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Jimmie Johnson virtually shamed the competition with a dominating victory Texas Motor Speedway. With his third victory at the mile and one-half oval the five-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion took a seven point lead over Matt Kenseth who finished fourth behind Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Joey Logano.

Johnson, who led 255 laps of the 334-lap race, mentioned that a recent test at the track gave his team a good base and added “we came back had a smooth qualifying and put more speed in the car. Just a dominant day. Great car, great engine.” It was his sixth win of the year.

Even though Johnson took over the points lead again he wasn't overconfident in Victory Lane.

"I have been watching a lot of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighting lately, and you'll fall into a rhythm and think that somebody has got the fight won and it doesn't end that way," Johnson said. "That's how this is going to be. Matt didn't have maybe the best day and still finished fourth. This thing is going to go to the last lap at Homestead, and it is going to come down to mistakes. I'm very excited about our performance and what we did here. We'll enjoy this, but there is still two weeks of very hard racing ahead of us."

Photo: NASCAR

Earnhardt Jr., a Hendrick Motorsport teammate who finished 4.39 seconds behind Johnson, said “we gambled a little bit in the late stages of this race short pitting and getting a lot of track position, and we had a fast enough car to keep it, but the 48 was in another class and nobody had anything for him.”

It was his fifth runner-up of the year and Dale Jr. added “you know, it's not ‑‑ we're not running second by making mistakes. We're not giving away wins. So I feel like we're just really getting close to cracking through and just trying to maintain the momentum with two races to go is going to be tough. But that's what we're focusing on.”

Joey Logano said “Jimmie is running ridiculously fast.”

A rare pit road speeding penalty cost Kenseth some track position and a few points. “I'm still confident,” the 2003 champion said his title hopes. “I wish I was seven points ahead, but, at the end of the day it's in our hands. If you win both of the last two races and the math works out where you still win it, so it's still in our hands. I have to think and we're going to go here, work as hard as we can and try to get the best finishes we can and see where it ends up.”

Kevin Harvick, who finished eighth, is now 40 points back in third place.

Pole winner, Carl Edwards, went out on lap 187 with a blown engine. Parker Kligerman, who drives in the Nationwide Series for Kyle Busch had an impressive Cup debut in 18th place for Swan Racing.

Even though Johnson dominated the day and now leads the points one TV reporter reminded him that he left Texas last year with a seven point lead only to lose it Brad Keselowski last year

Jimmie Johnson smiled and said “hope history doesn't repeat itself.”

Muskoka, ON - The all-new 2014 Infiniti Q50 is the worthy successor to the sporty and competent G37 Sedan. Unlike the G37, the new Q50 is available as a hybrid model.

In the Q50's case, “hybrid” is more about increased performance than a huge fuel-economy leap, though there is a decent one. The Q50 also delivers its performance in a hybrid way, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. Ultimately, the hybridization builds on what the Q50 already excels at: sporty driving and technological leadership.

What is the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD?
The Q50 Hybrid utilizes a hybrid system that was first seen on its big brother sedan, the former Infiniti M, now rechristened the Q70.


2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD Price and Specs
Going front to back, the drivetrain looks like this:

• 3.5L V6 with 302 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque;
• Special clutch that can deactivate the V6 any time electric driving is possible;
• Electric motor rated at 67 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque;
• 7-speed automatic transmission with no torque converter;
• Another clutch to smooth the transition whenever either power unit engages or disengages (this clutch also eliminates the need for the torque converter).

A lithium-ion 50 kW battery is located to the rear of the right rear passenger. Regenerative “braking” also helps recharging.

The hybrid system adds about 70 kg to the 2014 Infiniti Q50's weight, and reduces trunk capacity by 17 litres.

There are three hybrid models: RWD Premium $47,000, AWD Premium $49,500, and ">AWD Sport $56,450. They're all high-end models, and ask about $5,000 more than equally highly equipped non-hybrid Q50s.

Our tester was the high-flying Sport model, in classy Black Obsidian, with a fetching brown saddle leather interior. There are so many high-tech features on this vehicle we don't even know where to start...

The 3.5L V6 with 302 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque can be deactivated any time electric driving is possible. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Driving the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Sport AWD
But how about with “drive by wire steering?” The Q50 is the world's first production vehicle available with the technology, which Infiniti calls Direct Adaptive Steering.

Sensors, software, two electric motors, some other bits, and lots of wire make it all happen and replace a conventional direct mechanical link between the steering wheel and the steering rack. As such, and as advertised, the steering wheel of our AWD Hybrid was almost vibration-free.

The system opens up the door for lots of additional spin-off technologies, like the ability to select different steering weights and ratios, and Active Lane Control, which is another step beyond Lane Departure Warning because it automatically makes minute steering adjusts to keep you in the centre of the lane!

The 2014 Infiniti Q50 is all about making life easy for the driver if you want to go that way, but it's also ready with a sport setting if you want to go the other way. The Q50 is an extremely versatile sports luxury sedan that can suit many driving styles, moods, and conditions.

It's “hybridness” is low-key when it comes to visual badging and instrument displays, but not when using your right foot.

You need a lighter or more sensitive foot than mine to keep the 2014 Infiniti Q50 in electric mode from a full stop for any longer than a few seconds. If you want to just go from a dead stop, the manner in which it all comes together never felt all that smooth.

At higher speeds, the integration is almost unnoticeable, except when you want to make haste quickly. Punching the gas pedal while cruising virtually makes this Infiniti Q50 jump out of its skin -- wow. Infiniti says the combined horsepower of the gas and electric units is 360, but with all that torque from the electric motor (214 lb-ft) instantly added to the fire, it feels like way more.

You don't have to feel guilty about goosing the accelerator, either when you know a lot of the extra motivation comes from all that nice, clean, and free electricity.

Our AWD tester is rated at an excellent 6.3L/100 km highway; 7.5L city and 7.0L combined. On our driving route from Toronto to cottage country, we actually averaged that highway number of 6.3L/100km -- and we had fun!

The Q50 is an extremely versatile sports luxury sedan that can suit many driving styles, moods, and conditions. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Inside and Out the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid AWD
Our hybrid obviously shares the same interior and exterior as the regular Q50, which is to say both offer that fine and signature Infiniti blend of technology and elegance.

The showpiece of the new cabin is the novel twin-screen. The top 8” screen is primarily for driving-related information, operated by the touch and steering-wheel switches or the big Infiniti Controller. The lower 7” touchscreen is primarily for infotainment systems.

The showpiece of the new cabin is the novel twin-screen. (Photo: Mike Goetz)

Comparing the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid AWD
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 and Lexus ES 300h might be its closest competitors; all three are designed as “performance luxury hybrids.” The Infiniti Q50 is in a good space: larger and more powerful than the BMW, and smaller and less expensive than the similarly powered Lexus. Although, more “performance hybrids” are also on the way.

From GMM

Peter Sauber should return to the F1 paddock next year, following some minor health problems in 2013.

That is the news of the Swiss team's team boss Monisha Kaltenborn, who was asked by the Russian website f1news.ru to explain the recent absence of the Sauber founder.

"He's alright," Kaltenborn answered. "There have been a few small problems, he has some difficulty with walking, but generally he is fine."

"He is not planning any more visits to the races this year," added Kaltenborn, referring to Peter Sauber, who is 70. "But next year, I think he will definitely come back to the paddock."

Monisha Kaltenborn and Beat Zehnder. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

From GMM

A few days ago, deputy boss Claire Williams said the Oxfordshire based team has had "no conversations" with Ross Brawn.

But her father - the team's famous founder, principal and majority owner Sir Frank Williams - has now revealed that talks with Brawn may in fact take place.

Brawn's future is currently the subject of hot speculation, as he could step down as Mercedes' team boss at the end of the year.

Team chairman Niki Lauda has said he wants to keep the 58-year-old at Brackley, but Williams has now revealed he may launch a bid to lure Brawn to Grove.

Ross Brawn. (Photo: WRi2)

Ross Brawn began his F1 career in the 70s when Sir Frank Williams gave him a job as a machinist.

"When he was with us he was really extraordinarily clever in terms of engineering -- he is very gifted," Frank Williams told the British broadcaster Sky.

"I am sure he has accumulated infinitely more knowledge... so if he was to come he would be a great addition. I wasn't aware he was available. I may now have to contact him. I can say no more," he added.

"The reason I am being hesitant is that I do employ people already and it is very unlikely that we could afford Ross, or that he would want to come to us, so all I would be doing if we didn't get him would be offending everyone at the team already," said Williams.

From GMM (Updated, see below)

Fernando Alonso should be fit to race in Austin later this month, despite dramatic images of him in hospital emerging after Sunday's Abu Dhabi grand prix.

The photos depicted the Spaniard underneath a space blanket and wearing a neck brace, reportedly as the result of injuries sustained when he crashed over the kerbs to avoid Jean-Eric Vergne's Toro Rosso on Sunday.

Fernando Alonso at the hospital. (Photo: Facebook and Twitter)

The stewards even investigated the incident because the Ferrari passed the Frenchman outside the limits of the track, but Alonso ultimately kept his fifth place.

But the impact, measured at multiple Gs, also triggered the mandatory chassis impact light, requiring Alonso to report for medical checks.

A Ferrari spokesman said Fernando Alonso is fine.

"Hopefully I am ok for Austin," Fernando Alonso told reporters.

"I still have all my teeth," he smiled, "but my back is obviously in pain a little bit because it was a big hit."

Meanwhile, Alonso's departing teammate Felipe Massa questioned Ferrari's tire strategy for him in Abu Dhabi, after he finished the race eighth.

"I expected to see the soft tires on the car (after a pitstop) and I saw the others," he said. "Without this problem I would have finished easily in the top five."

UPDATE
Fernando Alonso on Monday admitted he is still in pain after an impact during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The impact triggered the alarm signalling a mandatory medical check.

The alarm is triggered when a force exceeding 15G is reached.

But Germany's Auto Motor und Sport said that although Alonso's medical light was triggered, the impact was actually lower than 15G.

Officially, however, the impact registered at over 15G, reportedly because the sensor had not been properly secured in Alonso's chassis.

"The doctors gave the all-clear," said correspondent Michael Schmidt.

Alonso revealed to reporters he was suffering from "pain" in his back.

On Monday, he told his 1.9 million fans via Twitter: "The night was so-so. I will do more tests this afternoon and try to be 100 per cent as soon as possible."

The next grand prix, in Austin in two weeks, will be the second last race of this year's 19-event calendar.

From GMM

The possibility of a return to Sahara Force India for Nico Hulkenberg has grown.

It was believed the Silverstone based team was not an option for the German, as he had annoyed supremo Vijay Mallya by deciding to leave for Sauber after just a single season together in 2012.

It is also rumoured that Sahara Force India still owes Hulkenberg money.

But as the 26-year-old looks desperately for a seat for 2014, it must be noted that Hulkenberg, his manager Werner Heinz, and Sahara Force India's sporting director Otmar Szafnauer were spotted deep in conversation at a table in the Abu Dhabi paddock.

Nico Hulkenberg aboard the Sahara Force India car in 2012. (Photo: WRi2)

According to Auto Motor und Sport, Hulkenberg dismissed the significance of the meeting on the basis that he has known Szafnauer "for a long time".

Sahara Force India, however, has a seat vacant for 2014, as Paul di Resta is increasingly nervous about his future.

"It's a bit of a nightmare," the Scot admitted in Abu Dhabi.

"Vijay and the other guys are giving off good signals about next season but I would like to know for sure," di Resta told BBC television.

No fewer than 20 Mopar-modified vehicles from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, and Fiat will be on display at the 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, along with hundreds of Mopar performance parts and accessories.

Here are some highlights:

Ram 1500 Sun Chaser
Specially designed for surfing enthusiasts, this Vibrance Orange Blast truck comes with a unique concept Mopar roof rack, dubbed the “surf rack,” and two adjustable support rails housed within the tracks of the truck's bed to accommodate a long surfboard. As an added bonus, hooks on the side of the rails can carry up to four boards. Meanwhile, the “Flip-Up” seatback tailgate converts into a bench by folding back toward the cab of the truck.

Ram 1500 Sun Chaser (Photo: RAM)

Fiat 500L Adventurer
The exterior of this 500L is enhanced with Bright White body paint, two-tone accent wheel flares and rockers painted in Satin Black, a roof panel in Vibrance Bright Orange, and a custom 500L graphic on the doors. Riding on 18” wheels, this five-seater offers black perforated suede Katzkin seats and pearl leather seatbacks with a Mopar coat hanger on the back of the driver's seat. Matching orange accents are featured inside as well.

Fiat 500L Adventurer (Photo: Fiat)

Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver
Trail driving enthusiasts looking for a killer off-roader will love the Cherokee Trail Carver, which uses the Trailhawk 4x4 package powered by a 3.2L V6 engine as a starting point. Auburn Pearl paint graces the exterior, with topographical graphics on the hood and roof. The interior features Katzkin Amaretto leather seats, plus leather wrapping on the centre console, storage door and armrest.

Jeep Cherokee Trail Carver (Photo: JEEP)

Chrysler 300S
Phantom Black Tri-coat colours this sinister-looking 300S, which also sports a 13-bar black “Gotham” grille surround, SRT rear spoiler, lowering kit, and 20” wheels finished in a Mopar bronze. Elsewhere, the Katzkin “Bisque” leather seatbacks are embossed with the “Imported From Detroit” logo.

Chrysler 300S (Photo: Chrysler)

Red Bull Racing driver and newly-crowned world champion Sebastian Vettel easily won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, scoring his 7th consecutive victory of the 2013 Formula 1 season.

Second on the grid, Vettel took the lead from the start and made his first pit stop on lap 14 and rejoined in the lead.

Vettel stopped again on lap 37 without losing the lead, eventually winning from his team mate Mark Webber by half a minute: Red Bull's third one-two of the season and the team's 100th podium.

Nico Rosberg finished third in his Mercedes AMG in front of Romain Grosjean of the Lotus team and Ferrari's Fernando Alonso.

5.

Giedo Van der Garde, Caterham-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

4.

Kimi Raikkonen, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

3.

Adrian Sutil, Sahara Force India-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

2.

Felipe Massa, Ferrari. (Photo: WRi2)

1.

Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Lexus will host the world premiere of the all-new RC coupe at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show, including the RC 350 (3.5L V6) and RC 300h (2.5L hybrid).

This two-door concept sports the widest and lowest application of the brand's signature spindle grille design, while the triangular headlights evoke the sporty characteristics of the LF-LC. At low beam, the lights adopt an L-shaped pattern as an expression of the Lexus identity. Same thing for the taillights, by the way.

The Lexus RC rides on either deeply sculpted, 10-spoke 19” wheels or muscular, five-spoke 18” wheels. Red is used for the body to emphasize the “sexy” attributes of the car, the company says.

Photo: Lexus

Inside, the Lexus RC loves contrast, both in terms of colours and materials. Genuine shimamoku wood accents, a 7” navigation display, and a new Remote Touch interface also catch the attention. What's more, the seats utilize an integrated foaming construction method -- much like the molding of racing seats -- to ensure optimum comfort and support.

As part of its Tuner Challenge, Scion gave three builders a stock 2014 tC plus $15,000 to design and modify the car within 90 days. All three creations will be on display at the 2013 SEMA Show. The winner, to be announced on Wednesday, will take home a $10,000 grand prize.

Young Tea's “Simpli-tC” can both earn respect at the track and be driven daily. It features flared fenders, a custom dual-outlet exhaust rear diffuser, and an air suspension system to lower the car for shows.

Photo: Scion

Josh Croll designed the world's first right-hand drive Scion tC. Sporting European styling and a flashy orange paint that evokes classic hot rods, this Scion WSD-tC rides on wide wheels for an aggressive stance.

Photo: Scion

Finally, the Scion L-DZ by Walter Franco is all about luxury: a combination suede and leader interior with diamond stitching and pearl white exterior paint. He also put extra focus on the driver's experience through the audio system and performance enhancements, including a shot of nitrous for added power.

Photo: Scion

Which one's your favourite?

The 2013 SEMA Show officially opens tomorrow, but we're so giddy about these hot Hyundai creations that we just couldn't wait to tell you about them. You've already heard about the 1,000-horsepower Genesis, so here are four others:



Hyundai Veloster Turbo by Fox Marketing
This yellow-coloured beast is the most powerful street-focused Veloster Turbo ever, with a 1.6L Gamma engine producing 370 horsepower thanks to a BorgWarner EFR turbocharger, front-mounted intercooler, AEM water/methanol injection system, VP Racing 101-octane performance fuel, and an ECU tune from SeoulfulRacing.

The Hyundai Veloster Turbo par Fox Marketing also features a set of fog lights from the Genesis Coupe, an ImportShark front lip spoiler, and Takata Street Pro LE reclining racing seats.

Photo: Hyundai

Hyundai Genesis Coupe by John Pangilinan
Sporting a custom-developed Atlantis Blue exterior colour, the Genesis Coupe by John Pangilinan boasts numerous engine modifications including an AEM cold air intake, ARK Performance exhaust, turbo downpipe, and friction-reducing Lucas Oil. It rides on 19'' MORR VS52 concave mono-forged wheels in mystic black. Behind them is a Brembo Gran Turismo brake kit with oversized 15'' calipers. Meanwhile, Alpine and Scosche Electronics took care of the audio system.

Photo: Hyundai

Hyundai Legato Concept by ARK Performance
Based on a Genesis Coupe, the Legato Concept develops 400 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque from a 4.0L V6 engine. Painted in grey, it features a complete ARK body treatment including front and rear bumpers, side skirts, deck lid and wide-body cues, as well as performance tires, a sport suspension, and upgraded brakes. The cockpit houses Takata Drift Pro LE seats, an AiM Sports Strada GT steering wheel, and a Rockford Fosgate premium sound system.

Photo: Hyundai

Photo: Hyundai

Photo: Hyundai

Hyundai Veloster Turbo Yellowcake by EGR
The striking Veloster Yellowcake will definitely turn heads with a bright bodywork, roof-mounted Wurton LED light bar, and custom ONEighty-branded headlights. Bisimoto helped increase output to 250 horsepower, while supplying oversized Brembo brakes. Takata racing seats with harnesses highlight the interior.

Photo: Hyundai

From press release

LADA Sport LUKOIL and Rob Huff announced an initial two-year deal for the 2014 and 2015 FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) seasons.

The team also confirms the current driver line-up (J.Thompson, M.Kozlovskiy) for the next season.

Huff has been competing at the pinnacle of international touring carracing since the WTCC's inception in 2005 and will spearhead an expanded three-car LADA Sport LUKOIL attack for at least the next two years.

Photo: LADA

The 33-year old Briton achieved no fewer than 23 race wins and 44 podium finishes during a seven-year term with the factory-backed Chevrolet outfit, as he inexorably rose to the ultimate prize - the 2012 FIA World Touring Car Championship crown.

World Champion Huff has continued to show pure class and determination during a character-building title-defence year with ALL-INKL.COM Munnich Motorsport, taking the German team to a race win and two podium finishes in2013, its maiden WTCC campaign.

The fledgling LADA Sport LUKOIL team, meanwhile, has made a debut appearance with a new LADA Granta in 2013 and hopes to utilise Huff's raw speed, consistency and painstaking attention to detail in his approach to car development to achieve its ambition of winning the World title.

In a move that demonstrates its commitment to the WTCC, the Russian manufacturer forged a precious technical collaboration with the French ORECA outfit in 2013 and will jointly develop a revised version of its Granta model to the championship's new technical regulations for 2014.

Toyota is coming to the 2013 SEMA Show with a number of special vehicles that will appeal to tuning and sports enthusiasts alike.

Toyota 4Runner
Oakley and athlete Simon Dumont helped create this unique 4Runner, which is designed with skiing and winter sports enthusiasts in mind. It features a wider front grille, metal roof rack, LED lights, and dark Oakley camouflage. The doors, music, windows and other interior features are controlled by three separate iPads.

2013 SEMA Toyota 4Runner Oakley (Photo: Toyota)

Toyota RAV4
Here's a dynamic RAV4 developed by Toyota and LifeTime Fitness with input from several triathletes. It includes a hot water shower, spin dryer, gear storage compartments in the rear cargo area, front seats with shiatsu massage function, a fridge, and even a blender for preparing great protein shakes.

2013 SEMA Toyota RAV4 LIFETIME (Photo: Toyota)

Toyota Corolla
Tuned by Skullcandy and Team Toyota athlete Drew Bezanson, this Corolla will delight BMX fans with a two-bike rack, as well as custom grind rails added to the front and rear of the vehicle. When the bikes are removed and the trunk is opened, there are nesting locations for bike tools, plus a pair of mountable speakers with light bars.

2013 SEMA Toyota Corolla Crusher (Photo: Toyota)

Toyota Tundra
Partnering with Joe Gibbs Racing Motocross, Toyota created a one-of-a-kind Tundra that features expandable electronic awnings, three TV screens, a fridge, a power washer, and space for tools. Of course, the custom-built metal box accommodates the length of a dirt bike.

2013 SEMA Toyota Tundra LetsGoMoto (Photo: Toyota)

Toyota Camry
Painted in red, orange, yellow and white, this Camry is the result of a collaboration with NASCAR driver Parker Kligerman and Kyle Busch Motorsports. Equipped with a roll cage, racing seats, fog lights, turbos, and a huge rear spoiler, it will likely be an instant hit among racing fans.

2013 SEMA Toyota CamRally (Photo: Toyota)

Toyota Tacoma
Last, but not least, is the snowboarding-inspired Tacoma designed with the help of Camburg Engineering. There's a snow plow, pop-up tent on the roof, ladder, and multiple storage areas for snowboards, tools, and accessories. A telescoping ramp also allows users to drive a snowmobile onto the truck bed.

2013 SEMA Toyota Tacoma DC (Photo: Toyota)

From ROC press office

The Race Of Champions will feature a female driver for the first time in its history as Susie Wolff has signed up for ROC 2013, to be held at Bangkok's Rajamangala Stadium on December 14-15.

Wolff, née Stoddart, currently the development driver for the Williams F1 team, will partner fellow Scot David Coulthard for Team Grand Britain.

The Brit spent seven years racing in Germany's DTM touring car series, racing for Mercedes before sealing a role as development driver for the Williams F1 team in April 2012.

Susie Stoddart, Williams F1 (Photo: ROC)

TAG's CEO Mansour Ojjeh, also the co-owner of the McLaren Formula 1 team, underwent serious surgery recently for a double lung transplant.

A press release issued by McLaren said that Ojjeh, 61 is recovering well after the delicate surgery.

Mansour Ojjeh had been suffering with IPF lung disease for the past four years.

However, following the operation, he is said now well on the road to a full recovery and is looking forward to being back with the McLaren team on the Formula 1 circuit for the 2014 season.

“My family and I have been through a very challenging period in our lives,” said Mansour Ojjeh in a presse release.

“However, I'm very grateful for the superb medical assistance that I've received, and I'm both elated and relieved that I'm now on the road to a full recovery. We've missed our great friends in the paddock as well as the up-close-and-personal excitement of Formula 1, but we've faithfully watched every Grand Prix on television and we're now looking forward to enjoying more great times together at the circuits again next season.”

From Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing

The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame, housed at the famed Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing (Ocala, Fla.) announced the 2014 inductees to the Hall of Fame.

2014 marks the 24th year of honoring those who contributed significantly to the sport in their careers. The prestigious induction ceremony will take place in Gainesville, Fla. at the Paramount Plaza Hotel & Suites on Thursday, March 13, 2014 preceding the NHRA Amalie Oil Gatornationals. Popular former NHRA Announcer Bob Frey will again serve as the evening's Master of Ceremonies.

The six members of the inductee class for 2014 will include the sport's most prolific Pro Stock winner and six-time NHRA Pro Stock World Champion, a two-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion, a racer/turned master sheet metal craftsman, a popular top fuel racer and U.S. Nationals champion, a highly popular Funny Car driver and AHRA Funny Car Champion, a passionate benefactor of drag racing, and one of motorsports' most popular and prolific artists.

The Class of 2014:

John Abbott (Denver, Colo.) -- Abbott was a highly popular top fuel driver from the early 1960s into the 1980s who successfully transitioned the somewhat difficult conversion from the front engine Top Fuel cars to the rear engine cars. The highlight of his career was marked by winning the NHRA's (National Hot Rod Association) most prestigious event, the U.S. Nationals.

Al Bergler (Shelby Township, Mich.) -- Al Bergler has been a hot rodder at heart throughout his adult life, racing cars and shaping sheet metal to create some of the most memorable appearing race cars in the sport. His Competition Coupe, the beautiful yellow "More Aggravation," is the only race car to win the Detroit Autorama's Riddler Award in its 49 year history.

Frank Hawley (Newberry, Fla.) -- Hawley, the Canadian Top Fuel and Funny Car star, took the famed Farkonas, Coil & Minik "Chi-Town Hustler" fuel Funny Car team to back-to-back NHRA Funny Car World Championships in 1982 and 1983. Hawley was later tabbed by Jerry and Darryl Gywnn to replace Darryl in the cockpit after his accident in the family's Top Fuel car. He currently operates the Frank Hawley School of Drag Racing which has trained thousands of racers.

Tom Hoover (Maple Grove, Minn.) -- Tom Hoover and the "Showtime" Funny Cars were highly popular with fans. Tom was the driver element of the Hoover family racing operation, with his father George ("Pa") doing the tuning, and Ruth ("Ma") always present to do what needed to be done. Across a 30-plus year career, Tom (and his parents) captured five NHRA Funny Car wins, and the AHRA (American Hot Rod Association) World Championship in 1976.

Warren Johnson (Buford, Ga.) -- Warren Johnson acquired the nickname of "The Professor" over his career in the NHRA and IHRA Pro Stock class. A dogged, determined and crafty practioner of the art of engine building, chassis and clutch tuning, Johnson's 97 Pro Stock wins and six NHRA World Championships, and two IHRA (International Hot Rod Association) Mountain Motor World Championships made him the most successful Pro Stock racer in the sport's history.

Forrest Lucas (Corona, Calif.) - Lucas, through his Lucas Oil Products company, has become one of motorsports' greatest modern day supporters. He has utilized motorsports marketing, and particularly drag racing, to build brand awareness of his company's extensive line of lubricants. He is at the drag strip as frequently as his busy schedule allows, supporting his wife Charlotte's Super Comp class dragster and son Morgan's two car Top Fuel team.

From GMM

Sebastian Vettel will not have to spend a penny after doing more victory 'donuts' in Abu Dhabi.

A week ago in India, when the German wrapped up his fourth consecutive world title, FIA stewards issued a reprimand and EUR 25,000 fine after Vettel thrilled the fans with a smoky celebration.

"You are a naughty boy," former driver Martin Brundle told Vettel on the Abu Dhabi podium, after doing more donuts in Abu Dhabi. "That's going to cost somebody some money."

Sebastian Vettel, winner in Abu Dhabi for Red Bull. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Indeed, even Red Bull was worried about the consequences when engineer Guillaume 'Rocky' Rocquelin repeatedly warned Vettel not to do donuts on the slowing down lap.

Vettel ignored the order, laughing on the radio: "I'm going to quote (Kimi Raikkonen). 'Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know what I'm doing'."

Team boss Christian Horner replied immediately: "You can pay the fine for that one."

Actually, Vettel's donuts were not even investigated by the FIA, because he did them in a run-off area, and on the slowing-down lap.

"This time I brought the car back, so it's fine," Vettel smiled. "As you can see it's in parc ferme."

Indeed, even teammate Mark Webber did a couple of donuts.

"It's not great for the gearbox or the engine," Horner admitted, "but it's good for the drivers to let off steam and there are only two races left."

Mercedes is expected to run eight cars in the DTM next year. The German car manufacturer will test several drivers this fall, including former F1 driver, Jaime Alguesuari and the new Euro F3 champion, Raffaele Marciello.

Headed by Toto Wolff, HWA will test several drivers at Hockenheim, November 13.

Jaime Alguersuari. (Photo: WRi2)

One year ago, Jaime Alguesuari was about to joint BMW in the DTM, but the Spaniard was eventually not chosen in favour of another former F1 driver, Timo Glock.

The newly crowned Euro F3 champion, Raffaele Marciello is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and will also test a Mercedes DTM car. Sweden's Felix Rosenqvist, second in that same series will also be tested.

Raffaele Marciello. (Photo: FIAF3 European)

Two other Mercedes GT drivers, Maximilian Götz and Maximilian Buhk will also get to drive the Mercedes DTM car.

According to the Belgian press, Thierry Neuville has signed a three-year contract to become the number one driver of Hyundai Motorsport in the World Rally Championship.

Neuville, 23, started his career with Citroen before he switched to Ford M-Sport. This year, he drives a works Ford Fiesta RS WRC and ranks second in the driver's standings.

Photo: Hyundai Motorsport

Hyundai will make its return in the WRC next season, running a pair of i20 WRCs currently being developed under the orders of veteran engineer, Michel Nandan.

According to La Dernière Heure, Neuville has already signed a three-year deal with Hyundai. The second works car would be shared by Juho Hanninen (who would contest the rounds held on gravel), and Bryan Bouffier (driving on tarmac).

Opening day is not yet upon us, but there were tons of activities already going on at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

We spent all morning walking about the outside displays once we got our hands on our media credentials. Already, there were many people on-hand shooting photos and gawking at the cars and trucks parked all over the place.

Photo: Olivier Delorme

On this day, exhibitors outnumbered members of the media as they worked hard on the final preps for their beloved machines. Shining and rubbing were the orders of the day. Some were actually putting the finishing touches on body kits, mere hours before the show was to open! This is proof that a project is never truly finished -- even at SEMA, the day of.

Your humble Auto123.com team did not sit around and soak in the sun when it pierced through the partly cloudy Nevadan sky. We shot hundreds of pictures, and even put together a few videos.

The next three days will be all SEMA, all the time, so make sure you hang out on Auto123.com and Auto123.tv to check out the latest. At the same time, I'll try and post as many updates on Instagram and Twitter as the hours go by.

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