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This weekend's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach will mark Chip Ganassi Racing's Dario Franchitti's 250th IndyCar start, which will be putting him right behind still active drivers Tony Kanaan and Helio Castroneves.

In his long CART/ChampCar/IndyCar career, Franchitti has earned four championships, including 31 victories (three Indy 500), 29 runner-up finishes, 112 top-five finishes and 29 pole starts.

The Scot began his career on March 2, 1997, in a CART race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Franchitti will make his 12th start at Long Beach, where he won in 2009 in the first IndyCar-sanctioned race on the temporary street circuit.

Most Indy car starts 1946-2013
407 - Mario Andretti
369 - A.J. Foyt
329 - Al Unser. Jr.
320 - Al Unser
317 - Michael Andretti
315 - Johnny Rutherford
281 - Paul Tracy
264 - Bobby Rahal
261 - Gordon Johncock
260 - Helio Castroneves
259 - Tony Kanaan and Bobby Unser
249 - Dario Franchitti

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has threatened to axe Brazil's formula one race if organisers fail to urgently upgrade the ageing Interlagos circuit.

The F1 chief executive told O Estado de Sao Paulo newspaper that the city's November finale for the 2013 season could be its very last grand prix.

"Interlagos' promises to upgrade have not been met. And the relationships and feelings that I have for the race are no longer enough," said Bernie Ecclestone.

The 82-year-old said he cannot keep pushing other circuits to improve their facilities whilst letting Brazil get away with having the worst venue on the calendar.

"The track is one of the best in the world, for sure," said Ecclestone.

"Yet the facilities for the public and for the teams are the worst on the calendar. It doesn't have to be like here (Shanghai), but it must meet our operational needs. We can't keep pushing the other tracks while Interlagos remains as it is year after year," he added.

Photo: Williams F1 Team

Ecclestone said the facilities are so bad at Interlagos that teams have to have meetings in the pit garages. "You don't even see that at street tracks, like Monaco, Melbourne and Montreal," he insisted.

He said the Sao Paulo mayor's office must honour its promise to upgrade the venue.

"I don't expect changes for this year," said Ecclestone. "But if the circuit is not in shape, then we will not go to Sao Paulo in 2014. We have to know before if we'll be in Sao Paulo or another city in Brazil."

Indeed, Ecclestone travelled to Santa Catarina late last year, to hear about plans for a new Hermann Tilke-designed formula one track.

He admitted: "I confess to having been impressed by the willingness of these people to carry out their project. I believe that if we give them the green light, they will start work immediately."

Asked if the threat to dump Interlagos is genuine, Ecclestone insisted: "We would not even use the old asterisk that (the race could take place) subject to improvements. I'm tired of the promises. I'm told the city will not have the football competition before the world cup because the stadium isn't ready.

"It'll be the same for formula one; no more Sao Paulo and, who knows, maybe no more Brazil because they don't have a circuit," he added.

Nissan Canada has announced a second recall in less than a week. This time, a brake problem is said to affect 876 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti JX35 crossovers from the 2013 model year.

In some cases, the front brake caliper mounting brackets may have been manufactured incorrectly and could fail, potentially resulting in a loss of vehicle control. This could also increase stopping distances.

Dealers will therefore inspect and, if necessary, replace one or both front brake caliper mounting bracket(s).

Source: Transports Canada

Mercedes team principal Ross Brawn has conceded reliability is still a concern for the team.

Whilst the team has shown good pace with Lewis Hamilton taking back-to-back third places with the #10 Mercedes in Malaysia and China, the sister car of Nico Rosberg has endured a tough start to the season. The German has retired from two of the three opening races, with an electrical failure in Australia and hydraulic issues and a broken rear-anti roll bar affecting the car on Friday and Sunday in China, with the latter forcing Rosberg out of the race.

Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W04. (Photo: WRi2)

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix, Brawn conceded that the team - whilst continuing to find performance to put Mercedes on absolute front running pace - must work on reliability if it is to make a championship challenge this season.

“We have two main areas to focus on; we must improve the reliability and we have to lift our performance to find that extra couple of tenths to our fastest competitors. And of course, that's a moving target to make the challenge even tougher.

Brawn also said that a two-car finish in Bahrain is the team's target, given the car's encouraging performance in the opening races, despite the reliability problems.

“A strong two car finish will be our target this weekend, and we want to see both Nico and Lewis in a position to score not only points but podiums regularly.”

We've had a taste of success already this season and the slight feeling of disappointment with third place in China is our motivation.”

Mercedes also suffered severe reliability issues on Michael Schumacher's car in 2012, with the seven-time world champion retiring from seven races due to mechanical issues.

A recent survey by AT&T in the United States reveals that adult drivers are becoming increasingly addicted to their cell phones while behind the wheel. In fact, more of them admitted to this driving distraction than teenagers!

Even though 98% acknowledged it was a dangerous practice, nearly half of all adult respondents (49%) have found themselves texting while driving at least once. Only 43% of teen drivers did the same.

What's more, approximately 60% of adults claimed they did not text while driving just three years ago - a sign that things are taking a turn for the worse.

Similar to a number of countries around the world, most U.S. states now have laws banning the use of hand-held cell phones to talk or text while driving. In New York City, the only exceptions are if the driver:

- Is communicating with police, a fire department, an ambulance company, a hospital, or a doctor regarding an emergency, or
- Is a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency vehicle driver who is using the portable electronic device while performing his or her official duties.

While the survey was conducted south of the border, it's pretty safe to assume that Canadian drivers are no different.

NASCAR Chairman, Brian Z. France told television reporter Dagen McDowell of Fox Business News that driver, Brad Keselowski would not be fined for his televised outburst after Saturday night's race at Texas Motor Speedway.

Before the race both Keselowski's and Penske Racing teammate, Joey Logano's rear-end housings were confiscated by NASCAR officials. As of Monday afternoon there was no mention of any sanctions to be imposed relating to that infraction.

Brad Keselowski. (Photo: NASCAR)

After the race a very frustrated Keselowski told reporters he felt that his team was being unfairly treated “I feel like we've been targeted over the last seven days more than I've ever seen a team targeted.”

He also expressed he was worried he'd lose his crew chief, Paul Wolfe, to a NASCAR penalty. Moreover he used some language, which in the past, usually drew penalties.

When the interviewer asked if Keselowski would be fined for that interview. France answered "No, we are not.” Then he added “that's the beauty of NASCAR we allow the drivers to express themselves in that way even if they say things that we disagree with. I would certainly disagree with everything he said. But look they are frustrated. This is the most intense racing in the world and not surprising that every once in a while that things don't go your way you just sort of blow off a lot of steam."

Earlier this year Denny Hamlin was fined $25,000 for saying that the Gen-6 car wasn't performing as well as the Gen-5.

France explained the difference "the line that we draw is you can't criticize the racing product," France said. "You can criticize our decisions, you can criticize everything else, which is more than any other sport might allow. But just don't go talking about our racing product isn't the best in the world because it is."

Photo: NASCAR

A few minutes after the interview NASCAR spokesman Brett Jewkes tweeted "#NASCAR still reviewing multiple issues from past weekend but can confirm @Keselowski will not be fined for post-race comments... however, we do disagree with Brad's comments.”

This means that NASCAR can avoid the appearance of a gag order on Keselowski and punish the team severely for a technical violation. That penalty could be announced on Tuesday.

4 Me? Yes, 4u
The 2013 Kia Soul has personality. Ever since we first met a few years ago, I remember it having a certain pizzazz about it that made me like it. A cute, box-like urbanite vehicle that seats five and has some funky features, the Kia Soul's got spunk. There's also 546 litres of cargo space behind the second row to fit whatever miscellaneous items you carry with you.

Getting u around
With a 2.0L, 4-cylinder engine, the 2013 Kia Soul produces 164 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. It's then paired up with the optional 6-speed automatic transmission (the only option available on the 4u and 4u Luxury models). The standard transmission is a 6-speed manual, offer on the 1.6L and 2.0L 2u models. Estimated fuel economy comes in at 8.8L/100km in the city and 7.1L/100km on the highway. With the bulk of my driving done in the city, I averaged 7.8L/100km.


City slicker
The ease at which the 2013 Kia Soul 4u moves around town is one of its strong suits, that's why I like it best in this setting. Don't get me wrong, its capabilities on the open road are nothing to scoff at, but its compact size really makes urban life a little more convenient.

That said, it's not a sloppy ride in the 2013 Kia Soul 4u. With a sport-tuned suspension, it still has some kick when it comes to cornering. Mind you, it's no Forte Coupe in that department, but it can still perform the task.

They don't call it Luxury for nothing
It might seem like an oxymoron to put the words "luxury" and "Kia" together, but it's not such a stretch. With good-looking interiors, more upscale materials used, and a host of creature comforts, it's not hard to feel well taken care of behind the wheel of a Kia. Speaking of wheels, my 2013 Kia Soul 4u has a set of 18" alloys that match its Molten Red exterior paint job smashingly.

Heated leather seats help keep front passenger bottoms nice and toasty, especially on the chillier days of spring. Venturing into uncharted territory is also not a problem with the Soul. Its navigation system is easy to work with and effortlessly displayed on the touchscreen that's the focal point of the centre stack.

Add into the mix a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a leather-wrapped shift knob, a power tilt and sliding sunroof and more, and things look pretty good from the driver's seat of the 2013 Kia Soul 4u.

My only qualm with the interior of this model is that there's a lot of black. It's fairly dark and could use a splash of colour. That said, opening the sunroof and letting the daylight in helped brighten things up.

The ease at which the 2013 Kia Soul 4u moves around town is one of its strong suits, that's why I like it best in this setting. (Photo: Alexandre Straub)

Light bright
Inside, there's an Infinity premium stereo that has a unique flair. You're actually able to change the coloured lights that surround the speakers thanks to the Soul Speaker Mood Lamp. How could you do such a thing? Simple: There's a dial on the left-hand side of the steering column that gives you the ability to choose between various settings like Mood or Music. You can completely shut the feature off if you're mooded out.

Whether cycling through different hues to the beat of the music through the speakers, or just cycling through light for a colourful montage, it's quite a cool feature. Of course, the green, red, purple, and more are best seen at night. You know, to help get you in the mood... to drive, that is.

Places for stuff
Have you ever been in a vehicle where there is little available cubby space to put your personal items? I can think of a few. For example, the Pontiac Solstice (may it rest in peace). If you had a passenger along for the topless ride, you had nowhere to put your phone, a beverage, a receipt or whatever. OK, I'll rephrase that statement: You had nowhere in reach to put your stuff.

A lot of cars are like this. If the cupholder is full, you're out of luck. There are the door pockets, but I end up forgetting stuff in there all the time (I hope whoever found my Ace of Base CD is enjoying it).

My point is, the 2013 Kia Soul does not have this issue. Under the centre stack is a perfect place to put stuff. Furthermore, it accommodates my MP3 player, which is both in reach and able to charge up via a USB cable -- ingenious.

Under the centre stack is a perfect place to put stuff. (Photo: Alexandre Straub)

Pricing
Turns out, you can put a price tag on a Soul (insert witty pun here) and it has an MSRP of $25,595 (excluding destination charges). The 4u Luxury is the top-of-the-line model, so if you'd like to pay less for a Soul, that can be arranged. They have a starting MSRP of $16,795.

This 2013 kia Soul 4U Luxury review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.

From GMM

Lotus has played down reports Kimi Raikkonen could be set to jump ship to Red Bull for 2014.

Team owner Gerard Lopez told France's RMC Sport that he thinks the rumours connecting the reigning world champions with the Finn are a diversionary ploy by Red Bull.

He said Lotus would like to keep the 2007 world champion, who is currently just three points behind Sebastian Vettel for the drivers' title lead.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

"Kimi is a driver we appreciate greatly," said Lopez. "I think he also appreciates the team. We would like him to stay. For now, I think he cannot see himself somewhere else either."

Lopez said he thinks Red Bull triggered the rumours about Raikkonen as some sort of diversionary tactic amid the 'Multi-21' team orders affair.

"After the third race, to be saying things like that... I think those who have said it are maybe having other problems. But that's not the case with us, it's going very well just as we are," said Lopez.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has toned down his rhetoric ahead of the weekend's highly controversial Bahrain grand prix.

Earlier, amid reports of explosions near the formula one circuit linked directly to anti-government protests against the race, the F1 chief executive simply issued a blank denial.

"What's happened? They're demonstrating now? I didn't know that. There's nobody demonstrating," he told AP news agency.

However, even the government confirmed Sunday's attack by a "terrorist group", while the group itself admitted it blew up the car "in opposition to holding the formula one race".

And bringing the situation into stark focus are the events in the US, where terrorists have exploded bombs near the finish-line of the iconic Boston Marathon, with devastating effects.

Referring to Bahrain, Ecclestone told British newspapers: "We don't want to see trouble. We don't want to see people arguing and fighting about things we don't understand, because we really don't understand. We don't want to see people repressed as a result of the race. Some people feel it's our fault there are problems. We are extremely sympathetic to them."

The 82-year-old Briton, however, suggested the protesters are taking advantage of the global coverage attracted by F1, and played down the threat they really pose.

"I don't think the people who are arguing about their position are bad people, and I don't think they're trying to hurt people to make their point," he said.

A government spokeswoman told Bahrain news agency BNA that "appropriate security measures" are in place for the grand prix.

"The security situation in Bahrain is very reassuring," she added.

Meanwhile, the internet 'hacktivist' group Anonymous has threatened to disrupt the sport if it does not cancel the Bahrain grand prix.

"Bernie Ecclestone and the royal family of Bahrain have learned nothing," the group said in a statement. "We will remove you from the worldwide web. We call upon Bernie Ecclestone while there is still time -- cancel your blood race now."

From GMM

The future of the Nurburgring's formula one race beyond this season is unclear.

Earlier, even the circuit's 2013 grand prix was in doubt, as the Nurburgring grappled with financial problems.

Ultimately, a solution was found when the Automobilclub von Deutschland (AVD) - usually affiliated only with Germany's other venue, Hockenheim - stepped in.

"Yes, we will host the grand prix. It was finalised in the past week," a spokeswoman confirmed.

But Speed Week reports that the AVD's contract to host formula one at the Nurburgring in 2013 is for one year only.

The AVD spokeswoman confirmed: "The contract is valid for this year, just because we don't know how it will proceed with the Nurburgring (beyond that)."

Start of the 2011 German Grand Prix, at the Nurburgring. (Photo: WRi2)

Suppliers Continental Automotive Systems and Federal-Mogul Corp. led the field of winners by picking up two Automotive News PACE Awards each on Monday night. The 19th annual awards honor outstanding innovations from suppliers.

The UAW, which has been trying more aggressively to organize foreign-owned auto plants in the United States over the past two years, is taking another shot at organizing the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Ala.

Associate motorsports editor Mike Larson goes over this weekend's races from Texas and Shanghai.

Daimler could follow its German competitors into the market for premium subcompact cars but it will have to keep its costs down and volumes up to make money off any future Mercedes.

The

Lost Causes

Shining examples of three technologies lost to history.

"It seems clear that a rapid escape from lock-in, a move from gasoline to the electric vehicle, is not going to happen." That was the conclusion of a 1996 Canadian-Swedish scholarly paper, "Escaping Lock-in: the Case of the Electric Vehicle." Yet the electric-drive Chevrolet Volt was our Automobile of the Year in 2011, and the Tesla Model S took the award this year, a century after its forebears were quickly disappearing from the marketplace. The largest-selling car in California today is Toyota's Prius, conceptually a close descendant of Ferdinand Porsche's 1901 Lohner-Porsche hybrid gasoline/electric car.

Photo Gallery: Lost Causes - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Lost Causes - Automobile Magazine

Lost Causes | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us

When auto enthusiasts from elsewhere in the country consider the San Francisco Bay Area, they might think of Detectives Keller and Stone hurtling down California Street in a brown LTD.

During a recent visit to China, Ford COO Mark Fields ran the company's global business-plan review meeting -- a weekly gathering that includes all of the company's senior leaders -- from Ford's China headquarters in Shanghai.

News 15 Apr, 2013

The new Note will get a 360-degree camera and a Safety Shield system

VW Group has named Juergen Stackmann as head of its money-losing Seat brand. He replaces James Muir, who will assume an unspecified senior management role within the group.