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[Track worker killed by crane following Canadian Grand Prix]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/track-worker-killed-by-crane-following-canadian-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/track-worker-killed-by-crane-following-canadian-grand-prix/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/06/10/track-worker-killed-by-crane-following-canadian-grand-prix/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Track worker killed in freak crane accident following Canadian Grand Prix

The motorsports community lost a member over the weekend when a track worker was killed just after the checkered flag waved at Formula One's Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. When the race ended, track officials were working to remove the crashed racecar of Formula 1 driver Esteban Gutierrez (shown above) when a mobile crane lifting the car ran over the unidentified 38-year-old volunteer in a freak accident.

According to The Globe and Mail, the 10-year track veteran slipped and fell, and the crane operator was unable to see him in time to keep from running over his body. Emergency workers were quick to respond, and the unnamed worker, a volunteer, was soon taken to the hospital by helicopter after being stabilized by track medics. Sadly, he later died as a result of his injuries.

Track worker killed by crane following Canadian Grand Prix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadacanadian grand prixcircuit gilles villeneuvef1formula 1formula onemotorsportsmotorsports deathracingtrack marshaltrack safetytrack worker killedMon, 10 Jun 2013 14:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20605387/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/06/10/track-worker-killed-by-crane-following-canadian-grand-prix/20605387/article-detail.xml 20605387 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/canadian-grand-prix-crane-death_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/06/canadian-grand-prix-crane-death.jpg <![CDATA[Rider Matsushita killed during Isle of Man TT qualifying]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/rider-matsushita-is-isle-of-mans-240th-fatality/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/rider-matsushita-is-isle-of-mans-240th-fatality/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/28/rider-matsushita-is-isle-of-mans-240th-fatality/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The 2013 Isle of Man TT has been darkened by the death of Japanese motorcycle rider Yoshinari Matsushita. During qualifying, 43-year-old Matsushita crashed on Ballacrye corner and passed away due to his injuries. In 2011, Bill Currie and Kevin Morgan died after their sidecar machine crashed in the same location. An investigation into Matsushita's accident has been launched.

Auto Cycle Union Events, the organizing body behind the Isle of Man TT, said in a statement that it passes its deepest sympathy to Matsushita's family and friends. Autos.ca quoted Gary Thompson, Clerk of the Course for ACU as saying, "Yoshi was a really popular competitor who had a large number of friends in the TT Races paddock. He was a genuine and friendly character who always had time for everyone. He will be sorely missed."

Matsushita is the 240th fatality attributed competing in the Isle of Man TT since the race began in 1911. A total of 21 people have died in competition since 2000.

Rider Matsushita killed during Isle of Man TT qualifying originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 May 2013 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto cycle union eventsisle of manisle of man ttisle of man tt fatalitymotorcyclemotorcycle accidentmotorsportsracingyoshinari matsushitaTue, 28 May 2013 15:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20585699/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/28/rider-matsushita-is-isle-of-mans-240th-fatality/20585699/article-detail.xml 20585699 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/yoshinari-matsushita-rider_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/yoshinari-matsushita-rider.jpg <![CDATA[Notes from Day One of the 2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/notes-from-day-one-of-the-2013-twelve-hours-of-sebring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/notes-from-day-one-of-the-2013-twelve-hours-of-sebring/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/16/notes-from-day-one-of-the-2013-twelve-hours-of-sebring/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring with Audi

The 61st edition of The 12 Hours of Sebring is on, and Autoblog has come to central Florida with Audi to feast on jumbo boiled peanuts, pickled eggs and the final race for the LMP1 class at the oldest road course in North America. As Audi has been doing for more than a decade now, it's brought its latest endurance race car, the 2013-spec R18 etron quattro, to Sebring to begin testing for Le Mans.

Why the commitment to Sebring? Audi Sport executives have repeatedly called Sebring "punishing," "extremely demanding" and "one of the toughest tracks in the world." It is a 3.47-mile circuit that, in places, feels like it was made from the leftover bits of other circuits. Doing the 12-hour distance in Florida is thought to be a good start on lasting the 24-hour distance in France, and we can't think it a coincidence that Audi has won ten times here in the last 13 years and 11 times in Gaul.

Where there's rhyme - and victory - there is reason. We think we found a few of them on our first day where preparation, technology, fastidious attention to detail and sweat fit right in with swamp cabbage...

Continue reading Notes from Day One of the 2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring

Notes from Day One of the 2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>12 hours of sebringaudifeaturedmotorsportsr10r15r18r18 etron quattror18 ultraracingsebringSat, 16 Mar 2013 17:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20506170/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/16/notes-from-day-one-of-the-2013-twelve-hours-of-sebring/20506170/article-detail.xml 20506170 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sebringr18etronquattro_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/sebringr18etronquattro.jpg <![CDATA[Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #324 LIVE!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-324-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-324-live/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-324-live/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Autoblog Podcast graphic

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

[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2015 ford mustangautoblog podcast topicsbaron von clutchbaronvonclutchfordfour-cylinder mustanggeneva motor showmotorsportmustangpeter leungpodcastracingtopicsTue, 12 Mar 2013 16:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20499286/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/submit-your-questions-for-autoblog-podcast-324-live/20499286/article-detail.xml 20499286 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/podcastlivev2stamp.jpg <![CDATA[Watch some crazy uphill sand drag action in the UAE]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/watch-some-crazy-uphill-sand-drag-action-in-the-uae/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/watch-some-crazy-uphill-sand-drag-action-in-the-uae/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/11/watch-some-crazy-uphill-sand-drag-action-in-the-uae/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Sand dune uphill drag racing in the UAE - screencap of race truck with hood off showing massive turbo

At this point, we've all seen videos depicting the insanity of Middle Eastern sand dune climbs. The clips that make their way to the Western world often include some sort of terrifying nose-over-tail tumble from the top, but this latest clip gives us a glimpse at exactly what sort of machine is required to run up a massive pile of sand at high speeds. Expect turbos. Lots and lots of massive turbos. This particular competition features three classes: V6 Manual, V6 Automatic and V8, and as you'd expect with any high-horsepower event, there's as much mechanical failure as actual success.

The video below features an extensive pit walk with plenty of lingering shots inside some of the most ludicrous engine bays we've ever laid eyes upon. The actual racing gets going around the five-minute mark, and we can't help bet feel there's more than a passing resemblance between this sport and a good old-fashioned tractor pull. Check it out below.

Continue reading Watch some crazy uphill sand drag action in the UAE

Watch some crazy uphill sand drag action in the UAE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2jzdragdrag racedrag racingdune drag racemiddle eastmotorsportsraceracingsand dunesand dune drag racesand dunesturbouaeunited arab emiratesMon, 11 Mar 2013 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20496843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/11/watch-some-crazy-uphill-sand-drag-action-in-the-uae/20496843/article-detail.xml 20496843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/uae-sand-drag-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/uae-sand-drag-628.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Autoblog</em> goes to <s>Thunderdome</s> 2013 Griffin King of the Hammers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/09/autoblog-goes-to-thunderdome-2013-griffin-king-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/09/autoblog-goes-to-thunderdome-2013-griffin-king-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/09/autoblog-goes-to-thunderdome-2013-griffin-king-o/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Whenever you want, you can play at being Mad Max. The task only requires closing your eyes, powering up the Gas-Free And Violent Post-Apocalyptic Dystopia program in your mental holodeck, then delivering a few lines in your best early Mel Gibson monotone like, "I think we've got some hoon trouble." or "I'm just here for the gasoline."

It has been called one of the hardest races in the world, numerous times.

Or you can be Mad Max. We've been to a lot of places and a lot of races in the world where you can approach the fantasy, but to go all the way - to a place where asking "When is Humungus coming back?" and "Where can I find Master Blaster?" wouldn't feel strange at all - you need to roll down onto the Means Dry Lake Bed in Johnson Valley, California for King of the Hammers.

What is King of the Hammers? The fact-sheet says it's a 184-mile race through desert and rocks, but the fact sheet can't express the experience. King of the Hammers is a one-day race that combines desert racing at triple-digit speeds, rock racing at double-digit speeds and rock crawling at low single-digit speeds. It comes after a week of vicious, timed punishments for every other kind of vehicle that can blast over barrens and crawl through quarries. It is an endurance test that gives competitors 14 hours to finish before time is called - and even then there's a good chance less than a third of the 120 runners will make it. It has been called one of the hardest races in the world, numerous times. Every year, something like 30,000 people erect a pop-up hamlet called Hammertown for a week to watch it all go down.

More accurately, it is insanity and absurdity that characterizes the best kinds of personal challenges. Even more accurately, it is Thunderdome. And the question that hundreds of off-road racers ask themselves every year, hoping for a chance to just finish - and be stranded in the desert for hours while doing so - is "Thunderdome. How do I get in there?"

Follow us. We'll show you the way.

Continue reading Autoblog goes to Thunderdome 2013 Griffin King of the Hammers

Autoblog goes to Thunderdome 2013 Griffin King of the Hammers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 king of the hammersgriffin radiatorsking of the hammersmotorsportsoff-road racingracingSat, 09 Feb 2013 20:25:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20455452/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/09/autoblog-goes-to-thunderdome-2013-griffin-king-o/20455452/article-detail.xml 20455452 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/koth1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/koth1.jpg <![CDATA[Mega Galleries: All day and into the night at the Rolex 24 at Daytona]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/mega-galleries-all-day-and-into-the-night-at-the-rolex-24-at-da/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/mega-galleries-all-day-and-into-the-night-at-the-rolex-24-at-da/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/27/mega-galleries-all-day-and-into-the-night-at-the-rolex-24-at-da/#commentsFiled under:



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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daytonadaytona international speedwaygrand amgrand-amracingrolex 24 at daytonaSun, 27 Jan 2013 14:56:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20439976/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/27/mega-galleries-all-day-and-into-the-night-at-the-rolex-24-at-da/20439976/article-detail.xml 20439976 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/nightdaytona_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/nightdaytona.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a one-hour documentary on the Isle of Man TT]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/watch-a-one-hour-documentary-on-the-isle-of-man-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/watch-a-one-hour-documentary-on-the-isle-of-man-tt/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/31/watch-a-one-hour-documentary-on-the-isle-of-man-tt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Isle of Man TT Documentary

If you're looking for a little film to distract you from the inevitable approach of the new year, we may have just the thing for you. Al Jazeera Corespondent has taken an in-depth look at what is arguably the world's most dangerous motorsports event in a one-hour documentary. Isle of Man TT: A Dangerous Addiction follows the legendary motorcycle race from a variety of points of view. With interviews with small-budget privateer teams and glimpses at the biggest names in the race, the documentary does an impressive job of conveying the event's allure.

First held in 1907, the Isle of Man TT is largely held as the last great motorcycle competition. Held on public roads, the event sees racers course wide-open across a circuit of over 37 miles that puts them within a whisper of abrupt stone walls, lamp posts, deep ditches and steep drop offs. Riders aren't afforded the comfortable gravel pits or forgiving tire barriers of a well-manicured track, which mean a mistake here can mean serious injury or death. Sound insane? Check the video below to see what brings competitors back year after year.

Continue reading Watch a one-hour documentary on the Isle of Man TT

Watch a one-hour documentary on the Isle of Man TT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>isle of manisle of man documentaryisle of man ttmotorcyclemotorcycle racingmotorsportsracingMon, 31 Dec 2012 19:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20413581/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/31/watch-a-one-hour-documentary-on-the-isle-of-man-tt/20413581/article-detail.xml 20413581 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/isle-of-man-tt-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/isle-of-man-tt-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan's Voice Driver GP makes a racer out of your vocal cords]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/23/nissans-voice-driver-gp-makes-a-racer-out-of-your-vocal-cords/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/23/nissans-voice-driver-gp-makes-a-racer-out-of-your-vocal-cords/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/23/nissans-voice-driver-gp-makes-a-racer-out-of-your-vocal-cords/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When you were younger, you probably made engine noises as you played with your toy cars. Heck, some of us still do. Well, Nissan has taken that notion and applied it to a live-action racing game. Dubbed the Voice Driver Cup, the game uses voice commands to control a toy car around a racetrack.

The idea apparently took over a year to bring to fruition. According to the YouTube description, "No complicated driving operations are needed as the volume of voice voice is translated directly into the car's propulsion." It appears from the videos that a great amount of work on the back end went in to making a racing game that was this easy to play, and the result is that all ages can take part in the fun.

A competition was held on November 17 in the gallery at Nissan HQ, and a winner was crowned. Following that event, Nissan set up a system by which competitors could vocalize their way to victory from the web, using microphones and mini-cams on each car. You may have missed the change to take part in the Voice Driver Cup Grand Prix, but you can still watch the videos of competitors trying not to look foolish as they car noises into something that looks like a phonograph speaker.

Continue reading Nissan's Voice Driver GP makes a racer out of your vocal cords

Nissan's Voice Driver GP makes a racer out of your vocal cords originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nissanracecarracingslot racertoy carvoice drivervoice driver cupFri, 23 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385989/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/23/nissans-voice-driver-gp-makes-a-racer-out-of-your-vocal-cords/20385989/article-detail.xml 20385989 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/voice-driver-cup-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/voice-driver-cup-628.jpg <![CDATA[Red Bull infographic compares and contrasts NASCAR and F1]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/red-bull-infographic-compares-and-contrasts-nascar-and-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/red-bull-infographic-compares-and-contrasts-nascar-and-f1/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/16/red-bull-infographic-compares-and-contrasts-nascar-and-f1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NASCAR versus Formula 1

In the US, Formula One racing lost the popularity contest to NASCAR a long time ago. But after five years, F1 returns to the States with this weekend's race at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Red Bull, sponsor of F1 driver Sebastian Vettel, has put together an interesting set of numbers illustrating the differences between the two racing series.

To start with, Formula One has just 24 drivers, while NASCAR fields 50 entrants. Stock cars can reach speeds of about 200 miles per hour, just a bit slower than F1's 205. But NASCAR drivers experience only about 2Gs of lateral force during, at most courses, only four left-hand turns. F1 drivers endure 5Gs in multiple left-and right-hand turns.

The Daytona 500, NASCAR's best-attended venue, counted 182,000 fans this year. Formula One's biggest attendance is at the Australian Grand Prix where 298,000 fans came out to watch. Those fans helped finance F1's best-paid driver, Fernando Alonso. He makes $37 million a year. NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Jr. pulls in $28 million. That's an average of $1.85 million per race for Alonso, who only competes in 20 events. Earnhardt Jr., however, has 36 races to drive in and averages about $778,000 a race.

The infographic is fun, if a bit skewed against NASCAR, especially when considering Red Bull was a NASCAR driver sponsor until the end of the 2011 season. Sour grapes perhaps?

Check out the full graphic below.

Continue reading Red Bull infographic compares and contrasts NASCAR and F1

Red Bull infographic compares and contrasts NASCAR and F1 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto racingDale Earnhardt Jr.f1Fernando Alonsoformula 1formula onemotorsportsnascarracingred bullred bull f1red bull racingstock carsFri, 16 Nov 2012 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20382049/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/16/red-bull-infographic-compares-and-contrasts-nascar-and-f1/20382049/article-detail.xml 20382049 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nascar-vs-f1_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/nascar-vs-f1.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Sam Hubinette and Jen Horsey run Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Targa Newfoundland Fiat 500 Abarth

We'd grown pretty accustomed to seeing Sam Hubinette sling a Dodge Challenger around a drift course, but the guy knows how to do more than go sideways. Back in September, the Crazy Swede partnered up with Jen Horsey to take on the Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth in the open class. How'd the team do? The plucky little hatch snagged second place, finishing just one second behind Paul Dyer in his 300 horsepower Mistubishi Lancer Evo IX. That's no mean feat considering the Abarth puts down just 160 ponies of its own.

Fiat worked up a quick video documenting Hubinette and Horsey's efforts over the long week, and you can check it out below. In addition to taking home the silver, the team also walked away with a few other honors, including the Presidents Manufacturers' Challenger award and the Next Generation Challenge title for vehicles with 1.6 liters of displacement and less.

Continue reading Watch Sam Hubinette and Jen Horsey run Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth

Watch Sam Hubinette and Jen Horsey run Targa Newfoundland in a Fiat 500 Abarth originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 fiat 500 abarth500 abarthfiatracingtarga newfoundlandvideoThu, 15 Nov 2012 17:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20378918/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/15/watch-sam-hubinette-and-jen-horsey-run-targa-newfoundland-in-a-f/20378918/article-detail.xml 20378918 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/targa-newfoundland-abarth-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/targa-newfoundland-abarth-628.jpg <![CDATA[Why you should never let a family member drive your Ariel Atom]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/why-you-should-never-let-a-family-member-drive-your-ariel-atom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/why-you-should-never-let-a-family-member-drive-your-ariel-atom/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/14/why-you-should-never-let-a-family-member-drive-your-ariel-atom/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ariel Atom at VIR - in-car video

Any time you have to hand off the keys to a valued car, it can be a little nerve racking - and with some justification. Just check out this video, which serves as a cautionary tale of sorts. According to its YouTube description, the user, named ShakenBakeRacin, lent his Ariel Atom to his brother and recorded video of him driving the lightweight racer on the north course at VIR - Virginia International Raceway. What was probably not expected was what ensues in the video.

The driver is hot on the heels of another Atom when a combined crest-and-curve results in loss of control (okay, in addition to the car getting light, it looks like our driver may have forgotten his track map). The Ariel unceremoniously exits the racing surface. That alone would have been enough justification for the owner to ask for his keys back, but things don't end there. The scant curb weight of the Atom combined with track-minded tires proves a dangerous combination when skating across the grass infield. Considering the wide-open expanses of green space where the Atom could have slowed to a less-dramatic stop, the results feel doubly unfortunate.

At the end of the wild ride, is it just us, or does it seem like the frustrated Atom just about spits in frustration? "Ptooey!" Okay, maybe it's just us. Watch the video below and judge for yourself.

Continue reading Why you should never let a family member drive your Ariel Atom

Why you should never let a family member drive your Ariel Atom originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentarielariel atomatomfailracecarracecar failracingvideovirvirginia international racewayyoutubeWed, 14 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20379965/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/14/why-you-should-never-let-a-family-member-drive-your-ariel-atom/20379965/article-detail.xml 20379965 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ariel-atom-at-vir_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/ariel-atom-at-vir.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Jack Beckman's NHRA funny car explode, still win race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/watch-jack-beckmans-nhra-funny-car-explode-still-win-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/watch-jack-beckmans-nhra-funny-car-explode-still-win-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/09/watch-jack-beckmans-nhra-funny-car-explode-still-win-race/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jack Beckman's NHRA funny car explodes - video screencap

Jack Beckman is looking to wrap up his first-ever NHRA Funny Car title, and it appears an exploding car is not going to slow him down. Half-way through this qualifying run on Thursday, a spectacular explosion destroyed his car's Dodge bodywork, engulfing Beckman in a ball of flames while traveling at almost 300 miles per hour. Fortunately, Beckman was not injured in the explosion (although he did lose an eyebrow from the fire) and he actually went on to win the race with a 4.117-second ETA at 273 mph, qualifying him fifth for this weekend's race at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, California.

Despite losing most of the car's body and having a visor covered in oil, Beckman was able to deploy the parachutes and bring was left of his Charger funny car safely to a stop. In the video, you can actually see him shielding the fire from his face as he tries to get the car slowed down, and then once stopped, he hops out of the cockpit waving to the crowd. After the car comes to a rest, we get a good look at how underneath their funny car body shells, these racers actually resemble the classic rear-seat dragsters from the good ol' days.

According to ESPN, the team has a spare body for the car and will be able to race. As for the missing eyebrow, well only time will fix that. Scroll down to watch the amazing video which includes a slow-motion look at the incident as well as an in-car view that shows exactly what Beckman saw.

Continue reading Watch Jack Beckman's NHRA funny car explode, still win race

Watch Jack Beckman's NHRA funny car explode, still win race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto club racewaychargercrashdodgedrag racingfunny carjack beckmannhrapomonaracingvideoFri, 09 Nov 2012 16:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20375452/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/09/watch-jack-beckmans-nhra-funny-car-explode-still-win-race/20375452/article-detail.xml 20375452 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/jack-beckman-nhra-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/jack-beckman-nhra-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Watch this trailer for <i>Snake & Mongoose</i>]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/watch-this-trailer-for-snake-and-mongoose/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/watch-this-trailer-for-snake-and-mongoose/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/watch-this-trailer-for-snake-and-mongoose/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Snake & Mongoose drag racing movie trailer

If you think drag racing is boring, we encourage you to take a closer look at the sport's early days. When Don "The Snake" Prudhomme and Tom "The Mongoose" McEwen were first lining up to shoot down the quarter mile against each other in the '60s, the National Hot Rod Association was still less than 15 years old. Back then, the cars were more dangerous and a driver was lucky to have a local parts store for a sponsor. But Prudhomme and McEwen changed all that with their public rivalry and lightning-quick marketing sense. It was these two who first talked Mattel into sponsoring their cars with the Hot Wheels toy line, unleashing a torrent of marketing dollars on the entire motorsports world.

Decades later, a new independent film is out to tell that story. Snake & Mongoose follows Prudhomme and McEwen throughout their arc of their relationship, and the first trailer for the flick has officially landed online. You can check it out below and be sure to head over to the movie site for more information. Word has it we can expect to see the film hit theaters early next year.

Continue reading Watch this trailer for Snake & Mongoose

Watch this trailer for Snake & Mongoose originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>don prudhommedrag racingdrag racing movienhraracingsnake mongoosesnake and mongoosesnake and mongoose movietom mcewentrailervideoThu, 08 Nov 2012 16:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20373410/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/08/watch-this-trailer-for-snake-and-mongoose/20373410/article-detail.xml 20373410 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/snake-v-mongoose-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/snake-v-mongoose-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford picks black and blue stripes as official racing colors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/ford-picks-black-and-blue-stripes-as-official-racing-colors/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/ford-picks-black-and-blue-stripes-as-official-racing-colors/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/ford-picks-black-and-blue-stripes-as-official-racing-colors/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ford Racing Livery

Ford has a new livery for its racing efforts. The automaker has officially chosen an offset black and blue stripe as its family colors. The paint scheme officially debuted on the new 2013 Ford Fusion headed to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, but the automaker says we can expect to see it crop up in every corner of the company's racing program. That includes on the NASCAR Mustang, the NHRA Mustang Funny Car, Grand-Am Focus ST-R, the Rally America Fiesta, the BITD off-road F-150, the CTCC Focus and the V8 Supercar Falcon in Australia. How's that for a family portrait?

We've already seen a hint of the new livery on prototype models like the new twin-turbo Cobra Jet, but Ford says the actual racers will feature the gloss black and blue stripes on a matte black field. We like the sound of that combo. Check out the quick press release below for more information.

Continue reading Ford picks black and blue stripes as official racing colors

Ford picks black and blue stripes as official racing colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecoboostfordford ecoboost liveryford liveryford racingliverymotorsportsnascarnhraracingv8 supercarsWed, 31 Oct 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20366438/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/ford-picks-black-and-blue-stripes-as-official-racing-colors/20366438/article-detail.xml 20366438 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ford-racing-livery-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/ford-racing-livery-628.jpg <![CDATA[Nissan and Playstation preview second season of GT Academy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/nissan-and-playstation-preview-second-season-of-gt-academy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/nissan-and-playstation-preview-second-season-of-gt-academy/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/31/nissan-and-playstation-preview-second-season-of-gt-academy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nissan GT Academy season two screencap

Nissan has announced the second season of Nissan GT Academy is set to premiere on SPIKE TV starting later this week. Starting on November 1 at 11:30 pm EST, the show will follow the top 32 Gran Turismo video gamers that qualified as finalists out of the 400,000 registered online players who took a shot at becoming a real-life race car driver. That number dropped to just 16 after a show down in San Diego, and that lucky crew got to take a trip to the Silverstone Racing Complex in England for the final series of tests.

The tests in question included both physical and psychological challenges to prepare the would-be racers for time in the cockpit. Each episode will see one contestant sent home after evaluations from professional drivers Danny Sullivan, Maryeve Dufault and Boris Said. Of course, should you miss the episodes on the air, they'll reappear on YouTube the following Monday. Check out the show's teaser as well as the full press release below.

Continue reading Nissan and Playstation preview second season of GT Academy

Nissan and Playstation preview second season of GT Academy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gran turismogran turismo 5gran turismo academygt academynissannissan gt academyracingreality tvspike tvWed, 31 Oct 2012 09:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20365162/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/31/nissan-and-playstation-preview-second-season-of-gt-academy/20365162/article-detail.xml 20365162 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/nissan-gt-academy-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/nissan-gt-academy-628.jpg <![CDATA[IndyCar boss Bernard steps down under fire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/indycar-boss-bernard-steps-down-under-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/indycar-boss-bernard-steps-down-under-fire/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/29/indycar-boss-bernard-steps-down-under-fire/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Recently resigned IndyCar boss Randy Bernard

IndyCar has had had a rough few years, as shakeups in engine suppliers, chassis designs and tragedy has dominated the open wheel race series' headlines. In spite of all that, many have said this was IndyCar's best season of racing ever. The man who oversaw all of that is Randy Bernard, who has stepped down on Sunday as IndyCar's CEO, ending a three-year run. This development comes as the culmination of a coup by some team owners against the group that controls IndyCar, Hulman & Co. In addition to the race series, the group also owns Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Though Bernard offered bonuses that attracted Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon back to the series, it was Wheldon who perished in a crash at Las Vegas in 2011. The running of that race, as well as this year's Vegas race and the season finale in California have all been criticized by some drivers for the high speeds reached on these tracks. Some drivers, like Mike Conway, even refused to race at this year's season finale. While the Wheldon crash is considered a leading motivator in Bernard stepping down, team owners have also taken issue with the embattled series CEO's lack of racing experience. Before running IndyCar, he was in charge of the championship bull-riding series.

A statement from IndyCar calls Bernhard's departure a "mutual separation," and many believe that given this year's success, the series can weather this transition. Jeff Belskus, president and CEO of Hulman & Co will sit as interim IndyCar boss. Belskus tells the Associated Press that the series is looking for a long-term replacement.

IndyCar boss Bernard steps down under fire originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carindyindy carindycaropen wheelracingrandy bernardMon, 29 Oct 2012 17:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20364159/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/29/indycar-boss-bernard-steps-down-under-fire/20364159/article-detail.xml 20364159 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/randy-bernard-former-indycar-boss_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/randy-bernard-former-indycar-boss.jpg <![CDATA[David Coulthard retires with one last DTM race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/david-coulthard-retires-with-one-last-dtm-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/david-coulthard-retires-with-one-last-dtm-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/david-coulthard-retires-with-one-last-dtm-race/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david coultharddtmf1formula onemercedes-benzmotorsportracingMon, 22 Oct 2012 10:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20355961/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/22/david-coulthard-retires-with-one-last-dtm-race/20355961/article-detail.xml 20355961 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gyi0058736610_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/gyi0058736610.jpg <![CDATA[2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo racecar is unveiled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/2013-lamborghini-gallardo-lp570-4-super-trofeo-racecar-is-unveil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/2013-lamborghini-gallardo-lp570-4-super-trofeo-racecar-is-unveil/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/2013-lamborghini-gallardo-lp570-4-super-trofeo-racecar-is-unveil/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Lamborghini has announced its 2013 Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo racer, a version of the standard LP570-4 that has been prepped to race in the Italian company's one-make series sponsored by Blancpain.

The racing Gallardo has been revised for the 2013 season, with a new rear wing and diffuser, new wheel arches and a different livery (the Blancpain collateral is still in full effect, of course). Specification of the new car was not disclosed by Lamborghini, but expectations are that the same 570-horsepower V10 is delivering power to all four wheels.

As a refresher, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo is a series that sees drivers competing in identical Gallardo racecars. 2012 saw a six-race series take place in Europe, and for the first time, Asia. Lamborghini President and CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, says that the Super Trofeo will eventually make its way to North America and the US, too.

Continue reading 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo racecar is unveiled

2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo racecar is unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 lamborghini gallardo lp570-4 super trofeoblancpaingallardolamboghiniracingsuper trofeoWed, 17 Oct 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20352850/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/17/2013-lamborghini-gallardo-lp570-4-super-trofeo-racecar-is-unveil/20352850/article-detail.xml 20352850 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/new-gallardo-lp-570-4-super-trofeo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/new-gallardo-lp-570-4-super-trofeo-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ex F1 racer Zanardi wins cycling gold at London Paralympics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/ex-f1-racer-zanardi-wins-cycling-gold-at-london-paralympics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/ex-f1-racer-zanardi-wins-cycling-gold-at-london-paralympics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/ex-f1-racer-zanardi-wins-cycling-gold-at-london-paralympics/#commentsFiled under:

Alex Zanardi

Former Formula One racer Alex Zanardi took the Paralympic gold in para-cycling earlier this week by laying down a time of 24:50.22. Para-cycling pits competitors against one another in handbike races. On taking the checkered flag, Zanardi slid from his carbon-fiber bike and hoisted it above his head with one hand in triumph. The victory underscores just how far the former race car driver has come since September 15, 2001.

Nearly 11 years ago to the day, Zanardi was competing in a CART race in Lausitz, Germany when a horrific crash saw a competitor clip across the front of his car at nearly 200 miles per hour. The impact took both his legs, and the racer lost over 70 percent of his blood before he got to the hospital. Miraculously, he survived, and while doctors cautioned of a lengthy recovery, Zanardi was walking again in months. Dissatisfied with his prosthetic legs, he designed a set of his own, and it wasn't long before he returned to auto racing in specially-modified cars.

Originally, Zanardi began hand biking to stay in shape, but slowly began competing. This week, he bested former gold medalist Oscar Sanchez for the win.

Ex F1 racer Zanardi wins cycling gold at London Paralympics originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex zanardihand bikehand bike racingparacyclingparalympicsracingzanardiFri, 07 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20317465/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/07/ex-f1-racer-zanardi-wins-cycling-gold-at-london-paralympics/20317465/article-detail.xml 20317465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/151280221_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/151280221.jpg -1 2