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An impressive field of participants will take the green flag for the Trois-Rivieres round of the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire series.

The free practice sessions and the qualifying session will be staged Saturday and the 42-lap, 103km long race will go green Sunday at 3:30pm.

Preliminary entry list:

CAR DRIVER/HOMETOWN TEAM
02 Kerry Micks, Mt. Albert, Ont. Leland/BDI/PartSource Ford
03 Elie Arseneau, Laval, Que. * Prime Racing/Circuit ICAR Dodge
3 Jason Hathaway, Dutton, Ont. Snap-on Tools/Vortex Brake Pads
04 J.F. Dumoulin, Trois-Rivieres, Que. Bernier Crepeau/Bellmare Dodge
5 Noel Dowler, Sherwood Park, Alta. EMCO-Kohler/Rheem Dodge
07 Isabelle Tremblay, St. Hippolyte, Que. Frank Lyman Design Dodge
10 TBA Ispeedzone Chevrolet
11 Mike Scholz, Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. * Jiffy Car Wash/Watchfinder.ca
17 D.J. Kennington, St. Thomas, Ont. Castrol Edge/Mahindra Tractors
18 TBA TBA Dodge
21 Jason White, Sun Peaks, B.C. A&W/Bower&Wilkins Dodge
22 Scott Steckly, Milverton, Ont. Canadian Tire Dodge
23 Jeff Lapcevich, Grimsby, Ont. Tim Hortons Dodge
27 Andrew Ranger, Roxton Pond, Que. Dodge/GC Motorsports Dodge
29 Ray Courtemanche Jr., Montreal, Que. * Construction Danam Bonzai Dodge
36 Alex Labbe, St. Albert, Que. * VR Victoriaville Dodge
42 Peter Klutt, Halton Hills, Ont. Legendary Motorcar Chevrolet
47 L.P. Dumoulin, Trois-Rivieres, Que. WeatherTech Canada/Bellemare
55 Dexter Stacey, Kahnawake, Que. WJS Motorsports Dodge
56 Howie Scannell Jr., Milton, Ont. Trailers by Jim Bray Dodge
60 Ron Beauchamp, Jr., Windsor, Ont. Mopar/Exide/Mobil 1 Dodge
66 Robin Buck, Campbellville, Ont. Quaker State Dodge
67 David Thorndyke, Oshawa, Ont. Thorsons EVT Chevrolet
71 Patrice Brisebois, Montreal, Que. L'Equipeur Dodge
73 Benoit Theetge, Boischatel, Que. * Camasino Chevrolet
81 Larry Jackson, Oakville, Ont. * B&B Decals/Speedy Auto Service
82 Dave Connelly, Arnprior, Ont. Schneider's/Metro Dodge
84 J.R. Fitzpatrick, Ayr, Ont. Equipment Express Chevrolet
85 Michel Pilon, Blainville, Que. Aquacoupe Technologie Chevrolet
90 Martin Roy, Napierville, Que. * Veloce/Gamache Truck Center Dodge
94 Dave Coursol, St. Jerome, Que. * Carquest Canada Dodge
97 Hugo Vannini, Repentigny, Que. VTI Motorsports Ford
99 Derek White, Kahnawake, Que. BFB Chevrolet

* Rookie of the Year contender

From Renault Sport F1

Rob White, Renault Sport F1 deputy managing director sums up engine mapping and the latest developments.

Question: What is a driver torque map?
Rob White: The driver torque map represents the torque requested by the driver as a function of engine speed and accelerator pedal position.

What is an engine torque map?
The engine torque map represents the torque delivered by the engine as a function of engine speed and engine throttle position. In the SECU the engine torque map is used to position the engine throttles to match the drivers' torque demand.

Photo: Renault Sport F1

Are there any regulations that govern how you may control engine torque?
Yes; this is covered by Articles 5.5 and 5.6 of the technical regulations. The main points are:
. Except for some specific exceptions, the engine torque must be controlled by the driver. These exceptions include: downshifts, pit lane speed limiter, anti-stall function and the end of straight limiter strategy. Note that this list is not exhaustive.
. The driver may only control the torque by means of a single accelerator pedal.
. At zero per cent pedal (off throttle), the torque demand must be less than or equal to zero; at one hundred per cent pedal (full throttle), the torque demand must match or exceed the maximum torque output of the engine in its current state (Article 5.5.3).
. There are limits on the shape of the torque demand as a function of pedal position and engine speed (to prevent engine characteristics that could be driver aids).

Respecting these restrictions, the torque demand is shaped against throttle position and engine speed to deliver the desired response for the driver and car.

Can maps change from race to race?
Yes. Driver pedal maps can change as a function of the circuit characteristics. For example, drivers might want more precision during initial pedal application at Monaco. Similarly, some drivers insist on a wet weather pedal map.

The engine torque maps are also adjusted to take account of the engine's power output according to the ambient conditions. The engines will all produce more torque on a cold day at Silverstone than at Interlagos (low pressure) or Malaysia (high specific humidity). This ensures that the drivers feel the same engine response at part load, regardless of weather.

Torque maps may also change as a consequence of changes to exhausts or air inlet (if teams introduce a new exhaust design or new air box).

This week's new technical directive from the FIA requires us to submit reference map from one of the first four races of 2012, from which we can only vary ± 2%.

Photo: Renault Sport F1

What was the issue with maximum torque in Hockenheim?
The FIA questioned the magnitude of difference between the maps from Silverstone and Hockenheim, where the maximum engine torque in the mid-range (10000-14000 rpm) was lower.

Why would would you want to generate less torque in the mid revs range?
The trade-offs concern driveability (the response of the engine to the driver requested torque), acceleration (less torque = less acceleration, except if grip limited) and fuel consumption. In general, reducing the torque is achieved by igniting the fuel later in the cycle by means of the ignition map. This may improve driveability smoothing out the torque curve which may help the driver manage his tyres. This is not in any way a forbidden driver aid or an attempt to mimic the behaviour of a forbidden system (eg closed loop traction control)

Reducing the maximum torque curve increases the amount of exhaust gas produced at lower torque levels very, very slightly, but does not change the exhaust gas flow at full throttle. Furthermore the scope to use the engine to generate exhaust gas is extremely limited by the specific mapping restrictions introduced for the 2012 season also by the performance trade-offs mentioned above.

In light of the Olympic Games, MINI is introducing an even mini-er electric car: the Mini-MINI. Weighing in at just 25 kg, and built to 1/4 scale of the original, it has obviously not been designed to carry athletes, or to scoot along the Olympic Lanes. Rather, this diminutive, radio-operated car will be used on the fields of the Olympic Stadium.

The Mini-MINIs (there are three, in fact) will be used to ferry equipment, such as javelins, discuses, hammers and shots back to the throwing area. The three mini cars measure 1110 mm each and can carry up to 8 kg of equipment. Powered by a 10-hp electric engine, they can run for 35 consecutive minutes within a 100-metre range. They can be fully recharged in 80 minutes.

Photo: MINI

The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, leader in earth-bound, all-terrain vehicles, as well as its Martian alter-ego, NASA's Rover Curiosity, ‘face off' in a unique comparison. Each vehicle represents the highest peak of technology on Earth and on Mars. Discovery the exceptional features of both these vehicles!

Photo: NASA/JPL-CALTECH

From Prodrive press release

Team MINI Prodrive has announced that it will not participate to Rally GB in September.

Dani Sordo and the Prodrive WRC team have completed a successful two-day test in the Mosel Valley this week ahead of Rally Germany and are increasingly confident that they can challenge at the head of the field for the Trier-based event in three weeks.

Photo: Prodrive

The Prodrive WRC Team will now compete on the final three tarmac rounds of the WRC in Germany, France and Spain.

The decision means the MINI team will not travel to Wales for Rally GB, but instead will concentrate on the rallies it believes Sordo has the best chance of success.

The Prodrive team took the initial findings of its UK tarmac test in July and confirmed these in the vineyards of the Mosel on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Dani Sordo having great confidence in the handling and balance of the car.

Many automakers just love bringing out special editions, and Jeep is no exception. The Grand Cherokee SRT8 is now available in two totally new monochrome exteriors: a Bright White Alpine and a Brilliant Black Vapor , both outfitted with 20-inch, five-spoke gloss black wheels.

Nothing has changed under the hood - the same powerful V8 6.5-litre engine with 470 horsepower powers this model, able to go from 0-96 km/h in 4.8 seconds. And, the power liftgate is now standard.

The interior is still furnished with Nappa leather and suede seats, door panels and dashboard. The SRT logo remains embroidered on the two front seats.

Prices for Canada have yet to be released.

Photo: Jeep

Photo: Jeep

From Sauber F1 Team

The FIA Formula One World Championship is taking its summer break now with four weekends free from racing, and the factories will shut down for two weeks.

With 11 Grands Prix completed and a further nine to come, the Sauber F1 Team drivers left us a few thoughts before they disappeared for their holidays.

Sergio Pérez is currently ninth in the drivers‘ championship (47 points), while Kamui Kobayashi ranks tenth (33 points). With 80 points to its tally the Sauber F1 Team is sixth in the constructors‘ championship.

Question: How would you assess the season so far?
Kamui Kobayashi: “Overall we have done a good job and achieved great things. The team built a very good car with an excellent performance. Since the beginning of the season we have been competitive on most tracks, and this means we can be confident for the remainder of the season. The downside so far has been we definitely missed some opportunities for some more great results. Too often we didn't manage the weekend perfectly. If we can improve there, a lot will be possible.”
Sergio Pérez: “I had some great moments in the first half of the season. There were the two podiums in Malaysia and Montreal, which, of course, made me very happy. Nevertheless it was also a period with ups and downs because we didn't make the most of every situation.”

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

In which way have you personally improved in 2012 compared to last year?
Sergio: “Having a lot more experience now compared to my rookie season makes me much more confident in many respects. I think I am a lot better than I was when I entered Formula One. This goes especially for when it comes to making decisions with the team.”
Kamui: “I don't think I have changed a lot personally, but I feel this year we work closer together with the engineers and on a higher level.”

What are your targets for the second half of the season?
Kamui: “On the one hand I want to get my first podium in Formula One, because this is definitely within reach with this car, while on the other we have to focus on our position in the constructors' championship and score points on a regular basis.”
Sergio: “We need to be more efficient and I want to contribute to that. It is not that our performance was not consistent, but we didn't always get the things right and also we have been unlucky sometimes. We have to get everything together and make the most out of what we have. The car is quick and for me my first victory would be a dream come true.”

What do you think about having so many different winners this season?
Sergio: “I think we are having a great season in Formula One this year. The teams are very close together, and this enables more teams and drivers than before to fight for a podium or even a win.”
Kamui: “I think the main reasons are the changes in the technical regulations with the banning of off-throttle blowing and the flexible front wings. This brought the teams much closer together. This year sometimes in qualifying there have been nearly ten cars within two tenths of a second. The smallest mistake makes a huge difference to the position you start from. The result of all this is there are many different winners, which is good for Formula One, good for the fans and good for us drivers.”

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

What are your plans for the summer break?
Kamui: “I haven't decided yet as first of all I have some events and appointments to attend in Japan. After them I will have a look to find myself a warm place with a beach.”
Sergio: “For the first two weeks in August I will go with my family to a quiet place in the US. The other two weeks I will be using to prepare myself for the second half of the season because I want to come back strong.”

Dubbed the Olympic Lanes, the City of London has reserved some lanes on its road network for Olympic athletes and dignitaries only to facilitate their access to game venues. Any unauthorized motorist caught driving on these lanes could face a penalty of 130 pounds (around $203).

The lanes have caused monster traffic in London, sometimes spanning kilometres. Transportation officials have urged citizen to travel by foot or bike, or even to work from home. The message seems to have gotten through, as subway traffic has increased 4% while road traffic has diminished by 20%, so much so that the city has re-opend some previous Olympic Lanes, now deemed superfluous, and handed them back to happy local motorists.

Source: dailymail.co.uk

At least two teams are rumoured to be using hand-operated adjusters on their Formula 1 cars.

Since the introduction of the parc fermé procedure in Formula 1 - that forbids the teams to work on the cars between the qualifying session and the race - teams have tried to find ways to easily adjust their cars to better suit the conditions.

For example, the ride height of the car should be increased in case of rain and it should be lowered when the fuel load gets lower during the race.

It emerged during the weekend of the Grand Prix of Hungary that, weeks ago in Canada, the FIA told the Red Bull Racing team to stop using a specific device because the governing body felt the effort required to make set-up alterations was too low.

Photo: WRi2

However, Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko, told Auto Motor und Sport that the matter is simple.

"We have never made adjustments by hand," he is quoted by the magazine.

"I don't know why the others get so upset - we happen to know that Ferrari used something like that for a year," Marko said.

Photo: WRi2

But the Scuderia Ferrari replied Marko's claims are incorrect and that the team has never run anything like that.

"This is completely untrue," a team spokesman told Autosport magazine in reference to Marko's comments.

These voluntary recalls will affect approximately 99,000 RAV4 (2006 to early 2011 model year) and 1,100 Lexus HS 250h (2010 model year only). The automaker has determined that if the nuts on the rear suspension arm are not tightened following the proper procedure and torque specification during a rear wheel alignment service, excessive play may occur at the threaded portion of the arm, followed by rust formation.  If this were to occur, the threaded portion of the rear suspension arm may wear and cause the arm to separate.

This Fall, affected owners will receive a first class mail notification letter, advising them to make an appointment with an authorized Toyota or Lexus dealership for a no charge fix.

2006 Toyota RAV4 (Photo: Toyota)

2010 Lexus HS 250H (Photo: Lexus)

"Since its launch in Canada in 1990, the ES has been a winner for the Lexus brand, and is among the most popular touring vehicles Lexus has sold during the last five years", according to Lexus Canada's Senior Executive Director, Larry Hutchison.

Offered at a $39,500 the 2013 Lexus ES is priced $2,650 lower than the 2012 model. Better yet, there's plenty more for the customer: a more spacious cabin, a new seating design and advanced safety systems, all at the cutting edge of technology. Four option packages are also available.

The ES 300h, the hybrid sedan from Lexus, will have an MRSP of $43,900 with three option packages to choose from. Furthermore, the 300h boasts an impressive fuel efficiency rating of 4.8L/100km.

2013 Lexus ES 350 (Photo: Lexus)

2013 Lexus 300h (Photo: Lexus)

Toyota said today it will voluntarily recall about 760,000 Toyota RAV4 and 18,000 Lexus HS 250h models in the United States due to issues with the rear suspension arm.

BMW, posting its first year-over-year sales decline in more than two years, managed to outsell Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz in the United States last month, narrowing the distance between the two competitors to 104 deliveries this year.

Acura is in the middle of a major product changeover, reflecting plans to challenge second-tier luxury rivals

Join us in the high desert of New Mexico as we take the redesigned 2013 Mercedes GL-Class SUV over the road and off the beaten path.

Ford Motor Co. will donate a customized 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca to the

Ford is suing its longtime supplier Dana Holding for refusing to compensate the automaker for recalled subframes in 1999-2003 Windstar minivans. Dana, of Maumee, Ohio, has been a Ford supplier since the days of the Model T.

Also in this episode: Ford donates a custom Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca to benefit the American Cancer Society, and George Clooney's 2008

The Henry Ford museum in Dearborn, Mich., hosted the 2012 Maker Faire on July 28 and 29.

Driven: 2013 Ford Escape

The U.S. Escape is now aligned with the European Ford Kuga, and its styling bears a family resemblance to the Fiesta, the Focus, and the new Fusion.

The Ford Escape helped define the compact crossover when it debuted at the dawn of the millennium, and although it had become uncompetitive in recent years, Ford's marketing muscle kept it at or near the top of the sales charts. Now, the Escape has been redesigned, very much in the manner of Mulally-era Fords. That means: sleek new styling with lots of surface development; integration with European- and Asian-market models; lots of high-tech features; seriously upgraded interiors; and multiple engine choices, with EcoBoost playing a major role.

Photo Gallery: Driven: 2013 Ford Escape

Photo Gallery: Driven: 2013 Ford Escape

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