Alonso will be champion – Lauda

Three-time F1 world champion Niki Lauda believes Fernando Alonso will be champion this year if he maintains his current level of performance.

The Spaniard took the lead of the championship following the European Grand Prix at Valencia and has not relinquished it despite not having the most competitive car of the field.

The Ferrari driver is still 29 points ahead of Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel with six races to go after the German won last weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix.

Despite not having the quickest car out there, Lauda reckons Alonso will take his third crown thanks to his amazing consistency.

“He will score the most points. He will be champion if he carries on like he has done up until now,” Lauda told the official Formula 1 website.

“He is making all the right moves. He is fast and he is getting the car over the finish line. He is aggressive when needed. He is Mr Right, right now.”

Although there are still seven drivers with mathematical chances of winning the title, Lauda reckons the list will get smaller fast if Alonso can keep up his consistency.

“Yes and no,” he replied when asked if all seven were genuine contenders. “Theoretically and mathematically yes. But the big question is whether Alonso will stop racing.

“If so, then the others might get into a position where they can catch up. But why should he stop?

“I say that he will carry on racing the way he has done so far and then the list of those who count themselves still in the running is dramatically reduced.”

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/alonso-will-be-champion-lauda

Bruce Johnstone Alan Jones Tom Jones Juan Jover Oswald Karch

Joe Gibbs Racing Captures NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Win No. 100

Source: http://thefinallap.com/2012/09/23/joe-gibbs-racing-captures-nascar-sprint-cup-series-win-no-100/

Bob Gerard Gerino Gerini Peter Gethin Piercarlo Ghinzani Bruno Giacomelli

AUTOS: Jaguar Launches The F-Type

The long-awaited sports car – spiritual successor to the fabled E-Type – debuts prior to the Paris Auto Show.

Source: http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/autos-jaguar-unveils-f-type/

Peter Gethin Piercarlo Ghinzani Bruno Giacomelli Dick Gibson Gimax

Alonso: Third place no consolation

Fernando Alonso says that Ferrari still needs to bring a more competitive car to the Japanese Grand Prix, despite salvaging third place in Singapore.

The world championship leader was concerned all weekend that his Ferrari was not on the pace of main rivals McLaren and Red Bull.

Alonso was still able to beat Red Bull’s Mark Webber and benefited from Lewis Hamilton retiring his McLaren from the lead to finish third behind Sebastian Vettel and Jenson Button.

That result keeps Alonso’s championship lead at 29 points over Vettel.

But Alonso does not believe that will be sufficient with six races to go, unless Ferrari improves.

“This year is a bit difficult to predict, but we need to improve the performance we saw here,” Alonso said.

“Positions five and 13 [on the grid] for our cars is not what we are hoping for. We need to be in a better position at Suzuka.”

Alonso acknowledged that considering his machinery, Singapore had to be considered as a positive weekend.

“Monza was reasonable in the race and Sebastian retired, and here Sebastian won and Lewis retired so for me it is OK if they keep doing it like this,” he said.

“Of the four or five contenders we lost points to one, and with the others we gained an advantage.

“When we are not quick enough, to get points over three of our opponents was good.”

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/alonso-third-place-no-consolation

Carel Godin de Beaufort Christian Goethals Paul Goldsmith José Froilán González Oscar González

Busch stunned by qualifying pace

Kyle Busch said he was ‘shocked’ to be able to secure a front-row grid spot in NASCAR Sprint Cup qualifying at Loudon.

The 27-year-old, who missed out on a spot in this year’s Chase by just three points at Chicagoland, flew to the top of the timesheets with a 28.265s mid-way through the session.

Having been 19th in practice, Busch then watched on as the rest of the field – barring eventual poleman Jeff Gordon – failed to beat his mark.

“I was actually shocked by the time we ran – and pleased at the same time,” he said. “The effort was really good.

“Practice didn’t quite go the way we wanted it to, we struggled early, [and] then we didn’t get the draw we hoped for and had to go out early [in qualifying].

“The guys made some nice changes to get the car a lot better though and it reacted well, I was really fast.

“I was hoping it would hold up but Jeff had a really good draw right at the end and beat us by a little bit, but it’s still good for track position to start at the front.”

Following on from team owner Joe Gibbs’ disappointment at Busch missing the Chase, he added: “[It makes it] a little bit more challenging, but that’s a product of missing the Chase; it’s what you get.

“It’s our own fault – [missing] those three points that could have meant an awful lot throughout the season to get ourselves in the top spot.”

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/nascar-news/nascar/busch-stunned-by-qualifying-pace

Gerino Gerini Peter Gethin Piercarlo Ghinzani Bruno Giacomelli Dick Gibson

ETC: Light Graffitti artist Cameron returns with more art

Filed under: Design/Style

The last time we heard from Marc Cameron, he and his team were artfully blasting dirt from walls to create automotive "reverse graffiti" that was singular in its excellence. Cameron is back in the news for making some pretty cool car-based art objects, this time teaming with photographer Mark Brown to do a little bit of light painting.

Actually, this is the second go at what the tandem has dubbed "light graffiti." In 2011 the duo painted London with hip renditions of Alfas, Ferraris and other slick rides. This time Cameron and Brown have chosen to paint some of their favorite examples of show cars from this season.

A Ferrari F12 Berlinetta, Chevrolet C7 Corvette and Ford Focus RS are amongst the newest subjects, all painted in vibrant, flowing paths of light, and hanging in mid-air.

Have a look through the attached gallery to see what we mean. If you like the concept and the results, click here to find some light-painting poster prints you can have for your home.

Light Graffitti artist Cameron returns with more art originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/light-graffitti-artist-cameron-returns-with-more-art/

Al Keller Joe Kelly Dave Kennedy Loris Kessel Bruce Kessler

Neal to race despite crash injuries

Matt Neal will try to defend his lead in the British Touring Car Championship at Rockingham this weekend despite being injured in a road accident.

Neal, who leads Honda team-mate Gordon Shedden by 10 points, was knocked off his motorcycle earlier this month.

The 45-year-old suffered a fractured metacarpal, dislocated thumb and forefinger injuries.

There had been concerns the triple BTCC champion would not be able to compete this weekend, but a test at MIRA on Thursday has helped Neal decide to race.

“I did half a dozen laps to see what I could do,” he told AUTOSPORT. “It’s the right hand – I’m alright on left-handers, not so good on right-handers, so Tarzan hairpin at Rockingham will be difficult.

“It’s painful, but we’ll see what we can get out there. I’ve just got to score some points.”

Neal has seen a hand specialist and is currently on painkillers. His hand is expected to take more than a month to heal.

The injury comes just over a year after Neal broke his hand in a martial arts accident, though he battled on to secure the 2011 crown.

Neal has taken four wins this season in the NGTC Honda Civic and is 36 points clear of leading non-Honda driver Jason Plato in the title race.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/touring-cars/btcc/neal-to-race-despite-crash-injuries

Gus Hutchison Jacky Ickx Yuji Ide Jesús Iglesias Taki Inoue

Report: MN woman accused of making nephew ride in trunk to protect her Lexus' seats

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Lexus, Luxury

We all know that water and leather don't mix, but we also know (or at least we should) that kids in trunks don't mix, either. A woman in Minnesota is in hot water after allegedly making her 11-year-old nephew ride home in the trunk of her Lexus after riding a water ride at a local amusement park.

On August 23, witnesses in the parking lot of Valleyfair Amusement Park reported seeing the child climb into the trunk of the car before the car drove off. By the time police had caught up with Susan Marie McCarty, 38, and her Lexus, she had already dropped her nephew off, but she had admitted to police that she put him back there because she didn't want him to get water on her car's leather. She justified her actions by telling police that she left the center pass-through open allowing air conditioning to get into the trunk.

The boy's grandmother, 14-year-old sister and another child passenger were also in the vehicle, and while the grandmother was "uneasy" about him riding in the trunk, she didn't want to question the aunt's decision.

According to reports, McCarty was charged with gross-misdemeanor child endangerment, and, if convicted, could face up to a year in prison and as much as $3,000 in fines.

MN woman accused of making nephew ride in trunk to protect her Lexus' seats originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/mn-woman-puts-nephew-in-trunk-to-avoid-water-on-her-lexus-leath/

Bobby Grim Romain Grosjean Olivier Grouillard Brian Gubby André Guelfi

Yamaha and PETRONAS Conclude MotoGP Partnership

Yamaha Racing
Sunday, 01 Jan 2012

As 2011 draws to a close it marks the end of a successful partnership between Yamaha's Factory MotoGP Team and PETRONAS.

The integrated Malaysian oil and gas corporation came onboard with Yamaha in 2009 and has enjoyed a hugely successful three year relationship.

Yamaha and PETRONAS have been privileged to share in two consecutive Triple Crown MotoGP victories, in 2009 and 2010.

Lin Jarvis,
Managing Director of Yamaha Motor Racing:

"The relationship between Yamaha and PETRONAS has been a great success, we have enjoyed some major achievements together in the MotoGP class. Now that the partnership has reached its natural conclusion I would like to thank our friends at PETRONAS for the support during their time with us and wish them well for the future".

Mohammad Medan Abdullah,
Senior General Manager of PETRONAS Group Corporate Affairs Division:

"We are happy to have had this opportunity to work with the Yamaha Factory Racing team over the past three years. In that time, we have enjoyed the benefits of strong brand exposure through the privilege of being associated with a team that shares our values and passion. The team has achieved many successes through a high level of competitiveness and stretched performance standards and we wish the team continued success in the future".

Jointly issued by Yamaha Factory Racing and PETRONAS Motorsports

www.yamaha-racing.com

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2012/01/yamaha_and_petronas_concl.php

Karl Kling Ernst Klodwig Kamui Kobayashi Helmuth Koinigg Heikki Kovalainen

Schlegelmilch returns to racing in F2

Harald Schlegelmilch will make his Formula 2 debut at the Monza season finale next weekend.

The 24-year-old Latvian has not raced since competing in the German Porsche Carrera Cup in 2010, but had reached Formula Renault 3.5 and GP2 Asia during his single-seater career.

“It’s great to be back out racing again and I can’t wait to race at Monza, a track I love and know well,” he said.

“I haven’t competed properly in single-seaters since 2009 but hopefully the F2 test beforehand will help me to get up to speed quickly.

“I’ve not set myself any goals for the weekend, I’m just going to try and do the best job I can.”

Schlegelmilch’s greatest achievement to date is winning a reversed-grid Formula 3 Euro Series race at the Nurburgring in 2007, when he kept future Formula 1 drivers Romain Grosjean, Sebastien Buemi and Nico Hulkenberg behind him for the duration.

He was also a race-winner in the now-defunct Formula Master championship the following season.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/schlegelmilch-returns-to-racing-in-f2

Bruce Kessler Nicolas Kiesa Leo Kinnunen Danny Kladis Hans Klenk

Suspension upheld for RCR crew member

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2012/09/suspension-upheld-for-rcr-crew-member.html

William Clyde Elliott Jeffrey Michael Gordon Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick

AMA DSB: DiSalvo's Story - What's The Latus?

Jason DiSalvo returned to action at NJMP and it seemed as if nothing had changed… on the surface at least.

Source: http://moto-racing.speedtv.com/article/ama-dsb-disalvos-story-whats-the-latus/

Z Line Designs Toyota Parker Kligerman Trevor Bayne Out! Pet Care Toyota Jason Leffler

Ed Carpenter slides past Franchitti to win race, Ryan Hunter-Reay sneaks past Power to win championship

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2012/09/ed-carpenter-slides-past-franchitti-to.html

Joe James John James Jean Pierre Jarier Max Jean Stefan Johansson

2013 Porsche Panamera GTS: Stuttgart’s Latest ‘Tweener Tested

For years, Porsche has expanded its model lineups using the Taco Bell approach: same ingredients, different combinations. Take the new Panamera GTS, the eighth distinct version of  the big hunchback sedan. Porsche starts with a basic taco shell.  Actually, the Panamera is more substantial, more of a gordita. Then the company adds all-wheel drive. Think of that as the binding unguent in the GTS’s Cheesy Gordita Crunch—a layer of mellow reassurance in a world gone mad. Now add beef, the V-8 from the S model. (The Turbo engine would be the steak; the hybrid powertrain, the health-conscious but pricey chicken.) Finish with some Pepper Jack sauce, in this case a revised intake system, cams with one millimeter of additional lift, and the stiffer valve springs from the Turbo model. The changes lift output to 430 horsepower from the 4S’s 400. READ MORE ››

Read full story »

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/jEhBVPJFJ5w/2013-porsche-panamera-gts-instrumented-test-review

Heikki Kovalainen Kevin Harvick Armour Vienna Sausage Kroger Chevrolet Clint Bowyer Zaxby s Chevrolet

Official: Volkswagen reveals off-road ready Amarok Canyon special edition

Filed under: Truck, Volkswagen, Specialty, Diesel, Off-Road

The Volkswagen Amarok Concept revealed at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show was a paean to freestyle kayaking, its Baladi Orange hue and 18-inch High Gloss Adamantium Dark wheels on knobbies with raised white letters showing off a wilder side of VW's pickup. True, it was no Rhinemetall Defense conversion or a Colt Seavers tribute, but it was about as far out as the Amarok was going to get from the factory.

The response to it was positive enough for VW to put a production version into the pipeline, available next year. The exclusive exterior hue has been changed to Copper Orange (other colors will be available in early 2013), the wheels are smaller and the tires have been swapped for more road-friendly rubber, but otherwise it looks to be all there: the light bar, dark roll hoop, smoked taillamps, black-lipped wheel arches, body-colored skid plates and cargo cover have made the transition. Buyers can choose between two diesel engines and either on-demand or full-time four-wheel drive.

It isn't clear if the gauge cluster includes the three indicators for tilt and climbing angles, but special-edition modifications like the matte chrome covering on the panel, two-tone seats with "Moon Rock" bases and Anthracite accents will let passengers know you're ready for the grizzly yonder. Naturally, as with all other versions of VW's Amarok pickup truck, we won't be seeing it in the United States.

There's a press release just below with all the details.

Continue reading Volkswagen reveals off-road ready Amarok Canyon special edition

Volkswagen reveals off-road ready Amarok Canyon special edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/19/volkswagen-reveals-off-road-ready-amarok-canyon-special-edition/

Helm Glöckler Paco Godia Carel Godin de Beaufort Christian Goethals Paul Goldsmith

Andretti relieved Hunter-Reay made it

IndyCar title-winning team owner Michael Andretti said he was relieved to see Ryan Hunter-Reay make it through an eventful season-finale at Las Vegas to clinch the championship.

Hunter-Reay went into the race with a 17-point deficit to Will Power, but only needed to finish fifth to seal the crown after Power crashed out early in the race.

Andretti said that his team had expected to have to deal with some surprises during the 500-miler.

“It was a crazy, crazy night,” he said. “And that’s exactly what we told [Hunter-Reay] going into the race, this is going to be a crazy race.

“It actually played out exactly the way I thought it would because we knew it was going to be tough. Especially in the beginning, and we knew it was going to be a race of survival.”

Hunter-Reay had started from near the back of the field, but was able to improve his position throughout the race as his car responded to changes made during each pitstop.

“We had a car that was not so good in the beginning, and every pitstop we just kept making it better and better and better,” Andretti said.

“We made it good enough to get the job done to get in there and to be able to fight with at least getting in the top five.

“At that point, that’s what we needed, and Ryan did one hell of a job, I can tell you. He drove his butt off when he needed to. He got this thing done.”

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/indycar-news/indycar/andretti-relieved-hunter-reay-made-it

Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki

McLaren: Singapore critical to title bid

McLaren says this weekend’s Singapore Grand Prix is ‘critical’ to its hopes of winning the world championship.

Although the Woking-based outfit is on a roll after winning the last three grands prix, its sporting director Sam Michael views its performance at the Marina Bay circuit as a key indicator going forward.

He suggests that the high-downforce requirements of Singapore will give it a much better idea of where it stacks up against the opposition, because he does not believe that the relative speed of the top teams in Belgium and Monza offered the true picture.

“I think now it is a critical point of the championship for us,” Michael told the official podcast for the Australian Grand Prix.

“We are coming from behind and we know we have a big challenge to try and get up there in the constructors’ [championship].

“The next race is important because if you look at the last three [races] there are various circumstances that may have contributed to our main competitor, such as Red Bull, suffering in performance.

“One in particular is the lift to drag ratios of tracks. We have been to two low-drag circuits, Spa and Monza, and those are quite different aero packages compared to what you normally run. We are now going back to Singapore, which is a maximum downforce circuit.”

Michael reckons that if McLaren can maintain the advantage it has had over Red Bull in recent races then that will suggest it has edged clear of its rivals.

However, he does not believe that if Red Bull returns to form it means that McLaren’s title hopes are over.

“If we go there and still have same sort of advantage as we had in the last two [races], then I would say we are in a really strong position to challenge [for the title],” he explained.

“If RBR is quick again and on the front row with both cars, then I think it doesn’t mean we cannot win the championship – but it will be a tougher job.”

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/mclaren-singapore-critical-to-title-bid

Mika Häkkinen Bruce Halford Jim Hall Duncan Hamilton Lewis Hamilton

NASCAR Puts Top 12 Chase Drivers To Work Nationwide

Source: http://thefinallap.com/2012/09/11/nascar-puts-top-12-chase-drivers-to-work-nationwide/

Z Line Designs Toyota Parker Kligerman Trevor Bayne Out! Pet Care Toyota Jason Leffler

Stenhouse Jr. wins at Chicagoland, takes over points lead

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/09/15/2344933/stenhouse-jr-wins-at-chicagoland.html

Paul Goldsmith José Froilán González Oscar González Aldo Gordini Horace Gould

Hamilton Scores 20th Career Win at Monza

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2012/09/hamilton-scores-20th-career-win-at-monza.html

Ernst Klodwig Kamui Kobayashi Helmuth Koinigg Heikki Kovalainen Kevin Harvick

Alex Tagliani, No. 30 Turner Motorsports Chevrolet Impala Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Preview

Alex Tagliani

ALEX TAGLIANI QUICK FACTS

No. 30 Chevrolet Impala

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

NAPA Auto Parts 200

August 18, 2012

No. 30 Chevrolet News and Notes

Welcome Alex Tagliani… Turner Motorsports is pleased to welcome Montreal-native Alex Tagliani to the seat of its No. 30 Chevrolet for this weekend’s NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. A hometown favorite, Tagliani will be making his third NNS start at the Montreal-based road course. In last year’s event, he laid down an impressive performance, starting second, finishing second and leading 11 laps. This will mark Tagliani’s fourth career NNS start.

This Week’s Impala a Previous Winner… The No. 30 team will unload chassis TMS-300 this weekend at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. This is the same chassis that Nelson Piquet Jr. drove to his first career NNS victory in June at Road America, giving the No. 30 team their second win of the season.

No. 30 Season-To-Date Stats… The No. 30 team, led by crew chief Trent Owens, has had an impressive season to date. A victory in the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway with driver James Buescher was followed with a second victory in June at Road America with Nelson Piquet Jr. On top of the two wins, the team has three top-fives and 11 top-10 finishes.

In-Race Reporter… Tagliani will serve as ESPN’s In-Race Reporter during Saturday’s broadcast of the NAPA Auto Parts 200. Make sure to tune in to hear his thoughts on the racing action throughout the event.

Tagliani on returning to NNS competition at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

“I’m always proud to come back to Montreal and to be able to race on this fantastic road course named after one of my all-time racing heroes, Gilles Villeneuve,” said Tagliani. “I really wanted to race here again, so when the opportunity presented itself with Turner Motorsports and we were no longer scheduled to be overseas, I was pretty excited. In Formula Atlantic, I won here from the pole and also had a pole in Indy Car. Montreal has been good to me to date and I’m hoping to better my race history here. Having a competitive car to challenge for the win is all I can wish for.”

“Last year’s race was a great experience and it was amazing to qualify on the front row and finish the race second. This year is really cool because I met Trent Owens (crew chief of the No. 30 entry for Turner Motorsports) in Kershaw and he was really helpful, answering all my questions even though, at that time, he was working with his own team. It’s ironic that we are going to work together a few short years later. He’s an amazing guy, so I’m excited. I’m honored to drive for Turner Motorsports. This is a passionate group of individuals that make up an awesome team. From Steve (Turner) to all the mechanics, I’m looking forward to meeting everyone at the shop.”

Crew chief Trent Owens on working with Tagliani

“We are looking forward to working with Tag. Looking at what he is capable of doing in Indy Car with a new team with a one-car operation for the last two street course-qualifying sessions says it all. But last year is what impressed me. He missed the pole by just a little bit, and then ran a mistake-free race. Racing in the open wheel circuits makes him drive with a lot of respect on the track and that’s important.”

Follow Turner Motorsports on Facebook! Facebook.com/TurnerMotorsports

- Turner Motorsports Press Release

The post Alex Tagliani, No. 30 Turner Motorsports Chevrolet Impala Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Preview appeared first on Catchfence.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/catchfence/~3/BYC0v5eThmo/

Mike Harris Cuth Harrison Brian Hart Gene Hartley Masahiro Hasemi

Keselowski ready to roll

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/09/14/2340341/keselowski-ready-to-roll.html

Danny Kladis Hans Klenk Peter de Klerk Christian Klien Karl Kling

Code 3 Associates Joins Stewart-Haas Racing

The No. 39 Code 3 Associates Chevrolet Ryan Newman will drive throughout the Hollywood Casino 400 race weekend Oct. 17-21 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. (Credit: CIA Stock Photography)

Animal Rescue and Recovery Unit To Serve as Primary Sponsor of No. 39 Team and Driver Ryan Newman During NASCAR Race Weekend at Kansas

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Aug. 16, 2012) – Code 3 Associates, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization specializing in animal rescue and recovery in disaster areas, has formed a partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team co-owned by three-time and reigning series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas.

Made possible by a benefactor with interests in animal-related causes, Code 3 Associates will be the primary sponsor of SHR’s No. 39 team and driver Ryan Newman throughout the Hollywood Casino 400 race weekend Oct. 17-21 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. Code 3 Associates joins the U.S. Army, Quicken Loans, WIX Filters, Aspen Dental, Outback Steakhouse, Tornados and Bass Pro Shops as primary sponsors of the No. 39 team.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Stewart-Haas Racing and Ryan Newman who are recognized for their leadership and performance on and off the track,” said Eric Bagdikian, president, Code 3 Associates. “Both drivers are generous supporters of animal rescue and welfare, with each of their foundations specializing in this cause. This initiative with Stewart-Haas Racing will greatly raise the profile of our collective mission, which is to provide animal rescue and recovery in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.”

Formed in 1985, Colorado-based Code 3 Associates is a national response team that at the request of local government officials provides animal rescue and recovery during any kind of disaster. The organization has evolved from one unpaid volunteer to at least 75 professional responders around the country, which includes animal welfare, law enforcement, fire, EMS and veterinary specialists from the United States and Canada. While its focus is animals and their owners, Code 3 Associates trains its responders to the standards of human rescue, and Code 3 Associates also provides training to conduct thorough investigations into animal welfare, all of which is accredited by Colorado State University (CSU) and the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

“Animal welfare is something that is very important to me and my wife, Krissie,” said Newman, who through his Ryan Newman Foundation educates and encourages people to spay/neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters. “We’re in the process of opening up an animal rescue facility in North Carolina. We know firsthand the costs involved and how important it is to create awareness of what you’re doing so you can not only see your project come to fruition, but to sustain it. We truly appreciate what Code 3 Associates is about and we’re proud to have them on our racecar and a part of Stewart-Haas Racing.”

When the No. 39 Code 3 Associates Chevrolet hits the track at Kansas, the group’s logo and slogan, “Riders On The Storm Animal Rescue Team,” will appear familiar to many. When a devastating tornado struck nearby Joplin, Mo., just a few weeks before last year’s June race at Kansas, Code 3 Associates arrived shortly thereafter. With its mobile command center known as BART (Big Animal Rescue Truck) on the scene, teams from Code 3 Associates assisted in the search and recovery of animal victims displaced by the tornado. Code 3 Associates remained in Joplin before being called to Pierre, N.D., where severe flooding from the Missouri River necessitated the specialty work of Code 3 Associates for nearly two months.

“We’re honored to have Code 3 Associates join Stewart-Haas Racing,” added Stewart, whose Tony Stewart Foundation is dedicated to the protection of various animal species. “Whenever there’s a disaster, everyone wants to help, and it’s nice to know there’s an organization out there that takes care of a sometimes overlooked but very important family member – your pet. Taking care of animals has always been important to me, and when we started our Foundation, we made animal welfare a priority. To be able to promote the work of Code 3 Associates so that it can do even more work for people and their pets is very satisfying.”

Those wanting to learn more about Code 3 Associates and what they can do to support its mission can do so by visitingwww.Code3Associates.org.

About Stewart-Haas Racing:

Stewart-Haas Racing is the title-winning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team co-owned by three-time Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in the western world. The team fields two entries in the elite Sprint Cup Series – the No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevrolet for Stewart and the No. 39 U.S. Army/Quicken Loans Chevrolet for 2008 Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman. Based in Kannapolis, N.C., Stewart-Haas Racing operates out of a 140,000-square-foot facility with more than 160 employees. For more information, please visit us on the Web atwww.StewartHaasRacing.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/StewartHaasRacing and on Twitter @StewartHaasRcng.

Source: True Speed Communication for Stewart-Haas Racing, Press Release

Related Stories:

1. Statements Regarding 2013 Sponsorship Status of Stewart-Haas Racing’s No. 39 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Entry
2. Outback Steakhouse Joins Stewart-Haas Racing
3. Quicken Loans Joins Stewart-Haas Racing

The post Code 3 Associates Joins Stewart-Haas Racing appeared first on Catchfence.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/catchfence/~3/0Bfoa6akQ9U/

Oswald Karch Narain Karthikeyan Ukyo Katayama Ken Kavanagh Rupert Keegan

The Inside Line: No clear favorite to win this year's Chase

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/09/11/2334624/the-inside-line-no-clear-favorite.html

Zaxby s Chevrolet Brad Keselowski Ruby Tuesday Dodge Carl Edwards Copart Ford

Mercedes plans major upgrade for test

Mercedes will test a major upgrade to its car at Magny-Cours this week, AUTOSPORT can reveal, as it bids to end its season on a high.

After a recent spell where it has focused on improving its understanding of tyres rather than delivering updates, Mercedes plans to trial an all-new exhaust system as well as revised double-DRS during this week’s Young Driver Test.

AUTOSPORT has learned that as well as continuing the evaluation of the Lotus-style double-DRS that it trialled in Belgium, the Mercedes W03 will feature its version of the Coanda-type exhaust that has been put to such good use by McLaren, Ferrari and Sauber this season.

Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn told AUTOSPORT that the outfit had perhaps neglected car development too much recently.

“We weren’t understanding the tyres and concluded that the most effective thing we could do, rather than go straight to a Coanda-system, was to understand the tyres, to get them a bit more under control,” he said.

“Perhaps we should have done both in parallel but we concentrated on what we thought was the most important thing.

“We’re much better at managing the tyres and we’ve actually had races where we’ve made our tyres last better than some of our competitors, which was not the case at the beginning of the year.

“We have also done work in the wind tunnel which, with our new 60 per cent model, has helped us understand more about that type of exhaust system. That’s what we’ll be evaluating this week.”

Brawn said that the Coanda exhaust – which makes use of the tendency of fluid jets to be attracted to nearby surfaces to divert exhaust flow down to the floor – would help the W03 in slow speed corners.

“We think that’s quite significant in low speed traction,” he said. “The effect of the exhaust is more significant at lower speeds than higher speeds, and also brings you the balance perhaps you need for the rear tyre.”

Brawn also said that if tests of its new double-DRS are positive then the plan is to race it as soon as possible.

“There is still a long way to go,” he said. “There are some races later in the year where that philosophy might be quite useful.

“It’s a passive system – and can only work in certain combinations of corners. With the Ascari chicane at Monza, it was a bit quick to be able to use it there.

“It’s about how you use it on track and it’s not suitable for all tracks. It has to be tuned and the tuning is a challenge.”

The new version of double-DRS allows wings to be stalled at a set speed for a straight-line speed boost.

However, teams need to be able to ensure that the speed it works at is greater than the fastest bend on the track – so downforce is not lost when it is needed most for cornering.

Mercedes test driver Sam Bird is scheduled to drive for the first two days of this week’s Magny-Cours test, and could stay for a third day if the programme is not completed.

If the work is ticked off, however, then it is understood that Brendon Hartley could be brought in for a run on Thursday.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/mercedes-plans-major-upgrade-for-test

Carel Godin de Beaufort Christian Goethals Paul Goldsmith José Froilán González Oscar González

Zanardi open to Paralympic return

Alex Zanardi has left the door open for a return to Paralympic action in Rio de Janiero in 2016 after rounding off London 2012 with a silver medal.

Zanardi added the silver in the Mixed H1-H4 team time trial for Italy at Brands Hatch along with Francesca Fenocchio and Vittorio Podesta yesterday.

This gives him a total of three medals along with his golds in the individual time trial and road race events.

All three of his successes came at Brands Hatch, a track where he never managed to finish higher than second during his racing career, which he achieved in Formula 3000 in 1991.

“Maybe there will also be time for Rio, but just to make sure I put it all on this,” Zanardi is quoted as saying by the official Brands Hatch website.

“It is perfectly fine for me to go back to normal life, take my son to school, things like that. But if along the way there will be a chance to light some more firecrackers, I won’t hold myself back.

“It would be a shame to miss opportunities.”

Zanardi’s final medal came in a nine-lap race on the Brands Hatch Indy circuit, with each rider completing one lap at a time.

The 45-year-old double Champ Car champion was entrusted with the final lap, which he started in third place.

He caught and passed the French team on that lap, eventually finishing second, 43 seconds behind the winning United States entry and eight seconds ahead of bronze medallists Switzerland.

“Once again I am speechless,” he said after the event. “When you achieve something on your own it is great but winning as a team is even better.

“Every one of us took every ounce of power from our muscles. Obviously we raced in different ways, because we are athletes in different categories mixed in a random way, but I think this is the spice of the event. For us it is spectacular.”

Zanardi has hinted at a possible return to car racing in the Indianapolis 500 having not competed since his final season in the World Touring Car Championship in 2009.

His success has triggered widespread praise in the motorsport community, including from his former Champ Car team boss Chip Ganassi.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/zanardi-open-to-paralympic-return

Paul Hawkins Mike Hawthorn Boy Hayje Willi Heeks Nick Heidfeld

What a selection! MIS offers local cuisine

Pure Michigan 400

Healthy options are also available at Pure Michigan 400 

BROOKLYN, Mich. (August 15, 2012) – Race fans from all over the United State are heading to Michigan International Speedway for this weekend’s Pure Michigan 400, and local and healthy food options await them.

Americrown, the company that provides catering, food and beverage concessions at MIS, has partnered with several local companies to support the economy and provide concessions that can only be found at NASCAR’s fastest racetrack.

The special sauce that goes on all Coney dogs comes from Jackson, Mich.,-based Todoroff Foods, the company that brought Coney dogs to the state. Todoroff’s signature Coney Sauce will make the taste buds savor every last bite. The company has been in business since 1914.

Have you ever wondered where you can get that special bun that surrounds the juicy eight-ounce angus burger? The fresh brioche roll comes from Stone Hearth Breads and Bakery, just three miles from MIS in Brooklyn.

That’s 2,000 rolls – all locally baked.

“We believe in using local vendors for our services and offering healthy options for our fans,” Mike Clark, director of Concessions for Americrown. “Michigan International Speedway is a destination for race fans from all over the country. We want them to taste and enjoy local food while they are here. And we want to support local businesses.”

Backwoods BBQ concession stand in section 15 has added a new item to its expansive menu and it is sure to be a hit among race fans. The cornmeal dusted PO’ Boy sandwich with a spicy remoulade sauce is unique to the Irish Hills.

In addition, MIS has many healthy food items throughout its many concession stands on race weekends. A guest can purchase a chef salad at the Infield’s No. 1 stand (next to the Pit Patio, behind pit road) in sections 40 and 154. Fruit cups are also available in section 24.

MIS and Americrown also have a variety of sandwiches available for fans looking for a healthy alternative. A turkey sub can be purchased in sections 59, 26 and 166. Subway is also serving freshly prepared sandwiches in a variety of locations. Fans can order their favorite sub at a pair of spots in vendor row. They also have locations in sections 35 and 40.

Finally, for fans looking for a hot sandwich that is of the healthy variety, you now have an option. A grilled chicken sandwich is available in sections 26 and 154.

Fans can find all the great options by visiting http://bit.ly/Nc06wU.

Nestled in the lush Irish Hills of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan International Speedway is the Great Escape, a venerable NASCAR national park where fans can get away and enjoy the very best in racing and camaraderie. It’s the love of racing and the thrill of a great time for race fans and drivers alike.

Tickets are on sale at http://www.MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.

Keep up with Michigan International Speedway via Twitter @MISpeedway or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MISpeedway. Android and iPhone can now download Discover MIS, the official app of MIS, on Google Play and iTunes.

Join our Mobile Fan Club by texting MISCLUB on a Sprint Handheld or other mobile device to 69050. Standard text message rates may apply.

Michigan International Speedway 2012 Schedule

Friday, Aug. 17 Gatorade Pole Day
Saturday, Aug. 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series VFW 200
Sunday, Aug. 19 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pure Michigan 400

Source: Michigan International Speedway, Press Release

Related Stories:

1. Budweiser Clydesdales to visit MIS for first time in 15 years
2. MIS brings ‘Revved up for Reading’ program to local schools
3. MIS Live! returns this summer to rev up race fans

The post What a selection! MIS offers local cuisine appeared first on Catchfence.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/catchfence/~3/a6p1z4gB35M/

Kerry Dale Earnhardt Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr Carl Michael Edwards III William Clyde Elliott

2013 Honda Accord Sedan First Drive: Very Good, and a Very Good Sign for Honda

There were low points in the past few years when we doubted Honda, but Big H might be on its way back. The new, ninth-generation Accord is a convincing reminder of the company’s core values and—considering all Honda has been through, including an earthquake that smashed its Tochigi R&D center and floods in Thailand that crimped production—a triumphant return to form. READ MORE ››

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/eSfs2olSRVQ/2013-honda-accord-sedan-first-drive-review

Jesús Iglesias Taki Inoue Innes Ireland Eddie Irvine Chris Irwin

Force India won’t stand in drivers’ way

Force India will not stand in the way of its drivers if they are offered deals at bigger teams for next year – as long as it receives suitable compensation.

The Silverstone-based outfit has contracts with both Nico Hulkenberg and Paul di Resta for 2013, but both men have been linked with potential vacancies at Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes.

Bob Fernley, Force India’s deputy team principal, says that it would be unwise for his squad to block any good opportunity his drivers got – but it is up to rival outfits to make an offer first.

“Our line-up is done,” he told AUTOSPORT about Force India’s driver situation for 2013. “Our drivers are with us long term so it is not an issue. If there is any movement in drivers it is not something we will initiate.

“While we don’t want to lose Paul or Nico, they are two super young drivers. Equally we will not force a driver to stay because then he will not have his heart in it.

“So if we have an offer coming in from one of the big four we have got to work with them, and our deal has to be a commercial settlement because while they get the benefit of what we have done – we have to be pragmatic.

“Vijay [Mallya, team principal] has been open with that all along. We are not there to limit our drivers moving forward, but we would get in the way if they were going sideways.”

Hulkenberg has been strongly linked with a move to Ferrari next year if the outfit elects to not keep Felipe Massa, while di Resta is understood to be on the list of contenders at both Mercedes and McLaren if they find themselves in need of a new driver for 2013.

Fernley said Force India would seriously consider any offer from the top teams.

“We have good relationships up the pitlane,” he said. “Mercedes are our partners; McLaren are our partners and with Ferrari we have a great relationship with Jules [Bianchi]. So why would we not listen?

“If anything were going to happen it would happen between Vijay, Ross [Brawn], Stefano [Domenicali] or Martin [Whitmarsh].”

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/force-india-wont-stand-in-drivers-way

Fred Gamble Howden Ganley Frank Gardner Billy Garrett Jo Gartner

Mature Earnhardt might have his best chance at a Cup title

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/09/12/2334862/mature-earnhardt-might-have-his.html

Brian Gubby André Guelfi Miguel Ángel Guerra Roberto Guerrero Maurício Gugelmin

Regan Smith More Confident Than Ever Heading Into a Race

2012 NSCS Regan Smith - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen/Getty Images for NASCAR

DENVER, Colo. (Aug. 15, 2012) – The anticipation about Sunday’s Sprint Cup race at Michigan International Speedway has been crescendoing for Regan Smith ever since he and his Furniture Row Racing team departed from the Goodyear tire test session at the 2-mile oval on July 30.

According to Smith the Michigan test went so well that the team packed up early and headed back to its home base in Denver with a new level of enthusiasm.

“I have more confidence going into Michigan than I ever had going into a race in my career,” said Smith with 100 percent conviction. “The only reason we left the test early in Michigan is because we felt that strongly about how good our Furniture Row/Farm American Chevrolet was.”

The surging Smith also has other reasons for his newly-found optimism as he prepares for the Pure Michigan 400. The two races following the Michigan test, the 28-year-old driver posted consecutive ninth-place finishes — at Pocono and Watkins Glen. The results were his first top-10s of the season and the Watkins Glen finish was a career best on a road course.

“No doubt this Furniture Row Racing team has taken a huge leap to where we were the majority of the season,” stated Smith during an interview on Siriusxm Satellite Radio. “We made some big changes and with those changes come a lot of different ideas with the race car. We fundamentally changed everything and the performance has picked up. I’m doing the same thing in the race car that I’ve done all year — the cars are just going faster. We’re unloading with speed, and once you unload with speed, you can work on the fine-tuning details to get the car ready for the race.”

Smith, rightfully so, has been tipping his hat to crew chief Todd Berrier, who joined the team three races ago. And in those three races, the team has averaged a 12th-place finish, almost slashing in half its season average of 22.545.

“Todd Berrier is one of the most meticulous persons that I’ve been around in my career,” explained Smith. “We believe in each other, and when you have that kind of chemistry, good things develop.”

Though Furniture Row Racing has enjoyed recent success, Berrier wants more out of the team and knows the potential is there.

“We’re moving along at a nice pace, but obviously we want to pick it up and keep on improving,” said Berrier. “I believe we can do that and reach that new level of competition.”

Smith enters the Pure Michigan 400 with seven career starts at MIS and a best finish of 13th, which he achieved in last year’s August race.

“As we know so many things can happen in a race, but I would be awfully disappointed if we didn’t better that 13th-place finish,” said Smith.

Source: DMF Communications for Furniture Row Racing, Press Release

The post Regan Smith More Confident Than Ever Heading Into a Race appeared first on Catchfence.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/catchfence/~3/3JnRko219M8/

Brian Henton Johnny Herbert Al Herman Hans Herrmann François Hesnault

5 Questions Before Richmond International Raceway

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2012/09/5-questions-before-richmond.html

Sam Hanks Walt Hansgen Mike Harris Cuth Harrison Brian Hart

Iannone closing on Ducati MotoGP ride

Andrea Iannone gave the clearest indication yet that he will move into MotoGP next year following his three-day Mugello test with Ducati.

The 23-year-old Italian, currently fourth in the Moto2 riders’ championship, had been heavily linked with a full-time ride with Ducati.

While the second works seat went to Andrea Dovizioso, Iannone looks set to land a satellite bike ride, possibly under the proposed Ducati Junior Team banner.

Following his three-day test, Iannone admitted: “At this stage I’d say it’s almost obvious but it still has to be announced… However anyone can guess where I’ll be next year.”

Iannone also said that he had worked his way down to a lap of 1m48.3s around Mugello, around two tenths of a second faster than Valentino Rossi achieved in qualifying this year – although Nicky Hayden did manage better, recording a 1m47.671s.

“I lapped in 1m48.3s [on Thursday] and my feeling with the team and Ducati was great, but this bike isn’t easy to ride,” he revealed.

“I wasn’t expecting this kind of laptime so I’m quite happy. Filippo [Preziosi] was satisfied because it was the first time that I really got to work with the team.

“Overall it’s been a great experience as I felt quite comfortable but for now the priority is to focus on the [Moto2] world championship in Misano.”

Iannone’s future is expected to be decided in the coming weeks.

An announcement regarding the formation of the Ducati Junior Team is also expected shortly. Alongside Iannone several riders have been linked with a ride, including Yamaha’s departing works rider Ben Spies.

In other news, Avintia Blusens confirmed that Ivan Silva will be replaced by World Superbike rider David Salom for the rest of the season, starting from Misano.

Silva is expected to stay with the team as test and reserve rider.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/motorcycles/motogp/iannone-closing-on-ducati-motogp-ride

Rupert Keegan Eddie Keizan Al Keller Joe Kelly Dave Kennedy

2013 Fiat 500 Gets Improved EPA Numbers, 500T Rated

The pint-sized Fiat 500 has gotten a small bump in its EPA numbers for 2013. The 2012 500 fitted with a manual transmission managed a 30 mpg city and 38 highway, falling just short of the magic 40-mpg mark. Thanks to a taller final-drive ratio and improved aerodynamics, the 2013 model with the row-your-own gearbox received boosted ratings of 31/40. This year’s automatic-shifting 500s are rated for 27/34, the same as the 2012s. Read full story »

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/cTUUQ9dXTlM/

Kevin Harvick Armour Vienna Sausage Kroger Chevrolet Clint Bowyer Zaxby s Chevrolet Brad Keselowski

Ryan Newman Stays With Stewart-Haas Racing For 2013

Source: http://thefinallap.com/2012/09/06/ryan-newman-stays-with-stewart-haas-racing-for-2013/

Z Line Toyota Kyle Busch Toyota Kimmy Z Line Designs Toyota Parker Kligerman

NYPD Issues More Tickets to Drinking Pedestrians Than Speeding Drivers

NYPD issued more summonses for open container violations than for speeding in 2011, one of a number of law enforcement oddities revealed through data issued by police and compiled from court records.

Number of open container citations issued in 2011 by Brooklyn's 90th Precinct, where Mathieu Lefevre was killed last October: 6,192. Number of speeding tickets issued: 13. Image: New York World

Drawing on data obtained from city criminal courts, the New York World, a project of the Columbia Journalism School, analyzed summonses issued by NYPD in 2011, segregated by offense and precinct. There’s a lot to suss out — the World story focused on the number of “quality of life” tickets issued in precincts with large black and Hispanic populations — and the numbers make for interesting reading, especially when juxtaposed with NYPD traffic data.

Last year, police wrote 123,824 summonses for consumption of alcohol on public streets, according to the World report. They also issued 27,979 citations for riding a bike on a sidewalk. Meanwhile, according to NYPD’s December data dump [PDF], 76,493 speeding tickets were written to motorists in 2011, and 10,448 drivers were cited for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian.

While speeding is common on city streets and is a leading factor in fatal crashes (responsible for 322 deaths from 2005 to 2008, according to the Department of Health), in 2011 NYPD issued more citations for tinted windows (82,307).

Officers handed out 10,375 summonses for violating park hours in 2011, and 11,740 summonses for reckless driving, according to the World. (Reckless driving and other traffic offenses were included in the World report because they ranked among the top 15 types of criminal court summonses issued.)

Some disparities seem to defy explanation. On the Upper East Side, the 19th Precinct issued 741 reckless driving citations — 226 more than the 34th Precinct in Washington Heights and Inwood, whose 515 represented the second highest total. The 34th Precinct wrote 623 summonses for suspended vehicle registrations, far more than any other precinct, yet issued just three tickets for violations of state transportation law Section 140, which delineates safety requirements for school buses, van services and other commercial vehicles.

One thing the numbers make clear: If NYPD has the resources to hand out 339 summonses for public drinking per day, the department should be able to assign more than 19 officers to investigate traffic crashes that result in serious injury and death.

Download summons data from the World here, and let us know what you make of it in the comments.

Source: http://www.streetsblog.org/2012/09/06/nypd-issues-more-tickets-to-drinking-pedestrians-than-speeding-drivers/

Bobby Grim Romain Grosjean Olivier Grouillard Brian Gubby André Guelfi

2014 Mazda 6 Wagon Revealed: Stateside Appearance Still Unlikely

Despite just debuting a week ago in Moscow, the 2014 Mazda 6 will have to share the stage with the all-new Mazda 6 Wagon at the upcoming Paris auto show. Both cars will be displayed with Mazda’s new Skyactiv-D 2.2-liter diesel engine. (An in-depth look at Mazda’s latest diesel offering can be found here.) Read full story »

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/ugXTiXcycNU/

Naoki Hattori Paul Hawkins Mike Hawthorn Boy Hayje Willi Heeks

2013 Fiat 500 Gets Improved EPA Numbers, 500T Rated

The pint-sized Fiat 500 has gotten a small bump in its EPA numbers for 2013. The 2012 500 fitted with a manual transmission managed a 30 mpg city and 38 highway, falling just short of the magic 40-mpg mark. Thanks to a taller final-drive ratio and improved aerodynamics., the 2013 model with the row-your-own gearbox received boosted ratings of 31/40. This year’s automatic-shifting 500s are rated for 27/34, the same as the 2012s. Read full story »

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/cTUUQ9dXTlM/

Nicolas Kiesa Leo Kinnunen Danny Kladis Hans Klenk Peter de Klerk