Auto News 5

Stacey Fowler, social media dealer coach of Ford Canada stores for Sonic Boom, a digital media agency in Toronto, shares her thoughts on the evolving social media sphere. Zender Ford in Spruce Grove, Alberta, is among the agency's clients.

The automaker is paying for tows in an effort to bring bodywork to participating shops.

Ford is launching a midcycle makeover and is going back to the well with the Fiesta Movement, which it has retooled.

Chelsea Proving Grounds, Ann Arbor Mi. - The 2014 Fiat 500L is not exactly the Fiat of your old-world Nonno's day and age. The 500L is made in the American image: longer, wider, and more powerful. In this case, those are all good things, very good things.

What is a Fiat 500L?
The 2014 Fiat 500L is the next logical development of the sub-compact Fiat 500 for the North American market. The Fiat 500L mutated into a 4-door hatch that can hold 5 North American adults in decent comfort.


2014 Fiat 500L Price and Specs
Starting at $19,995, the 2014 Fiat 500L comes to Canada in 4 different trim levels: Pop, Sport, Trekking, and Lounge. Pricing for the Pop includes such goodies as Uconnect with a 5” screen, Bluetooth™, hill start assist, 7 airbags, and stability control. At the top, the 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge has a base price of $25,995, and the equipment list grows to include a Beats premium audio system (limited time introductory offer), premium leather seats with heated front buckets, and a ParkView® backup camera, as well as a bit of bling through added exterior chrome.

Power for the 2014 Fiat 500L comes from the 1.4L MultiAair (turbocharged) inline-4 that puts out 160 horsepower and produces 184 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard. The optional automatic is a 6-speed dual, dry-clutch transmission or DDCT as Fiat calls it.

Fuel economy for the 2014 Fiat 500L varies from roughly 8L/100km in the city to 6L/100km out on the highway when equipped with the 6-speed manual.

Starting at $19,995, the 2014 Fiat 500L comes to Canada in 4 different trim levels: Pop, Sport, Trekking, and Lounge. (Photo: Charles Renny)

Driving the 2014 Fiat 500L
The last thing on your mind when you take the 2014 Fiat 500L out for the first drive is fuel economy. Even when equipped with the 6-speed DDCT transmission, the Fiat 500L is willing to get up and go. There is little turbo lag, and the motor pulls hard from just off idle and just keeps pulling. Zero to 100 km/h takes about 11 seconds, but seems like less.

One other thing you notice is that the interior is quiet, even under full acceleration. Cruising at speed in the 2014 Fiat 500L is relaxing because of the quietness and stability. There was little if any reaction to side winds or passing trucks.

The 2014 Fiat 500L does much better than its tall profile would suggest. Corners are taken fairly flat unless you push really hard, at which point it tilts over a bit and the nose starts to push out. Electric power steering makes this transition a bit difficult to predict accurately, but normally there is no reason to push as hard as it takes to make the steering feel turn numb.

After being in the car for a while, the seats still felt comfortable, although, if you do much hard cornering, the lack of lateral support in both the seatbacks and seat cushions becomes apparent in the 2014 Fiat 500L.

Cruising at speed in the 2014 Fiat 500L is relaxing because of the quietness and stability. (Photo: Charles Renny)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Fiat 500L
The 2014 Fiat 500L is a surprise because, while it is so similar to the regular Fiat 500, it is also significantly different. Styling cues around the front fascia and a bit of the front end are definitely Fiat. After that, the flat roof, rounded sides, and extra doors leave you wondering if you really are looking at a Fiat. Then you go to the tail: It may be a relatively upright hatchback, but the taillights and overall design are clearly Fiat.

That feeling of familiarity carries over to the interior as well. The driving position is definitely Italian. Controls are definitely Fiat in design, and fall readily to hand. The largest American influence seems to be in the centre stack where Uconnect resides with its modern controls and configurable TFT screen. North American influence is also found in the rear seats of the 2014 Fiat 500L: It is large enough for 3 adults, and has legroom to spare even when the front seats are nearly all the way back.

North American influence is also found in the rear seats of the 2014 Fiat 500L: It is large enough for 3 adults. (Photo: Charles Renny)

Comparing the Fiat 500L
The 2014 Fiat 500L invites some extreme comparisons. It stacks up well against the modern, upmarket MINI Countryman in price, fuel economy, and size. The Fiat 500L can be similarly compared with the Kia Soul, as well as the Scion xB and Nissan Cube. The only way to know for sure if you have enough Italian in you to love this not-so-little Fiat is to drive one, Italian style.

From GMM

Embattled Sauber could have its engine power switched off permanently on the day after the forthcoming Hungarian grand prix.

Germany's Die Welt newspaper reports that the Swiss team is now EUR 15 million behind in its due payments to customer engine supplier Ferrari.

The report said Ferrari has issued Sauber an ultimatum: pay at least EUR 8 million of the overdue bill by 29 July - the first day of the 'summer break' - or have the supply of 2.4 litre V8 engines switched off.

Peter Sauber told the Swiss newspaper Sonntagsblick: "That's nonsense."

But if it does happen, the Hinwil based team - reportedly in debt to the tune of almost EUR 100 million - would be without engines for the Belgian grand prix in late August.

The situation is undoubtedly urgent, but all is not lost. Welt reports that Sauber is in talks with the Russian bank SMP, but that the deal requires the approval of president Vladimir Putin.

Another rumour is that FIA president Jean Todt is offering to loan Sauber EUR 10 million, but only if his son Nicolas is installed as team boss.

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

Until then, Peter Sauber is reportedly paying staff out of his own pocket, while unpaid suppliers - some demanding little more than EUR 100 - lose their patience.

Asked if the team does not have even a hundred euros in the bank, Peter Sauber told the Swiss newspaper Sonntagsblick: "Of course not. We have not laid anyone off and have paid the wages on time. But you cannot pay certain suppliers and not others. We need to treat everyone equally. The situation is serious. It is one of the most difficult situations I've had in motor sport."

He said the birth of the predicament dates back to former owner BMW's total withdrawal from the sport at the end of 2009.

"There are many teams with enormous problems," said Sauber, recalling taking back control of the team from BMW. "I am not a dreamer. I knew what I was getting myself into.

"The worst thing was at the same time also losing our long term partner Petronas. I could have had a quiet life, but the closure of the team would have hurt me more than the current situation does," he insisted.

So, while admitting the current situation is painful, Sauber said he is confident.

"The negotiations that are going on are nearing completion. I am convinced that we will succeed in a rescue," he said.

"But it is clear that we simply need a big, strong partner," added Sauber, who confirmed he and team boss Monisha Kaltenborn recently travelled to Moscow on two separate occasions.

I pride myself on being a fairly good driver: I'm conscious of those around me on the road, respectful, and also have a good eye for pre-emptively avoiding incidents. I use my turn signal, turn my lights on when I should and respect speed limits.

I recently came back from a drive program hosted in Budapest, Hungary. I'd never been to Budapest, or even the country of Hungary, so this was all new to me. And while I've driven in other European cities (Berlin and London), I wasn't sure what to expect in Budapest and its surrounding areas.

Behind the wheel of a 2015 Audi A3 Sedan, I took to the streets. Equipped with an automatic transmission, I was able to focus on the scenery as my driving partner and I traversed the outlying regions of Budapest. Through rolling hills and over uneven pavement on tight, two-lane roads I felt at home. Save for the constant passing lane - I kid you not, it was a constant dotted line with passing allowed, even around blind corners and over hills, on which I saw passing on both much to my nerve's dismay.

However, it was in the city of Budapest where my lesson really came to be. I decided to try my hand at a 1.6L diesel model equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission for my drive back into the city and to our hotel. While the clutch and shifter were smooth, supple and oh-so willing to comply, the flow of traffic added a level of stress I'd not thought would come about.

Here's the rule in Europe: Traffic lights go from red to red-with-yellow, then they go green. When the light gets to that red-with-yellow zone, most cars start moving forward because they know green isn't far behind. This gives manual drivers a chance to engage first gear and start inching forward. So stressed was I by this “rule” that I stalled the A3 and got a resounding honk from the cars behind for holding things up.

I also learned that cruising speeds on the highway are far from the same as they are at home. While there is no such thing as the Autobahn in Hungary, I rather felt like I was on one cruising in the 140-150 km/hr range right alongside Fiat Pandas and Ford Kas, simply keeping up with traffic. I felt like I was a danger on the road if I slowed down to the 120 range, going too slowly and causing hard braking for no reason as cars came up quickly behind me.

Each time I drive in Europe I feel like it's the first time. I learn something new about myself, and the rules of the road each time. Road experiences are as eye-opening as the scenery around me, and I love it.

In Budapest I learned that he who hesitates is lost, an important lesson that can just as easily follow me out of the car and into the rest of my life -- and I rather think it will.

Photo: Miranda Lightstone

Facing serious air pollution issues, China is now limiting the number of vehicles that can be sold in a many key cities around the country. These limits were already in effect in four major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, and another eight will be added to the list.

As a result of the new car “lotteries,” only 20,000 drivers -- out of 1.53 million potential buyers -- can register new vehicles each month in the four cities.

It still isn't clear whether electric cars and other low-emission vehicles will be exempt from these restrictions.

As the world's largest car market, China could rise to 35 million units sold by 2022 according to recent estimates -- more than demand in North American and Europe combined.

Source : www.thedetroitbureau.com

Williams F1 Team confirmed Monday the three drivers who will participate in the young driver test at Silverstone circuit this week.

Williams will run its Development Driver Susie Wolff and Spaniard Daniel Juncadella while race driver, Pastor Maldonado will also take part to conduct tire evaluation under the revised test regulations announced following the Grand Prix of Germany.

Susie Wolff has been part of the Williams F1 Team since becoming Development Driver in April 2012. The former Mercedes DTM driver made her Formula 1 debut putting the FW33 through its paces at a Williams partner event at Silverstone last October and was given an increased programme in the team's simulator for 2013.

She was the first to get behind the wheel of this year's race car when she drove the FW35 at Idiada for aerodynamic testing in February.

Photo: Williams F1 Team

Twenty-two year old Daniel Juncadella is currently racing in DTM for Mücke Motorsport having impressed in a number of single-seater categories over the last few years. He was runner-up in the 2009 Formula BMW Europe series before going on to win the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 2011 and become Formula 3 Euro Series champion in 2012.

Following the recent regulation changes to the Young Driver Test, which now allow current F1 race drivers to take part in order to conduct tire evaluations for Pirelli, Pastor Maldonado will also have a day behind the wheel. He will work on tire development on one of the three scheduled test days, with Daniel and Susie each having a day driving the Williams Renault FW35.

Tesla was added to the Nasdaq-100 Index, which tracks the biggest companies on the Nasdaq, before the start of trading on Monday. It replaced Oracle, which joined the New York Stock Exchange.

The electric car maker is enjoying quite a boom right now, having recently been named ''Best Car of All Time'' by Consumer Reports, outsold the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan LEAF and even the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the U.S., and reported profits of $11.2 million in the first quarter of 2013 (its first profits in 10 years of existence).

In fact, Tesla's stock has surged 264% this year, while the current leader in the Nasdaq-100, Netflix, has gained 166%.

After selling more than 4,900 units in Q1, Tesla has now increased the anticipated production of 20,000 units to 21,000 for 2013.

Sources : www.bloomberg.com

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

Multiple Nissan dealerships will come together around Montreal's Olympic Stadium from July 18-21 to create a fully interactive brand experience in a one-time only location. The “My Nissan My Choice Sales Event” will mark a Canadian first.

During these 4 days, consumers will learn about the various models in Nissan's lineup and get an opportunity to compare most of them behind the wheel. They will even be able to test-drive the all-electric Nissan LEAF and marvel at the ultra-powerful Nissan GT-R from every angle.

Upon arrival and registration, participants will have a chance to "Spin to Win" a brand new vehicle, providing everyone with one of 3 prizes - $1,000 towards a purchase, $3,000 towards a purchase, or the grand prize of $30,000 towards a purchase. These exclusive incentives will be stacked on Nissan's current offers.

“This innovative brand experience is the first of its kind in Canada, and we're proud to run this premiere event in Quebec to give residents a chance to drive all-new cars like the exciting new Versa Note or the 100% electric Nissan LEAF. For those who see something they like, the special incentives stacked on our current great offers will make it a perfect time to drive a Nissan,” said Christian Meunier, President of Nissan Canada.

The “My Nissan My Choice Sales Event” will take place from July 18-20 between 10am and 8pm, as well as on July 21st between 10am and 5pm -- all at 4141, Pierre-de-Coubertin Avenue in Montreal.

Photo: Sébastien D'Amour

In a year of redemption Brian Vickers, a part-time driver at Michael Waltrip Racing, won New Hampshire Motor Speedway in a race marked by 12 cautions. Vickers became the 11th different winner in the last 11 races. It was his third Sprint Cup victory.

Brian Vickers. (Photo: NASCAR)

Vickers had been sidelined, earlier in his career by blood clots, aimed at a comeback with Red Bull Racing, but then the team shut its' doors and Vickers had no job.

Little-by-little he's returned, racing part time for MWR last year and this year while running for the Nationwide Championship with Turner Scott Racing.

It was only Vickers' eighth Sprint Cup start this year and 16th in the last two years.

Photo: NASCAR

“Man, just thank God for the chance and the opportunity to come back and this team and Rodney (Childers his crew chief) and just everyone believing me and giving me a second chance.”

“When you have a car that good in practice and first pit stop of the race we made big mistakes got a penalty and lap down Brian drove his butt off and never gave up. This morning we knew if it came down to a fuel mileage race we'd have a good car,” Childers explained.

What's also remarkable is that Vickers' No. 55 is shared with Mark Martin and team owner, Michael Waltrip.

Photo: NASCAR

Also in the vein of redemption Kurt Busch's resurgence also was palpable.

The 2004 Sprint Cup champ had led as late as lap 202, including a race high 102 laps; only to fall back after pit stops on a caution. Busch got caught trying to overtake Ryan Newman in turn two, and got tagged by Matt Kenseth on lap 226. He went to the garage for repairs. That ended his hopes of a breakout win for the single-car Furniture Row Racing.

Although led from lap 203 to 286 a miscalculation on fuel helped put Vickers in the catbird seat.

The three-time champion tried to stretch fuel, while dominating the last third. Even on most restarts he could hold off second place, Kyle Busch, who had won the Nationwide race here on Saturday. But it became obvious that Stewart couldn't continue his winning pace, and in fact he ran out of fuel on the final lap falling to 26th.

Kyle Busch. (Photo: René Fagnan)

Busch said “I think we were the fastest car here today. Definitely on the short run. I guess I burned my front tires off.”

Third place Jeff Burton explained “I was pretty excited about that green white and checkered. That gave us a shot. Brian spun his tires and just couldn't get going then Tony and to check up to keep from passing him at the (start/finish) line and that was the end of it for us.

Polesitter, Brad Keselowski, finished fourth behind Burton and said “it is a solid day but not the win I want for sure.”

Brad Keselowski. (Photo: NASCAR)

After the race Stewart said that he knew fuel was a concern. “Pretty nervous, I mean it's hard to calculate how much we are saving on the cautions so thought we were about three-quarters of to the good before that last caution. Obviously didn't get saved as much as I thought we would,” said Stewart.

Jimmie Johnson continues to lead the standing by more than one entire race, 56 points. Clint Bowyer is second followed by Carl Edwards 73 points back.

In the Wild Card Race Martin Truex, Jr. Vickers' teammate is 11th with one win followed by Stewart who stands 13th with one win.

Despite what people hear or think; Kyle Busch stands up for his older brother Kurt Busch. The elder Busch brother led a race-high 102-laps of the scheduled 301-lap race only to be involved in a collision with Ryan Newman and Matt Kenseth.

Kurt Busch, the 2004 Sprint Cup champion, has been knocking at the door of a victory with the one-car Furniture Row Racing team by running up at the front this year. Yet Busch admits the failure to close the deal was partially his fault for over-driving on occasion.

After the race, where Kyle Busch finished second, the younger brother lashed out at what he perceived to be his brother's undoing.

Photo: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

"Ryan Newman is the biggest stupid idiot out here,'' Kyle said after the race on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. "He's a big ogre and can do whatever he wants because he can probably kick anybody's butt. So no sense getting in a fight with him. Glad he's out of a job.''

That last reference to the long-awaited official announcement that Kevin Harvick will become the third driver at Stewart-Haas Racing next year, joining Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick. That leaves Newman (ironically once a teammate of Kurt Busch at Penske Racing), without a ride.

Kurt Busch was trying to get back in the lead, in a pack of cars, when his Chevrolet got a little loose slowing him down and then tapped by Kenseth went into Newman's car. Although Busch's car was repaired later he finished many laps in arrears.

Kurt didn't blame Newman or Kenseth. “It was a three-wide accident and everybody is going hard,” said Busch, who became the first Furniture Row Racing driver to lead the most laps. “We had a great car, which was capable of winning this race. But once again we didn't have the finish worthy of our performance.”

Busch didn't place blame afterward while Newman mentioned a variety of potential culprits.

On the other Newman did blame both Busch brothers."We just got whacked by a bunch of guys," he said. "(Kyle Busch) hit me first, (Brad Keselowski) hit me next and then I guess it was Kurt that went underneath three-wide. (Matt Kenseth) came and clipped us and knocked us into the fence and took himself out.”

One has to wonder where the next confrontation will occur.

Three countries have apparently applied to stage races of the DTM series in the very near future.

French regional newspaper, Le Bien Public, wrote that the Dijon-Prenois road course may welcome the DTM cars starting next year, five years after the German series' last visit in the Bourgogne region.

The owners of the race track apparently came to an agreement with ITR, the organiser and promoter of the DTM, with an announcement to be made in August.

Paul Di Resta, Mercedes, in Shanghai back in 2010. (Photo: DTM)

ITR chairman, Hans-Werner Aufrecht, also revealed that talks are underway to host a round of DTM in China. DTM did stage a non-championship event a few years ago in China, and then held the final round of the 2010 season on the streets of Shanghai.

The three car manufacturers currently involved in the DTM -- Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW -- are apparently pushing hard for a race to be held in China in order to promote their road cars.

Finally, Spain could be back on the DTM schedule starting next year. There are three Spanish drivers in the DTM this year (Roberto Mehri, Daniel Juncadella, and Miguel Molina) and the country is willing to showcase their talent in front of a home crowd.

From GMM (with Update below)

Sauber's next driver is closely linked to the group of Russian sponsors who on Monday were hailed as the saviours of the embattled Swiss team.

Amid reports financial worries could soon silence Sauber's engines, the Hinwil based team announced a timely deal with a group of Russian entities closely aligned with president Vladimir Putin.

A media statement said Russian driver Sergey Sirotkin, who is just 17, would as part of the deal be prepared "as a racing driver for the team in 2014".

It is already being reported that Sirotkin, currently racing in the Formula Renault 3.5 series, will appear in the grey Sauber in practice sessions later in 2013.

Sergey Sirotkin, Formula Renault 3.5. (Photo: Renault)

An almost completely unknown name within the F1 paddock, teenager Sirotkin therefore stands to break all the records for the youngest ever grand prix driver.

"We will do everything possible to prepare him for his entry into formula one, so that he will be our driver next year," team boss Monisha Kaltenborn told Germany's motorsport-total.com.

The British Telegraph newspaper reports that Sirotkin is the son of Oleg Sirotkin, the chief of one of Sauber's new backers, the National Institute of Aviation Technologies.

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

Sauber said the Hinwil based team, which according to Kaltenborn has not been sold, "will benefit from the advanced know-how of the front-end Russian scientists and engineers" of the entity headed by Sirotkin's father.

Telegraph correspondent Tom Cary said Sirotkin will not appear later this week at the young driver test at Silverstone, "but the intention is to have him in a race seat in time for next year's inaugural Russian grand prix in Sochi".

UPDATE
Sergey Sirotkin's father has played down suggestions the teenager is too young to make his formula one debut later this year.

"There will be a number of preliminary tests," he told the Russian website f1news.ru on Monday, "and if these tests prove to be competitive, then we will talk about (Sergey Sirotkin) joining the team.

"If he needs additional development, so there will be an additional preparatory period," added Oleg Sirotkin.

"But we believe that Sergey, although young, has already gone quite a long way. He performed in Formula Abarth, in F3, in Auto GP, and this whole year he is in the Renault World Series. So he went through all the steps. We all know that Kimi Raikkonen went to formula one straight from the Renault 2.0, and everything was fine. If a guy has flair and talent, it is not necessary to sit for 10 years in each category," Sirotkin senior insisted.

Should the Russian deal ultimately save sinking Sauber, it will be hailed within the paddock. But, as ever in F1, there is always scepticism.

Some, including well-placed Russian sources, wonder if the companies are actually flush with money. Others question the link between them and next year's inaugural Russian grand prix.

2014 race host Sochi, for instance, lies in the south, while Sauber's deal is with the State Fund of Development of North-West Russian Federation.

From Kawartha Durham Kart Club

While Kawartha Durham Kart Club's 2012 charity race was not only very well attended and quite successful, club efforts have ensured the 2013 event will be even bigger and better than last year.

Along with KDKC members, the July 28th event will also be a points race for Simcoe and Toronto Kart Clubs, with some Senior Briggs racers making the trek from Lombardy Race Park, as well as some of the Fun Racers in attendance as well.

Considering the amount of visitors and spectators that showed up last year, this should prove to be very well attended, and a great fundraiser for the Fare Share Food Banks of Northumberland County.

Entrance fees for this event are $75, or bring a shopping bag full of groceries and visiting racers can get in for $70 and feel great about helping our neighbors. We will also be holding a raffle for a 'Thrill of a Lifetime' lapping session at the Bridgestone Racing Academy in a Reynard F2000 car.

Visitors with a shopping bag of non-perishable food donations will also receive a free raffle ticket for this truly exciting experience. The charity BBQ is a mere $5 for a burger or hotdog or sausage on a bun, with chips and a drink. All proceeds will go to a worthy cause helping those less fortunate or just in need of a some temporary support while going through difficult times.

KDKC will be running their 1km, track 1 layout for the event. Saturday, July 27th will be a practice/sponsor/media day, with a $50 entrance fee.

For sponsorship opportunities please contact admin@kawarthadurhamkartclub.com , a $500 sponsorship includes a training session with regulated track time and space for a display at the facility on race day.

Those looking to compete against the best there is on this track, go to www.kawarthadurhamkartclub.com for more details.

Sauber Formula 1 Team announced the arrival of three Russian companies as partners and investors.

Sauber Motorsport AG has reached an agreement with Investment Cooperation International Fund, The State Fund of Development of North-West Russian Federation and the National Institute of Aviation Technologies.

The objective of the partnership is to promote Fomula 1 in Russia (as the Sochi Grand Prix should be held in 2014) and to jointly develop high-technological solutions.

With the National Institute of Aviation Technologies (which employs nearly 1,000 employees and is one of the leading scientific research institutions in Russia), Sauber will benefit from the advanced know-how of the front-end Russian scientists and engineers.

The objective of the partnership is to open up new perspectives and revenue streams by commercialising jointly developed technologies.

Photo: Sauber F1 Team

The partnership includes further activities, such as attracting the talented young Russian generation towards motorsport. In particular, a development programme will be set up for the Russian driver Sergey Sirotkin to prepare him as a racing driver for the team in 2014.

The press release issued Monday morning inducated that this extensive co-operation will showcase Russian innovation at the pinnacle of motorsport. At the same time, the Sauber F1 Team will have a solid foundation to increase its competitiveness on a long-term basis.

Target Ganassi driver, Scott Dixon won the two IndyCar series' races held this past weekend on the streets of downtown Toronto.

Dixon won Race 1 of the Honda Indy Toronto by 1.7 seconds over Sebastien Bourdais following a lap 84 restart, faced a similar situation in Race 2 and won under caution to sweep the weekend doubleheader.

It was the third consecutive victory for the two-time series champion, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday July 22.

Photos: Paolo Pedicelli

Dixon's last three-in-a-row stretch was in 2007 (Watkins Glen, Nashville, Mid-Ohio), and the last in the series was accomplished by Ryan Hunter-Reay (Milwaukee, Iowa, Toronto) en route to his 2012 series championship.

Dixon also earned his 32nd Indy car victory to overtake Dario Franchitti, Bourdais and Paul Tracy for seventh on the all-time winners list.

Helio Castroneves of Penske Racing finished second in front of Bourdais who earned his second consecutive podium finish (his first since 2007), Dario Franchitti and E.J. Viso.

Scott Dixon (Ganassi) dominated the Toronto week-end by winning the two races featured in the IndyCar double-header by winning with a commanding performance Sunday afternoon.

The Neo-Zelander has now won the last three IndyCar races and now moves to second place atop the series standings.

Helio Castroneves (Team Penske) finished second but the official margin by which he lost is not relevant since the race was flagged under a yellow. Dixon's lead before the yellow flag was more than 16 seconds in front of the Brazilian.

An excellent week-end for Sebastien Bourdais and the Dragon squad who finished third to end the weekend with a double-podium.

Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon (winner) and Sebastien Bourdais. (Photo:LAT/ IndyCar)

Even though he had damaged his front wing earlier in the race against the back of Power's car on the opening lap, forcing him to pit for repairs, Dario Franchitti managed to recover to 10th and then capitalized on the late yellows to gain a further six places and salvage fourth ahead of EJ Viso and Charlie Kimball.

The performance of the day might belong to Mike Conway who was able to gain 16 places to finish seventh ahead of his Dale Coyne team-mate Justin Wilson.

Photo: LAT/IndyCar

Toronto Race No.2 Results - 85 laps:

Pos  Driver   Team/Engine   Time/Gap
1. Scott Dixon  Ganassi/Honda  1h35m02.3755s
2. Helio Castroneves   Penske/Chevy  +0.8772s
3. Sebastien Bourdais  Dragon/Chevy  +1.7213s
4. Dario Franchitti  Ganassi/Honda  +2.7630s
5. EJ Viso   Andretti/Chevy  +3.5804s
6. Charlie Kimball  Ganassi/Honda  +4.4245s
7. Mike Conway  Coyne/Honda  +5.0432s
8. Justin Wilson  Coyne/Honda  +5.4582s
9. Marco Andretti  Andretti/Chevy  +5.8601s
10. Alex Tagliani   Herta/Honda  +7.1766s
11. Josef Newgarden  Fisher/Honda   +7.8430s
12. Simon Pagenaud  Schmidt/Honda  +14.4211s
13. Sebastian Saavedra  Dragon/Chevy   +1 lap
14. Graham Rahal  Rahal/Honda  +1 lap
15. Simona de Silvestro   KV/Chevy  +1 lap
16. Tristan Vautier  Schmidt/Honda  +1 lap
17. Carlos Munoz  Panther/Chevy   +1 lap

Retirements:
Will Power   Penske/Chevy  83 laps
Ryan Hunter-Reay  Andretti/Chevy  83 laps
Takuma Sato   Foyt/Honda  83 laps
James Hinchcliffe   Andretti/Chevy  81 laps
Ed Carpenter   Carpenter/Chevy  77 laps
James Jakes  Rahal/Honda  62 laps
Tony Kanaan   KV/Chevy  35 laps

Firestone Indy Lights newcomer Jack Hawksworth made his trip to Toronto all the worthwhile as he first earned pole position for the race and then led flag-to-flag the Toronto 100, earning his second victory of the 2013 season.

With bonus points attached for the pole and leading the most laps to the victory and championship points front-runner Carlos Munoz placing fourth, Hawksworth slid into title contention through eight of 12 rounds.

Peter Dempsey, the Firestone Freedom 100 winner in the No. 5 Belardi Auto Racing car, overtook the No. 7 Schmidt Peterson with Curb-Agajanian car of Gabby Chaves on Lap 46 for second and finished a distant 14.4 seconds back.

Munoz takes an eight-point lead over Sage Karam into the race at Mid-Ohio, with Chaves 36 points behind in third. Chaves recorded his third consecutive podium finish and sixth in the eight races.

Jack Hawksworth. (Photo: IndyCar)

News 14 Jul, 2013

Limited production run of 200-400 DS3 Cabrio Racing to go on sale next year