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From GMM

As a new race to lead F1's governing body kicks off, Gerhard Berger has become the second major figure to question the success of current president Jean Todt's rule.

David Ward, a close former colleague of Max Mosley, has announced his intention to stand against Frenchman Todt in December's election.

Comments by Mosley on Sunday might be interpreted as the battle's opening salvo, when he said Todt was partly to blame for the financial struggle of many F1 teams because he "was never a friend of cost limits".

"Now formula one has a big problem," Mosley told Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

Also asked about F1's financial crisis, and the fact many fans are bemoaning the confusing state of the sport at present, former driver and team owner Gerhard Berger also pointed a finger.

Photo: WRi2

Asked specifically if the sport needs a shakeup, the Austrian told Bild am Sonntag: "The time is probably ripe. In formula one, the old adage 'too many cooks spoil the broth' is more and more true. Previously, Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone worked as a unit. But today we have in Jean Todt and Ecclestone two chefs who have different tastes and different spices. This leads us to something that is expensive and also difficult for many of the fans to understand."

A big problem, Berger added, is the constantly-changing rules, overseen and governed by the Todt-led FIA.

"In football, you could also make the field bigger, smaller, allow 15 players, 10 players, make the goal bigger, smaller. But they don't. Football is easy to understand, but this is a difficult moment in formula one."

Not only that, Berger said constantly-changing rules are associated with "insane costs" for the middle-ranked teams, in a market of declining sponsorship.

Like many purists, he is particularly critical of recent developments such as DRS, the moveable rear wing flap that has all but replaced the more traditional - although rare - species of overtaking.

"I don't like these ways to artificially improve the show," Berger admitted. "And I honestly believe that it's the same for the fans as well. They want a real sport."

And, like Mosley, Berger gives a vote of confidence to Ecclestone, even though the 82-year-old Briton is facing bribery charges that could bring him down.

"He has led this sport for decades with perfection, vision, cunning and hard work to great success, for which we all have to thank him," said Berger.

"As long as he is fit, there is no one better. But formula one is owned by the investment group CVC, who would normally hang on to an investment for up to ten years. And that time is basically up."

"I believe that a reorganisation is necessary and quite possible," he said, "and the FIA and Todt will play an important role."

From GMM

James Calado will drive a Sahara Force India on Friday morning at Monza.

A month ago, rumours suggested the GP2 frontrunner - a 24-year-old Briton - would soon be signed as the Silverstone based team's new reserve driver.

The news was confirmed officially by team boss Vijay Mallya on Monday.

"I'm pleased to confirm that we've signed James as our third driver," he said.

Vijay Mallya said Calado, who is managed by Nicolas Todt, will drive on Friday morning at Monza, and also in initial practice "at several other races this year".

"It's always useful to get another driver's feedback on the car and it will help us evaluate James," he added.

Sahara Force India's current race drivers are Paul di Resta and Adrian Sutil.

James Calado testing with Sahara Force India. (Photo: WRi2)

L.P. Dumoulin earned his second NASCAR Canadian Tire Series' victory by winning the Pinty's presents the Clarington 200 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

The 2011 series rookie of the year claimed the victory over runner-up Martin Roy and third-place Andrew Ranger after 42 laps under a yellow-checkered finish.

A multi-car accident in Turn 8 of the 2.459-mile course brought out the record-tying sixth caution.

D.J. Kennington, who took over the points lead finished fourth while J.R. Fitzpatrick rounded out the top five.

Rookies Marc-Antoine Camirand and Gary Klutt finished sixth and seventh, respectively. Jeff Lapcevich, Howie Scannell Jr. and Robin Buck rounded out the top 10.

With two races remaining, Kennington leads Steckly by three points (387-384) and Dumoulin (366) by 21. Hathaway dropped a spot, six points back of Dumoulin.

The runner-up finish for Roy was his best in 26 career starts, and well ahead of his previous best result in three appearances at the track, which was 14th.

Sunday marked the first time in 85 all-time Canadian Tire Series events that the podium consisted entirely of Quebec natives with Dumoulin, Roy (Napierville) and Ranger (Roxton Pond).

With the road-course portion of the schedule complete, the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series wraps up the 2013 campaign with a pair of oval track races. Next up is the Hudco Electric Supply 300 at Barrie (Ont.) Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 8.

I'm a big guy who's always loved the MINI Cooper because it's a machine that's surprisingly accommodating, great on fuel, and (most importantly) hilariously fun to drive. Building on that last attribute, MINI just released a new model targeting hardcore MINI-fans after a no-nonsense, all-out, race-ready sports model: The MINI John Cooper Works GP.


What is a MINI John Cooper Works GP?
On the surface, decals, special wheels, a splitter, a spoiler, and enlarged exhaust tips strongly signal this top-line sports model's intentions. Beneath the skin, it's got shock absorbers that can be adjusted with a wrench to fine-tune the handling to your favourite racetrack, very special Kumho racing slicks, and a set of brakes from the BMW 1M performance car. These deliver prodigious stopping power -- especially considering the GP's light weight.

That weight is even trimmer here than in standard form because the MINI GP has no rear seat, no cruise control, and no spare tire provisions.

This MINI Cooper is equip with a very special Kumho racing slicks and a set of brakes from the BMW 1M performance car. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP Price and Specs
Power comes from a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 211 horsepower and nearly as much torque -- and the effect in a car as small and light as the GP translates into some serious firepower. Low-end grunt is richly delivered in an on-demand manner, and a mellow, deep and distinctive exhaust note follows the GP.

Mileage on my watch landed well under 9L/100km -- including plenty of high-speed highway driving. Few machines on the road today pack this powerful a blend of fuel efficiency and all-out performance.

You can park a 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP in your driveway starting at $44,900.

Power comes from a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 211 horsepower and nearly as much torque -- and the effect in a car as small and light as the GP translates into some serious firepower. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Driving the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP
Drivers can watch the neck-straining acceleration via the Cooper GP's dinner-plate-size speedometer that sits just above the light-effort 6-speed manual shifter. The clutch bites positively, though the electronic throttle numbs gas-pedal inputs when drivers shift assertively, perhaps trying to keep undue strain off the driveline.

Engage the sport-enhancing “GP Mode” from the traction control system to drive like a bit of a hooligan, and the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP shines. The immediacy, even abruptness, to inputs uses every touch of the pedal and every twist of the wheel to tell you that this is a serious performance car. The MINI GP offers startling reactions to all inputs, handling that's completely flat, and more grip than you'll know what to do with.

Stopping power is rather startling, too. Stopping space was frequently over-judged for hard-brake testing. The 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP feels like it'll nearly do an end-o when you jam the middle pedal.

Ultimately, it's the car's steering that shines the brightest. Even the smallest movement is translated into a big steering reaction, supporting an effortlessly mischievous corner-carving experience.

If I've ever driven a car on this side of 70k that felt so ready to hit the racetrack, I don't know what it was. As opposed to building a weekend racecar yourself, this one has a warranty and doesn't require waiting for your eBay parts to arrive so you can slave away for hours in the garage to install them.

The 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP is relatively peaceful, refined, and easygoing on the highway, too.

Drivers can watch the neck-straining acceleration via the Cooper GP's dinner-plate-size speedometer that sits just above the light-effort 6-speed manual shifter. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Inside and Out of the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP
Where “fun factor” is concerned, the Cooper GP nails it. Though it shines when driven hard, it's also “fun” when it comes time to refuel, given its very high thrills-per-litre ratio. The GP can also snipe any parking space or gap in traffic as required thanks to its humorous size.

Complaints mainly centered around the lack of cruise control, which results in accidental arrival at way-too-high speeds on the highway as the sneaky little turbocharger discreetly ramps velocities upwards.

Finally, shoppers are cautioned to be sure they'll benefit from the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP's track-readiness, as the tires offer a mere 50 wear rating, and the racing suspension requires a more intensive maintenance schedule than standard models.

The GP can also snipe any parking space or gap in traffic as required thanks to its humorous size. (Photo: Justin Pritchard)

Comparing the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works GP
There's no other hot-hatch quite like this one. Neither the Mazdaspeed3, nor the Volkswagen GTI nor the Ford Focus ST feel as sharp, agile or instantly ready to hit the track, even if they are less expensive and more everyday friendly. Conversely, the Cooper GP's price will easily get shoppers a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or Subaru WRX STI -- both of which deliver all-season performance, all-wheel drive thrills and plenty of racecar hardware, too.

Shoppers interested in the MINI GP's blend of giggle-inducing dynamics, fuel efficiency and standout factor are advised to investigate the model quickly: only 50 are available for the Canadian market.

From GMM

After Ferrari ruled out a driver announcement for its home race at Monza, F1's sillier-than-usual 'silly season' is set to race into yet another week.

A cursory look at the famous Italian team's situation would conclude that only Felipe Massa's expiring contract is under review.

"I know I must have a better second half of the season, after a first one where unfortunately, the results were lacking in some races, but the performance has always been up there," the Brazilian said whilst accepting an award in Italy at the weekend.

"I think I still have a very strong chance of staying with Ferrari."

Team boss Stefano Domenicali has said his "first choice" is to "keep Felipe".

"When you look around," he told F1's official website, "there are not so many drivers out there that you swap and they immediately deliver."

Photo: WRi2

That comment is perhaps a sign that only someone like Kimi Raikkonen - the jewel in the 2013 silly-season - is under consideration, rather than a riskier choice like Nico Hulkenberg.

Indeed, Finn Raikkonen is the fly in the ointment, and not only at Ferrari.

Definitely wanted by Lotus and possibly still Red Bull, Ferrari's 2007 world champion has in recent days even been linked with a return to McLaren.

Raikkonen's candidature is causing ructions not only at Ferrari, but also Red Bull.

Dr Helmut Marko wants to promote Daniel Ricciardo to become Sebastian Vettel's teammate next year, but the world champion team's British faction - Christian Horner and Adrian Newey - reportedly favours Raikkonen.

But the only man with the power to decide is team owner Dietrich Mateschitz.

According to Bild newspaper, the Austrian billionaire has been holidaying in the South Pacific in recent days, and preparing to press the button on Vettel alongside Ricciardo for 2014.

However, turning down Raikkonen could gift the highly talented 33-year-old to direct rivals Ferrari or McLaren, potentially creating formidable lineups of Alonso-Raikkonen or Jenson Button-Raikkonen.

And with Mercedes already fielding Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, can Red Bull afford to battle those sorts of all-star lineups with Vettel-Ricciardo?

Might a sign of Mateschitz's ultimate choice be the news that Red Bull has stepped up as the title sponsor of Raikkonen's 'Iceone' motocross team for 2014?

A major factor counting against a possible return to Ferrari for Raikkonen is Fernando Alonso, the team's clear 'number 1' who openly would prefer to keep Massa on board.

"Kimi is not worried about the others," former F1 driver Mika Salo told Turun Sanomat newspaper.

"He will not pay attention to Alonso's status or try to take an advantage wherever he can. But it can be expected that Fernando would not like it (being paired with Raikkonen)," he admitted.

One reporter at a media conference at Spa recently said Alonso gave only a 'strange shrug' when asked directly if he will be at Ferrari next year, irrespective of his long contract.

And, now, Alonso has the 'Twittersphere' buzzing after issuing a tantalising 'tweet' on Sunday.

"I have important news coming these days," he wrote. "Stay tuned here on Twitter and on the web."

Of course, the 32-year-old might just be preparing to announce a new personal sponsor. Or perhaps his engagement to his Russian model girlfriend Dasha.

Perhaps he's still just being mischievous; sending yet another message to Ferrari that he needs a better car. And his preferred choice of teammate.

Boss Domenicali denies there is a 'power struggle' between the team and Alonso.

"No, no, this is something that I totally reject," he said. "We want to win together."

And according to Gerhard Berger, that's where a Finn also comes in.

Asked by Bild am Sonntag to name his ideal driver lineup for 2014, the famous Austrian answered: "Alonso and Raikkonen."

Kyle Busch's championship drive went into high gear as he held off Joey Logano for the victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday evening.

The 28-year old, who is one of NASCAR's most prolific winners (with 121 victories across NASCAR's three top divisions), ironically, has never been close to winning a championship in Sprint Cup.

That may about to change when NASCAR's playoff's “The Chase” starts after next week's race in Richmond. With four wins this year it ties him with five-time champion Jimmie Johnson for the second seed behind Matt Kenseth.

“I think if you can pin a championship night on one race or a championship on one night in a race, I think tonight was the night,” Busch said.  

And he did it in a car he labeled "a joke" early in the race.

"It was at first," Busch admitted. "That's why we race 500 miles, I guess. Man, I don't know where it came from but these guys--(crew chief) Dave Rogers--the guys never gave up. They made some really good calls, and I commend them. It was their race today."

Photo: NASCAR

Speaking of the Chase six drivers are now locked in based on ending up in the top ten, Johnson, Clint Bowyer, Kevin Harvick, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch and Kenseth. A seventh driver, Kasey Kahne, is locked in on a wild card because he has two wins this year.

The eventual victor took the lead by beating his opponents out of the pits for the restart on lap 293 of the 325-lap race. From that point it was a matter of holding off former teammate, Joey Logano which he did with ease for a margin of victory of .740 seconds.

Logano, who led the most laps, just needed longer runs to close on Busch. ““I felt like I had the race-winning Ford here; (it) was so fast. It just took it seven-eight laps to get going,” Logano said. “I just wish there was five or six more laps. You know, you're catching them so quick and you're passing all these guys. It made it a lot of fun, but ahhh ... it's just frustrating.”

Martin Truex Jr., who drove with a cast on broken wrist finished third. In fact the cast melted due to the extreme heat in his car. "It hurts like hell,” said Truex. “My cast is pretty much like goo -- I don't know. It's like just -- see how soft it got. It got to the point where it didn't feel like it was doing anything. My wrist was moving around a lot more than I wanted it to. It hurts. It got a real sharp pain in it -- it's broke. It hurts."

Photo: NASCAR

Truex may be in pain, but he has a five point lead over Ryan Newman his closest rival for the second wild card slot in the Chase.

Kurt Busch who finished fourth is tenth in the points six points ahead of four-time champion Jeff Gordon.

An engine failure claimed Brad Keselowski all-but eliminating him from the Chase. Not even a win at Richmond might change it and he could become the first reigning Cup Champion to miss the Chase since Tony Stewart in 2006.

GM expects the automobile industry in the Middle East to show growth that is sustainable, but at a slower rate than in the last few years, hurt by uncertainty and political crisis in markets such as Egypt and Syria.

GM expects 2013 sales of Chevrolet cars and light trucks to reach 5 million for the first time in its 100-year history, spurred in part by growth in the Middle East, said the global head of Chevrolet, Alan Batey.

GM and Ford, trying to shake off decades of insularity, are looking to California's Silicon Valley and beyond for innovative ideas and technology that could disrupt and even transform the car business.

BMW wants to expand its DriveNow car-sharing program to U.S. cities that will allow its electric vehicles to be picked up and dropped off on public streets.

GM and Ford, trying to shake off decades of insularity, are looking to California's Silicon Valley and beyond for innovative ideas and technology that could disrupt and even transform the car business.

BMW wants to expand its DriveNow car-sharing program to U.S. cities that will allow its electric vehicles to be picked up and dropped off on public streets.

Model: 2006 to 2012 Porsche Cayman

Vehicle Type: Performance Coupe

The Verdict: Most Cayman owners report a worry-free driving experience, although some well-documented and serious issues mean a mechanical check-up is a must.

Price: Pricing sees used Porsche Cayman models from this generation starting around $25,000 for an older, higher-mileage unit with the smaller-displacement engine, and climbing towards $75,000 for newer, low-mileage 2012 models. Shoppers will find plenty of selection in the $30,000 to $50,000 range depending on mileage, condition, and options.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

What Owners Like: Styling, handling, pedigree, exclusivity, and the Porsche brand's heritage in building pure performance cars were all given as key purchase considerations by existing owners. Other plusses include the two-trunk layout, easy entry and exit, and an easy-to-drive character. Fuel mileage is also highly rated.

What Owners Dislike: Tight cabin quarters for larger drivers, as well as a noisy ride and dated interior appearance were among the most common complaints for a used Porsche Cayman.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Continue reading 2006-2012 Porsche Cayman Pre-Owned

From ALMS

Klaus Graf and Lucas Luhr combined to clinch their second consecutive American Le Mans Series championship with a victory in the Grand Prix of Baltimore presented by SRT, their sixth consecutive victory from the 2013 season.

The race was shortened to one hour, 13 minutes after a multi-car incident completely blocked the front straight of the Inner Harbor street circuit seconds after the initial waving of the green flag.

One of the restarts. (Photo: ALMS)

It was the shortest race in ALMS history, with Graf and Luhr leading four times for 17 of the 41 laps in the No. 6 Muscle Milk Pickett Racing HPD ARX-03c. The race featured eight lead changes among five different cars representing three classes.

Luhr took the lead for good by passing Guy Smith in the Turn 3 hairpin with 13 minutes remaining and then beat Smith to the checkered flag by 3.867 seconds. Smith led briefly down the stretch in the No. 16 Mazda/Thetford/Norcold Lola B12/60 started by Chris Dyson.



Jan Magnussen made a third-to-first move to take the GT lead shortly after the final restart, and held off teammate Tommy Milner by .457 seconds in a 1-2 finish for Corvette Racing.

Marino Franchitti took his fourth P2 victory of the season in the No. 552 HPD ARX-03b, joined by new Level 5 Motorsports teammate Guy Cosmo. The victory gave Franchitti the lead in the PC class championship standings.

Tristan Nunez went from third to first in the closing minutes to win in Prototype Challenge presented by Continental Tire (PC) in the No. 18 ORECA FLM09.

In GTC, Dion von Moltke and Seth Neiman led most of the way in the No. 44 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. Second, only .843 seconds behind, was Jeroen Bleekemolen in the No. 22 WeatherTech Porsche started by Cooper MacNeil.

Results
1. (1) Klaus Graf/Lucas Luhr (6-P1), HPD ARX-03c, 41 laps
2. (2) Chris Dyson/Guy Smith (16-P1), Lola B12-60 Mazda, 41
3. (7) Guy Cosmo/Marino Franchitti/Scott Tucker (552-P2), HPD ARX-03b, 41
4. (5) Scott Sharp/Anthony Lazzaro (01-P2), HPD ARX-03b, 41
5. (15) Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen (3-GT), Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1, 41
6. (13) Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner (4-GT), Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1, 41
7. (12) Joey Hand/Dirk Mueller (56-GT), BMW Z4 GTE, 41
8. (11) Bill Auberlen/Maxime Martin (55-GT), BMW Z4 GTE, 41
9. (17) Marc Goossens/Dominik Farnbacher (91-GT), SRT Viper GTS-R Viper, 41
10. (22) Charlie Shears/Tristan Nunez (18-PC), ORECA FLM09, 41
11. (20) Kuno Wittmer/Jonathan Bomarito (93-GT), SRT Viper GTS-R Viper, 41
12. (9) Jonathan Bennett/Colin Braun (05-PC), ORECA FLM09, 40
13. (30) Seth Neiman/Dion von Moltke (44-GTC), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 39
14. (23) Cooper MacNeil/Jeroen Bleekemolen (22-GTC), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 39
15. (29) Mike Hedlund/Jan Heylen (11-GTC), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 39
16. (31) Patrick Dempsey/Andy Lally (27-GTC), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 39
17. (25) Henrique Cisneros/Sean Edwards (30-GTC), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 39
18. (32) Marc Bunting/Norbert Siedler (67-GTC), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 39
19. (6) Mike Guasch/Dane Cameron (52-PC), ORECA FLM09, 38
20. (21) Bill Sweedler/Townsend Bell (23-GT), Ferrari F458 Italia, 38
21. (24) Nelson Canache Jr./Spencer Pumpelly (45-GTC), Porsche 911 GT3, 36
22. (10) Alex Popow/Bruno Junqueira (9-PC), ORECA FLM09, 27
23. (28) Al Carter/Kevin Estre (68-GTC), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 26
24. (4) Ed Brown/Johannes van Overbeek (02-P2), HPD ARX-03b, 15
25. (26) Ben Keating/Damien Faulkner (66-GTC), Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, 14
26. (8) Chris Cumming/Kyle Marcelli (8-PC), ORECA FLM09, 3
27. (14) Tom Kimber-Smith/Patrick Long (06-GT), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 0
28. (16) Wolf Henzler/Bryan Sellers (17-GT), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 0
29. (19) Bryce Miller/Marco Holzer (48-GT), Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, 0
30. (3) Scott Tucker/Ryan Briscoe (551-P2), HPD ARX-03b, 0
31. (18) Olivier Beretta/Matteo Malucelli (62-GT), Ferrari F458 Italia, 0

From GMM

Former FIA president Max Mosley on Sunday pointed a finger at his successor Jean Todt, but said Bernie Ecclestone is not to blame for Formula 1's deepening financial crisis.

With many middle-ranked teams struggling under financial strain, including the title-fighting Lotus and the two-decade stalwart Sauber, Mosley told the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag he has seen the problem brewing for years.

Fascinatingly, the 73-year-old Briton's rare comments coincide with the newly-announced FIA presidential candidature of countryman David Ward, who worked closely with Mosley during his long reign over formula one.

Asked about his ultimately failed quest to impose a 'budget cap' on teams, Mosley said on Sunday: "No one could or wanted to join the proposal.

"Instead, the teams introduced their own cost limits, but it was never effective in reality.

"In the end it was only a non-binding letter of intent -- a kind of lip service," he insisted.

"It was ineffective, partly because my successor Jean Todt was never a friend of cost limits. Now formula one has a big problem."

Mosley's comments could be interpreted as his strong support for Ward's campaign to wrestle control back out of Frenchman Todt's hands.

No problems with Bernie Ecclestone
Interestingly, Mosley also pins none of F1's problems on his long ally Bernie Ecclestone.

Asked if the sport's chief executive is adding to the problem by not giving enough of the vast profits to the teams, he insisted: "I do not believe Ecclestone's monetary policy is the crux of the problem.

"If the big teams got more money from him, they would just spend more money.

"On the other hand, formula one would not change in substance if less money is spent by everybody.

"The problem is the monetary policies of the teams. Ecclestone actually thinks extremely economically. And he is the one who has managed the commercial side of the sport for years with great success.

"He brings the circuits, the organisers, the TV stations -- in other words, he keeps formula one alive commercially. It is certainly not his fault that the teams live beyond their means.

"On the contrary, without him, it would be bleak."

So, rather than criticise Ecclestone, Mosley said the billionaire deserves every cent he has made from F1.

"Why not?" he insisted. "If someone works hard and is successful, why shouldn't he have benefitted?"

Mosley even doubts the 82-year-old really did bribe the F1 banker Gerhard Gribkowsky, who is at the centre of a looming court scandal that could bring Ecclestone down.

Asked about the alleged bribe, Mosley said: "Why would he do that?

"Think about it again: why would he be interested in selling the business as cheaply as possible, even though his own family still owned considerable amounts of the marketing rights?

"Additionally, there was, according to my information, only one buyer for the rights anyway."

Qualifiers were held for the first international NASCAR Camping Truck World Series race at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park Saturday.

Starting on the pole will be James Buescher, the defending series champion, with a fastest lap time of 109.189 mph.

James Buescher (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the No. 31 Eliminator Chevrolet for Turner Scott Motorsports, it's Buescher's second Keystone Light Pole Award this season. Buescher is second by 49 points in the season standings behind leader Matt Crafton.

Taking the pole gives Buescher the first choice of pit location, as well as the on-track advantage of positioning, on a 2.459 mile road course that's notoriously difficult for passing.

Ryan Blaney (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Qualifying second in the No. 29 Cooper Standard Ford at 109.166, was rookie Ryan Blaney in his ninth top-ten start this season.

Third was Mike Skeen with 109.076. An experienced road racer who makes his first NASCAR series debut, Skeen was in the No. 6 Hawk Performance Chevrolet.

He was followed by Chase Elliot, Miguel Paludo, Ty Dillon, veteran road racer Max Papis, Chad Hackenbract, Darrell Wallace Jr. and Brendan Gaughan. Series leader Matt Crafton qualified 13th.

Mike Skeen (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Although it was rumoured that home-town favourite Ron Fellows might compete on the track he co-owns, he decided that managing an event of this scope deserved all of his focus.

Buescher, a 23-year-old Texas native, captured the NCWTS Championship in 2012. Winning it again would make him the series' first repeat champion.

This is the first Camping World truck series event to be held in Canada, and the first time it's been run on a road course since Watkins Glen in 2000.

The 64-lap race gets underway Sunday at 2:00 p.m. with a field of 30 trucks.

Starting line-up
Pos. Name No. Truck Sponsor Time Speed

1 James Buescher 31 Chevrolet Motomaster Eliminator 109.189 81.074
2 Ryan Blaney 29 Ford Cooper Standard 109.166 81.091
3 Mike Skeen 6 Chevrolet Hawk Performance 109.076 81.158
4 Chase Elliott 94 Chevrolet Aaron's Dream Machine / Hendrickcars.com 108.930 81.267
5 Miguel Paludo 32 Chevrolet Duroline Brakes & Components 108.890 81.297
6 Ty Dillon 3 Chevrolet Bass Pro Shops - Tracker Boats 108.835 81.338
7 Max Papis 14 Chevrolet Sport Clips 108.725 81.420
8 Chad Hackenbracht 51 Toyota Tastee Apple / Ingersoll Rand 108.488 81.598
9 Darrell Wallace Jr 54 Toyota Camping World / Good Sam 108.261 81.769
10 Brendan Gaughan 62 Chevrolet South Point Hotel & Casino 108.118 81.877
11 Jeb Burton 4 Chevrolet Arrowhead 107.894 82.047
12 German Quiroga Jr 77 Toyota Otter Box 107.809 82.112
13 Matt Crafton 88 Toyota Ideal Door-Menards 107.533 82.323
14 Alex Guenette 39 Chevrolet MI IUIMITEES Motorsports 107.533 82.323
15 Timothy Peters 17 Toyota Parts Plus 107.390 82.432
16 Johnny Sauter 98 Toyota Carolina Nut Co. / Curb Records 107.234 82.552
17 Ron Hornaday Jr 9 Chevrolet NTS Motorsports 107.202 82.577
18 Ross Chastain 19 Ford ReeseTowpower/PartsSource 107.155 82.613
19 Joey Coulter 18 Toyota Monster Energy 107.136 82.628
20 Brennan Newberry 24 Chevrolet Qore-24 106.931 82.786
21 Martin Roy 84 Chevrolet Beaver Bail Bonds 106.007 83.508
22 Dakoda Armstrong 60 Chevrolet Winfield 105.863 83.621
23 Max Gresham 8 Chevrolet Amwins 105.454 83.946
24 Bryan Silas 99 Ford Bell Trucks America, Inc. 105.017 84.295
25 John Wes Townley 7 Toyota Zaxby's 104.014 85.108
26 Derek White 81 Toyota VIP Poker 102.419 86.433
27 Carl Long 07 Toyota TBA 98.698 89.692
28 Jennifer Jo Cobb 10 RAM Kona Unwind 94.174 94.000
29 Chris Lafferty 0 Ford KOMA Unwind 94.160 94.014
30 Norm Benning 57 Chevrolet Norm Benning Racing 92.776 95.417

Norwegian Andreas Bakkerud clinched a sensational win at round seven of the European Rallycross Championship at Loheac.

Having won his semi-final, Bakkerud lined up on the front row of the grid alongside fellow countryman, Petter Solberg.

The two battled it out fiercely, trading first place until Bakkerud passed Solberg for good on lap 3.

Timur Timerzyanov and Tanner Foust also battled hard until the two made contact; Foust ending up in the wall as a result.

Bakkerud won the race head of Solberg.

Crowd favourite, nine-time FIA World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb finished fourth in his semi-final, just four tenths of a second behind Timerzyanov and a place in the final.

Schmidt Motorsports'Jack Hawksworth literally beat himself to the pole by improving his own time during a last-effort run during qualifying for the Indy Lights race around the streets of Baltimore.

Carlos Munoz (Andretti Autosport) came in second, bumping Gabby Chavez to third, while Sage Karam, who held pole early on, but damaged his nose later in the session, will start fourth.

Following a crash in practice in the morning, Peter Dempsey's Belardi Auto Racing team had to make some swift repairs and the Irishman lines up fifth.

There were two red flags in the session, both caused by Giancarlo Serenelli. He was barred from taking part in the rest of the session as a punishment.

Results
Pos Driver Team Time Gap
1. Jack Hawksworth Schmidt 1m24.4910s
2. Carlos Munoz Andretti 1m24.9924s +0.5014s
3. Gabby Chaves Schmidt 1m24.9938s +0.5028s
4. Sage Karam Schmidt 1m25.1211s +0.6301s
5. Peter Dempsey Belardi 1m25.5112s +1.0202s
6. Zach Veach Andretti 1m25.6487s +1.1577s
7. Matthew Di Leo MDL/Dragffy 1m26.4814s +1.9904s
8. Dalton Kellett Pabst 1m26.6269s +2.1359s
9. Jorge Goncalvez Belardi 1m26.8998s +2.4088s
10. Giancarlo Serenelli Belardi
11. Juan Pablo Garcia Moore

Model: 2006 to 2012 Porsche Cayman

Vehicle Type: Performance Coupe

The Verdict: Most Cayman owners report a worry-free driving experience, although some well-documented and serious issues mean a mechanical check-up is a must.

Price: Pricing sees used Porsche Cayman models from this generation starting around $25,000 for an older, higher-mileage unit with the smaller-displacement engine, and climbing towards $75,000 for newer, low-mileage 2012 models. Shoppers will find plenty of selection in the $30,000 to $50,000 range depending on mileage, condition, and options.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

What Owners Like: Styling, handling, pedigree, exclusivity, and the Porsche brand's heritage in building pure performance cars were all given as key purchase considerations by existing owners. Other plusses include the two-trunk layout, easy entry and exit, and an easy-to-drive character. Fuel mileage is also highly rated.

What Owners Dislike: Tight cabin quarters for larger drivers, as well as a noisy ride and dated interior appearance were among the most common complaints for a used Porsche Cayman.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Continue reading 2006-2012 Porsche Cayman Pre-Owned

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