Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[SCCA approves Honda Fit-based engine for Formula F]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/scca-approves-honda-fit-based-engine-for-formula-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/scca-approves-honda-fit-based-engine-for-formula-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/scca-approves-honda-fit-based-engine-for-formula-f/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Honda FF engine demonstrator - click above for high-res image

For 2010, Formula F is getting some fresh blood. The Sports Car Club of America's board of directors has given the thumbs up to Honda's proposal for a new engine in the class. Next year, competitors will be able to swap out their ancient Ford Kent engines for a new 1.5-liter four based on the Fit.

Honda Performance Development created the engine so that it was specifically able to bolt up to many contemporary Formula Ford chassis designs with minimal modification, all while providing comparable performance. The air restrictor and ECU calibrations can be adjusted by HPD to ensure performance parity with the series' existing engines.

The engine's electronically fuel injected engine promises significantly reduced service requirements compared to the Kent, along with better efficiency. The engines will be supplied complete with intake, exhaust and conversion kits. The kit for the Swift DB-1 including the engine and all necessary parts runs $11,750 with deliveries starting February.


Gallery: Honda Fit FF engine


[Source: Honda]

Continue reading SCCA approves Honda Fit-based engine for Formula F

SCCA approves Honda Fit-based engine for Formula F originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>formula fordFormulaFordhondahonda ffHonda Fithonda formula fHondaFfHondaFitHondaFormulaFsccasports car club of americaSportsCarClubOfAmericaThu, 05 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Donna Mae Mims, first female SCCA winner and Cannonball Run vet, dead at 82 [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/donna-mae-mims-first-female-scca-winner-and-cannonball-run-vet/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/donna-mae-mims-first-female-scca-winner-and-cannonball-run-vet/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/14/donna-mae-mims-first-female-scca-winner-and-cannonball-run-vet/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Donna Mae Mims - click above to watch the video after the jump

The automotive world lost its iconic "Pink Lady" on October 6 as Donna Mae Mims died of complications from a stroke at the age of 82. To car enthusiasts of a certain age, Mims was best known for her early racing career and for her penchant for pink helmets, pink jumpsuits, and pink cars usually emblazoned with the phrase "Think Pink." That predilection earned her the nickname, "Pink Lady" from her admirers.

After buying a Fuelie Corvette with her husband in the late Fifties, Mims got the racing bug. She had been a secretary at Yenko Chevrolet, the legendary Pennsylvania dealer that churned out specially souped-up super Chevies back in the Sixties and Seventies, and along with a few coworkers she decided to go racing. She also moved into the Yenko sports car division to help develop their cars.

It wasn't long before she racked up her first win driving her Corvette in B Production at the Cumberland Nationals in 1960. By 1963, she was driving a pink 1959 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite that had incidentally once been owned by Polio vaccine developer, Dr. Jonas Salk. That car carried her to the championship in 1963, the first national championship recorded by the SCCA for a female driver. Besides the championship-winning Bugeye Sprite, Mims at one time or another also owned a pink Corvette, Corvair, Triumph TR3 and an MGB.

Besides her fondness for the color pink, Mims was also known for her blonde hair, good looks and aggressive driving, always charging and never letting the boys push her around during her 14-year racing career. The legend of the Pink Lady was cemented when Mims took part in the inaugural Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash, better known as the Cannonball Run, back in 1972. Her all-female team included teammates Judy Stropus and Peggy Niemcek, who raced in a 1968 Cadillac limousine wearing tight-fitting shirts and pants, and no bras. It was a ploy to hopefully get them out of any legal entanglements along the way. Adrienne Barbeau (admirably) portrayed Mims in the 1981 classic, "The Cannonball Run."

After retiring as a racer, Mims could still be found at numerous SCCA events, volunteering to work the starting grids at races like the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix and Championship Runoffs. Fun-loving till the end, Mims' dying wish was that following her passing, her body would be displayed seated behind the wheel of a pink 1979 Chevrolet Corvette during the visitation at her funeral. A group of about 40 Corvettes participated in the procession from the funeral home in McMurray, Pa. Godspeed, "Donna Amazing," our beloved Pink Lady. Be sure to click past the jump for a video celebrating Mims' extraordinary motorsports life.

[Sources: The Associated Press; WAPT | Image: Steel Town Corvettes]

Continue reading Donna Mae Mims, first female SCCA winner and Cannonball Run vet, dead at 82 [w/VIDEO]

Donna Mae Mims, first female SCCA winner and Cannonball Run vet, dead at 82 [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cannonball RunCannonballRunChevrolet CorvetteChevroletCorvetteCorvetteDonna AmazingDonna Mae MimsDonnaAmazingDonnaMaeMimsFree MauiFreeMauiPink LadyPinkLadySCCASCCA championSccaChampionThink PinkThinkPinkyenkoyenko chevroletYenkoChevroletWed, 14 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[SCCA Speed World Challenge: The rest of the series wraps up with finale at Laguna Seca (Spoiler Alert)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/scca-speed-world-challenge-the-rest-of-the-series-wraps-up-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/scca-speed-world-challenge-the-rest-of-the-series-wraps-up-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/13/scca-speed-world-challenge-the-rest-of-the-series-wraps-up-with/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


2009 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT Championship finale at Laguna Seca - Click above for high-res gallery

One of our favorite forms of racing just wrapped up another season with a typically exciting finale at California's Laguna Seca raceway. Although it doesn't get much press, we love Speed World Challenge because the cars are so much like the ones we drool over in the real world and the drivers are a great mix of gentlemen racers and displaced pros looking to keep their skills sharp if and when they get the call to move up to the show. Some drivers only make it out to one or two races, while others are in it for the championship trophy -but when they do show up, they are driving some impressive machinery.

We just told you about the championship-winning Ford Mustang FR500C, but the list of competitors reads like a fantasy car collection, with drivers campaigning vehicles like the Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, Chevrolet Corvette, Aston Martin DB9, Lotus Exige S, Acura NSX, Cadillac CTS-V, and even a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT. The slightly less exotic Touring Car class features fun cars like the Mazda6, Mazda3 and RX-8, Dodge Neon SRT-4, Acura TSX and Integra Type R, BMW 325 and 328i, Scion tC, Honda Civic Si, Ford Focus, Subaru WRX and Legacy, Lexus IS300, and even a Volkswagen Jetta TDI.

As is the case with most racing these days, the series and event titles are longer than the tracks they race on, but we're willing to type it all out here for those who want to know what happened in the SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Championship Presented by Toyo Tires season finishing Applied Computer Solutions Monterey Sports Car Championship Presented by Bondurant at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. That's quite a mouthful, but there's even more to the story. Follow the jump to read all about this, the final race to determine the championship. You'll find a full report as well as the complete results for the race and the final points standings for all of the drivers and teams that competed in Speed World Challenge this season. And don't forget to check out the incredible gallery of Speed GT by our very own photomeister, Drew Phillips.


Gallery: 2009 SPEED World Challenge GT at Laguna Seca


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: SCCA Pro Racing]

Continue reading SCCA Speed World Challenge: The rest of the series wraps up with finale at Laguna Seca (Spoiler Alert)

SCCA Speed World Challenge: The rest of the series wraps up with finale at Laguna Seca (Spoiler Alert) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Brandon DavisBrandonDavisJames SofronasJamesSofronasRandy PobstRandyPobstSCCASCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GTSCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge GT ChampionshipSCCA World ChallengeSCCA World Challenge Touring CarSccaProRacingSpeedWorldChallengeGtSccaProRacingSpeedWorldChallengeGtChampionshipSccaWorldChallengeSccaWorldChallengeTouringCarspeed gtSpeed GT SeriesSPEED World Challenge GTSpeedGtSpeedGtSeriesSpeedWorldChallengeGttouring cartouring car racingtouring carsTouringCarTouringCarRacingTouringCarsTue, 13 Oct 2009 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1968 Chevrolet Corvette SCCA racer recreation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-1968-chevrolet-corvette-scca-racer-recreat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-1968-chevrolet-corvette-scca-racer-recreat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/30/ebay-find-of-the-day-1968-chevrolet-corvette-scca-racer-recreat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


1968 SCCA Chevrolet Corvette tribute - Click above for high-res image gallery

Next up on the auction block is every Corvette-loving Walter Mitty's fantasy come true, a 1968 SCCA Corvette hardtop convertible race car. Okay, maybe that's not everyone's idea of the perfect Corvette, but for those of you old enough to remember the glory days of SCCA Trans-Am racing circa 1968, this car should hit all the right buttons. What started life as a perfectly adequate, four-speed 327/350 optioned 'Vette, has been transformed into the very special race car tribute you see in our gallery. It's a street car that looks an awful lot like the Trans-Am racers of the late '60s and early '70s.

The good folks at 2nd Generation Automotive Restorations are the ones who turned it into what you see here today, minus this car's current fire-breathing factory race engine, a genuine Bowtie ZL-1. That's right, the current owner found one of the factory's limited edition Ram Jet ZL-1 engines (number 155 of only 200 made) nestled in a '55 Chevy show car. The engine had just 36 miles on it and needed a better home. We'd say the result is pretty spectacularly awesome. This very car was featured in the August 2007 issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines and can be yours for a Buy-It-Now price of just $60,000 - it would probably cost nearly twice that much to replicate it today. If this sounds like the right car for you, you'd better act fast. Bidding ends today at 7 PM PDT.


Gallery: ebay: 1968 Corvette Tribute car


[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 1968 Chevrolet Corvette SCCA racer recreation originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>corvetteCorvette ZL-1CorvetteZl-1ebayebay find of the dayebay motorsEbayFindOfTheDayEbayMotorsRam Jet ZL-1RamJetZl-1SCCATrans-Amzl-1ZL-1 CorvetteZl-1CorvetteSun, 30 Aug 2009 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[SPOILER ALERT: SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT at Long Beach]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spoiler-alert-scca-speed-world-challenge-gt-at-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spoiler-alert-scca-speed-world-challenge-gt-at-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/20/spoiler-alert-scca-speed-world-challenge-gt-at-long-beach/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the SCCA Speed World Challenge GT race on the streets of Long Beach

While not as high profile as IndyCar or ALMS, the SCCA SPEED World Challenge Series offers just as much motorsports excitement as the featured races - maybe even more. For the Long Beach event, the busy schedule only allows for the GT class to participate (the Touring class runs a separate race at Mosport in May). Even still, that includes a full field of Chevrolet Corvettes, Porsche 911s, Ford Mustangs, Dodge Vipers, and more.

In qualifying on Saturday, World Challenge veteran Randy Pobst took the pole in his all-wheel-drive Volvo S60, his first in the series in five years. However, new controversial rules dictate a post-qualifying coin flip in which the polesitter calls heads or tails, determining whether he keeps his position or inverts the top five spots. Probst lost the coin toss, putting Mike Davis' Mustang at the front of the pack for the standing start of the race. Follow the jump to see who came out on top, and browse through our live photos in the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2009 SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT at Long Beach


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading SPOILER ALERT: SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT at Long Beach

SPOILER ALERT: SCCA SPEED World Challenge GT at Long Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Long Beach Grand PrixLongBeachGrandPrixRandy pobstRandyPobstsccaSPEED World ChallengeSPEED World Challenge GTSPEED World Challenge Long BeachSpeedWorldChallengeSpeedWorldChallengeGtSpeedWorldChallengeLongBeachMon, 20 Apr 2009 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[ALMS hits the streets of Long Beach, and so does Autoblog]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/alms-hits-the-streets-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/alms-hits-the-streets-long-beach/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/17/alms-hits-the-streets-long-beach/#commentsFiled under:


Click above for a high-res gallery of the ALMS practice session at Long Beach

The streets of Long Beach are playing host to the ALMS, Indy Racing League, and SCCA World Challenge GT this weekend, and things got kicked off yesterday with two practice sessions for the ALMS. Acura racers claimed the top three spots, led by David Brabham in his P1 class ARX-02a. His car set the bar with a 1:14.226 lap time followed by Adrian Fernandez in the P2 class. Brabham is coming off an overall win in St. Petersburg and was victorious in the P2 class at this venue last year.

In GT1, the Chevrolet Corvettes returned from a one race hiatus to bring back a four-class race, Olivier Beretta setting the faster time ahead of the sister car. In GT2, the Ferrari F430 GT driven by Jamie Melo barely edged out the Farnbacher Loles Porsche 911 GT3 RSR by a mere .06 seconds followed by Flying Lizard Motorsports in third. Full details on the practice session with drivers' quotes after the jump, and plenty of high-res photos captured through Autoblog's lenses in the gallery below.


Gallery: 2009 ALMS at Long Beach Practice Session


Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc

Continue reading ALMS hits the streets of Long Beach, and so does Autoblog

ALMS hits the streets of Long Beach, and so does Autoblog originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AcuraALMSALMS at Long BeachAlmsAtLongBeachAmerican Le Mans SeriesAmerican Le Mans Series at Long BeachAmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesAtLongBeachBrabhamFarnbacher LolesFarnbacherLolesIRLLong Beach Grand PrixLongBeachGrandPrixPorscheSCCAFri, 17 Apr 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA 2008: Gallardo GTR ready to take on SCCA World Challenge]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-gallardo-gtr-ready-to-take-on-scca-world-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-gallardo-gtr-ready-to-take-on-scca-world-challenge/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/11/05/sema-2008-gallardo-gtr-ready-to-take-on-scca-world-challenge/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the DP7 Racing Gallardo GTR

Lamborghini doesn't exactly have a storied history in motorsports, but that doesn't mean its current lineup doesn't offer a suitable platform to go racing. DP7 Racing has selected the Gallardo GTR to compete in the SCCA World Challenge next year, and they came out to SEMA to show off their newly finished racecar that will take on the likes of Porsches, Corvettes, and Vipers in the GT class. The GTR received the full racecar makeover including a widened carbon fiber body, front splitter and rear diffuser, fully adjustable suspension, Hollinger sequential 6-speed transmission, and CCW aluminum racing wheels. The 5.0L V10 is now producing 570 bhp and 450 lb-ft torque thanks in part to a set of Hedman headers and a Motec engine management system. You can check out the car in the gallery below, and we'll hopefully make it to one of the World Challenge races next year to see it on track.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: DP7 Racing Lamborghini Gallardo GTR

SEMA 2008: Gallardo GTR ready to take on SCCA World Challenge originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DP7 RacingDP7 Racing Gallardo GTRDp7RacingDp7RacingGallardoGtrLamborghiniLamborghini GallardoLamborghini Gallardo GTRLamborghiniGallardoLamborghiniGallardoGtrSCCASCCA World ChallengeSccaWorldChallengeSEMASEMA 2008Sema2008Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Barber Motorsports hosts V8 StockCar, Spec Miatas]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/barber-motorsports-hosts-v8-stockcar-spec-miatas/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/barber-motorsports-hosts-v8-stockcar-spec-miatas/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/09/barber-motorsports-hosts-v8-stockcar-spec-miatas/#commentsFiled under:



After a nasty, soggy day of racing Saturday, Alabama's unusually wet weather cleared Sunday morning, and out came the V8 StockCar class. Despite a track sound limit of 104db, the engines could be heard at Barber Motorsports' main gates. With dry pavement, the racing was much faster than the day before, but the photography not as dramatic. Barber's wooded, undulating course is a great venue to watch these powerful cars. Behind the infield trees, the V8s are heard well before the cars come roaring around the bends. Check the gallery for more photos of V8 StockCars.

Next up was the Improved Touring (PDF) category, with Mazda RX-7s alongside Nissan 280Zs, a Honda or two and some BMWs. Following those was the Spec Miata (PDF) class, which consists of original-body style racing modified Miatas with 1600 and 1800cc engines. The course announcer said Showroom Stock (PDF) Miatas were also allowed, but we didn't spot any Sunday.

Like Saturday's post, if you're interested, check the Alabama SCCA Web site for race stats and official information, go here if you want to see action shots of amateur stock car racing and some hot Miata-on-Miata action.

Gallery: SCCA at Barber Motorsports July 8, 2007

Barber Motorsports hosts V8 StockCar, Spec Miatas originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alabama racingAlabama SCCAAlabamaRacingAlabamaSccaamateur racingAmateurRacingBarber MotorsportsBarber Motorsports SCCABarberMotorsportsBarberMotorsportsSccaSCCAspec miataSpecMiataV8 StockcarV8StockcarMon, 09 Jul 2007 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Barber Motorsports hosts SARRC Club racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/08/barber-motorsports-hosts-sarrc-club-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/08/barber-motorsports-hosts-sarrc-club-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/08/barber-motorsports-hosts-sarrc-club-racing/#commentsFiled under:



It was wet and nasty, but the SARRC Club participants forged ahead at Barber Motorsports in Birmingham, Ala. Despite the bad weather, accidents were few and spirits were high, Saturday. Autoblog wandered the paddock, talking to drivers and fans and snapping photos of anything interesting. Race results for those interested should be posted on the Web site of the Alabama Region SCCA soon. For a couple of stories from the participants check the jump. For those who just want to see some cool machinery, check out the gallery.

Gallery: SARRC at Barber Motorsports

Continue reading Barber Motorsports hosts SARRC Club racing

Barber Motorsports hosts SARRC Club racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ALSCCAamateur racingAmateurRacingBarber MotorsportsBarberMotorsportsBirmingham SCCABirminghamSccaForest O'HeathForestO'heathlee wagnerLeeWagnerSARRCSCCASun, 08 Jul 2007 17:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Autocross carnage - GT3 takes out a WRX, Celica GT, A3]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/autocross-carnage-gt3-takes-out-a-wrx-celica-gt-a3/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/autocross-carnage-gt3-takes-out-a-wrx-celica-gt-a3/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/25/autocross-carnage-gt3-takes-out-a-wrx-celica-gt-a3/#commentsFiled under: ,



I've been to several SCCA Autocross events, run in a couple, and can proudly say the most damage I've seen consists of a dirt-filled grille and a flat tire. But the SCCA folks don't make you sign those release forms and wear those cool hair-pulling bracelets for nothing.

No, the very reason you sign away any right to compensation recently happened at an AutoX competition in Oregon. After running the first three times in his Porsche 911 GT3, that car's owner handed the keys to a friend for the fourth run.

At the end of that fateful fourth run, driven, we remind you, by the owner's "friend," the clutch was depressed instead of the brake. Yeah.

The $100k+ Porsche slammed into and bounced off of a Toyota Celica GT and then hit a Subaru WRX which took out an Audi A3. While the Celica was a competitor's car (owned, ironically, by the safety steward who laid out the course), the A3 and Subaru owners were just spectators.

It's hard to tell how this one will turn out, but discussion in the VWVortex forum is questioning the safety of the course design, but also bringing up safety issues at Portland International Raceway. Thankfully no one was injured. Not that we know of, anyway. However, if one of my friends wrecked my GT3, well...

Check out the gallery as well as the continuing discussion at VWVortex.

Thanks for the tip, TGM3!

Gallery: Porsche GT3 takes A3, Celica, WRX

Autocross carnage - GT3 takes out a WRX, Celica GT, A3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Apr 2007 10:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autocross wreckAutocrossWreckAutoxGT3GT3 wreckGT3 wreck autocrossGt3WreckGt3WreckAutocrossPorsche GT3PorscheGt3SCCASCCA AutocrossSccaAutocrossWed, 25 Apr 2007 10:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Local Texan takes MX-5 Cup season opener in Houston]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/local-texan-takes-mx-5-cup-season-opener-in-houston/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/local-texan-takes-mx-5-cup-season-opener-in-houston/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/23/local-texan-takes-mx-5-cup-season-opener-in-houston/#commentsFiled under: ,



To some observers, the opening round of the SCCA Pro Racing Sirius Mazda MX-5 cup may have looked like a walk in the park for Jason Saini, but it was anything but. After storming to the lead in the first lap, Saini kept a variety of second place contenders at bay, but the track setup for the Houston Grand Prix was comprised of several large, concrete walls - not the best environment for constant airflow.

[Source: MX-5Cup.com]

Continue reading Local Texan takes MX-5 Cup season opener in Houston

Local Texan takes MX-5 Cup season opener in Houston originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>miatamx-5pro racingProRacingsccasiriusMon, 23 Apr 2007 19:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Shelby GT approved to compete in SCCA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/ford-shelby-gt-approved-to-compete-in-scca/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/ford-shelby-gt-approved-to-compete-in-scca/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/13/ford-shelby-gt-approved-to-compete-in-scca/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The SCCA has just given approval to the Ford Shelby GT so the car can be raced in its T2 class. In the process, lucky owners of Mustangs with Ford's Racing Performance Packs were let in as well. The FRPPs boost hp a bit, sharpen handling, strengthen braking, and generally make the 'Stangs more trackable. Seeing as how the Shelby GT is essentially a Mustang GT with these packages installed, any Mustang GT with these upgrades are SCCA legal, too. Because T2 is a Touring Car class in SCCA that tries to stay as close to stock as reasonably possible, modifications are usually a no-no. These factory packs are a little different though, so the SCCA has decided to allow them. Ford also announced contingencies for first and second place finishers that can be found by clicking and registering here. Drivers of the Mustangs will face cars ranging from the Pontiac GTO to Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer EVO in T2. A full press release can be found after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford Shelby GT approved to compete in SCCA

Ford Shelby GT approved to compete in SCCA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ford Racing Performance PackFord Shelby GTFordRacingPerformancePackFordShelbyGtSCCATue, 13 Feb 2007 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda awards young driver with an MX-5 and racing career]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/03/mazda-awards-young-driver-with-an-mx-5-and-racing-career/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/03/mazda-awards-young-driver-with-an-mx-5-and-racing-career/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/03/mazda-awards-young-driver-with-an-mx-5-and-racing-career/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Andrew Caddell celebrates winning the 2006 SCCA National Championship Runoff

You've got to hand it to Mazda. They want to be Zoom Zoom and they poney up the products and the marketing to back it up. Back in October we told you about Mazda's unique sponsorship of the SCCA, where they ran a contest for Mazda drivers in the amateur series. To be eligible to win, drivers had to win of one of the National Championships at the 2006 SCCA Runoffs. The winner gets a MX-5 with a ton of modifications, plenty of MazdaSpeed parts, and the money and tires to race in the 2007 SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup.

After three days of racing, four of the top 25 drivers were in Mazdas and were eligible to win the prizes, which amount to about $50,000 and a chance of a lifetime to race with the pros. 18-year-old Andrew Caddell came in first in the competition by being near perfect in 10 of the 11 on and off track challenges. Needless to say, Andrew is pretty psyched about his spoils, and he can't wait to get to Houston for his first professional race.

[Source: Mazda]

Mazda awards young driver with an MX-5 and racing career originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Feb 2007 11:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MazdaMiataMX-5RX-8SCCAZoom ZoomZoomZoomSat, 03 Feb 2007 11:46:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA: Pontiac Solstice Club Sport Z0K]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/sema-pontiac-solstice-club-sport-z0k/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/sema-pontiac-solstice-club-sport-z0k/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/11/02/sema-pontiac-solstice-club-sport-z0k/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



We really liked this one. Fun little track version of Pontiac's most flingable car. Orange must be this year's black, as it seemed to be everywhere this year. Perhaps the Halloween theme got to the designers' heads. This particular example was a little less vibrant than some, but orange none-the-less, reminding us of traffic cones. Maybe like the ones you'd see out in a parking lot to help mark the track during a SOLO II event. Which is appropriate here.

Celebrating the Solstice's first-ever Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Showroom Stock B National Championship, Pontiac presented this fully race-prepared Solstice Club Sport. Kind of a template for how weekend warriors can set up their own Solstices for SCCA racing. As all SCCA Club Racing Solstices do, this one comes with the Z0K Club Sport regular production order option, which includes a five-speed manual, ABS, a limited-slip differential and the stiffened FE3 suspension.

The engine, unfortunately is the stock N/A 177-hp, 2.4-liter Ecotec, but this is SEMA so the show version also features some of the necessary safety equipment required by the SCCA (rollcage, Hoosier 245/35R18 racing tires, Stainless Steel Brakes Corp. racing brakes, Sparco six-point safety harness and fire suppression system) and what really made this Solstice shine, a bitchin' removable carbon fiber hardtop. More pics after the jump.

Continue reading SEMA: Pontiac Solstice Club Sport Z0K

SEMA: Pontiac Solstice Club Sport Z0K originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Club SportClubSportPontiac SolsticePontiac Solstice Club Sport ZOKPontiacSolsticePontiacSolsticeClubSportZokSCCAZ0KZOKThu, 02 Nov 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[T.C. Kline's Z4 Carbon Coupe competes at SCCA Solo II Champs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/t-c-klines-z4-carbon-coupe-competes-at-scca-solo-ii-champs/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/t-c-klines-z4-carbon-coupe-competes-at-scca-solo-ii-champs/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/20/t-c-klines-z4-carbon-coupe-competes-at-scca-solo-ii-champs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Some may remember the Z4 Carbon Roadster we featured on this page a while back. Produced by Ohio-based BMW tuner T.C. Kline, the Carbon Roadster is basically a heavily modified Z4 less 500 lbs. thanks to a body completely reskinned in carbon fiber. Autoblog reader Ron D. attended this year's SCCA Solo II National Championships, at which he spotted a Z4 Carbon Coupe being campaigned by T.C. Kline himself and Alan McCrispin in the SM2 class. They fared well with Kline finishing 8th and McCrispin 5th out of 13 competitors, including the car crowned champion, a 1993 Mazda RX-7 with a rear spoiler larger than a Cessna wing (see pic after the jump).

We have no information on the Carbon Coupe, but T.C. Kline's website is flashing pictures of the car on its front page. We assume that it shares all mechanicals with the Carbon Roadster, which means the aforementioned carbon fiber reskin that pushes out the fenders to accommodate 18-inch wheels, an aluminum flywheel, custom thin wall stainless steel exhaust that ups power to 346 HP, KONI coil overs, Performance Friction brakes, and Recaro seats. The only difference we see is the roof, which appears to be naked carbon fiber contrasting with the rest of the body's bright orange hue. The Roadster was produced in a limited run of 100 units, so we'd assume the Carbon Coupe is available to buy as well, though no word on whether it costs more or less than the Roadster's $95,000 price tag.

Follow the jump for more pics of the T.C. Kline Carbon Coupe, including shots of it racing at the Solo II Champs courtesy of Ron D.

[Source: T.C. Kline]

Continue reading T.C. Kline's Z4 Carbon Coupe competes at SCCA Solo II Champs

T.C. Kline's Z4 Carbon Coupe competes at SCCA Solo II Champs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 20:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbon coupecarbon fibercarbon roadsterCarbonCoupeCarbonFiberCarbonRoadstersccasolo 2solo IISolo2SoloIit.c. klineT.c.KlineFri, 20 Oct 2006 20:04:00 EST<![CDATA[SCCA Champ gets an MX-5 and entry in 2007 MX-5 Cup]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/10/scca-champion-will-win-2007-mazda-mx-5-and-entry-in-2007-mx-5-cu/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/10/scca-champion-will-win-2007-mazda-mx-5-and-entry-in-2007-mx-5-cu/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/10/scca-champion-will-win-2007-mazda-mx-5-and-entry-in-2007-mx-5-cu/#commentsFiled under: , , ,




Win on Sunday, collect prize on Monday, and maybe win again next season. In the biggest contingency awards program ever, MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development will award a new 2007 Mazda MX-5, along with a box of go-fast goodies, to the winner of the annual SCCA National Championship Runoffs. The MX-5 will be equipped with accessories like a roll-cage, a racing suspension and a whole lotta MAZDASPEED parts. With the car, the equipment, up to 8 sets of Hankook tires, and entry fees paid by the SCCA, the winner will also compete free of charge in the 2007 SCCA Pro Racing SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup Presented by Hankook. Or MX-5 Cup for short. That's more than $35,000 worth of prizes, and doesn't include the $4,000 Mazda will award to each class champion at the Runoffs. That's an outstanding prize that could easily vault the driving career of whichever amateur racer rolls into the winner circle at the Runoffs this year.

Full release with additional details after the jump.

[Source: Mazda]

Continue reading SCCA Champ gets an MX-5 and entry in 2007 MX-5 Cup

SCCA Champ gets an MX-5 and entry in 2007 MX-5 Cup originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MX-5RunoffsSCCATue, 10 Oct 2006 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Solstice a formidable opponent at SCCA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/solstice-a-formidable-opponent-at-scca/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/solstice-a-formidable-opponent-at-scca/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/09/solstice-a-formidable-opponent-at-scca/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Pontiac's newest offering to the convertible market has been gaining more traction (pun intended) in the world of motor sport. Nowhere is that pervasiveness being felt more than in the Showroom Stock B (SSB) class of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). Before 2006, the top slots were dominated by the likes of Mazda and Toyota, with the Miata (MX-5) being one of the most popular choices for weekend racers. That paradigm has begun to shift and in turn, the number of Solsti competing in the SSB Class has quadrupled, from one to four, within the last few months.

At the head of this onslaught is Andrew Aquilante, an 18-year old rookie who claimed his first victory at Lime Rock on July 30th and then proceeded to sweep the Northeast Division championship this past weekend at the Pocono International Raceway. Aquilante's Solstice is running the factory installed Z0K Club Sport package that includes upgraded brakes, an LSD and the FE3 suspension kit.

Although not up to Spec Miata numbers yet, it seems the Solstice is proving to be a serious contender for the disposable income of many aspiring racers.

Full press release after the jump.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Solstice a formidable opponent at SCCA

Solstice a formidable opponent at SCCA originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club sportClubSportmiatamx-5pontiacSCCAShowroom stock BShowroomStockBsolsticesports car club of americaSportsCarClubOfAmericaSSBWed, 09 Aug 2006 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[A brief history of Trans Am racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/26/a-brief-history-of-trans-am-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/26/a-brief-history-of-trans-am-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/26/a-brief-history-of-trans-am-racing/#commentsFiled under:

With an apparent resurgence of muscle cars coming from Detroit, many are reminded of the "good ol' days" of Trans Am racing. This particular series mutated from the SCCA's B-Production Sedan class when the decision was made to award a manufacturer's title - a move that eventually dragged Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, and AMC into a high-dollar factory-sponsored war for muscle car dominance.

The cars competing in Trans Am were built much like their circle-track "stock car" brethren of the day, with each race vehicle being built on a production-based unibody riding on essentially stock suspension components. Homologation was the rule of the day, and this lead to such street legends as the Camaro Z/28, Boss Mustang, AAR Cuda, and of course the Firebird Trans Am - all of which were equipped from the factory with a bone-jarring ride and oversquare V8s that would make today's high-performance four-cylinders seem downright docile in comparison. It was truly a case of "win it on Sunday and sell it on Monday", unlike today's Trans Am series that consists of tube-framed chassis wrapped with bodywork that barely resembles anything you'd find in a showroom. There were widespread rumors of cheating, which we'd rather think of as creative interpretation of the rules. Considering that Trans Am racing drew some of the more creative characters from NASCAR and drag racing, we have no doubt that stories of acid-dipped bodies, illegal non-factory engine components, and expanded fuel capacity are at least rooted in truth, even if a few decades of bench racing has allowed them to take on a life of their own.

When the manufacturers pulled out in 1971, the golden age of Trans Am racing drew to a close - much like the muscle-car era in general. Fast-forward 38 years or so, and maybe the conditions will be ripe for Mustangs, Camaros, and Challengers to once again rub fenders in a big-league racing series. One thing is for certain - production-based racing has never failed to bring better vehicles to consumers, and so without a doubt we'd welcome the sound of uncorked small-block V8s on road courses around the country.

[Source: Car Craft]

A brief history of Trans Am racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 May 2006 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMCAMXCamaroChallengerCougarCudaJavelinMustangSCCATrans AmFri, 26 May 2006 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Solstice impressive in SCCA debut]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/solstice-impressive-in-scca-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/solstice-impressive-in-scca-debut/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/09/solstice-impressive-in-scca-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As we reported last week, General Motors officially decided to take the Solstice racing on a national level by entering it in the Sports Car Club of America road racing series. The first race was last weekend at the New Hampshire International Speedway and the Solstice placed third in the Showroom Stock B class behind a pair of Miatas. The car was prepped by Phoenix Performance and driven by 18-year old Andrew Aquilante. Aquilante is a phenom racer with a few titles already under his belt, and it would appear he's also related to the president of Phoenix Performance, Joe Aquilante.

Aquilante and the Solstice were only 1.3 seconds out of first and the kid recorded the fastest lap time during the race and was the second fastest qualifier of the day. John Heinricy, GM's sultan of speed, was reportedly quite pleased with the outcome of the race and the first outing of the Z0K Club Sport  package on the car that adds a limited-slip differntial, better power steering cooler and the FE3 suspension that will standard on the Solstice GXP.

Check out GM's full release with some more deets after the jump...

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Solstice impressive in SCCA debut

Solstice impressive in SCCA debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 May 2006 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew aquilanteAndrewAquilantemazda miataMazdaMiatamiatasccasolsticesolstice gxpSolsticeGxpsports car club of americaSportsCarClubOfAmericaTue, 09 May 2006 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[It's official: Pontiac Solstice going road racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/its-official-pontiac-solstice-goes-road-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/its-official-pontiac-solstice-goes-road-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/03/its-official-pontiac-solstice-goes-road-racing/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Regular readers will remember the spy photos of a mystery Solstice hardtop we posted a month ago. Well, General Motors has made it official, the Solstice is going to compete in National-level Sports Car Club of America road racing. The Solstice racer will make its debut this weekend at the SCCA National event at New Hampshire International Speedway.

The upstart Pontiac will race in the Showroom Stock B class, alongside the Mazda Miata, BMW Z4, Acura RSX and Honda Civic.

You can get your own Solstice racer by ordering your Solstice with the Z0K Club Sport production order option package, which includes ABS, a limited-slip differential, improved power steering cooler and the FE3 suspension option (which will be standard on the Solstice GXP).

Racers will want a few extras before hitting the track, including the nifty racing-only hardtop, racing tires, rollcage, safety harness, etc.

[Source: GM]

It's official: Pontiac Solstice going road racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 May 2006 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>road racingsccashowroom stocksolstice race carsolstice racerSolsticeRacerssbWed, 03 May 2006 17:01:00 EST