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From GMM

Mark Webber has revealed he will prioritise Red Bull as he plans for his twelfth season in formula one in 2013.

The energy drink owned team has indicated it is likely to extend the 35-year-old Australian's latest one-year contract.

But Webber has also been linked with a move to Ferrari alongside Fernando Alonso.

He told French broadcaster TF1 that he would like clarity in "a few months".

"First I will talk with my team, because I would be happy to continue here," Webber, winner in Monaco and currently second behind Alonso in the drivers' championship, said.

Mark Webber, winner in Monaco. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Mark Webber said he clearly plans to stay in F1.

"I'm motivated, I feel good, I've got a great job to drive the fastest cars on the world's best stretches of road. That's a dream," he insisted.

He does expect some "changes" in the lineups at the "top four teams" for 2013.

"I think given Felipe (Massa)'s results there could be a change there," said Webber. "It's such a great team with great history. It's also unclear what's happening with Michael (Schumacher); the same goes for me at Red Bull and Lewis (Hamilton) at McLaren."

Ford is making a habit of creating unique aviation-themed Mustangs and auctioning them off as part of the world's greatest annual aviation celebration in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Photo: Ford

This year, the automaker pays tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African American aviators in the United States Army Air Corps. The Ford Mustang Red Tails Edition has a VIN of #00051 in honour of the P-51 Mustangs flown by the Tuskegee Airmen during WWII.

The exceptional paint job of polished aluminum and silver chrome is decorated with red and yellow accents. There's a 2.3L Ford Racing engine under the hood, custom 20'' Forgiato wheels, a distinctive front grille, and Recaro race seats with embroidered "Red Tails" logo. The rear seat was removed to emphasize the cockpit environment.

The auction will take place on July 26th and proceeds will go to the Experimental Aircraft Association's Young Eagles Program.

Those looking for the ultimate status symbol which offers grace, space and pace would aspire to own a Rolls-Royce Phantom. With their new Series II model making its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Auto Salon last March, Rolls-Royce hopes that its enhancements to the model will see it waft effortlessly into the next decade.


The modern-day Phantom was first introduced on January 1, 2003 and marked the first all-new model built by this British luxury marque since BMW purchased the brand.

The Phantom, despite its controversial styling, has been well received by the rich and famous around the world, and hence continues to be made, unlike the discontinued Maybach.

To keep up with the desires of their demanding customers, Rolls-Royce has made a few improvements to the Phantom with its Series II model, starting with its new lighting system. Gone are the old xenon headlights with round fog lamps, now replaced with new adaptive swiveling LED headlights, which have a glowing bar in the center that works as its daytime running lights. These clever headlights also adjust according to speed and weather conditions.

With their new Series II model, Rolls-Royce hopes that its enhancements to the model will see it waft effortlessly into the next decade. (Photo: Rolls Royce)

To complete the new nose, LED turn signals are positioned just below the main lamps. The styling is updated, but also very familiar. After all, apart from the new nose, the exterior remains unchanged.

Open the door and you'll find an interior very similar to the one in the outgoing Phantom. However, there is now a bigger 8.8” screen for the infotainment system. The satellite navigation system now has 3D map display with landscape topography, and offers guided tours of popular cities and enhanced points of interest menus. To help you park wherever you go, a five-camera parking system is now also present for your easement.

Under the skin, there is a new 8-speed automatic gearbox, while the 6.75L V12 remains unchanged. However, CO2 emissions have improved from 385 to 347 g/km. Fuel economy for the Series II is rated at 14.8L/100km on the combined European cycle.

Power is rated at 453 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 2.5-ton girth, the Phantom Series II will sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h.

Those performance figures are however for the Phantom sedan, the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, and the Phantom Drophead Coupé.

The Phantom Coupe is considered to be the sporty version, and is hence a tenth of a second quicker to 100 km/h while its raised speed limiter allows it to travel 10 km/h faster.

The Phantom Series II will sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and onto an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h. (Photo: Rolls Royce)

So regardless of your taste, there is a 2013 Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II for everyone, if only it was easily attainable. There is no easy way of saying this; it is quite expensive. Pricing starts at US $396,970 (converted in Canadian dollars at the current exchange rate) for the short-wheelbase sedan, while the other models cost a bit more. The Drophead Coupé, for instance, costs US $469,900.

However, if you win a big lottery, this should be on your shopping list.

I recently participated in a half-day ‘Sprinter on Tour' program, convened by Mercedes-Benz Canada. The goal of the event was to highlight the attributes of the Sprinter line of commercial vans. While the program consisted of many interesting elements, the aspect I found most compelling pertained to the sophisticated Adaptive Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that's included as standard Sprinter equipment.

Photo: Rob Robthwell

The Sprinter ESP demonstration vehicle had been outfitted with huge outriggers that allowed it to tip to the point of no return during an emergency maneuver without actually rolling over. The outrigger on the roll side of the vehicle would scrape the ground, preventing a full rollover.

To ensure that a rollover would be initiated, the Sprinter was loaded with 700 kg (1,540 lb) of water in three large tanks that were elevated in the cargo area of the truck. This made for a dangerous top-heavy load.

With three of us onboard, Danny Kok - a professional Mercedes-Benz driving instructor - drove the van at 30 km/h with the ESP deactivated and made an evasive emergency maneuver. While it was unsettling, Danny managed to toss the awkwardly loaded Sprinter side to side without any loss of control.

The speed was increased to 50 km/h. Danny sharply swerved the Sprinter to the left then immediately to the right. With tires folding under, the Sprinter quickly rose up on two wheels on its way to a complete rollover. Fortunately, the outrigger performed as intended - phew!

The next run was at 70 km/h but on this occasion, the ESP was active. Danny flung the Sprinter left and right with the same vigor as before, but the ESP system detected our peril and urgently applied wheel-specific braking to keep the rubber on the road and the Sprinter shiny-side up.

I've experienced the intrusion of stability control systems in a variety of vehicles and scenarios, but I've never felt it take control of a vehicle so aggressively to prevent impending doom. The adaptive system in use in the Sprinter senses the vehicle's centre of gravity based on the weight characteristics of its load.

This is an important feature of the system given the ever-changing loads that most commercial vans deal with. Whether it's a commercial van or passenger vehicle, including pickups and SUVs, electronic stability control technology is now an essential lifesaving component of modern motor vehicles.

Photo: Rob Rothwell

I am a huge proponent of this technology, and would strongly recommend that it be considered essential in all future automotive purchases, especially if the vehicle is intended for less experienced drivers. Few driving schools teach skid control, except on the whiteboard.

The good news is that since September 2011, the Government of Canada has required all new passenger vehicles to be equipped with an electronic stability control program. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claims that one third of all fatal motor vehicle accidents in the US could have been prevented by electronic stability control technology. That's a wake-up call if ever there was one.

As state-of-the-art automobiles go, the Infiniti Emerg-e is one of the rare concepts that went on to become a fully functional show car. And that's exactly what visitors at the Goodwood Festival of Speed will get to see this weekend.



“Normally these motorshow concepts have a small electric motor fitted in them, just enough to move them on and off the stand,” says Jerry Hardcastle, Vice-President Vehicle Design and Development, the Nissan Group Technology Centre Europe and Chairman of the UK's Automotive Council. “We said, how about putting a real car under there and showing what it would look like as a running vehicle, and at the same time use this collaboration of UK companies to demonstrate the UK's capability in this area?”

The Emerg-e sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and offers a zero-emission range of nearly 50 kilometres thanks to a pair of electric motors that generate a combined 402 horsepower. When the range-extending gasoline engine kicks in, the car emits only 55 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Professional Infiniti drivers as well as Formula One driver Mark Webber will tackle the famous Goodwood hillclimb route with the Emerg-e over the weekend.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has issued his strongest defence yet amid continuing suggestions the Gerhard Gribkowsky bribery affair could also claim the F1 supremo's scalp.

81-year-old F1 chief executive Ecclestone said in no uncertain terms that the convicted former banker's bribery claims are "wrong".

"It's false," Ecclestone is quoted by the German newsmagazine Focus. "The court did what it needed to do ... but the man is lying," he insisted.

Ecclestone has said consistently he paid Gribkowsky the millions because he was being "shaken down" relating to his British tax affairs.

"I am a businessman," said the Briton. "I am always weighing up between opportunity, risk and hassle."

Although there are rumours some in the sport are nervous about the potential association with corruption, Ecclestone said his removal as F1's chief executive would be counterproductive.

"For over 40 years," said Ecclestone, his partners have "trusted my handshake". "There are no corrupt practices in formula one," he insisted.

Ecclestone also denied the link between the scandal and F1's delayed floatation, even if he admits the Gribkowsky situation has been "not very helpful".

On June 26th, the Audi R8 e-tron set a world record for a production vehicle with an electric drive system on the Nürburgring Nordschleife, posting a time of 8:09.099 minutes.

Incidentally, the current record for a combustion engined production car is 7:11.57 minutes. It's held by a Gumpert Apollo Sport, which is powered by a 700-horsepower Audi V8 gasoline engine.

“The R8 e-tron has given a magnificent demonstration of its potential on the toughest race track in the world,” said Michael Dick, Audi AG Board Member for Technical Development, who completed a fast lap himself.

The Audi R8 e-tron accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Its top speed is normally limited to 200 km/h, but 250 km/h was approved for the record-setting lap. Meanwhile, the car's 49 kWh rechargeable lithium-ion battery offers a range of about 215 kilometres.

Photo: Audi

After passing Chase Elliott on the last lap, Canadian Andrew Ranger became the first ever ARCA Racing Series to win two road course races at New Jersey Motorsports Park's Thunderbolt Raceway.

Ranger, 25, also won on New Jersey's road course last year. His late move past Elliott was reminiscent of his pass over George Miedecke as the two drove to the white flag.

Ranger used a second pit stop, closing Lap 39, to give him slightly fresher tires than the other leaders, who pitted to close Lap 26. Ranger came out of the pits 12th to start Lap 42 and worked his way to the top five within seven laps.

The runner-up finish was Elliott's second top-five and third top-10 result in just three ARCA Racing Series starts.

Chris Buescher edged Roulo Brothers Racing teammate Brandon Davis for third as Will Kimmel completed the top five.

All-American 150 at NJMP
1. Andrew Ranger
2. Chase Elliott
3. Chris Buescher
4. Brandon Davis
5. Will Kimmel
6. Brennan Poole
7. Frank Kimmel
8. Mason Mingus
9. Tom Hessert
10. Milka Duno

Fiat has asked for the suspension of a court ruling ordering it to hire 145 workers who are members of Italy's largest metalworkers union and is launching an appeal against the decision.

BMW plans to hire thousands of permanent staff after cutting the number of its temporary workers by half, a German magazine reported.

One reason electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles have hit the market with a thud is that there are strings attached. Models such as the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf are tethered. Drivers need to plug in to recharge the battery.

French light-vehicle sales edged lower in June, with France's biggest carmaker PSA losing more ground to Volkswagen even as the market decline appeared to slow.

For years, the Yaris has been a symbol of cheap, reliable transportation, and that reputation will probably stick to it forever. On the other hand, Toyota's subcompact is also known for being, well, rather unexciting.


I know, subcompact hatchbacks aren't meant to be as thrilling as sports cars, but it doesn't mean that we must endure years of mind-numbing dullness either. After all, rivals like the Honda Fit, the Ford Fiesta and the Kia Rio are far from being monotonous.

Virtually unchanged since its 2006 model-year intro, the Yaris was in desperate need of a refresh, as sales nosedived after the 2008 calendar year tally of 40,602 units. In 2011, less than 8,000 Yaris hatchback and sedans found homes in Canada.

The 2012 Toyota Yaris Hatchback is mostly new, although the extent of its overhaul is not that apparent at first glance. Despite all the improvements, though, the Yaris closed the gap between it and its rivals, but still falls short in terms of power, driving pleasure and equipment levels.

By the way, the Yaris Sedan soldiers on unchanged for 2012, waiting for Toyota to decide its fate. Redesign or retirement? We'll go for eventual redesign.

Same powertrain
Under the tiny hood of the Yaris, the 1.5L inline-4 remains, still producing 106 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque. It's enough to propel the Yaris to highway speeds with ease; on paper, however, the modest output pales in comparison to the Fiesta's 120 hp, the Chevrolet Sonic's 135 hp and the Hyundai Accent/Kia Rio twins' 138 hp.

The Yaris also gets an optional 4-speed automatic transmission, which doesn't sound very trendy when the competition's boasting 6-speed gearboxes. Our Yaris LE 5-door was equipped with a 5-speed manual, which we were glad to sample.

Toyota claims the Yaris' suspension has been retuned for “improved driving feel.” Truthfully, the front stabilizer bar has increased in thickness, but that's it for the improvements. The Yaris still isn't the most rewarding subcompact to drive; it's just not as frisky as some of its competitors, such as the Fit.

Fuel economy is also improved for 2012, although the difference is nothing to get excited about. With the manual transmission, ratings drop from 6.9/5.4 L/100km city/highway to 6.6 and 5.2. Our average over the course of the week is a decent 7.2L/100km.

The 1.5L inline-4 is back for 2012, still developing 106 hp and 103 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Sébatien D'Amour)

New interior
The first thing you'll notice between the old Yaris and the new one is that the instrument panel has returned to where we usually look for it. The controversial pod mounted in the middle of the dash drew a lot of criticism, although it never really bothered me.

The heating and ventilation knobs are now aligned horizontally instead of being stacked on top of each other, and the overall look is more modern. On the other hand, the dash loses its practical flip-out cupholders and, obviously, the storage bin located behind the steering wheel. The door panels have also been redesigned.

The interior of our test Yaris boasts two-tone fabric seats to go along with the black and grey dashboard. We just wonder who thought of adding the samples of industrial-grade cloth on the sides of the seat cushions; not a good idea from an aesthetics standpoint. And I really like having a centre armrest, but the Yaris Hatchback doesn't offer one.

One major improvement the Yaris benefits from this year is increased cargo space. The hatchback's wheelbase has increased by 50 mm (or about 2 inches) while overall length is up by 75 mm (3 inches); cargo volume climbs from a ridiculous 260 litres to a more respectable 442 litres. Fold the rear seatback down, and you get 728 litres of space, or about as much as in the Fiesta.

The first thing you'll notice between the old Yaris and the new one is that the instrument panel has returned to where we usually look for it. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

More standard equipment
The base Yaris CE 3-door, priced at $13,990 before taxes, freight and delivery charges, now gets four speakers (instead of two), a new stereo with a USB port and Bluetooth connectivity, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, power door locks, a rear window wiper and nine airbags (instead of six). Air conditioning is optional.

The Yaris LE 5-door lists for $14,890, and compared to the 2011 version, gains the CE's upgrades as well as a $370 price drop. Our tester is also equipped with the $1,100 Convenience Package, which adds A/C, cruise control, keyless entry and power windows. Not bad, although a $15,595 Kia Rio LX+ costs less and also boasts fog lamps, heated front seats, wheel-mounted audio controls and a centre armrest.

The 2012 Yaris starts at $13,990, while our decently equipped LE 5-door with the Convenience Package goes for $15,990. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

The 2012 Toyota Yaris Hatchback is undeniably better than ever. A lot of improvements, marginal or significant, make this subcompact a more compelling choice. The problem is that the competition is just too good; some are more fun to drive, some are more fuel-efficient, some are better equipped and some are more practical.

In no aspect does the Toyota clearly upstage its rivals. The Yaris has the rest of the group within distance, but is still running behind, screaming “Hey, guys, wait up!”

Championship leader Gary Paffett (Mercedes) set the best performance in qualifying at the Norisring, fifth round of the DTM season.

The Brit continues his domination in this year's championship, after he led his team mate Jamie Green by only 32 thousand of a second. Augusto Farfus' BMW and Mattias Ekström's Audi will share the second row of the grid.

Gary Paffett, Mercedes C-Coupe. (Photo: DTM)

Meanwhile, that was a disappointing session for Canadian driver Bruno Spengler (BMW), who classified only 17th at the end of the qualifying session. "Qualifying did not run to plan, Spengler said. My wheels locked on several occasions and I had problems with my braking, which is particularly important on this circuit. We will now work hard to overcome these problems in time for the race. On Sunday I hope to finally get through the first few corners unscathed again. Then we will see what is possible."

The session went even more difficult for Rob Wickens (Mercedes), the other Canadian driver in DTM, who will start from the 17th position for tomorrow's race.

Norisring - Qualifying:
1. Gary Paffett (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 49"139 - Q4
2. Jamie Green (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 49"171 - Q4
3. Augusto Farfus (BMW M3) - RBM - 49"255 - Q4
4. Mattias Ekstrom (Audi A5) - Abt - 49"369 - Q4
5. Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 49"023 - Q3
6. Martin Tomczyk (BMW M3) - RMG - 49"049 - Q3
7. Bruno Spengler (BMW M3) - Schnitzer - 49"100 - Q3
8. Christian Vietoris (Mercedes C-Coupe) - HWA - 49"156 - Q3
9. Andy Priaulx (BMW M3) - RBM - 49"186 - Q3
10. Edoardo Mortara (Audi A5) - Rosberg - 49"195 - Q3
(...)
17. Robert Wickens (Mercedes C-Coupe) - Mucke - 49"248 - Q1
Etc.

Professional stunt driver Terry Grant, who thrilled the crowds at the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed by driving a Nissan Juke up the 1.86-kilometre hillclimb course on two wheels, will now attempt to set a Guinness record for the fastest time in reverse with a Nissan LEAF.

"The LEAF Reverse Record isn't going to be easy and will be very challenging," he confessed. "I'd prefer to do it on a nice straight and level strip of tarmac rather than on Lord March's drive. The hill not only climbs, but is also full of twists, turns and obstacles.''

The attempt is part of Nissan's ambitious social media-driven campaign, The Big Turn On, which aims to prove that the LEAF is not only environmentally friendly, but also safe, economical to run, practical, and fun to drive.

Coming off two seasons in the Word Rally Championship, Kimi Räikkönen was hoping to score a few podiums for his comeback season in F1.

On the back of strong results, he is now gunning for the top step.

"If you asked me before the start of the season whether I would be happy with podiums I would have said yes," admits the 2007 F1 champion.

"But now I've had some good results, I want more."

The two Lotus cars have been increasingly fast this season, and have been win contenders for the few last grands prix. Still, neither Romain Grosjean nor Räikkönen have been able to seal the deal yet.

The 28-year-old Finn hopes to put an end to this run at the upcoming British Grand Prix, held at Silverstone - a track he likes.

"It's always such a good feeling going to Silverstone. It's a great place to race. I have a long history there. It was the real base for the start of my international racing career in Formula Renault in 1999 and 2000," he says.

"Since then I've always enjoyed racing at Silverstone. I don't know why."

Not even rain, the traditional mood damper, can change that.

"The track conditions change very quickly, which makes the car more tricky to set up. It's part of the fun racing in England."

Rain or not, Silverstone is the perfect venue for Lotus to grab their first win of the season. Perhaps that's why they waited?

"It would be fantastic to win again there, especially with the factory just down the road. I'm sure we would have some fantastic celebrations."

Source: Lotusf1team.com

Jamie Green (Mercedes) takes win at the Norisring thanks to a last corner overtake on Martin Tomczyk (BMW).

BMW looked set for its first 1-2 victory since its return in DTM championship, as Martin Tomczyk was leading ahead of his teammate Bruno Spengler only three laps away from the finish.

But Jamie Green's Mercedes, who came flying in the last laps of the race, first got passed Spengler and then forced his way into the lead in the very last corner, taking victory away from BMW. Green has now won four of the last five races held at the Norisring.

Mercedes has won all rounds there since 2003.

Thanks to his success, Jamie Green now stands 26 points behind championship leader, his teammate and fellow countryman Gary Paffett.

Paffett had started from pole position, but was pushed into a spin in the first corner by... Green himself. Paffett was able to get back on track at the back of the field, and made a great comeback up to fourth position at the checkered flag.

Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes) inherited the lead after Paffett and Green's incident at the start, while another contact at the first corner forced both Mattias Ekström (Audi) and later Augusto Farfus (BMW) to retire. But Schumacher, who was suffering electrical problems, dropped down the order, eventually pulled into the pits to retire.

David Coulthard had his best DTM result ever by finishing fifth aboard his Mercedes C-Coupé, ahead of Mike Rockenfeller, who was to be the best Audi driver at the Norisring.

Audi only managed to place one car in the top 10.

Canadian driver Bruno Spengler, third, took another podium finish. It was his seventh consecutive podium at the Norisring. Spengler and Green have shared the win on this track since 2006. The Canadian took three wins (2006, 2007 and 2011) and Green four (2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012).

Meanwhile, Robert Wickens, from Ontario, took his first DTM points, as he finished ninth, having stared 17th on the grid.

Norisring - Final classification :
1. Jamie Green (Mercedes C Coupé) in 1h15min00.005s
2. Martin Tomczyk (BMW M3 DTM) +0.687s
3. Bruno Spengler (BMW M3 DTM) +2.335s
4. Gary Paffett (Mercedes C Coupé) +14.666s
5. David Coulthard (Mercedes C Coupé) +36.861s
6. Mike Rockenfeller (Audi A5 DTM) +37.062s
7. Andy Priaulx (BMW M3 DTM) +44.529s
8. Christian Vietoris (Mercedes C Coupé) +46.236s
9. Robert Wickens (Mercedes C Coupé) +49.254s
10. Dirk Werner (BMW M3 DTM) +49.301s
Etc.

Championship :
1. Paffett 95 points, 2. Green 69, 3. Spengler 58, 4. Tomczyk 54, 5. Ekström 47 (...), 17. Wickens, etc.

The first production 2013 SRT Viper, the sister of the race version set to make its American Le Mans Series debut later this season, has sold for $300,000 at the Barrett Jackson Orange County auction.

In seconds, the bid had reached $100,00.

The auctioneer taking bids for the said Viper (Photo: ALMS.com)

All the proceeds will go to the Austin Hatcher foundation to help families faced with paediatric cancer.

Nothing was going to stop Brad Keselowski on the way to his third win of the year.

Not driving the backup car, nor a broken steering just prior to the start of the race at the Kentucky Speedway - nor fuel.

The 28 year-old overcame of all those obstacles for an impressive victory. And he became the first Sprint Cup driver to claim a hat-trick this season.

"Who'd have figured my best finish (of the weekend) would have came in the hardest race but that just shows the importance of teamwork and the group of guys that I have on this Miller Lite Dodge, they're just bad a*$es," said Keselowski.

"They've put together a backup car from last year in the hundred degree heat in an hour's time. Not even an hour; I think it was like 40 minutes. I wish I had a stopwatch for that. Got it on the racetrack, and got to run our laps for practice to make the adjustments we needed to be fast today and that's what bad a*$es do."

Keselowski was referring to an incident in the first practice which forced him into the backup car.

The key to the win was timing of his final pit stop when his crew chief, Paul Wolfe, directed him to pit later than his rivals. It gave him the track position and a fuel comfort zone for the win.

Wolfe said "to be able to fight back like we did through practice with a backup car and be in victory lane says a lot."

Pole-sitter Kyle Busch led 116 laps out of the first 129, but, a broken shock absorber sent him deep in field. Then teammate, Denny Hamlin (who announced a contract extension prior to the race) took over.

Fuel worries kept Hamlin's Toyota from threatening Keselowski's Dodge on the final restart, on lap 220 and he would finish third behind Kasey Kahne's Chevrolet.

"I had to save fuel," Hamlin said. "I could have ran harder really the whole run and try to give the 2 (Keselowski) a run for its money, but I needed a finish coming off two straight DNFs."

Kahne was on rails in the final segment he just fell a little short of the winner. "I just hoped he'd run out of gas," Kahne said. "There was no way I was catching him. We had enough gas to run as hard as I could all the way to the finish, and I was hoping his would shut off, off of two or something."

Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished fourth and is second in the series standings 11 points behind Matt Kenseth who finished seventh in a Ford.

With teammates Jeff Gordon fifth and Jimmie Johnson sixth Hendrick Motorsports claimed four of the top six positions.

Defending Cup Champion, Tony Stewart, was plagued with electronic fuel injection problems, had lengthy garage time for repairs and finished 32nd.

BMW plans to hire thousands of permanent staff after cutting the number of its temporary workers by half, a German magazine reported.