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Stung by several vehicle launches gone awry, Ford Motor Co. is giving workers additional training before the launch of the 2014 Fusion at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant here.

America-made small cars selling at lower prices. Competition will be intense, observers say, because the subcompact segment is unlikely to see much growth in market share.

Chevrolet dealers preparing for the 2014 Corvette Stingray's arrival in early October face a choice between a short-term windfall and long-term loyalty.

The Detroit 3 slashed fleet sales in July, but Nissan North America, Hyundai-Kia and Toyota Motor Sales picked up the slack.

Eleven-year old Tyler Clem of Florida contested his first 360 sprint car race - a purebred racing machine that is powered by an 805-bhp V8 engine.

The youngster who is just 4 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 115 pounds (that's 1.50m, and 52kg) proved he can handle the amazing power of a sprint car on a dirt track.

Tyler Clem has raced dirt modifieds, and is currently the limited late model points' leader at his home track, Bubba Raceway Park, a one-third-mile banked dirt oval in Ocala, Florida which happens to be owned by his father, Todd Clem.

Interestingly, Tyler has been a “developmental driver” for Tony Stewart Racing for at least three years. Todd Clem is a long-time friend of fellow Indiana native Tony Stewart, the former NASCAR Sprint car champion and a famed World of Outlaws sprint car racer.

Autoweek magazine reports that Tyler went on to finish 18th of 20 sprint cars in the 25-lap feature -- his night ended a few laps shy of the checkered flag when he tapped the wall with the nose of the car.

Sprint cars on a dirt track. (Photo: Houston Raceway Park)

A few weeks ago, I performed my annual pilgrimage to the International de Granby, a large quasi-local antique car show.

In years past, I've shared the trek to the small town in the Eastern Townships with my uncle, proprietor of a gorgeous 1967 Cadillac DeVille Convertible and, my favourite of them all, his 1969 Ford F-100 pickup.

This year, my father decided to join in on the party. As the saying goes; the apple never falls too far from the tree. Although my love affair -- or is that obsession (?) -- is closer to my uncle's, my old man's still a car-guy who's owned a pair of MGBs (including a GT!), a Beetle, a Dart Swinger, an AMC Hornet, and a Mazda MX-6 GT to name a few.

The car-guy in him, buried under golfing and the Florida sun, surfaced that Saturday at the car show.

I've long since been bugging him to purchase a toy -- another MGB or something a little more recent such as a 1st gen Miata. He's been on the fence about it for a while, but then at the show he took a fancy to a 1966 Chrysler Windsor two-door hardtop. The bug had bit.

We continued walking around and considered a red '90 Miata and a '73 MGB (a little pricey). I tried to convince him to look at a Chevy pickup and a few others, but there was nothing I could do to dissuade his heart from the Windsor.

Unfortunately, the Windsor was in rougher shape than we initially thought. A few friends of my uncle, collectors and buyers themselves, gave it a once-over and it did not pass their test.

Although the Windsor is now in the past, Dad's all over Kijiji and eBay shopping for something to fill the second spot in his garage (which is currently taken by my WRX...).

The car bug is a serious affliction; my wife can attest to that. Although both my WRX and Jetta rarely see the light of day, these cars are part of who I am, they in fact define my very person. As there is no cure for this disease, the only way to nurture a person stricken by the bug is to allow them to work through the fever and give them support, love and, above all, understanding.

If my mother is reading this, please know that if you allow dad to buy a car, you'll be making both he and I feel much, much better...

Photo: Michael Gil / Flickr

The good news keep coming for Tesla. After watching its popularity soar and its stock quadruple in value so far this year, the electric car maker has just received a five-star rating in front-end crash, side crash and rollover crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Granted, a large number of vehicles on today's market also achieve a five-star rating, but given how young a company Tesla is, the feat is even more noteworthy.

Source: money.cnn.com

Photo: Tesla

Oh, the potential
When I heard the brand new Forester XT would be lacking a hood scoop and the option of a manual transmission, I immediately pushed it aside as being a complete and utter waste. What good is the return of the sporty version of a much liked and revered model if its roots are completely ignored?

Well, after a week behind the wheel of the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT I've come to appreciate the subtleties that make up this new crossover, from its SI-Drive selector to the ever-so-faint turbo spool that's just audible enough to make you grin upon acceleration.


What is a Subaru Forester XT?
Well, first off, some might call the Subaru Forester the grandfather of all crossovers. Here's one of the vehicles that started the movement in the late ‘90s when it emerged as a compact crossover wagon (oh that dirty word).

The Forester offers a pleasant in between for those looking for a practical go-anywhere family vehicle.

The Forester XT model first appeared in 2003 in North America and featured a turbocharged 2.5L engine.

Now in its fourth generation, the Subaru Forester has entered the realm of CVT transmissions and a brand new X-MODE all-wheel drive control system for hill decent control, as well as growing in height, length and girth.

Here's one of the vehicles that started the movement in the late ‘90s when it emerged as a compact crossover wagon. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Price and Specs
Across the board, there are nine Foresters for you to peruse. Sounds like a lot, but the differences in trim levels can be as simple as different wheels, or as extreme as a bigger engine and technology like Subaru's EyeSight system.

The 2014 Subaru Forester lineup starts at $25,995 for the Forester 2.5i and goes up to $37,995 for the 2.0XT Limited Package with EyeSight. My test vehicle was the second most expensive in the XT lineup, with a Limited Package and no EyeSight for $32,495.

Six of the nine Subaru Foresters in the lineup feature a 2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine good for 170 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is available in the lower models, and Subaru's Lineatronic CVTs can be had across the lineup.

The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT features a fabulous 2.0L BOXER twin-scroll turbocharged 4-pot that pushes out 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

As always, Subaru's symmetrical, full-time AWD is also on board across all Forester models.

The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT features a fabulous 2.0L BOXER twin-scroll turbocharged 4-pot that pushes out 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Subaru)

Driving the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Limited
A friend of mine recently sold his '03 Forester XT. Complete with a hood scoop and 5-speed manual transmission, his white Forester had some serious attitude -- just as I feel like our '04 WRX has so much more personality than any “new” Rex. Performance oriented Subarus must have attitude.

The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Limited is quite quick off the line, with its CVT transmission that can blissfully “act” like it has gears (eight of them, in fact, with S# -- Sport sharp -- engaged). Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters make for a sportier disposition, but there was still something missing.

The SI-Drive driver mode selection system makes for sharper throttle response, fake downshifts and a more aggressive drive, but it wasn't enough. Also, the ventilated disc brakes front and back were less than stellar. I found the pedal spongy and unresponsive.

Here's a car that, to me, is meant to be modified. Hear me out: The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT can be purchased by your average Joe looking for a family vehicle that's got some punch when asked, one that can take the fam on camping weekends in the woods while also taking everyone to school and work on Monday.

However, slap on an exhaust, remove the turbo silencer, upgrade the brake, do something about the steering (which is float-y and feels a bit dead in spots), tweak the suspension and bushings and you've got a proper Subaru. I came to realize that I'm OK with that.

Kudos to Subaru for releasing a Forester XT that's as accessible to the masses as it is to the enthusiasts.

Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters make for a sportier disposition, but there was still something missing. The SI-Drive driver mode selection system makes more aggressive drive, a but it wasn't enough. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Limited
I absolutely love the new look of the Forester. They somehow kept the square look while simultaneously rounding out the edges and giving it a modern, sleek look. The LED headlights on the Limited Package, along with a bit of chrome trim, add to the flair of the XT.

Inside, it's standard Subaru. I've gotten used to a bare-bones interior with my Impreza, so the Forester felt like home. It's functional, easy to use, roomy and comfortable. What more could you ask for?

The LED headlights on the Limited Package, along with a bit of chrome trim, add to the flair of the XT. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Limited
When it comes to comparison, we actually just put the Forester up against the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen's Tiguan in our Compact Crossover Comparison. The results speak for themselves.

The BMW X1 and Audi Q5 are potential alternatives as well in the XT's price range.

The Department for Transport in the U.K. is seriously considering a ban on Google Glass for all drivers, arguing that it represents a distraction on the road.

“We are aware of the impending rollout of Google Glass and are in discussion with the Police to ensure that individuals do not use this technology while driving. It is important that drivers give their full attention to the road when they are behind the wheel and do not behave in a way that stops them from observing what is happening on the road,” a Department for Transport spokesperson said.

The British government plans to slap offenders with a £60 ($95) fine and three demerit points, which is comparable to using a cell phone while driving.

Source : engadget.com

Photo: Wikipedia

D.J. Kennington of St. Thomas, Ontario passed race leader, former Formula 1 champion, Jacques Villeneuve in the closing laps of the Juliawine.com 100 to win the NASCAR Canadian Tire race held at the Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres.

In front of a crowd in excess of 30,000, Kennington passed Villeneuve on lap 38 before the fifth caution flag of the day flew on lap 40 to set up the exciting finish.

Photo: Paolo Pedicelli

On the final restart, Ranger, who had gotten around Villeneuve just after Kennington made his pass, tried in every turn of the 11-turn, 1.53-mile street circuit to rattle Kennington, but was forced to settle for the runner-up position.

Jason Hathaway finished fourth followed by IndyCar Series regular Alex Tagliani in fifth.

Martin Roy, Alex Labbe, Scott Steckly, Jeff Lapcevich and Trevor Seibert completed the top ten.

Eleven-year old Tyler Clem of Florida contested his first 360 sprint car race - a purebred racing machine that is powered by an 805-bhp V8 engine.

The youngster who is just 4 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs 115 pounds (that's 1.50m, and 52kg) proved he can handle the amazing power of a sprint car on a dirt track.

Tyler Clem has raced dirt modifieds, and is currently the limited late model points' leader at his home track, Bubba Raceway Park, a one-third-mile banked dirt oval in Ocala, Florida which happens to be owned by his father, Todd Clem.

Interestingly, Tyler has been a “developmental driver” for Tony Stewart Racing for at least three years. Todd Clem is a long-time friend of fellow Indiana native Tony Stewart, the former NASCAR Sprint car champion and a famed World of Outlaws sprint car racer.

Autoweek magazine reports that Tyler went on to finish 18th of 20 sprint cars in the 25-lap feature -- his night ended a few laps shy of the checkered flag when he tapped the wall with the nose of the car.

Sprint cars on a dirt track. (Photo: Houston Raceway Park)

From Maritime Pro Stock Tour

It was an emotional night for Terence Bay's Craig Slaunwhite as he drove his No. 99 Halifax Glass and Mirror Chevrolet Impala to victory in the 14th Annual Atlantic CAT 250 for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour at Scotia Speedworld.

This was Slaunwhite's first Atlantic CAT 250 victory and had to battle another hometown favorite in Enfield's Shawn Turple for the victory.

Turple brought his Chevrolet home in second, followed by Fredericton, NB's Shawn Tucker, Turner, Maine's Ben Rowe and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island's Darren MacKinnon.

Rowe began his afternoon with setting the pace in the Atlantic Tiltload Time Trials with a 14.310 second lap. After a redraw for the King Freight Lines Dash for Cash, it was Slaunwhite who went to victory lane in the qualifier for the top eight Time Trial competitors and earned the right to start the 250 lap feature from the pole position.

Donald Chisholm (Antigonish) and Exide Batteries Rookie of the Race Dylan Blenkhorn (Truro) took home Dartmouth Dodge Heat Races. Slaunwhite led 165 laps to take the Linde Most Laps Led Award. Springvale, PE's Greg Proude gained 13 positions and finished in 6th position to earn the Absolute Traffic Hard Charger Award.

Three leaders swapped the lead six times in a 250-lap race which featured eight caution periods.

The next event for the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour is the Parts for Trucks 150 at Petty International Raceway in River Glade, New Brunswick, a part of the 49th Annual River Glade International Weekend.

The event marks Round 10 of 12 on the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour, which was won in 2012 by series champion Shawn Turple. Ticket and event information can be found at PettyRaceway.com.

The Department for Transport in the U.K. is seriously considering a ban on Google Glass for all drivers, arguing that it represents a distraction on the road.

“We are aware of the impending rollout of Google Glass and are in discussion with the Police to ensure that individuals do not use this technology while driving. It is important that drivers give their full attention to the road when they are behind the wheel and do not behave in a way that stops them from observing what is happening on the road,” a Department for Transport spokesperson said.

The British government plans to slap offenders with a £60 ($95) fine and three demerit points, which is comparable to using a cell phone while driving.

Source : engadget.com

Photo: Wikipedia

The good news keep coming for Tesla. After watching its popularity soar and its stock quadruple in value so far this year, the electric car maker has just received a five-star rating in front-end crash, side crash and rollover crash tests from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Granted, a large number of vehicles on today's market also achieve a five-star rating, but given how young a company Tesla is, the feat is even more noteworthy.

Source: money.cnn.com

Photo: Tesla

A few weeks ago, I performed my annual pilgrimage to the International de Granby, a large quasi-local antique car show.

In years past, I've shared the trek to the small town in the Eastern Townships with my uncle, proprietor of a gorgeous 1967 Cadillac DeVille Convertible and, my favourite of them all, his 1969 Ford F-100 pickup.

This year, my father decided to join in on the party. As the saying goes; the apple never falls too far from the tree. Although my love affair -- or is that obsession (?) -- is closer to my uncle's, my old man's still a car-guy who's owned a pair of MGBs (including a GT!), a Beetle, a Dart Swinger, an AMC Hornet, and a Mazda MX-6 GT to name a few.

The car-guy in him, buried under golfing and the Florida sun, surfaced that Saturday at the car show.

I've long since been bugging him to purchase a toy -- another MGB or something a little more recent such as a 1st gen Miata. He's been on the fence about it for a while, but then at the show he took a fancy to a 1966 Chrysler Windsor two-door hardtop. The bug had bit.

We continued walking around and considered a red '90 Miata and a '73 MGB (a little pricey). I tried to convince him to look at a Chevy pickup and a few others, but there was nothing I could do to dissuade his heart from the Windsor.

Unfortunately, the Windsor was in rougher shape than we initially thought. A few friends of my uncle, collectors and buyers themselves, gave it a once-over and it did not pass their test.

Although the Windsor is now in the past, Dad's all over Kijiji and eBay shopping for something to fill the second spot in his garage (which is currently taken by my WRX...).

The car bug is a serious affliction; my wife can attest to that. Although both my WRX and Jetta rarely see the light of day, these cars are part of who I am, they in fact define my very person. As there is no cure for this disease, the only way to nurture a person stricken by the bug is to allow them to work through the fever and give them support, love and, above all, understanding.

If my mother is reading this, please know that if you allow dad to buy a car, you'll be making both he and I feel much, much better...

Photo: Michael Gil / Flickr

Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is in the news these days as he is seen by many as one hot candidate to replace his fellow countryman Mark Webber at Red Bull Racing.

With five Q3 appearances and seven race finishes already under his belt this season, Toro Rosso's Daniel Ricciardo has shown both ample speed and impressive consistency.

Formula1.com spent some time with the ever smiling Australian and asked him a few trivial questions...

Daniel Ricciardo (Photo: Peter Fox/Getty Images)

The sportsperson I most admire is...
Daniel Ricciardo: Travis Pastrana, a Red Bull athlete. He's an all-rounder in all the fancy extreme sports from freestyle motocross to base jumping - and now he's even rallying. He's living life to the full!

The best actor in the world is...
DR: Adam Sandler.

The most memorable overtaking move of my career was...
DR: In Formula Renault at Silverstone in 2008 and it was against Valtteri Bottas. I overtook him on the last lap for the win. It was fantastic - it gave me a real adrenaline rush.

My favourite song of all time is...
DR: It's by the band Killswitch Engage and is called End Of Heartache.

The best thing about the off-season is...
DR: Home, summer, beach and spending time with friends.

The last time I lost my temper was...
DR: After the race at the Nurburgring (this year). I started very high up on the grid, and then - nothing. I was very frustrated.

My first pet was...
DR: A goldfish called ‘Fish'.

The last photo I took was of...
DR: The fans in Budapest when I arrived.

The last time I overslept was...
DR: A long time ago - maybe at Christmas! (laughs)

The greatest feeling in the world is...
DR: Winning.

My most treasured possession is...
DR: My iPod.

Daniel Ricciardo (Photo: Peter Fox/Getty Images)

My favourite drink is...
DR: Besides Red Bull? Vanilla milkshake.

You would never catch me wearing...
DR: Swim thongs.

The best excuse to give your team boss after crashing the car is...
DR: No excuses! I'm honest!

The last time I lost something was...
DR: My passport in April. It was big drama at that very moment. It took me two weeks to get a new one...

My favourite holiday destination is...
DR: Perth. I love going home.

My favourite time of the day is...
DR: The morning.

The best present I've been given by a fan is...
DR: It's not a present, but here's a funny moment: I had to sign the collar of somebody's dog! The best present I've been given by a fan? A series of cupcakes, each of them containing a word so that it read ‘Go, DR, go, go, go!'

The best cure for a hangover is...
DR: Keep drinking...

Oh, the potential
When I heard the brand new Forester XT would be lacking a hood scoop and the option of a manual transmission, I immediately pushed it aside as being a complete and utter waste. What good is the return of the sporty version of a much liked and revered model if its roots are completely ignored?

Well, after a week behind the wheel of the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT I've come to appreciate the subtleties that make up this new crossover, from its SI-Drive selector to the ever-so-faint turbo spool that's just audible enough to make you grin upon acceleration.


What is a Subaru Forester XT?
Well, first off, some might call the Subaru Forester the grandfather of all crossovers. Here's one of the vehicles that started the movement in the late ‘90s when it emerged as a compact crossover wagon (oh that dirty word).

The Forester offers a pleasant in between for those looking for a practical go-anywhere family vehicle.

The Forester XT model first appeared in 2003 in North America and featured a turbocharged 2.5L engine.

Now in its fourth generation, the Subaru Forester has entered the realm of CVT transmissions and a brand new X-MODE all-wheel drive control system for hill decent control, as well as growing in height, length and girth.

Here's one of the vehicles that started the movement in the late ‘90s when it emerged as a compact crossover wagon. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Price and Specs
Across the board, there are nine Foresters for you to peruse. Sounds like a lot, but the differences in trim levels can be as simple as different wheels, or as extreme as a bigger engine and technology like Subaru's EyeSight system.

The 2014 Subaru Forester lineup starts at $25,995 for the Forester 2.5i and goes up to $37,995 for the 2.0XT Limited Package with EyeSight. My test vehicle was the second most expensive in the XT lineup, with a Limited Package and no EyeSight for $32,495.

Six of the nine Subaru Foresters in the lineup feature a 2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine good for 170 hp and 174 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is available in the lower models, and Subaru's Lineatronic CVTs can be had across the lineup.

The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT features a fabulous 2.0L BOXER twin-scroll turbocharged 4-pot that pushes out 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

As always, Subaru's symmetrical, full-time AWD is also on board across all Forester models.

The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT features a fabulous 2.0L BOXER twin-scroll turbocharged 4-pot that pushes out 250 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Subaru)

Driving the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Limited
A friend of mine recently sold his '03 Forester XT. Complete with a hood scoop and 5-speed manual transmission, his white Forester had some serious attitude -- just as I feel like our '04 WRX has so much more personality than any “new” Rex. Performance oriented Subarus must have attitude.

The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Limited is quite quick off the line, with its CVT transmission that can blissfully “act” like it has gears (eight of them, in fact, with S# -- Sport sharp -- engaged). Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters make for a sportier disposition, but there was still something missing.

The SI-Drive driver mode selection system makes for sharper throttle response, fake downshifts and a more aggressive drive, but it wasn't enough. Also, the ventilated disc brakes front and back were less than stellar. I found the pedal spongy and unresponsive.

Here's a car that, to me, is meant to be modified. Hear me out: The 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT can be purchased by your average Joe looking for a family vehicle that's got some punch when asked, one that can take the fam on camping weekends in the woods while also taking everyone to school and work on Monday.

However, slap on an exhaust, remove the turbo silencer, upgrade the brake, do something about the steering (which is float-y and feels a bit dead in spots), tweak the suspension and bushings and you've got a proper Subaru. I came to realize that I'm OK with that.

Kudos to Subaru for releasing a Forester XT that's as accessible to the masses as it is to the enthusiasts.

Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters make for a sportier disposition, but there was still something missing. The SI-Drive driver mode selection system makes more aggressive drive, a but it wasn't enough. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Limited
I absolutely love the new look of the Forester. They somehow kept the square look while simultaneously rounding out the edges and giving it a modern, sleek look. The LED headlights on the Limited Package, along with a bit of chrome trim, add to the flair of the XT.

Inside, it's standard Subaru. I've gotten used to a bare-bones interior with my Impreza, so the Forester felt like home. It's functional, easy to use, roomy and comfortable. What more could you ask for?

The LED headlights on the Limited Package, along with a bit of chrome trim, add to the flair of the XT. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Subaru Forester 2.0XT Limited
When it comes to comparison, we actually just put the Forester up against the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Volkswagen's Tiguan in our Compact Crossover Comparison. The results speak for themselves.

The BMW X1 and Audi Q5 are potential alternatives as well in the XT's price range.

From Citroën Racing

After strong performances in their first outing in the DS3 WRC in Finland, Kris Meeke and Chris Patterson have been chosen to team up with Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen in the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team for Rally Australia in Coffs Harbour on 13-15 September.

The fastest rally on the calendar proved tricky for Dani Sordo, who was not able to find the right rhythm to make it into the leading places. Sorely lacking in confidence on gravel, the Spanish driver has agreed with Citroën Racing that he will sit out the next round in order to try and take a step back and find some form on the surface away from pressure.

Kris Meeke, Citroën DS3 WRC (Photo: Citroen-WRC.com)

Kris Meeke put in a much-praised performance in Finland in his first outing in the DS3 WRC, despite crashing off at the end of the rally. The Irish driver, who has come through our promotional formulas and is responsible for the development of our client-competition cars, was the natural choice to race for Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team alongside Mikko Hirvonen in the tenth round of the World Championship.

“We have to acknowledge that we have had better seasons,” concedes Yves Matton, Managing Director of Citroën Racing.

“It is difficult to take decisions like this, but sometimes you have to change something to reenergise the team and get back to winning ways. This decision, which was made with Dani, will allow us to work on our difficulties and move in the right direction. Kris showed what he could do in Finland with an excellent performance and high motivation levels. So we instinctively turned to him to take over in Australia.”

“We are really very happy that Citroën have put their faith in us again after our performance at Rally Finland,” said a delighted Kris Meeke. “For us, this is an incredible opportunity to take part in the rally as part of Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team alongside Mikko and Jarmo, and we are determined to give of our best.”

This time Kyle Busch got it right. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver was able to hold off Brad Keselowski, who knocked him around last year, to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at the Watkins Glen road course.

Penske Racing's Keselowski finished second, for the third year in-a-row, in a race which saw polesitter, Marcos Ambrose's hope of a third -straight “Glen” victory evaporate.  Martin Truex, Jr. (who won the last road race at Sonoma) was third followed by Carl Edwards.

"A big sigh of relief, just a deep breath. Whew!" said Busch, who also was the innocent victim two years ago while leading on a green-white-checkered finish and finished third. "I was just trying to take it all in and figure it all out. The last couple of years here have been tough, and today it could have been tough again."

Photo: KyleBusch.com

The two biggest differences, this year, was that Keselowski didn't get a clean run at Busch and Ambrose's good luck, seemingly, ended.

"We had a shot at it," Keselowski said. "I was going to have to wreck him to really get it, and I didn't want to do that. There's racing and there's wrecking. Those are two different things.

The 2012 Sprint Cup champion thought the better of trying an aggressive move.

"Everybody defines them a little differently, and I guess that's the code you live your life by. If I was going to take out Kyle, it would have been wrecking in my mind, and there's a distinct difference."

Ambrose, who led 51-laps of the 90-lap race, lost due to an unlucky time for a pit stop and an adjusted car which lost its' handle.

Busch's crew chief, Dave Rogers, planned to bring his driver in on lap 60, but he noticed oil on the track from another accident and had Kyle pit before the yellow.

The Australian, Ambrose was not that lucky. He pitted after the yellow and came back out on the track in 12th place behind slower cars which weren't giving way on the twisty former, original, site of the USGP.

"That was a game-changer right there," said Busch, who won from the pole in 2008 at The Glen.

Photo: KyleBusch.com

Busch held on through a series of cautions over the final 28 laps. But Ambrose, who complained that his car was not drivable after his pit stop crashed, after being hit by Max Papis who was trying to avoid him, and finished 23rd.

"That's just the way it goes," Ambrose said. "We put on a strong showing. It wasn't our day, but we've had plenty of good days here."

In the end Busch forgave, but, he didn't forget the “present” from Keselowski.

"It was a really, really sticky situation last year, and it wasn't all Brad's fault," Busch said. "There was oil on the race track, but Brad's the one that spun us out. It eventually cost us being able to make the Chase. I figured maybe he could do some of the same again, but he kept it clean today."

From GMM

Ross Brawn has dismissed rumours he might return to Ferrari once Paddy Lowe replaces him as team boss at Mercedes.

After his ultra-successful stint as Ferrari's technical director, the 58-year-old took a sabbatical in 2007 and then returned to F1 with Honda.

Brawn has also headed the Brackley based team as Brawn GP and Mercedes, but Lowe, having arrived from McLaren, is expected to be the team's next boss.

Reports have suggested Brawn could then go back to Ferrari as the great Italian team grapples with its latest technical problems.

"Firstly, I have never discussed the possibility of a return to Ferrari," he insisted to Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I had wonderful moments at Maranello and I love Italy so much now that in the next week I'll be (holidaying) in Forte dei Marmi.

Ross Brawn was part of the Ferrari dream team that dominated the early 2000's (Photo: Formula1.Ferrari.com)

"But I am happy to be with Mercedes and I have to say that we have done a good job," said Brawn.

"The arrival of Paddy Lowe doesn't change the situation, as I have a different role in the team."

So, after Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo publicly warned Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, and also pointed out the pressure on team boss Stefano Domenicali, Brawn advised the Maranello team to close ranks.

"In F1 we are used to pressure, especially those of us working in the top three or four teams.

"We all want to win and I'm under scrutiny just as Domenicali is," said Brawn.

"But one of the secrets of success in motor sport is stability: we at Mercedes are competitive again thanks to a job that started 18 months ago."

So, for now, Brawn's focus is on Mercedes, and the delicate transition of resources between continuing to develop the winning 2013 package, and preparing for the radical new rules of next year.

"It is important to prepare well for 2014," he admitted, "but if we have the opportunity to fight for this (2013) title, then why not try it?

"However, it is quite difficult -- Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull are very consistent -- they're hardly going to commit serious mistakes."

Finally, Brawn dismissed Ferrari president Montezemolo's accusation that Mercedes has only stepped into a winning position in 2013 due to the 'testgate' scandal.

"All I'll say is that we won in Hungary with tyres that we had never used before, as we couldn't do the Silverstone test.

"But I know what an enthusiast Luca is, so I understand his outburst," he said.