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[NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/16/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dick Trickle

Well-known NASCAR racer Dick Trickle has dies of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Trickle was 71 years of age.

According to reports, police in Lincoln County, NC were informed via an anonymous phone call (very likely made by Trickle himself) prior to the suicide where to find the body. Trickle's body was found at the Forest Lawn Cemetary in Boger City, NC, next to his pickup truck.

Our thoughts go out to Trickle's friends and family. Please keep any comments respectful and remember that this is not the time for jokes.

NASCAR racer Dick Trickle dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 May 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dick tricklenascarripThu, 16 May 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20572912/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/16/nascar-racer-dick-trickle-dies-of-self-inflicted-gunshot-wound/20572912/article-detail.xml 20572912 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dick-trickle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/dick-trickle.jpg <![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra prototype]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Over the last decade or so, competition in NASCAR has led to some pretty funky looking racecars. And when the sport was still up and coming, the tight competition actually led to some interesting production cars. The Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird are perhaps the most well-known cars of the sport's "aero wars" era but the Ford Torino King Cobra might have been the most memorable of all, if not for some different homologation rules established in 1970. The Torino King Cobra never made it to production and never competed in NASCAR, but three examples exist including this one now for sale on eBay.

Designed as a successor for the aero-tuned Torino Talladega, the Torino King Cobra has a sleeker front end with hidden headlights and a sloped nose. As the story goes, NASCAR made a rule change in 1970 requiring 3,000 of the vehicles to be produced, which was substantially more than the 500 units required by the previous rule. One of the three prototypes ever built - and the only one built with the Boss 429 engine - is now for sale on eBay with a starting bid of $500,000. With a little more than three days left on the auction there are still no bids, but in the grand scheme of things this seems like a relatively fair price for a rare piece of automobile and racing history.

eBay Find of the Day: 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra prototype originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 May 2013 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1970 ford torino king cobrafordford torinoford torino king cobraking cobranascarWed, 08 May 2013 15:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20560442/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/08/ebay-find-of-the-day-1970-ford-torino-king-cobra-prototype/20560442/article-detail.xml 20560442 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-torino-king-cobra_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/ford-torino-king-cobra.png <![CDATA[Piquet Jr. spins Scott, post-race altercation leads to kick in the jewels, arrests [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/piquet-jr-spins-scott-post-race-altercation-leads-to-kick-in-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/piquet-jr-spins-scott-post-race-altercation-leads-to-kick-in-t/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/piquet-jr-spins-scott-post-race-altercation-leads-to-kick-in-t/#commentsFiled under: ,

Scott Piquet Fight

It seems as if NASCAR drivers are hellbent on blurring the line between their sport and pro wrestling. Nelson Piquet Jr. and Brian Scott got into a little scuffle after a Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway recently. The two drivers have had a running rivalry for some time now, and when Piquet spun Scott in a bid for 15th place, Scott stopped by Piquet's car post-race. Some shoving ensued, and Piquet decided to kick for Scott's groin in an attempt to put an end to the argument. Apparently, that wasn't enough.

Later, crew members for both drivers got into a further altercation at the track's motor home lot that culminated in two of Scott's boys getting arrested. Michael Searce was booked on two charges of misdemeanor assault while Thomas Costello was arrested on one count of the same. Both were released early Saturday. You can watch a video of the collision as well as interviews with both drivers below.

Continue reading Piquet Jr. spins Scott, post-race altercation leads to kick in the jewels, arrests [w/video]

Piquet Jr. spins Scott, post-race altercation leads to kick in the jewels, arrests [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian scottnascarnascar crewmembers arrestednascar fightnationwidenationwide seriesnelson piquet jrpoliceMon, 29 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20551740/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/piquet-jr-spins-scott-post-race-altercation-leads-to-kick-in-t/20551740/article-detail.xml 20551740 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/scott-piquet-fight-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/scott-piquet-fight-628.jpg <![CDATA[Is NASCAR green? New ad makes the case]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/is-nascar-green-new-ad-makes-the-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/is-nascar-green-new-ad-makes-the-case/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/23/is-nascar-green-new-ad-makes-the-case/#commentsFiled under: , ,



If you're a motorsports fan you've probably come across stories on the efforts Formula One has made to reduce its carbon footprint (KERS anyone?), but you might not have heard about what's being done in the world of NASCAR. Turns out it's pretty intense.

In 2008, NASCAR chairman Brian France got to work on creating a green initiative for the series. It wasn't unveiled until 2009 and it tackled the integration of biofuels, as in the switch to E85, employing alternative energy like the solar array at Pocono Raceway, and recycling. The initiative has a "managing director of green innovation," Dr. Mike Lynch, a website with ways everyone can get involved in making the Earth greener, hybrid pace cars and Miss Sprint Cup in a green race suit.

It's gotten bigger every year, and NASCAR will crank up its promotion with a 30-second spot that ran several times during the STP 400 at the Kansas Speedway. You can watch it below.

Continue reading Is NASCAR green? New ad makes the case

Is NASCAR green? New ad makes the case originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adnascarnascar race to greenrace to greenvideoyoutubeTue, 23 Apr 2013 09:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546344/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/23/is-nascar-green-new-ad-makes-the-case/20546344/article-detail.xml 20546344 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nascar-green-campaign-2_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nascar-green-campaign-2.jpg <![CDATA[Man commits suicide at NASCAR's NRA 500 race in TX]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/man-commits-suicide-at-nascars-nra-500-race-in-tx/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/man-commits-suicide-at-nascars-nra-500-race-in-tx/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/15/man-commits-suicide-at-nascars-nra-500-race-in-tx/#commentsFiled under: ,



A suicide during this weekend's NRA 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway will likely only add to the controversy behind the National Rifle Association's title sponsorship of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race. Kirk Franklin, 42, of Saginaw, TX, shot and killed himself in the infield of the track during late stages of the race Saturday night following an argument with other race fans.

According to a report from The Huffington Post, Franklin shot himself at 10:30 PM, and his body was found in the back seat of a pickup truck. Texas law prohibits guns at the racetrack, so it isn't clear how or why Franklin smuggled the gun in to the track in the first place.

Man commits suicide at NASCAR's NRA 500 race in TX originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gun safetykirk franklinnascarNational Rifle Associationnra 500Sportssprint cupSprint Cup Seriessuicidetexas motor speedwayMon, 15 Apr 2013 10:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20540743/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/15/man-commits-suicide-at-nascars-nra-500-race-in-tx/20540743/article-detail.xml 20540743 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nascar-nra-500-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/nascar-nra-500-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon put one over on a used car dealer... sorta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/watch-nascar-racer-jeff-gordon-put-one-over-on-a-used-car-dealer/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/watch-nascar-racer-jeff-gordon-put-one-over-on-a-used-car-dealer/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/13/watch-nascar-racer-jeff-gordon-put-one-over-on-a-used-car-dealer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Pepsi Max ad with Jeff Gordon as disguised used car test driver - video screencap

Full Disclosure: in my younger days, I loved nothing more than tormenting passengers with my behind-the-wheel hijinks. Once, after a particularly artful handbrake turn on a two-lane at around 50 miles per hour, I left one backseat occupant crying in their own lap. This isn't necessarily something to be proud of, but it gives you a glimpse into why it is that I find this ad from Pepsi so damn disappointing. The premise is beautiful. Take NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon, give him a disguise and set him loose upon some unsuspecting used car dealer. Hilarity ensues.

Except that this Pepsi Max commercial is so obviously staged, it can't help but feel like some ham-fisted marketing fail. From the strategically placed aftermarket cupholder mounted mid-dash for the hidden camera to the fact that the supposed dealer Camaro is displayed as a 2009 model (Hint: Chevrolet didn't make any), this clip is about as organic as a Twinkie. Still, we would never turn down a chance to watch Gordon thrash on a rental-spec coupe - only problem is, he probably didn't even do the driving himself. Check it out below.

Continue reading Watch NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon put one over on a used car dealer... sorta

Watch NASCAR racer Jeff Gordon put one over on a used car dealer... sorta originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camarochevroletchevrolet camarocommercialjeff gordonjeff gordon pepsi commercialjeff gordon test drive videomarketingnascarpepsipepsi maxvideoviral marketingviral videoWed, 13 Mar 2013 12:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20500541/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/13/watch-nascar-racer-jeff-gordon-put-one-over-on-a-used-car-dealer/20500541/article-detail.xml 20500541 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeff-gordon-test-drive-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/jeff-gordon-test-drive-628.jpg <![CDATA[Denny Hamlin refuses to pay NASCAR fine for criticizing Gen VI racecar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/denny-hamlin-refuses-to-pay-nascar-fine-for-criticizing-gen-vi-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/denny-hamlin-refuses-to-pay-nascar-fine-for-criticizing-gen-vi-r/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/denny-hamlin-refuses-to-pay-nascar-fine-for-criticizing-gen-vi-r/#commentsFiled under: ,



Denny Hamlin isn't crazy about the new NASCAR Gen 6 cars. Well, actually, that's a bit strong. Based on our readings of his statements following the March 3 race at Phoenix International Raceway, Hamlin simply thinks that the new NASCAR racecar has got some growing to do before it's as polished at the outgoing Gen 5 cars were. Here's what the Toyota driver said:

"We learned a lot. I don't want to be the pessimist, but it did not race as good as our Generation 5 cars. This is more like what the Generation 5 was at the beginning. The teams hadn't figured out how to get the aero balance right. Right now, you just run single-file and you cannot get around the guy in front of you."

That rather mild criticism of the Gen 6 (appearing in its second only race thus far) car has been enough, however, to cause NASCAR to issue Hamlin a $25,000 fine. The organization said that it gives its drivers "ample leeway" to voice their opinions but, "will not tolerate publicly made comments by its drivers that denigrate the racing product."

Hamlin, who races for Joe Gibbs Racing - and drove the Gen 6 Toyota Camry from a 43rd-place start to a 3rd-place finish in Phoenix, by the way - is incensed that NASCAR officials didn't reach out or attempt to have a conversation with him before issuing the fine. He has appealed the official decision, and vowed not to pay the twenty-five large.

Tweeted Hamlin on the issue: "I believe I was severely disrespected by NASCAR by getting fined. I believe that the simple fact of us not even having a conversation about this issue before I was hit with a fine has something to say about our relationship." We'll wait and see how this stand off at the stock car corral plays out.

Denny Hamlin refuses to pay NASCAR fine for criticizing Gen VI racecar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>denny hamlingen vijoe gibbs racingnascarMon, 11 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496915/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/11/denny-hamlin-refuses-to-pay-nascar-fine-for-criticizing-gen-vi-r/20496915/article-detail.xml 20496915 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/denny-hamlin-fine-01-1363011010_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/denny-hamlin-fine-01-1363011010.jpg <![CDATA[Conn. Senator Murphy urges NASCAR to reconsider NRA race sponsorship [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/conn-senator-murphy-urges-nascar-to-reconsider-nra-race-sponsor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/conn-senator-murphy-urges-nascar-to-reconsider-nra-race-sponsor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/conn-senator-murphy-urges-nascar-to-reconsider-nra-race-sponsor/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NASCAR NRA 500 Logo

Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy wants NASCAR officials to reconsider calling one of the sport's upcoming events, the NRA 500. Murphy, who has helmed the conversation on gun control in the US since the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut last December, sent a letter to NASCAR officials asking them to reconsider the move. According to reports, the senator addressed his correspondence to Brian France, chairman and CEO of NASCAR, saying the National Rifle Association has placed itself at odds with both "the overwhelming majority of the American people, and even their own members" over the "proper response" to the tragic school shooting.

NASCAR, it should be noted, honored the victims of the Connecticut shooting with a special green-and-white car at the Daytona 500. The machine's livery featured a green Sandy Hook ribbon, along with instructions on how to donate to funds set up for victims. In his letter, Murphy said, "I believe it would be imprudent for NASCAR to step into such a heated political debate and take sides in this debate by allowing the NRA the title role in the race." The NRA 500 is set to take place April 13.

Meanwhile, Texas Motorspeedway president Eddie Gossage insists the naming has less to do with politics and more to do with sports marketing, and NASCAR has said race sponsorships are agreements between the track and the sponsor, though technically the race organization can approve or reject those agreements.

What do you think, should NASCAR reconsider its sponsorship with the NRA? Vote in our poll and have your say in Comments.


View Poll

Conn. Senator Murphy urges NASCAR to reconsider NRA race sponsorship [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian francechris murphygun controlnascarnational rifle associationnranra 500sandy hooksandyhooksenator chris murphysponsorshipMon, 11 Mar 2013 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496715/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/11/conn-senator-murphy-urges-nascar-to-reconsider-nra-race-sponsor/20496715/article-detail.xml 20496715 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/nra-500-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/nra-500-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch NASCAR racer Brad Keselowski do a burnout... in a hotel conference room]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/watch-nascar-racer-brad-keselowski-do-a-burnout-in-a-hotel-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/watch-nascar-racer-brad-keselowski-do-a-burnout-in-a-hotel-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/watch-nascar-racer-brad-keselowski-do-a-burnout-in-a-hotel-co/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



A vast majority of hotels frown upon smoking inside the building these days, but Brad Keselowski doesn't follow the rules. During his introduction at the 2013 MiilerCoors Distribution Convention, the reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup champion smoked the tires of his Miller-sponsored Ford Fusion stock car, adding a pair of thick, black stripes to the carpeting of the Marriott World Center's conference room.

This definitely isn't a high-quality video, but it's the perfect vantage point to watch Keselowski lay down some rubber and receive a well-deserved standing ovation after pulling up in front of the crowd. Check out the short-but-sweet video posted below.

Continue reading Watch NASCAR racer Brad Keselowski do a burnout... in a hotel conference room

Watch NASCAR racer Brad Keselowski do a burnout... in a hotel conference room originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad keselowskiburnout videofordfusionmillercoorsnascarsprint cupvideovideosFri, 08 Mar 2013 19:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20494888/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/08/watch-nascar-racer-brad-keselowski-do-a-burnout-in-a-hotel-co/20494888/article-detail.xml 20494888 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/brad-keselowski-burnout_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/brad-keselowski-burnout.jpg <![CDATA[NASCAR POV pit stop video, with one very hot brake rotor]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/nascar-pov-pit-stop-video-with-one-very-hot-brake-rotor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/nascar-pov-pit-stop-video-with-one-very-hot-brake-rotor/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/07/nascar-pov-pit-stop-video-with-one-very-hot-brake-rotor/#commentsFiled under: ,



Anyone who has watched a NASCAR pit crew work during a race is bound to have come away from the experience at least a little bit impressed. The skill and timing of the crew isn't in the limelight like that of the drivers, but is almost as impressive in short bursts.

The video below shows an awfully good representation of all this. When David Gilliland's No. 38 car comes in for stop at the 2012 Sprint Cup Series race at Homestead, we can see that changing a tire at speed comes with the definite risk of burning a fingertip or ten. Scroll down to see what we mean, and be sure to watch for the slow-motion replay of the ultra-quick action at the end of the video.

Continue reading NASCAR POV pit stop video, with one very hot brake rotor

NASCAR POV pit stop video, with one very hot brake rotor originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david gillilandhot brakenascarpit stoppovpurple braketire changevideoThu, 07 Mar 2013 12:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20487516/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/07/nascar-pov-pit-stop-video-with-one-very-hot-brake-rotor/20487516/article-detail.xml 20487516 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/pov-nascar-tire-change-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/pov-nascar-tire-change-628.jpg <![CDATA[How federal budget cuts could curb motorsports pageantry]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/how-federal-budget-cuts-could-curb-motorsports-pageantry/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/how-federal-budget-cuts-could-curb-motorsports-pageantry/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/05/how-federal-budget-cuts-could-curb-motorsports-pageantry/#commentsFiled under: ,



At your next NASCAR event, you might hear, "Look! Up in the sky! It's, well, nothing." That's because government sequestration budget cuts will probably nix Air Force flyovers that have been a long-time tradition at many NASCAR races.

If fully implemented, the sequestration cuts would force the federal government to cut $1.2 trillion from its budget over the next 10 years. The reduced spending mandate slashes across every federal department including the Pentagon. Since the high-flying, pre-race panoply is hardly a necessary expense, you can bet it will be among the first picks of low-hanging budgetary fruit.

Last year, Congress banned the armed services from directly sponsoring race teams and USA Today says the March 10 NASCAR race in Las Vegas could be the last flyover for the Air Force's Thunderbirds.

How federal budget cuts could curb motorsports pageantry originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air force thunderbirdsblue angelsflyoversmotorsportsnascarnavy blue angelssequestrationthunderbirdsTue, 05 Mar 2013 08:33:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20487122/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/05/how-federal-budget-cuts-could-curb-motorsports-pageantry/20487122/article-detail.xml 20487122 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/air-force-flyover-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/air-force-flyover-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Taiwan's over-the-top animation of the NASCAR Daytona tragedy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/watch-taiwans-over-the-top-animation-of-the-nascar-daytona-trag/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/watch-taiwans-over-the-top-animation-of-the-nascar-daytona-trag/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/26/watch-taiwans-over-the-top-animation-of-the-nascar-daytona-trag/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Taiwan's Next Media Animation tackles NASCAR crash with fan injuries at Daytona - video screencap

During last Saturday's Nationwide Series race the afternoon before the 2013 Daytona 500, a last-lap crash on left some 33 spectators injured when Kyle Larson's car flew into the fence and disintegrated as it rode along the upper edge of the barrier. The flying parts tore a hole in the fence and flew into the stands, with a television crew and a spectator video catching part of the incident.

Taiwan's Next Media Animation, which digitally recreates events usually in order to lampoon them, has made a video on the NASCAR crash questioning NASCAR's commitment to fan safety. It uses comically outrageous scenarios to make its point, the sort one would expect from a cartoon sendup.

We wonder if it's a bit unfair, though - racing is dangerous, and if you made it safe enough for no one to get hurt, we're guessing no one would want to watch it. If fans were left on their own, there could have been more injuries, but the Daytona Speedway has armed police constantly patrolling the fence to make sure fans stay back. We have a feeling, as the video below suggests, that a head-to-head between personal injury lawyers and NASCAR will write the text of the next chapter in race-day safety.

Continue reading Watch Taiwan's over-the-top animation of the NASCAR Daytona tragedy

Watch Taiwan's over-the-top animation of the NASCAR Daytona tragedy originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 daytona 500daytona 500kyle larsonnascarnationwide seriesnext media animationnmaracing accidentvideoTue, 26 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20478610/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/26/watch-taiwans-over-the-top-animation-of-the-nascar-daytona-trag/20478610/article-detail.xml 20478610 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nmadaytona_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nmadaytona.jpg <![CDATA[Fan video from stands shows horror of Daytona crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/fan-video-from-stands-shows-horror-of-daytona-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/fan-video-from-stands-shows-horror-of-daytona-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/fan-video-from-stands-shows-horror-of-daytona-crash/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kyle Larson's NASCAR Daytona crash scatters debris into stands - video screencap

Things took a turn for the worse during this weekend's NASCAR events in Daytona when one of the race cars crashed into the fence that separates the track and the grandstands, injuring 33 fans in the process. In our original report, we included video of this horrifying incident from the TV crews' perspective, but just days later, a video direct from the grandstands has appeared on YouTube.

To recap, Kyle Larson's No. 32 was sent into the fence during Saturday's Nationwide Series race as the result of a multi-car crash that started when Regan Smith's car was turned sideways just before coming into the checkered flag. Larson's car lost its entire front end, and the burning engine was wedged in a hole in the fence.

This fan video, however, shows just how much debris came flying into the stands, including items as large as a tire. Scroll down to watch the scary scene for yourself, though be aware, there are more than a couple Not Safe For Work explicit utterances in the video.

Continue reading Fan video from stands shows horror of Daytona crash

Fan video from stands shows horror of Daytona crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashdaytonadaytona 500kyle larsonmotorsportsnascarnationwide seriesvideoMon, 25 Feb 2013 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20476227/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/fan-video-from-stands-shows-horror-of-daytona-crash/20476227/article-detail.xml 20476227 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nascarvideo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nascarvideo.jpg <![CDATA[Race Recap: 2013 Daytona 500 runs 200 laps, six of them count [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/race-recap-2013-daytona-500-runs-200-laps-six-of-them-count-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/race-recap-2013-daytona-500-runs-200-laps-six-of-them-count-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/24/race-recap-2013-daytona-500-runs-200-laps-six-of-them-count-s/#commentsFiled under: ,

2013 Daytona 500 start

It's been a huge month, leading up to the Super Bowl of NASCAR, the Daytona 500. This is the first year of the new Car of Tomorrow, the "Gen Six" car, and all of the drivers have been trying to figure out its intricacies. The Ford Fusion and Chevrolet NASCAR SS has joined the field and its street-legal equivalent, the SS, was introduced. A huge wreck in the Nationwide Series race the day before the Daytona 500 tore a car in half, tore a hole in the fence, sent car parts flying into the crowd and injured some 33 spectators.

And then, of course, making just her 11th Sprint Cup Series start, there was Danica Patrick on pole position. She'd lead the way for the 43 cars on the grid to start the 200 laps of the 2.5-mile oval called the Daytona International Speedway, with its five-story-high turns banked at 31 degrees and the 3,000-foot front stretch banked at 18 degrees.

Perhaps all that excitement is why James Franco, the honorary race starter there to promote Disney's new film, Oz the Great and Powerful, yelled "Drivers, and Danica, start your engines!" to begin the 65th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship...

Continue reading Race Recap: 2013 Daytona 500 runs 200 laps, six of them count [spoilers]

Race Recap: 2013 Daytona 500 runs 200 laps, six of them count [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Feb 2013 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A truly horrifying crash at Saturday's Daytona race has left at least 11 NASCAR fans injured. According to the Associated Press, large chunks of debris landed in the grandstands after a car flew into the fence during a multi-car crash just before the final lap of the race.

The awful mess started when Regan Smith's car was turned sideways as he was coming into the checkered flag. This caused many other cars to crash, sending Kyle Larson's No. 32 car into the fence that separates the track from the grandstands. The car itself was damaged quite badly, the entire front end torn off and the burning engine wedged in a hole in the fence.

Driver Tony Stewart slid past the wreckage to take the win at the Nationwide Series race, but skipped the usual post-victory celebration. "As much as we want to celebrate right now and as much as this is a big deal to us, I'm more worried about the drivers and the fans that are in the stands right now because that was ... I could see it all in my mirror, and it didn't look good from where I was at," Stewart told a reporter.

A spokesperson from Volusia County told the Associated Press that six people with serious injuries were taken by ambulance to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, saying that those victims "met the condition of trauma patients." No official word has been given on the condition of other victims, nor has a final injury count been released.

This tragic event will no doubt put a dark cloud over Sunday's Daytona 500 race. Scroll down to see a video of the horrific crash.

UPDATE: A day after the accident, the injury toll has been raised to 33, with two of the victims said to be in critical condition. Check out this Associated Press video report on USA Today and this WOFL Fox 35 report.

Continue reading Frightening Daytona crash leaves at least 11 fans injured [w/video] [UPDATE]

Frightening Daytona crash leaves at least 11 fans injured [w/video] [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashdaytonadaytona 500kyle larsonmotorsportsnascarSat, 23 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20474987/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/23/frightening-daytona-crash-leaves-at-least-11-fans-injured-w-vid/20474987/article-detail.xml 20474987 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/162459512_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/162459512.jpg <![CDATA[Ford debuts Fusion NASCAR racer that edges closer to stock [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/ford-debuts-fusion-nascar-racer-that-edges-closer-to-stock-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/ford-debuts-fusion-nascar-racer-that-edges-closer-to-stock-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/ford-debuts-fusion-nascar-racer-that-edges-closer-to-stock-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NASCAR Ford Fusion - overlay

The sixth-generation NASCAR Sprint Cup racecar, which will make its competition debut at the 2013 Daytona 500 this weekend, marks the closest thing to a "stock car" that the sport has seen in more than 20 years. No longer using just stickers to distinguish the different brands, the image above shows the lengths NASCAR and automakers went in order to create a racecar design that more closely resembles the individual cars they represent.

Ford, one of the more open and vocal OEMs regarding the Gen6 car's development, is giving us a closer look at its racing version of the Fusion with a pretty revealing side-by-side comparison with last years' racer (click above for an expanded view). Aside from the more realistic front end and production-like body lines, the overall shape, dimensions and proportions have also been designed to give the racecar a more stock appearance. Most of the new racer was designed by the Ford Design Center, which the automaker says was the first time it has been so involved in the design process since the 1960s. Of course, one area the Sprint Cup Fusion really differs from the production Fusion is its Ford Racing 5.8-liter V8 producing around 850 hp. Can you say Fusion SVT?

Scroll down for a quick video from Ford Racing showing a production Fusion morph into a Cup car.

Continue reading Ford debuts Fusion NASCAR racer that edges closer to stock [w/video]

Ford debuts Fusion NASCAR racer that edges closer to stock [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 ford fusionfordford fusion nascarford racingfusionnascarnascar gen6nascar sprint cupstock carstock car racingWed, 20 Feb 2013 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20469697/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/20/ford-debuts-fusion-nascar-racer-that-edges-closer-to-stock-w-vi/20469697/article-detail.xml 20469697 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/ford-fusion-nascar-comparison-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/ford-fusion-nascar-comparison-628.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy might've pulled out of NASCAR if it weren't for new Gen 6 car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2014 Chevrolet SS NASCAR racer - studio shot - front three-quarter view

We've been on the fence with NASCAR for some time now. On one hand, it's some of the closest racing anywhere in motorsports, with actual passing and door-handle-to-door-handle action as a matter of course. But on the other, it's become template racing - a personality-driven sport more about the drivers than any sort of loyalty to a particular automaker. The Car Of Tomorrow format really rammed that message home, with a racecar's identity coming down to little more than headlamp stickers slapped on the nose. That's not necessarily a bad thing in and of itself, but we've wondered for some time what's in it for the automakers, who pay big money to stay in a series that has had little increasingly little do with street car sales, let alone innovation.

Apparently General Motors was beginning to wonder the same thing. In a new ESPN report, Rick Hendrick, team owner of Hendrick Motorsports, suggests that GM would have seriously considered leaving NASCAR if it wasn't for the move away from the COT to the new Gen 6 racer. According to Hendrick, GM North America boss Mark Reuss spearheaded the charge away from the 2007 COT and toward a racecar with clearer automaker ties - cars like the new Chevrolet SS racer shown above. Learn more about the fight for a closer-to-production look in the ESPN story at the link.

Now, if we could just get more rear-wheel drive V8 coupes into showrooms....

Chevy might've pulled out of NASCAR if it weren't for new Gen 6 car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 chevrolet sscar of tomorrowchevroletchevygen 6general motorsgmmark reussmotorsportsnascarrick hendrickssstock car racingWed, 20 Feb 2013 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20469370/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/20/chevy-mightve-pulled-out-of-nascar-if-it-werent-for-new-gen-6/20469370/article-detail.xml 20469370 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-002-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2013-nascar-chevrolet-ss-002-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Danica Patrick becomes first woman to win Sprint Cup pole]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/17/danica-patrick-becomes-first-woman-to-win-sprint-cup-pole/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/17/danica-patrick-becomes-first-woman-to-win-sprint-cup-pole/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/17/danica-patrick-becomes-first-woman-to-win-sprint-cup-pole/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Danica Patrick pole position Daytona 500

196.434 miles per hour. That's the top speed hit by Stewart-Haas racing driver Danica Patrick during Saturday's qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Not only was that speed good enough to earn Patrick pole position for the race on Sunday, February 24, it is the fastest speed recorded in qualifying for Daytona since 1990.

"You can do anything you want to do, and gender doesn't matter," said Patrick. And she's right: Danica Patrick can now claim to be the first woman to win pole position in NASCAR's top racing division. Since this will be her first full year in the Sprint Cup, she's also the first rookie driver to score pole since Jimmie Johnson managed the feat in 2002.

So, how do you celebrate winning pole position at Daytona? "I'm probably gonna grab some beers," said Patrick. Sounds like a winning plan to us. Scroll down below to watch a video from NASCAR highlighting the historic event.

Continue reading Danica Patrick becomes first woman to win Sprint Cup pole

Danica Patrick becomes first woman to win Sprint Cup pole originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Feb 2013 20:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There's only about a week left until we get our first look at the production version of the 2014 Chevrolet SS sedan, but Chevrolet NASCAR teams have been looking at the race version of the car all winter. Autoweek has posted a really neat time-lapse video showing just a portion of what it takes to build one of NASCAR's new Gen6 stock cars.

Though the video is quite brief, it does show almost the entire build process starting with just the car's nose, and it gives us a good look at how integral the template is to the final product. As a bonus, Hendrick Motorsports also provided some videos showing two of its teams performing pit stop tests over the winter. The second video shows some of the more detailed aspects of the racecar's rear end, including the stock-looking trunk cutout and a newly mandated rear bumper extension that will be used on super speedways like Daytona and Talladega.

To see what Team Chevy has been up to all off-season, check out all three videos posted after the jump.

Continue reading Watch this time-lapse build of the Chevy SS for NASCAR

Watch this time-lapse build of the Chevy SS for NASCAR originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 12:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 daytona 5002014 chevrolet sschevroletchevydaytona speedweeksHendrick MotorsportsnascarssvideoFri, 08 Feb 2013 12:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20452912/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/08/watch-this-time-lapse-build-of-the-chevy-ss-for-nascar/20452912/article-detail.xml 20452912 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nascar-chevrolet-ss-build_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/nascar-chevrolet-ss-build.jpg <![CDATA[Chevy exec confirms SS production model reveal at Daytona on Feb 16]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chevrolet SS prototype - front three-quarter view

The 2014 Chevrolet SS will make its racing debut for the 2013 Daytona 500, but the production version of the car will get its official unveiling on February 16 in Daytona, a week before The Great American Race. According to a report by Automotive News, the reveal has been confirmed by Jim Campbell, Chevy's US vice president of performance and motorsports. With the departure of the Dodge Charger, the new Chevrolet racecar will be the only competitor to feature a V8, rear-wheel-drive layout in both street and NASCAR form.

NASCAR fans will be able to see the new fullsize performance-oriented sedan on display in the festivities leading up to the Daytona 500, but the car won't go on sale until later in the year. The Australian-built Chevy SS will be a low-volume performance model, and it will be priced above the 2014 Impala, which starts at $27,535.

Chevy exec confirms SS production model reveal at Daytona on Feb 16 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 daytona 5002014 chevrolet sschevroletchevydaytona 500nascarpontiac g8ssss sedanzetaWed, 06 Feb 2013 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20449811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/06/chevy-exec-confirms-ss-production-model-reveal-at-daytona-on-feb/20449811/article-detail.xml 20449811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-chevrolet-ss-spy-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/01-chevrolet-ss-spy-shots-628.jpg -1 2