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Hyundai Motorsport press release

Hyundai Motorsport has announced that French rally ace Bryan Bouffier has joined the team as part of its test driver line-up for 2013.

The news comes just one week after confirmation that Finnish driver Juho Hänninen is contributing to Hyundai Motorsport's development programme with the new i20 WRC this year.

Bryan Bouffier. (Photo: Hyundai)

Bouffier is a three-time Polish Rally Champion and was crowned French Rally Champion in 2010. He also won the iconic Rallye Monte-Carlo (Intercontinental Rally Championship) in 2011 and more recently dominated the legendary Tour de Corse (European Rally Championship). His vast experience as a test driver and expert analysis skills will be essential to help grow the team and to further assess and develop the i20 WRC.

While Hänninen drove the i20 WRC for the first time back in May, Bouffier had his own taste of the car on monday. The two will be Hyundai Motorsport's main test drivers for 2013, along with a number of other drivers who will support them during the rest of the year. Hyundai Motorsport aims to derive the full benefits from the wealth of different rally experiences that each driver brings in order to make the i20 WRC the most complete package possible.

Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal Michel Nandan commented: “I'm happy to have Bryan on board. He adopts a very professional driving style and can give detailed technical feedback as well as being a very consistent driver, which are all very important attributes for a test driver. Together with Juho's experience of WRC events and his speed on all terrains, I am sure we have a strong and well-rounded line-up for our testing programme.”

Bryan Bouffier said: “I'm pleased to be joining Hyundai Motorsport's test programme and to be part of the team for this year. It's true that there is a lot of work to do but the team is in place and the facilities are impressive, so we have good foundations to build upon. This is an exciting programme and I'm sure the summer time will be very busy and hopefully just as productive.”

From GMM

Honda has categorically denied reports it will build a test car in order to get track running of McLaren's 2015 engine off to an early start.

We reported last month that work on a Honda test car could start this year, long before the Japanese marque is bound by F1's regulations governing its 2015 foray.

"This (report) is untrue," McLaren spokesman told us at the time.

Honda has now issued the same denial.

"We will not build such a vehicle," Speed Week correspondent Rob La Salle quoted Honda chief Yasuhisa Arai as saying.

"The first track testing will happen during the winter testing ahead of the 2015 season," he announced.

Arai said Honda's test benches in Tochigi, Japan, are so good that building a bespoke test car is not necessary.

"I've heard the rumours," he admitted, "but we have no such plans."

Adapted from press releases

The Marussia F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari announce the agreement of a new technical partnership, while Pat Symonds and Marussia reached another agreement for Pat to relinquish his responsibilities of the team with immediate effect.

Ferrari engines

As a Scuderia Ferrari customer team and within the terms of the 2014 regulations, the Marussia F1 Team will receive the supply of an Internal Combustion Engine and Energy Recovery System, full transmission and all related ancillary systems.

Andy Webb, CEO, Marussia F1 Team: “The Marussia F1 Team is delighted to be entering into a technical partnership with Scuderia Ferrari for the supply of a full powertrain from 2014. The importance of this development to our Team cannot be overstated. We look forward to working with Scuderia Ferrari during this exciting new era of Formula One competition. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Cosworth, with whom we have partnered since our debut season in 2010. We have shared an important part of our Team's journey together and Cosworth have been an integral part of our clear progression. We will continue to work together during the latter half of the season to ensure we all achieve our combined objectives before Cosworth leave the sport.”

Photo: Marussia F1 Team

Pat Symonds

Marussia F1 Team reach agreement with Technical Consultant Pat Symonds to relinquish his responsibilities to the Team with immediate effect.

Pat began working for our Team on a consultancy basis in the spring of 2011, the start of our second season of competition. This arrangement has continued since that time. 

During the course of the past two and a half seasons, Pat has overseen the implementation of a technical team for the future, blending incumbent personnel with new team members from within the sport to create what is now a very robust technical structure with real strength in depth in all key areas.



With Pat moving on to explore new opportunities, the Marussia F1 Team looks forward to announcing its own plans for the continued development of its growing technical operation in due course.

Pat Symonds. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

John Booth, Team Principal, Marussia F1 Team: “We have some very talented design and engineering groups in place who have achieved great things over the past few seasons and who are excited about maintaining our current positive trajectory, boosted of course by our new powertrain partnership with Scuderia Ferrari. We would like to thank Pat for the contribution he has made to the development of that structure. We look forward to announcing plans for our continued growth when it is appropriate to do so.”



Pat Symonds, Technical Consultant to the Marussia F1 Team: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Marussia F1 Team over the course of the past two and a half seasons. The Team has developed immeasurably during that time and it now has all the right people and resources in place to achieve great things in the future. I wish the Team the success it so richly deserves.”

From GMM

Claire Williams insists the Grove based team is "committed" to Pastor Maldonado.

Amid the British team's performance struggle in 2013, it has been rumoured Maldonado could take his PDVSA sponsor millions to Lotus at the end of the season.

But Maldonado's situation regarding his backing by the state-owned oil and gas company is also unclear, in the wake of the political turmoil following the death earlier this year of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.

When asked about Maldonado's status in light of the political situation in Venezuela, Claire Williams answered: "He is a great driver.

"He's doing a great job for the team," Williams' deputy team boss told El Confidencial newspaper, "and we are committed to him."

Pastor Maldonado. (Photo: Williams F1 Team)

From GMM

Pat Symonds has admitted a top driver could add more than half a second per lap to the pace of backmarker Marussia's 2013 car.

The Briton, who was a leading technical figure during Fernando Alonso's championship winning days at Renault, admitted Marussia's rookie drivers are not the ideal solution.

Asked what Marussia's situation would be if Sebastian Vettel or Alonso were at the wheel, the team's technical boss Symonds admitted: "Of course we would be closer.

Photo: WRi2

"At Renault, we discussed at length Fernando's contribution to the laptime," he told Auto Motor und Sport, "because he is very expensive.

"But our feeling was that Fernando is worth half a second compared to a normal driver.

"Compared to our drivers, it's perhaps a little more than that, simply because they lack experience.

"Our hands are tied," Symonds concluded. "We need to have drivers who also bring money."

Marussia's drivers are the Ferrari-linked Frenchman Jules Bianchi, and Max Chilton, the son of the insurance firm Aon's millionaire chairman.

Customization is key
You might not think personalization is important when you're dealing with something like a pickup truck, however, it can truly make or break a sale when it comes to customizing your pickup the way you need it. Trucks are workhorses, and if you have a specific job to do you want a specific tool to get it done. An F-150 is that specific tool.

There's a reason the Ford F-150 outsells every other pickup by an astonishing amount. Take for example sales numbers for 2013 so far. While Chevrolet and GMC have sold collectively close to 26,000 Silverados and Sierras, Ford has crushed them with the F-150 hitting close to the 38,000 mark in just the first four months of the year.

Living in the city, I would never need a pickup, however, should the desire ever arise I know which model I'd be heading to the showroom to purchase.

(Photo: Colin Styker)

What is a Ford F-150?
More aptly, the question should be; What is the Ford F-Series? 65 years ago, Ford released a pickup that would become one of the bestselling vehicles in North America. Also known as the Ford Bonus-Built, the F-Series was designed as a “working vehicle” and was available with different cabs and chassis from the beginning.

The F-150, in particular, is the “baby” of the F-Series lineup. Amongst the likes of the F-250, F-350 and the SuperDuty trucks, the F-150 might be the smallest but it is still the mightiest in terms of sales and popularity.

Technicalities
There's an F-Series for everyone and anyone, and one to do every job, big or small. At the “bottom” sits the Ford F-150 XL with a starting price of $19,999. A the very top (excluding the specialized Ford F-150 SVT Raptor) sits the very pretty and very well-equipped Ford F-150 Limited. In the middle of the pack is my tester, a Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4x4 with a base price of $38,099 (and as-tested price of $44,504).

My particular 2013 F-150 XLT had the potent-enough 3.7L V6 good for 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. The most powerful in the lineup is the 6.2L V8 (standard in the Raptor) which pumps out 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. In between lies the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost -- Ford's shining star in the F-150 lineup - as well as the 5.0L V8. All of these engines are mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

My particular 2013 F-150 XLT had the potent-enough 3.7L V6 good for 302 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Driving the Ford F-150
As a city-dweller, driving a pickup can sometimes be challenging, but here's the thing with the Ford F-150: it doesn't matter. City, country, concrete, mud, grass, parking garage, field, it's at home anywhere. Even something as daunting as a pickup's size and girth is forgiven in the Ford F-150 thanks to its ease of movement, even in tight spaces (the back-up sensors help with that, of course).

Traversing rougher country roads was just as easy in the 2013 Ford F-150 XLT. With a transmission that performed rather like a sporty sedan, holding revs close to the 7,000 limit when my right foot tried to find the floor, this F-150 can seriously boogie. And that V6 sounds fantastic.

I often dislike the “disconnected” feel between the cabin and bed on pickups, and it's usually especially apparent when travelling over uneven terrain at speeds. However, thanks to Ford's fully boxed frame constructed of hydroformed high-strength steel, that disconnect is absent.

Forget about rocky, bumpy, loud truck suspension too in the Ford F-150. This thing rode like the Cadillac of pickups. With heavy-duty shocks as well as independent front and leaf spring/solid axle rear suspension, this truck was a pleasure to drive.

City, country, concrete, mud, grass, parking garage, field, the 2013 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 4X4 is at home anywhere. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Inside and Out of the Ford F-150
The 2013 Ford F-150 XLT is a workhorse, it's not meant to be plush or luxurious, so it's not. There are models that are (King Ranch and Limited come to mind), however, in general the Ford F-150 cabin is purpose-driven. With large everything (seats, knobs, switches, steering wheel, door handles), the F-150's interior is spacious for occupants and items.

With seating available for six thanks to the bench seat up front that converts into the largest middle armrest ever, the 2013 Ford F-150 proved a great family truck. As this was only the SuperCab version, legroom is not enormous in the back seats, and the suicide doors are a bit obnoxious in crowded parking lots (since the front doors must be open a fair amount to get the rear doors open).

From the outside, the Ford F-150 is as handsome as ever. Pickups should have a presence on the road, and the determined masculine look of the F-150's front grille is both attractive and utilitarian.

With seating available for six thanks to the bench seat up front that converts into the largest middle armrest ever, the 2013 Ford F-150 proved a great family truck. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Comparing the Ford F-150
In my mind, there is no comparison with the F-150. I've written about the Go-To Car  before, and the F-150 is the go-to truck. It is the “father” of the pickup, the one every other pickup tries desperately to be like. If you're in the market you could look to the Chevrolet Silverado or even the GMC Sierra, but why?

From GMM

Ross Brawn is expecting the 2014 season to be characterised by failures.

After years of engine regulation stability, the sport is undergoing an enormous technical shakeup at present ahead of next year's radical switch to turbo V6 power.

"We will go back to a time such as 20 years ago," Mercedes team boss Brawn is quoted by Auto Motor und Sport.

"The technology is so complex that I expect a lot of failures. So there will be a new element of surprise," he predicted.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Brawn said the challenge will be intensified yet further by the tightening of F1's long-life engine rules, with each driver to be allocated just 5 units next year, rather than 8 at present.

"And the failures will be not just the engines, but the individual components," he said.

For instance, if turbochargers or batteries fail next year, replacing the component will attract the same penalty of a ten-place grid demotion, once the drivers' engine allocation has run out.

Nissan yesterday unveiled the first 21st Century interpretation of its iconic Datsun brand. Called Datsun GO after the DAT-GO car of 1914, it will go on sale in India early next year at under INR400,000 (approx. $7,000).

The Nissan Datsun GO is a 5-door hatchback with seating for 5, as well as a 1.2L engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It stands 3,785 mm long (on a 2,450 mm wheelbase), 1,635 mm wide, and 1,485 mm tall.

The Datsun GO will be the first of several Datsun models that will be launched later in 2014 in Indonesia, Russia, and South Africa.

From GMM

Paddy Lowe insists he is not worried Mercedes will spoil its technical progress by having 'too many cooks' in the design office.

Even prior to the former McLaren technical director joining the team, boss Ross Brawn was having to defend the swathe of technical experts at work at Brackley.

"Actually it's perfect," he had said, "as every one of us has an unique task."

Having joined Mercedes unexpectedly early, Lowe is yet to be allocated his precise tasks, but he is already working alongside Brawn and Toto Wolff.

"If people say there are too many technical directors at Mercedes," he is quoted by Brazil's Totalrace, "all I can say is that it is working for them.

"Mercedes has made fantastic progress in the last 12 months," added Lowe. "What's wrong with that?

"We do have a wide and deep range of senior people at Mercedes, but we are all paid employees respecting the talents of the others.

"There is a good division of efforts, and it's working really well," he said.

Photo: Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team

Lowe also insisted that, despite the influx of well-known names, revolutionising Mercedes' existing team structure is not necessary.

"This team won the championship (as Brawn GP) in 2009," said Lowe.

"And although there were special circumstances surrounding it (the double diffuser), you still cannot win championships if you do not know how to build, run, control and develop a car.

"You don't win by producing a fast car miraculously. These things come to you with all the right elements, and that's all there (at Mercedes)," he added.

What are the 10 best luxury SUVs of 2013 according to Kelley Blue Book? While German models dominate the list, the No. 1 happens to be the all-new 2013 Land Rover Range Rover. Obviously, a couple of Japanese SUVs also appear in this top 10, and even one American managed to find a spot.

Here are Kelley Blue Book's 10 best luxury SUVs of 2013:

10. 2013 Cadillac Escalade ESV

Photo: Cadillac

Continue reading Kelley Blue Book's 10 best luxury SUVs of 2013

The Mercedes-Benz W196 that helped Argentinean F1 driver Juan Manuel Fangio win the German and Swiss Grand Prix in 1954 was auctioned off last weekend during the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England.

The winning bid amounted to $29.6 million USD, or approximately $30.8 million CAD.

With chassis number 00006/54, the W196 features a 2.5L inline 8-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower.

Juan Manuel Fangio, who died in 1995 at the age of 84, remains the only driver in F1 history to become world champion with 4 different teams.

Source : blog.caranddriver.com

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

A 2014 Toyota Highlander decorated with SpongeBob SquarePants made its debut during Nickelodeon's SpongeBob Day at the Padres vs Giants baseball game in San Diego over the weekend.

This unique vehicle will now crisscross the U.S. and stop by the following cities:

• Baltimore (July 19-21)
• Orlando (August 2)
• Minneapolis (August 9-11)
• Hollywood (September 7-8)
• Chicago (September 15)
• Oakland (September 27-29)

The tour will wrap up during the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show from November 30th to December 9th.

“We are thrilled to partner with Toyota to produce this truly unique SpongeBob SquarePants-themed Highlander,” said Pam Kaufman, Chief Marketing Officer, Nickelodeon Group. “Through the ‘Happy Driving!' program, SpongeBob fans across the nation will have a chance to interact with SpongeBob in a whole new, four-wheeled way.”

Kids (and their parents) can learn more about this special Toyota Highlander and even customize their own with the characters of Bikini Bottom at ads.nick.com

Photo: Toyota

The Williams F1 Team announces the departure of Mike Coughlan and the appointment of Pat Symonds, released from Marussia.

Williams announces that Mike Coughlan has stepped down from his position as Technical Director and will leave the team with immediate effect. The team thanks him for the significant contribution he has made since 2011 and wishes him well in his future endeavours.

Mike Coughlan. (Photo: Williams F1 Team)

On another press release, Williams is pleased to announce the appointment of Pat Symonds as Chief Technical Officer, who will join the team starting the 19th of August.

Speaking about the appointment, Williams F1 Team Founder and Team Principal Sir Frank Williams said; “I'm delighted that Pat is joining the team. His technical capabilities and sporting successes speak for themselves and I'm sure that his knowledge and leadership will contribute considerably to the success that all of us at Williams are working hard to achieve.”

Mike O'Driscoll, Group Chief Executive Officer said; “Williams' sporting and engineering heritage dictates that we secure the finest talent available. Pat brings unrivalled technical and managerial skills in addition to a proven ability to deliver on track results. Our commitment to return Williams to winning ways is absolute and this appointment is yet more evidence of our collective desire to return the team to the position it deserves.”

Pat Symonds. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

Pat Symonds said; “Williams is a team steeped in success and engineering excellence and I'm honoured to be asked to play a role in returning the team to its rightful place at the pinnacle of Formula One. Sir Frank, Mike and Claire have put in place the foundations for success and I'm immensely excited to begin this new challenge.”

Michelin is recalling 3,644 tires in Canada because of incorrect handling during the manufacturing process that may have caused a pinhole in the sidewall.

A loss of air pressure could cause increased tire temperature and excessive damage to the tire, potentially leading to a car crash.

Michelin retailers will therefore replace all affected tires. Models include:

• 2013 Michelin LTX M/S2 P265/65R18
• 2012-2013 Michelin LTX M/S2 P275/55R20
• 2013 Michelin X RADIAL LT2 P275/55R20

Source: Transport Canada

Photo: Michelin

Formula 1 team have confirmed their drivers' line-ups for this week's Young Driver tests at the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit in the UK.

Line-ups are subjects to last minute changes. The tests begin tomorrow morning.

RED BULL
Antonio Felix da Costa (Wednesday am and Thursday am)
His test with Infiniti Red Bull Racing fulfils the team's commitment to grant the mid-season leader of the World Series by Renault a full day's test in the RB9.
Carlos Sainz Jr (Friday am)
Daniel Ricciardo (Wednesday pm)
Mark Webber (Thursday pm)
Sebastian Vettel (Friday pm)

FERRARI
Pedro de la Rosa (Wednesday am)
Fernando Alonso (Wednesday pm)
Davide Rigon (Thursday and Friday)

LOTUS
Nicolas Prost (Wednesday)
Davide Valsecchi (Thursday)
Kimi Raikkonen (Friday)

Davide Valsecchi. (Photo: Lotus F1 Team)

SAHARA FORCE INDIA
Paul di Resta
Adrian Sutil
James Calado
The driving schedule will be confirmed each morning.

McLAREN
Kevin Magnussen (Wednesday)
Oliver Turvey (Thursday)
Gary Paffett (Friday)

SAUBER
Robin Frijns (Wednesday and Thursday am)
Nico Hulkenberg (Thursday pm)
Kimiya Sato (Friday)

TORO ROSSO
Johnny Cecotto (Wednesday)
Carlos Sainz Jr (Thursday am)
Daniel Ricciardo (Thursday pm)
Jean-Eric Vergne (Friday am)
Daniil Kvyat (Friday pm)

Johnny Cecotto Jr. (Photo: Red Bull)

WILLIAMS
Susie Wolff
Daniel Juncadella
Pastor Maldonado

CATERHAM
Alexander Rossi (Wednesday)
Will Stevens (Thursday)
Giedo van der Garde (Friday am)
Charles Pic (Friday pm)

MARUSSIA
Tio Ellinas (Wednesday)
Gonzales (Thursday and Friday)

Sauber conducted aero test last year with the young Esteban Gutierrez. (Photo: WRi2)

From Pro Modified Racing Association

The latest rounds in the Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series were held over the weekend as part of the Canadian Nitro Nationals at TMP's Cayuga Dragway.

Winning his record-setting fourth consecutive PMRA race in a row was Rocky Di Lecce. Melanie Simmons Salemi drove her Top Dragster to victory in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and Ted Glinny picked up his second win of the year in the PBSS.

Driving his 1968 Camaro, Di Lecce, of Mississauga, Ontario, who qualified number 1 in the PMRA event, once again dominated the race, running through the ladder and taking out number two qualifier Derek Hawker of Corbyville, Ontario in the final round. Di Lecce has been victorious in all PMRA events for 2013.

Semi-finalists in PMRA action included Paulo Giust of Osgoode, Ontario, and three-time PMRA champion Bruce Boland of Stoney Creek, Ontario.

Qualifying number four on the Top Dragster side of the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts, Melanie Simmons Salemi of Orillia, Ontario won her second series race with her ERD-powered Top Dragster.

She eliminated the Top Sportsman Dodge Stratus entry of two-time Quick 32 Sportsman Series champion Kevin Wicke of Stratford, Ontario in the event final which pits the top finalist from each side to declare an event winner.

Simmons Salemi eliminated number three qualifier Michael Kalin of Niagara Falls, New York in the Top Dragster final, while Wicke, who qualified number two in Top Sportsman, took out Dan Flanigan of Buffalo, New York to meet up with Simmons Salemi in the final. Running on a 6.64-second dial-in, Simmons Salemi posted a 6.665-second, 199.91-mph pass over the 6.880, 202.06 run of Wicke, who was dialed-in with a 6.82.

Pro Bike rider and defending PBSS champion Ted Glinny picked up his second PBSS win of the season at the Canadian Nitro Nationals, defeating Dan Cryderman in the final round. Glinny, of Milton, Ontario rode to an 8.578, 144.67 winning pass over Pro Bike rider Cryderman, of Thamesville, Ontario, with an 8.033, 155.73. Glinny rides a Kawasaki and Cryderman a Suzuki.

Semi-finalists in this round of the PBSS, which is presented by Wiseco Performance Products, were former PBSS champion Pro Biker Randy Hope of London, Ontario, and the Pro Sled entry of Bill Anderson of Seaforth, Ontario.

Also held at Cayuga over the weekend were the final rounds in the postponed South Coast Community Weekend event. Winning the PMRA final was Di Lecce, over Rob Atchison of London, Ontario. The Ingersoll, Ontario-based Top Sportsman entry of Wilson and Gray with Rob Gray at the wheel won the Quick 32 Sportsman Series final over the Top Dragster of Lance Orr, of Shawville, Quebec, and Pro Bike rider Dave Vandereyken of Acton, Ontario powered his Suzuki to his first PBSS win over Cryderman in the final.

Leading in Championship Point Award Series in the PMRA is Di Lecce, with Jack Grainy of Basom, New York second, followed by Hawker, Boland, and Atchison. Top five in the Quick 32 Sportsman Series are Wicke, Spencer Hyde of Stratford, Ontario, Wilson and Gray, Simmons Salemi, and Jeff Moser of Bamberg, Ontario. And the top five in the PBSS are Cryderman, Glinny, Vandereyken, Marty Kuiack of Milton, Ontario, and John Orfanidis of Toronto, Ontario.

Next round for the PMRA is July 19-21 as the Pro Modifieds will take part in the 14th Annual MOPAR Nitro Jam Nationals presented by Parts Canada at the Grand Bend Motorplex in Grand Bend, Ontario.

From GMM

Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn has clarified reports suggesting the Swiss team has been bought by Russian entities.

Having earlier admitted a sale of the team could not be ruled out, the struggling Hinwil based outfit announced on Monday that it has new Russian partners.

The news was reported as Sauber having been 'rescued' by Russia, but Italy's Autosprint quotes Kaltenborn as insisting: "The team has not been sold."

And Speed Week reports that Sauber's existing structure, with Kaltenborn and founder Peter Sauber at the decision-making helm, is not changing.

The Swiss portal 20 Minuten, however, said the Russian investment in Sauber amounts to a whopping $170 million, clearing the team's debts and paying unhappy suppliers.

"But where is the money coming from?" a correspondent reported in the Aargauer Zeitung newspaper.

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

Indeed, some reports suggest the entities listed in the Sauber press release are little more than shell organisations, albeit closely linked to Russian president Vladimir Putin.

A source is quoted by the Swiss newspaper Blick: "It doesn't matter where the money comes from. What is important is that it comes."

The Russian correspondent for Swiss broadcaster Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen, however, is concerned.

"This whole story could end up in a dead end," he warned.

Meanwhile, questions are also being asked about Lotus' new co-owners.

Owner Genii recently announced that a consortium called Infinity Racing has bought 35 per cent of the Enstone based team.

But the Sun newspaper now quotes Genii's Gerard Lopez as saying the deal is actually not finalised, although it is "progressing onwards".

From Honda Canada

Thanks to the generosity of Toronto race fans, support from Honda Canada Inc. and the Ontario Honda Dealers Association, more than $57,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish Canada during a race weekend filled with fun both on and off the track.

This marks the fourth straight year of Make-A-Wish fundraising efforts at the Honda Indy Toronto, which has generated a total of $308,000.

"On behalf of everyone at Make-A-Wish Canada, I'd like to express our sincere thanks to Honda Canada, its dealers and, of course, the fans," said Jennifer Ritter, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada. "This level of commitment and support is a huge part of how we can continue to grant wishes and bring happiness and strength to the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions."

Race lovers of all ages were once again treated to the speed and thrill of the Honda Indy Toronto for free during the fourth annual Fan Friday. Rather than pay admission, attendees were encouraged to make a contribution to Make-A-Wish. Donations were also accepted for games and activities including Blue Jays batting cages, face painting, an all-new Honda Pit Stop Challenge and racing simulators. All contributions over the weekend were matched dollar-for-dollar by Honda Canada.

"Fan Friday has grown every year and we're very proud to have a role in its evolution," said Kevin Pearson, president, Ontario Honda Dealers Association. "Perhaps the best part of this event is that it's not just for race fans. There truly is something for everyone and it all happens in support of Make-A-Wish."

The races may be over, but there are always opportunities to donate to Make-A-Wish. To make a five dollar donation, text the word 'DREAM' to 41010 from any mobile phone. With support from organizations like Honda Canada and the OHDA, Make-A-Wish grants over 500 wishes a year through eight regional chapters across the country.

From Press Release

ALDO Racing driver David Bensadoun and co-driver Patrick Beaulé will race in the Baja Aragon, a three day race held in the desert of central Spain, in preparation for their third participation in the famous "Dakar" event, held this coming January in South America.

Racing in the Dakar, a 14 day race held this coming January in Argentina and Chile, remains a major undertaking, one that takes 12 months of physical, mechanical and logistical preparation. After participating in the Dakar in 2012 and 2013, the ALDO Racing team, led by driver David Bensadoun and co-driver Patrick Beaulé, is in the middle of that preparation, and will race in the Baja Aragon, a three day event based in Teruel, in the middle of the Spanish desert, on July 19, 20 and 21.



The team will test their new machine next Tuesday and Wednesday, and then race from Friday until late on Sunday. The 130 participating vehicles will cover more than 1000 km of hard and soft desert over the three days, with over 700 km of timed sections in full race mode to determine the winner.

Bensadoun and Beaulé will drive a purpose-built 4X4, a "Desert Warrior 3" developed specifically for the Dakar by specialists at Rally Raid UK. The racer uses a tubular chassis, a 275 hp turbo diesel that pushes out an irresistible 550 lb-ft. of torque, a six speed transmission that doles out the power to all four wheels, ultra long-travel suspensions all around, and a super-light fiberglass body.

The January 2014 Dakar race will mark Bensadoun's and Beaulé's third start in that event. In 2012, they were the first ever Canadian team to finish aboard a four-wheel vehicule. In 2013, Beaulé used a motorcycle to finish 62nd out of 196 entries, a fantastic feat for a first timer and amateur Dakar racer.

From NPP

Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series competitor, Bruce Broughton will be watching the remainder of the season from the sidelines as the 44-year old suffered a heart attack on July 4th.

The good news is that Broughton is now resting comfortably at home.

"This was a pretty big scare for me," admits the 2010 NPP Late Model Series' champion, "I'm pretty tired right now but I am up and moving around."

The Stony Plain, Alberta driver was on holidays in Northern Alberta when the health emergency struck.

"There was a big storm coming in. I was outside moving lawn chairs so they wouldn't blow away. I came back inside the trailer and then immediately fell to the floor."

Broughton's wife was with him.

"Allison was rock solid during this time. If it wasn't for her I think the outcome would have been a lot different."

Broughton was rushed to hospital in Barrhead, Alberta before being transported to Edmonton.

"They were going to fly me out [Stars Air Ambulance] but the weather was bad so they took me the long way [road]."

Broughton underwent emergency surgery in Edmonton.

"I was in intensive care for three days. They opened me up on Friday [July 5th] to see what kind of shape my heart was in. Doctors said I actually had a second heart attack when I was on the table."

Ironically Broughton, who is a non-smoker and his family doctor talked about the potential for a heart attack when he was in for his annual checkup.

"I was in for my regular checkup about six weeks ago. My grandfather had heart problems in his sixties, my dad in his fifties. They say that it hits ten years earlier each generation. I guess they were right."

Broughton had angioplasty and three stents inserted. Doctors say the prognosis looks good for a full recovery.

"I'm following doctors' orders right now," says Broughton, "I've parked myself for the season and I'm taking a few months off of work [LJB Auto - Spruce Grove]."

Broughton knows he won't be behind the wheel of a race car for the foreseeable future.

"My biggest disappointment is not being able to race the end of this month [with the NASCAR drivers on July 31st]. I planned on winning that one. I will be in the pits though. You can count on that!"

Broughton would like to thank his fellow racers for their prayers and offered some timely advice.

"Be grateful for what you got. Life can be pretty short. Don't take anything for granted and appreciate those you love."

The Northern Provincial Pipelines Late Model Series wishes Bruce Broughton a speedy recovery.