-Cosworth 1′33.740 5.46 25

Image and Info: F1Fanatic
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

VIDEO // HIRVONEN LAPS THE RING IN FORD'S RS500

Finnish rally driver, Mikko Hirvonen, had the opportunity to lap the Nurburgring's Nordschleife in the new RS500, you know, Ford's 350hp Focus capable of 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. And while we've never been fans of understeer, or torque steer in this case, we have to admit, with a turbocharged 2.5-litre five cylinder beneath its bonnet, a matte black exterior and a handful of other go fast goodies, the Focus RS500 is our favorite FWD hatchback // [comment]

VIDEO // SEA OF CONES: A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT AUTOCROSS

I received an email last night from a gentleman by the name of Morgan Trotter. A resident of Temecula, California, Mr.Trotter is an avid motorsport enthusiast who, like many of us, is limited financially, however still manages to spend a few days each month, "rounding cones in parking lots." Attached to Morgan's email was a nine minute documentary put together by Stephen Chiang, a student of cinematography at Grossmont College. Highlighting the sport of autocross, Stephen's film reminds us there are alternatives to the big dollar weekends we've grown accustom to // [comment]

PREVIEW // GRAND-AM @ LIME ROCK PARK

The only on track action yesterday, was when a few of the drivers walked the track to get reacquainted with the 1.53 mile road course. Tomorrows on track action starts at 10:35am and goes until 4:45pm. The weather here is as good as you would want, but the forecast is calling for increasing temps up into to the low 80’s until Monday’s Rolex race. The CTSCC's GS and ST race will take place on the 1.53 mile original layout on Saturday, while the Rolex GRAND-AM will see the green flag fly on Monday at 2pm (EST)... [read more]

This track is nestled in the state’s northwest corner and the track sits in a valley surrounded by the beautiful foothills of Lakeville, CT. The natural landscape of Lime Rock provides tremendous spectator viewing, however with not a single grandstand in sight, it's very much a park. I can say without a doubt this is one race track that every race fan should come and see!

Lime Rock has played host to nearly every great race driver, car and series over the past 47 years. From Carroll Shelby to Roger Penske, Mark Donohue, Al Holbert and Tom Kendall; from SCCA Regionals, to midgets, Trans-Am, Can-Am, IMSA GTP, the American Le Mans Series and NASCAR.

Stay tuned for continued coverage of both the Rolex GRAND-AM Memorial Day Classic and the fifth round of the 2010 Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge!

Photo/Editorial: Curtis Creager

PREVIEW // FLAT OUT @ MONACO HISTORIC GRAND PRIX

Alex King and Matt Barlow were at this years Monaco Historic Grand Prix filming for a forthcoming HD series they are calling Flat Out. Highlighting the racers, mechanics and cars that compete each year on the streets of Monte Carlo, they have since released this teaser onto the internet... [read more]



Image and Info: Axis of Oversteer
Video: Alex King & Mito Media
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

VIDEO // WARREN LUFF'S LOTUS EXIGE GT3 @ WTAC

Here's another video, sent to us by Luke of Race Supplies Sydney, filmed during last weekends World Time Attack Challenge (WTAC). This time, ride along with Warren Luff in the Prep'd Motorsport Lotus Exige GT3 as he laps the Eastern Creek Raceway in just 1:32.273. Luff finished 4th overall // [comment]

FOR SALE // GURNEY'S '69 MUSTANG BOSS 302 ON EBAY

Dan Gurney’s 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is up for sale on eBay Motors with a ‘Buy it Now’ price of $1.1 million. Helping Ford to a second place finish in the 1969 Trans-Am manufacturers championship, Gurney’s former Mustang certainly has a racing pedigree. According to the listing, this particular Mustang was the prototype for the rest of the Trans-Am Mustangs that competeted that year and was driven to a fourth place finish at Laguna Seca by Peter Revson.

Follow the link for additional images and information... [read more]

After Carroll Shelby pulled out of Trans-Am competition, Gurney's Boss 302 found itself being used as a wind-tunnel test car by Ford. A few years later, the Mustang was back on track, racing in various series across the country and collecting an SCCA Championship in the process.

In 2003 Gurney's former Boss 302 was restored to its 1969 configuration, complete with a 527hp 302 c.i. V8 under the hood. The listing on eBay Motors includes an abundance of documentation, to include signed letters of authenticity from Carroll Shelby, as well as Kar Kraft engineering drawings and a handful of photos of the car when it raced in Trans-Am.

Images and Info: Autoblog
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

DOMESTIC INDULGENCE // AMERICAN SUNDAY @ ZANDVOORT

Courtesy of VJ Photography, check out this shot of a race ready Chevrolet Camaro lapping the Circuit Park Zandvoort during last months American Sunday track event. Domestic Indulgence indeed // [comment]

PREVIEW // RHYS MILLEN'S HYUNDAI GENESIS PM580

The guys at HRE Performance Wheels stopped by Rhys Millen Racing to check out the new Hyundai Genesis PM580 Pikes Peak hill climb car. Powered by a Hyundai Genesis V8, the car, which will compete in the Unlimited Class at this years Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, looks more like a Le Mans prototype than your average PPIHC entry. That said, Millen hopes to both recapture the record that his father held for 13 years, as well as be the first to climb the mountain in under ten minutes // [comment]

NEWS // T127 @ CLASSIC TEAM LOTUS FESTIVAL

Lotus Racing has confirmed that its 2010 F1 entry, the T127, will be on display at this years Classic Team Lotus Festival, which will be held on June 20th in Snetterton, UK. Additionally, Lotus F1 drivers, Jarno Trulli, Heikki Kovalainen and Fairuz Fauzy, will all make an appearance at this years festival, adding to an already packed bill that will see an example of every Lotus F1 car from 1957-1994 on track together... [read more]

Tony Fernandes, Lotus Racing Team Principal is very proud the team he heads up has been asked to take part: “First I want to say what a fantastic job Clive Chapman and everyone at Classic Team Lotus have done, not just with the upcoming event but also to keep so many dreams alive on tracks around the world. The Festival is going to be a great event – very emotional for many of those attending, and a great way to celebrate the Lotus motorsport heritage. We are very honoured to have been invited and I know the whole team is looking forward to seeing the UK fans, and spending a bit of time with the cars and people that helped create the Lotus legend. We’re running one of our cars as well, so people can see how the story has come full circle - in the meantime I’d urge every Lotus fan, and anyone who loves motorsport, to make sure they’re at Snetterton on the 20th June.”

The Festival falls between the Canadian and European Grand Prix, and is especially well timed for Lotus Racing, as the team will be celebrating the 500th F1 race Lotus has competed in at the Valencia Grand Prix. Heikki Kovalainen added to Tony’s comments, saying “I was very lucky when I joined Lotus Racing because Clive Chapman gave me a tour around the Classic Team Lotus workshops and the cars they had in there at the time. It’s impossible to go around there and not be very touched by the history and the stories, and now we’re doing our bit to keep that legend alive, so it’ll be a great privilege to see all the cars and the fans who’ve supported our predecessors since day one at the Festival, and a great way to warm up for Valencia.”

Jarno Trulli is also excited about the opportunity to see so much history at one track, saying “anyone who loves motorsport would want to go to the Festival. There’s going to be so many famous cars there, legendary cars that shaped the way F1™ works now, and it’s very rare to have the chance to see so much history in one place. We’re obviously very focused on our first season, but this is exactly the sort of event we look forward to as it’s all about celebrating where Lotus Racing comes from – frankly it’s an honour to have been invited.”

Images and Info: Lotus F1
Editorial: Neil Tozer

CULTURE // 13 YEAR OLD RENDERS PORSCHE 918 RSR

According to of our friends at Autoblog, Team Speed forum member, PorscheCarreraGTMay6, who claims to be 13 years old, has shared his vision of what Porsche's 918 Spyder Concept might look like if it were to be race prepped and liveried for Le Mans competition. And while we can't be sure the forum member is who he says he is, one thing is for certain, his 918 RSR would fit right in at the Circuit de la Sarthe if, no, make that when, it lines up on the starting grid.

Follow the link for additional information and a short video.... [read more]



Click here for a look at the original forum posting.

Image: TeamSpeed
Info: Autoblog
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

VIDEO // SIERRA SIERRA EVO @ WORLD TIME ATTACK

Courtesy of Luke at Race Supplies Sydney, check out this video of the Sierra Sierra Evo running a 1:32 lap around the Eastern Creek Raceway during last weekends World Time Attack Challenge // [comment]

BTCC // ANDREW JORDAN FASTEST @ ROCKINGHAM TESTING

Pirtek Racing's Andrew Jordan topped the timesheets at Rockingham today (May 25th) during the second official BTCC TOCA test of the 2010 season. The youngster from Lichfield who celebrated his 21st Birthday earlier this week set the fastest time of the day in the cooler morning session with a lap of the 1.94 mile circuit in 1 min 23.886 seconds.

Quickest in the afternoon session was the RML Chevrolet Cruze of joint championship leader Jason Plato who finished the day just 0.001 shy of the NGTC Turbo Vectra. Third fastest and once again showing that he is certainly quick over a single lap was James Nash for Uniq racing with Triple Eight who wound up in third spot with his Vauxhall Vectra... [read more]

Having recently had the size of their Turbo Inlet restrictor reduced by Series organisers TOCA, the Fords of Tom Chilton and Tom Onslow-Cole finished the two sessions in 6th and 10th respectively. Interestingly the speed trap figures show that they were approximately 4mph down on the figures recorded back in April during qualifying for round two of the series.

The Rockingham test also saw a very creditable performance by Daniel Lloyd who had been invited to test the second Triple Eight Vectra. The 18yr old from Huddersfield has been competing in America as part of the BF Goodrich/Skip Barber National Championship presented by Mazda but has always dreamt of getting the chance to prove himself in a front running touring car.

Team Honda had both cars at Rockingham along with ex Team Dynamics driver James Thompson who was helping out with set-up and evaluative work on the Civic. Thompson who recently parted company with ETCC and DTCC squad Hartman Racing won 3 races for Steve Neal's team during the course of the 2009 season.

2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship - Official TOCA Test Rockingham 25-05-10

COMBINED CLASSIFICATION:

1st Andrew JORDAN Vauxhall Vectra 1:23.886 1:24.718 Pirtek Racing
2nd Jason PLATO Chevrolet Cruze 1:23.951 1:23.887 Silverline Chevrolet
3rd James NASH Vauxhall Vectra 1:23.957 1:24.245 Uniq Racing with Triple Eight
4th Matt NEAL Honda Civic 1:24.050 1:24.572 Honda Racing Team
5th Alex MacDOWALL Chevrolet Cruze 1:24.169 1:24.641 Silverline Chevrolet
6th Tom CHILTON Ford Focus 1:24.693 1:24.187 Team Aon
7th Daniel LLOYD Vauxhall Vectra 1:26.014 1:24.261 Uniq Racing with Triple Eight
8th Gordon SHEDDEN Honda Civic 1:24.363 1:24.363 Honda Racing Team
9th James THOMPSON Honda Civic 1:24.456 1:24.456 Honda Racing Team
10th Tom ONSLOW-COLE Ford Focus 1:24.828 1:24.532 Team Aon
11th Paul O'NEILL Honda Integra 1:25.033 1:24.894 Sunshine.co.uk with Tech-Speed Msport
12th David PINKNEY Vauxhall Vectra 1:25.275 1:25.037 Pinkney Motorsport
13th Arthur FORSTER BMW 320si 1:26.588 1:25.779 Forster Motorsport(GBR)
14th Martin DEPPER BMW 320si 1:27.278 1:26.464 Forster Motorsport(GBR)

Round 4 of the 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship takes place at Oulton Park, Cheshire,UK on June 5th/6th.

Photo/Editorial: Neil Tozer

NEWS // AUSTIN, TEXAS TO HOST 2012 U.S. GRAND PRIX

After a three year absence, it appears Formula One will return to the United States in 2012. According to Formula One World Championship Limited and Formula One Administration Limited, Austin, Texas will host the United States Grand Prix from 2012 to 2021. A new facility will be built to accommodate the USGP and, according to Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group, this "will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for Formula One in the US."

Follow the link for the official press release... [read more]

Formula One returns to the United States
Austin, Texas, from the east. The Austin skyline by night, Texas. Austin hill country, Texas. The Austin skyline by day, Texas.

Formula One World Championship Limited and Formula One Administration Limited (together, the F1 Commercial Rights Holder) and Full Throttle Productions, LP, promoter of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™, announce that a historic agreement has been reached for Austin, Texas to serve as the host city of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ for years 2012 through 2021.

"We are extremely honoured and proud to reach an agreement with the F1 Commercial Rights Holder. We have been diligently working together for several years to bring this great event to Austin, the State of Texas and back to the United States. All parties involved have a great amount of trust and confidence in each other and are committed to establishing the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in Austin, Texas as a prestigious global event," stated Tavo Hellmund, Managing Partner of Full Throttle Productions, LP.

Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group stated: "For the first time in the history of Formula One in the United States, a world-class facility will be purpose-built to host the event. It was thirty years ago that the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ was last held on a purpose-built permanent road course circuit in Watkins Glen, NY (1961-1980), which enjoyed great success. Since then, Formula One has been hosted by Long Beach, Las Vegas, Detroit, Dallas and Phoenix all on temporary street circuits. Indianapolis joined the ranks of host cities in 2000 when they added a road course inside the famed oval. Lewis Hamilton won the last Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ in 2007, signalling the end to eight years at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This however, will be the first time a facility is constructed from the ground up specifically for Formula One in the US."

Mr. Hellmund added: "This is a case of the right timing in the right place. As many Americans know, Austin has earned a reputation as one of the 'it' cities in the United States. Austin features that rare combination of ideal geographic location and beauty. Its fine dining, world-renowned hospitality and excellent transportation infrastructure make Austin ideally suited to host and manage an event of this magnitude. Few cities if any in America could rival the connectivity of all the key elements needed for hosting a Formula 1 event as well as Austin. Now, many people around the world will have the opportunity to experience a world-class event, facility and city."

"We are pleased Texas has the opportunity to be involved with Formula 1 and that an event of this magnitude is coming to Austin," said Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. "It has been a pleasure working with Full Throttle Productions, LP and Mr. Hellmund on this project. Their tradition of producing successful major events coupled with a thirty year relationship with Mr. Ecclestone has us looking forward to this worldwide event and the benefits it will bring, including local job creation, increased tourism and a significant economic impact added to our state economy. The visibility and prestige of this event will spotlight our state on an international stage."

Texas Governor Rick Perry conveyed his enthusiasm for the project, explaining "Texas' relatively strong economy continues to draw both national and international attention and I commend Comptroller Combs for her work in bringing this exciting event to the Lone Star State."

City of Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell continued the positive sentiments, adding "The City of Austin will be proud to host this magnificent event and I look forward to welcoming the participants and fans of Formula One to our City."

Full Throttle Productions, LP acknowledges with great appreciation the efforts of all parties involved including Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of the Formula One Group, and the local and state officials of Texas.

"It has been a shared vision and monumental task to reach this agreement. We realize that over the last 30 years there have been one or two missing pieces from the previous editions of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™. We have a tremendous opportunity at hand to do it right - to feature Austin as the backdrop and produce the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ as one of the great sporting events in the world," stated Hellmund.

In addition to the State of Texas being the 11th strongest economy in the world, it has more Fortune 500 company headquarters than any other state. Key features of Austin include:
- State capital nicknamed 'Silicon Hills' for being one of the most important regions in the US for the Technology Industry;
- USA's 15th largest city and is located 145 miles from Houston (4th largest US city), 70 miles from San Antonio (7th largest US city), and 180 miles from Dallas (8th largest US city), population in this triangle is over 22 million;
- perfectly located geographically for North, South and Central American visitors;
- over 130 daily departing international flights within 180 miles;
- over 250,000 hotel rooms within 180 miles;
- desirable year-round climate, with an average annual temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 Celsius);
- geographically located in the Texas Hill Country, easily the most beautiful city in the State, and considered one of the most in the US;
- hotels/downtown/Formula 1 circuit/airport located within close proximity of each other, which is nearly impossible for any other large city in the US;
- world class night life entertainment along renowned 'Sixth Street'; and
- large film industry presence - many movies filmed in the area.

Austin's National Recognition
- Known as "The Live Music Capital of the World"
- Voted "Greenest City in America" (MSN)
- Voted "Least Stressful Large Metro" in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Two "Best Cities" in the United States (Money Magazine)
- Voted Top Three "Hippest Cities" in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Five "Safest Cities" in the United States (Forbes)
- Voted Top Ten "Sports & Fitness Cities" in the USA (Sports Business Journal)

Full Throttle Productions, LP is an Austin, Texas, special event and sports production company that provides event conception, event project management, day of event oversight, staffing and volunteer services, venue planning and logistics support.

More information on the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix™ will be forthcoming shortly. In the meantime, all queries should be directed to info@fullthrottleproductionslp.com.

Image: F1 Fanatic
Info: Formula 1
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey

VIDEO // 24 HOURS IN 19,500 FRAMES

Courtesy of Tim Hahne and our friends at Axis of Oversteer, check out this wonderful bit of film highlighting BMW's effort at this years Nürburgring 24 Hours. The video was shot with a Canon 5D MkII // [comment]

EVENT // JAPFEST 2010 @ CASTLE COMBE

Last weekend saw the snug Castle Combe circuit buried within the sleeply hills of Wiltshire being completely bombarded by Japanese performance cars and likeminded enthusiasts. Dubbed as Europe’s biggest Japanese car show, there were plenty of trade stalls, car clubs, a ton of track time to go around and new for this year’s Japfest a drift battle between five of the best drift teams in the UK... [read more]

What makes Japfest so interesting in comparison to other car shows is definitely the venue, Castle Combe. Its odd layout where the inside of the circuit is entirely unused means you’ll have car clubs literally littered around the entire outside of the track. With so many cars and so many visitors, moving around can get a bit tight sometimes.

With that being said it didn’t stop the big turnout from tuner fans up and down the country, with Japfest swarming in a sea of all the usual suspects. VTEC powerhouses new and old, Evos as far as the eye can see, Subarus lined up aplenty and Nissan Skylines and Z’s all on display with their owners grinning alongside. In hindsight, I think the show is outgrowing the circuit itself.

There was a real brilliant mix of old and new tuner cars around as well. Datsuns mingling with modern Nissan Zs, and there was a great show on display from the Skyline crowd, with an array of Skylines from R32 all the way to R35 GTR we all know and love today.

The number of Evos at Japfest were astonishing, with quite possibly the biggest Evo car lot in Europe. The majority of the west side of the club area was literally buried with Evo wings.

Great weather all day also meant the track was busy from start to finish. Many fans who were brave enough to take their car onto the circuit had the unique opportunity to thrash their cars around the Castle Combe circuit. It also presented racing drivers with additional track time for their cars, such as this John Danby Racing NSX which competes in the UK GT Cup series.

But remember, motorsport can be dangerous and accidents are always a possibility. It wasn’t such a brilliant day for the owner of this Celica who spun off into the tyre wall down at Quarry corner. Fortunately both driver and passenger were unhurt.

That wasn’t all the track action though, with this year’s spectators given an extra special treat in the form of a five way drift battle between the top drift teams in the UK. Driftworks, Team Garage D, Team Southwest, Team Rocket Bunny Europe and Team Japspeed all turned up with their drivers ready to battle it out for a unique mini competition and demonstration for the Japfest fans.

Unlike traditional drift competitions where a select few corners are used for judging, this drift battle required drivers to drift all the way from Camp corner all the way through to Quarry corner towards to the top end of the circuit. In addition to that, the drifters were kind enough to create some smoke for the fans around the other sections of the circuit after their runs. Each team would drift together one after another, opposed to two cars competing in tandem.

After an initial practice session and two runs for the teams, it was no surprise to find Driftworks the overall victor of the drift battle, with Dan Chapman and his signature blue Nissan PS13 leading pack whilst closely followed by Phil Morrison in his new and improved Nissan S15.

A worthy mention for the good display of drifting from the Garage D team, with their pair of R34 Skylines putting out a lot of smoke. It was great to see Julian Smith out there with his Blitz R34 – a real throwback to Nomuken and his D1GP car.

So a big congrats to Team Driftworks for winning the drift battle at Japfest. After a long hot day filled with plenty of tuned imports and drifting action, I bring this article to a close with a shot of this stunning example of a Datsun 240Z. I think it really summarises what a great success Japfest 2010 was. Even amongst all the tuned modern imports that were on display on the day, there is still a place for a modern classic such as this.

Photo/Editorial: Calvin Chu

WTCC // PRIAULX AND MULLER WIN @ MONZA

Both Andy Priaulx and Yvan Muller took unexpected race victories at Monza yesterday in the third round of this years World Touring Car Championship. The BMW and Chevrolet drivers were handed victory through the misfortune of others as a spate of tyre failures hit Tarquini and Huff in race one and then the Seat of Mickael Nykjaer in race two... [read more]

The opening race had seen Tarquini lead onto the final lap before suffering a front blow-out at the Ascari chicane. With this Robb Huff looked odds on to take the flag with only half a lap to go but amazingly he had the same tyre failure going into the final turn allowing the chasing BMW's of Priaulx and Farfus through to victory. Notably Huff continued to the line and third place albeit on the deflated tyre.

Reverse grid race two saw Nykjaer on pole alongside Tarquini as the lights went out. The former Danish touring car champion took the lead when Tarquini was handed a drive through penalty for a jumped start. After building a comfortable cushion over his rivals heartbreak struck as the Sunred Seat fell foul to yet another front left tyre failure just as the Dane started the last lap. Picking up the pieces was Frenchman Yvan Muller in the Chevrolet Cruze, as the former champion duly accepted the victory and with it a 24 point lead in the championship standings.

Race One Results:

1. Andy Priaulx BMW 18m32.008s
2. Augusto Farfus BMW +0.248
3. Robert Huff Chevrolet +1.653
4. Yvan Muller Chevrolet +1.820
5. Tom Coronel SEAT +2.271
6. Fredy Barth SEAT +2.308
7. Gabriele Tarquini SEAT +2.375
8. Michel Nykjaer SEAT +2.726
9. Tiago Monteiro SEAT +3.243
10. Mehdi Bennani BMW +3.972
11. Harry Vaulkhard Chevrolet +9.032
12. Stefano D'Aste BMW +10.000
13. Sergio Hernandez BMW +11.575
14. Andrey Romanov BMW +30.320
15. Fabio Fabiani BMW +59.155
16. Jordi Gené SEAT + 1 lap
17. Alain Menu Chevrolet + 1 lap


Race Two Results:

1. Yvan Muller Chevrolet 18m29.805s
2. Tom Coronel SEAT +0.512
3. Rob Huff Chevrolet +0.822
4. Augusto Farfus BMW +1.001
5. Andy Priaulx BMW +1.742
6. Jordi Gene SEAT +3.495
7. Tiago Monteiro SEAT +4.197
8. Norbert Michelisz SEAT +4.580
9. Alain Menu Chevrolet +5.099
10. Leonel Pernia Chevrolet +9.918
11. Stefano D'Aste BMW +11.856
12. Darryl O'Young Chevrolet +13.499
13. Harry Vaulkhard Chevrolet +14.368
14. Fredy Barth SEAT +14.506
15. Kristian Poulsen BMW +14.836
16. Sergio Hernandez BMW +15.266
17. Mehdi Bennani BMW +33.557
18. Fabio Fabiani BMW +49.454


Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photos: WTCC

MIATA MONDAY // DICKER @ MIATA CHALLENGE: ROUND 5

This is our friend Derek Dicker collecting another class win during last weekends Miata Challenge at the Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nevada. This was the first time Miata Challenge had visited the 2.2-mile 'motorsports country club,' and from all accounts it was one hell of a weekend. Photo comes to us courtesy of Brett Becker. Click here for additional information and images from Round 5 // [comment]

DTM // MATTIAS EKSTROM WINS @ VALENCIA

Mattias Ekström (Audi) has won the second 2010 DTM round at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo today. Having started from pole , the Swede crossed the finish line 0.435 seconds ahead of his team- mate and fellow Audi driver Martin Tomczyk who benefited from a clever pitstop strategy after lining up only ninth on the grid. Exstrom who led from start to finish completed his14th DTM career victory after not once taking to the top step of the podium during last season... [read more]

“Last year, I didn’t have one single win. So it really is time to be happy. That is what one should always do after a victory, but we also have to maintain our concentration for the next races”, the 31-year old said,

The podium at Valencia was completed by Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz)who now takes over the points' lead in the DTM drivers' standings after two rounds by a single point from Exstrom. Reigning DTM champion Timo Scheider (Audi) ended up fifth following home Alexandre Prémat. Paul Di Resta (Mercedes-Benz) finished sixth, followed by Mike Rockenfeller (Audi) and Gary Paffett (Mercedes-Benz).

LATEST NEWS: Tomcyzk disqualified for tyre regulation infringement

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photos: DTM Media

WTCC // FARFUS ON POLE @ MONZA

Augusto Farfus took BMW's first pole of the 2010 WTCC season at Monza today. The Brazilian will share the front row for tomorrows first race with British driver Rob Huff in the RML Chevrolet Cruze who prevented an all RBM BMW front row by displacing Andy Priaulx to the inside of the second row. Swiss Alain Menu took fourth spot ahead of the fastest of the Seat's in the hands of Frenchman Yvan Muller. Reigning champion Gabriele Tarquini finished Q2 in seventh place after being fastest in Q1... [read more]

WTCC Round 3 @ Monza // Qualifying Results:

01 Augusto Farfus Jr. BMW 2:00.672
02 Robert Huff Chevrolet +0.025
03 Andy Priaulx BMW +0.135
04 Alain Menu Chevrolet +0.227
05 Yvan Muller Seat +0.406
06 Jordi Gené Seat +0.728
07 Gabriele Tarquini Seat +0.872
08 Norbert Michelisz Seat +1.059
09 Fredy Barth Seat +1.254
10 Tiago Monteiro Seat +1.255

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo: WTCC

RACE REPORT // WORLD TIME ATTACK CHALLENGE

Superlap Australia hosted a dramatic and exciting World Time Attack Challenge at the Eastern Creek International Raceway just outside of Sydney, Australia over the weekend. The event saw cars shipped in from Japan and the United States to take on the local talent in the time Attack format of racing which proved to be popular with the crowds that flocked to the event... [read more]

The first race seasons on Friday saw some blistering times being set, driver David Empringham set a flying lap of 1min 32.248 secs - more than a second faster than the next quickest car, the Tomei/Cusco team WRX driven by the legendary Tarzan Yamada (1 min 33.408).

Third was the Hankook-tyred R-Magic Pink No.4 RX-7 driven by Kinoshita Matsuhiro with a 1 min 33.505.

The drivers soon caught wind that the V8 Supercar record at the track has been held by Mark Scaife for 11 years at 1min 31.730sec and they took to the task of betting this time.

David Empringham: "It was an OK run. There's a lot more in the car but I had some trouble getting enough heat in the tyres. I think we can beat the V8 Supercar lap record here (1min 31.730sec) - I can taste it! You can't get greedy in the corners here because you slide and that just costs time. The extra time is going to come from being more aggressive but smoother - and convincing Eric to turn up the boost!"

As temperatures increased throughout the day, the teams looked towards Saturdays morning’s season to reach the unofficial target they had set themselves.

In the first session of Day 2 at Eastern Creek International Raceway in Sydney the Hankook Sierra Evo driven by David Empringham lowered its benchmark time - becoming the first car to get into the 31 second bracket.

The time of 1min 31.884 should have allowed the American team to rest easy, but for the sensational performance of Japan's Tarzan Yamada in two cars.

First he set a 1min 31.901 in the Tomei/Cusco Impreza and then blew everyone away with a 1min 30.899 in the Sun Cyber Evo - a car that did not turn a wheel yesterday while waiting for replacement engine parts to be flown from Japan.

For a look at more photos from the inaugural World Time Attack Challenge, click here

Photo/Editorial: Achilles Zsolti

DTM // EKSTROM CLAIMS POLE @ VALENCIA

Audi's Swedish racing driver, Mattias Ekström, claimed pole position for round two of the 2010 DTM series at a swelteringly hot Valencia circuit today. The two time former champion lapped the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo in 1:29.565 to line up ahead of his rivals for tomorrows 45 lap race... [read more]

Speaking of his 15th career pole Exstrom said "I am feeling very well in the car, even though it is very hot. For the race, we have to keep our fingers crossed that the tyres will make it through the distance”.

With track temperatures nudging 50 degrees the AMG Mercedes of Bruno Spengler ran the Swede very close, finishing the session just .016 shy of the Audi drivers time.

British driver Oliver Jarvis ended up third with his Audi A4 DTM, demoting his compatriot Gary Paffett to fourth place on the grid. Mercedes-Benz driver Paffett, winner last time out heads the points’ standings going into tomorrows race.


DTM Round Two @ Valencia // Qualifying Results:

1. Mattias Ekström Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline Red Bull Audi A4 DTM 2 1:29.565
2. Bruno Spengler Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Klasse 3 1:29.581 00.016
3. Oliver Jarvis Audi Sport Team Abt Tabac Original Audi A4 DTM 3 1:29.854 00.289
4. Gary Paffett Salzgitter AMG Mercedes Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Klasse 3 1:30.220 00.655
5. Paul Di Resta AMG Mercedes AMG Mercedes C-Klasse 4 1:29.534 00.261
6. Mike Rockenfeller Audi Sport Team Phoenix S line Audi A4 DTM 4 1:29.627 00.354
7. Miguel Molina Audi Sport Rookie Team Abt Audi Bank A4 DTM 4 1:29.810 00.537
8. Alexandre Prémat Audi Sport Team Phoenix TV Movie Audi A4 DTM 4 1:29.816 00.543
9. Martin Tomczyk Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline Red Bull Cola Audi A4 DTM 6 1:29.244 00.514
10. Timo Scheider Audi Sport Team Abt GW:plus/Top Service Audi A4 DTM 6 1:29.255 00.525
11. Markus Winkelhock Audi Sport Team Rosberg Playboy Audi A4 DTM 6 1:29.387 00.657
12. Jamie Green Junge Sterne AMG Mercedes Junge Sterne AMG Mercedes C-Klasse 6 1:29.540 00.810
13. Ralf Schumacher Laureus AMG Mercedes Laureus AMG Mercedes C-Klasse 5 1:29.686 00.956
14. David Coulthard Deutsche Post AMG Mercedes Deutsche Post AMG Mercedes C-Klasse 6 1:29.779 01.049
15. Maro Engel GQ AMG Mercedes GQ AMG Mercedes C-Klasse 7 1:30.146 00.879
16. CongFu Cheng stern AMG Mercedes stern AMG Mercedes C-Klasse 7 1:30.197 00.930
17. Susie Stoddart TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes C-Klasse 7 1:30.462 01.195
18. Katherine Legge Audi Sport Team Rosberg Glamour Audi A4 DTM 7 1:30.719 01.4

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photo(s): DTM

VIDEO // NELSON PIQUET ON THE STREETS OF DETROIT

Speaking of Formula One's return to the United States, check out this on-board footage of Nelson Piquet and the Lotus 100T, filmed during the 1988 Detroit Grand Prix, a race that Piquet never finished // [comment]

NEWS // AUDI DOMINATE OPENING PRACTICE @ VALENCIA

Audi bounced back from their disappointing showing at the first DTM race of 2010 to lead the opening practice session of round two at Valencia today. Notably they filled the top seven positions with Briton Oliver Jarvis setting the fastest time of the day midway through the session. Reigning champion Timo Scheider moved into second spot with his last flying lap at the Spanish circuit. Performance of the day went to Mike Rockenfeller who claimed third spot in his 2008 Audi... [read more]

2010 DTM Round 2 @ Valencia // Practice Results:

1. Oliver Jarvis Audi 1m30.189s
2. Timo Scheider Audi 1m30.424s + 0.235s
3. Mike Rockenfeller Audi 1m30.597s + 0.408s
4. Mattias Ekstrom Audi 1m30.739s + 0.550s
5. Miguel Molina Audi 1m30.921s + 0.732s
6. Martin Tomczyk Audi 1m30.951s + 0.762s
7. Alexandre Premat Audi 1m31.043s + 0.854s
8. Jamie Green Mercedes 1m31.358s + 1.169s
9. Ralf Schumacher Mercedes 1m31.479s + 1.290s
10. Bruno Spengler Mercedes 1m31.483s + 1.294s
11. Maro Engel Mercedes 1m31.560s + 1.371s
12. Susie Stoddart Mercedes 1m31.646s + 1.457s
13. Paul di Resta Mercedes 1m31.663s + 1.474s
14. Gary Paffett Mercedes 1m31.873s + 1.684s
15. Markus Winkelhock Audi 1m31.913s + 1.724s
16. Katherine Legge Audi 1m32.137s + 1.948s
17. David Coulthard Mercedes 1m32.206s + 2.017s
18. Franky Cheng Mercedes 1m32.793s + 2.604s

Photo: DTM
Editorial: Neil Tozer

PORSCHE PORN // HYBRID @ THE GREEN HELL

Enjoy this bit of Eye Candy courtesy of Belgian photographer, Julien Mahiels. Taken during this years Nürburgring 24 Hours, the new 911 GT3 R Hybrid looks right at home on the Nordschleife // [comment]

NEWS // MONTICELLO MOTOR CLUB TO HOST U.S. GP?

The Monticello Motor Club in upstate New York is making a bid for the United States Grand Prix. According to Autoweek, the club’s 4.1 mile (6.59km) track has already been inspected by Formula One circuit designer, Hermann Tilke, and negotiations with F1 boss, Bernie Ecclestone, already underway... [read more]

A letter from Ari Strauss, president of the Monticello Motor Club reads:

"A few months ago, [MMC chairman] Bill McMichael and I met with Bernie Ecclestone, President/CEO of Formula One Management (FOM), and discussed the terms for an exclusive 10-year United States Grand Prix to be hosted at MMC.

Shortly thereafter, Hermann Tilke, the chief engineer and circuit designer for F1, spent time at MMC and confirmed that our track and surrounding properties, with some expansion and minor track modifications, is an excellent location for a Grand Prix.

Since receiving a letter of understanding from FOM confirming their hope to bring the U.S. Grand Prix to Monticello, Bill and I have continued to secure the backing and support of local, state, and federal politicians and organizations."



Bernie Ecclestone said earlier this year that he had no intention of brining Formula One back to Indianapolis because, “It’s all the wrong crowd and the wrong people." So with that said, it seems the Monticello Motor Club would be a far better fit for Formula One's return to the United States, wouldn't you agree?

Image: Monticello Motor Club
Info: F1Fanatic via Autoweek
Editorial: Justin W. Coffey