Auto News 5

Bernd Pischetsrieder, former chief of BMW and Volkswagen, has a lot of experience selling new cars. Now he's focusing on old ones after acquiring a controlling stake in a vintage car dealership in Germany.

Renault has won lots of attention but also negative reactions from a YouTube video promoting its new Captur SUV.

From GMM

F1 race director Charlie Whiting has this week inspected progress at the site of the inaugural 2014 Russian grand prix.

Organisers of the race confirmed the FIA safety delegate was happy after visiting the site of the circuit in Sochi, where the city will also host the winter Olympics.

"I am impressed with the configuration of the track," Charlie Whiting is quoted as saying.

"The scale of the project is also very impressive."

Charlie Whiting in Sochi. (Photo: Formula Sochi)

From GMM

Pirelli will share tire data from this week's Silverstone test with Mercedes, even though the Brackley based team is banned from running.

Lotus poked fun at Mercedes' absence as the Silverstone session kicked off on Wednesday, showing a 'WhereIsRoscoe' Twitter hashtag on the livery of its F1 car.

Roscoe is Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton's bulldog, who accompanies the 2008 world champion to European tests and races.

Photo: Lotus F1 Team

But even though Mercedes is banned as a result of the 'test-gate' scandal, Pirelli has revealed it still must share information about the new Hungary-spec tires with the team.

"Our policy requires that we give all teams the same feedback. Everyone gets the same information," motor sport boss Paul Hembery is quoted by Germany's T-Online.

The impact of Mercedes' absence has also been lessened by a clarification from the FIA and Pirelli about what race drivers can test this week at Silverstone.

As a result, Red Bull dropped Mark Webber from its driver lineup at the last minute, and Lotus sidelined Kimi Raikkonen.

Photo: WRi2

Lotus said the clarification had made clear that "race drivers would be unable to test anything other than tires".

Paul Hembery is quoted by Speed Week: "We have a clear programme, and the teams have to do what we tell them. Mercedes already has a lot of data in terms of the shape of the 2012 tire, and they - like all the teams - will receive an analysis of the test, as is normal."

Here is the entry list for the 2013 Mobil 1 SportsCar Grand Prix held this weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park near Bowmanville, Ontario, east of Toronto.

The American Le Mans field is made of 32 cars divided into four different categories: P1 (Le Mans LMP1 prototypes, the fastest machines), P2 (smaller and less powerful than their P1 counterparts), PC (LMP Challenge class features ORECA FLM09 prototypes), GT (production-based, moderately modified two-wheel drive race cars) and GTC (featuring three specifications of Porsche's 911 GT3 Cup car).

Enty list*

P1
Car No. / Drivers / Car Type / Engine / Tire / Fuel
6 Klaus Graf - Lucas Luhr   Muscle Milk  Pickett Racing  HPD ARX-03c  HPD Michelin  E-10
16 Tony Burgess - Chris McMurry   Dyson Racing Team  Lola B12/60  Mazda  Michelin  Isobutanol
0 Andy Meyrick - Katherine Legge  DeltaWing Racing Cars  LM12 Elan  Bridgestone  E-10

P2
01 Scott Sharp - Guy Cosmo  Extreme Speed Motorsports  HPD ARX-03b  HPD  Michelin  E-10
02 Ed Brown - Johannes van Overbeek   Extreme Speed Motorsports  HPD ARX-03b  HPD  Michelin  E-10
551 Scott Tucker - Marino Franchitti  Level 5 Motorsports  HPD ARX-03b  HPD  Michelin  E-10
552 Scott Tucker - Mike Conway  Level 5 Motorsports HPD  ARX-03b  HPD  Michelin  E-10

GT
3 Jan Magnussen - Antonio Garcia   Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1  Chevrolet  Michelin  E-85
4 Oliver Gavin - Tommy Milner  Chevrolet  Corvette C6 ZR1  Chevrolet  Michelin  E-85
17 Wolf Henzler - Bryan Sellers  Porsche 911 GT3 RSR  Porsche  Falken  E-85
23 Bill Sweedler - Townsend Bell   Ferrari F458 Italia  Yokohama  E-85
48 Bryce Miller - Marco Holzer  Porsche 911 GT3 RSR  Porsche  Michelin  E-85
55 Bill Auberlen - Maxime Martin  BMW Z4 GTE  BMW  Michelin  E-85
56 Dirk Müller - John Edwards   BMW Z4 GTE  BMW  Michelin  E-85
91 Dominik Farnbacher - Marc Goossens   SRT Viper GTS-R  Viper V-10  Michelin  E-85
93 Jonathan Bomarito - Kuno Wittmer   SRT Viper GTS-R  Viper V-10  Michelin  E-85
06 Patrick Long - Tom Kimber-Smith  Porsche 911 GT3 RSR  Porsche  Michelin  E-85

PC
7 Tomy Drissi - Rusty Mitchell  ORECA FLM09  ORECA  Continental  E-10
8 Kyle Marcelli - Chris Cumming  ORECA FLM09  ORECA  Continental  E-10
9 Bruno Junqueira - Duncan Ende   ORECA FLM09  ORECA  Continental  E-10
18 Tristan Nunez - Charlie Shears   ORECA FLM09  ORECA  Continental  E-10
52 Mike Guasch - TBA  ORECA FLM09  ORECA  Continental  E-10
81 Mirco Schultis - Renger van der Zande  ORECA FLM09  ORECA  Continental  E-10
05 Jonathan Bennett - Colin Braun  ORECA FLM09  ORECA  Continental  E-10

GTC
11 Mike Hedlund - Jan Heylen  Porsche 911 GT3 Cup  Porsche  Yokohama  E-10
22 Cooper MacNeil - Jeroen Bleekemolen  Porsche 911 GT3 Cup  Porsche  Yokohama  E-10
27 Patrick Dempsey - Andy Lally  Porsche 911 GT3 Cup  Porsche  Yokohama  E-10
30 Henrique Cisneros - Sean Edwards  Porsche 911 GT3 Cup  Porsche  Yokohama  E-10
44 Seth Neiman - Dion von Moltke  Porsche 911 GT3 Cup  Porsche  Yokohama  E-10
45 Nelson Canache Jr. - Spencer Pumpelly  Porsche 911 GT3 Cup  Porsche  Yokohama  E-10
66 Ben Keating -  Porsche 911 GT3 Cup Porsche Yokohama E-10
68 TBA - TBD  Porsche 911 GT3 Cup  Porsche  Yokohama  E-10

*Subject to changes

From GMM

Giedo van der Garde has repeated his denial that Heikki Kovalainen is stalking his race seat at Caterham.

After a mediocre first half-season in F1, the Dutchman recently dismissed rumours former Caterham racer Kovalainen was set to replace him later in 2013.

"I know where they (the rumours) are coming from, but I also know that I have a watertight contract for the rest of this season," said van der Garde.

Giedo Van der Garde. (Photo: Caterham F1 Team)

The rumours, however, did not go away, and so the Dutch driver told De Telegraaf newspaper on Wednesday: "I will finish the season."

Further dismissing the rumours, he added: "I am busy enough with everything that I am doing and learning."

Van der Garde said qualifying 15th at Monaco was a high point of his career.

"I didn't expect to reach the second qualifying segment. That was great," he said.

But the low point quickly followed, in Canada, where collisions and a penalty earned a harsh 'pay driver' rebuke from Mark Webber.

But van der Garde insisted: "Webber and I already settled everything after the race. He is respectful to everyone, even the rookies."

Mopar, in collaboration with Minicades Mobile, has released a free game application for mobile devices called “Drag N Brag” that is available via Mopar.com/DragNBrag. and through the iTunes App Store.

Photo: Dodge

Fans are invited to virtually strap in and hit a drag strip themselves aboard a Mopar-powered Dodge like those of professional NHRA world champion drag racers Allen Johnson, Jeg Coughlin Jr., and Matt Hagan. Later, they can share their results and brag about their times (hence the name of the game) via Facebook and Twitter.

Other “Drag N Brag” highlights include realistic 3D graphics and car physics, multiple cameras including in-car driver perspective, as well as pre-stage burnouts to clean and heat the tires for improved traction before each pass.

Photo: Dodge

In addition, fans who attend the Mopar Block Party in Golden, CO on July 18th, and the Mopar Mile-High NHRA Nationals at the Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, CO on July 19-21, will get a chance to play the game in person with special gaming race seats and steering wheels provided at the Mopar display area. A winner will be chosen and given the opportunity to actually race down the Bandimere Speedway track against a Mopar legend prior to Sunday's NHRA elimination rounds.

Photo: Dodge

From Riverside International Speedway

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' champion, Brad Keselowski is excited to return to his roots in short track racing on July 20 at Riverside International Speedway, Nova Scotia in the IWK 250 presented by Steve Lewis Auto Body.

He is excited to be making his first late model start in almost a decade and he is coming to Nova Scotia on a mission: to win.

"I can't wait to get there and hopefully win a race," said Keselowski, who will drive the popular Cat Car for Kids. "I fully expect to be racing against some of the best. Those guys would like nothing better than to beat me and I know that. I'm looking forward to it either way. It should be a lot of fun."

His goal shouldn't be too tough for a reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series' champion, right?

Wrong.

Only once since the first IWK 250 in 2007 has a NASCAR driver beat the locals to the finish line; that was in 2008 and the driver was Regan Smith.

Keselowski is leaving no stone unturned in his mission to follow Smith's trail to Riverside Victory Circle; he's bringing his own car prepared in North Carolina by native Nova Scotian Gary Crooks/Crooks Racing who handles Keselowski's driver developmental program. Keselowski is also bringing his top late model driver Austin Theriault as his IWK 250 teammate. And he hopes Crooks' experience is their secret weapon.

"Gary is an excellent late model racer," said Keselowski. "He knows the track and he knows the locals. I know they will be strong and it wouldn't surprise me if Austin (Theriault) is one of the guys to beat as well."

Keselowski will work a rare off-weekend from his No. 2 Miller Lite Ford ride in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series to make an even more rare start at a regional track start in the IWK 250. It will be his first trip to Nova Scotia and the reputation of the track and the regions fans have preceded them.

"I've heard the track is really racy, that it has a bottom and top groove, and that you can run either one," said Keselowski whose Penske Racing teammate Joey Logano finished third in the 2012 IWK 250. “I've heard the fans are very passionate and there are lots of them. I'm looking forward to a great race and a great crowd."

The Cat Car for Kids program, presented by Atlantic Cat, was initiated in 2008. Prior to race day the car and Keselowski will visit the IWK Health Centre where patients and their families can sign the car as co-sponsors; the annual visit has become a 'signature' event on the hospital calendar. The IWK 250 has raised awareness and more than $130,000 for the IWK Health Centre since 2007.

Riverside International Speedway is a 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval, home for eastern Canada's only NASCAR event, and of the IWK 250 - widely known as the best stock car race in Canada.

Located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans Canada Highway 104. For more information call 902.863.2410 or click www.riversidespeedway.ca.

Well, well, it seems American drivers are now caught up in the electric car buzz. After Nissan announced a LEAF shortage in the U.S., Ford reported electrified vehicle sales of 46,197 units through June -- more than 400% higher than the volumes of a year ago.

In order to remain competitive in the future, Ford will expand its electrification engineering team by nearly 50%, growing to 500 salaried employees, and invest an additional $50 million in electrified product development and testing centres in Dearborn, Michigan.

Enhancements to all-electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles will include:

• Increasing the maximum pure electric speed from 100 km/h to 137 km/h;
• Optimizing the climate control system to minimize use of the air conditioning compressor and reduce the energy used in cold weather operation;
• Reducing engine warm-up times by up to 50% to enable electric-only driving and engine shutdown at stops sooner after cold starts;
• Reducing the electric fan speed as a function of coolant temperature to minimize the fan's energy consumption;
• Optimizing the use of active grille shutters to reduce aerodynamic drag.

Products wearing the Blue Oval badge aren't the only ones to enjoy a boost, mind you. Strong demand has led Lincoln to increase the production mix of MKZ Hybrid from 20% to 40% of total MKZ production.

Photo: Ford

The all-new 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante will make its world debut at the upcoming Pebble Beach Automotive Week (August 14-18, 2013). Visitors will also get to see the 2015 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S and CC100 Speedster Concept for the first time in the U.S.

"The Pebble Beach week is now well established as a global celebration of the automobile and we are delighted to be a featured marque for 2013, celebrating our first 100 years, while also looking forward to the future," said Julian Jenkins, Aston Martin's Regional Director for The Americas.

Aston Martin will begin the festivities with an exclusive media preview on the morning of August 14th. Later that same day at McCall's Motorworks Revival, the Vanquish Volante and V12 Vantage S will be shown for the first time.

What's new?
The Ford Tremor is the first 2014 F-150 model to appear using the updates set forth by the 2013 truck such as headlights as part of a revised front fascia.

The 2014 Ford Tremor adds HID headlamps that match up nicely with the FX Appearance Package with flat-black accents that include sporty and handsome 20” wheels.

Like the first generation SVT Lightning, the 2014 Ford Tremor is built on the F-150's regular cab, and short-wheelbase chassis in the name of dealing with less weight. Translation: More performance.


Interior
The 2014 Tremor's interior is unique in a number of ways: It features the only flow-through centre console and bucket seats in a regular cab Ford F-150. A floor-mounted shifter is also part of the package.

Other distinctive touches include brushed metal and red accents (namely on the seats and steering wheel) to go along with the leather and alcantara covered seats.

As with all Ford products, a plethora of connectivity amenities will be available in the 2014 Ford Tremor. MyFordTouch will be standard and smartly adapted for truckers who may be wearing gloves.

Powertrain
This 2014 Ford Tremor may be the performance version, but all-out fuel economy is still a consideration for this performance-oriented pickup truck.

What better way to ensure both than by dropping in Ford's venerable and highly touted turbocharged 3.5L EcoBoost V6? Punching out 365 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm, the Tremor will boogie.

A key element in the 2014 Ford Tremor's off-the-line performance will be the presence of a “launch-optimized” (Ford's words) rear electronic locking differential with 4.10 gearing. The only available transmission is Ford's 6R80 6-speed automatic.

The 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor will be offered as either a 4X2 or a 4X4.

In short
Although the 2014 Ford F-150 Tremor is the spiritual revival of the fabled SVT Lightning, it will not replace it as the rarest and most desirable of editions. It will be the source of many a smoke show and drag race against other would-be performance pickups.

Fuel economy
As a 4X2, the Tremor is expected to manage 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway or 14.7L and 11.7L respectively.

Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre

From GMM

The vacant race seat at Red Bull for 2014 is the headline act in this year's driver 'silly season'.

The world champions are giving Toro Rosso driver Daniel Ricciardo a trial at the Silverstone test this week, and the other candidate to replace the Le Mans-bound Mark Webber is Kimi Raikkonen.

Finn Raikkonen said his negotiations about money are not the clincher.

"It is an important aspect, but not everything. Whatever I decide, the money side is quite similar to my current situation anyway," he told France's Auto Hebdo.

He admitted to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport that a major consideration is the radical new V6 rules, where the current pecking order could be shaken up for 2014.

"It is ten times harder than usual to predict who will be good next year," said Raikkonen. "Luckily I have the same (Renault) engine for both options."

Mark Webber, Red Bull. (Photo: WRi2)

Red Bull is also leaving its options open, having not ruled out its home-grown talents Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne.

"They have recognised," said Dr Helmut Marko, "that the best self-promotion is stepping on the throttle."

Indeed, Red Bull bought Minardi - and re-christened it Toro Rosso - in order to develop drivers to move up to the main team.

But, so far, Toro Rosso drivers have failed to live up to the Sebastian Vettel model.

Helmut Marko doesn't quite agree.

"When Vettel came to Red Bull," he said, "everyone said that it was too early for him. But I think he grew into the job."

Missing the mark to own one
Before taking the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B250 home for a week, I had the opportunity to drive it at a track amongst the likes of the SLS AMG, C63 AMG and other such powerhouses. In all honesty, I was quite impressed with the B250's abilities, and impressed that it held its own.

Unfortunately, that appreciation quickly dwindled when I brought the B250 home. It's not that it's a bad car, just that it's not at all what I expected from a luxury German brand, even from their entry-level model.


What is a Mercedes-Benz B250?
Essentially, the B-Class is your introduction to the Mercedes family. Introduced for the 2006 model year, the B-Class is what Mercedes-Benz refers to as a “compact sports tourer” in place of the more common terms: wagon, hatch or multi-purpose vehicle. Ideal for the modern family, the B-Class offers space, comfort and Mercedes-Benz luxury.

Well-equipped in base trim, the B-Class has only received what seems to be a few aesthetic changes since it first launched, but has been completely revised. While offered with a myriad of engines in Europe, here in North America we currently get one engine choice and trim level: the Mercedes-Benz B250.

If nothing else, the exterior look of the B-Class is hot. While it retained its bulbous, dare I say, wagon-like look, it still manages to look slightly sporty. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Technicalities
The 2013 Mercedes-Benz B250 features a new direct-injection 2.0L turbocharged mill that pushes out a decent 208 horsepower. The four-cylinder is new this year for the B-Class and proves to be more responsive than the previous generation. If you feel the need, you can hit 100 clicks from zero in 6.8 seconds; not too bad for a family-hauler.

Equipped with a 7G-DCT (7-speed double clutch automatic transmission), the B250 delivers its power smoothly and without too much turbo lag.

As there is only one model available in Canada (not offered in the USA), pricing is easy. Starting at $29,900 the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B250 is potentially a great way to enter the Mercedes family.

Driving the Mercedes-Benz B250
I'd like to say I enjoyed driving the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B250, but I kinda didn't. The vehicle's saving grace is it's transmission that is quite pleasant to play with. The double cutch set-up ensures gear changes are nearly seamless.

With three drive modes available -- E (Eco), S (Sport) and M (Manual) -- I quickly learned that leaving it in E meant an automotive coma for me. So, Sport mode is was, and the B250 actually drove like a normal car instead of a stunted, unsure econobox.

Despite Mercedes-Benz claiming an updated suspension for a smoother ride, I found the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B250 to be quite harsh. Road imperfections were instantly noticeable and over rougher terrain (read: potholes) the entire car was jarred more than I hoped a model sporting the Merc logo would. Overall, handling was quite good.

Of note: The Mercedes-Benz B250 is very loud. Engine noise and road noise in general is, again, more than I expected. The cabin is not an oasis or escape when you're driving. And for the few times I had the window down while driving, I had to stop for a moment and remember that I was not driving a diesel version of the B-Class.

With three drive modes available -- E (Eco), S (Sport) and M (Manual) -- I quickly learned that leaving it in E meant an automotive coma for me. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Inside and Out of the Mercedes-Benz B250
If nothing else, the exterior look of the B-Class is hot. While it retained its bulbous, dare I say, wagon-like look, it still manages to look slightly sporty. With LED strips in each headlight sitting alongside the oversized MB logo in the chromed out grille, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B250 is handsome.

Inside, at first glance, the B250 is luxurious. Take a closer look, however, and you may be disappointed. Materials aren't as sumptuous as you might hope, and for the price I guess that makes sense. But I wonder if Louis Vuitton would support a pleather purse (that was affordable) with their logo on it?

The iPad-esque dash-mounted HMI screen features Mercedes' usual onboard system that's easy to use once you get used to it. I did not, however, appreciate the location of the control knob as it was too far back behind the shifter. It was uncomfortable to use. Also, the location of the HVAC controls was much too low down and proved highly distracting to use, requiring I take my eyes off the road for too long.

Inside, at first glance, the B250 is luxurious. Take a closer look, however, and you may be disappointed. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Comparing the Mercedes-Benz B250
When I think about what could be had in the same realm as the 2013 Mercedes-Benz B250 I can't help but think the Merc would lose out, if only on bang-for-your-buck reasons.

Sure, you could drive around in a Mercedes, but it'd be a bottom of the barrel Merc. Why not spend quite a bit less and get a decked-out Mazda5 (which offers more space) or even a Toyota Matrix XRS for marginally less (with the same amenities and room inside)?

You can own the designer name, but do you really want to?

Driving a Ferrari-powered Toro Rosso, Australian driver, Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest time in the second day of the young driver test at Silverstone.

The English heat wave continued for the second day of testing as Riccardo drove the Roro Rosso in the morning before having a quick change into Infiniti Red Bull Racing overalls for a run in the Renault-powered RB9.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull (Photo: Getty Images for Red Bull)

Working through a Pirelli tire programme, Ricciardo set the quickest time of the day at the wheel of the Toro Rosso, setting a 1m32.972.

Eighteen-year-old Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr. got his first taste of driving a Formula 1 car, when he to the track in the Toro Rosso for the afternoon session. Unimpressed, the son of former World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz set the second fastest time of the day in 1m33.016.

Sainz father and son (Photo: Getty Images/Red Bull)

Ricciardo also set the third time of the day in the Red Bull. However, the Australian spun off in the gravel trap on his 7th lap.

Davide Vasecchi was fourth in the Lotus-Renault ahead of Briton Oliver Turvey in the McLaren-Mercedes.

Another British driver, James Calado was sixth in the Sahara Force India. He beat Antonio Felix Da Costa in the Red Bull, Davide Rigon in the Ferrari and Pastor Maldonado in the Williams, also performing tire tests.

With the exception of Ricciardo's trip off in the Red Bull, the only other incident of note came when Robin Frijns ran off into the gravel in the Sauber-Ferrari before handing the car to regular race driver, Nico Hulkenberg.

Day 2 Young driver test at Silverstone*

1. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1min 32.972 48 laps
2. Carlos Sainz Jr Toro Rosso-Ferrari 1min 33.016 39 laps
3. Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull-Renault 1min 33.187 59 laps
4. Davide Valsecchi Lotus-Renault 1min 33.554 91 laps
5. Oliver Turvey McLaren-Mercedes 1min 33.864 97 laps
6. James Calado Force India-Mercedes 1min 33.957 47 laps
7. Antonio Felix Da Costa Red Bull-Renault 1min 33.958 19 laps
8. Davide Rigon Ferrari-Ferrari 1min 34.053 97 laps
9. Pastor Maldonado Williams-Renault 1min 34.116 71 laps
10. Nico Hulkenberg Sauber-Ferrari 1min 34.224 52 laps
11. Daniel Juncadella Williams-Renault 1min 34.631 33 laps
12. Robin Frijns Sauber-Ferrari 1min 34.731 17 laps
13. Will Stevens Caterham-Renault 1min 36.082 98 laps
14. Paul di Resta Force India-Mercedes 1min 36.356 41 laps
15. Rodolfo Gonzalez Marussia-Cosworth 1min 37.949 92 laps
*Unofficial timing

Davide Rigon, Ferrari (Photo: WRI2)

Adapted from DTM press release

Former Formula 1 driver, Vitaly Petrov will play a major role to support the first visit of the DTM series in Russia.

The former Lotus and Caterham F1 racer will drive a DTM Race Taxi during this weekend's Moscow City Racing event.

Then, he will drive again a Race Taxi during the sixth round if the DTM held August 2-4 at Moscow Raceway.

Vitaly Petrov. (Photo: DTM)

In the traditional Moscow City Racing, a spectacular two-day motor-racing event held right in front of the Kremlin walls, just two weeks before the maiden DTM race on Russian soil, the series will be represented by big names: DTM Championship leader Mike Rockenfeller (Audi), Andy Priaulx (BMW) and former DTM driver Ralf Schumacher (Mercedes-Benz), who is extremely popular in Russia, will not only join Petrov at a press conference to answer all the questions of the Russian media representatives around DTM but also will be available for the fans during autograph sessions.

The highlights, however, definitely will be the demonstration runs on Saturday and Sunday with an Audi RS 5 DTM, a BMW M3 DTM and a DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé on the 3.7-kilometre track.

On Sunday, Petrov will replace Schumacher at the wheel of the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupé, thus becoming the first Russian to drive a DTM car.

In the past years, the Moscow City Racing event has become a kind of tradition, in the Russian Capital. The sixth edition, in 2012, attracted and thrilled 300,000 visitors.

The visitors will have the chance of getting very close to the DTM cars and see them in action - and the same applies to numerous other racing cars, such as several Formula 1 cars and the mighty Kamaz race trucks used in the Dakar Rally.

Auto123.com's Motorsport Editor, René Fagnan, had the unique opportunity to spend some time with members of the Renault Sport F1 Team to experience the thrill of starting a V8 Formula 1 engine.

In Part 1, I detailed the complex procedures of warming the engine block up to operating temperature before even trying to start it. As you know by now, it takes more than just the twist of a key to get the engine running.

Renault check the running of its engines using telemetry. (Photo: Renault Sport F1)

Once the V8 has been warmed up, it is brought to life with a powerful external electrical starter motor. The unit consists of a 24-volt battery pack and the starter itself which attaches to the rear of the gearbox.

The starter motor features a long probe that goes inside the gearbox, along with a set of gears and a clutch. When it turns, the engine crank will turn 5 times faster than the probe.

I'm standing behind the Lotus E21 of Kimi Raikkonen. The engine cover is off, and the small Renault V8 is clearly visible. The starter has such a kick it is fitted with a reaction arm hooked up to the rear impact structure of the Lotus. The starter is made to be reliable, not light.

I put my earplugs and listen to the instructions given by Henry Saint-Michel, engine technician at Renault Sport F1, who is responsible for Raikkonen's car at Lotus.

F1 electric starter. (Photo: Archives Auto123.com)

First, I need to crank the engine freely to get the oil circulating and bring it to the correct pressure.

“The chief mechanic will tell you to press the button. Then, I will tell you when to stop”, says Saint-Michel.

Finally, I get the thumbs up and press the button. The starter motor is quite noisy, and the kick I feel is quite impressive. I now fully understand why the starter is hooked up to the rear beam of the car!

After about 10 seconds, Saint-Michel tells me to stop. We repeat the procedure: I press the button for another 10 seconds.

Auto123.com's René Fagnan operating the starter! (Photo: Paolo Pedicelli)

Everything's going fine. By releasing a red button located on the work station, Saint-Michel now allows the engine to be fired.

Thumbs up. I push the button, and the moment the V8 comes alive, I quickly remove the starter by vigorously pulling it back. The stunning sound of the V8 awakening just inches from my head, along with a blast of 600-degree exhaust gases, makes me appreciate every second of my experience!

From NPP

The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series, which has been plagued with bad weather at all scheduled events this year, finally hopes to get the 2013 race season underway.

This Friday and Saturday night, Canada's oldest, most prestigious Sprint Car race rumbles into Castrol Raceway.

First competed in Edmonton (Speedway Park) back in 1954, the Gold Cup features some of the best open wheel drivers in Western Canada and the United States.

For the fifteenth consecutive year, the NPP Late Model will be the support class at the 2013 Gold Cup.

"We made our official Edmonton debut back at the 1999 Gold Cup," explains NPP Series' announcer Gord Craig, "the Gold Cup race has always had special meaning to the drivers of our Series."

Two-time NPP Series Champion, Dwight Kennedy won the first ever NPP Late Model Feature race in Edmonton in his familiar NPP No. 81 Dodge at the 1999 Gold Cup.

"I actually forgot about that," admits the Edson, Alberta driver, "we've run so many races over the years they all start to blend together." Kennedy finished 3rd and 6th at last year's two-day Gold Cup race weekend. "I know it's been a few years since we won at a Gold Cup race in Edmonton. Hopefully we'll have a good weekend."

Kennedy swept the NPP Series Features at the 1997 Gold Cup race.

Defending NPP Series Champion, Kevin Wheeler is looking to start off the 2013 season on a strong note.

"We've had a pretty good run the past few years at season opening races," says the Whitecourt, Alberta driver, "we just got to win the darn thing."

At the most recent NPP Series season opening races Wheeler has finished fourth [2010], third [2011] and second [2012].

"Could this be the year we win one [in Edmonton]. That would be awesome."

Wheeler finished fifth and third at last year's Gold Cup race weekend in his KW Mechanical No. 3 Dodge. His best Gold Cup finish was a second back in 2010.

"We're ready to get this season going and defend the title!"

2013 GOLD CUP
Castrol Raceway - Edmonton, Alberta

Friday, July 19th
4:00pm - Spectator Gates Open
5:30pm - Sprint Car Qualifying
- Racing after qualifying

Saturday, July 20th
4:00pm - Spectator Gates Open
5:30pm - Sprint Car Qualifying
- Racing after qualifying

Classes competing (both nights):
'360' Sprint Cars
NPP Late Model Series
Mini Stocks

Producers of RUSH have released a third trailer of the Formula 1 movie to be shown starting in September.

RUSH portrays the exhilarating true story of two of the greatest rivals the Formula 1 world has ever witnessed--handsome English playboy James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and his methodical, brilliant opponent, Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl).

Set against the sexy and glamorous golden age of Formula 1 racing, RUSH follows the two drivers during the 1976 season as they push themselves to the breaking point of physical and psychological endurance, where there is no shortcut to victory and no margin for error.

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone's bosses have admitted they will "monitor developments" in the German corruption affair.

On Wednesday, it emerged that the F1 chief executive has finally been served with bribery charges relating to the 82-year-old's $44 million payment to jailed banker Gerhard Gribkowsky years ago.

The next step is for Ecclestone's lawyers to formally respond to the indictment, before the court decides whether to push the case to trial.

"The board will continue to monitor developments in this situation accordingly," the Formula One Group said in a statement.

It is obvious that the affair could end the diminutive Briton's long reign over the sport, with Osterreich newspaper reporting that Ecclestone could be jailed for up to ten years.

But even the charges threaten Ecclestone's job.

Asked, however, if he is thinking about voluntarily stepping down, he answered: "I don't see why I should do that.

"I will do what I have always done: keep working and do my job," Bernie Ecclestone told Bild newspaper. "I won't be doing anything else because of this."

Typically unmoved even when besieged, Ecclestone said he would have no problem agreeing to appear at trial.

"If I need to be, sure, I'll be there. Why not?" he insisted.

Bernie Ecclestone added that Wednesday's developments had "not really affected" him.

But that doesn't mean there is not pressure. Ferrari's Luca di Montezemolo said late last year that even formal charges should move the F1 supremo to "step back".

And a spokesperson for Mercedes parent Daimler said on Wednesday: "Compliance is of central importance for Daimler."

The spokesperson added that the company will discuss the Ecclestone case with F1's owners, teams and the governing FIA.

For now, F1's owners CVC are supporting Ecclestone, according to a report in City A.M.

A source told Formula Money editor Christian Sylt that CVC "could have asked Bernie to leave any time in the past three years but haven't because we support him".

Bernie Ecclestone and Donald Mackenzie, CVC chairman.

Scott Steckly held off a hard-charging Mark Dilley to claim the Velocity Prairie Thunder 250 at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway in Saskatoon, the latest round presented in the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series.

Steckly picked up his first win of the season four nights ago at Motoplex Speedway, giving him a sweep of this year's two-race swing through Western Canada.

Scott Steckly. (Photo: NASCAR)

For the veteran, it was his 13th series career win which ranks third all-time behind D.J. Kennington with 18 and Andrew Ranger's 17.

Pole sitter J.R. Fitzpatrick set a blistering pace early, but he was not able to hold off Steckly. Steckly was able to take control after Dilley made contact with Fitzpatrick on lap 226 that sent Fitzpatrick spinning out of contention for his first oval-track win since July 2007.

Jason Hathaway bounced back from an early spin to finish third followed by Kennington and Trevor Seibert in fourth and fifth, respectively.

Noel Dowler, Fitzpatrick, Ron Beauchamp Jr., Cameron Hayley and James Van Domselaar completed the top 10.

LP Dumoulin. (Photo: Matthew Murnaghan)

Louis-Philippe Dumoulin qualified third and ran in the top 5 until he was involved in a collsion on lap 236. "L.P." managed to cross the line in 12th place.

The NASCAR Canadian Tire Series is back in action next on July 27 at Autodrome St. Eustache, Quebec for the National 250.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series
Standings after Saskatoon

1.  D.J. Kennington  229 points
2.  Scott Steckly  224
3.  L.P. Dumoulin  224
4.  Jason Hathaway  223
5.  J.R. Fitzpatrick  208
etc