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Australian IndyCar driver Ryan Briscoe, who injured his right wrist a month ago in Toronto, has been cleared to get back behind the wheel.

So yesterday, the Panther Racing driver participated in a multi-team test at Sonoma, ahead of the upcoming GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma.

Without a full-time seat in IndyCar this season, the 31-year-old had been racing sportscars in American Le Mans Series (ALMS) with Level 5 Motorsports until his injury. And as it happens, he was joined by the winningest driver in the history of the ALMS at the Sonoma test, German Lucas Luhr.

Lucas Luhr (Photo: Joe Jacobson)

The former Audi and Porsche factory driver made his test debut at the wheel of Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing's second Dallara-Honda, in preparation for his first race, which will be the Grand Prix of Sonoma.

Also in his debut outing was 2012 Japanese F3 champion Ryo Hirakawa, at the wheel of the No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing entry.

Several other regular drivers were in action, including Marco Andretti, James Hinchliffe, Ryan Hunter-Reay, EJ Viso and Sébastien Bourdais.

Marco Andretti (Photo: Sonoma Raceway)

Everyone's got a story
And the Volkswagen Beetle's story is a long and interesting one. I was lucky enough to partake in the launch of the new Beetle in Berlin, and I was mildly impressed with the new design and the drive of the more masculine Bug. However, this boosted version takes the Beetle to a new level, a “super” level if you will, that lets it wear its name with pride.

Turbocharged, accessorized and sporting one of the best car stereo systems I've ever heard, the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle is well worth consideration if you're in the market for a funky, fun-to-drive vehicle that's also rather practical.

It's time the modern generation started making their own Beetle stories.


What is the Volkswagen Super Beetle?
The Super Beetle first appeared in the 1971 alongside the standard Beetle. It was available with a MacPherson strut front suspension, an elongated front end, tighter turning radius and eventually a larger rear window, and more over the original Beetle. Super indeed.

As possibly the second coolest Beetle of the modern era behind the New Beetle RSi, the VW Super Beetle now features a jump in horsepower, racier exterior visuals and wheels, as well as other interior goodies.

The Super Beetle first appeared in the 1971 alongside the standard Beetle. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Volkswagen Super Beetle Price and Specs
When it comes to the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle, the Ford Model T standard applies: there are very few options to choose from including only three colours (white, red, black). Really, the only choice to make is in the transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic DSG with Tiptronic. The DSG option puts an extra $1,400 on the already steep $32,850 price tag, but is a worthy option if you're really not into the manual vibe.

Equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged TSI 4-cylinder engine, the Super Beetle pushes out 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. This is the same TSI engine that will be featured in the MKVII GTI.

The VW Super Beetle comes fully equipped with two-tone leather interior, Fender audio and 19” alloy wheels.

Equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged TSI 4-cylinder engine, the Super Beetle pushes out 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Driving the Volkswagen Super Beetle
In all honesty, I didn't think I'd enjoy driving the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle as much as I did. From the moment I got behind the wheel, pressed the start/stop button and the little 2.0L rumbled to life with some attitude, I was sold.

While I understand the sporty attraction of making an automatic preform like a manual, I did find it a bit obnoxious that the Beetle would shudder upon throttle application as if I'd not given it enough gas while releasing the clutch as I pulled away from a full stop. This only happened in “D,” not in Sport.

As for my son, he may have enjoyed the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle more than I -- windows down, music up, my son had a blast. And here's why: the Super Beetle is all about youth and fun!

With the faintest amounts of turbo spool audible, a grumbly exhaust note and quick-to-respond transmission and handling, the 2013 VW Super Beetle is a joy to drive. When pushed, the Beetle happily complies, feeling nimble and agile all the while being grounded and stable.

From the moment I got behind the wheel, pressed the start/stop button and the little 2.0L rumbled to life with some attitude, I was sold. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Inside and Out of the Volkswagen Super Beetle
Thanks to the rather large ‘80s-esque TURBO decal on the side skirts, 19” rims and rather large wing off the rear, the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle is instantly recognizable. I think the half-moon LED daytime running lights are also a great touch, giving the Super Beetle even more character.

Inside, the only-option two-tone red and black leather seats are both comfortable and stylish. Sadly, the Beetle's touchscreen is not responsive, and something I've complained about in other Volkswagen products. In addition, the Super Beetle is only a 2+2. Room in the back seat is limited, and while my Britax baby seat fit with ease; my son had very little legroom.

Perhaps the best part about the interior of the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle is the Fender audio system. Audiophiles take note: This is one you have to hear. Never have I heard such a rich, full sound in a vehicle. Thanks to the Beetle's unique shape, the partnership with Fender is truly a match made in heaven.

Inside, the only-option two-tone red and black leather seats are both comfortable and stylish. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Comparing the Volkswagen Super Beetle
There are some decent options in the same vein as the 2013 Volkswagen Super Beetle in the Ford Fiesta ST, MINI Cooper S and even the Fiat 500 Abarth. While those three may all seem smaller, the Super Beetle's small back seat brings it down to their size.

In the end, there are two things that will hurt the Super Beetle: its final price (close to the $40k mark) and its association with being a girlie car. Why, oh why, did you ever put flowers on the dash, Volkswagen?!

Calgary, Alberta's Allen Berg ran a stint in Formula 1 back in 1986, driving an Osella powered by an Alfa Romeo turbocharged V8 engine.

Following a relatively good season in the British Formula 3 series, competing against Ayrton Senna and Martin Brundle, Berg was offered the opportunity to race with the small Osella F1 team in 1986.

Marc Surer who was driving for Arrows, was injured in a rally crash. Christian Danner, who was with Osella moved to Arrows. Berg's manager, Michel Koenig, had been in contact with Enzo Osella about me taking Danner's place.

“I was with the team throughout the Canadian GP and we signed the deal on top of a fuel drum in the old F1 garages on Monday morning following the race, taking a copy of Christian's old contract and essentially filling my name over top of his!” Berg said.

“I found myself with the smallest team with least powerful engines, no testing and antiquated chassis technology. We never did any testing. My first race was the USGP on the downtown streets of Detroit with walls everywhere,” Berg recalled.

Allan Berg, Osella-Alfa Romeo (Photo: WRi2)

“The 1200-lb Osella had about 950 horses in qualifying and about 850 during the race. Acceleration was unbelievable; the car had the ability to spin the rear tires in 5th gear at 200 km/h on cold tires. Braking performance was mind boggling, with huge wings on the front and back, just lifting off the throttle would equate to a full panic stop in a road car,” he explained.

“One thing about the Alfa Romeo engines that the team used was that the engine was anemic below 7500 rpm, once you reach 8000 the power started coming on, at 8500 rpm onward you had over 900 horsepower under your right foot, the throttle was almost an on-off switch!” he added.

The F1 cars were terribly physical in those days with no power steering, a gear lever and virtually no suspension.

“I would lose 8-10 pounds during a race and would typically finish the event with blisters on my hands and feet. I remember at Austrian GP in the Bosch Curve I had to shift from 4th to 5th in the middle of the turn, it took all of my strength to keep the wheel turned while I shifted gears,” Berg recalled.

Allen Berg contested 9 Grands Prix that year, with a best result of a 12th place in Germany.

“I had discussion with many teams, with Labatt Breweries involved with the negotiations. With the Canadian Grand Prix being dropped in 1987, this negated any chances of securing backing from Canada for that season,” said Berg who then raced in Mexico where he clinched the Formula 2 title in 1993.

Today, he is the owner of Allen Berg Racing Schools located at Auto Club Speedway in California and Varsity Chrysler SpeedPark in Calgary, Alberta.

We're now halfway through the 2013 season of the Drift Mania Canadian Championship (DMCC), and it's safe to say fans in attendance have gotten their money's worth. Hopefully, the drivers will put on an even greater show in the second half.

In the meantime, here are the top 10 photos from the 2013 DMCC so far:

Francis Tassé drifts like a master at Autodrome de Montmagny.

Photo: Joël Couture / Eric Taillefer

Continue reading Top 10 photos from the 2013 DMCC

Audi will launch the Q7 e-tron before the next-generation Q7 makes its debut in late 2015, the company's Australian managing director announced.

“We have a plan going forward for e-tron. It will be rolled out across all the models now,” Andrew Doyle said while staying mum about the powertrain specifications of the Q7 e-tron.

He also confirmed that the future Q7 will again share its platform with the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, both of which will be redesigned a year earlier than the Audi. Doyle didn't say why, however. .

Source : caradvice.com

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

Silly season has become Loco (crazy) season with the news that Juan Pablo Montoya's seven-year run at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing will end after the close of this year.

Although the usual team public relations would not discuss this development Ganassi's NASCAR partner Felix Sabates said on SiriusXM satellite radio "we did not renew the contract for next year," Sabates told the channel. "It was a difficult decision. He understands. You have to move on in life sometimes.

"It's frustrating for everybody when you know you've got good equipment and you can't seem to put everything together still."

Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR

The 37-year old Colombian had rejoined Ganassi team, where he won the Indy 500 in 2000 and CART championship in 1999, after an unceremonious end to his Formula One career after crashing his McLaren-Mercedes with teammate, Kimi Raikkonen, in the first turn at the USGP in  2006.

Since transforming to stock car racing he's produced only two wins in 239 career starts with a best season finish of eighth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup standings in 2009.

Although he had some one-off success in Ganassi's sports car team the Sprint Cup has not been a major factor in the standings in the United States number one motorsport.

Photo: René Fagnan

All of this opens the door to the ride in the No. 42 next year. Kurt Busch, the 2004 Sprint Cup champion may be available and so is Ryan Newman the former Penske Racing driver, and recent Brickyard 400 winner whose contract at Stewart Haas Racing has not been renewed for 2014.

And Ganassi has a star-in-the-making with the 21-year old Kyle Larson who is in the first year of a Nationwide Series deal but may not be ready for Sprint Cup racing yet.

As for Montoya - if Busch leaves the one-car Furniture Row Racing that might be a place for him as well as the No. 51 Phoenix Racing team which has seen a number of drivers such as AJ Allmendinger run for them this year. Allmendinger is within the Penske Racing family, but, team owner, Roger Penske has said that he wouldn't hold Allmendinger back if a full-time ride became available.

Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR

If NASCAR is done for Montoya he might end up with an IndyCar team, but, without bringing sponsorship one wonders if any team could afford him. That would leave the unified sports car series as a possibility.

It's not clear where Montoya goes next, either. He's got an impressive resume on the world level that's not appreciated in the confines of the NASCAR garage, and there aren't many open seats available — at least not any good ones — in the Sprint Cup Series.

It could force Montoya to look at sports car racing, a return to open wheel, or maybe even a European series if he chooses to continue racing.

On April 17th, 2014, the iconic Ford Mustang will celebrate its 50th anniversary, and a day later, the next-generation Mustang will make its world debut at the New York Auto Show.

In a unique countdown, Mustang videos like the following will regularly be uploaded to YouTube by Ford.

The Ford Mustang has sold over 9 million units worldwide since 1964, including one million during its first year of existence.

Source : caradisiac.com

Brian Vickers' comeback is nearly complete with the announcement that he'll be driving the No. 55 Toyota for Michael Waltrip full-time next year.

Vickers had to step out of his Red Bull Racing ride, missing 25 races when he discovered blood clots which required surgery.  After he returned in 2011, the energy-drink sponsored team shut its' doors at the end of the year.

Since then he's raced around the world in sports cars. And this year he returned to full-time NASCAR racing took a big step forward with a season-long deal with the in the Nationwide Series with Joe Gibbs Racing where he's fifth in the standing.

Vickers also has driven the No. 55, in the Sprint Cup Series, on a part-time basis the last two seasons for MWR posting several impressive performances including his third career victory at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 14. Plus he drove three races substituting for the injured Denny Hamlin.

Photo: Michael Waltrip Racing

“I can't put into words how this makes me feel,” said 29-year-old Vickers.  “I've really found my home at MWR over the past few years, and I've enjoyed getting to know the Aaron's associates and customers. I am honored that Aaron's (the sponsor of the No. 55) is welcoming me into their family full-time.

“Knowing that I have a top-notch team and a dedicated sponsor for a full season is a really great feeling every driver dreams about, and like everyone else, I want to win races and win a championship. Michael and co-owner Rob Kauffman are really building something special at MWR and are giving me the tools to accomplish those goals.”

“The relationship with Aaron's is very personal to me because they helped place Michael Waltrip Racing on the map in 2000 when I was running a half dozen Nationwide Series races from a small garage in my backyard. Now they are enabling MWR to continue its growth as we will have three drivers racing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship in 2014 and beyond.

“So much of this confidence comes from the NASCAR fans who continue to support the sponsors of our teams. I want to sincerely thank the NASCAR fans who are Aaron's customers because you make this all happen,” said Waltrip.

Il Commendatore Enzo Ferrari sadly died 25 years ago today, August 14, 1988.

Enzo Anselmo Ferrari was born in 1898. He was an Italian motor racing driver and entrepreneur, the founder of the Scuderia Ferrari and of the Ferrari automobile marque.

Enzo Ferrari's early days (Photo: WRi2)

Enzo Ferrari died on August 14, 1988 in Maranello at the age of 90. His death was not made public until two days later, as by Enzo's request, to compensate for the late registration of his birth.

The Italian Grand Prix was held just weeks after Ferrari's death, and, fittingly, the result was a 1-2 finish for Ferrari, with Gerhard Berger leading home Michele Alboreto. Ironically, it was the only race that the mighty McLaren-Honda team did not win that season.

Gerhard Berger wins the 1988 Italian Grand Prix (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Sauber Formula 1 Team has hit back at reports its Russian rescue deal has collapsed.

German-language reports had said the release of millions in crucial backing for the almost insolvent Swiss team had been voted down this week by Russia's National Institute of Aviation Technologies (NIAT).

And the DPA news agency even quoted NIAT chief Oleg Sirotkin, whose son Sergey is scheduled to race for Sauber in 2014, as saying the entity cannot afford to fund a formula one team.

Sergey Sirtotkin (Photo: Renault)

But in a statement to German-language media outlets, Sauber hit back by insisting that NIAT's "contribution" to the Russian rescue deal was "never intended" to be "financial".

Sauber explained that NIAT's contribution is, instead, "a technical cooperation".

"We are surprised how readily some media put rumours and false reports into the world," the Swiss team added.

Sauber said a contract with 17-year-old Sergey Sirotkin for 2014 remains on track, and that a media statement outlining his preparation for the seat will be released as soon as the August shutdown period is over.

As for suggestions not a single Russian ruble has flowed to the team amid the increasing impatience of unpaid suppliers like Ferrari and Pirelli, Sauber insisted: "The first contractually-guaranteed payments have already been made".

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

From GMM

Daniel Juncadella has confirmed he is in the running for a future with the Williams team.

The Spaniard was signed up by the Grove team's 2014 engine supplier, Mercedes, to race in the German touring car series DTM this year.

Daniel Juncadella racing Mercedes' C-Coupé (Photo: DTM)

Another link that could pay off for Juncadella is his sponsor deal with the Kazakhstan investment company TAK Group, to promote the capital Astana.

TAK's Artur Ardavichus said in June: "Astana wants Dani to progress and gain experience with Williams, to prepare him to be a formula one driver with Mercedes."

Juncadella initially played down those comments, but reports now suggest the Spaniard could be groomed for a race seat by Williams in the same way that Valtteri Bottas was.

The 22-year-old drove Williams' 2013 car at the recent Silverstone test, and has now told Russia's Championat: "We'll see what happens in the future.

"Next year, Williams and Mercedes will have the same engine, and so Mercedes can send its young and inexperienced drivers to a team it is connected with, where the driver has the opportunity to show his potential.

"There is a good chance that in a few years I can become the main driver for Williams.  We'll see.  First I need to show strong results."

Juncadella also revealed he could contest the pre-season winter tests ahead of the 2014 season, and then make appearances on Friday mornings at grands prix.

Asked if he was talking about driving a Williams or a Mercedes, he answered: "I cannot say.  But I think in 2014 there may be some surprises."

As the top lieutenant to Renault SA CEO Carlos Ghosn, Carlos Tavares admits he's unlikely to succeed his boss, who's just 59. So he wants to run General Motors or Ford. instead.

Top auto industry executives are maneuvering for the top job at an American carmaker as General Motors boss Dan Akerson, 64, and Ford CEO Alan Mulally, 68, may retire soon.

Top auto industry executives are maneuvering for the top job at an American carmaker as General Motors boss Dan Akerson, 64, and Ford CEO Alan Mulally, 68, may retire soon.

Top auto industry executives around the world are maneuvering for the top job at an American carmaker as General Motors boss Dan Akerson, 64, and Ford CEO Alan Mulally, 68, may retire soon.

Fiat, taking its lead from Nissan Europe, now wants to sell large numbers of cars into what were once small segments. Expanding the 500 into a family of models is the new big idea. Glenn Brooks tries the 500L to see how well the strategy works.

Fiat, taking its lead from Nissan Europe, now wants to sell large numbers of cars into what were once small segments. Expanding the 500 into a family of models is the new big idea. Glenn Brooks tries the 500L to see how well the strategy works.

Fiat, taking its lead from Nissan Europe, now wants to sell large numbers of cars into what were once small segments. Expanding the 500 into a family of models is the new big idea. Glenn Brooks tries the 500L to see how well the strategy works.

Jaguar Land Rover will recall 11,852 vehicles in China over possible engine and oil leakage problems, China's quality watchdog said.

Jaguar Land Rover will recall 11,852 vehicles in China over possible engine and oil leakage problems, China's quality watchdog said.