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Once more shooting itself in the foot, IndyCar took a big step back by driving away the only person who managed to inject some life into a constantly fading series.

Randy Bernard wasn't perfect, obviously, but his unique philosophy and vision of auto racing helped make the 2012 IndyCar season one of the most exciting in ages -- F1, NASCAR and others included.

When Bernard was appointed CEO of IndyCar in March 2010, he inherited a moribund program that was still suffering from the decisions of the previous administration. The ongoing crisis with the U.S. economy certainly didn't make things easier.

Even worse, IndyCar continues to have a hard time finding new sponsors due to an obsolete TV deal that was negotiated by Bernard's predecessor, Tony George.

At the onset, the former CEO of Professional Bull Riders was vocal about increasing IndyCar's visibility among general audiences and restoring its former glory. Developing a new car and a new engine, as well as hiring quality assistants such as Tony Cotman and Beaux Barfield, have helped boost credibility on the track.

Photo: IndyCar

More recently, Bernard announced new events on the 2013 calendar, the return of the Triple Crown, and select double-headers that would make the most of ABC's coverage.

Granted, there were some failures. The high cost of replacement parts for the DW12 has infuriated team owners, while the Lotus saga and the loss of the (expensive) China race have somewhat compromised Bernard's leadership and management skills.

None of this, however, will eclipse the big breath of fresh air that Bernard has given to Indycar over the last two years and three seasons. The unspeakable treatment by the board of directors is a real shame to say the least.

Journalists covering the series have lost a premier interlocutor, and now fans are venting their displeasure and even anger on social media. They feel cheated and betrayed. After all, Bernard had brought hope of a renaissance in American open-wheel racing.

The news will likely make many people happy at GRAND-AM and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), which are currently finalizing a merger for 2014. They will enjoy a broader spotlight and increase their chances of signing interesting deals with a top network.

As the saying goes: One man's loss is another man's gain...

With business going as well as it is for Mercedes-Benz in Canada, smart expansion is the ideal way to maintain and increase momentum.

On Wednesday, Tim A. Reuss, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Canada and other high ranking company officials were participants in the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a new massive dealership in Vancouver, BC.

This new and modern building, situated on a 7-acre site off of Lougheed Highway, will house enhanced sales and after-sales capabilities, a huge parking lot and more than enough room for large new and pre-owned inventories.

The capacious building will feature a 36,700 sq-ft showroom, a 26,960 sq-ft service area including 3 larger bays to accommodate Sprinter vans.

As well, the new facility will serve as the Western Headquarters for Mercedes-Benz' regional office and as a training center.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2014

From wrc.com

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen proved just how sharp driving in the FIA World Rally Championship keeps you when he got back to winning ways in Formula 1 with victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend.

In between tributes to his Lotus team and his car, the Iceman explained how the WRC had helped him return to the top of the podium in F1. Raikkonen's victory in Abu Dhabi was the first one of his Grand Prix return, and the 19th of his career.

“It's good to be back, but nothing's really changed for me,” Raikkonen said.

“In rallying it was a very different type of driving though: you can learn all the corners on a circuit pretty quickly but you will never learn them all on a rally. When I came back to Formula 1 I found the feeling again pretty quickly.”

Photo: Citroen Racing

“I have one word first of all: Great. Then there are many words such as ‘relief' and ‘deserved'. It's obviously a very well deserved result for the team. I'm pleased for Kimi and he did a very good job,” said Lotus team principal Eric Boullier.

Raikkonen, who currently lies third in the F1 standings, drove for Citroen on the WRC with Red Bull backing from 2010-2011. And rallying is still unfinished business for the Finn: he requested permission from his team to contest his home round of the WRC this year, but sadly it was refused.

It mist be said that Lotus, which was known as the Renault team a few years ago, had losr the services of their No. 1 driver, Robert Kubica, in a nasty rally crash.

From NASCAR

For the fifth consecutive year, fans can vote online for the Most Popular Driver of the Year Award in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

The link to the 2012 NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Most Popular Driver ballot is hosted on www.nascarhometracks.com. Fans may vote once per day and are encouraged to vote throughout the season. Voting continues through November 18.


Last year, Jason White was voted by the fans as the Most Popular Driver in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

The winner will be honored at the NASCAR Night of Champions Awards on Saturday, December 8 at the Charlotte Convention Center's Crown Ballroom in the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

From BMW Motorsport

Former CART series' champion and Formula 1 driver Alex Zanardi completed Thursday the historic drive in golden BMW M3 DTM car.

Zanardi and the BMW DTM teams were at the Nürburgring to celebrate “40 Years of BMW M”. Within just a few laps the 46-year-old had slotted seamlessly back into racing driver mode and looked more at home in the car with each of his 32 laps.

(Photo: BMW Motorsport)

This unique opportunity was BMW Motorsport's way of acknowledging the outstanding sporting achievements of Zanardi, who won two gold and one silver medal on his handbike at the Paralympic Games in London.

In keeping with the occasion, the BMW M3 DTM sported a gold livery, specially designed for Zanardi. As well as the Italian's image on the bonnet, the roof of the car also featured the three medals, which Zanardi won at this summer's Paralympic Games having lost both legs in an accident in 2001.

(Photo: BMW Motorsport)

The BMW Motorsport engineers worked hard to prepare the M3 for this very special drive. While the modifications made to the BMW M3 DTM would not be suitable to be used under race conditions, they did allow Zanardi to complete this unique demonstration drive at the Nürburgring.

(Photo: BMW Motorsport)

Accelerator and clutch pedals were removed and the brake pedal was shifted to the right in order to allow Zanardi to brake with his prosthetic right leg. He operated the accelerator with his left hand on the steering wheel, while he was able to change gear by pushing and pulling the shift paddle. The pneumatic-hydraulic clutch was located on the shift panel.

Zanardi's outing in the M3 DTM was one of the highlights of the three-day celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of BMW M.

(Photo: BMW Motorsport)

Thursday was the last of a three-day Formula 1 young driver test, and effectively brought to a close the busiest three-week stint on the calendar, with two Grand Prix races in India and Abu Dhabi, followed by this test.

Today was also the final day of F1 testing in 2012.

New GP2 series' champion, Davide Valsecchi, topped the time sheets in the Lotus E20 today.

Davide Valsecchi, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

Valsecchi completed a total of 86 laps, running a comprehensive testing program and showcasing his talent by quickly getting up to speed with the car and team.

The morning program consisted of aerodynamic testing and DDRS iterations, followed by front drum testing and tire assessment in the afternoon.

Dane Kevin Magnussen ranked second in the Mercedes-powered McLaren. It was his second run in the MP4-27. He concluded his day by running through a series of mechanical balance changes aimed at unlocking tire performance. Magnussen covered sufficient mileage this week to be able to apply for an F1 Superlicence.

Kevin Magnussen, McLaren. (Photo: WRi2)

Mexican Esteban Gutierrez finished the day in third place. He started with more aerodynamic evaluations. The team was running on high fuel, and he did some set-up work and brake tests. Sauber tested some new items after lunch, and gave Gutierrez some fresh tires, including a set of softs.

Esteban Gutiérrez, Sauber. (Photo: WRi2)

New Formula Renault 3.5 champion Robin Frijns was fourth in the Red Bull-Renault, followed by McLaren's Oliver Turvey who continued the evaluation of a new front wing during the morning's session.

Robin Frijns, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

Sixth was Luiz Razia in the Toro Rosso. Chief engineer, Laurent Mekies, said that the job list was very full, testing many items, the majority of which were aimed at next year's car.

Alexander Rossi was seventh and last in the Caterham-Renault. However, the American lost a great deal of time when the CT-01 was stuck in the garage so the team could fix an oil leak.

Alexander Rossi, Caterham. (Photo: WRi2)

Young driver test, Yas Marina circuit, Abu Dhabi, Day 3:

Pos  Driver  Constructor  Best time*  Laps
1 Davide Valsecchi  Lotus  1m42.677  86
2 Kevin Magnussen  McLaren  1m42.827  51
3 Esteban Gutierrez  Sauber  1m43.093  80
4 Robin Frijns  Red Bull Racing  1m43.233  53
5 Oliver Turvey  McLaren  1m43.604  44
6 Luiz Razia  Scuderia Toro Rosso  1m45.286  68
7 Alexander Rossi  Caterham  1m46.485  86

Recap of fastest drivers each day:
Tuesday Day 1: Kevin Magnussen  McLaren  1m42.651
Wednesday Day 3: Antonio Felix da Costa  Red Bull-Renault  1m42.679
Thursday Day 3: Davide Valsecchi  Lotus  1m42.677

*All timing unofficial

Hyundai and Kia have been hit with a second civil suit seeking class-action status after the companies admitted to making bogus fuel-economy claims. The latest was Tuesday in federal Central District Court in Los Angeles on behalf of 23 plaintiffs.

American Suzuki won interim court approval to borrow as much as $45 million as it shuts auto dealerships and revamps motorcycle and boat sales under bankruptcy protection. Suzuki hopes to avoid long court battles with 216 U.S.

First Drive: 2013 Buick Enclave

About time it got with the times.

It's been a long time coming for the Buick Enclave's first facelift. With a recess for bankruptcy along the way, three years to the typical mid-cycle refresh has become five years. Fortunately for GM, the Enclave and its Lambda-platform siblings -- the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia -- were assets, not liabilities, when the cash dried up. The sensible family haulers were well positioned to weather a financial drought as the rebuttal to a criticism that GM couldn't build a car that people actually wanted. For Buick, the efficient, stylish, upscale crossover had single-handedly resuscitated a brand that previously looked as healthy as Oldsmobile.

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Buick Enclave

Photo Gallery: First Drive: 2013 Buick Enclave

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Federal prosecutors say a Michigan man accused of unauthorized possession of General Motors' trade secrets lied to his employer about a side company he and his wife operated.

Ferrari has tapped a high-ranking

Tuner Hamann Motorsport is going after BMW's art car with its new creation.

Ferrari offers the option of

Also in this episode: Honda predicts a surge in demand for the Fit, and Superstorm Sandy

AutoNation's senior vice president of sales, Dave Koehler, has moved to a general manager position at a Florida Toyota store owned by the company.

Pictures 7 Nov, 2012

News 7 Nov, 2012

Spy pics prove Aston Martin is working on a soft-top version of the Vanquish

2013 Acura ILX - A Gearbox Fit for a Demi-God

In the early '90s, we had a long-term 1991 Acura Integra GS two-door.

In the early '90s, we had a long-term 1991 Acura Integra GS two-door. A couple of criticisms, like uncomfortable seats and lack of interior space, kept the staff from falling in love with the car, but there was unanimous adoration for two things: the engine and drivetrain. "The Integra really came alive on deserted Huron River Drive, and I made it home in nine minutes," said now deputy editor, then editorial assistant, Joe DeMatio. "It usually takes fifteen."

Photo Gallery: 2013 Acura ILX - Fours Seasons Update - October 2012 - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2013 Acura ILX - Fours Seasons Update - October 2012 - Automobile Magazine

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The ever-expanding range of officially licensed reproduction car bodies has grown to include everything from the 1967 Camaro to the

Renault's CFDT union is raising the issue of job security for its members following a meeting last night with the French automaker and several other major labour bodies.