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[Viper TA track-special unveiled to avenge loss to ZR1 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Ready for round two? Friend of Autoblog and Motor Trend personality Jonny Lieberman has helped SRT whip the covers off the new Viper TA (which stands for Time Attack, apparently) by putting professional racecar driver Randy Pobst behind the wheel and pointing him at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with cameras in tow.

What those cameras captured includes plenty of footage of a Crusher Orange SRT Viper TA running amok at The Corkscrew and generally bludgeoning the race track into submission. Updates to the Viper package for TA duty include bigger brakes from Brembo, a Carbon Fiber Aero Package that includes a massive rear wing and a Track Package that boasts better wheels and Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.

Weight savings are found via a new carbon fiber X-brace underhood along with badges that have been replaced with stickers (seriously). Perhaps most importantly, the TA comes equipped with the two-mode remote reservoir shocks seen on the more expensive GTS. While the GTS offers Street and Track modes, the TA goes a step further with Smooth and Rough settings - no Street mode here.

The result? According to Motor Trend, the TA is the fastest Viper it's ever tested, reaching 60 miles per hour in 3.3 seconds and a quarter-mile ET of 11.3 seconds at 129.3 mph. But is the TA good enough to beat the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, the car that beat the Viper the last time MT put them together at Laguna Seca? Scroll down below to find out, and join us in waiting for round three, when Chevy releases the next generation of its Corvette for the track.

Continue reading Viper TA track-special unveiled to avenge loss to ZR1 [w/video]

Viper TA track-special unveiled to avenge loss to ZR1 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Mar 2013 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 srt viper tachevychevy corvettechevy corvette zr1laguna secamotor trendrandy pobstsrtsrt vipersrt viper taMon, 18 Mar 2013 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20508952/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/18/viper-ta-track-special-unveiled-to-avenge-loss-to-zr1/20508952/article-detail.xml 20508952 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/srt-viper-ta-03-opt_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/srt-viper-ta-03-opt.png <![CDATA[2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sets lap record at Laguna Seca, beats new SRT Viper]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-sets-lap-record-at-laguna-seca-beat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-sets-lap-record-at-laguna-seca-beat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/17/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-sets-lap-record-at-laguna-seca-beat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Racer Randy Pobst with 2013 Corvette ZR1, 2013 Viper GTS

As you may have heard, Motor Trend recently threw the 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and the 2013 SRT Viper at each other. And while it was somewhat shocking to hear that the aging ZR1 actually managed to narrowly walk away as the winner of this particular scrap, something else interesting happened during the dust up. Motor Trend called on pro driver Randy Pobst to thrash the two bruisers around Laguna Seca, and thrash he did. Pobst managed to bolt out a time of 1:33.70 in the ZR1, besting the old record of 1:33.99 set by Chris Winkler some three years ago. Winkler managed the task in a 2010 Dodge Viper ACR.

Pobst managed to pull down a 1:35.77 in the SRT Viper, making it the sixth-fastest car M/T has ever put through its paces at Laguna Seca. Don't shed a tear for the terror from SRT, though - the 2013 Viper is still quicker than hardware like the Ferrari 458 Italia, Lexus LFA and Nissan GT-R.

Unsurprisingly, the record-breaking story has triggered defensive posturing from the SRT camp, with none other than brand boss Ralph Gilles leaving comments on his Twitter feed like "There is a lot more left in the car, Randy has always struggled with the Viper" and "We've tested both cars at several tracks and never seen a gap like that. Many drivers needlessly fear the Viper.

The ZR1 may have drawn first blood on its way out the door, but one thing is for sure - this is only the first skirmish in what looks to be a long and highly entertaining battle.

2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 sets lap record at Laguna Seca, beats new SRT Viper originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 chevrolet corvette zr12013 srt viper gtschevroletchevrolet corvette zr1corvettecorvette zr1laguna secamotor trendpobstrandy pobstsrtsrt viper gtsviper gtszr1Mon, 17 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20405332/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/17/2013-chevrolet-corvette-zr1-sets-lap-record-at-laguna-seca-beat/20405332/article-detail.xml 20405332 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/probst-at-laguna-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/probst-at-laguna-628.jpg <![CDATA[Lexus lets one lucky fan loose on Laguna Seca in LFA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/lexus-lets-one-lucky-fan-loose-on-laguna-seca-in-lfa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/lexus-lets-one-lucky-fan-loose-on-laguna-seca-in-lfa/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/lexus-lets-one-lucky-fan-loose-on-laguna-seca-in-lfa/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mark Clemons, lucky winner of Lexus' Unleash The LFA contest

In August, Lexus held its Unleash the LFA contest on Facebook, with the winner getting to spend the day in its LFA supercar (at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, no less), receive track instructions from pro driver Scott Pruett and also win a three-day High Performance Driving Experience at Skip Barber Racing School. In a random selection, Mark Clemons of Culver City, California was the lucky winner, and on September 18, he collected his prize.

After warming up with some autocross action in a Lexus IS F and getting some instruction about Laguna Seca, Clemons was let loose on the challenging 11-turn track with the 552-horsepower LFA. Then it was Pruett's turn behind the wheel, and he proceeds to give Clemons the ride of his life, something that almost almost goes without saying.

Scroll down to watch the video where there's plenty of great footage showing Clemons piloting and riding as a passenger in the LFA at the legendary track.

Continue reading Lexus lets one lucky fan loose on Laguna Seca in LFA

Lexus lets one lucky fan loose on Laguna Seca in LFA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 lexus lfalaguna secalexuslf alf-alfamark clemonsmazda raceway laguna secaskip barberunleash lexus lfaunleash the lfavideoMon, 15 Oct 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20347852/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/15/lexus-lets-one-lucky-fan-loose-on-laguna-seca-in-lfa/20347852/article-detail.xml 20347852 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/unleash-lexus-lfa-winner-mark-clemons_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/unleash-lexus-lfa-winner-mark-clemons.jpg <![CDATA[Ford Mustang Boss 302 checks into Jay Leno's Garage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/ford-mustang-boss-302-checks-into-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/ford-mustang-boss-302-checks-into-jay-lenos-garage/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/ford-mustang-boss-302-checks-into-jay-lenos-garage/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jay Leno's Garage 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Dave Pericak, chief engineer behind the Ford Mustang, recently stopped by Jay Leno's Garage to give the TV personality a personal tour of the 2013 Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca. It's no secret that Leno has a soft spot for Ford products. He owns a boatload of high-performance Blue Oval machines, including a Ford GT and a wicked Shogun. So, what does he think of the new Boss? Leno seems impressed with the machine, especially when it comes to the balance of horsepower and overall performance, calling the Boss 302 Laguna Seca the most sports car of all the Mustang variants.

Leno even goes so far as to say he'd rather have this machine over the 662-horsepower Shelby GT500. Having driven both, we're inclined to agree with the comic. You can take a look at the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage below.

Continue reading Ford Mustang Boss 302 checks into Jay Leno's Garage

Ford Mustang Boss 302 checks into Jay Leno's Garage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford mustang2013 ford mustang boss 302 laguna secaboss 302fordford mustangjay lenojay lenos garagelaguna secamustangmustang boss 302mustang boss 302 laguna secaTue, 09 Oct 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20345071/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/09/ford-mustang-boss-302-checks-into-jay-lenos-garage/20345071/article-detail.xml 20345071 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/jay-lenos-garage-boss-302-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/jay-lenos-garage-boss-302-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch these old snakes roll down a big hill]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Shelby Cobras at the 2012 Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Alright, these aren't just any old snakes. These are the entrants in this year's Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and each and every car on track is an original Shelby Cobra. Nor is this your run of the mill hill, either. We shot a quick video at the infamous corkscrew at Laguna Seca for your viewing pleasure. While photos of the event do a smart job of capturing the chaos, there's nothing like seeing and hearing all the cars pour through the downhill chicane in quick succession.

With 289 and 427 beasts barking through side pipes, the pack offers up a V8 cacauphony unlike any batch of modern race cars. As you may recall, that gorgeous Daytona Coupe out front wound up going home with some wrinkled sheetmetal later in the day due to an off. Scroll down below to take in the video for yourself, and be sure to click through the gallery for more goodness.

Continue reading Watch these old snakes roll down a big hill

Watch these old snakes roll down a big hill originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cobradaytona coupelaguna secamontereymonterey 2012rolex monterey motorsports reunionshelbyshelby cobravideoWed, 22 Aug 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20306852/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/22/watch-these-old-snakes-roll-down-a-big-hill/20306852/article-detail.xml 20306852 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/shelby-cobra-race-monterey_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/shelby-cobra-race-monterey.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes releases even more drift-happy C63 AMG footage from Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-releases-even-more-drift-happy-c63-amg-footage-from-lag/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-releases-even-more-drift-happy-c63-amg-footage-from-lag/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/mercedes-releases-even-more-drift-happy-c63-amg-footage-from-lag/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Mercedes-Benz and its AMG division wanted to thank the two million viewers of its various videos, so it dropped a C63 AMG at the top of the Corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and recorded it drifting down. The treat was wasn't as sweet as it should have been due to an editor who got a bit too happy with the "Cut" button, and watchers said as much.

So, in a nice bit of "Here, let's fix that," AMG has uploaded aerial footage of the uncut drift. Now that we know AMG takes requests, feel free to leave them in the Comments section. On your way there, scroll down to check out the new vid.

Continue reading Mercedes releases even more drift-happy C63 AMG footage from Laguna Seca

Mercedes releases even more drift-happy C63 AMG footage from Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes-benz c63 amg coupeamgc classc-classc-klassec63c63 amgcorkscrewlaguna secamercedes-benzmercedes-benz amgmercedes-benz c63 amgvideovideosWed, 23 May 2012 16:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241097/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/mercedes-releases-even-more-drift-happy-c63-amg-footage-from-lag/20241097/article-detail.xml 20241097 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mercedesamgdriftc63_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mercedesamgdriftc63.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari claims unofficial lap record at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-claims-unofficial-lap-record-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-claims-unofficial-lap-record-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-claims-unofficial-lap-record-at-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ferrari F2003-GA at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

Setting the fastest lap on any race track is worth its share of bragging rights, but some are worth more than others. Like the Nürburgring Nordschleife, for example. Or the Top Gear test track. Or, on this side of the pond, Laguna Seca.

The Mazda Raceway near Monterey, California, is one of the most challenging circuits in the world. It's got a double-apex hairpin at the start, an off-camber sweep to the left and of course the dreaded Corkscrew that drops five and a half stories with tight turns at top and bottom. Little wonder, then, that its lap record is a subject of such contention.

The record was set at 1:07.722 by Helio Castroneves in 2000 behind the wheel of a Penske Champ Car. And that remains the fastest official time since the ones that followed were not set during an officially-sanctioned race weekend. But, in 2006, Ricardo Zonta drove the Toyota TF106 there to an unofficial new record of 1:06.039. Sebastian Bourdais took it back for the Champ Car series the following year at 1:05.880. But now Ferrari has taken the unofficial crown at 1:05.786.

The record lap was set during the Ferrari Racing Days event by veteran scuderia test driver and Le Mans winner Marc Gené, behind the wheel of the Ferrari F2003-GA, the car named for the late Fiat chairman Gianni Agnelli with which Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello took seven grand prix wins and both titles in the 2003 Formula One World Championship. And now it can go down in history with another accolade to its history. See below for the official announcement.

Continue reading Ferrari claims unofficial lap record at Laguna Seca

Ferrari claims unofficial lap record at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1f2003-gaferrariferrari f2003-gaferrari racing daysformula 1formula onegenégenelaguna secamarc genémarc genemazda racewaymazda raceway laguna secaWed, 23 May 2012 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242904/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/ferrari-claims-unofficial-lap-record-at-laguna-seca/20242904/article-detail.xml 20242904 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-record-laguna-seca_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-record-laguna-seca.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari 458 Italia flips at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-458-italia-flips-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-458-italia-flips-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/ferrari-458-italia-flips-at-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ferrari 458 Italia Crash

There's the right way to tackle the infamous Corkscrew at Laguna Seca and then there's the way that puts your Ferrari 458 Italia into the catch fence and on its roof. Ryan Ockey recently gave the latter option a shot during the Ferrari Challenge at Mazda Raceway with predictable results. All of the safety equipment both in the car and at the track worked as intended, however, and the driver walked away with little more than a bruised ego. There are no solid reports as to what caused the flying Ferrari, but rumor has it there may have been a brake failure.

Unfortunately, the 458 Italia had to be pulled from the gravel trap by a tow truck, which meant a long, painful slog downhill on the Italian exotic's roof. Check out two videos of the carnage and the rescue to see what we mean. Jump forward to two minutes in on the second clip to see things go downhill for Ockey.

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Italia flips at Laguna Seca

Ferrari 458 Italia flips at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia crashferrari 458 italiaferrari 458 italia crashferrari challengelaguna secamazda racewayvideoWed, 23 May 2012 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242839/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/ferrari-458-italia-flips-at-laguna-seca/20242839/article-detail.xml 20242839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-458-italia-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ferrari-458-italia-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[Patrick Dempsey makes ALMS debut at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/patrick-dempsey-makes-alms-debut-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/patrick-dempsey-makes-alms-debut-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/patrick-dempsey-makes-alms-debut-at-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dempsey Racing Lola B12/87

Actor Patrick Dempsey is no stranger to racing. After his wife sent him to a three-day Skip Barber driving school, the actor fell in love with road racing has gone on to compete in Grand-Am for the last several years. McDreamy even got the chance to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2009, finishing in 9th in the GT2 class behind the wheel of a Ferrari F430 GT.

After getting a taste of Le Mans, Dempsey now has aspirations to return to the legendary endurance race, but this time with his own team and his own car. At the 12 Hours of Sebring earlier this year, Dempsey Racing announced that they would be fielding a car in the P2 class for part of the 2012 ALMS season with the eventual goal of competing at the 2013 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Dempsey and his team took the first steps towards their Le Mans goal this past weekend by debuting their new V8-powered Lola B12/87 race car in the P2 class at the six-hour ALMS race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. This was Dempsey's first time driving a modern prototype race car, and he admitted there would be a steep learning curve.

"It feels familiar but so much more intense - the braking, the acceleration, cornering and power, it is all on a much more dynamic level than the GT cars I have driven," Dempsey said after a practice session with the car. "It's an amazing machine and it is incredible to even have the opportunity to race in a car like this at this level, and what better track to start with than Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca."

Dempsey and his team eventually finished 30th overall and fourth in class - not bad for a brand new team with a rookie driver. They plan to compete in several more races this year and will be running the full ALMS season in 2013.

You can see photos of the Dempsey Racing Lola B12/87 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the gallery above.

Patrick Dempsey makes ALMS debut at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesdempsey racinglaguna secamazda raceway laguna secapatrick dempseyMon, 14 May 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237174/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/patrick-dempsey-makes-alms-debut-at-laguna-seca/20237174/article-detail.xml 20237174 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/dempsey-racing-lola-b1287_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/dempsey-racing-lola-b1287.jpg <![CDATA[Mazda and SCRAMP extend Laguna Seca partnership]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mazda-and-scramp-extend-laguna-seca-partnership/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mazda-and-scramp-extend-laguna-seca-partnership/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/14/mazda-and-scramp-extend-laguna-seca-partnership/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mazda Raceway

Mazda and the Sports Car Racing Association of the Monterey Peninsula have extended the automaker's naming rights of Laguna Seca for another five years. That means the famous race track in California will continue to be known as Mazda Raceway, at least through 2016. The Monterey County Board of Supervisors ratified the agreement.

The Japanese manufacturer has been instrumental in updating and improving Laguna Seca to make the facility more convenient and safer than before. Mazda helped fund additions like permanent pit lane garages and luxury hospitality suites as well as additional runoff areas on the track itself. Mazda first partnered up with SCRAMP in 2001, but the company says its ties to the track go all the way back to the '70s, when the brand was little-known here the States. Scroll down below for the full press release.

Continue reading Mazda and SCRAMP extend Laguna Seca partnership

Mazda and SCRAMP extend Laguna Seca partnership originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 May 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>laguna secamazdamazda racewayMazda Raceway Laguna SecascrampSports Car Racing Association of the Monterey PeninsulaMon, 14 May 2012 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236912/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/14/mazda-and-scramp-extend-laguna-seca-partnership/20236912/article-detail.xml 20236912 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mazda-raceway-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mazda-raceway-628.jpg <![CDATA[GT cars thrill at ALMS race in Monterey]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/gt-cars-thrill-at-alms-race-in-monterey/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/gt-cars-thrill-at-alms-race-in-monterey/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/13/gt-cars-thrill-at-alms-race-in-monterey/#commentsFiled under:

ALMS Monterey 2012

The American Le Mans Series headed to Monterey, CA this weekend for the third round of the season following Sebring and Long Beach. The annual race at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is normally scheduled as the season finale in October, often leading to nail-biting finishes. More often than not, though, the team and drivers' championships were wrapped up before the last event, meaning that the Laguna Seca was essentially inconsequential. The schedule change to an earlier spot in the year ensures that each and every team fights for points.

With a highly competitive GT field - perhaps more than ever - spectators were almost ensured fantastic racing from the likes of Corvette, Porsche, Ferrari, BMW and Aston Martin. We can't wait until the new SRT Viper GTS-R is thrown into the mix as well. BMW and Corvette split the first two races of 2012, although it seems that any team and any car could pull out a win at any time.

It's a different story in the prototype classes, where the Honda HPD ARX-03a run by Muscle Milk Racing looks to be the runaway favorite in the P1 class. The team lost out at Sebring due to fueling problems, but had a dominating performance in Long Beach. Likewise, the Honda HPD ARX-03b of Level 5 Motorsports has swept the first two races of the season and look like the team to beat. However, the big news in Monterey for the prototype classes was the debut of Dempsey Racing's new closed-cockpit Lola B12/87 running in the P2 class. Patrick Dempsey himself would be making his ALMS debut.

Scroll down below to read more about the American Le Mans Series race in Monterey.

Continue reading GT cars thrill at ALMS race in Monterey

GT cars thrill at ALMS race in Monterey originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 May 2012 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms montereyalms monterey 2012american le mans serieslaguna secamazda raceway laguna secaSun, 13 May 2012 17:06:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20237069/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/13/gt-cars-thrill-at-alms-race-in-monterey/20237069/article-detail.xml 20237069 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/alms-laguna-seca-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/alms-laguna-seca-2012.jpg <![CDATA[Man attempts to lap Laguna in a car on two wheels]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/man-attempts-to-lap-laguna-in-a-car-on-two-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/man-attempts-to-lap-laguna-in-a-car-on-two-wheels/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/07/man-attempts-to-lap-laguna-in-a-car-on-two-wheels/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

James Smith drives a Mustang on two wheels around Leguna Seca

We've been guilty of putting a vehicle or three on two wheels occasionally, but never on purpose. James "Ski" Smith, on the other hand, has made a habit of standing a car on edge for extended periods of time. That's impressive enough by our standards, but Smith recently attempted to take his skills to the next level by piloting a fox body Ford Mustang all the way around Laguna Seca. Why an old Mustang? Probably because no one would shed a tear if the car wound up on its roof.

Unfortunately, Smith ran into another piece of trouble before he could tackle the track's more daring corners. The extreme angle caused oiling issues with the V8 engine, flooding one bank with oil while depriving the other. As a result, Smith came to a stop just past Turn Six. Still, he hopes to try again soon. May we suggest he take something a little better suited to the task? A Chevrolet Volt, mayhaps? Scroll down to check out the clip for yourself.

Continue reading Man attempts to lap Laguna in a car on two wheels

Man attempts to lap Laguna in a car on two wheels originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford mustangjames smithlaguna secamustang on two wheels laguna secaskiski cartwo wheelsMon, 07 May 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20232878/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/07/man-attempts-to-lap-laguna-in-a-car-on-two-wheels/20232878/article-detail.xml 20232878 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mustang-two-wheels_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mustang-two-wheels.jpg <![CDATA[Mercedes celebrates 2M views by drifting C63 AMG around Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/mercedes-celebrates-2m-views-by-drifting-c63-amg-around-laguna-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/mercedes-celebrates-2m-views-by-drifting-c63-amg-around-laguna-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/mercedes-celebrates-2m-views-by-drifting-c63-amg-around-laguna-s/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe

The AMG division of Mercedes-Benz has attracted two million views on YouTube. That's as if every single person in Boston, Las Vegas, Long Beach and St. Louis stopped what they were doing and clicked the left mouse button to get a video fix on a three-pointed star and quad pipes.

To thank its fans, AMG put a C63 AMG at the top of the corkscrew at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, then drifted it all the way down. Looks like fun. All you have to do is scroll down to watch the recognition.

Continue reading Mercedes celebrates 2M views by drifting C63 AMG around Laguna Seca

Mercedes celebrates 2M views by drifting C63 AMG around Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgc63 amgcorkscrewlaguna secamercedes-benzvideovideosyoutubeTue, 01 May 2012 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20227601/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/01/mercedes-celebrates-2m-views-by-drifting-c63-amg-around-laguna-s/20227601/article-detail.xml 20227601 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mb-amg-yt-thanks_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/mb-amg-yt-thanks.jpg <![CDATA[Watch an American Le Mans race from all angles thanks to GoPro]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/watch-an-american-le-mans-race-from-all-angles-thanks-to-gopro/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/watch-an-american-le-mans-race-from-all-angles-thanks-to-gopro/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/watch-an-american-le-mans-race-from-all-angles-thanks-to-gopro/#commentsFiled under: , ,

GoPro ALMS at Laguna Seca

There's nothing quite like witnessing an automotive race in person. The sights, sounds, smells - it's a magical experience for anyone with petrol flowing freely through their veins. But it's just not possible to personally attend every race on the planet, and sometimes, television coverage leaves much to be desired.

Enter GoPro, maker of those little clear-plastic-housed cameras you see all over the place. The crew attached its HD Hero2 cams all over a couple of ALMS cars driven by Gunnar Jeannette and Ken Dobson as they battled the field at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

There are helmet-cams, shots up high and down low, from the front and toward the rear, all catching fender-to-fender racing at its finest. There's even some views showing what life is like for a mechanic in the pits. See for yourself in the video after the break. As an added bonus, you can also watch raw footage of each driver's laps in separate videos.

Continue reading Watch an American Le Mans race from all angles thanks to GoPro

Watch an American Le Mans race from all angles thanks to GoPro originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsamerican le mans seriesgoprogopro hd hero 2hd hero 2laguna secamazda raceway laguna secaTue, 27 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20202350/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/27/watch-an-american-le-mans-race-from-all-angles-thanks-to-gopro/20202350/article-detail.xml 20202350 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/gopro-amls_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/gopro-amls.jpg <![CDATA[BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/bmw-pits-m3-against-x5-m-at-laguna-seca-in-zanardi-esque-promo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/bmw-pits-m3-against-x5-m-at-laguna-seca-in-zanardi-esque-promo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/27/bmw-pits-m3-against-x5-m-at-laguna-seca-in-zanardi-esque-promo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW M3 vs. X5 M

It's nice to see that someone at BMW apparently has a wry sense of humor when it comes to the X5 M. We are not shy about admitting that we find it hard to take the 550-horsepower SUV seriously - we famously called it a "2.7-ton Miata with a lampshade on its head and a serious coke habit," when we reviewed it back in 2010. But this little 30-second spot pairing it with the M3 has us tickled with nostalgic memories of the 1996 CART finale at Laguna Seca.

Sixteen years ago, there was no Mazda in the storied track's name, just a heck of a battle through all 11 turns of the final lap of the season. Rookie-of-the-year Alex Zanardi made one of the historic racing moves, passing Bryan Herta on the inside of the downhill "Corkscrew" turn, running through the dirt to make the lead change stick.

If you're wondering what this might have to do with the X5 M, click through the jump to see both the BMW ad and the vintage CART footage.

Continue reading BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo

BMW pits M3 against X5 M at Laguna Seca in Zanardi-esque promo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex zanardibmwbmw m3bmw x5 mbmw x5mcartlaguna secam3videox5 mx5mMon, 27 Feb 2012 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20179106/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/27/bmw-pits-m3-against-x5-m-at-laguna-seca-in-zanardi-esque-promo/20179106/article-detail.xml 20179106 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/x5m-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/x5m-opt.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Motor Trend</i> picks their Best Driver's Car of 2011]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/motor-trend-picks-their-best-drivers-car-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/motor-trend-picks-their-best-drivers-car-of-2011/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/motor-trend-picks-their-best-drivers-car-of-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Motor Trend 2011 Best Driver's Car

It's been a long while since the guys at Motor Trend went through the trouble of picking the best driver's car, and for good reason. In order to pull off an actual test with any merit, the publication would need to wrangle some of the most impressive pieces of automotive engineering together on the same track on the same day. When we're talking about vehicles like the Lexus LFA, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, Lotus Evora, Ferrari 458 Italia and the like, that can be a daunting feat, even for a rag of MT's swagger.

The stars aligned, however, and the crew managed to collect the hardware above as well as heathens like the Nissan GT-R, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Porsche Cayman R, Audi R8 GT, Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Z07 and the Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca. All told, the collection was worth more than $1.5 million, and Motor Trend took the time to put them all through a battery of grueling performance tests before handing over the keys to a pro driver for a few quick laps at Laguna Seca. Rough times, guys.

The decision-making process has been split into three parts, and Part 1 is after the jump. Enjoy.

Continue reading Motor Trend picks their Best Driver's Car of 2011

Motor Trend picks their Best Driver's Car of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>458 italia911911 gt3 rsbest drivers carcaymancorvettedrivers carevoragt-rlaguna secalfamotor trendmotor trend 2011 best drivers carmustang boss 302r8videoz06Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20178893/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/24/motor-trend-picks-their-best-drivers-car-of-2011/20178893/article-detail.xml 20178893 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/motor-trend-drivers-car-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/motor-trend-drivers-car-628.jpg <![CDATA[Scion FR-S turbo spotted testing at Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/scion-fr-s-turbo-spotted-testing-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/scion-fr-s-turbo-spotted-testing-at-laguna-seca/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/03/scion-fr-s-turbo-spotted-testing-at-laguna-seca/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Turbocharged Scion FR-S

It looks as if Scion may be hard at work on a new turbocharged FR-S prototype. Motor Trend nabbed a quick video of what appears to be a forced-induction version of the coupe darting around Laguna Seca. With its tall wing and sideways antics, the vehicle is likely being put through its paces by the Scion drift team, which has had to rely on specially modified TC models until now. It makes sense for the drift team to strap a turbo onto the vehicle's 2.0-liter flat four for a little extra grunt, but it's unclear if a forced-induction version of the FR-S will make its way to production.

If a hotter version of the coupe is coming down the pike, we'll have to wait for it. The first production FR-S models won't show up until summer, and any variations would trail along after that. Either way, it appears we should be able to catch a glimpse of high-performance FR-S on the Formula D circuit in no time. Hit the jump to watch the quick video for yourself.

Continue reading Scion FR-S turbo spotted testing at Laguna Seca

Scion FR-S turbo spotted testing at Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The premiere episode of The List is here, and the first thing anyone should do if they're considering tackling a must-do roster of automotive things is attend a high performance driving school. We have to make sure that our hosts Jessi Combs and Patrick McIntyre are prepared for everything that's in store for them, so we sent them both to Skip Barber Racing School for a two-day High Performance Driving class. The action takes place at California's Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, which means they'll have to get good enough to handle serious turns like the famous Corkscrew. Follow the jump to see how they do.

Do you have an idea for The List? Click here to tell us what would be on yours.

You can also click here to learn more about the hosts of The List.

Continue reading The List #0001: Graduate From A High Performance Driving School

The List #0001: Graduate From A High Performance Driving School originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driving schoolfeaturedhigh performance drivingjessi combslaguna secapatrick mcintyreskip barberthe listthe-listTue, 13 Dec 2011 12:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20126588/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/13/the-list-0001-graduate-from-a-high-performance-driving-school/20126588/article-detail.xml 20126588 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/list01racing-schoolfinal-opt-1323798412_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/list01racing-schoolfinal-opt-1323798412.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/2012-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-coupe-black-series-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/2012-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-coupe-black-series-first-drive-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/21/2012-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-coupe-black-series-first-drive-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Uncorking This Road-Legal DTM Coupe At Laguna Seca

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series

Turn Two at Laguna Seca is one of racing's more interesting creations. Get it wrong here and the rest of your lap will get really grumpy really fast. The AMG-Mercedes people thankfully gave us around 20 hot laps in their new C63 AMG Coupe Black Series over the course of the day - enough that we were able to get into a groove for the final 16 sorties or so. GT cars of about this size, setup and power tend to take to Laguna Seca like yuppies to mesquite.

And so we cooked all day in a fully accoutered C63 Black Series. The fixins' on our coupe went well beyond the standard model's race-car-for-the-road spec: Track Package, Aerodynamics Package, AMG Performance Media suite, Exterior Carbon Fiber Package, 19-inch matte black forged light alloy wheels and a fire extinguisher. We'd have preferred if some of these options actually came as standard equipment, but last we checked, we don't own and run Daimler. Not yet anyway.

Goosing the well-weighted throttle pedal to the floor at the right moment in second gear out of Laguna Seca's insidious Turn Eleven left-hander, the C63 Black Series filled all of Monterey County with its divine quad-barrel noise. The sound was almost enough to make that difficult corner worth tolerating.

Continue reading 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series [w/video]

2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Coupe Black Series [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mercedes-benz c63 amg coupe black seriesamgblack seriesc63c63 amgc63 amg black seriesc63 coupefeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivelaguna secamercedes-benzMon, 21 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20110911/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/21/2012-mercedes-benz-c63-amg-coupe-black-series-first-drive-review/20110911/article-detail.xml 20110911 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/mercedes-c63-amg-black-series.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/14/2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Pony Car's Best Ambassador



Despite extolling their many carnal virtues for years, we know that there's still a sizable group of enthusiasts who have never managed to wrap their heads around the idea of owning a pony car. We've heard all the excuses before, from complaints about refinement, Jurassic underpinnings and muscle-straining inputs to shopworn stereotypes about the people who drive them. Thing is, if we're being honest, many of these same notions have troubled us as well - even those of us who have triumphed over our prejudices and actually bought one of the things.

Well, boys and girls, Ford finally has a four-wheeled answer for the naysayers and skeptics: The Mustang Boss 302. Just as bacon is the gateway meat for wayward vegetarians, the orange crush seen here is the four-wheeled, applewood-smoked come-on for pony car doubters. Better still, unlike that tasty bit of swine dining, it's nearly guilt-free.

The 2012 Boss 302 may carry the namesake of Ford's legendary 1969 competition car, and it might work a treat on racetracks, but Ford has made sure it's an honest-to-Detroit everyday proposition, not just a weekend warrior for waxing overconfident BMW M and Mercedes-Benz AMG preeners.

Continue reading 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 ford mustang boss 302boss 302boss 302 laguna secaboss mustangfeaturedfordlaguna secamustangreviewreviewsMon, 14 Nov 2011 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20105325/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/14/2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-review/20105325/article-detail.xml 20105325 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/03-2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/03-2012-ford-mustang-boss-302-review-opt.jpg -1 2