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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[Rally for youth with footage of the Opel Adam Rallye Cup Car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/rally-for-youth-with-footage-of-the-opel-adam-rallye-cup-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/rally-for-youth-with-footage-of-the-opel-adam-rallye-cup-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/09/rally-for-youth-with-footage-of-the-opel-adam-rallye-cup-car/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Opel, Racing

We checked out the Opel Adam R2 Rally concept and its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 185 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque at the Geneva Motor Show. The one-make series the car was built for, the ADAC Opel Ralleye Cup, has kicked off with 24 teams in identically prepared cars lining up for eight races in this inaugural season.

Meant to help young drivers find a less expensive way into motorsports, the championship is part of the German ADAC Rally Masters series and will actually run 140-hp cars. We're not sure how much the Opel prepped by Holzer Motorsport for this series costs, but English company M-sport prepares an R2-spec Ford Fiesta with 170 hp for 43,000 pounds (about $66,000 US). There's 100,000 euros in prize money up for grabs and the cup winner gets career help, a shot at the Adam R2 car in 2014 and a chance to hop into rally-prepped Opel Corsas.

The first video below has shots of the Adam Rallye Cup car on the move. For more footage and a closer look at the car, the second video has more rolling footage and an interview - in Danish with no subtitles, sadly - with the Danish rally team of 22-year-old Simon Lund Larsen and co-driver Ole R. Frederiksen.

Continue reading Rally for youth with footage of the Opel Adam Rallye Cup Car

Rally for youth with footage of the Opel Adam Rallye Cup Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adacopelopel adamopel adam r2 rally carrallyvideovideosyoutubeTue, 09 Apr 2013 12:44:00 EST

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20533174 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/opel-adam-rallye-video_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/opel-adam-rallye-video.jpg <![CDATA[French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin killed at Dakar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/french-motorcyclist-thomas-bourgin-killed-at-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/french-motorcyclist-thomas-bourgin-killed-at-dakar/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/13/french-motorcyclist-thomas-bourgin-killed-at-dakar/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Safety, South America

Thomas Bourgin

The 2013 Dakar Rally has claimed another life. Organizers have confirmed 25-year-old motorcycle rider Thomas Bourgin died after colliding with an oncoming Chilean police vehicle while in transit to the start of a stage.

The accident occurred at 8:23 local time, and the rally's medical teams responded to the scene. Medics say Bourgin likely died instantly as a result of the collision. The Frenchman was ranked 68th in the 2013 Dakar Rally at the time of the accident. This was his first running of the event, though he had competed successfully in the Morocco Rally, Africa Race and the Tunisia Rally.

This year's race claimed the lives of two passengers in a taxi when a support truck struck their vehicle head on last week. A second taxi rolled several times attempting to avoid the wreck, resulting in a total of seven injuries. You can read the full press release on the latest incident below.

Continue reading French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin killed at Dakar

French motorcyclist Thomas Bourgin killed at Dakar originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jan 2013 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 dakardakardakar deathdakar rallyrallythomas bourginSun, 13 Jan 2013 14:17:00 EST

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20427345 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/thomas-bourgin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/thomas-bourgin.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block won't let a little in-cabin fire slow him down]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/ken-block-wont-let-a-little-in-cabin-fire-slow-him-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/ken-block-wont-let-a-little-in-cabin-fire-slow-him-down/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/08/ken-block-wont-let-a-little-in-cabin-fire-slow-him-down/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, SEMA Show, Performance, Safety, Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

Say you're driving along, minding your own business and smoke starts rising from the hood of your car - you're going to pull over, right? Well if you are the master of Gymkhana, Ken Block, it's never that simple.

The drift-happy racer was competing at a Global RallyCross event at SEMA when things got a little hazy in the cockpit of the heavily modified Ford Fiesta rally car. Block was in the lead, and as one might do when leading a race, he ignored the smoke billowing from beneath the shifter. Three laps into the race, and the smoke persisted, but hey there was driving to be done! Finally, flames erupted, but Block was still not phased. This from the Hoonigan YouTube page:

"After qualifying first, winning each of his heats and leading the first 5 laps at Global Rally Cross SEMA, Ken Block was forced to DNF due to a FIRE in his cockpit. But before retiring Block drove the piss out of his Ford Fiesta HFHV despite the smoke, and flames. Why you ask... Cause, like any good Hoonigan, dude AIN'T CARE!!!"

Our takeaway from this mishap is that Block remains unsettlingly cool, and only after stuff starts melting and falling over does it appear that Block becomes alarmed at all. They say racers need ice water pumping through their veins, but that doesn't make you fireproof, so we're glad Block is alright. To see all the vehicular carnage, check out the video below.

Continue reading Ken Block won't let a little in-cabin fire slow him down

Ken Block won't let a little in-cabin fire slow him down originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Nov 2012 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiestafordford fiestaglobal rallycrossrallyrally carsemaThu, 08 Nov 2012 19:31:00 EST

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20374007 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/keb-block_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/keb-block.jpeg <![CDATA[Watch Skoda's Mikkelsen get quizzed while running a rally stage]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/watch-skodas-mikkelsen-get-quizzed-while-running-a-rally-stage/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/watch-skodas-mikkelsen-get-quizzed-while-running-a-rally-stage/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/watch-skodas-mikkelsen-get-quizzed-while-running-a-rally-stage/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos, Humor, Skoda, Racing

Skoda Rally Pop Quiz

If there's one trait all motorsports drivers have, it's an excellent ability to multitask. Sure, the pilots need to be able to keep an eye on the course and keep their vehicles pointed in the right direction. But that's not all.

Drivers also need to be in constant contact with either a navigator, a spotter or a pit chief while simultaneously making sure their car doesn't go supernova on the course. Skoda recently put driver Andreas Mikkelsen's multitasking skills to the test by giving him a pop quiz while he was slinging his IRC rally car around the Millbrook race track.

With questions covering topics ranging from rally history to import/export trivia, Mikkelson had his work cut out for him, but he handles the rapid-fire Q&A like a champ. Well, except for that question about Ukrainian pork. You can check out the video for yourself below.

Continue reading Watch Skoda's Mikkelsen get quizzed while running a rally stage

Watch Skoda's Mikkelsen get quizzed while running a rally stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andreas mikkelsenhumorinternational rally championshipircrallyskodavideoMon, 08 Oct 2012 20:01:00 EST

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20343465 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/skoda-rallly-pop-quiz-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/skoda-rallly-pop-quiz-628.jpg <![CDATA[Honda debuts production Dakar Racer CRF450 Rally]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/honda-debuts-production-dakar-racer-crf450-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/honda-debuts-production-dakar-racer-crf450-rally/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/honda-debuts-production-dakar-racer-crf450-rally/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Performance, Honda, Motorcycle, South America, Off-Road, Racing

Honda CRF450 Rally

The Dakar Rally Raid is a spectacle unlike anything else in motorsports. With a course that tracks its way through some of the most unforgiving and forgotten areas in South America, the event is challenging enough for those who tackle the race on four wheels. The guys who make for the dunes on motorcycles, however, are simply our kind of insane.

Honda has chosen to honor this year's factory team with a production version of the race bike. The CRF450 Rally debuted at the 2012 International Motorcycle, Scooter and Bike Fair in Cologne, Germany, and is based on the standard CRF450.

Honda swapped in programmable fuel injection in place of the old carbs, bumped up the total fuel capacity and incorporated a new navigation system. Engineers also worked in new changes to both the chassis and bodywork to increase durability and protect the drivetrain from damage. Honda will first test the CRF450 Rally in the Morocco Rally later this month before putting it to task in the Dakar Rally in January. Take a look at the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading Honda debuts production Dakar Racer CRF450 Rally

Honda debuts production Dakar Racer CRF450 Rally originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crf450dakardakar rallyhondahonda crf450honda crf450 rallyrallyMon, 08 Oct 2012 08:27:00 EST

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20342673 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-honda-crf450-rally-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-honda-crf450-rally-628.jpg <![CDATA[Petter Solberg crashes through vineyard, into utility pole at French WRC event]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/petter-solberg-crashes-through-vineyard-into-utility-pole-at-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/petter-solberg-crashes-through-vineyard-into-utility-pole-at-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/petter-solberg-crashes-through-vineyard-into-utility-pole-at-fr/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos, Celebrities

Petter Solberg

If one absolutely must crash out of professional rally event, one might as well do it with style. At least that seems to be the philosophy of Petter Solberg. The Norwegian World Rally Championship driver bowed out of the Rally of France Alsace on Saturday when he left the course, drove through a vineyard, rejoined the course briefly, drove through a second vineyard and struck a power pole. As if that weren't bizarre enough, the impact sent the pole crashing to the ground, narrowly missing spectators and sending power lines arcing across parked vehicles in the area.

Solberg started the day with his Ford Fiesta RS in fourth place overall, but ended his bout for the podium on the first stage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the off. You can take a closer look at the scene in the video below. Trust us, you'll want to watch this one a few times.

Continue reading Petter Solberg crashes through vineyard, into utility pole at French WRC event

Petter Solberg crashes through vineyard, into utility pole at French WRC event originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20343462 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/solberg-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/solberg-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Up close and personal with David Higgins' 2012 Subaru WRX STI Rally Car [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/up-close-and-personal-with-david-higgins-2012-subaru-wrx-sti-ra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/up-close-and-personal-with-david-higgins-2012-subaru-wrx-sti-ra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/01/up-close-and-personal-with-david-higgins-2012-subaru-wrx-sti-ra/#commentsFiled under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Performance, Videos, Hatchback, Subaru, Racing

Riding Shotgun With The Four-Time Rally America Champ

There's nothing quite like the sound of a high-strung boxer engine in full rage. Each dip of the throttle sends the opposed four-pot barking and popping like some sort of caffeinated prehistoric beast as David Higgins shoots his very unique 2012 Subaru WRX STI through a tight section of chicanes on the back side of the DirtFish Rally School's 315-acre playground. He's traveling at the approximate speed of a Japanese bullet train, if bullet trains spent the majority of their time sideways and on ball bearings.

An hour ago, this car was cleaner than a sundress on Sunday.

The cacophony can likely be heard all the way from Snoqualmie Valley to the hipster bars in downtown Seattle, but situated as I am in the passenger side of the car, all I hear is the rush of gravel pelting the machine's underbelly and my own laughter. Higgins has just sent his hyperactive triceratops pirouetting around a teardrop-shaped hairpin, pivoting the nose on a group of photographers at the apex. He took time to give the group a friendly thumbs-up before grabbing another gear and leaving them all in a cloud of Washington State silt.

An hour ago, this car was cleaner than a sundress on Sunday, meticulously prepared by the guys at Vermont SportsCar. We caught up with the team who built the machine that Higgins drove to his fifth Rally America Championship win last month for a look at what makes this car so damn fast.

Continue reading Up close and personal with David Higgins' 2012 Subaru WRX STI Rally Car [w/video]

Up close and personal with David Higgins' 2012 Subaru WRX STI Rally Car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 subaru wrx sti rally cardavid higginsdirtfishdirtfish rally schoolrallyrally americarally america championshipsubarusubaru wrx stivermont sportscarvideowrxwrx stiMon, 01 Oct 2012 14:58:00 EST

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20329080 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/david-higgins-2012-subaru-wrx-sti-8-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/david-higgins-2012-subaru-wrx-sti-8-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car looks fast sitting still]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/peugeot-208-type-r5-rally-car-looks-fast-sitting-still/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/peugeot-208-type-r5-rally-car-looks-fast-sitting-still/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/peugeot-208-type-r5-rally-car-looks-fast-sitting-still/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Peugeot, Off-Road, Racing

Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car - live at 2012 Paris Motor Show reveal

Last week, we were able to bring you all of the details regarding Peugeot's new 208 Type R5 rally car, but there was only a shadowy teaser image with which to illustrate the pre-production rally titan.

Thankfully, with our meticulous shooters combing the floor, we now have a good long look at the Peugeot 208 R5, which the French automaker confirms will race next year in series like the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, European Rally Championship and the National Championships.

The 208 R5 is, of course, just as racy as we'd hoped, with a wheels-at-the-absolute-corners stance, huge white shoes wearing hometown Michelin rubber, a sizable rear wing and sporty graphics as far as the eye can see. Don't get used to seeing it in quite so gleaming a shade of white, however, as this one little guy is destined to get dirty, fast.

Continue reading Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car looks fast sitting still

Peugeot 208 Type R5 rally car looks fast sitting still originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>208parisparis 2012paris motor showpeugeotpeugeot 208 r5r5r5 rallyrallyrally cars2000wrcFri, 28 Sep 2012 19:30:00 EST

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20336045 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/001-peugeot-205-type-r5628opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/001-peugeot-205-type-r5628opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a horde of mopeds ride the Alps]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/watch-a-horde-of-mopeds-ride-the-alps/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/watch-a-horde-of-mopeds-ride-the-alps/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/watch-a-horde-of-mopeds-ride-the-alps/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Motorcycle

Red Bull Alpenbrevet

Red Bull, patron of all things slightly mental, has organized a gathering of moped enthusiasts in Switzerland for the past three years. The attendees don't just sit around and gawk at each other's machines, though. The Red Bull Alpenbrevet is an 82-mile rally, and the course forces participants to use their mix of human and internal combustion power to tackle a total of three 7,000-foot passes. This year, 770 riders came out to compete for the gold. There was more than one way to go home a winner, however. The Alpenbrevet also features a "style" competition, and many riders gussy up both their classic mopeds and themselves for the day.

You can check out some footage from this year's event below or head over to the Alpenbrevet site for more information. Just be sure to have your handy German translator at the ready.

Continue reading Watch a horde of mopeds ride the Alps

Watch a horde of mopeds ride the Alps originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 alpenbrevetmopedrallyred bullred bull alpenbrevetvideoFri, 21 Sep 2012 12:33:00 EST

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20326707 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/alpenbrevet-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/alpenbrevet-628.jpg <![CDATA[Kubica back behind the wheel after horrendous crash]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/kubica-back-behind-the-wheel-after-horrendous-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/kubica-back-behind-the-wheel-after-horrendous-crash/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/kubica-back-behind-the-wheel-after-horrendous-crash/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

It has been the trend for drivers departing F1 to enter some other road-racing series, with endurance racing, DTM, IndyCar and NASCAR the popular destinations. Kimi Räikkönen went the other direction, leaving Ferrari for a stint with the development class of the Citroën rally team, and former F1 driver Robert Kubica might be doing something similar. Kubica, remember, suffered career-halting injuries in a crash during the Ronde di Andora rally in early 2011 and hasn't been back in an F1 cockpit since.

While ex-rally punter Räikkönen has taken Kubica's place as the top driver at Lotus/Renault F1 team, reports are that Kubica has been testing rally cars, including spending a day with the Ford World Rally Championship team and its drivers at a private test in France. Autosport reports that Kubica rented a Fiesta RS WRC car on his own before the outing with Ford, and a source told the magazine that Kubica "drove the car well."

The Ford WRC team won't even admit that Kubica was there (we had to use of Ken Block competing in France last year), so we wouldn't classify his return as imminent. But it's a good sign, and we'd just like to see him in a cockpit again, in some series, soon.

Kubica back behind the wheel after horrendous crash originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f1fiestafiesta wrcfordformula 1francekubica crashrallyrobert kubicawrcFri, 07 Sep 2012 08:01:00 EST

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20315317 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/hkg3432892-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/hkg3432892-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch what may be the world's best save during a Polish rally race]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/watch-what-may-be-the-worlds-best-save-during-polish-rally-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/watch-what-may-be-the-worlds-best-save-during-polish-rally-race/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/14/watch-what-may-be-the-worlds-best-save-during-polish-rally-race/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Sedan, Videos, Mitsubishi, Racing

Rally Race save

Caution: Slippery when wet.

Generally speaking, such signs are placed where pedestrians may be crossing on hard-surface flooring, perhaps right after it was washed. But the same is sometimes true on asphalt, and the four tires of the Mitsubishi Evo seen after the break are just as susceptible to slipping and sliding as the bottom of your shoes.

Slipping on a floor usually sends you toppling over in an embarrassing heap. Sliding off the side of a grimy road during a rally race can have much, much more serious consequences. Scroll down below for a trio of videos from both inside and outside the car to see how one driver dealt with his car's lack of grip in a most impressive way.

Continue reading Watch what may be the world's best save during a Polish rally race

Watch what may be the world's best save during a Polish rally race originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crashcrash saveevolancer evolutionmitsubishipolandpolish rallyrallyrally savesaveTue, 14 Aug 2012 20:01:00 EST

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20300935 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rally-race-save_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/rally-race-save.jpg <![CDATA[Watch a 91-year-old grandma RallyCross a Subaru]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/watch-a-91-year-old-grandma-rallycross-a-subaru/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/watch-a-91-year-old-grandma-rallycross-a-subaru/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/10/watch-a-91-year-old-grandma-rallycross-a-subaru/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru, Humor, Off-Road

We suppose "Go, granny, go!" is appropriate at times like these. In this video, a 91-year-old grandmother gets behind the wheel of an old Subaru for some RallyCross seat time. What's not awesome about that?

For her run, she has a navigator instructing her on the turns like any rally event. For most of her time behind the wheel, she looks terrified, but as you can see from the screengrab, she starts to have fun with it.

Throughout the video you hear several clunks which sound like she is running over something (or someone), and lest you might chalk it up as just the sounds of the course, you overhear the navigator telling our intrepid elderly driver "you went off course, which is worse than hitting a cone."

Click below to watch the video and see how well she does rallying an old Subie.

Continue reading Watch a 91-year-old grandma RallyCross a Subaru

Watch a 91-year-old grandma RallyCross a Subaru originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dirt racingelderly driverrallyrallycrossFri, 10 Aug 2012 12:46:00 EST

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20296334 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/granny-driver-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/granny-driver-628.jpg <![CDATA[Rally crash gets exciting after car comes to complete stop]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/rally-crash-gets-exciting-after-car-comes-to-complete-stop/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/rally-crash-gets-exciting-after-car-comes-to-complete-stop/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/31/rally-crash-gets-exciting-after-car-comes-to-complete-stop/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Subaru, Racing

Brakim Racing

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brakim racingbrakim racing crashmotorsportrallyrally crashrally racingrally west virginiavideoTue, 31 Jul 2012 19:59:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/31/rally-crash-gets-exciting-after-car-comes-to-complete-stop/20290258/article-detail.xml

20290258 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/brakim-racing-crash-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/brakim-racing-crash-628.jpg <![CDATA[Watch 10 years of WRC trials, tribulations and triumphs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-10-years-of-wrc-trials-tribulations-and-triumphs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-10-years-of-wrc-trials-tribulations-and-triumphs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-10-years-of-wrc-trials-tribulations-and-triumphs/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos

High-flying first-gen Ford Focus in WRC event

Sebastien Loeb has won the World Rally Championship - with the same team - for eight consecutive years, and this year, he's so far ahead more than halfway through the season that he'd have to sit out two rallies to let the second-placed drive overtake him. Yet few complain about the predictability of the WRC, with complaints mostly about vehicle regulations and not Loeb's suffocating consistency.

It's videos like the one below that explain why. Stage 1 Technology and its timing and tracking gear has been involved with the WRC for ten years, and has put together a fine compilation video with a decade of wins, losses, jokes, slides, highlights and high jumps. Scroll down to check it out.

Continue reading Watch 10 years of WRC trials, tribulations and triumphs

Watch 10 years of WRC trials, tribulations and triumphs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rallyrally racingstage 1 technologyvideovideosworld rally championshipwrcMon, 09 Jul 2012 14:57:00 EST

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20273912 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/wrccompilationdecade_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/wrccompilationdecade.jpg <![CDATA[From Prague to Mongolia in an abused Renault Kangoo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/30/from-prague-to-mongolia-in-an-abused-renault-kangoo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/30/from-prague-to-mongolia-in-an-abused-renault-kangoo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/30/from-prague-to-mongolia-in-an-abused-renault-kangoo/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Budget, Minivan/Van, Etc., Europe, Renault

Last Rat Renault Kangoo Mongol Rally

If you haven't heard of the Mongol Rally, we suggest you acquaint yourself. The charity event starts in Europe and ends in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Unlike most rallies, there is no defined route or support staff. Participants must simply survive long enough to make it to the finish line in one piece. That would be challenging enough in a well-equipped off roader like a Nissan Patrol or Toyota Hilux, but those who take up the challenge must do so in either a vehicle with an engine displacing no more than 1.2 liters or an emergency services vehicle like an ambulance or fire truck.

At the end of the rally, the surviving vehicles are either auctioned or donated to cash-strapped local organizations. This year, New Yorkers Ota Ulc and Nick Jarret have partnered with Prague local Karel Vancura in an attempt to trace the 10,000 miles from Prague to Mongolia in a Renault Kangoo. The "Last Rat to Mongolia" team bought their car sight-unseen and have outfitted the quirky little van for the trek with the help of a local mechanic. Skid plates, rally lights, a roof rack and a gaggle of jerry cans are all part of the plan.

A total of 300 teams will attempt the continental crossing, each supporting their own charities along the way. The Last Rats are raising funds for UNICEF and Lotus Children's Centre Charitable Trust. You can follow their progress on Facebook or at the Mongol Rally site, and can kick them a couple of bucks via the team's JustGiving site. What else are you going to use the money for? Another coffee?

From Prague to Mongolia in an abused Renault Kangoo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitylast rat to mongolialotus childrens centre trustmongol rallymongol rally 2012mongoliapraguerallyunicefSat, 30 Jun 2012 14:01:00 EST

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20263251 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/last-rat-kangoo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/last-rat-kangoo-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block's San Francisco-shot Gymkhana 5 to debut on July 9]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/ken-blocks-san-francisco-shot-gymkhana-5-to-debut-on-july-9/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/ken-blocks-san-francisco-shot-gymkhana-5-to-debut-on-july-9/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/ken-blocks-san-francisco-shot-gymkhana-5-to-debut-on-july-9/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

Ken Block with Ford Fiesta rallycross racer in San Francisco

Ken Block is YouTube gold, that much we know. Having accumulated 140+ million views for his Gymkhana videos over the years, the man can clearly attract some eyeballs with his behind-the-wheel shenanigans. The last installment, the fourth in the series so far, was by far his biggest and boldest production, sporting a Hollywood theme with special effects and musical numbers. Some felt it strayed too far from the highly skilled hooning that got him where he is today, which was the likely reason his team recently released a re-edited version (scroll down to watch) with less of the Hollywood glam and glitz.

It also might be why Gymkhana 5 will take place in the vertically diverse city of San Francisco, CA. The location itself will be a co-star of Block's latest video venture, which will debut on the DC Shoes YouTube channel on July 9. Block's Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V. rally car will be again be his ride of his choice, and we're told the video will feature a surprise special guest and a few world records, as well. Block is no doubt hoping he can enjoy the premier with X Games gold in his hands, as he'll be competing in the Rallycross competition against the world's best - names like Travis Pastrana, Tanner Foust and current Rallycross points leader Marcus Grönholm - on July 1.

Continue reading Ken Block's San Francisco-shot Gymkhana 5 to debut on July 9

Ken Block's San Francisco-shot Gymkhana 5 to debut on July 9 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20260941 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/kbgym5-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/kbgym5-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus-Renault won't let Kimi Raikkonen contest Rally Finland]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/lotus-renault-wont-let-kimi-raikkonen-contest-rally-finland/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/lotus-renault-wont-let-kimi-raikkonen-contest-rally-finland/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/lotus-renault-wont-let-kimi-raikkonen-contest-rally-finland/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Lotus

Kimi Raikkonen

The Formula One team formerly known as Renault and currently racing under the Lotus banner is still feeling the absence of its star driver Robert Kubica. The Polish driver, as you may recall, was severely injured when he crashed his Skoda Fabia S2000 in a rally in Italy two years ago. And now the driver who's keeping his seat warm wants to go rallying, too, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.

That driver, of course, is Kimi Raikkonen, the former Formula One World Champion from Finland. The thing is that while Kubica, it could be argued, was merely moonlighting as a rally driver, Raikkonen has a proven track (or off-track) record in rallying. He did, after all, spend the last couple of seasons driving in the top-flight World Rally Championship for front-running team Citroën.

For his part, Raikkonen wasn't looking to contest the entire WRC season while also racing in F1 again, but he wanted to drive in his home stage of Rally Finland this August, a race he's contested every year for the last three. However, due to contract requirements, Raikkonen reportedly won't be allowed to get down and dirty in the race, likely for fear of injury.

Lotus-Renault won't let Kimi Raikkonen contest Rally Finland originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 May 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/28/lotus-renault-wont-let-kimi-raikkonen-contest-rally-finland/20243546/article-detail.xml

20243546 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/q0c9348_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/q0c9348.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block's Gymkhana 4 re-edited with less "Hollywood"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/ken-blocks-gymkhana-4-re-edited-with-less-hollywood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/ken-blocks-gymkhana-4-re-edited-with-less-hollywood/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/22/ken-blocks-gymkhana-4-re-edited-with-less-hollywood/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Performance, Etc., Hatchback, Ford, Design/Style

The fourth installment of Ken Block's Gymkhana series was aptly subtitled "The Hollywood Megamercial." We know Ken needs to sell some DC Shoes apparel to pay for these lavish drifting productions, but the sales pitch stole the spotlight from the action in Gymkhana 4. Ever wonder what the video would have been like without the special effects and clothing commercials?

It took them the better part of a year, but DC Shoes has finally released a bonus edit that removes the "Hollywood" parts of the video, leaving just the gymkhana parts that we all clicked Play to watch in the first place.

Cutting out the special effects and infomercial aspects shortens the video from a weighty 9:16 to a lithe and focused 5:11. The difference between the two vids is most apparent by comparing when the Ford Racing rally Focus leaves the starting line. Original video: 1:25. New edit: 0:09. Over a minute was saved just by cutting the clip of Ken Block on fire and nixing the opening credits for his wardrobe. Another two minutes was saved at the end by leaving the Bollywood dance on the cutting room floor.

Scroll down to watch the new bonus edit that lets the viewer better appreciate the skill required to perform such stunts, as well as the original version. You can also click here to watch a YouTube Doubler of the videos playing side-by-side.

Continue reading Ken Block's Gymkhana 4 re-edited with less "Hollywood"

Ken Block's Gymkhana 4 re-edited with less "Hollywood" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20242653 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ken-block-gymkhana-4-edit_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/ken-block-gymkhana-4-edit.jpg <![CDATA[Rally car plows into crowd in France, kills two [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/rally-car-plows-into-crowd-in-france-kills-two-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/rally-car-plows-into-crowd-in-france-kills-two-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/rally-car-plows-into-crowd-in-france-kills-two-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Safety, Videos

Rally car kills two

A rally race in France ended in a tragedy this weekend, when a driver missed his turn and hit a crowd of people. Two deaths were reported, with 17 injured including a race marshall and several children, according to the BBC.

Four of the injuries were deemed "serious," and the scope of the accident overwhelmed rescue services, according to the report. The driver was also injured, and is in the custody of the police, who have launched an investigation, according to iafrica.com.

The Pays des Maures race was being held in Southern France, with the accident occurring on Saturday afternoon near Toulon, according to the BBC.

Scroll down to see a TV report on the accident, in French.

Continue reading Rally car plows into crowd in France, kills two [w/video]

Rally car plows into crowd in France, kills two [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francePays des Maures rallyrallyrally accidentrally crashrally racingvideoMon, 21 May 2012 18:59:00 EST

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20241945 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/rally-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/rally-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Watch spectators rush to save lives of rally drivers trapped in capsized Renault]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/watch-spectators-rush-to-save-lives-of-rally-drivers-trapped-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/watch-spectators-rush-to-save-lives-of-rally-drivers-trapped-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/18/watch-spectators-rush-to-save-lives-of-rally-drivers-trapped-in/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Safety, Videos, Renault, Racing

Rally spectators struggle to free drivers from submerged Renault Clio rally car

We don't need to tell you why rally racing - though awesome - is incredibly dangerous. As much as we love to watch turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Euro hatches being flung around on dirt, gravel, snow and tarmac, the fact that many of these races go through small towns and wooded trails leaves plenty of room for disaster.

Case in point: This Renault Clio racer went off course during the 2012 Mazowiecki Rally, leaving driver Patrick Osowiecki and navigator Maciej Wrona trapped upside-down in a lake. According to CarScoop, no race officials were near the scene of the accident, but some selfless spectators rushed in to attempt to free Osowiecki and Wrona from their racecar. Scroll down to watch the action unfold.

Continue reading Watch spectators rush to save lives of rally drivers trapped in capsized Renault

Watch spectators rush to save lives of rally drivers trapped in capsized Renault originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 May 2012 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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