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From press release

The highlight of the NASCAR Touring Series Champions week, the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards banquet, Saturday December 14, concluded a week during wich Ander Vilarino was honored for the second consecutive time.

This ceremony was also attended by various protagonists of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, who lived a memorable trip, highlighted by visits and parties in the most important places of the region at the heart of the NASCAR industry.

Vilarino's week started on Tuesday December 10 with the official photos of the NASCAR Touring Series Champions. The shooting took place at Whisky River, a Western village built on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s property, inside the family's estate in Mooresville.

Ander Vilarino honored for the second consecutive year at the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards in Charlotte. (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)

He then attended the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test at Charlotte Motor Speedway and took part in his first NASCAR Home Tracks Champions Challenge presented by iRacing.com, a race with the simulator in which he faced his colleagues, fans and media representatives.

That night, he received the Champion helmet during a dinner held in the main hall of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, where the No. 2 TFT-Banco Santander Chevrolet SS was on display all week long.

To conclude this week with a grand finale, awards were given to the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series various winners during a breakfast held at the Westin in downtown Charlotte, before attending the evening NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards at the city's Convention Center, in the complex of the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

Invited on stage like other champions, Ander Vilarino received his 2013 champion's trophy from Phil Kurze, Vice-President Motorsport of Whelen Engineering, and then received the ring, a symbol of his status, from the hands of Mike Helton, NASCAR's President.

Despite the fact that he had quite a difficult time in 2013 behind the wheel of his BMW Bank M3 DTM, Canadian driver Bruno Spengler remains the top performer in the history of the series.

Bruno Spengler holds sixth position for the greatest number of race wins, but he is the best in terms of victories-per-race contested.

Spengler's domination is well illustrated by the number of pole positions and fastest laps he has collected since his arrival in the DTM in 2005.

The Canadian clinched pole position every 5.8 races. He has also set the fastest lap every 6.6 races. Only Bernd Schneider scored better than Spengler with an average of one fastest lap every 3.7 races.

Bruno Spengler, BMW (Photo: DTM Media)

Statistics

Number of wins:
1. Bernd Schneider 33
2. Klaus Ludwig 31
3. Gary Paffett 20
4. Kurt Thiim 20
5. Mattias Ekström 17
6. Bruno Spengler 14

Number of pole positions:
1. Bernd Schneider 21
2. Mattias Ekström 20
3. Kurt Thiim 16
4. Bruno Spengler 16

Number of fastest lap:
1. Bernd Schneider 52
2. Nicola Larini 18
3. Klaus Ludwig 17
4. Bruno Spengler 14

Number of races contested in career:
1. Bernd Schneider 197
2. Klaus Ludwig 180
3. Kurt Thiim 173
15. Gary Paffett 102
... Bruno Spengler 93

From GMM

Paul di Resta appears almost certain to return to the German touring car series DTM in 2014.

The Scot has lost his Force India seat, and the only remaining places on next year's grid - at Sauber, Marussia and Caterham - are likely to be filled by drivers with significant backing.

Di Resta had flirted with switching to the American Indycar series, possibly to replace his retiring cousin Dario Franchitti in the top Ganassi seat.

But Ganassi has signed Australian driver Ryan Briscoe instead.

Paul di Resta, leading the race in Shanghai, in 2010, the year he was Champion. (Photo: WRi2)

"It is now almost definite that Di Resta will return to DTM, a title he won in 2010, with Mercedes," The Scotsman correspondent Jim McGill reports.

McGill said following Mark Webber to Le Mans could be another option, but for now, 27-year-old di Resta is not confirming the news.

"I'm not in a position to say what I'll be doing next year," he said.

"But one thing I know definitely is that I'll be in a competitive car, in a series I know I'll be capable of not only winning races, but also the championship."

From GMM

Drivers are spending the last days before Christmas coming up with the numbers they will carry for the rest of their formula one careers.

After the FIA kicked off the selection process, telling drivers they should name their top three picks between 2-99, it has already emerged that Force India's Sergio Perez has plumped for number 11.

It is believed Fernando Alonso considers 14 to be his lucky number, Jean-Eric Vergne wants the iconic 27, and Nico Rosberg has asked to carry number 6, which was raced to the 1982 title by his father Keke.

Now, adding the hashtag 'Bo77as', Williams driver Valtteri Bottas has told his 49,000 followers on Twitter that he has put down 77 as his first choice.

Felipe Massa has nominated the number 19, but others - like new Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo - aren't saying.

"For now I'll keep mine quiet," he said. "(But) it's a beautiful thing F1 drivers will have freedom to choose what number they want to race from next year."

His replacement at Toro Rosso, Daniil Kvyat, admitted: "I have been thinking all night long about my number."

And Lotus' Romain Grosjean added: "My 3 favourites sent to the FIA, but will keep it secret for now."

Finland's Ilta-Sanomat newspaper said Kimi Raikkonen has picked the number 7 to wear on his helmet and Ferrari next year.

Kimi Raikkonen's helmet from the 2013 season, with number 7. (Photo: WRi2)

Michelin is recalling approximately 76,000 tires manufactured between January 2010 and June 2012 because an increasing number are experiencing tread loss and/or rapid air loss.

Identified as ''Michelin LTX M/S LT 225/75R16 115/112R LRE,'' these tires are typically found on such vehicles as commercial light trucks, full-sized heavy duty vans, small RVs, and some large pickup trucks. They were fitted as original equipment or sold as new replacement tires.

Owners of the affected tires should visit an authorized Michelin retailer as soon as possible to have the tires replaced at no charge.

DESCRIPTION	SEQUENCE DOT	PRODUCTION DATES (WEEK/YEAR)
Michelin LTX M/S LT 225/75R16 115/112R LRE	B3JH AKEX	0210-2512

From GMM

Lewis Hamilton is not quite a match for F1's top drivers Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso.

That is the view of Mark Webber, who after retiring from formula one has already moved on to his next challenge, testing his 2014 Le Mans car and being officially unveiled as Porsche's lead driver.

But when asked to name the pick of the F1 field, veteran Australian Webber hovered between his friend Fernando Alonso, and his former Red Bull teammate Vettel.

"On Sundays Fernando over two hours is a handful," Mark Webber told the BBC. "There is no question about that. Over one lap I think he's not with Seb. But on Sundays between those two it's very, very tight."

Mercedes' Hamilton, Webber added, comes next.

"Lewis is handy but probably not quite as much of a machine as those two are. They (Vettel and Alonso) are literally 'plug them in and off they go'."

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, in Montreal. (Photo: WRi2)

But while Webber struggles to choose between Alonso and Vettel, he thinks F1's reigning quadruple world champion remains the favourite for 2014 spoils -- even with the regulations changing so dramatically.

"It's an engine category next year more than probably a car-aerodynamic category, which is probably not a bad thing for some people," he said.

"But there will also still be decent driver input, especially from a brainpower perspective in terms of pacing and managing and all the technology the cars are going to have next year, which will help Sebastian," added Webber.

"That's right up his alley. Perfect for him."

The world-famous Millau Viaduct opened to traffic on December 16th, 2004. It's one of the highest bridges on the planet, with 270 metres (890 feet) separating the road deck from the River Tarn below. It's 343 metres tall overall -- taller than the Eiffel Tower!

Because of this, numerous pictures show the Millau Viaduct through a sea of clouds. At this altitude, winds can sometimes reach speeds of 200 km/h.

It's a major tourist attraction for this region of Southern France, and it connects the town of Clermont-Ferrand with Béziers.

The toll is usually €4.40 for bicycles and €32.40 for heavy trucks, but varies throughout the year.

Construction of the Millau Viaduct began in December 2001, and the inauguration took place on December 14th, 2004.

So far, more than 40 million vehicles have crossed the bridge.

Source: Wikipedia

Photo: Wikipedia

BMW announced that the new 2 Series coupe will make its global debut next month at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, alongside the fourth-generation M3 and the new M4 coupe.

In case you haven't heard, BMW now uses odd numbers for sedans and even numbers for coupes. Consequently, the new 2 Series Coupe will replace the outgoing 1 Series.

In the U.S. the two trim levels will include 228i (240 hp, $33,025) and M235i (322 hp, $44,025). No information about the Canadian market has been released so far.

Source : thedetroitbureau.com

Photo: BMW

From GMM

Red Bull has admitted it might consider joining the FIA's new electric single seater series, Formula E.

World champion Sebastian Vettel recently admitted he is no fan of the city racing concept, despite the fact the almost-silent cars are being built by famous F1 names Williams and McLaren.

"I don't like it at all," the Red Bull driver said. "I think the people come here to feel formula one and there's not much to feel when a car goes by and you don't even hear anything else but the wind."

Many, however, do not agree with Sebastian Vettel.

Former F1 driver Michael Andretti has entered a team, as has the German carmaker Audi. Alain Prost is involved with the E.Dams outfit, and Super Aguri will be on the grid when the racing kicks off in China next September.

The concept has even wooed Virgin back to open wheel racing, while Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio is listed as a founder of the Venturi team.

Photo: FIA Formula E

F1 world champion Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko said: "We have been asked (to enter a team), but at the moment our full focus is on formula one.

"We will look again at this series and re-evaluate after the first season," he told the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag.

Meanwhile, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has admitted the marque should give "serious consideration" to taking on Le Mans with a prototype sports car.

"We have won with the 458 GTE," he said at Ferrari's Christmas lunch, "but I also quite like the idea of racing at Le Mans in the highest category. Who knows, maybe one day we can return and win, say thanks and come home."

From GMM

Eric Boullier has denied rumours he is set to leave Lotus.

The Enstone based team's boss took to his personal Twitter account to declare: "I have never received any (other) offers and I have not resigned".

The rumours were triggered by well-known F1 correspondents including Bianca Garloff, of the German magazine Sport Bild.

"Just heard that Eric Boullier might have resigned from his job. He does not want to be responsible for the chaos there anymore," she said, adding that the information came from a Renault source.

And Anthony Rowlinson, a British journalist for F1 Racing magazine, said he has also heard that Frenchman Boullier is heading to Sahara Force India.

Rowlinson said his source is the "little bird who placed Sergio Perez with Force India".

Lotus E21. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Pirelli will stage an extensive and important Formula 1 tire test at Bahrain International Circuit this week, from December 17 to 19.

Interestingly, only four of the 11 F1 teams will take part in the three-day test.

Red Bull Racing and Scuderia Ferrari have opted to run their reserve drivers while Mercedes AMG decided to put Nico Rosberg in the W04 all three days.

Mercedes AMG F1 wrote on its Twitter account Monday: “For those asking, Lewis Hamilton has already begun his high-altitude winter training programme, which is why he won't be in Bahrain”.

The Italian tire manufacturer has confirmed it will bring prototype tires from across its 2014 dry-weather range.

December 2013 Bahrain tire test

Teams line-up:
• Red Bull Racing: Sebastien Buemi - Dec. 17-18-19
• Mercedes AMG: Nico Rosberg - Dec. 17-18-19
• Scuderia Ferrari: Pedro de la Rosa - Dec. 17-18; Jules Bianchi - Dec. 19
• Scuderia Toro Rosso: Jean-Eric Vergne - Dec. 17 and 18 am; Daniil Kvyat - Dec. 18 pm and 19.

Photo: Pirelli

Citroen Racing confirmed that Jose Maria Lopez will drive the third C-Elysee in the 2014 WTCC alongside Yvan Muller and Sebastien Loeb.

This is no surprise as Lopez, from Argentina was the only driver known to have tested the C-Elysee during the last months. He will contest all rounds the WTCC in 2014 with Muller and Loeb.

Lopez only contested one WTCC meeting in his career, but it was enough  to take victory in race 2 on his home soil, at circuit of Termas de Rio Hondos, Argentina, driving a BMW 320 TC.

Citroën also announced that a fourth C-Elysee will be entered in the last part of the season, for the races held in Asia, for a Chinese driver to be nominated.

The initial plan was to run Robert Kubica in selected rounds, but the Pole left Citroën to join Ford M-Sport in WRC next season.

C-Elysee WTCC. (Photo: Citroen Racing)

From GMM

2014 looks set to be a key year in the history of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone.

He is already waiting to hear if German prosecutors will push ahead with a criminal trial, amid the Gerhard Gribkowsky corruption scandal.

The Munich state bank BayernLB intends to file a $400 million civil suit in the new year, and a seven-week, $100 million battle in the London high court with Constantin has just ended.

But the Telegraph reports that the judge will not declare the outcome of that bribery trial until the first weeks of 2014.

Reuters correspondent Keith Weir added that judge Guy Newey "is expected to take several weeks to review the evidence, common in complex civil cases".

From GMM

Sauber is still scrambling to secure its future, according to the latest reports.

The Swiss team has now announced that Adrian Sutil is replacing the Force India-bound Nico Hulkenberg in 2014.

But Sauber said late on Friday: "The second driver will be announced at a later date."

So what happened to the much-vaunted Russian rescue deal, where the Russian teen Sergey Sirotkin was set to be in the Swiss-made cockpit?

According to the well-connected correspondent for the Swiss newspaper Blick, Roger Benoit, Sauber is now looking into working with a new group of investors.

Reportedly, the unnamed group visited Sauber's Hinwil factory last week.

"They want to take over the team and install new management," said Benoit.

Benoit revealed that, a year ago, an investor group headed by 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen expressed interest in buying Sauber.

"Kimi was just the middleman," confirmed team founder Peter Sauber, who brought the Finn into F1 as a rookie in 2001.

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

2014 Toyota Highlander Review

Fifty-eight juice boxes can fit into the center console of the 2014 Highlander.

Carmel, California -- Fifty-eight juice boxes can fit into the center console of the 2014 Toyota Highlander. If you filled every seat of the eight-passenger SUV, everyone could have seven drinks, with a couple left over. Would we try such an experiment? Of course not, but Toyota performed this juice-jamming exercise to underscore that the Highlander will remain true to its mission as a comfortable, versatile, and spacious family hauler.

Photo Gallery: 2014 Toyota Highlander Review - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: 2014 Toyota Highlander Review - Automobile Magazine

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Judge Halts Toyota Sudden Acceleration Cases, Settlement Talks Begin

Plaintiffs, Toyota agree to start settlement talks on acceleration cases.

Cases dealing with the alleged unintended acceleration of Toyota and Lexus vehicles are still ongoing, but the legal wrangling may soon be drawing to a close, or so the company hopes. Following an order for U.S. District Court judge James V. Selna, who issued an order last Thursday halting the suits, Toyota is meeting with attorneys representing parties that suffered injury or death in the alleged sudden acceleration cases for Toyota and Lexus vehicles to begin an "intensive settlement process" after both Toyota and the lawyers asked for time to try to settle the cases, Bloomberg reports.

Photo Gallery: Judge Halts Toyota Sudden Acceleration Cases, Settlement Talks Begin - Rumor Central

Photo Gallery: Judge Halts Toyota Sudden Acceleration Cases, Settlement Talks Begin - Rumor Central

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A Houston-area dealership has distanced itself from the personality who claimed to 'do heroic things' occasionally while making 'great car deals happen' every day.

The U.S. Treasury Department's sale last week of its final shares of GM stock hasn't erased controversy over the bailout that gave Treasury a stake in the nation's biggest automaker.

General Motors' graveyard of dead brands will not be getting a new member in 2017 when Holden production ends in Australia. The brand will live on, said GM spokesman Greg Martin.

Ricardo Mauricio won the Brazilian stock car championship, this Sunday at Interlagos.

The Eurofarma RC driver pipped rival Thiago Camilo (Ipiranga-RCM) for his second title with a second place finish behind former F1 driver Ricardo Zonta, who secured his first win in the series.

"I want to thank God," admitted a relieved Zonta after the race. "This victory (comes) at a very important time in my career."

Caca Bueno completed the podium, while problems dropped Camilo, who was leading four laps from the finish, to sixth at the checkered flag.

Other big names in the race included Luciano Burti (seventh), Rubens Barrichello (eighth) and Bruno Senna (15th).

Mauricio, Zonta and Bueno celebrate on the podium (Photo: Rodrigo Ruiz/Vicar)

Race results - Brazilian stock car finale (Interlagos)
1. Ricardo Zonta (BMC Racing) - 30 laps in 51min46s059
2. Ricardo Mauricio (Eurofarma RC) - 0.707
3. Cacá Bueno (Red Bull Racing) - 1.536
4. Allam Khodair (Vogel Motorsport) - 1.688
5. Max Wilson (Eurofarma RC) - 4.458
6. Thiago Camilo (Ipiranga-RCM) - 4.698
7. Luciano Burti (Boettger Competições) - 15.715
8. Rubens Barrichello (Full Time Competições) - 18.782
9. Átila Abreu (Mobil Super Pioneer Racing) - 18.797
10. Valdeno Brito (Shell Racing) - 23.636
(...)
15. Bruno Senna (Shell Racing) - 35.056