Steve Saleen // 25 years in the business

A few of the ColdTrackDays staff members are big Mustang guys. A few have driven them at speed, making use of every cubic inch beneath the hood. A few are well aware of their shortcomings and equally aware of their potential. No one man is more aware of a Mustangs potential than Steve Saleen. In business for 25 years, Saleen is the go to guy for go-fast pony cars. Beginning in the early '90's, Steve took what was a hot rod in and of itself and made it hotter. Proper suspension components were added, as was a little flair (much needed flair I might add). The result was an outstanding track car and a terror on the streets. Since partnering with Ford, Saleen has gone on to produce one of a kind Mustangs, ranging from the S281 variants to the wild S351 cars of the later '90's. The S7 is Saleen's flagship car, though the Mustangs must hold a special place in Steve's heart, as in celebration of 25 years, Saleen has released this, the SMS 25th Anniversary Mustang. Built utilizing the current chassis, the SMS features a supercharged 5.0 liter V8, with a solid 720bhp under the hood. 15" brakes pull the thing to a halt in a hurry, as well as carbon bits and pieces both inside and out, that help hold it to the road and keep it looking cool. Not sure of production numbers, but if it is anything like Saleen's other offerings, the numbers will be small (and painted on the front bumpers) // 07.08.2008

The Italians Are Coming! //

Fiat and BMW have announced a proposal for partnership here in the states. So what does this mean for us? How about Alfa Romeo's to be sold at MINI dealers (part of the proposal), how about small, economical Italians, lapping the local race tracks and providing a little style, in a country with an abundance of the same ol' thing. This is a great opportunity for Alfa to make its triumphant return to the states, riding the wave of success generated via the Alfa 8C Competizione. Though nothing is set in stone, the Italian automaker should do well when they cross the waters again. With Americans seeing the first Alfa Romeo's in 2010, things are looking good for Alfa fans // 07.08.2008

Recycle! // Auto Jewelry

Without sounding like an overly opinionated (add proper word), I must say, that what High Octane Jewelry is doing, is well, genius. All good car guys fantasize about girls that are into cars as much as they are. Ok, so maybe not grease monkey, oil under the nails types, but classy, can tell the difference between a Maserati and a Ferrari types. Its difficult to expect these things from our significant others, often overlooking the fact that they think of us as simple brained animals, who are just looking to go fast and grab a little attention. So why not make it worth their while? How about a bit of jewlery? Following the lines of the eco-concoius sort of guy that I am, recycling makes this all that much better. High Octane Jewelry is in the business of reusing old auto emblems, turning them into one-off necklaces and other jewelry pieces. So maybe a bit on the greaser/betty side of the auto world, not necessarily fitting with ColdTrackDays style, but hey, we still think they are cool, and your girlfriend probably will too. Unique is putting it mildly, each piece is one of a kind and makes for a cool gift. Why didn't we think of this! // 07.08.2008

Vermot AG // Veritas RSIII

Vermot AG has released a car that was only dreamed about until now. It looks a bit like a Hot Wheels car, more fiction than fact, with an open cockpit, single seat driver position and sweeping speedster lines, the Veritas RSIII is, to put it bluntly, insane. A Bimmer 5.0 liter V10 and 600bhp are one option, for those without the stomach for it, a milder 5.0 liter V8 with 480bhp is another option. A modern take on a classic, Vermot AG has created what was lost post-war, when Veritas, German sports car manufacturer, went under in 1952. Vermot AG has perfomed a resurection, injecting life into something long since lost. The ColdTrackDays staff likes it, bringing back childhood memories of Hot Wheels and kitchen floors // 07.08.2008

Pacific Northwest Historics // Wrap Up

The 2008 Pacific Northwest Historics are over, and if you missed out on all the fun, be sure and head out next year. Big thanks to the ColdTrackDays crew for all the hard work. Here is a short video we dug up, capturing all the fun of SOVREN events and giving those of you that didnt make it, a taste of what you missed // 07.08.2008

Cold Summer Nights // Proper Attire

Dubbed the “Original Grand Prix Jacket” by Grand-Prix Originals, this tough canvas jacket makes for a great alternative to the more extreme and more costly leather variations. Offering cool 60’s styling, and without going "car guy" overboard (you know, like this), the "OGP" canvas jacket makes for appropriate outer attire, sure to accompany any proper motorsports fan to the track. Available online, with sizes from XXS to XXL, a 149.00EUR price tag and overseas shipping, we say why not! A welcome addition to a summer wardrobe, a wardrobe that sees little time outside the closet in our NW climate. Keeping you warm at the track, ColdTrackDays.com, I think we are on to something here... // 07.07.2007

2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed //

The Goodwood Festival of Speed begins this coming weekend (July 11th) and with it comes one of the most incredible motorsport spectacles known to man. Begining in 1993 by the Earl of March, the Goodwood festival is an annual hill climb and motorsports celebration on the grounds of the Goodwood House in West Sussex, England. Originally intended as a promotional tool to help bring motorsport racing back to Goodwood, though lacking the proper permits, Lord March instead decided to host a race on his own property. Running year after year since '93, the FoS (as it has come to be called) has seen crowds as large as 100,000 per day and is host to nearly every form of automobile imaginable. Vintage Formula cars, Pike Peak rally cars, Le Mans prototypes are but a few of the entrants. This years spectators will see the 1939 Audi Silver Arrow running the course as well, a spectacular sight no doubt. Footage is hard to come by, as it is not televised stateside. We did however find this video of John Surtees in his 1967 Formula One car, the Honda RA300, which Surtees won the Italian Grand Prix with in '67. We will report more on the FoS as more information, images and videos become available // 07.07.2008

Can It Best the ZR1 // Ultima GTR

British supercar builder Ultima was ready to have a go at it this weekend. Looking to defeat a benchmark set by the American ZR1, with its 7:26 lap time, the crew at Ultima was claiming their GTR720 was capable of a 6:55 lap at the Nurburgring. Monsoon season and torrential downpours shafted their effort, leaving them tooling around in the rain for a bit. But with a 0-60 time of 2.6 seconds, a top speed of 230mph and a chassis somewhat reminiscent of the Noble M400, the Ultima may just be the one to beat it. Stay tuned // 07.07.2008

Forced Induction? // 2011 M5

With rising fuel costs, BMW may be making a few changes in the coming years. Take the M5 for example. Some 500 odd horsepower, more computer than car, mammoth four door saloon, all of which makes for a great ride, but a not so great fuel economy rating. So what is the Bavarian motor company to do? Recycle of course! Nothing does the trick quite like a massive turbocharger (or a pair for that matter). Word has it, the next incarnation of the M5 will utilize turbochargers and a few less cylinders then the current V10 offering. Maybe the 4.4L twin turbo V8 out of the X6 xDrive50i? They have it running at 536bhp currently, and with comments like "it can do more" we don't suppose they are stopping there. Audi's RS6 and its 580bhp might be the benchmark, but when fuel economy suddenly becomes an issue, BMW might consider dropping a few pounds before cutting horsepower. Consider the in line six bi-turbo, suitable engine, proven and worthy of a place between the fenders of an M5. We will see. Stay tuned // 07.07.2008

Green Ferraris & Carbon Footprints //

The European Council is in the final stages of implementing a continent wide fleet limit on CO2 levels, a decision that is said to become effective by 2012. The fleet limit would force fleet average CO2 levels to 130g/km and greatly effect current automakers options and emission standards. Those seeing the greatest impact, try super car manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. Ferrari intends to counteract the councils decision by implementing changes of their own, cutting CO2 levels in half via lighter cars and new hybrid technologies. Ferrari CEO Luca Cordero di Montezemolo stated, “we are currently working on the development of a Ferrari that will use alternative energy sources and which will be based on what we are doing at the moment in Formula 1,” he went on to mention that Ferrari will reduce its CO2 emissions 40% by 2012. Formula One tech, an automaker with endless means, all will end well for the Italians. Now Chevrolet on the other hand, they ought to bite the bullet, drop the Hummer and the nine passenger suv's before the townspeople start shopping for pitchforks and torches // 07.06.2008

Remind You Of Anyone? // Silverstone '08

Mclaren team driver Lewis Hamilton, in the rain, at his home track, has taken victory. Anyone remember Senna at Donington in 1993? Are we seeing some similarities here? How about an appropriate coincidence with Garth Stein's, "The Art of Racing in the Rain"? With teammate Heikki Kovalainen having taken the pole, the Mclaren team looked good coming into todays race. Hamilton took the lead early, held it and ran home with the victory. Qualifying fourth, taking first, in the rain. Anyone remember Senna at Donington in '93? Now the ColdTrackDays staff are all Formula One fans, and to make it fair to all involved, BMW-Sauber driver Nick Heidfeld did place second, though a solid minute behind Hamilton. Lewis Hamilton's success today, obviously reminding us of Senna (at Donington, in the rain, 1993) has to secure him a place in Formula One history. Second overall in his first season, three wins thus far in 2008, Hamilton has got our vote. Not to appear as though we have a bias, Honda driver Rubens Barrichelllo did manage a third place finish, which landed Honda the eighth place spot amongst the manufacturers. Hamilton's victory this morning took the Mclaren team to third, placed Hamilton, Massa and Raikkonen in a three way tie for first, and left Robert Kubica a close second. Germany is next, stay tuned // 07.06.2008

Heikki Back In It // British GP

Your first pole must be a great feeling, one that Mclaren-Mercedes driver Heikki Kovalainen is sure to be feeling right about now. Taking the pole position in today's qualifying round for tomorrows British Grand Prix, Kovalainen is in prime position, helping the struggling Mclaren-Mercedes team when they needed it most (currently third amongst manufacturers). Red Bull team driver Mark Webber also landed himself a spot amongst the top three, laying down the second fastest time of the day. Though the Finn sits sixth in the drivers championships, Kovalainen's pole is a great success for both himself and the Mclaren team. With Lewis Hamilton struggling to remain in the mix, Mclaren is looking for Kovalainen to step up in the UK. Webber's number two spot, though eighth amongst drivers, was also a huge milestone for the Renault Red Bull driver. Shaking things up is what the 2008 Formula One season has been about, leaving no clear idea of who will lead, both in the drivers and manufacturers championships, at the end of anyone weekend. Check out Heikki Kovalainen at today's qualifying in the above video // 07.05.2008

SOVREN 2008 // Photos Are Up

SOVREN day two. Our photographer was on track and exercising his clicking finger. With gray skies and rain visiting frequently, it proved to be a bit of a soggy afternoon. Though tomorrow has been promised as sunny (were pointing our fingers at you King 5). Check out our photo gallery for pictures from the event! SOVREN wraps up tomorrow, with races beginning after lunch and running until 5pm. ColdTrackDays will be there all day, so swing by the booth, pick up a free sticker and grab what we have left of the ColdTrackDays T-Shirts // 07.05.2008

Bugatti's Next of Kin // Veyron the Second?

With a limited production, the Bugatti Veyron will soon be coming to an end. The end of an era typically spells the start of another, and so many are questioning what is next from the French automaker who stunned the world with their quad-turbo monster. CEO Franz-Josef Paefgen says that Bugatti has boxed themselves into a bit of a corner. The next incarnation of the Veyron will have to out do the current crop. Are we talking about 260mph? As if the 0-184mph in 16.7 seconds didn't make you swallow hard already, the newest Bugatti is looking at a pair of very big shoes to fill. Fuel costs and emission standards are but a few of Bugatti's newest problems, coupled with a slowing global economy and an automobile that has limited potential buyers. Though Motor Authority is reporting that Paefgen has plans to race the next Bugatti masterpiece, say 2011 or 2012, and what better a venue than Le Mans. Rumors, rumors, rumors. But hey, it makes for good gossip and leaves us all wanting a little more. Stay tuned // 07.05.2008

Money Is Not An Object // Maybach Exelero

A traditional Maybach may not always do it for the super rich, and the solid half million dollars they paid for it, pales in comparison to what Maybach is working on now. $7,843,000 is the price tag, Exelero is the name. No specs, just a pic and a price. Check back with ColdTrackDays for additional info as it becomes available // 07.05.2008

Live From SOVREN // Happy Fourth!

Reporting live from Pacific Raceways, ColdTrackDays is in the heart of it. With our vendor booth (across from Edelbrock) and our photographer posted in the backfield, we are getting every angle of this weekends Children’s Hospital SOVREN races. Today saw test and tune and time trials, with nearly every car running laps all day. The ColdTrackDays booth was hoppin, as spectators were able to meet the editor and pick up some ColdTrackDays swag. T-Shirts are on sale at the booth, as well as free stickers being handed out. Local author Garth Stein provided signed copies of his book, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” for sale at the booth as well, making ColdTrackDays a big hit with Friday spectators. If you haven't been to a SOVREN event, now is a good time to start! The marquee this year is Porsche, with the #20 car, famous for its appearance in Steve McQueen’s Le Mans, out on the track all weekend. Al Unser Sr. is also at the track, and as the SOVREN guest celebrity, he is signing autographs and meeting fans all weekend as well. So come on out, swing by the booth, meet the Indy legend himself and have a great weekend watching the races! Be sure and check out the photo gallery, as ColdTrackDays photographer Terry Frye has been hard at work taking and uploading photos from toady's happenings // 07.04.2008

ColdTrackDays Exclusive Interview // Al Unser Sr.

As the editor of ColdTrackDays.com, I am entitled to some perks, perks that accompany my job as automotive journalist, perks that make my friends jealous. Some better then others, rides in fast cars, spending time with race fans and endless days at the track. But this perk was beyond anything I could imagine. I was contacted by SOVREN and asked if I would be interested in interviewing Al Unser Sr. Exclaiming my excitement in inappropriate four letter words and then calming myself down, I accepted their offer with gratitude and enthusiasm. And so it went. Yesterday, after an exciting ride around Pacific Raceways in Thor Johnson’s ‘66 GTA, the Indy legend himself, Al Unser Sr. showed up. King 5 News was there as well, and laid in with the questioning, filming a short piece to be aired tonight as well as on their website (King5.com). After the television interview, the crowd dispersed and Mr.Unser and I were left alone, sitting across the table from one another, eating lunch. Questions came in from our readers after our initial post regarding the interview, so I asked those first, hoping to maintain a mellow, laid back atmosphere, as opposed to the time crunch television variety he just went through. Informal is putting it mildly, after our interview, Mr.Unser, myself, his wife and a few other drivers who had gathered to join the conversation, sat and enjoyed lunch and the sunshine that filled the afternoon. Al Unser Sr. was everything I expected from a four time Indianapolis champion, polite, direct, and above all else, an incredible man. I cannot express my gratitude for the opportunity that I was presented with, and can only hope that Mr.Unser and his wife enjoyed my company as much as I did theirs. Below is a small portion of our interview:

CTD // First question from our readers is a simple one, what kind of car do you drive on a daily basis?

Unser // “you mean everyday? Well I drive a Ford Excurssion most days”

CTD // Very nice, big and roomy. Second question from our readers was, what is your favorite track, besides Indianapolis?

Unser // “I cant say I have a favorite. Take here for example, if I won here today it would be my favorite, but in two weeks if I
lost, it wouldn't be my favorite anymore. Do ya understand what I mean?

CTD // I certainly do

Unser // I do like the dirt tracks though”

CTD // Like oval dirt track racing?

Unser // “Yeah, I liked going sideways and fast on the dirt”

CTD // Were there a lot of those tracks where you grew up?

Unser // “Yeah they were everywhere. Plus I raced at Pikes Peak as well ya know”

CTD // I suppose Indy has to be a favorite?

Unser // “The speedway was great, and I did well there, but I just cant say I have one favorite race track. There were so many great places, to say one is my favorite would be unfair.”

CTD // Third question was, what do you think of Danica Patrick?

Unser // “I think she is doing a terrific job, I always told people I thought women could do it.”

CTD // What do you think of the youth in racing, with guys like Hamilton being only 23?

Unser // “I think it is great. I didn't get started racing until I was 18, but that was because you had to be 18 years old to race, now they get started so much earlier. It is great for the sport”

CTD // Ya with karting, kids are starting at six and seven if not younger.

Unser // "It is great that they have that opportunity. Things haven't changed that much, the technology has, but driving a race car is stlll driving a race car."

CTD // You and your wife will be here throughout the weekend for the SOVREN vintage races, I hope you guys have fun and I am sure the fans will be excited that you are here

Unser // "Well thank you, it should be a fun weekend."

Stay tuned to ColdTrackDays for more from our interview with the Indy legend himself, Al Unser Sr // 07.04.2008

Renault Alpine // Then and Now

As a member of the ColdTrackDays staff, I am often flooded with emails showcasing the latest and greatest in the world of concept cars. I cannot tell you how much concept cars bother me. They never come to fruition, never to be produced with the same excessive styling or the same claimed horsepower. So when I received the email with pictures of the Alpine A110 concept, I was pleasantly surprised. It looks a bit like the original, offering a similar layout (rear engine, rear drive), a retro appearance and that excessive styling that is so abundant in concept cars. Yet it wasn't over the top, a bit less offensive in a concept car world famous for being in your face and overdone. I was also surprised to find that the above concept is only a scale model. Built by Moscow State Technical University student, Arseny Kostromin, the Alpine concept is a welcome reminder that Renault will unveil the new Alpine in 2011. Short lived and unseen here in the states, the Renault Alpine A110 was a worthy competitor to another of the ColdTrackDays staff favorites, the Lancia Fulvia. Plus, vintage rally cars just have a certain appeal of their own //

Ford Focus RS // Confirmation

A few weeks a go we reported on the newest edition of the Ford Focus RS, a car that American consumers are unable to get their hands on. The Focus RS is the European version of a three door Ford hatchback turned missile. The initial photos that we posted had not been confirmed by Ford, this time they have been. With louvers on the bonnet, a wide-body stance and an overall aggressive appearance, it is no wonder that the Focus RS is the top selling Ford in Europe. 320bhp are churned out of five cylinders, 2.5 liters. and a massive turbocharger. 410 lb/ft of torque, all wheel drive and a claimed zero to sixty time of less than six seconds, make this one wild hatch. The younger brother to the WRC Ford Focus, the RS, as stated above, will not be seen on American shores. The closest we can come, are often heavily modified tuner cars, fitted with every Ebay special and a loud fart can exhaust. Unfortunate, as we are sure that US buyers would be pleased with more horsepower and better fuel economy then Ford’s other offerings // 07.04.2008

Caught On Tape // Audi TT RS

The staff at ColdTrackDays has mixed opinions of the Audi TT, the first incarnation was a bit to bulging and awkward if you asked most of us. But this latest edition, superb. Taking styling cues from its older brother, the Audi R8, the 2008 TT’s are a smaller, more affordable version of Audi’s all wheel drive supercar. To be released in 2009, the TT RS is at the top of the TT lineup and is set to compete with BMW’s Z4 M Coupe and the Porsche Cayman S. It is uncertain as of yet what lies beneath the bonnet, though rumor has it that they may utilize VW’s 2.5 liter five cylinder and an appropriately sized turbocharger, no confirmation is available however. The TT RS can be seen here lapping the Nurburgring // 07.04.2008

Last of the SLR's //

We have seen the “spied!” photos that clutter your screen and confuse you when visiting other auto-news website (not that you do..) and we have to say, we hate them. Spy shots give us little in the way of, well anything. They are actually a bit annoying, like playing a hidden image game, when all you want to know is what the bloody thing will look like. That being said, here is a spy video of the new and last variant of the McLaren SLR Roadster (sorry, it was too good to pass up). To be unveiled by McLaren-Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton at the end of the month, the last of the SLR’s will be topless and quite a bit lighter than the early production SLR’s. Being absent of a windscreen, remnant of the 1950’s 300 SLR, there will be but 75 of these SLR’s built. Seen here in the very limited zebra stripe color (add sarcasm) the “spy” video doesn't do much for us, though we have to say, whoever filmed it certainly had brass, making it worthy of play on ColdTrackDays // 07.03.2008