Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[NASCAR turns right, headed to Road America in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/nascar-turns-right-headed-to-road-america-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/nascar-turns-right-headed-to-road-america-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/nascar-turns-right-headed-to-road-america-in-2010/#commentsFiled under:



Some motorsports fans take issue with the fact that the vast majority of NASCAR tracks are little more than a series of left turns. This is for you, roundy-round jokers. The official sport of the South is mixing in some right turns and working the brakes a bit more in 2010 with a pair of road courses. The first race, a June 20 Sprint Cup affair at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, was already on the books, and now the truck racing series has added a second road course on June 19. The Nationwide Truck Series race will be held at Road America near Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, where a scenic 4.04 mile, 14 turn course awaits tailgate-loving NASCAR drivers.

We joke about NASCAR and right turns, but Wisconsin native Paul Menard thinks the biggest challenge will come courtesy of the brake pedal. "Braking will be the hardest aspect. Strategy will play a big part in this race." NASCAR hasn't run a national cup race at Road America since way back in1956, back when race cars used carburetors weren't as fast. Racing Road America will likely be a challenge for drivers who participate in both NASCAR Series, as a trip from Wisconsin to California inside of 24 hours sandwiched between a pair of tough races doesn't sound at all easy to us.

Whether you love NASCAR or you can't stand it, we're thinking middle America's racing sport of choice deserves hats off for mixing it up a bit this year.

[Source: NASCAR | Image: Road America]

NASCAR turns right, headed to Road America in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>motorsportsnascarNationwide SeriesNationwideSeriesroad americaroad courseRoadAmericaRoadCoursesprint cupSprintCupstock carstock car racingStockCarStockCarRacingWisconsinWed, 23 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[He's Back: Schumacher reportedly signs with Mercedes-Benz F1 for 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/hes-back-schumacher-signs-with-mercedes-benz-f1-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/hes-back-schumacher-signs-with-mercedes-benz-f1-for-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/hes-back-schumacher-signs-with-mercedes-benz-f1-for-2010/#commentsFiled under: ,



All clearances given, the BBC is reporting that Michael Schumacher is officially a driver for the Mercedes-Petronas F1 team. The deal is understood to be a one-year agreement, with Schumacher being paid £6.2 million ($9.82M U.S.) and having an open door at the end of the year to carry on if it all works out.

Mercedes is said to have its eye on Sebastian Vettel when his contract is up in 2012. Theoretically then, if Michael remains Michael behind the wheel, he could drive for the Three-Pointed Star and collect trophies, and perhaps Championships, until then. That's an immense theoretical, however: Prost and Lauda took time off, came back, and won the whole show again; Jacques Villeneuve, well, not so much.

And as much as Ferrari respects the times it had with Schumacher, we have a feeling Luca di Montezemolo has already called Alonso to tell him, "You know what you have to do..." On the other hand, if Alonso doesn't work out at Ferrari, and Michael does well and only has a one-year deal with Mercedes...

[Source: BBC | Image: Clive Mason/Getty]

He's Back: Schumacher reportedly signs with Mercedes-Benz F1 for 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbreaking newsBreakingNewsf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemercedes f1MercedesF1michael schumacherMichaelSchumachermotorsportsWed, 23 Dec 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Schumacher Says It Himself: driving for Mercedes F1 is a "very strong possibility"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/schumacher-says-it-himself-driving-for-mercedes-f1-is-a-very-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/schumacher-says-it-himself-driving-for-mercedes-f1-is-a-very-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/schumacher-says-it-himself-driving-for-mercedes-f1-is-a-very-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,



There are hearts breaking all over Italy, and the biggest one of all is that which beats in the chest of Ferrari head Luca de Montezemolo. Michael Schumacher is still under contract to The Prancing Horse as a global ambassador and consultant for their road cars. However, given the opportunity to return to a Formula One cockpit and prove a thing or ten, he appears keen on racing no matter the color of the car.

Neither Schumacher nor the Mercedes F1 team is revealing anything public about the German's chances of driving, but it's been in the press for a few weeks now. Last week, Schumacher phoned Montezemolo and told him there was a "very, very, very strong possibility" he'd end up as a driver for Mercedes. Speculation is that the final say is only waiting on Schumacher's neck to be declared fully healed after his motorcycle accident earlier this year.

If the 41-year-old Schumy does race again with Mercedes, it will be with the company that put him on the road to becoming one of the greatest racing drivers ever. And it will come at the expense of a muy doloroso de Montezemolo, who is so torn up about Michael switching camps that he has taken to calling the former Ferrari driver "the real Michael Schumacher," and the potential Mercedes pilot, "the new Michael Schumacher."

If it comes to pass, we'll play a sad song for de Montezemolo on the jukebox, but we'll do a dance for the coming F1 season: Rosberg and Schumacher in Mercedes', Alonso and Massa in Ferraris, Hamilton and Button in McLarens, Vettel in his Red Bull. There hasn't been a field like that in that kind of machinery in more than a decade. Please let it be March already...

[Source: Autosport | Image: Juergen Schwarz/Getty]

Schumacher Says It Himself: driving for Mercedes F1 is a "very strong possibility" originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1ferrariferrari f1FerrariF1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneluca de montezemoloLucaDeMontezemolomercedesmercedes f1MercedesF1michael schumacherMichaelSchumachermotorsportsMon, 21 Dec 2009 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/video-crap-motorsports-ftw-car-launching/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/video-crap-motorsports-ftw-car-launching/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/19/video-crap-motorsports-ftw-car-launching/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Car Launching - Click above to watch the video

As the proliferation of LeMons events has proven, there's a fat vein of crap-box motorsports yet to be mined. Northwestern Wisconsin has its own unique brand of vehicular mayhem called Car Launching. The premise is simple: Jump something fetid and ridiculous off an earthen ramp, headed for certain destruction.

It's best to tow something that enhances the punchline. Like a dumpster. It's a much shorter lap than LeMons, but we suppose you could counter that by dragging more than one vehicle with you. Check out the video posted after the jump for the full impact. (We highly recommend clicking the "View Fullscreen" option.)

[Source: Notes from the Technology Underground]

Continue reading VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching

VIDEO: Crap Motorsports FTW! - Car Launching originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car launchingCarLaunchinglemonsLeMons Racelemons thunderhillLemonsRaceLemonsThunderhillmotorsportsracingwisconsinSat, 19 Dec 2009 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-toyota-supra-hv-r-gt-hybrid-coming-to-lemans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-toyota-supra-hv-r-gt-hybrid-coming-to-lemans/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/18/report-toyota-supra-hv-r-gt-hybrid-coming-to-lemans/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toyota Supra HV-R GT - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota's pulled out of F1, but that doesn't mean the company has lost its will to win with cutting edge tech. Rumors suggest it's dusting off the underpinnings of the Hybrid Supra HV-R it used to win the Tokkachi 24-Hour race two years ago, and staring at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a glint in its eye.

The Supra HV-R used a 473-horsepower V8 that gets help from regenerative braking, a quick-charging capacitor, and three additional electric motors: two in the front wheels, one in the back of the car. Toyota would need to upgrade the tech, prep the car for the GT1 class, and test it, so a 2012 race entry is hypothesized were such a thing to happen.

As far as we're concerned, anything that could lead to bringing back a Supra -- even if only in race trim to begin with -- is all right with us. Especially one with 473 horses, gobs of torque and a date with the Mulsanne straight. Toyota, please do this...


Gallery: Denso SARD Supra HV-R


[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: Toyota Supra HV-R GT hybrid coming to LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Le MansLeMansmotorsportssuprasupra hv-rSupraHv-rtoyota supratoyota supra hv-rToyotaSupraToyotaSupraHv-rFri, 18 Dec 2009 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen iPhone app lets you follow Dakar progress]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/volkswagen-iphone-app-lets-you-follow-dakar-progress/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/volkswagen-iphone-app-lets-you-follow-dakar-progress/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/volkswagen-iphone-app-lets-you-follow-dakar-progress/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dakar Touareg

There are thousands of iPhone apps for all "that" and too much more, but few that we think have the potential to be this cool. VW will contest the Dakar Rally from January 2-17 -- Race Touareg 2 drivers Giniel de Villiers and Dirk von Zitzewitz Mark Miller finished 1-2 last year -- and you can follow the VW team with its Rally Mobile app.

The information will start flowing before the race and continue throughout and afterward. Look for daily reports and video recaps, photographs, background information on the the Race Touareg 2, and detailed stage information. Also, It's free, which is always cool. All the pertinent info and the download link are in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen iPhone app lets you follow Dakar progress

Volkswagen iPhone app lets you follow Dakar progress originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dakardakar 2010Dakar2010motorsportsrace touareg 2RaceTouareg2volkswagenVolkswagen Race Touareg 2VolkswagenRaceTouareg2vwVW Race Touareg 2VwRaceTouareg2Sat, 12 Dec 2009 10:41:00 EST<![CDATA[DTM cars to run in Japan's SuperGT series?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/dtm-cars-to-run-in-japans-supergt-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/dtm-cars-to-run-in-japans-supergt-series/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/dtm-cars-to-run-in-japans-supergt-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Germany's DTM series is presently contested by just two automakers, Mercedes-Benz and Audi. In an effort to increase manufacturer participation, global reach, and television audiences, Autosport reports that DTM's overseers to be talking to Japan's Super GT series organizers about a tie-up. The GT500 class includes Honda, Lexus, Nissan, and a single Aston Martin DBR9.

The talks are centered around letting the cars race together, not DTM and Super GT actually coming together. The hurdles would be rationalizing the specifications: GT500 racers employ a different construction, as the series doesn't mandate spec electronics, tire, gearbox, differential, fuel, and brake suppliers as in DTM. However, Super GT does have its own way of creating parity and close racing, using restrictor plates and pit stop regulations.

If the two can find a way to come together, it might encourage BMW to join the series and bring its American Le Man M3 to the party. The Munich marque has resisted DTM, saying it isn't interested in a series so heavily focused on Germany. Don't get any hopes up, though - the Super GT management said they don't see the link-up as "a matter for the very near future."

[Source: Autosport | Image: Alex Grimm/Bongarts/Getty]

DTM cars to run in Japan's SuperGT series? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwdtmgermanyjapanjapan super gtJapanSuperGtmotorsportssuper gtSuperGttouring cartouring car challengeTouringCarTouringCarChallengeTue, 08 Dec 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Umlautfest: Kimi Räikkönen signs with Citroën Red Bull rally team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/kimi-raikkonen-signs-with-citroen-red-bull-rally-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/kimi-raikkonen-signs-with-citroen-red-bull-rally-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/kimi-raikkonen-signs-with-citroen-red-bull-rally-team/#commentsFiled under: ,



Kimi Räikkönen is now a WRC driver. The Flying Finn will pilot one of two Citroën CR4 Junior Team cars with Kaj Lindström as his co-driver. It's been in the works for a while, and from the sounds of it, no one appears to have any doubts that Raikkonen will do well there. Team boss Olivier Quesnel rates the ex-Ferrari pilot highly, saying, "What he did there in a S2000 was amazing," when speaking of Kimi's run in an Abarth in a Finnish rally earlier this year.

Even 2003 WRC title winner Petter Solberg puts Kimi in with a shout, commenting, "If he's in a decent World Rally Car next season I think he could finish between third and fifth on some rallies." This will put four Citroën cars in next year's Championship, with returning title winners Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, Dani Sordo and Marc Marti, plus the junior cars of Räikkönen/Lindström and Sébastien Ogier and co-driver Julien Ingrassia. You can check out Citroën's official release after the jump.

[Source: Citroën]

Continue reading Umlautfest: Kimi Räikkönen signs with Citroën Red Bull rally team

Umlautfest: Kimi Räikkönen signs with Citroën Red Bull rally team originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroenkimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenmotorsportsworld rally championshipWorldRallyChampionshipwrcSat, 05 Dec 2009 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Essen 2009: 1,050-hp 1956 Mercedes Gullwing drag car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/essen-2009-1-050-hp-1956-mercedes-gullwing-drag-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/essen-2009-1-050-hp-1956-mercedes-gullwing-drag-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/essen-2009-1-050-hp-1956-mercedes-gullwing-drag-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gullwing dragster - Click above for high-res image gallery

This ungainly little creature had an area all to itself at this year's Essen Motor Show. Built over four years by Swiss drag racer Stefan Winter - who is a roofer by trade - the most important thing to say is this: Winter did not mangle a genuine 1956 Mercedes 300 SL to create this beast, and we can thank all the gods that be for that. He copied the body in fiberglass and placed it over a tube chassis, hiding a small block Chevy in front that's been bored out to 422 cubic inches.

With modified pistons, crankshaft, cylinder heads, and a bit more black-art-ness, the gullwinged monster puts 1,050 horsepower to the ground through a 3-speed transmission and rear tires 15 inches across. The 1/4-mile rolls off in 8.1 seconds at 166 mph. If nothing else, at that speed he shouldn't have any problem with keeping the car's interior cool, a problem the originals were known for...


Gallery: Essen 2009: Mercedes Gullwing Dragster


[Source: Das Auto Blog (translated) via Autoblog.nl]

Essen 2009: 1,050-hp 1956 Mercedes Gullwing drag car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>300 SL Gullwing300SL300SL Gullwing300slGullwingdrag racingDragRacingessen 2009essen motor showEssen2009EssenMotorShowgullwingmotorsportsMon, 30 Nov 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Trial By Fire: Toyota to run nearly stock 2010 4Runner in SCORE Baja 1000]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/trial-by-fire-toyota-to-run-nearly-stock-2010-4runner-in-score/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/trial-by-fire-toyota-to-run-nearly-stock-2010-4runner-in-score/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/trial-by-fire-toyota-to-run-nearly-stock-2010-4runner-in-score/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2010 4Runner for the Baja 1000 -- Click above for high-res image

Toyota is taking a nearly stock 2010 4Runner to the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 in about ten days, and the immortal Ivan "Ironman" Stewart will be piloting. Toyota hasn't said what changes to the production truck will be made, but the class rules dictate that runners stay pretty close to factory specs, while allowing more serious mods to the suspension and whatever is needed inside for a safety cage.

In addition to the loss of the rear gate and the swapped-out wheels, we imagine a thorough shock overhaul and a minor engine tune. We'll look for more in-depth info on the car as the race gets closer, but for now we'd like to let Toyota know that they need to add this package -- minus the cage and spare -- to the 4Runner's showroom offerings. You can read about the truck in the presser after the jump, and click above for a high-res image or check out the stock '10 4Runner in our gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Toyota 4Runner Limited


[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Trial By Fire: Toyota to run nearly stock 2010 4Runner in SCORE Baja 1000

Trial By Fire: Toyota to run nearly stock 2010 4Runner in SCORE Baja 1000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 4runner2010 toyota2010 toyota 4runner20104runner2010Toyota2010Toyota4runner4Runner4runner-dieselbajaBaja 1000baja 1000 4runnerBaja1000Baja10004runnermotorsportsSCOREtoyotaToyota 4RunnerToyota4runnerTue, 10 Nov 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru Concord Pond Run footage is a forest feast]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/video-ken-blocks-subaru-concord-pond-run-footage-is-a-forest-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/video-ken-blocks-subaru-concord-pond-run-footage-is-a-forest-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/29/video-ken-blocks-subaru-concord-pond-run-footage-is-a-forest-f/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino during the New England Forest Rally -- Click above to watch video

What you need to know: New England Forest Rally, Ken Block and co-driver Alex Gelsomino, Special Stage 5 -- Concord Pond Run, breaking their own stage record they set last year. What you need to ask: what happens when Block meets Loeb next year?

Everything else worth considering is in the video in glorious high-definition. Follow the jump to check it out. Thanks for the tip, Nate!

[Source: Subaru]

Continue reading VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru Concord Pond Run footage is a forest feast

VIDEO: Ken Block's Subaru Concord Pond Run footage is a forest feast originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alex GelsominoAlexGelsominoConcord Pond RunConcordPondRunken blockKenBlockmotorsportsNew England Forest RallyNewEnglandForestRallyrallyrally racerally racingrallyingRallyRaceRallyRacingsubaruvideoThu, 29 Oct 2009 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Best Drift Ever? Reverse-entry slide has JDM judges all aflutter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/video-best-drift-ever-reverse-entry-slide-has-jdm-judges-all-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/video-best-drift-ever-reverse-entry-slide-has-jdm-judges-all-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/video-best-drift-ever-reverse-entry-slide-has-jdm-judges-all-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

Reverse entry drift -- Click above to view the video after the jump

You know the famous soccer announcer (football to you internationals), Andrés Cantor, who screams "Goooooaaaallllll" after a score? A bit of performance genius has had some Japanese drift announcers overcome in similar ecstasy. When M. Kawabata launched his Nissan S13 (a 240 SX to us Yanks) into the corner, he threw the car around so quickly the rear end enters the turn first -- and then he kept it under control. It's being called "drifting history" and "the perfect drift" and "the best drift ever." Make the jump to see the vid and judge for yourself.

[Source: Tampa Sports Car Examiner via Car Domain]

Continue reading VIDEO: Best Drift Ever? Reverse-entry slide has JDM judges all aflutter

VIDEO: Best Drift Ever? Reverse-entry slide has JDM judges all aflutter originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>d1driftingmotorsportsMon, 26 Oct 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: <s>Everything's</s> Racing's better in super slow motion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/video-everythings-racings-better-in-super-slow-motion/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/video-everythings-racings-better-in-super-slow-motion/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/video-everythings-racings-better-in-super-slow-motion/#commentsFiled under: ,

Motorsports in slow motion -- Click above to watch video

One of the greatest things about motorsports is that they look as good -- maybe even better -- in slow motion as they do at full speed. A YouTube user called Mattzel gathered a series of racing moments from last season, slowed them down and set them to music, and the result is short, but marvelous. Follow the jump to watch the vid.

[Source: YouTube via Axis of Oversteer]

Continue reading VIDEO: Everything's Racing's better in super slow motion

VIDEO: Everything's Racing's better in super slow motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 16:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>motorsportsvideoSat, 24 Oct 2009 16:07:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: USF1 wants NASCAR's Kyle Busch for driver duties]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/report-usf1-wants-nascars-kyle-busch-for-driver-duties/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/report-usf1-wants-nascars-kyle-busch-for-driver-duties/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/24/report-usf1-wants-nascars-kyle-busch-for-driver-duties/#commentsFiled under:



Kyle BuschF1 drivers have left the grid to go to NASCAR, so why not have a NASCAR driver make the leap to Formula 1? USF1's Peter Windsor reportedly has his eye on NASCAR bad boy Kyle Busch to pilot the team's single-seater in next year's championship. The 24-year-old Busch is said to have massive talent, and he's tallied a fair number of wins in his five years of racing in three NASCAR series.

We like the idea of an American pilot who isn't from IndyCar, especially considering the record of American drivers with that background, Mario Andretti excluded. It's still surprising, however, that Windsor, who well knows the crucible that is Formula 1, would want to put an F1 rookie in a brand new car for a brand new team. Pilots with years of F1-specific grooming and success in feeder series like GP2 have burst like melons on concrete when elevated to F1 (Piquet, Jr. and Grosjean, anyone?). If USF1 does make it to the grid (Ecclestone seems to think they won't), we hope they've got drivers who can help them show well.

[Source: Daily F1]

REPORT: USF1 wants NASCAR's Kyle Busch for driver duties originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekyle buschKyleBuschmotorsportsnascarpeter windsorPeterWindsorusf1Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Todt elected FIA president]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/todt-elected-fia-president/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/todt-elected-fia-president/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/todt-elected-fia-president/#commentsFiled under:



Jean Todt, the Frenchman who has led championship-winning teams in WRC, Paris-Dakar, Le Mans, and Formula 1, has been elected to head the FIA. He succeeds the long-serving and highly controversial Max Mosley, who agreed to step down earlier this year as part of the agreement to prevent a rival manufacturer-led championship series. Todt won the vote by 149-35, defeating Ari Vatanen -- the same Vatanen who won those four consecutive Paris-Dakar races for Todt's Peugeot team.

Todt assumes his position with the platform of "constructive change," at the same time as he praised "the extraordinary achievements of Max Mosley's 16 years as President of the FIA in both sport and mobility." He will not only have the backing of the FIA representatives, but the list of candidates that he put forth and that were all, to a man, elected as well.

The question is whether Vatanen's defeat is also a blow to a higher grade of motorsports management. Vatanen felt the FIA needed a thorough overhaul -- perhaps one of the reasons he didn't muster many votes, since many of the people he needed to win were the same ones who might be purged if he did. Mosley's reign could be considered highly successful overall; we will find out if Todt can continue the growth without the gaffes, clashes, and egoistic explosions.

[Source: The Associated Press]

Todt elected FIA president originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ari vatanenAriVatanenf1federation internationale de lautomobileFederationInternationaleDeLautomobilefiaformula 1Formula1jean todtJeanTodtmax mosleyMaxMosleymotorsportsFri, 23 Oct 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tokyo 2009: The motorsports cars and bikes]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-the-bikes-cars-and-bikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-the-bikes-cars-and-bikes/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/tokyo-2009-the-bikes-cars-and-bikes/#commentsFiled under: ,

Motorsports at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Tokyo Motor Show doesn't have as much going on in the way of cars as we'd like, but there are still a few gems among the pack - especially in the area of motorsports. The Japanese are as keen about their sports as they are their motors, and when the two are combined, you get some pretty tasty kit. Examples? Check out the Nissan GT-R Super GT, a rallying Japan Subaru WRX STi, several Moto GP offerings, and a Toyota F1 car. And unlike in the passenger car realm, the Europeans haven't been left out, with the Alpina B6 GT3 and a McLaren Formula One racer making a show of things. Check them all out in our gallery of high-res photos below.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: The Race Cars


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: The Race Bikes


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

Tokyo 2009: The motorsports cars and bikes originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competition carsCompetitionCarsmotorsportsracing bikesracing carsRacingBikesRacingCarstokyotokyo 2009tokyo auto showTokyo Motor ShowTokyo2009TokyoAutoShowTokyoMotorShowtokyomotorshow2009Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Paddy Hopkirk and Rauno Aaltonen revisit the Mini Cooper experience with JCW Cabrio]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-paddy-hopkirk-and-rauno-aaltonen-revisit-the-mini-cooper/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-paddy-hopkirk-and-rauno-aaltonen-revisit-the-mini-cooper/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/video-paddy-hopkirk-and-rauno-aaltonen-revisit-the-mini-cooper/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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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Seems like every day brings something new in Formula 1, and lately none of it's been good. Now we hear that our absolute favorite track on the calendar, Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps circuit, is on the brink of having its license stripped for - get this - 17 years.

Why? Because residents didn't appreciate that high-octane wailing brought on by the F1 circus, so the local Council of State instructed the circuit to conduct an environmental impact study. From the sounds of it, someone tried to get the study done the night before it was due, because the Council found it "seriously inadequate and incomplete." Instead of issuing a simple detention, the Council said "No race for you!" until, *gulp,* 2026.

Thankfully, Spa's director, Pierre-Alain Thibault, now says that "the situation has changed" since the original noise complaint was filed, that the circuit has worked with residents and lowered the decibels. Next year's race is provisionally scheduled for August 29, which gives Thibault a fair bit of time to talk to residents and challenge the Council's actions. A day's wrangling has given the circuit some breathing room to address all of the legal issues before it is officially closed, but it looks like they gotta lotta 'splainin' to do before they can guarantee a 2010 race. For the sake of F1 race fans everywhere, we hope Eau Rouge isn't taken from us. Hat tip to Ryan.

[Source: Crash.net | Image: nmajoros via CC 2.0]

REPORT: Spa-Francorchamps circuit nearly has racing revoked license until 2026 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belgiumeuropef1falseformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnemotorsportsspaspa francorchampsspa-francorchampsSpaFrancorchampsThu, 24 Sep 2009 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: Raikkonen could be back at McLaren in 2010]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/rumormill-raikkonen-could-be-back-at-mclaren-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/rumormill-raikkonen-could-be-back-at-mclaren-in-2010/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/rumormill-raikkonen-could-be-back-at-mclaren-in-2010/#commentsFiled under:



According to British newspaper the Mirror, Kimi Raikkonen could be driving for McLaren next year. The Iceman drove for Ron Dennis' outfit from 2002 to 2006 and scored plenty of victories but couldn't get the World Championship. Then he left for Ferrari in 2007 where he promptly won the World Championship the first year.

This season rumors have persisted that Fernando Alonso is moving to Ferrari next year. Seemingly in support of that, the only thing Kimi Raikkonen and Ferrari team head Stefano Domenicali would say about next year is that Raikkonen has contracted for next year -- neither would say that the driver would actually be there.

The hitch in this latest story is that Kimi will only vacate the seat if he is paid his full salary, something like $49 million. If one adds Massa's salary and the salary one could expect to Alonso to make to that, 2010 would make for a stupendously expensive driver's budget. With Alonso cleared of any sanctions in Renault's crash-gate, it looks like Ferrari has some decisions to make -- forty-nine million of them...

[Source: F1 Live | Image Source: Paul Gilham/Getty]

Rumormill: Raikkonen could be back at McLaren in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1falsefernando alonsoFernandoAlonsoferrariferrari f1FerrariF1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenmclarenmclaren f1mclaren-mercedesMclarenF1motorsportsrenaultrenault f1RenaultF1Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Renault F1 placed on suspended two-year, Briatore banned indefinitely?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/breaking-renault-f1-reportedly-placed-on-suspended-ban-for-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/breaking-renault-f1-reportedly-placed-on-suspended-ban-for-two/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/21/breaking-renault-f1-reportedly-placed-on-suspended-ban-for-two/#commentsFiled under: ,



The World Motor Sports Council took only 90 minutes to reach a verdict in the case of Crashgate - wherein former driver Nelson Piquet, Jr. intentionally chucked his car into the wall at last year's Singapore GP to hand the win to Renault teammate Fernando Alonso. Realizing that Renault was contrite and that the company's disappearance from F1 would be bad for a lot of people, the WSMC handed the company a two-year suspended sentence. If Renault - and its people - keep clean until the end of 2011, it will be free and clear again. As usual in these cases, Renault F1 will also be making "a significant contribution" to racing safety projects.

As for team head Flavio Briatore (above), he couldn't even go down shooting. Having walked away from Renault and not in attendance at the WSMC hearing, all of the doors to FIA-sanctioned motorsport were closed behind him. Not only is he barred "for an unlimited period," from any kind of involvement in any race series or team, no driver "who is associated (through a management contract or otherwise) with Mr. Briatore," can get a Superlicense. We guess that mean's he's left to hang his head at his Billionaire's Club... or with his model wife... or on his yacht...

Pat Symonds, Renault's executive director of engineering, fared a little better, getting only a five-year ban. It appears the difference is that Symonds admitted participation in the "conspiracy," while Briatore still denies he had anything to do with it. We wouldn't be surprised to see Symonds in racing again, but perhaps not on the wall in F1 even after the five years is up. Piquet was given immunity for his help with the investigation, but his career has probably been given a terminal blow to the head. Alonso was found not to have known anything about the plot, which cynics, like Nelson Piquet, Sr. have found hard to believe, but this could clear the way for Alonso to potentially head to Ferrari without issue. Hat tip to Bertland!

[Source: Formula 1.com | Image: Mark Thompson/Getty]

BREAKING: Renault F1 placed on suspended two-year, Briatore banned indefinitely? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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