TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 1 Vintage //

It is summer, the sun is out and it is certainly the time of year to show off a little. So we are going to offer a few selections to help you gear up, look good and represent your passion for motorsports in the process. TAG Heuer is a staple amongst car aficionados, reminding any car guy of the first time he watched Steve McQueen in Le Mans. So why not added a little McQueen to your summer wardrobe? Inspired by the legendary Panamericana Road Race, with a 43mm case, interchangeable straps of black alligator leather or organic rubber (shown) there are certainly a few TAG watches we would wear, though this one stands out amongst the crowd. Clean lines, simple dial features and a business meets pleasure look, ensures long usage and lots of compliments // 06.26.2008

Bullrun 2008 // LA Pit-stop

June 20th, Alberta, Canada, the 2008 Bullrun officially begins. If you are unfamiliar with the Bullrun, think fastest time (in an automobile) between A and B. Where A is the small city of Alberta and B is Phoenix, Arizona. Last night, Bullrun entrants (competitors if you will) made a late pit-stop along Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, to consume a bit of fermented grain and calculate their speeding ticket totals. Much like the Gumball Rally, the Bullrun sees deep pockets meet excessive speeds and care free drivers. This is not an event for the tuned Honda Civic crowd (though some do enter) what is most commonly seen are cars we are prone to drool over. Take the above selection from last nights stop along Sunset, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT, the Guiness Book of World Records holder for fastest production car (255mph) or the Aston Martin DBS, and a personal favorite of ours, the Spyker C8 Spyder. Maybe next year ColdTrackDays will enter a ride... // 06.26.2008

ColdTrackDays Drift Correspondent //

In an effort to expand our reach, offer additional content and keep our readers informed across all forms of motorsports, we have enlisted the help of a Northwest drift guru. Russell O'Connell is an official and key organizer of the successful Evergreen Drift program, at the Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, WA and the founder of the Northwest Region SCCA drift program and will be coming on board as a ColdTrackDays staff member. Russell will help us stay on top of what is happening in the drifting world both here and abroad. An avid drifter himself, Russell has helped promote the drift scene here in the NW, taking it to new heights. We are grateful to have him as apart of ColdTrackDays, and are sure our readers will appreciate all of his input, insights and information. Russell can be reached via email at: driftumaikakudo@gmail.com // 06.26.2008

Street Race // DTM at Norisring

There are three automotive races on civilian streets that are worth taking note of: Formula One at Monaco, World Touring Car Championship at Pau and the German DTM's at Norisring. Of the above three, the DTM race at the Norisring may be the most exciting to watch. German touring cars, carbon clad and fire breathing horsepower, muscle their way through the streets, bashing doors from corner to corner in an attempt to claim German auto manufacturing supremacy. The highlight of the DTM calendar, the race at Norisring this year is to be held on the 29th of June. We at ColdTrackDays love a good old fashion street race, and when you add uber performance German touring cars and drivers with nothing to loose, it makes for a potent mix. Look for us to post some video's after the race // 06.24.2008

Silver Arrow Returns // Goodwood 2008

The 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed is set to begin on July 11th, and like years before it, expect to see every dream car one can imagine. This year however, sees something a bit different, a bit more interesting than the typical mid eighties F-1 car or the former Pikes Peak champion. This year, the 1939 Audi "Silver Arrow" Type D Dual Compressor makes its triumphant return to the tarmac. Originally driven by H.P.Muller and Tazio Nuvolari to a pair of Grand Prix victories, the "Silver Arrow" was dismantled by occupying Soviet troops in East Germany after WWII. This 21st century reincarnation was assembled using parts from the original car and has taken over four years to complete. Built by Crosthwaite & Gardiner in East Sussex, England, the reincarnated Audi will be piloted at this years Goodwood Festival by none other than Nick Mason, Pink Floyd drummer and all around car guy. A 420bhp 12 cylinder rests beneath the hood, and it will be quite the sight when it takes to the track at Goodwood // 06.24.2008

The Frye's // Alfa 75

Our very own Terry Frye, ColdTrackDays photographer and known Alfa junkie, is our Local Ride for the month of June. A recent evening lap session at Pacific Raceways saw Mr.Frye testing his luck around the 2.25 mile, 9 turn race track. The car is a 1988 Alfa Romeo Milano Verde. With a 3.0L V6, Ansa exhaust, 17" wheels and a four piston Willwood brake kit, Mr. Frye's Alfa is set up quite well for lap days with the Northwest Alfa Club. A Momo steering wheel, factory Recaro bucket seats and no back seat, keep things simple on the inside. A few laps in the Alfa will remove any doubts as to the capability and prowess of this Italian saloon. Terry is a driving instructor with the NW Alfa Club, and can be seen at nearly every Alfa Club event. Take a look at our Photo Gallery for some of his photographs and more pictures from his most recent tack day // 06.23.2008

Gran Turismo 5 // Formula One Testing

Apparently we are not the only ones excited for the release of Gran Turismo 5 for the Playstation 3. Ferrari has teamed up with Moog Inc. (famous for their aeronautical simulators) to create a GT5 based driving simulator for their Formula One effort. Utilizing the same software that the new game will offer, Ferrari is using the simulator to tweak their F1 car without the huge costs of live testing. Details are sketchy thus far, but it is surely a testament to the forthcoming Gran Turismo 5 game // 06.23.2008

Hamann Stallion // Can We Get It In Alligator?

Your current 911 just not doing it for you anymore? Hamann, German supercar tuner, has a solution and we are sure you will like it. Take the already potent 2008 Porsche 911 Turbo, add 150bhp, ostrich skin interior and a chopped roof and you have the Hamann Stallion Turbo. Removing the stock variable nozzle turbos and replacing them with larger variable nozzle turbos, nets a 150bhp increase, taking the 911 to a staggering 630bhp. ECU upgrades ensure fuel is fed appropriately and you now have a 911 Turbo that is capable of 3.3 second 0-60mph times. Hamann then chops the roof roughly 8cm (2.5 inches) adds 20 inch three piece wheels, a stainless steel exhaust system and ostrich leather interior bits. All taking the standard 911 Turbo from wild to crazy. Vertical doors are an option, added only if the 630bhp and ostrich skin interior was not enough to set you apart from the turbo Porsche crowd. We like it, says autobahn if you ask us // 06.23.3008

Ferrari California // A Few More Images

The newest Ferrari has already caused quite a scene since word came down from Ferrari regarding its release. Front mounted V8 power, retractable hardtop and that name, California, all causing quite a stir. Love it or hate it, the Ferrari California is here to stay, and here are a few more detailed photographs. Finally offering a glimpse inside the roadster, the Italian interior is everything you would expect from Ferrari. Reminiscent of the 599 GTB, the cream leather seats and paddle shifter equipped, leather wrapped steering wheel, scream Ferrari. Though it appears at bit to technologically advanced for our tastes (still fans of manual gearboxes and uncomfortable race seats here at ColdTrackDays) we cannot deny the beauty and craftsmanship. Look for more detail pictures in the coming weeks // 06.23.3008

V10 AUDI R8 // TESTING BEGINS

Check out this video of the soon to be released Audi R8 V10, as it laps the Nurburgring.Laying down some 500bhp courtesy of the Lamborghini Gallardo's 5.2L V10, the new R8 is expected to out do its V8 powered younger brother.

Audi has not confirmed this, but rumor has it that the twin-turbo version of Audi's V10 (think RS6), may be used in addition to the Gallardo V10. Already fans of the R8, a more potent V10 version is sure to make things interesting in the supercar market // 06.23.3008

ColdTrackDays To Formula One // But Where?

The summer is officially upon us, and with it comes the heart of the Formula One season. What kind of automotive culture website would we be, if we did not cover Formula One first hand? With that being said, much of the ColdTrackDays staff will be headed overseas during these coming summer months to cover a Formula One race. Which race you ask? Well we teased you about its location in this previous article. With out giving away all the juicy details just yet, lets just say it is second in grandeur to Monaco, a country as beautiful as one could wish for and a culture full of all the things we like. We will spill the beans a bit later, but for now, take a look at the previous piece we did, and attempt to decipher the above images // 06.21.2008

Motorola RAZR2 V9 Ferrari Special Edition //

The red baseball cap, yellow prancing horse and black stitching, leaving everyone to wonder whether you are a fan or a personal friend of the Italian auto maker. Maybe Ferrari luggage, a pair of sneakers, all clearly stating that you are in some way fond of what is being produced in Maranello. So why not a cell phone? A staple of any American consumer, your cell phone can define you these days (not saying it should) and it can somewhat define your personality type. Social? Definitely a text messager, constantly pecking at the mini sized key board attached to your cellular device. Business oriented? Frequently checking email via your Palm Pilot or Apple iPhone. Social reject? Still using the green-screened Nokia that you had in high school. So what does a Motorola RAZR2, clad in Ferrari logos, leather embossed case and "carbon look" casing say about someone? We are not sure. Maybe money, maybe Ferrari owner, maybe obsessive fan? Whatever the case, if you are a member of the red army, cheering loudly at 4am while watching Kimi Raikkonen overtake Hamilton on the Speed channel, this phone might be right up your alley // 06.21.2008

Loads of Good Luck // And Safety Equipment

Kelvin Burns behind the wheel of his Porsche, airborne and over the fence at Thruxton, England. Not exactly our favorite thing to see here at ColdTrackDays, and unless you have been in a cave or absent of wi-fi access for the past week, you probably have seen this video. But here again, in all its glory... // 06.21.2008

2008 Gran Turismo S // Competizione Power

The automotive world was left wide eyed, when Maserati unveiled the Gran Turismo at the 2007 Geneva Auto Convention. Critics laid down criticisms on the Italian touring car, claiming a lack of power and an excessive sticker price, though all noting the undeniable beauty that Maserati had created. Maserati has since released this, the Gran Turismo S. A 440bhp V8 rests under her hood, sourced from Alfa Romeo's 8C Competizione. The staff at ColdTrackDays has spotted a few roaming the streets here in the Northwest, though the much toted "S" model has yet to be seen. A beautiful companion to the Maserati Quattroporte sedan, the Gran Turismo S represents everything one could want out of a full size touring car // 06.21.2008

European Market Focus // Meet America

Having dug through a Ford press release, skimming past fuel economy stats and notes on the slowing of pickup truck production, we noticed one very important thing; European market Ford Focus and Fiesta's to cross the pond in 2010. According to the press release, Ford states: “Next-generation, European Ford Focus and Fiesta small cars to begin production in North America in 2010, as Ford confirms it is revising its product plan to add more small cars.” Good news? Well considering the Euro market Focus exemplifies all that Ford can do, and all that we have gone without, we must say this is great news. Which raises a question, with Ford bringing the Euro Focus and Fiesta to the states, will they in turn offer an AWD turbo variety, say the Focus RS? Press release did not specify, but if American buyers are as eager as we at ColdTrackDays are, keep your eyes peeled for a 2010 Focus RS at your local racetrack and rally events // 06.20.2008

School Is In Session // GT-R Training

How about a one-on-one, 45 minute tutoring session, behind the wheel of a brand new Nissan GT-R? How about 45 minutes of lapping at either Silverstone Raceway or the famed Nurburgring (that's five laps of the ring!)? Unfortunately for stateside buyers, this is only a thing of myth and day dream. But for UK consumers this is very much a reality, and one that makes us reconsider our mortgage payments. For those having placed a pre-order on the new GT-R, Nissan is offering a bit of tutored seat time, at a proper race track no less, before the buyer takes delivery of their own GT-R. According to the marketing director of Nissan Great British, "we want to share the excitement and the thrill of the GT-R with our customers. To do that, we will give those GT-R customers the chance to spend some quality time with the car before they take delivery of theirs.” 45 minutes at the ring, professional driving instruction behind the wheel of the most powerful production car Nissan's built to date, and all you pay is the travel expenses! Nissan provides the instructor, the track time, the car, you provide the cheese eating grins! // 06.20.2008

Enzo's Successor // Millechili?

Unofficial as it may be, news is spreading that the successor to the Ferrari Enzo, tentatively titled the "Millechili" will produce less horsepower and have two fewer cylinders. Potentially a sign of the times, when we say less we mean 600bhp and a V8 as opposed to the potent Ferrari V10. Car and Driver claims the new Enzo will weigh in right at 2,200 pounds, be built on a modified F430 chassis and feature F1 aerodynamics. Motor Authority disagrees with the Enzo replacement claim, stating that the "new" Enzo will be more in line with the current FXX Evolution, with it's 6.2 liter V12 and 860bhp. Again, no official word as of yet, but rumors are floating and people are talking. One way or another, we are sure Ferrari will sort things out properly // 06.19.2008

Hublot // Aryton Senna Edition

Watch manufacturer Hublot, in conjunction with the Aryton Senna Institute, has released a limited edition version of their popular Big Bang Black chronograph watch. Dubbed the Big Bang All Black Split Second Aryton Senna, the watch features a large 44.5mm casing, polished black ceramic casing, titanium backing, and a satin finished ceramic bezel. The face of the watch is midnight black, with Aryton Senna's signature in a bright red, the "Split Second" hand is finished in yellow and black (Brazil's colors) and the band is made of a smooth black rubber with Aryton Senna printed in yellow and green on the inside. A limited run of 500 pieces, each going for a cool $25,000, these are sure to be collector items and on the wish list of any Aryton Senna fan // 06.19.2008

Gemballa // Avalanche 600GT2 EVO

Not that the Porsche GT2 has anything going against it, and not that we dislike it in any way, its just that the good folks at Gemballa have taken the GT2 a bit further, and we like it. Starting with an already potent GT2 platform, Gemballa began with a base 530bhp and 505lb/ft of torque, and ended with over 600bhp and a GT2 that is sure to stand out at the track. Though the horsepower gains are not extraordinary, what Gemballa has going for it is styling. Standing out in the Porsche crowd can be a hard feat, but with the 600GT2 EVO sporting a long list of upgrades and a one off paint job, you just may achieve it. The list of upgrades includes all that one would expect from a super Porsche tuner such as Gemballa; ceramic brakes, adjustable coilovers, strut bars and stiffened axle mounts are all standard, and with styling ques reminiscent of the Carrera GT, Gemballa's efforts seem to be working. Take a look at Gemballa's website for further information // 06.19.2008

300,000 and Counting // BMW Motorsport

The 300,000th car with an M badge affixed to its trunk lid, rolled off of the production line today at BMW . A huge achievement for BMW, marked by storied success and continued improvements. The BMW M badge, now synonymous with performance, capability, handling prowess and overall bang for your buck fun, has now reached 300,000 customers. A white M3 coupe was the 300,000th car if you were wondering, and it is not at all surprising, considering the M3 is BMW’s leading M car seller. The M division of BMW was formed in 1972, though the first official M product did not roll off the line until 1978 with the unveiling of the M1. Only 445 M1’s were to be produced, but the two door sensation was to spark a fire amongst enthusiast and racing fans. The second coming of BMW’s Motorsport badge was to be placed on the 1984 M5. The first in a line of many, the earliest version of the M5 sported a 286bhp in-line six and classic BMW styling. Next came the 1986 M3, though not as potent as toady's variety, the 2.3 liter four cylinder put down enough ponies to take it through the turns at speed. A long line of variants, versions and aftermarket supported special edition's was to follow. All the way to today, 300,000 cars strong, the M logo and all that surrounds it as appealing and enjoyable as ever. It is hard to pick favorites, though we at ColdTrackDays are fans of more classic styling ques, so here are a few pictures of some M cars that grab our attention. If you so happen to be in the market for something sporting an M logo, look no further than M-Cars of Seattle, the only BMW motorsport dealer in the area and a continued supporter of us here at ColdTrackDays // 06.19.2008

Evening Lap Session // Photo's Are Up

Pictures are up from last nights evening lap session with the NW Alfa Romeo Club. A huge turnout that saw a diverse field of cars and skill levels. Group A, always taking the track at speed, looked impressive all day, with Group B not much slower. First timers and those honing their skills, lapped in Group C, which made up a large portion of the registered drivers. ColdTrackDays staff worked a corner for part of the day, a great place for a photo op, though our photographer was out on track nearly all day, scaring anyone up for a ridealong. That being said, we must apologize if the photos are not up to our standard. Big thanks to the NW Alfa Romeo Club for hosting the event and passing out free ColdTrackDays stickers to all the drivers. Take a look in the photo gallery, drop a comment and pass the word along // 06.19.2008

Second Chances // Grand Prix of France 2008

The Grand Prix of France begins this weekend, with practice on Friday, qualifying on Saturday and racing on Sunday. With a disastrous finish in the last race, both Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton are looking to finish properly this time around. A first place finish in Canada for Robert Kubica left him atop the driver championship, but by a small margin, and it appears any one's game at this point. Nick Heidfeld and Felipe Massa are also looking for stronger finishes at the French GP, and hopes are high amongst all teams. What can we expect from the French GP? Rain? Maybe. All out, wheel to wheel Formula One racing? Surely. It appears that the race will be aired live on Fox Sports this time around, and is a testament to the growing popularity of motorsport racing here in the states. Ride along with Raikkonen as he laps Magny-Cours during last years French GP, just a taste of what can be expected this year // 06.19.2008