Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[GRAND-AM, IMSA announce deal to bring DTM racing to US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/grand-am-imsa-announce-deal-to-bring-dtm-racing-to-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/grand-am-imsa-announce-deal-to-bring-dtm-racing-to-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/29/grand-am-imsa-announce-deal-to-bring-dtm-racing-to-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi A5 DTM racer - profile view

It won't be until 2015 at the earliest, but the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), Grand-Am and the Internationale Tourenwagen-Rennen have agreed to a licensing and cooperation deal that could bring a version of Germany's DTM series to the US.

When the American Le Mans Series and Grand-Am are officially combined next year, the resulting body will be called United SportsCar Racing (USCR). IMSA will be the sanctioning body for that series, and DTM races could be run as support events. It was also suggested by an ALMS chief that DTM races could be standalone or join NASCAR and IndyCar weekends.

With the so-called DTM America finally agreed to, there is now a way for manufacturers to run the same DTM-type cars in Europe, the US and Japan - last year Japan's Super GT series agreed to adopt "the basic technical regulations" of DTM for the GT500 class, the top class in the series. That already puts six manufacturers in play: Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW that run in Germany's DTM and Honda, Nissan and Lexus that run in Super GT. The DTM oversight body has invited American brands to Germany for the opening round of the 2013 season, and will begin actively courting their participation in the US series. Check out the press release from Audi with comments on the deal below.

Continue reading GRAND-AM, IMSA announce deal to bring DTM racing to US

GRAND-AM, IMSA announce deal to bring DTM racing to US originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsaudibmwdtmgrand-amimsamercedesmotorsportstouring carunited sportscar racinguscrFri, 29 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20520541/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/29/grand-am-imsa-announce-deal-to-bring-dtm-racing-to-us/20520541/article-detail.xml 20520541 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/dtmamericadeal_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/dtmamericadeal.jpg <![CDATA[Lamborghini Super Trofeo one-make racing series coming to America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/lamborghini-super-trofeo-one-make-racing-series-coming-to-americ/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/lamborghini-super-trofeo-one-make-racing-series-coming-to-americ/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/lamborghini-super-trofeo-one-make-racing-series-coming-to-americ/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Starting in June, racing fans in North America will have another way to get their fix. Lamborghini is bringing its Super Trofeo series to the US and Canada in a "long-term" deal that kicks off in a six-race season this year and should bring some extra excitement to the newly formed United SportCar Racing series in coming years.

The inaugural Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America race will be held at Mid-Ohio on June 15 and 16 with most of the rounds running alongside Grand-Am, International Motor Sport Association and American Le Mans Series races; the season finale will be held at the Indy Car event at Fontana, California on October 18 and 19. More importantly, the winners of each round will compete in a world final at a race in Italy against winner from the Super Trofeo races in Europe and Asia.

All competitors will be piloting specially prepared Gallardo LP 570-4 racecars featuring 570-horsepower V10 engines and paired with all-wheel drive. Scroll down for the Lamborghini press release, which gives the full six-race schedule.

Continue reading Lamborghini Super Trofeo one-make racing series coming to America

Lamborghini Super Trofeo one-make racing series coming to America originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesgrand-amimsainternational motor sports associationlamborghinilamborghini gallardolamborghini squadra corseLamborghini super trofeolamborghini super trofeo north americaunited sportscar racingunited sportscar racing seriesWed, 20 Mar 2013 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20507289/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/20/lamborghini-super-trofeo-one-make-racing-series-coming-to-americ/20507289/article-detail.xml 20507289 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/lamborghini-super-trofeo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/lamborghini-super-trofeo.jpg <![CDATA[Grand-Am, ALMS merger results in new United SportsCar Racing series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/grand-am-alms-merger-results-in-new-united-sportscar-racing-ser/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/grand-am-alms-merger-results-in-new-united-sportscar-racing-ser/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/15/grand-am-alms-merger-results-in-new-united-sportscar-racing-ser/#commentsFiled under: ,



After the merger between Grand-Am and the American Le Mans Series was announced last year, a contest was held to name the new combined series, and that new name is now officially the United SportCar Racing series. This new branding will take place at the start of the 2014 season beginning with the Rolex 24 at Daytona.

Fans of the American Le Mans Series are probably losing the most in this new series. Not only is the ALMS name (along with the connection to the 24 Hours of Le Mans) going away, but the more exciting P1 prototype class is also being dropped. In the new United SportCar Racing series, the new Prototype class will consist of Daytona Prototypes, ALMS P2 cars and the DeltaWing (including a new closed-cockpit version). The ALMS GT class will be renamed GT Le Mans (GTLM), while GT Daytona (GTD) will combine the current Grand-Am GT class and the ALMS' GTC cars. The Prototype Challenge (PC) and GX classes will both carry over unchanged from Grand-Am and ALMS, respectively.

Grand-Am, ALMS merger results in new United SportsCar Racing series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesauto racingcar racingdeltawinggrand-amgrand-am alms mergermotorsportsunited sportscar racing seriesFri, 15 Mar 2013 13:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20505780/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/15/grand-am-alms-merger-results-in-new-united-sportscar-racing-ser/20505780/article-detail.xml 20505780 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/united-sportscar-racing-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/united-sportscar-racing-logo.jpg <![CDATA[The 2013 Rolex 24-hour race at Daytona comes down to the last hour [spoilers, w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/the-2013-rolex-24-hour-race-at-daytona-comes-down-to-the-last-ho/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/the-2013-rolex-24-hour-race-at-daytona-comes-down-to-the-last-ho/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/the-2013-rolex-24-hour-race-at-daytona-comes-down-to-the-last-ho/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,



It took 24 hours to run the race, but it was the last one was stuffed with the high action as four cars were still trying to figure out how to gain victory on the track and in the pits. Along with the obligatory crashes, spins, mechanical issues and retirements had come numerous penalties, a double-digit number of full-course yellows and two hours of fog that turned early Sunday morning into a stretch of parade laps.

The final hour would make up for the morning - drivers who might have been happy just to get on the podium had a shot at victory as the end of the race approached, and that turned into a few gambles that paid off, and at least one that didn't...

Continue reading The 2013 Rolex 24-hour race at Daytona comes down to the last hour [spoilers, w/video]

The 2013 Rolex 24-hour race at Daytona comes down to the last hour [spoilers, w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audicaymanganassiganassi racinggrand amgrand-ammotorsportsporscher8rolex 24 at daytonaMon, 28 Jan 2013 17:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20440379/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/28/the-2013-rolex-24-hour-race-at-daytona-comes-down-to-the-last-ho/20440379/article-detail.xml 20440379 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rolex1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/rolex1.jpg <![CDATA[Mega Galleries: All day and into the night at the Rolex 24 at Daytona]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/mega-galleries-all-day-and-into-the-night-at-the-rolex-24-at-da/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/mega-galleries-all-day-and-into-the-night-at-the-rolex-24-at-da/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/mega-galleries-all-day-and-into-the-night-at-the-rolex-24-at-da/#commentsFiled under:



The Rolex 24 at Daytona is still running, and we spent yesterday and a healthy portion of the evening absorbing the agitato thunder of the Daytona Prototypes, the mezzo-soprano howl of the GT cars, the RVs, the bonfires, the numerous full-course yellows, the back-course braking into the Bus Stop and, of course, the ferris wheel.

We'll be back with a race recap after the victors are decided, so for now enjoy some photos of what we've seen so far.

Mega Galleries: All day and into the night at the Rolex 24 at Daytona originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daytonadaytona international speedwaygrand amgrand-amracingrolex 24 at daytonaSun, 27 Jan 2013 14:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439976/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/27/mega-galleries-all-day-and-into-the-night-at-the-rolex-24-at-da/20439976/article-detail.xml 20439976 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/nightdaytona_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/nightdaytona.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda6 GX Grand-Am racer goes where no diesel sedan has gone before]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/mazda6-gx-grand-am-racer-goes-where-no-diesel-sedan-has-gone-bef/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/mazda6-gx-grand-am-racer-goes-where-no-diesel-sedan-has-gone-bef/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/mazda6-gx-grand-am-racer-goes-where-no-diesel-sedan-has-gone-bef/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



There has never been a four-door diesel sedan in the Grand-Am series, until now: The blunt, bewinged grille of the Mazda6 GX has blown right through that wall. It's said that racing improves the breed, but usually the breed has gone on sale when the racing begins. One of the unusual aspects of the Mazda6 GX, on the other hand, is that while the diesel won't go on sale to the public until later this year, it will already have tasted racing blood by the end of the day. That kind of reversal is more likely found with super coupes like the Lexus LFA and Honda NSX.

Mazda has taken class wins at Daytona's 24-hour race a whopping 23 times since 1975, most recently in 2010 with the RX-8 in the GT class. This year the Hiroshima company decided to show off its SkyActiv technology, then turned things up to eleven by opting for its SkyActiv-D instead of the more conventional SkyActiv-G gas engine to run in the new GX class. It will be joined by competitors like the Lotus Evora and Porsche Cayman in the class, nevertheless, at 2.4 liters, it's the smallest engine on the grid.

Time has not been a friend, either - Mazda said that the first five SkyActiv-D engines off the production line went to Speed Source in Coral Springs, Florida, the company that preps Mazda's race vehicles. Still, race driver Jonathan Baumarito on the #70 car said that although the engine's been on the dyno since February of last year, it's only been in the car for about a month and there have been only a couple of test days.

Speed Source owner, team driver and multiple 24-hour winner Sylvain Tremblay - he drove in the teams that won in 2008 and 2010 in the RX-8 - said the big challenge right now is getting the gearing right. Both Tremblay and Baumarito said that the diesel's torque is a plus through the Bus Stop section at the back of the course, entered after coming off the high-speed banked turn. But Tremblay said that the first infield section of horseshoes is more trying because the SkyActiv-D needs to be on boost to get its power on, and that doesn't happen until after 3,500; maintaining that through slow-speed turns and having enough to get the job done through the high-speed ovals is the test.

There are three Mazda6 GXs competing, Everyone is cautiously optimistic about how things might go during the race, but in fairness this has to be looked at as a 24-hour testing session. Road & Track rode shotgun for a lap in the #00 Visit Florida Racing car, you can check out the sounds of diesel at Daytona in the video below.

Continue reading Mazda6 GX Grand-Am racer goes where no diesel sedan has gone before

Mazda6 GX Grand-Am racer goes where no diesel sedan has gone before originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daytonagrand amgrand-ammazdamazda6mazda6 gxRolex 24 at Daytonaskyactivskyactiv-dSat, 26 Jan 2013 19:03:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439793/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/26/mazda6-gx-grand-am-racer-goes-where-no-diesel-sedan-has-gone-bef/20439793/article-detail.xml 20439793 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazda6gxg-am_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazda6gxg-am.jpg <![CDATA[Notes from day one of the Rolex 24 at Daytona]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/notes-from-day-one-of-the-rolex-24-at-daytona/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/notes-from-day-one-of-the-rolex-24-at-daytona/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/26/notes-from-day-one-of-the-rolex-24-at-daytona/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



We came to Daytona Beach, Florida where you can drive on the beach, gun shops outnumber doughnut shops and you can putt-putt and fish for alligators at the same place. But we're not here for any of that - we've made the trip with Audi in order to experience the Rolex 24 at Daytona, the first race in the 2013 Grand-Am season and the only 24-hour race in America.

Three teams are racing four Audi R8 Grand-Am cars - WeatherTech Racing, Rum Bum Racing and APR, which is running two cars. Shown to the world two years ago, the R8 Grand-Am is part of Audi Sport's R8 LMS customer racing program that was commenced in 2008, and ever since 2009 has been nabbing success all over the world: In four years it has taken 154 victories and 17 series titles. That is with less than 100 cars sold to customers throughout the world, and the trophies - either class wins or overall victories - have been gathered from all of the major endurance races except one: Daytona.

Continue reading Notes from day one of the Rolex 24 at Daytona

Notes from day one of the Rolex 24 at Daytona originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8 grand-amdaytonagrand amgrand-amr8r8 grand-amr8 lmsr8 lms ultrarolex 24 at daytonaSat, 26 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439692/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/26/notes-from-day-one-of-the-rolex-24-at-daytona/20439692/article-detail.xml 20439692 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/daytonagrand-am1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/daytonagrand-am1.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda6 diesel to race at Rolex 24, team and drivers announced]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/mazda6-diesel-to-race-at-rolex-24-team-and-drivers-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/mazda6-diesel-to-race-at-rolex-24-team-and-drivers-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/04/mazda6-diesel-to-race-at-rolex-24-team-and-drivers-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2014 Mazda5 Daytona 24 Race Car Teaser

2014 Mazda6 teams at the Daytona 24 HoursMazda is getting serious about showing off the Skyactiv-D turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine in the Mazda6. The automaker has just announced it will campaign three diesel Mazda6 racers in the Grand-Am GX class of the upcoming 2013 Rolex 24 at Daytona in a quest to walk away with the company's 24th class win. Mazda partnered with SpeedSource to develop the race version of the new sedan, with Japanese and American engineers lending a helping hand where needed. Meanwhile, Freedom Autosport and Visit Florida Racing/SpeedSource/Yellow Dragon Racing will helm teams of their own.

Each car will make use of a five-driver team for the 24-hour race on January 26. In the interim, you can check out the full press release below for more information as well as the full driver roster. Mazda says we can expect to see the No. 70 SpeedSource car under the lights at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show later this month, as well.

Continue reading Mazda6 diesel to race at Rolex 24, team and drivers announced

Mazda6 diesel to race at Rolex 24, team and drivers announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 mazda6grand-amgrand-am gxmazdamazda6motorsportskyactivskyactiv-dFri, 04 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20416994/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/04/mazda6-diesel-to-race-at-rolex-24-team-and-drivers-announced/20416994/article-detail.xml 20416994 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazda6-daytona-24-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/mazda6-daytona-24-628.jpg <![CDATA[Diesel-powered Mazda6 going racing in Grand-Am Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/diesel-powered-mazda6-going-racing-in-grand-am-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/diesel-powered-mazda6-going-racing-in-grand-am-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/30/diesel-powered-mazda6-going-racing-in-grand-am-series/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Diesel-powered Mazda6 Grand-Am Series racer - artist's rendering

The diesel version of the 2014 Mazda6 won't be hitting North American showrooms until the middle of next year, but we won't have to wait that long to see the car in action. Mazda will enter its midsize sedan in the new Grand-Am GX class with a Skyactiv-D clean diesel engine under the hood, and the car will make its racing debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 26. This will be the first time in the race's 60-year history that a diesel-powered car has competed in the 24-hour race.

We first heard about the 2.2-liter turbocharged Skyactiv-D race engine back in June, but we now know it will used in the Mazda6 and we have a little bit better of an idea of power output. Developed in conjunction with SpeedSource, the clean diesel racer is said to produce more than 400 horsepower using many of the same components that will be found on the passenger version of the car.

The newly created GX class will race against the Daytona Prototypes and GT class cars, and its goal is to provide a race class for alternative fuels and technologies. In addition to the Mazda6, the Lotus Evora GX will also compete in the this class, which will be composed of 13 models from 12 automakers - including Audi, Hyundai, Ford and Scion.

Scroll down for Mazda's press release, and be sure to check out the Grand-Am link for more information.

Continue reading Diesel-powered Mazda6 going racing in Grand-Am Series

Diesel-powered Mazda6 going racing in Grand-Am Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 991 Porsche 911 is already on the streets, but we're going to have to wait until 2014 before we see the car in race form on the track. Porsche Motorsport recently announced that it is ending development of the current 997-based 911 GT3 RSR used in the American Le Mans Series in preparation of the new car. Porsche also revealed that its ALMS GT class partnership with Flying Lizard Motorsports is being discontinued as well. While there will be no more 997 cars built for 2013, Porsche will still be supplying teams with extra parts and tubs to compete.

Porsche's announcement, of course, coincides with the recent news that ALMS and Grand-Am are merging for the 2014 season. It isn't clear how the merger will play out between the ALMS and Rolex Series GT cars, but Andy Schupack of Porsche motorsports PR says the merger could get "complicated" since the RSR would be illegal under the current Grand-Am rules.

"It is possible that there will be two GT classes: one for the ALMS GT cars and second class that will probably combine the ALMS GT Challenge with the Rolex GT cars," said Schupack in a phone interview. "The big difference between the two classes now is that Grand-Am cars are tube-frame cars and ALMS GT uses a real chassis that has more in common with a road car."

Schupack also said that there is a possibility that the merger could bring the IMSA GT3 Cup Challenge - a one-make series currently running the 911 GT3 - to Daytona International Speedway for the first time.

Continue reading Porsche moving on from 911 GT3 RSR Type 997, new 991-based racer will be ready by 2014

Porsche moving on from 911 GT3 RSR Type 997, new 991-based racer will be ready by 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 09:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earlier reports of a merger between the American Le Mans Series and the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series have proven to be well founded today, as representatives from both series have confirmed that the merger is indeed taking place.

Grand-Am founder Jim France and ALMS founder Don Panoz stated jointly this afternoon that the new sports car racing series, as yet unnamed, will kick off with its first joint race at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in 2014. The new series is likely to present a schedule of some 12 races per year, though each series will continue on independently for the 2013 season.

While no confirmation of the exact racing-class structure has been given yet, a continuation of the popular Prototype and GT classes seems likely. Evidence for this came in the form of some Grand-Am and ALMS cars on display for the announcement: a Corvette Daytona Prototype, SRT Viper GTS-R and a Lola B12/80 Judd, amongst others.

France (the son of legendary NASCAR founder, Bill France Sr.) will take on the role of Chairman for the new series, with Panoz serving as Vice Chairman.

Some larger support from NASCAR is seemingly in evidence, too, with three members of that series' executive structure serving as board members for the new sports car racing tie-up.

For their part, early response to the announcement on the part of participating automakers seems bullish. Jamie Allison, Director of Ford Racing, called the event an "epic moment for sports car racing in America." Echoing those sentiments, Ralph Gilles, President and CEO of SRT, said in a press release, "Congratulations to both leadership teams for unifying their efforts to create what will certainly be an amazing new series featuring outstanding sports car competition at some of the most legendary race courses."

ALMS and Grand-Am make merger official, first joint race named originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesdon panozgrand-amgrand-am alms mergergrand-am seriesjim francemergernascarWed, 05 Sep 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20316956/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/05/alms-and-grand-am-make-merger-official-first-joint-race-named/20316956/article-detail.xml 20316956 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/alms-grand-am-merger-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/alms-grand-am-merger-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus Evora GX to race in U.S. Grand-Am series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/lotus-evora-gx-to-race-in-u-s-grand-am-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/lotus-evora-gx-to-race-in-u-s-grand-am-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/26/lotus-evora-gx-to-race-in-u-s-grand-am-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lotus Evora GX

The Lotus Evora has taken many forms as a race car over the past few years, starting in 2009 with the Type 124 Endurance Racer built for the FIA GT. Since then, Lotus has developed a GT4 Cup version designed for a one-make series, the Evora GTE that currently competes in the GT class of the ALMS and the recently introduced Evora GTC.

Now, Lotus has released the Evora GX, a variation of the GTC tweaked to specifically meet the requirements of Grand-Am's new GX class that will launch at the start of the 2013 race season. While the two cars are very similar, using the same lightweight carbon fiber and plexiglass bodywork, the GX version gets a thicker U.S.-spec roll cage, a revised front splitter and bumper, a standard Grand-Am rear wing, yellow headlights and a new fuel filler system. ABS and traction control have also been removed per Grand-Am regulations.

Pricing for the Evora GX is listed at $335,000 with each one built to order, and one customer has already taken the plunge. McMahon Raceworks has placed an order and should have the car on the starting grid at the first race next year.

Scroll down to read the official announcement from Lotus.

Continue reading Lotus Evora GX to race in U.S. Grand-Am series

Lotus Evora GX to race in U.S. Grand-Am series originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>evoragrand-amgrand-am gxlotuslotus evoralotus evora gxThu, 26 Jul 2012 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20286520/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/26/lotus-evora-gx-to-race-in-u-s-grand-am-series/20286520/article-detail.xml 20286520 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lotus-evora-gx_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/lotus-evora-gx.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Racing offering B-spec upgrade kit for Fiesta owners]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/ford-racing-offering-b-spec-upgrade-kit-for-fiesta-owners/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/ford-racing-offering-b-spec-upgrade-kit-for-fiesta-owners/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/12/ford-racing-offering-b-spec-upgrade-kit-for-fiesta-owners/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Ford Fiesta B-Spec

Motorsports is expensive in any form, although there are ways to do it without completely breaking the bank. One of those ways is the relatively new B-Spec class featuring the compact offerings of Honda, Mazda, Toyota, Kia, Mini and more that allows racers to compete in SCCA and Grand-Am racing on a relatively level and inexpensive playing field.

Ford is the latest to enter the B-Spec foray with an upgrade kit for the current 2011-2012 Fiesta. The package includes everything from a tow hook ($59.00) to a coilover suspension kit ($1,486.00) to make the Fiesta meet the B-Spec eligibility requirements. Racers will also need to add a variety of safety equipment like a roll cage, racing seats and so on. Ford says that it will cost just $25,000 to build a complete Fiesta B-Spec racer, including the cost of the donor car.

The first SCCA B-Spec race is scheduled for Miller Motorsports Park in Utah late next month while the inaugural Grand-Am B-Spec event is slated for Homestead Speedway in Miami the same weekend.

Hit the jump for more details about the Ford Fiesta B-Spec upgrade kit and a complete list of parts included in the package.

Continue reading Ford Racing offering B-spec upgrade kit for Fiesta owners

Ford Racing offering B-spec upgrade kit for Fiesta owners originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>b-specfiestafordford fiestaford fiesta b-specgrand-amsccaMon, 12 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20189799/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/12/ford-racing-offering-b-spec-upgrade-kit-for-fiesta-owners/20189799/article-detail.xml 20189799 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/ford-fiesta-b-spec_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/ford-fiesta-b-spec.jpg <![CDATA[First pics of the Grand-Am Rolex Series Audi R8 LMS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/first-pics-of-the-grand-am-rolex-series-audi-r8-lms/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/first-pics-of-the-grand-am-rolex-series-audi-r8-lms/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/10/first-pics-of-the-grand-am-rolex-series-audi-r8-lms/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Audi of America recently took delivery of a U.S.-customer-spec R8 LMS Ultra meant for testing next month, and the gents at Quattroworld were able to get a picture of it. Being lighter, safer, and better balanced, the V10-powered racer with up to 570 horsepower is expected to outdo its multiple-title-winning predecessor.

It will be campaigned by APR racing in 2012. Although the stars-and-stripes outerwear doesn't look nearly as mean as just plain silver, the patriotic paint scheme could be good for shaving off a few tenths per lap when the winged coupe officially rolls out at the Grand-Am test days in January.

Head on over to Quattroworld for more details on this car and some tidbits on Audi's racing program, including the outrageous revelation offered by an Audi engineer when asked how often they had to overhaul the engines: "I don't know, we never have had to rebuild one."

First pics of the Grand-Am Rolex Series Audi R8 LMS originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi grand-amaudi lmsaudi r8 lms ultragrand-amlmsr8 lmsr8 lms ultraSat, 10 Dec 2011 14:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20122512/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/10/first-pics-of-the-grand-am-rolex-series-audi-r8-lms/20122512/article-detail.xml 20122512 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/r8gtalmscustomer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/r8gtalmscustomer.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Chevrolet Corvette Daytona Prototype unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/2012-chevrolet-corvette-daytona-prototype-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/2012-chevrolet-corvette-daytona-prototype-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/15/2012-chevrolet-corvette-daytona-prototype-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Daytona Prototype

It's not every day that we get to feast our eyes on a new Corvette, and even if this isn't the much-anticipated C7, well, at least this one is in the here and now. This 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Daytona Prototype will race in the Grand-Am Road Racing Series next season, making its competitive debut at the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway on January 28.

"The 2012 Corvette Daytona Prototype was developed by a multifaceted effort involving Chevrolet, Corvette designers, Pratt & Miller and Grand-Am. Chevrolet also worked closely with chassis builders Riley, Coyote and Dallara," said Mark Kent, General Motors Racing Director, in a statement.

Four teams will run the Corvettes, the No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Racing, No. 10 SunTrust Racing, No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing, and the No. 5 and No. 9 Action Express Racing teams. The new race car will participate in testing at Daytona on Wednesday, Nov. 16. The Corvette Racing crew last won Daytona with its C5-R in 2001. Follow the jump to read the press release, but be sure to check out the racer in our high-res gallery first.

Continue reading 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Daytona Prototype unveiled

2012 Chevrolet Corvette Daytona Prototype unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet corvettechevycorvettecorvette daytona prototypecorvette racingdaytonagrand-amrolex 24Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20107118/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/15/2012-chevrolet-corvette-daytona-prototype-unveiled/20107118/article-detail.xml 20107118 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-chevrolet-corvette-grand-am-prototpe-opt-1321392516_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/2012-chevrolet-corvette-grand-am-prototpe-opt-1321392516.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy bringing Belle Isle Grand Prix back to Detroit in 2012]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/chevy-bringing-belle-isle-grand-prix-back-to-detroit-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/chevy-bringing-belle-isle-grand-prix-back-to-detroit-in-2012/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/12/chevy-bringing-belle-isle-grand-prix-back-to-detroit-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Detroit Grand Prix

Open-wheel racing is returning to the Motor City next summer. The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix will be held June 1-3, the first of a three-year sponsorship deal between General Motors, Penske Corporation and the IndyCar series. The weekend of racing will feature not only an IndyCar race, but the first Grand-Am event ever held on Detroit's island course.

The new Detroit race will take the place of another IndyCar event on the schedule, though officials did not say which one. IndyCar officials expect starting grids to have 25-28 cars next season. Other support races for the Detroit weekend include a Cadillac V-Series Challenge and an Indy Light race.

Race organizers said they plan to spend $6 million to rehab the racing facility, which last saw action in 2008. Detroit has a long and tumultuous history of hosting open wheel racing events on city streets, dating back to 1982, when Formula 1 ran on a course through downtown. In 1992 the Detroit Grand Prix moved to the current location at Belle Isle, a public park in the Detroit River, where several races under different sanctioning bodies have been held intermittently over the years. Follow the jump for GM's official release.

Continue reading Chevy bringing Belle Isle Grand Prix back to Detroit in 2012

Chevy bringing Belle Isle Grand Prix back to Detroit in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belle islecadillaccadillac v-series challengechevroletdetroitdetroit grand prixgeneral motorsgmgrand-amindy lightsindycarpenskeracingWed, 12 Oct 2011 11:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20079789/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/10/12/chevy-bringing-belle-isle-grand-prix-back-to-detroit-in-2012/20079789/article-detail.xml 20079789 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/belleisleaerial-2o1y0949-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/belleisleaerial-2o1y0949-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Audi homologating R8 LMS for Grand Am racing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/#commentsFiled under: ,

audi r8 lms

Audi has been racking up motorsports wins all over the world thanks to its R8 LMS track star. The GT3 racer has compiled over 100 victories in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. Now it's time for the four-ringed race car to earn a few checkered flags in North America, as Audi has announced that it is bringing the R8 LMS Stateside to run in the Grand-Am series.

If you're the owner of a racing team here in the U.S., now is the time to get excited. Audi will sell you a Grand-Am-ready R8 LMS, and offer support through its Audi Sport customer racing group. The R8 LMS will make its U.S. debut at the 50th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Principles of racing teams, click past the jump to read the full press release. OK fine, even if you don't own a race team, you can still read it.

Continue reading Audi homologating R8 LMS for Grand Am racing

Audi homologating R8 LMS for Grand Am racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi motorsportsaudi r8 gt3audi r8 lmsgrand-amgt3r8r8 gt3r8 lmsFri, 09 Sep 2011 08:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20037057/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/09/audi-homologating-r8-lms-for-grand-am-racing/20037057/article-detail.xml 20037057 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/002-audi-r8-lms-lead_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/002-audi-r8-lms-lead.jpg <![CDATA[Kia captures first-ever motorsports victory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/kia-captures-first-ever-motorsports-victory/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/kia-captures-first-ever-motorsports-victory/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/13/kia-captures-first-ever-motorsports-victory/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Kia Forte Koup GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race car
Kia earns its first motorsports victory - Click above for high-res image gallery

Kia first entered the motorsports game in 2010. Using its Forte Koup, Kia entered into the Grand-Am racing series in the street tuner class, with 2010 being considered a development year for the newborn racing team. It would appear that things have developed quite well because Kia, along with Kinetic Motorsports, has earned its first-ever first-place finish.

Barber Motorsports Park played host to the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge and Kia brought its pair of racing Forte Koups to the event. Car number 10, driven by Michael Galati and Nic Jönsson, took the lead with just 30 minutes of racing time left. Jönsson kept the 10 car ahead of the pack and brought home the victory. Kia's number 12 car managed to grab a top 10 finish as well, making for an all-around successful day at the track. Kia's full press blast is available after the jump.


Gallery: Kia Forte Koup GRAND-AM Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge race car


[Source: Kia]

Continue reading Kia captures first-ever motorsports victory

Kia captures first-ever motorsports victory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forte koupgrand-amgrand-am continental tire sports car challengekiakia forte koupkia racingkinetic motorsportsmicahel galatinic jonssonWed, 13 Apr 2011 09:02:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19910598/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/13/kia-captures-first-ever-motorsports-victory/19910598/article-detail.xml 19910598 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/68-1302639824_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/68-1302639824.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Mustang Boss 302R captures first Grand-Am victory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/ford-mustang-boss-302r-captures-first-grand-am-victory/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/ford-mustang-boss-302r-captures-first-grand-am-victory/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/11/ford-mustang-boss-302r-captures-first-grand-am-victory/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Multimatic Motorsports Mustang Boss 302R
Multimatic Motorsports Mustang Boss 302R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ford has been quite successful in Grand-Am's Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge, most recently winning the championship in 2009 with the FR500C Mustang. Last year, Ford Racing introduced the Mustang Boss 302R into the series, but as with any new race car, it had various kinks and bugs to work through. The Boss 302R ended the 2010 race season without a victory, and the championship went to the BMW M3.

Things are looking up once again for the Mustang, however, with the Mustang Boss 302R taking its first victory this past weekend at Barber Motorsports park. Multimatic Motorsports drivers Scott Maxwell and Joe Foster brought home the win, while the Roush Boss 302R of Jack Roush Jr. finished in third place. The Multimatic Motorsports team is currently five points behind Turner Motorsports and its BMW M3.

You can read full details about the Boss 302R's first victory in the press release after the jump, or hit up the gallery below for your full of high-res road racing pony cars.


Gallery: Multimatic Motorsports Mustang Boss 302R


[Source: Ford | Images: Grand-Am]

Continue reading Ford Mustang Boss 302R captures first Grand-Am victory

Ford Mustang Boss 302R captures first Grand-Am victory originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Apr 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boss 302rfordford mustangford mustang boss 302rgrand-ammultimatic motorsportsmustangmustang boss 302rMon, 11 Apr 2011 15:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19908460/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/11/ford-mustang-boss-302r-captures-first-grand-am-victory/19908460/article-detail.xml 19908460 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/multimatic-boss-302r_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/multimatic-boss-302r.jpg <![CDATA[Chicago 2011: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/chicago-2011-kia-optima-turbo-sx-kinetic-race-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/chicago-2011-kia-optima-turbo-sx-kinetic-race-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/10/chicago-2011-kia-optima-turbo-sx-kinetic-race-car/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car
Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Is Kia considering following the lead set by Toyota in crafting an entry into NASCAR? No - at least not that we know of. But the Korean automaker is proving it has an interest in racing nonetheless, as you can see from the 2011 Kia Optima Turbo SX built by Kinetic Motorsports seen above.

According to Kia, this race car was built as a prototype to showcase the performance and racing capabilites of the Optima. Performance aside, this machine, which is being shown off at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, certainly looks the part of a credible racer.

It's worth noting that the Kia Forte race car, also built by Kia racing partner Kinetic, finished second in the Grand-Am race at Daytona a few weeks ago. Will the Optima be following suit? It certainly wouldn't be a complete surprise...


Gallery: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race CarKia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race CarKia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race CarKia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race CarKia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car

Chicago 2011: Kia Optima Turbo SX Kinetic Race Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 chicago auto show2011 kia optimachicagochicago 2011grand-amkiakia optima turbo sxkineticoptimaoptima turbo sxThu, 10 Feb 2011 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19838947/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/02/10/chicago-2011-kia-optima-turbo-sx-kinetic-race-car/19838947/article-detail.xml 19838947 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/kia-optima-race-car_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/kia-optima-race-car.jpg -1 2