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Becoming a successful race car driver requires world-class skills, tons of money, rock-solid determination, and (of course) a certain amount of luck or good timing (whatever you want to call it).

How many young drivers embark on this merciless venture without all of these prerequisites? Short answer: Too many.

Having spent the past three decades on and around the track, I've witnessed firsthand the attempts of hundreds of aspiring race car drivers. A number of them were clearly gifted behind the wheel, but had zero determination. Others were just not prepared to make huge sacrifices to succeed.

Auto racing is extremely competitive: If you're not willing to bring everything to the table, you might as well change sports already.

Let me tell you a story about a young woman (she shall remain anonymous) who put her heart, soul and everything else on the line to fulfill her passion for racing.

She started by investing what she earned via a contest into her first few ventures. Her goal was to make a significant amount of cash that she would re-invest into a car rental business.

Then, she moved to Uncle Sam's land to work in a karting centre, where she hoped to make some additional money, become a more household name and, more importantly, meet influential people.

After a few open-wheel races, she had a shot to enter the world of stock car racing, which was totally unfamiliar to her at the time. Resolved to continue her career at all costs, she jumped on the opportunity.

Of course, there is no bigger hotbed for stock cars in the U.S. than North Carolina. Our girl did not hesitate to leave the sunny beaches of California to move into an apartment on the East Coast.

Soon enough, a major sponsor offered her a chance to drive a super-fast, super-powerful car in front of her fans. Had she declined, that would have been the end of her career. On the other hand, saying yes meant facing by far her biggest challenge yet. She did, because she didn't really have a choice.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Exposed to intense scrutiny during the race, she received plenty of criticism afterwards.

“Just a pretty girl;”
“She can't do anything;”
“No talent;”
Even, “She doesn't belong here;”

Were some of the unflattering comments heard around the track.

But at least she tried. Her skills may not have matched those of her male counterparts, but this woman needs to be commended for seizing the opportunities she fought so hard to get. One day, she'll be able to tell her kids: “Yes, I tried, and I didn't succeed. But at least I gave it my all.”

How many young drivers, at one point or another, missed their shot to shine and show their worth on a bigger stage? A lot more than you think, I can promise you that.

What about you? Would you be willing to put everything on the line for a chance to succeed?

In North America the news off-the-track can take priority of news on the track.

During the 31rst Annual NASCAR pre-season Media Tour the biggest actual news of the week seemed to be Kasey Kahne's haircut.

Then, on Friday morning, Danica Patrick, confirmed to the Associated Press one of the worst kept secrets in the garage (and some media) that she was dating fellow Sprint Cup driver, and two-time Nationwide Series Champion, Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

"I have a boyfriend, his name is Richard," she said adding that the couple waited until after the media tour was over to avoid conflicting with the serious business of racing news.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Photo: NASCAR)

Last fall Patrick filed for divorce from her 47-year old husband Paul Hospenthal after a seven-year marriage.

Stenhouse, who at 25 is five years younger than Patrick, also confirmed the development after dodging questions during the media tour.

Oh, and if you missed it Kasey Kahne showed up at the Hendrick Motorsports stop sporting a modified buzz cut called a fade because the hair is shaved close to the sides of the head leaving a mop of almost regular length hair on top.

Team owner Rick Hendrick, kept his cool upon seeing that haircut but told the press he offered Kahne $20 “to finish the haircut.”

When I buy a can opener (a purchase I, frankly, don't expect to do frequently), I look for function over form. I don't care what it looks like, as long as it opens cans cleanly, doesn't require brute strength to operate and won't break.

In short; it has to do the job that I bought it for. It shouldn't cost a lot to own, and it shouldn't cost anything to maintain. Nothing more, nothing less. When I think of the 2013 Toyota Corolla -- and when I drive it -- I consider it the automotive equivalent of a household appliance.

Far from ugly, it also doesn't boast breathtaking styling. The Corolla delivers what's promised, and that's comfortable transportation, good fuel economy and reliability for a decent amount of coin. If that's what you want or like in a car, look no further.


Driving excitement has not been a Corolla characteristic since at least the mid-'80s.

The 2013 Toyota Corolla LE starts at $21,170, and includes the automatic transmission (Ce and S trims get a standard 5-speed manual). The Premium Package adds another $3,595, for a grand total of $24,765.

That ain't cheap for a compact car. When you shop around, you'll notice that similarly equipped rivals like a loaded Ford Focus SE and a Hyundai Elantra Limited aren't less expensive. Actually, for most people, a $18,990 Corolla CE with the Enhanced Convenience Package is a good deal, which bundles heated seats, Bluetooth, A/C and keyless entry.


Decent fuel economy
The 2013 Toyota Corolla gets motivated by a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that develops 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. Among compact sedans, only the Volkswagen Jetta with its base engine and the new 2013 Nissan Sentra are less powerful. And the sporty Corolla XRS variant has been ditched for 2013, along with its 2.4L engine.

The 2013 Toyota Corolla gets motivated by a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that develops 132 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

As such, the Corolla offers enough performance for the typical compact-car buyer, who's probably more concerned about fuel economy than straight-line performance. Equipped with the 4-speed automatic transmission, we averaged 8.1L/100km. An extra gear for the highway would've definitely helped. Insensitive steering
The least appealing aspect about the drive in the 2013 Toyota Corolla is the steering. It's numb, no little on-center feel and has a rather slow ratio. Wiggle the steering wheel on the highway, and the car barely weaves left or right. The Corolla does end up drifting in its lane because of the numb steering, and you're frequently correcting to keep the car in a straight line.

On the other hand, the 2013 Toyota Corolla's ride is comfortable, unshaken by road imperfections and the cabin is well isolated. You just don't remember the trip when you get to your destination, as the Corolla isn't an exciting car to drive, nor was it designed to be. Getting to your destination is this 2013 Toyota Corolla's modus operandi.

The K.I.S.S. cockpit
Inside the Corolla, you also won't find anything exciting. You do get a very functional and straightforward dash and instrument panel design, though.

The LE version is equipped with heated front seats, wheel-mounted audio controls, cruise control, a power sunroof and a new infotainment system with a 6.1” touchscreen, a USB port, as well as Bluetooth phone and streaming audio connectivity.

Treat yourself to the Premium Package in the LE trim level and you'll add a power driver's seat, automatic headlights, an intelligent key system, a navigation system and -- are you sitting down? -- plastic woodgrain trim on the centre console and door panels. You also benefit from a climate control system that unfortunately replaces intuitive rotary dials by temperature and fan speed rocker switches.


Thanks to the seat height adjustment, the driver will be able to get comfy. However, the other passengers will feel the low roofline above their heads. The 2013 Toyota Corolla's rear-seat accommodations are average among compact sedans. As for the trunk, its 348-litre capacity is about the same as in the Honda Civic and the Dodge Dart, less than in the Volkswagen Jetta and the Suzuki SX4 Sedan.

Thanks to the seat height adjustment, the driver will be able to get comfy. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour)

A non-negligible purchase criteria in favour of the 2013 Toyota Corolla: it's built right here in Canada. We should pride ourselves in that we're making the best appliances-on-wheels currently on the market.

Former Renault Formula 1 driver, Robert Kubica tested a Mercedes AMG C-Coupe DTM Thusrday at Valencia permanent circuit. The Pole is not ruling out a move to the DTM series for 2013.

Kubica is still handicapped with the limited mobility of his right arm and hand.

"Of course I would rather be driving a Formula 1 car," he is quoted as saying, "but I have to take one step at a time and hope that one day I get the opportunity to sit in a F1 car again," Kubica told Auto Motor und Sport.

"This was just a test to see how it feels to drive a DTM car," the former F1 driver said.

"The DTM season starts quite late (in May), so there is a little more time. It's definitely a possibility, but it depends on various factors. But the most important one is that my pace is right and that I feel comfortable in the car," Kubica added.

From GMM

Lotus is yet to sign a title sponsorship deal with Honeywell, the American technology giant.

Last month, it emerged that the Enstone based team was close to a $30 million per year deal with Honeywell, hot on the heels of Lotus' high profile signing of a sponsor deal with Coca-Cola brand Burn.

But Switzerland's Speed Week now reports that the Honeywell deal is "still a way off".

Team boss Eric Boullier is quoted as agreeing: "There is still nothing signed."

Lotus is scheduled to launch its 2013 car, the Renault-powered E21, on Monday.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

BMW Motorsport press release

Timo Glock is returning to the BMW family and will line up for BMW Motorsport in the DTM in 2013.

This completes the squad of drivers for the new season. Alongside Glock, reigning DTM champion Bruno Spengler, Augusto Farfus, Joey Hand, Andy Priaulx, Martin Tomczyk, Dirk Werner and Marco Wittmann will take their places behind the wheel of the BMW M3 DTM.

Timo Glock, BMW M3 DTM. (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

“We are delighted to have Timo Glock back at BMW Motorsport,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt.

“Over the course of his career, Timo has proven on more than one occasion how valuable he is to any team, thanks to his driving ability and open manner. The fact that he is now returning to the BMW family six years after leaving his role as test driver for the BMW Sauber F1 Team makes this appointment all the more pleasing. I am confident Timo will take no time at all to find his feet in the DTM and will give the fans a lot of pleasure," Marquardt added.

Timo Glock, BMW (Photo: BMW Motorsport)

“It is very exciting for me to drive for BMW again after all these years - and in such a top-class racing series as the DTM,” said Glock.

“I had a fantastic time in Formula One, but am now looking forward to battling for victories again with my old friends at BMW Motorsport. That is the approach I shall be taking to the challenge of the DTM. I am obviously aware I will have to adapt to a few areas. Not all former Formula One drivers have found their feet immediately in the DTM. But I am using precisely that as my motivation. After winning the title in such impressive fashion last year, there can be absolutely no question that the BMW M3 DTM has everything it needs to allow us to compete at the front of the field again in 2013," Glock ended.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone has backed the changes taking place at Mercedes.

Earlier, beleaguered team boss Ross Brawn played down claims the F1 chief executive may be playing a role in the power struggle, as Austrians Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff reportedly pull their weight against Brackley's old guard including Brawn and Nick Fry.

Asked about the shakeup, Ecclestone - holidaying in Kitzbuhel, Austria - told Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper: "I hope it means that Mercedes is much stronger.

"I trust that the new team leaders Niki Lauda and Toto Wolff ... it's new people with new ideas.

"Mercedes has the best engine, strong drivers, enough budget -- I would be disappointed if they are not at the front," the 82-year-old added.

Photo: Mercedes AMG F1 Team

Kyle Busch considered a few offers, but, decided to extend his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing.

Speaking to a group of journalists on a pre-season media tour he said "I did it all privately, but I did meet with some other teams and they were very interested and there were some very nice and lucrative deals I guess you would say that were out there to pursue. Ultimately, what it comes down to I think is relationships and things that you've developed over the last five, six years here. The relationship I have with Coach (Joe) Gibbs (team owner) and J.D. (Gibbs, president), as well as the Toyota folks and the (sponsor) M&M's folks and everybody -- they treat me so well and it just is the decision to stay."

“This is a big deal for us,” said JGR President J.D. Gibbs. “It's no secret that you have to have great drivers to win in NASCAR and in the past year we've been able to secure long-term deals with Kyle and Denny and of course we were able to add Matt (Kenseth) as well. Kyle is a big part of our success at JGR and we're thrilled to know he will be with us for a long time.”

And, despite one of his worst years on the Sprint Cup circuit JGR and Kyle Busch fit hand and glove.

Kyle Busch, Joe Gibbs Racing. (Photo: NASCAR)

"Unfortunately, we had a tough year and it wasn't one that either of us wanted -- myself or Joe Gibbs Racing wanted to have a year like that,” Busch said.  “You look more towards the positive things and what these guys are working on here and what Toyota has been working on for us behind the scenes and what we feel like we can do moving forward to win races."

So is Joe Gibbs Racing where Kyle Busch will stay for the remainder of his driving career?

"You never say never. You never say no to anything. You've always just got to look at what's out there and what options you have. I did have options, which was awesome. I just felt like this was the best place for me. I've been here for a while now. I was a part of bringing Matt (Kenseth) in and having Denny (Hamlin) as a teammate -- that's been working well for the past few years. Being able to have the three crew chiefs that we have with Jason Ratcliff (No. 20 crew chief), who I've won a Nationwide championship, and Dave Rogers, (crew chief) who I've won Nationwide and Cup races with, and Darian Grubb (No. 11 crew chief), who's been a guy who's been at Hendrick like I had. To me, it just shows nothing but positive
growth over here for this organization."

JGR also announced that Busch will return to its' Nationwide team as a primary driver.

From GMM

Portugal has emerged as a candidate to stage the vacant twentieth race date on the 2013 calendar, and France is also in the running.

That's what Bernie Ecclestone said in an interview with Austria's Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper.

Asked about the mid-season and so far unnamed 20th race set aside for a European venue, and also the uncertainty surrounding the venue for the German grand prix, the F1 chief executive admitted: "Frankly, I don't know. For the free date, there is interest from France and now also Portugal with the new Algarve track."

Photo: Circuit du Castellet.

"For the German grand prix, it's still open," he said, amid reports either the Nurburgring or Hockenheim could end up hosting the early July event.

Asked if Austria's Red Bull Ring has a chance, Ecclestone answered: "I am glad to be here (holidaying in Austria). But we have too many races in Europe."

Turning his attention to F1's 2013 season, the 82-year-old insisted there is "no reason" why Vettel cannot continue to chase Michael Schumacher's record by winning a fourth consecutive title this year.

He added: "I expect much more from Mercedes with Lewis (Hamilton) involved, and if they are good then also Nico (Rosberg) has a chance. You can't forget Jenson (Button), although I doubt McLaren will be right at the front. It will be an exciting year."

The folks at General Motors claim that the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Silverado was engineered to be the strongest, smartest, and most capable Silverado ever. Until we get a chance to try it out for ourselves, we'll have to take their word for it.

With a choice of three new EcoTec3 engines, the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado will get any job done. The 4.3L V6 delivers optimum fuel economy, but still has ample torque to power a crew cab pickup and tow a substantial trailer. The 5.3L V8 is designed for more power, more torque, and better efficiency than the current version. Finally, the 6.2L V8 produces 403 horsepower and offers maximum towing capacity.

The Silverado you need
Once again, selection is fantastic when it comes to the Silverado. For 2014, there are not only three engines to choose from, but also three cabin configurations (Regular, Extended, Crew cab), two drivetrains (2WD or 4WD), two cargo box sizes (5'8'' or 6'6''), as well as a plethora of options and accessories.

New technologies
In an ongoing effort to save fuel, GM is launching a new family of EcoTec3 engines with the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado. Direct injection allows a higher compression ratio for more efficient combustion, while continuously variable valve timing helps optimize power, torque and efficiency across a broad range of operating conditions.

Of course, let's not forget cylinder deactivation. All 2014 Silverados are designed to seamlessly switch to four-cylinder mode to improve fuel economy during light-load driving.

Design
This full-size pickup truck has been redesigned from the ground up for a more rugged, more muscular look. The dual power dome hood, full-width bumper and fender flares give it a wider, stronger stance. The front grille is larger, and the headlights have been refined.

Interior styling is new as well. The cabin of the 2014 Chevrolet Silverado is roomier and more comfortable, with the rear doors on extended cab models now hinged at the front for easier access.

Revised ergonomics boost functionality. Important controls were placed closest to the driver and grouped in an easy-to-use layout. Heated fabric seats are available for the first time, too.

More goodness
The 2014 Chevrolet Silverado's new four-wheel disc brakes and Trailer Sway Control increase safety and stability. An automatic locking rear differential, which reacts in milliseconds in low-traction situations to improve handling on wet, snowy or muddy surfaces, is available on all models.

As you know, competition is very fierce in the full-size pickup truck segment. Chevrolet is raising the bar with a number of advanced technologies such as the MyLink connectivity system. Time will tell if that's enough to outsell the competition.

Photo: Colin Styker

After six editions, the NASCAR Nationwide series will not return to Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal for 2013. Here is a video of the 2012 race, won by Justin Allgaier in a Turner Motorsports Chevrolet.

Our multimedia crew put together this great video about the 2012 NASCAR Nationwide race.



The race, which was first staged in 2007, was won by six different drivers: Kevin Harvick, Ron Fellows, Carl Edwards, Boris Said, Marcos Ambrose, and Justin Allgaier.

In 2009, the 76-lap race lasted a record 3h49m19s at an average speed of just 53.8 mph!

On August 18th of last year, former Formula 1 World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve, driving for Team Penske Racing, dominated the race, but was forced to conserve fuel over two green-white-checkered finishes. On the second attempt, Allgaier pulled a bump-and-run on Villeneuve on the final lap to take his first win of the year.

Toyota is the first manufacturer to announce a global debut for the Chicago auto show. The press preview day is Thursday 7 February.

Kia is now the second brand to have announced a global debut for the Chicago auto show. The press preview day is Thursday 7 February.

Chrysler Group's Mopar division is now the third brand to have announced a global debut for the Chicago auto show. The press preview day is Thursday 7 February.

Manufacturers continue to reveal initial details of concepts and new models ahead of their global debuts at the Chicago auto show show. The press preview day is Thursday 7 February.

The media preview day of the 2013 Chicago auto show is today, Thursday 7 February. The following vehicles will be revealed for the first time:

The media preview day of the 2013 Chicago auto show was today, Thursday 7 February. The following vehicles were revealed for the first time:

The first media preview day of the 2013 Chicago auto show was Thursday 7 February. The following vehicles were revealed for the first time:

A final update of just-auto's list of concepts and production models which made their debuts on the 7 February press preview day of the 2013 Chicago auto show.

Also in this episode: Volkswagen goes green in Tennessee, and