Auto News 5

From Delaware Speedway

The Great Canadian Race Weekend kicked off with the ignition of one of the hottest rivalries to hit Delaware Speedway this season. No love was lost between Jeff Shower (No. 44) of Mt. Elgin and Darrell Lake (No. 77) of London as the pair found themselves in an aggressive competition for the lead in the Coca-Cola Super Stocks.

The V8 Stock Muscle Cars were also in action where Derek McCullough (No. 38) of Glencoe took the victory. Devon Bloemendal (No. 01) of Delaware raced hard against the drivers of the Demar Aggregates Trucks to win in their 25-lap feature. The night was sponsored by Krown Rust Control and featured a King of the Hill Spectator's race.

Jeff Showler (No. 44) of Mt. Elgin won the controversial Coca-Cola Super Stocks feature, his third win of the season in championship competition. Kathleen Hosang (No. 16) of London led the first two laps of the race until she was passed by Darrell Lake (No. 77) of London.

Lake and Showler battled early in the event making strong contact in turns three and four cutting one of Darrell Lake's tires and sending him to pit road. In a controversial move with a handful of laps to go in the 35-lap race Lake waited for Showler to approach in hopes of slowing him down enough to allow the second and third positions to catch up.

"Showler had a bit of a run down the back straightaway but he was nowhere near my door so I ran my line. He overdrive the corner and door slammed me," accused Lake in a post-race interview. "At that point there was no way I was going to just let that crap fly. That's absolute nonsense. Way too aggressive. He's supposed to be the championship guy: he should be more worried about saving his car than going for one position in a race. I was going to do everything I could to make sure Showler didn't win this race. Unfortunately I failed but if it was up to me and I was allowed back out there that wouldn't have been the case tonight."

Second and third-place drivers Matt Robblee (No. 51) of Dorchester and Kenny McNicol Jr. (No. 17) of Exeter did make it around Showler as Lake forced him high but ultimately tangled together with four laps to go handing the lead back to Showler.

Jamie Grover (No. 33) of Glencoe then entered the fray attempting to bump Showler out of the way. When the caution came out a final time for a green-white-checker finish Grover was unable to mount another charge sending Showler to victory lane. Grover placed second and rookie driver Branden Verhoeven (No. 7) of Kerwood placed third.

Showler measured his comments in victory lane over the incident with Lake:

"I don't know [what happened], I had a good line off of two and had the inside coming into three and tried on the bottom of three. I don't know why he chose to go to the bottom and got tangled in it," he explained. "He gave me a shot, so I think [he was waiting for me]. I got to thank everyone for coming out whether they're a fan of us or not."

The victory was a key one for Showler. Overcoming the challenges of the night and claiming the victory while many of his challengers faced issues on the track has solidified his points lead over second-place challenger Matt Robblee (No. 51) of Dorchester.

Derek McCullough (No. 38) of Glencoe was thrilled to win the 35-lap V8 Stocks feature. He started the race in the lead and although other drivers challenged him for position he pushed through traffic and refused to allow a pass. Steve Arrand (No. 37) of Ailsa Craig challenged McCullough early in the event and placed second Gary Zwygers (No. 93) of Cambridge finished third. In an unbelievable twist the V8 Stock point championship has swapped one tie for another. Entering the night Steve Arrand was tied with Steve Book (No. 64) of Brantford for the lead. Now, Arrand finds himself tied with McCullough for the lead.

Devon Bloemendal (No. 01) of Delaware won the 25-lap Demar Aggregates Trucks feature with an unprecedented pass over the King of the Trucks Gary Adriaensen (No. 55) of Belmont. Trevor Collver (No. 51) of Lucan led the first nine laps of the feature until he was passed by Adriaensen, who despite winning his heat earlier in the evening, was only able to hold position until lap eleven. Bloemendal pushed past Adriaensen and held position until he saw the checkers. Adriaensen placed second and Brady Smith (No. 39) of Coldstream placed third. There were two cautions; the first caution on lap four was a result of a spin and the second in lap twenty-two for mechanical issues on Collver's truck.

The King of the Hill Spectator's race, in which race fans could enter their street legal cars in support of Jesse's Journey, proved to be a thrilling crowd favourite. One race was even too close to call and it was necessary to stage a rematch. Ultimately a driver of a black Eagle Talon from London won the competition.

Great Canadian Race Weekend continues on Saturday for the Keystone 200. Spectator gates open at 11a.m, with time trials beginning at noon. The green flag is scheduled to fly on the historic race at 2:30 p.m. with autograph sessions taking place earlier in the afternoon.

Former Formula 1 driver and CART series' champion, Italian Alex Zanardi continued to impress by taking his first para-cycling world title with time trial victory in Canada.

Zanardi, who lost both legs in a terrifying accident on the Lausitzring oval in Germany during a CART series' race in 2001, won the H4 category after covering the 17.3km course in 27min15sec.

The likeable Italian, who already won two gold medals at the 2012 London Paralympic Games, wrote on Twitter: "Well that's it, World Champion! I know it won't last, but now I'm happy."

Following Zanardi's latest victory, three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti wrote on Twitter: "Congratulations Zanardi - you continue to amaze!"

Alex Zanardi in London, in 2012. (Photo: London 2012)

From Brockville Speedway

Track titles and bragging rights were on the line this past Saturday at "The BOS" in all division plus the final points in the first ever Ogilvie's Auto and Fleet Triple Crown for the 358 Modified and Sportsman divisions.

The Modifieds were set for 50 laps of racing and with the heads up start format, Lee Ladouceur and Jeff Sykes led the field to Gary Vandermeer's green flag.

Sykes was able to use the outside groove to take the lead away as Ladouceur, Danny O'Brien, Brian McDonald and Pat O'Brien completed the top five spots. Sykes was on rails in the opening laps as he held a six car length lead, working the outside lane to perfection until the first caution flew on lap 12 for defending track champion Kyle Dingwall's spin in Turn 4.

When the green flew Sykes continued his great run with Danny O'Brien, Brian McDonald, Pat O'Brien and Jason Riddell making up the top five.

Danny O'Brien was in pursuit of the lead on lap 20 as Sykes began to enter into lapped traffic. Five laps later, O'Brien used a slick move in Turn 3 to take away the spot using the bottom side of the speedway.

On lap 28 the yellow flew for Luke Stewart who slowed with a flat tire. On the restart O'Brien took command of the lead, but behind him Lee Gill was having quite an adventure.

After a near flip in his heat put him 15th on the starting grid, Gill tried at will to keep pace with his championship rival. After surviving contact with the wall and dodging several race cars along the way Gill was able to break into the top five by lap 30.

On lap 36 the yellow flew again for Joe Banks who spun off Turns 1 and 2.

When the green flew, Danny O'Brien had the fastest car on the track and despite two late race cautions, O'Brien would cruise on the his sixth win of the year and clinch the Ogilvie's Auto and Fleet 358 Modified Triple Crown with older brother Pat O'Brien coming home second.

Lee Gill came home third, sealing up his fifth career track championship. Jeff Sykes and Bobby Herrington rounded out the top five.

The regular season is in the record books but the racing action is not finished yet as the annual Monster Enduro will be set to go in two weeks on Sunday September 15th. Racing begins at 2pm.

From GMM

F1's 'silliest season' has taken a big step towards sanity, as Red Bull finally confirmed Daniel Ricciardo will replace Australian countryman Mark Webber in 2014 and beyond.

Austrian media reports said the 24-year-old has inked a minimally three-year deal.

"Continuity is important to us," Dr Helmut Marko said on Red Bull-owned Austrian television Servus TV. "The contract is therefore for at least three years, as Daniel was not only the youngest candidate but also the one with the most potential."

Daniel Ricciardo. (Photo: Red Bull Racing)

Champions Kimi Raikkonen and perhaps even Fernando Alonso were reportedly considered for the plum seat alongside Sebastian Vettel, but team boss Christian Horner said the Red Bull-groomed Ricciardo was ultimately a "very logical choice".

"We could have taken an experienced driver, somebody guaranteed to deliver to a relatively known level," admitted designer Adrian Newey. "Or equally we could take on a much younger driver in the hope that they'll develop to a very high level."

He said the decision was similar to Williams' deliberations at the end of 1992, when the new champion Nigel Mansell departed.

"We could stick with Riccardo Patrese or take a punt on a young driver called Damon Hill who was our test driver at the time," said Newey. "I think it's good to bring young blood in and give promising drivers a chance."

On the other hand, Red Bull's decision might be interpreted as a nod to German Vettel's increasing influence at the team, as he looks set to win a fourth consecutive world championship this year.

Indeed, the German newspapers Welt and Bild both described Ricciardo as a "nobody".

And Marko admitted Vettel had a say.

"It is a team decision, so of course Sebastian was asked for his opinion," he said.

The timing of Tuesday's announcement was also odd, according to the Telegraph correspondent Tom Cary.

He said it came "in the middle of football's transfer deadline frenzy", and also with many of the sport's top journalists at the London premiere of the new F1 film Rush.

"Perhaps Red Bull did not want the publicity," said Cary. "The Austrian-backed team have been criticised in some quarters for being too conservative with their choice."

Red Bull, however, insist Ricciardo is not a 'number 2', and that he will enjoy equal status and machinery alongside Vettel.

But Dr Helmut Marko also acknowledged that, coming to the champion team from Red Bull's midfield runner Toro Rosso, Ricciardo will take some time - "three to five races" - to steadily adjust and get up to full speed.

For Ricciardo, the news finally becoming official was a big relief.

"It was a bit of a wait," he grinned on Servus TV. "I've made sure I had my phone with me all the time!"

Dr Helmut Marko insisted Ricciardo's current teammate, the similarly Red Bull-groomed Jean-Eric Vergne, had also been in the running.

"When they knew Mark Webber was leaving us, both of them upped their game," he said.

"Unfortunately, there can only be one. But Jean-Eric will have another opportunity next year at Toro Rosso. He is also slightly younger -- he just needs to have patience," added Marko.

From PMRA

Race winners and 2013 season champions were declared during the Thunder by the Beach Weekend at the Grand Bend Motorplex for the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series.

This event was the final for all three drag race series, and along with new event winners, the championship in each series was announced.

After a stellar year with five victories in the PMRA, Rocky Di Lecce of Mississauga, Ontario has been named champion, his first in the Pro Modified series. The Top Sportsman team of Rob Gray and Bill Wilson of Ingersoll, Ontario won their first Quick 32 Sportsman Series title, and Pro Bike rider Dan Cryderman of Thamesville, Ontario won his first championship in PBSS racing.

The Grand Bend race was the seventh and final points race for the PMRA, now in its ninth year. The race marked the sixth and final race for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, presented by NAPA Auto Parts, as well as the sixth and final race of the season for the PBSS, presented by Wiseco Performance Products.

Winning his first PMRA race was Paolo Giust of Osgoode, Ontario. Qualifying third with his 1963 Corvette Pro Modified, Giust caught a good light in the final round and eliminated Derek Hawker of Corbyville, Ontario in his 1968 Firebird with a 6.330-second, 213.57-mph pass.

Di Lecce, who qualified number one in the field, was taken out in the first round by Sam Andreacchi of Toronto, Ontario. Andreacchi was eliminated by Hawker in the semi-final, and number two qualifier Jeff Roth of New Hamburg, Ontario fell victim to Giust in the semi.

Finishing second in PMRA points behind Di Lecce was Jack Grainy of Basom, New York, while Bruce Boland of Stoney Creek, Ontario took third. Hawker placed fourth in points and Giust fifth.

The Wilson and Gray team, with Gray at the wheel of the 2002 Cavalier, qualified number two on the Top Sportsman side of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series and drove through the eliminations to meet up with Darrin Grubb of Kincardine, Ontario. Grubb made Gray work for his win, who posted a 6.925, 187.50 to win over the Pontiac GXP entry of Grubb. Semi-finalists in the event were Spencer Hyde of Stratford, Ontario, and Mike Beska of Waterloo, Ontario.

On the Top Dragster side of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, race, number 16 and final qualifier Jim Rubino of Buffalo, New York marched through the field to meet up with and eliminate Brody Vandergeld of Cambridge, Ontario, who qualified third. Semi-finalists were Tony Positano of Toronto, Ontario and Jeff Moser of Waterloo, Ontario.

Rubino met up with Gray in the event final, but was eliminated in the race, giving the Wilson and Gray their first event victory in series competition.

The top five in the 2013 Quick 32 Sportsman Series championship are Wilson and Gray, the Top Sportsman entries of Kevin Wicke of Stratford, and Spencer Hyde, also of Stratford, then the Top Dragster entries of Melanie Simmons Salemi of Orillia, Ontario, and Jeff Moser.

In PBSS action, which pits Pro Bike entries against Pro Sled entries, Ted Glinny of Milton, Ontario rode his Kawasaki to victory over the Pro Bike Suzuki of Melissa Pluim of Pefferlaw, Ontario in the final eliminator. Glinny qualified fourth with an 8.462, 149.80. Pluim was sixth in qualifying, and eliminated number three qualifier and Pro Bike rider Dave Vandereyken of Acton, Ontario in the semi-final round while Glinny sat out with a bye run.

Cryderman qualified sixth for the PBSS race, and although he was taken out in first round action, he amassed enough points to win his first PBSS championship. Glinny placed second in points for the season, while Pro Bike riders Marty Kuiack of Milton, Ontario placed third, John Orfanidis of Toronto, Ontario fourth, and Curtis Beck, also of Milton, placed fifth.

While the 2013 season is over for the Quick 32 Sportsman Series and the PBSS, the PMRA will take part in the inaugural International Pro Mod Challenge September 20-21 at Maryland International Raceway in Mechanicsville, Maryland.

From GMM

The immediate future of the Italian grand prix is secure.

That is the claim of the Lombardy minister Antonio Rossi, rejecting reports historic Monza could be the victim as Bernie Ecclestone seeks to further expand the F1 calendar beyond Europe.

"The formula one grand prix in Monza is untouchable," he is quoted by Tuttosport.

"Not only because it is an engine for the economy of Brianza, but also because of Expo 2015," said Antonio Rossi.

Indeed, he said the Autodromo Nazionale, in the Villa Reale park, will play a role as Milan hosts the next Universal Exposition, Expo 2015.

Adapted from GMM

Although well prepared, Daniel Ricciardo may take some time to adjust to his new role alongside Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull Racing.

Dr Helmut Marko said the 24-year-old Australian will be given "three to five races" to get up to speed.

Australia's 1980 world champion Alan Jones thinks he might need longer.

"There's been a lot of kids go into that (Red Bull young driver) programme and have never survived it -- and Daniel is one that has," he is quoted by the Melbourne newspaper The Age.

"If it takes Daniel twelve months or thereabouts to get into the groove with (Red Bull), I think they've probably factored that in."

Daniel Ricciardo replacing Mark Webber at Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

Another Australian, McLaren sporting director Sam Michael, also thinks Ricciardo will need some time.

"If he came in and performed right at Sebastian's levels straight away then I think it would be quite amazing," he told reporters during the Vodafone teleconference on Wednesday.

"But ultimately, it's grand prix racing so it's also survival of the fittest. He'll be in there to prove himself as quickly as possible," said Michael.

From GMM

The Spanish grand prix venue in Barcelona has undergone a name change.

Since it was built in 1991, and began hosting the Spanish grand prix the same year, the track has been called Circuit de Catalunya.

But after a new sponsorship deal with the Barcelona City Council was agreed recently, the track will now be known officially as the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The news, reported in Spanish newspapers including El Mundo Deportivo and the sports daily Marca, was confirmed by circuit president Vicenc Aguilera.

At last, I got the opportunity to test drive the new 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid. However, the more time I spent on the road, the more pessimistic I felt about meeting the official fuel economy ratings. I thought the gasoline engine worked for excessively long periods, even at slow cruising speeds.

I was pleasantly surprised when the time came to fill up the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid: While the 1.4L mill is a busy operator, the electric motor significantly contributes to reducing consumption.

There's just one problem with this car, and unfortunately, it had a major impact on the overall driving experience.


What's a Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid?
This upscale compact sedan offers all the amenities and benefits of the Jetta GLI, including an independent rear suspension, a roomy and refined cabin, ergonomically designed controls, and comfortable seats.

Of course, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid burns less fuel by combining gas and electricity. On the other hand, cargo capacity in the trunk is affected by the battery pack.

This upscale compact sedan offers all the amenities and benefits of the Jetta GLI. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid Prices and Specs
A 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine with direct injection, rated at 150 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, teams up with a 20 kW (27 hp) electric motor producing 114 lb-ft of torque to motivate the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid. Total output amounts to 170 hp at 5,000 rpm and 184 lb-ft from a ridiculously low 1,000 rpm. While this results in solid acceleration, you should know that premium gasoline is recommended.

The seven-speed DSG does a nice job but, alas, paddle shifters are nowhere to be found on the steering wheel. I would have liked a tachometer, as well; taking its spot in the instrument cluster were an energy flow display and a power metre.

The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid's Start/Stop technology and regenerative brakes further improve fuel economy, so much so that I averaged 5.9L/100km after travelling 80% of the time on the highway.

Pricing for the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid starts at $27,875 in Trendline trim. Next up is the Comfortline model at $30,175, and then the Highline at $34,025. I tested the latter, which came with a rearview camera, navigation, a power sunroof, and satellite radio.

I averaged 5.9L/100km after travelling 80% of the time on the highway. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Driving the Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid
So, what's the problem I was talking about? It's the damned brakes! They completely annihilated the fun I could have had behind the wheel. Let me explain...

With what I deemed to be “normal” pressure on the brake pedal, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid violently threw my body forward. Therefore, I had to modulate my inputs with extreme care to prevent this from happening every time I wanted to slow down or come to a stop. After seven long hours on the road, however, I still wasn't used to it.

The worst part is how inconsistent the brakes are. The initial sharp deceleration suddenly fades even with steady pressure on the pedal. And upon approaching a red light, the brakes lose friction, so you're again thrown forward. With another car in front of you, that can be scary!

Other than that, the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid has a sharp steering and compliant suspension. While rearward visibility is fairly limited, I was impressed with the smooth transitions between energy sources, which you can follow on the aforementioned display.

While rearward visibility is fairly limited, I was impressed with the smooth transitions between energy sources, which you can follow on the aforementioned display. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Inside and Out of the Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid
Those who've read my review of the Jetta GLI know that I'm not a big fan of this German sedan's looks. The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid sports unique wheels that minimize drag; their size ranges from 15”-17”. A rear lip spoiler and bi-xenon adaptive headlights with LED daytime running lights add flair to the Highline model.

Inside, typical Volkswagen styling applies. The material selection, generous storage and comfortable seats can all be appreciated the moment you settle in. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is driver-friendly, just like the multimedia interface.

The material selection, generous storage and comfortable seats can all be appreciated the moment you settle in. (Photo: Volkswagen)

Comparing the Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid
The Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid boast similar dimensions as 2013 Volkswagen Jetta Turbo Hybrid, while the mid-sized Kia Optima Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid offer more room. From a fuel economy standpoint, you should also consider the all-newChevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel.

If Volkswagen engineers could just improve the infamous braking system, I would have a really hard time complaining about the Jetta Turbo Hybrid.
I know that it's a big gap, the last time I was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen I was 17, and it was a 1986 Jetta! Imagine the shock, it's like switching from a Commodore 64 to a PC overnight. In spite of the fact that I only spent a few hours behind the wheel, my Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid experience was enough to reconcile myself with the brand...but not enough to consider purchasing this vehicle.

Adapted from GMM

Although well prepared, Daniel Ricciardo may take some time to adjust to his new role alongside Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull Racing.

Dr Helmut Marko said the 24-year-old Australian will be given "three to five races" to get up to speed.

Australia's 1980 world champion Alan Jones thinks he might need longer.

"There's been a lot of kids go into that (Red Bull young driver) programme and have never survived it -- and Daniel is one that has," he is quoted by the Melbourne newspaper The Age.

"If it takes Daniel twelve months or thereabouts to get into the groove with (Red Bull), I think they've probably factored that in."

Daniel Ricciardo replacing Mark Webber at Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

Another Australian, McLaren sporting director Sam Michael, also thinks Ricciardo will need some time.

"If he came in and performed right at Sebastian's levels straight away then I think it would be quite amazing," he told reporters during the Vodafone teleconference on Wednesday.

"But ultimately, it's grand prix racing so it's also survival of the fittest. He'll be in there to prove himself as quickly as possible," said Michael.

Toyota is counting on three significantly redesigned cars to help gain sales in China and is on track to meet its goal to sell 900,000 vehicles in the country this year, a company spokesman said.

News 3 Sep, 2013

The Audi Sport quattro concept revealed ahead of debut at Frankfurt Motor Show 2013

News 3 Sep, 2013

The Audi Sport quattro concept revealed ahead of debut at Frankfurt Motor Show 2013

Mercedes-Benz says it has started delivery of its previously-blocked models in France, following the temporary lifting of their ban by the Council of State Court.

Mercedes-Benz says it has started delivery of its previously-blocked models in France, following the temporary lifting of their ban by the Council of State Court.

It's four years since Jaguar revealed the current XJ to the media. A mid-life facelift is yet to appear, but what's termed the '2014 model year' car has just been announced. Glenn Brooks takes a look at what's new.

Top executives at VW started high-level negotiations with the United Auto Workers on Friday on how the union might represent workers at VW's U.S. assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a German newspaper reported today.

Top executives at Volkswagen started high-level negotiations with the UAW on Friday on how the union might represent workers at VW's assembly plant in Tennessee, a German newspaper reported today.

Top executives at VW started high-level negotiations with the United Auto Workers on how the union might represent workers at VW's U.S. assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a German newspaper reported.

Akebono Brake Industry, the Japanese auto-parts maker that counts GM as its biggest customer, is increasing its bet that U.S. auto industry expansion will fuel a revival of earnings growth.