Media ride. That's what they call a freeloader, strapped in tight, lapping the track in a vintage piece of automotive racing history. That freeloader is me. The SOVREN Historic Races have arrived, with Friday seeing the first qualifying rounds and Saturday and Sunday seeing the first races. ColdTrackDays was invited out for a press event this afternoon, and with it came the opportunity to ride in Thor Johnson’s 1966 Alfa Romeo GTA. Powered by 1600cc’s of pure fury, the Alfa Romeo screamed onto the track with me in tow. The ‘A’ in GTA, stands for aluminum, and this GTV variant has an all aluminum shell and enough horsepower to keep you firmly planted in the back of your seat. Having owned the car for only a short time, Thor was kind enough to take me for a few hot laps, showing me that once the tires heated up, the Alfa was capable of things that I had only been able to imagine. And a few laps is all it took , the true capability and sheer agility of this little Italian sport coupe became quickly apparent. King 5 News was there to cover the event as well, allowing their reporter the opportunity for a ride in a vintage racer. Though I think she came back a bit more frazzled than I. The ColdTrack Days staff is thoroughly entrenched in the Alfa Romeo community, and it was a pleasure to experience the GTA in it’s most pure form. Check out the photo gallery for additional pictures from my ride. Thank you Thor for the ride, and stay tuned to ColdTrackDays for additional ‘Local Rides’ and seat of your pants ride alongs, via the ColdTrackDays freeloader and his press credentials! // 07.02.2008
7.03.2008
Media Ride? // Thor's 1966 GTA
Rocky Mountains, Hot Weather // SCCA Regional
Hot weather can spell a great day on the track and a miserable one in the stands. La Junta Raceway (La Junta, Colorado) was both last week, with a Rocky Mountain Division SCCA sponsored event putting both open and closed wheel cars on the track for the day. The 1.6 mile La Junta race track saw students take the track, running flagging and starting drills for the better part of the afternoon, followed by an eight lap race to finish the weekend. An SCCA sanctioned Double Regional event took place over the weekend as well, and the open wheel group brought a hearty dose of excitement. Several DSR and CSR cars lead the field, with a number of classes being represented (FSCCA, FB, CSR, DSR, FF, CF). The weather was warm, and the racing was excellent. The Rocky Mountain Division of the SCCA includes competitors from New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Montana. And thanks to our Southwest Correspondent, Richard Dziak, we at ColdTrackDays are able to bring you a few updates and certainly a few cool photos. Stay tuned to ColdTrackDays for future coverage of SCCA events in the Southwest //
Coulthard to Retire? //
237 career Formula One starts, 14 years and 13 wins, the Scotsman David Coulthard may be looking to call it quits. Rumor has it that Coulthard will be replaced by Sebastian Vettel behind the wheel of the Renault powered Red Bull car. When asked of his feelings on the matter, Coulthard replied in proper Scottish fashion: “boo hoo…There are a lot of worse things that can happen to you. You just move on to the next challenge.” // 07.03.2008
Less Obvious // Shirts For The Car Geek
Being an motorsports fan and not making it deathly obvious is a difficult task, to say the least. A fact that often results in wearing Ferrari embossed baseball caps, Porsche Design sneakers or those brightly colored shirts you pick up at the track, thinking they are cool, but once you get home, realizing that you are never gonna wear it outside the house (guilty). ColdTrackDays has offered a few reasonable solutions in the past, but when we came across Racing Code, we knew we had struck gold. A bit less formal then the ties we featured from Cyberoptix and a bit less brazen then the Ferrari cell phone, which by the way you can only own if you also own a Ferrari, ColdTrackDays rule! Above is but a small selection of what Racing Code has, a few of our favorites and shirts that you can wear, that wont scream car geek // 07.03.2008
7.02.2008
Lancia Fulvia // Bringing the Staff Together
The staff here at ColdTrackDays is a bit torn on their opinions of rally racing. Some find it boring, missing that wheel to wheel, fender to fender grudge match stuff. Others, deem rally racing one of the most difficult and interesting forms of motorsports, pitting not just man against machines, but man man against time, speed, distance and of course the elements. Though we may not all agree, we are all fans of Italian made cars, so in keeping with that, here is one of our collected favorites. The Lancia Fulvia. Built and raced between 1965 and 1974, the Fulvia 1.6 HF was the most famous and certainly the most capable of the Fulvia's. With a 1.6 liter in-line four, dual carbs and 165bhp, the front drive Fulvia made itself known in the rally world from its introduction. Being the only successful front drive car for nearly twenty years, the Fulvia 1.6 HF was driven to victory by Sandro Monari at the 1972 Rally of Monte Carlo. The Fulvia's biggest rival was the Renault Alpine, and though it was not a consistent champion, the Fulvia 1.6 HF paved the way for future front drive rally cars. Competing until 1974, the Lancia was throughly beaten by its bigger, meaner, older brother, the Lancia Stratos HF (bottom video). The styling, it's storied race history, and being a rare and difficult car to come across, make the Lancia Fulvia a ColdTrackDays favorite, that and I am the rally fan... // 07.02.2008
Peugeot 504 // Born Again?
A reintroduction of the Peugeot 504 would be a welcome surprise from the French automaker. Fans of Peugeot we are, adding a bit of flair in a market saturated with German, Japanese and American motors, the Peugeot has sadly not been imported stateside for quite sometime. Our editor's father was a Peugeot man, driving a 1985 505 Sti until the wheels fell off, literally. So with Peugeot design boss Jerome Gallix stating that the new 504 will be “dramatic” the staff at ColdTrackDays is excited to see what they unleash. Mechanicals from Citroen, a styling that Motor Authority thinks will resemble the 308 RC Z concept (bottom image), the new 504 will debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this year, and should cause quite a stir. We are hoping the final production model utilizes a few styling cues from its original incarnation, but hope is all we can do, stay tuned to ColdTrackDays for additional information // 07.02.2008
Cafe Racers // ColdTrackDay Favorites
We are sure Steve McQueen would like this. British forged, American powered, the Stonebridge Motor Company’s Ace Cafe Racer had to find its way onto our pages. A 100 cubic inch Harley Davidson motor propels the stripped down two wheel terror, while British styling keep things cool and collected. And you thought we were only into automobiles! For something a bit more local, maybe even a bit more brash, check out Felony Flyers // 07.02.2008
6.30.2008
Children's Hospital SOVREN Historic's //
This fourth of July weekend marks the 20th annual SOVREN Historic Races at Pacific Raceways in Kent, WA. The marque for this year is Porsche, and in celebration of 60 years of rear engined air cooled fun, we are sure to see a large field of Porsche's both racing and showing themselves. The proceeds from the event go to support Children's Hospital and there is always a huge turnout of both fans and cars, vendors and activities. Friday will see qualifying, with races running both Saturday and Sunday. Three day and one day passes are available and everyone will have access to the paddock, getting a closer look at the cars is half the fun! ColdTrackDays will have a booth at the event, with T-Shirt's for sale and free ColdTrackDays stickers to give away. We have also teamed up with Garth Stein, author of "The Art of Racing in the Rain" to help promote both his novel and ColdTrackDays. Copies of his book will be on sale at the booth as well, so be sure at stop in and say hello while wandering the vendor booths and paddock. The SOVREN event is the largest event of the year in the Northwest, offering a little something for everyone. So come on down, support a good cause, see some great races, and be sure to stop by and say hello // 06.30.2008
California // Now Under Construction
All the hype, all the rumor, all leading up to this. Scheduled to debut at the Paris Auto Show, the long anticipated Ferrari California has begun its initial production run at the Ferrari factory in Maranello. This news comes amidst rumor that the California would be built at Ferrari's sister factory, the Maserati plant in Modena. Increased capacity at the Ferrari factory, has however, allowed the new California to be built in their Maranello plant, securing the California's legitimacy amongst fans and potential buyers // 06.30.2008
2010 NSX // Testing at Nurburgring
The 2010 Honda (Acura) NSX is in the testing stages. The staff at ColdTrackDays has reported on early photos of the coupe, adorning zebra camo (as seen above) as well as a rendering done by Auto Express, showcasing Honda’s new rocket without the Zebra outfit. Now spotted at the Nurburgring, the soon to be NSX is still in disguise mode, though its capabilities are on full display. Front mounted V10 power makes for a great sound, don’t you think? // 06.30.2008
Quantum of Solace // 007 Trailer
The sequel to Casino Royale is on its way, and with it comes promises of more action, more cocktails, more girls and almost certainly, more Aston Martin's. After the 007 debut of the Aston Martin DBS, in the most recent film, Bond fans and Aston Martin fans alike are patiently awaiting what is sure to be this winter's biggest blockbuster. The trailer for the film, which can be viewed by clicking the above image, shows little of the Aston Martin, though I am not sure if we care to see it just yet, considering the fate of the last two used for the filming of Casino Royale. Like him or not, James Bond will be back on November 7, 2008 // 06.30.2008
BMW Procar Series // Alive at Hockenheim
The BMW M1, and the BMW Procar series in which they competed, ran along side the 1979 and 1980 Formula One seasons. Pitting F1 drivers against a field of up and comers, the Prodrive class gave a few drivers the opportunity to show their stuff against the best in the world at the time. Drivers like Fitapaldi and Piquet, competing in 2200 pound, 470bhp mid-engined BMW supercars, the only BMW supercar to date. They competed at the same venues that the F1 cars ran at, places like the famed Nurburgring and Monaco. And with the German Grand Prix coming within a few weeks (July 19-20) the M1’s will see the tarmac once again. This time at Hockenheim, the current venue for the German Grand Prix. A field of ten vintage M1’s will fire up and take to the track, with a multitude of names from the past. Marc Surer and Jaques Laffite to name a couple. A car with a storied history, a class that can never be recreated. The staff at ColdTrackDays can only dream, as we are sure the event will go un-televised here in the states. We will just have to settle for the F1 race // 06.30.2008
6.28.2008
Gulf Aston DBR9 // Pride of the UK
So, to complete our segment on British automotive interests, we decided to offer a bit more information on the GT1 class champion, the Gulf Aston Martin DBR9. As we all know (or should know by now) Aston Martin's are to the UK, what the Corvette is to America. Having taken the GT1 class by storm, with a number of Aston Martin's competing in the class, the 009 numbered Gulf Aston stormed its way through 24 hours and a well stocked field of competitors, to take the checkered flag and the GT1 championship. The #009 DBR9 was driven by David Brabham, Darren Turner and Antonio Garcia. Quite the way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Gulf Oil's first victory at Le Mans! The blue and orange of the Gulf Oil Aston Martin, was first made famous via a ColdTrackDays favorite, Steve McQueen, in his 1971 film Le Mans. With Gulf Oil having teamed up with Aston Martin, they are sure to secure their place as a cult favorite amongst motorsport fans. Above, is a brief video of Darren Turner laying down a hot lap in the GT1 champion DBR9 // 06.28.2008
Silverstone // From Formula One to Foolin Around
With the season opener of the UK’s biggest television hit, Top Gear, having just aired, and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone a mere week away, we thought it proper to do a little segment for our friends across the pond. First, a bit of vintage Top Gear tomfoolery. Only they would concoct a race such as this; a Formula One car, Colin McRae and his WRC Focus and a Mercury Cougar V6. One lap each at Silverstone, staggered starts, guess who wins? Secondly, how about a bit of reel-to-reel footage from the 1967 British Grand Prix. Jim Clark, Graham Hill, early pre-winged versions of our favorite formula cars, cant get much better, well maybe if the video were a bit longer... // 06.28.2008
Honda Removes the Camouflage // 2010 NSX?
Roughly a week ago, we gave ColdTrackDays readers a glimpse of the future NSX lapping the Nurburgring, clad in zebra stripe camo. The shape was unfamiliar, the layout, like nothing Honda had done before. Front mounted V10 power, 550bhp coming from 5.5 liters, cylinder deactivation technology and a 2+2 aluminum and steel body. A rival to the recently released Nissan GT-R and the soon released Lexus LF-A no doubt, but a far cry from the NSX of yesteryears. Gone is a mid engine layout and six cylinder VTEC power, in is a massive V10 and 570 ft/lbs of torque. The initial shots were confusing (as zebra camo is intended to confuse) but the above pictures, courtesy of Auto Express, give us a more clear cut idea of what Honda is working on. With General Motors setting a time to beat at the ring, all three of the major Japanese automakers have their work cut out for them. We like what we see, even if mid-engined cars spell cool to us here at ColdTrackDays // 06.28.2008
Lamborghini Reventon //
The raging bull has found itself on the hood of yet another piece of automotive eye candy. With styling ques garnered from air force fighter jets, a shape and stance that makes it very clear what the car is capable of, the Lamborghini Reventon is the newest addition to the Italian automakers lineup. In celebration of increased sales and named after a famous Italian fighting bull, the Reventon, with its 650bhp, 6.5 liter V12, stands atop the Lamborghini ranks. Only 20 will be made available (all of which have already been sold) and each will go for a cool one million euros. Watch as Lamborghini CEO unveils the Italian beauty at the Frankfurt Auto Show // 06.28.2008
ZR1 // 7:26.4 at the Ring
Chevrolet is proud, and they have the right to be we suppose. With benchmarks set by a field of worthy competition, the 2009 Corvette ZR1 laid down a hot lap at what has become the supercar proving ground, the Nurburgring, with a time of 7:26.4. Now for those of you who have lapped the ring yourself, or even if you have taken a simulated lap (via Gran Turismo and an HD television) you know that is a fast time, a real fast time. To put things in perspective, the ‘09 Nissan GT-R, Porsche killer and crowd favorite, laid down a 7:29 lap time. If that is not enough to prove the ‘Vettes got the good stuff, the ZR1 bested a lap time set by a car far beyond its price range, a car most will only see in magazines let alone in person, the Pagani Zonda F (7:27) All of this to say, the ZR1 is fast and GM engineers are sure to be out celebrating. But don't think that Nissan, Honda or Lexus, are taking this sitting down. With the GT-R Spec V on its way, Honda testing a new generation NSX and the much talked about Lexus LF-A, that time may not stand for long. Video of the Nurbrgring lap will be available shortly, but until then, enjoy the 205mph pass the ZR1 made // 06.27.2008
6.26.2008
Alfa 8C // Limited Edition GTA
Alfa Romeo fans rejoice! Not only is the Italian automaker releasing a vehicle here in the states, they have just announced a GTA version of the soon coming 8C Competizione. Alfa CEO Luca De Meo announced yesterday, during the launch of the 2009 MiTo GTA, that the 8C will see a few GTA versions (nor more than 100) being produced in recognition of Alfa's 100th anniversary. the 2010 8C GTA will be fitted with a Ferrari sourced 450bhp V8, and will be considerably lighter and more powerful than the standard 8C Competizione // 06.26.2008
Go Enzo! // Video Trailer
If you have not picked up a copy of Garth Stein's book, "The Art of Racing in the Rain" we are sure you must have seen it. You know, early in the a.m. grabbing a cup of coffee at your local Starbucks, there it sat, dark blue cover and thought provoking title. You are a car guy (or gal) and anything that screams auto culture is sure to have grabbed your attention. But the dog on the cover may have thrown you off a bit, causing you to second guess it's auto culture appearance and title. Well without spoiling the good stuff, here is a video trailer that author Garth Stein put together himself. The video trailer and interview, may give you a bit more insight into the synopsis of the book, and have you running (or driving through, as you can do these days) to your nearest Starbucks to fetch a copy. A few members of the ColdTrackDays staff, attended a reading by Stein last night at the Elliot Bay Book Company (a great alternative place to purchase a copy by the way), and while each staff member had a similar satisfaction having read the book, each came out with a different take on the meaning and philosophical ideas within it. A great piece of fiction and a must for any true motorsports fan. Additionally, ColdTrackDays will have copies available at our booth, during the July 4th SOVREN races at Pacific Raceways. Garth Stein, a Seattle native and former race driver himself, has teamed up with ColdTrackDays to promote both his novel and the growing motorsport community here in the Northwest. Swing by our booth, say hello and grab a copy, if you haven't already left your desk to do so... // 06.26.2008
Formula One // 2009 Schedule
The tentative schedule for the 2009 Formula One season has been released, and they seemed to have forgotten one very important race track, Indy... After long talks regarding the return of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to the Formula One calendar after a two year absence, when the tentative 2009 schedule was released they seemed to have misplaced it. Details are sketchy, with little to no info available at this point, other then that we are certain the Indy absence revolves around some fundamental feud between F-1 officials and Indy organizers. With the addition of the Abu Dhabi GP, the 2009 season will consist of 19 rounds, one more than this years schedule. Though this is a tentative schedule, things are not looking good for us American F-1 fans // 06.26.2008
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
