Autoblog

Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #324 LIVE!

Dan Roth — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:10:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Geneva Motor Show, Ford

We're set to record Autoblog Podcast #324 tonight, and our friend Peter Leung (a.k.a. BaronVonClutch), who writes about racing for Richland F1 is going to teach us how to love the vroom-vroom. Drop us your questions and comments regarding the rest of the week's news via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #324

Geneva Motor Show highlights from Zach
Four-cylinder Ford Mustang
Motorsports appreciation class with BaronVonClutch

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #324 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Zach Bowman — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Performance, Mazda, Diesel, Racing

Mazda 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.

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David Coulthard retires with one last DTM race

Zach Bowman — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities

The BBC reports David Coulthard has officially retired from competitive racing after this weekend's DTM event in Hockenheim. The driver wrapped up three seasons and 33 races with Mercedes-Benz, but saw his final professional event cut short by contact with Timo Schneider. The collision spun Coulthard and put him out of the race. Schneider received a drive-through penalty for his part in the dust-up.

Coulthard has won 13 F1 grand prix events during his 15-season career, though his efforts in DTM have been somewhat less fruitful. The driver only managed to bring home 16 points during his time behind the wheel, but that doesn't seem to be the reason behind his departure. The 41-year-old Coulthard has said he intends to take time to focus on his family, though he will continue to work with Mercedes-Benz as a brand ambassador moving forward.

David Coulthard retires with one last DTM race originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remembering legendary motorsports journalist Chris Economaki [w/video]

Seyth Miersma — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Videos

Legendary motorsports journalist and racing commentator, Chris Economaki, died late on Thursday evening at the age of 91.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1920, Economaki began working for National Speed Sport News at the tender age of 13, selling copies of the magazine. He worked for the publication in jobs as diverse as delivery boy, correspondent and publisher, and was named Editor in 1950. Economaki's column for the magazine, "The Editor's Notebook" was published for more than 50 years.

In later years the journalist began a career in broadcasting, serving as a commentator for ABC's Wide World of Sports and covering such racing highlights as the Indianapolis 500 and the Daytona 500, among many others. Economaki also appeared as a commentator for CBS Sports, ESPN's Speed Week, and Motorweek Illustrated on TBS. In total, his massive career covered every corner of motorsport, across the globe and spanned eight decades.

Brian France, CEO of NASCAR, said this of Economaki, "The passing of Chris Economaki is a tough loss for me on both a personal and professional level, having known Chris throughout my life. Many people consider Chris the greatest motorsports journalist of all time. He was, indeed, 'the Dean.'"

Scroll down to see a few videos of Economaki at home on the racetrack. In the first, Economaki talks with Dave Despain about the best driver he ever saw, and in the second, he adds insight to a special presentation about the 1965 12 Hours of Sebring. Good stuff, all.

Continue reading Remembering legendary motorsports journalist Chris Economaki [w/video]

Remembering legendary motorsports journalist Chris Economaki [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rally crash gets exciting after car comes to complete stop

Zach Bowman — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru, Racing

Racing of any variety is inherently dangerous, and rally racing may very well be the most dangerous flavor of all motorsports. Niceties like track runoff and Armco barriers are replaced with sturdy oak trees, water hazards and some nice old lady's front porch. Hell, just getting out of the car post-off can be hazardous to your health.

Just ask the BRAKIM Racing team. Driver and co-driver suffered a brief miscommunication last weekend during Stage 7 of Rally West Virginia, which was enough to put the team's Subaru down a quick embankment.

After the party came to a stop, the co-driver decided to do his best to extricate himself from the car by climbing up and out of the passenger window. That's when things began to get really hairy. Ladies and gentlemen, please keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times. Amazingly enough, no one was harmed. Check out the video below to see the craziness.

Continue reading Rally crash gets exciting after car comes to complete stop

Rally crash gets exciting after car comes to complete stop originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza Motorsport 4 video hits the web

Aaron Richardson — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 16:07:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology

Forza Motorsport 4 - Click above to view video after the jump

Someone at Turn 10 Studios has apparently "leaked" (sure, guys) a fully-polished, high-quality sneak peek at its upcoming Forza Motorsport 4 to YouTube. The newest installment of Forza leverages Kinect technology, allowing players to open the doors and hoods of their cars with hand motions and fire the engine from the driver's seat. During a race, Kinect also lets players look around corners by detecting head movement.

Turn 10 says its goal is to produce the best-looking racing sim of 2011, employing methods like image-based lighting to get as much photorealistic quality as they can out of each car and track. Turn 10 also says that Forza 4 will have the most extensive range of models to choose from, with cars from over 80 manufacturers. Plan on slipping Forza 4 into your XBOX 360 in October. In the meantime, check out the "leaked" trailer after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Forza Motorsport 4 video hits the web

Forza Motorsport 4 video hits the web originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: ALMS race goes down to the wire [Spoilers]

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

2010 Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach - Click above for high-res image gallery

The featured race at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach might be Sunday afternoon's IndyCar race, but for the hundred thousand or so fans at the street course in downtown Long Beach on Saturday afternoon, it was all about the American Le Mans Series. The Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach is the official title for this exciting event, which has been part of the Long Beach schedule four times in as many years.

While the series had its first race of the season at Sebring in March, Long Beach would be the first time the former LMP1 and LMP2 cars would be running together in the new LMP class, joining the handful of slightly slower LMPC-class Oreca FLM09 prototypes on track. LMP didn't have the Peugeots we had seen dominate at Sebring, but there were plenty of other strong competitors. Long Beach was also the debut of the new former-GT2-like GT class, joining the GTC category, the latter of which is essentially a spec series for Porsche this year.

Street races are always exciting because of the concrete walls surrounding the circuit, which give very little comfort to drivers who overdo it even a little bit. Long Beach can be particularly hard on machinery in that respect and even with the long front straight producing very high trap speeds, the technical nature of its 11-turn, 1.9-mile layout can also favor smaller, nimbler cars over heavier, higher-horsepower vehicles.

With typically gorgeous weather at this track nestled up against the Pacific Ocean in the shadow of the Queen Mary, it set up well for a memorable second race on the ALMS calendar. We were there ourselves this year and bring you our own live gallery to accompany the race report. Click below to see the pics, and follow the jump to see how the race unfolded.

Gallery: 2010 Tequila Patrón American Le Mans Series at Long Beach

Continue reading Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: ALMS race goes down to the wire [Spoilers]

Long Beach Grand Prix 2010: ALMS race goes down to the wire [Spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Inexpensive new single-seat BMW roadster set to scream in the corners

Zach Bowman — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, BMW, Toys/Games

2010 BMW Baby Racer II Motorsport - Click above for high-res image

It's never too early to learn the fundamentals of car control, kids, and BMW's new entry-level single-seat roadster is just the ticket. Constructed of light-weight composites and equipped with real rubber tires, a speedometer and a tach in the cockpit, the BMW Baby Racer II Motorsport ditches traditional pedal power in favor of the more experimental leg-scramble technique. Interestingly enough, the company choose to forego brakes all together.

Is this the face of things to come from BMW? Probably not, but if you know a fledgling racer between the ages of six months and three years-old, we know the perfect birthday gift. What do we have to do to get BMW to send over a crate load of these things for cubicle races?

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Inexpensive new single-seat BMW roadster set to scream in the corners

Inexpensive new single-seat BMW roadster set to scream in the corners originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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International racing organizations meet to discuss environmental responsibility

Eric Loveday — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 15:33:00 EST

2009 24 Hours of Le Mans Start - Click above for high-res image gallery

Aside from the thrill of the race, motorsports are useful because the race cars they showcase often pass their genes down to the everyday vehicles that we drive. In an effort to perhaps hold its position as a trendsetter, or just to be more green, the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) held a meeting to discuss alternative energies that can be utilized in all major categories of racing. The meeting, held at the Automobile Club de Monaco, brought together the heads of four international of motorsport federations, including motorcycles, powerboats, automobiles and aeronautics. FIM chairman Robert Rasor commented on the gathering by stating,

This was an interesting meeting and we expect to work together with the other motorsport federations and join forces to develop a common strategy towards the environment and its protection and promote the use of alternative energies.

Understanding that even motorsports can have an impact on the environment, either directly or indirectly, is a step in the right direction. Working together, the groups will draw from learned expertise and move towards a greener racing environment quickly. Here's hoping their efforts do more than slowly trickle down into vehicles that we drive day in and day out.

[Source: Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme]

International racing organizations meet to discuss environmental responsibility originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rain can't dampen excitement of IndyCar season opener in São Paulo, Brazil [SPOILER ALERT]

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Honda, Racing

Rooster tails followed heavy rain at the 2010 São Paulo Indy 300 - Click above for image gallery

The 2010 Izod IndyCar Series Championship started off with a bang down in São Paulo, Brazil this weekend, with a first turn pileup and a thunderstorm that turned the race into a timed event instead of the planned 75-lapper. Even though it was cut short, it ended up being a pretty exciting kick-off to the season, the 15th for the series and third since the reunification with the Champ Car World Series. Following Brazil, the teams are headed back to the States for most of the remaining 16 races on the schedule, with two races in Canada and the Indy Japan 300 from Motegi rounding things off.

Besides the addition of Brazil to the schedule, the 2010 season sees a few rules changes - Gone is the drivers' four-position fuel mixture switch, the "push-to-pass" Honda Overtake assist button is back but twice as effective as before giving a boost of 10-40 horsepower when pushed, and all of the cars will now have a reverse gear for road and street courses. Another big change was the signing of Izod as the series title sponsor, putting a few more bucks into the revenue sharing pot.

The driver lineup stayed pretty consistent over the off-season, with a couple of teams dropping out and another group joining the field, a few new drivers coming into the series, some as novices and others making the jump from other series, including Formula 1. While some feel the real season won't start until the teams make it back to American soil at the next race in St. Petersburg, São Paulo made a lot of fans sit up and take notice as IndyCar action was back in all its ethanol-burning, open-wheel glory. Follow the jump to read how the opener unfolded.

Gallery: 2010 São Paulo Indy 300

Continue reading Rain can't dampen excitement of IndyCar season opener in São Paulo, Brazil [SPOILER ALERT]

Rain can't dampen excitement of IndyCar season opener in São Paulo, Brazil [SPOILER ALERT] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 6 [w/video]

Tim Stevens — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.

THE THAW

You had to know it couldn't last forever. Most recently our Subaru ice racer was in action way up north in the wilds of Quebec, getting sideways on a frozen circuit. As it turns out, if we wanted to keep on racing we should have stayed up there. This form of motorsport needs frozen lakes and some unfortunately turbulent weather in the northeast over the past month didn't do the local bodies of water any favors. But, we were able to make it to one final event before the season was put to rest. We have some highlights to share below, including footage of what it looks like to be inside a pirouetting WRX, plus some discussion about how to safely stow your winter racing gear for the summertime off-season.

Gallery: Ice Racing at Warner Lake

Continue reading Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 6 [w/video]

Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 6 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 2

Tim Stevens — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

THE WHAT AND THE HOW
It's time to delve a little further into the crazy, sideways world of ice racing - where grip is at a premium but the grins come cheap. In last week's first article in the series we gave you a little bit of information about the sport in general, or rather sports, and talked about the class structure used by AMEC, the club we'll be running with. We'll be participating in the street legal class with a 2002 Subaru WRX, a very early model purchased right after it finally hit American shores in 2001. It's mostly stock, but the club does have some required changes we'll cover here, and there are some other things you'll want to know before you show up on the ice.

What sorts of things? Well, one important thing is how to drive, or rather how to go quickly around a track of ice without getting yourself high-sided on a snowbank or bumper-locked with a competitor. So, we'll give you an overview of driving technique too, including a little demonstration video that'll give you your first taste of driving at-speed on-ice in a car with no studs. Click on through and join the fun.

Gallery: Ice racing preparation

Continue reading Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 2

Introduction to Ice Racing: Part 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW looking at cheaper 5 Series Gran Turismo, rules out M model

Chris Paukert — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill, Diesel

BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The famed automotive pot-stirrers at Autocar are at it again. According to two blurbs from the UK publication, BMW's new 5 Series Gran Turismo may spawn at least one less costly, less powerful variant, but a high-performance M version is apparently off the table.

On the fuel and financial economy front, Bimmer is reportedly considering adding four-cylinder powerplants to the controversial new five-door, including the 175 bhp diesel from the 320d. A twin-turbo diesel may also be in the cards. The fear here is that the premium-priced 5GT may in fact be priced too aggressively, as it stickers above a comparable 5 Series Touring model. In any case, we don't expect to see the less-powerful diesel Stateside, although we wouldn't be terribly suprised if the company chose to shoehorn in something like the twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel already on offer in the 335d.

On the M side of the equation, Autocar says that the gasoline V8-powered 550i will remain the pinnacle of the range, as BMW has "ruled out" a M-Technik variant. Given that BMW has recently seen fit to move M beyond traditional cars (see: X5 and X6) and that these higher performance models often have thicker margins attached, this strikes us as somewhat curious decision - especially as the 5GT figures to be the most dynamically promising of the bunch. This source also doesn't jibe with what we heard from BMW officials just last month when we drove the car in Portugal. At that time, the official line was that no decision had been made, but knowing glances and meek smiles seemed to indicate that things looked good for the model.

In other words, we'll believe it when we (don't) see it.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: Auto car]

Rumormill: BMW looking at cheaper 5 Series Gran Turismo, rules out M model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Videos, Mini

Rauno Aaltonen and Paddy Hopkirk take a Mini JCW Cabrio up a Monte Carlo Rally route - Click above to watch video

Alec Issigonis' Mini began production in 1959. By 1960, there were half a dozen works teams entering the car in the Rally Monte Carlo. By 1964, Mini had won with the pilotage of Irishman Paddy Hopkirk, and in 1967, the automaker won again with Rauno Aaltonen at the wheel.

Those two gents got behind the wheel of a modern Mini JCW Cabrio (top down in the snow!) and tackled the Col de Torrini again, in the process sharing a few thoughts on the cars and the racing. We can't say we'd want to be in the back seat, but it's terrific to watch and to remember where Mini and the checkered flag really got to know one another. Follow the jump to see the vid.

[Source: Mini]

Continue reading VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio

VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red Flag: Race of Champions moves to China

Noah Joseph — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, China

2008 Race of Champions - Click above for a hi-res gallery

Still think of the Race of Champions as an elitist European event? Think again. Organizers have announced that that the annual face-off is scheduled to head to China this year.

The Race of Champions, for those unfamiliar, is a year-end event in which the top drivers from various motorsport disciplines - including F1, rally, touring cars, Le Mans...even motorbikes, drifting or the occasional NASCAR pretty-boy - compete against each other in a series of heats on varied machinery around a dedicated track built inside a major sports arena. The event crowns two winners: the solo Champion of Champions, and the Nations Cup in which drivers pair up to represent their home countries. After a decade in the Canary Islands, the race was held for three consecutive seasons at the Stade de France before moving to Wembley Stadium for the past two years, but a new arrangement will see this year's race held in Beijing at the Bird's Nest stadium built for last year's Olympic games. Previous champions have been predominantly rally drivers (including three titles for Sebastien Loeb and two for Mattias Ekstrom), while Germany's contingent of Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel have taken the national honors. Who will be crowned champion this year? Tune in on November 3-4, only two days after the Formula One season wraps up in Abu Dhabi (assuming they can get the Yas Island circuit ready in time) to find out.

[Source: F1-Live]

Red Flag: Race of Champions moves to China originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WRC confirms series to go normally aspirated?

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Technology

The heavily modified S2000 car that will form the base package for some of the cars in the 2010 World Rally Championship will be stripped of at least one major modification the following year. According to Autosport, the World Motorsports Council has agreed to a new regulation that turbochargers would not be allowed on the 2011 cars, leaving aero mods as the only alterations left to be made to the basic car.

In 2011 and 2012, when S2000 cars take over from the current WRC runners as the template, the cars will be naturally aspirated. Then, from 2013, in a decision proposed by the World Rallies Commission of the FIA and also ratified by the WSMC, the cars will run "cost-effective" 1.6-liter turbocharged engines.

While the regulations have driven industry stalwart Subaru out of the WRC, they could open the door to other manufacturers such as Peugeot, Skoda, Abarth, and Proton who already run S2000 cars in the WRC-rival Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Hat tip to bn_me!

[Source: Autosport]

WRC confirms series to go normally aspirated? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi wins everything... add European Le Mans Series to the list

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Audi

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi R10 in action

If Audi was a greater beneficiary of the "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" adage, they would have trounced Mercedes and BMW in sales long ago. The house of the four rings took the 24 Hours of Le Mans, then they claimed the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), and now Audi extends its arms once again to grab the European Le Mans Series championship (LMS) trophy.

In fact, by finishing first and fourth at Silverstone with two Audi R10s, Audi takes the driver's title (Alex Prémat and Mike Rockenfeller), the manufacturer's title, and the team title. It's only real competition was Peugeot, which walks away empty handed even though it won four of the five LMS races, had two cars on the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and had pole position for every race. Next year's battle for Franco-German supremacy should be even better. Make the jump for Audi's press release.

Gallery: Audi at 2008 Le Mans

Continue reading Audi wins everything... add European Le Mans Series to the list

Audi wins everything... add European Le Mans Series to the list originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Sep 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexus returning to Targa Newfoundland with GS 450h

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:34:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Lexus, Canada

At last year's Targa Newfoundland, driver Mark Lachapelle brought his Lexus GS 450h -- yeah, that's a hybrid -- home 18th overall, and sixth in his division. This year he'll return to the 2,200-kilometer race which runs over six days through the central and eastern part of the island.

The 339 hp Lexus is the only one of last year's hybrid contestants to return, and is kitted for duty with just a safety cage, performance exhaust and upgraded shock absorbers. Slotted into the modern division, this year's race will pit the Japanese hybrid against big bore Americana: among other competitors, Ralph Gilles and Karen Wagner are scheduled to drive a Dodge Challenger SRT in the same class.

Targa Newfoundland runs from September 13-20, and if you want to keep up with the action in a timely manner, check out Autonet.ca. For you French speakers, go to the French version of Autonet.ca, or PassionPerformance.ca.

[Source: Lexus]

Lexus returning to Targa Newfoundland with GS 450h originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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F1: Ferrari holds on to its Finn -- Raikkonen extends to 2010

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari

Ferrari announced during the first practice day of this weekend's Monza GP that Kimi Raikkonen's contract has been extended by one year. This mean's he's locked into service with the scuderia until the end of 2010, which is the same time Felipe Massa's contract runs out. Terms of the extension weren't disclosed, but the fact that Ferrari re-signed the Iceman means they aren't nearly as worried about his recent form as the rest of the paddock appears to be. It also means that Fernando Alonso can now decide where he wants to go for at least two years and get the silly season officially over with.

[Source: F1 Live]

F1: Ferrari holds on to its Finn -- Raikkonen extends to 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sabine Schmitz coming to America, leaving the 'Ring

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe

APR Motorsport, the racing arm of the APR tuning company, has brought Mistress of the 'Ring Sabine Schmitz to the U.S. for two rounds of the KONI Grand Am Challenge Series. Driving a Golf GTI in the Stock Tuner class, Schmitz is replacing Randy Pobst.

Sabine's visits are for the round just completed at the Iowa Speedway, and for the August 31 race at the New Jersey Motorsports Park. The #181 Golf piloted by Schmitz and Mark White came in 25th in Iowa (out of 43), but 11th in its class (out of 26). A solid performance, now she's got three weeks to show the boys what else she's got. Then it's back to the 'Ring Taxi... and t-shirts with Shrek's donkey in a Ferrari logo. German humor, eh...

[Source: Axis of Oversteer via Jalopnik]

Sabine Schmitz coming to America, leaving the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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