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I like to think that the human race is getting better with age. The longer we spend on this great green earth, the wiser we become, right? Right?!

Seems to not be the case, especially when it comes to driving while under the influence.

It still shocks me to hear how many accidents and deaths are caused by drinking and driving. Truly, it'sappalling . According to Statistics Canada, the number of impaired driving incidents has once again risen (for the fourth time in five years in 2011). With over 90,000 reports of impaired driving across Canada, I can't help but shake my head in wonder and, let's be honest, shame.

How are we still making decisions like that? We've all seen the commercials and heard the news stories. Taking a cab or delegating a designated driver (usually my domain) really isn't that hard to do, people!

According to Statistics Canada, the highest rates of police-reported impaired driving in Canada took place in the North West Territories, Saskatchewan and PEI in 2011. The Canadian provincial average was 262 reported cases (per 100,000 inhabitants) and the North West Territories tipped the scale at over 1,400 reports. Their bar industry must be lucrative.

On the flipside, Ontario boasted the lowest number of reports dipping way below the 200 mark.

Numbers aside, I'm still upset that people are getting behind the wheel inebriated. Come on. It's more than stupid. It's downright negligent. Consider this: When your blood alcohol level reaches 0.10% you increase your chances of having an accident by 51%.

What more can we do to keep drunk drivers off the road? I think I might actually agree with the idea of having a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle after you've been caught driving impaired. If you blow even an mg over zero, your car won't start. Too bad for you.

However, that doesn't stop all those who've never been caught to begin with and who keep thinking it's OK to get behind the wheel when they can barely put their jacket on properly. It's just not cool, not at all. It's not an accomplishment that you made it home in one piece. It's not a cool story to tell the next day, it's dangerous and it must stop.

Of course, if you want to play devil's advocate here, you could say that the increased numbers of reported incidents of drunk driving are due to the increase in roadside checks. What we don't know won't hurt us, right? Wrong.

All too often I've seen groups of partygoers piling into their vehicle at the end of the night, clearly all three-sheets to the wind, and I just want to run up to the driver, shake them and take away their keys. It's just not a smart situation.

So, please, next time you're out drinking consider calling a cab to get home or asking a friend to be a designated driver. Trust me, it's not that bad and you get to be the memory-keeper for the night (i.e., the one who tells everyone what they did the morning after).

From GMM

Robert Kubica is "definitely" in the running to return to formula one with Lotus in 2014.

Turning down an offer to return to circuit racing in the German touring car series DTM this year, the Pole has got off to a highly competitive start as he prepares to contest the second-tier world rally championship in 2013.

The 28-year-old admits he cannot currently drive a single-seater due to the limitations of his still-injured right arm, but he has not ruled out a return to F1 at some point.

In 2010, Kubica drove for the Eric Boullier-run Renault team - now known as Lotus - and the former BMW driver was preparing for his second season in 2011 at the time of his near-fatal rally crash.

Robert Kubica preparing the 2011 season, beginning of February, before his crash. (Photo: WRi2)

It was believed the relationship with Lotus had subsequently broken down, but Frenchman Boullier now insists he would have Kubica back.

"If Robert is completely ready for a return to formula one, he definitely would be among the candidates," he told Russia's f1news.ru, when asked about Lotus' 2014 lineup.

Currently, Lotus' number 1 driver is Kimi Raikkonen, but the Finn is yet to commit beyond the end of his 2013 contract.

Boullier was asked if Raikkonen will still be in F1 next year, and he admitted: "It's a very good question! I don't know the answer."

Another candidate to join the team in 2014 is therefore Davide Valsecchi, the reigning GP2 champion who has signed on this year as Lotus' official reserve.

Asked what chance the 26-year-old Italian has of racing in 2014, Boullier answered: "He has a better chance than anyone else. We have some plans for this season and we will see how he copes with his work -- on the track and off. Not in the course of a grand prix (weekend), but he will test with the old car."

Fabio Leimer and Stefano Coletti each won a round in his past weekend's GP2 season opener in Sepang, Malaysia.

Coletti started from pole position, but was under pressure from Fabio Leimer (who's had a great start from fourth place) moments after the start.

Leimer powered into the lead and cruised to his first season win, ahead of Calado, who dominated free practice, and Coletti, who finally finished third.

Stephane Richelmi, who finished 8th in race 1, started the second race from pole position thanks to reverse grid regulation.

But Coletti, who had a brilliant start from sixth on the grid, muscled his way through the field and captured the early lead. Coletti maintained his position until the checkered flag, and moved into the championship lead.

Bad luck struck for Fabio Leimer and James Calado, who both crashed at the start.

GP2 - Sepang

Race 1:
1 - Fabio Leimer - Racing Engineering - 31 laps in 57'49"385
2 - James Calado - ART - 2"045
3 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 11"271

4 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 12"810
5 - Julian Leal - Racing Engineering - 28"837

6 - Jolyon Palmer - Carlin - 34"209

7 - Sam Bird - Russian Time - 41"187
8 - Stephane Richelmi - Dams - 58"941
Etc.

Race 2:
1 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 22 laps in 40'49"455
2 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 0"832
3 - Mitch Evans - Arden - 8"358

4 - Stephane Richelmi - Dams - 11"935
5 - Johnny Cecotto - Arden - 15"874

6 - Simon Trummer - Rapax - 17"072

7 - Conor Daly - Hilmer - 17"479

8 - Rene Binder - Lazarus - 23"726
Etc.

Championship:
1. Coletti 36; 2. Leimer 25; 3. Nasr 24; 4. Calado 18; 5. Richelmi 12; 6. Evans 11; 7. Leal 10; 8. Palmer, Bird 8, etc.

Fabio Leimer and Stefano Coletti each won a round in his past weekend's GP2 season opener in Sepang, Malaysia.

Coletti started from pole position, but was under pressure from Fabio Leimer (who's had a great start from fourth place) moments after the start.

Leimer powered into the lead and cruised to his first season win, ahead of Calado, who dominated free practice, and Coletti, who finally finished third.

Stephane Richelmi, who finished 8th in race 1, started the second race from pole position thanks to reverse grid regulation.

But Coletti, who had a brilliant start from sixth on the grid, muscled his way through the field and captured the early lead. Coletti maintained his position until the checkered flag, and moved into the championship lead.

Bad luck struck for Fabio Leimer and James Calado, who both crashed at the start.

GP2 - Sepang

Race 1:
1 - Fabio Leimer - Racing Engineering - 31 laps in 57'49"385
2 - James Calado - ART - 2"045
3 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 11"271

4 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 12"810
5 - Julian Leal - Racing Engineering - 28"837

6 - Jolyon Palmer - Carlin - 34"209

7 - Sam Bird - Russian Time - 41"187
8 - Stephane Richelmi - Dams - 58"941
Etc.

Race 2:
1 - Stefano Coletti - Rapax - 22 laps in 40'49"455
2 - Felipe Nasr - Carlin - 0"832
3 - Mitch Evans - Arden - 8"358

4 - Stephane Richelmi - Dams - 11"935
5 - Johnny Cecotto - Arden - 15"874

6 - Simon Trummer - Rapax - 17"072

7 - Conor Daly - Hilmer - 17"479

8 - Rene Binder - Lazarus - 23"726
Etc.

Championship:
1. Coletti 36; 2. Leimer 25; 3. Nasr 24; 4. Calado 18; 5. Richelmi 12; 6. Evans 11; 7. Leal 10; 8. Palmer, Bird 8, etc.

A study published in the European Respiratory Journal reveals that 1 out of 7 chronic asthma cases may be the direct result of traffic-related air pollution.

Researchers compared children living near a major boulevard (10,000+ vehicles per day) with others living farther away. As they found out, the former had a higher number of asthmatics.

“Based on our findings, approximately 14% of all reported asthma cases among children can be attributed to traffic pollution. In other words, these children would not suffer from asthma if they were living away from a heavily polluted urban area,” the study reports.

Similar observations were made with older people. In fact, 28% of heart diseases are reportedly caused by traffic pollution.

The study was conducted in 10 European cities, including five in Spain.

Source: huffingtonpost

Andretti Autosport's  James Hinchcliffe fighted his way all through the race and finally earned his first ever IndyCar victory of his career in the season-opening race in St. Petersburg.

On three separate occasion, "Hinch'' had to regain the lead during the race after initially taken advantage early on over polesitter Will Power (Penske).

On a later restart, the Canadian had the best over Helio Castroneves (Penske) and was able to maintain the lead during the last laps as the Brazilian made himself a constant menace.

Hinchcliffe crossed the finish line 1.0982s in front of Castroneves. Hinchcliffe's teammate Marco Andretti outdone himself on the street circuit to finish third.

Helio Castroneves, James Hinchcliffe, Mario Andretti. (Photo: LAT for IndyCar)

Simona de Silvestro (KV Racing) remained amongst the leaders for the better part of the race but in the end her tires began to fade away, and within a few laps went from third to sixth.

Her teammate, Tony Kanaan and Ganassi's Scott Dixon completed the top five, finishing respectively 4th and 5th.

Rookie Tristan Vautier and his countryman Simon Pagenaud both experienced exhaust problems on their Schmidt Peterson DW12 and were forced to retire while Vautier was running sixth.

Current series' champion, Ryan Hunter-Reay was also forced to park his car with a mechanical problem, while his rival Power's afternoon did not go much better as he was rear-ended by a distracted JR Hildebrand that let Power with no choice than to get into the pits for repairs.

The Australian race ended a short time later when he hit the barriers.

James Hinchcliffe, Andretti Autosport. (Photo: LAT for IndyCar)

Results - 110 laps:

Pos Driver Team/Car Time/Gap
1. James Hinchcliffe Andretti Dallara-Chevy 2h22m12.5502s
2. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara-Chevy + 1.0982s
3. Marco Andretti Andretti Dallara-Chevy + 16.3664s
4. Tony Kanaan KV Dallara-Chevy + 19.6083s
5. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara-Honda + 20.7627s
6. Simona de Silvestro KV Dallara-Chevy + 20.7890s
7. EJ Viso Andretti Dallara-Chevy + 20.8229s
8. Takuma Sato Foyt Dallara-Honda + 21.1878s
9. Justin Wilson Coyne Dallara-Honda + 21.6832s
10. Alex Tagliani Herta Dallara-Honda + 22.5569s
11. Sebastien Bourdais Dragon Dallara-Chevy + 22.7354s
12. Charlie Kimball Ganassi Dallara-Honda + 24.5429s
13. Graham Rahal Rahal Dallara-Honda + 37.5324s
14. Ed Carpenter Carpenter Dallara-Chevy + 45.2054s
15. James Jakes Rahal Dallara-Honda + 45.7793s
16. Will Power Penske Dallara-Chevy + 3 laps
17. Oriol Servia Panther/DRR Dallara-Chevy + 6 laps

Retirements:
Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti Dallara-Chevy 79 laps
JR Hildebrand Panther Dallara-Chevy 78 laps
Sebastian Saavedra Dragon Dallara-Chevy 72 laps
Tristan Vautier Schmidt Dallara-Honda 69 laps
Ana Beatriz Coyne Dallara-Honda 55 laps
Josef Newgarden Fisher Dallara-Honda 50 laps
Simon Pagenaud Schmidt Dallara-Honda 26 laps
Dario Franchitti Ganassi Dallara-Honda 18 laps

Yvan Muller (Chevrolet Cruze) took two victories in the opening two rounds of the World Touring Car Championship held in Monza this past weekend.

Frenchman Muller, who now drives a private Chevrolet Cruze ran by team RML following the withdrawal of Chevrolet at the end of last year, set the pace all the weekend long.

Despite the lack of winter testing, Muller's Cruze was systematically faster than the works Honda Civics of Gabriele Tarquini and Tiago Monteiro.

Photo: FIA WTCC

Muller, who set the fastest time in free practice session and in qualifying - nine tenth of a second fastest than his new RML team mate Tom Chilton -, dominated race 1 from lights to flag under the rain, and took victory ahead of Chilton and another private Chevrolet Cruze driven by Alex McDowall.

Following the reverse grid regulation, Muller had to start race 2 from 8th position. But, as the rain continued to fall heavily, he was able to move up the field and took the lead on lap 6 away from Tarquini's Honda. The Italian driver eventually finished third behind Muller and Michel Nykjaer's Chevrolet.

Photo: Yvan Muller/Facebook

Both works Lada Grantas did not race, being involved in a collision in qualifying when Alexei Dudukalo missed his barking point and hit heavily the car of his teammate James Thompson. The cars were too heavily damaged to be repaired for Sunday's race.

Yvan Muller already holds a huge lead in provisional standings ahead of Tom Chilton and Gabriele Tarquini. Next rounds will be presented in two weeks in Marrakech, Morocco.

Among the all-new vehicles from General Motors at the New York Auto Show (March 29-April 7). will be the 2014 Buick LaCrosse 2014, which boasts fresh new looks and cutting-edge technologies.

The more youthful exterior sports LED daytime running lights and taillights, as well as a slightly larger grille. Meanwhile, the newly styled interior includes revised seats for superior comfort, along with a standard 8” colour display and Buick's next-generation IntelliLink infotainment system.

The 2014 Buick LaCrosse is also loaded with advanced safety features such as Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Automatic Collision Preparation. Adaptive Cruise Control is available, too.

GM's patented Safety Alert Seat works with these features, providing seat vibration pulses indicating the direction of a potential crash threat.

As for powertrains, the 2014 Buick LaCrosse offers a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with eAssist (light electrification technology) and a 3.6L V6 with direct injection. Each is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while all-wheel drive is optional.

Photo: Buick

Kyle Busch took advantage of a late race tangle between teammate, Danny Hamlin and former teammate, Joey Logano to end a 31-race victory drought at Auto Club Speedway on Sunday.

After a feud broke out in Bristol last week Hamlin and Logano found themselves racing side-by-side into the final lap, racing past the limits of control until they banged fenders on the final lap.

Hamlin went to the wall hard. It appeared to be nothing more than hard racing and not revenge. Although Hamlin was able to get out under his own power he slumped to the ground and was airlifted to a Los Angeles hospital for observation.

An unrepentant Logano, who probably was unaware of Hamlin's medical condition, said "he probably shouldn't have done what he did last week, so that's what he gets.”

Photo: NASCAR

That was the least of the Penske's newest drivers concerns. On the final restart he admittedly blocked three-time Sprint Cup Champion, Tony Stewart. After the race Stewart came over to Logano's car to protest and a shoving match broke out.

"I had to throw the block there," Logano said. "That was a race for the lead. I felt if the 14 got underneath me, that was going to be the end of my opportunity to win the race, so I was just trying to protect the spot I had."

"It's time he learns a lesson," Stewart replied. "He's run his mouth long enough. ... He's nothing but a little rich kid that's never had to work in his life, so he's going to learn what us working guys who had to work our way up (know about) how it works."

"I'm tired of these guys doing that stuff, especially out of a kid that's been griping about everybody else, and then he does that the next week," Stewart said, referring to Logano's complaints about other drivers' similar moves. "He sent Denny to the hospital and screwed our day up. He's talked the talk, but he hasn't walked the walk yet.

NASCAR is reviewing the post-race incident between Stewart and Logano and whether there will be penalties against either driver. Penalties typically are handed out on Tuesday.

Kyle Busch. (Photo: NASCAR)

Busch's victory, after leading 125 of 200 laps in his Toyota, was just about overshadowed by the other dramas.

With a second place finish NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. took over the lead in the Sprint Cup standings after five races with the series taking off next week for Easter.

This was Busch's 25th win in Sprint Cup and he had some ironic words to mark the win. “Oh, by the way, I won the race today," Busch said. "That might be a story. I'm sure it's not, though."

Drama punctuated the 110 laps on the temporary street circuit of St. Petersburg at the opening round of the IZOD IndyCar series Sunday with the top six undecided until the final 100 yards.

Ahead of it all -- out of the slicing and dicing, bumps and bruised egos -- for the final 26 laps was James Hinchcliffe in the bright green No. 27 GoDaddy.com car.

The 26-year-old driver from Toronto overtook Penske's Helio Castroneves in Turn 1 of a Lap 85 restart, conserved fuel in the Chevrolet-powered car for Andretti Autosport and held on for a 1.0982-second victory.

“Hinch” is the first Canadian to win an Indy car race since Paul Tracy in 2007 at Cleveland and gave Michael Andretti his 44th Indy car victory (two more than he had as a driver).

Helio Castroneves crossed the line in second place ahead of Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti.

Photos: LAT/IndyCar

Price Range: $39,875 to $45,000-plus

Volkswagen's convertible-only Eos model hits 2013 after a refresh and packs more features and styling than ever before. Offering seating for four, a decent trunk and plenty of onboard storage, Eos is ideal for the shopper looking for the magic of a convertible motoring experience and room for some friends and family. It's a drop-top big on safety and refinement, and carries a price tag to match.


Feature content includes push-button start, steering-wheel mounted controls, automatic climate control, heated leather, a touchscreen navigation system, and adaptive xenon headlights with LED running lights. All Eos models get a power-operated convertible roof that stores neatly in the trunk at the touch of a button.

To help set the 2013 Volkswagen Eos apart, designers created a body that's upscale and sophisticated, without excessive ornamentation or attention-grabbing add-ons. It's a clean, discreet and low-key look that's also street smart and sporty.

On board, contrast generated by available beige leather, black accents and aluminum trim gives the 2013 Volkswagen Eos a relaxing atmosphere that's conducive to relaxation and socialization amongst passengers. A multi-function driver computer keeps vital information a mere glance away at all times.

Consider this one alongside models like the Chrysler 200 Convertible and Ford Mustang Convertible.

Drivetrain
VW's acclaimed 2.0T engine powers all models, generating 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque for pleasing performance. Designed for maximum efficiency, the powerplant utilizes direct injection and an intercooled turbocharger for maximum extraction of energy from every molecule of fuel it burns.

All 2013 Volkswagen Eos models get a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) and are front-wheel drive.

Consider it if
Your priorities in a convertible centre around efficiency, luxury and refinement more than all-out style or performance firepower. The 2013 Volkswagen Eos will make a great year-round, everyday convertible that's great on fuel. The heavily insulated roof and numerous winter-busting features make it a true year-round drop-top that doesn't have to spend winters in the garage.

Skip it if
You want a manual transmission (one isn't available), or if you don't need a convertible top, as the VW Eos isn't available as a fixed-roof coupe. Also, skip this one if you're after maximum sports car bang-for-your-buck in terms of power and performance.

Don't Miss
The 2013 Volkswagen Eos is the only convertible on the road to also offer a sunroof thanks to the unique design of its folding hard-top. Translation? Drivers can take in the sunshine, even if it's too cold to go totally topless.

Rain-sensing wipers automatically engage and adjust their intermittence based on precipitation.

The snort-y, high-torque 2.0T engine is a favourite amongst enthusiasts, too and has been listed on Wards Top Ten Engines list numerous times.

Also of note: The 2013 Volkswagen Eos' lightning-fast DSG gearbox can complete a gearchange in four tenths of a second, and with no break in power delivery.

Photo: Volkswagen

From GMM

The victim of Sebastian Vettel's decision to ignore his team's instructions, Mark Webber predicted on Sunday that Red Bull would "protect" its triple world champion "as usual".

But that might not be the case this time. Publicly at least, Red Bull is angry the 25-year-old German ignored the team and attacked the sister car to win Sunday's Malaysian grand prix.

Afterwards, Vettel was contrite but he also claimed it was a "mistake", not done "deliberately".

"I didn't mean to ignore the call," he claimed.

Photo: Red Bull Racing

Many couldn't understand what Vettel meant, and team boss Christian Horner isn't buying it.

"He made it quite clear what his intention was by making the move on Mark," he said.

Horner said it is wrong if Vettel's comments create the impression that he might not have heard the radio call.

"He knew what the communication was," Horner insisted. "He chose to ignore it. He's obviously chosen to hear what he wants to hear."

Christian Horner said there was no point even asking Vettel - who had earlier screamed 'Get him (Webber) out of the way!' on the radio - to give back the position he had taken.

"Do you honestly think if we'd told him to slow down and give the place back, he'd given it back?" he insisted.

Nonetheless, there are those who believe that - no matter Red Bull's public position - Vettel is the obvious 'number 1' at Red Bull who only began to apologise late on Sunday because he realised his actions had not been well received.

The reaction of the press, for example, is near universal. "The ego is number 1," said Der Spiegel's Ralf Bach. "While Rosberg obeyed (Mercedes), the defiant Vettel overtook ruthlessly -- probably because he has nothing to fear."

Agreed Bild newspaper's Frank Schneider: "Vettel looked as though he was surprised by his own brutality.

"More and more, he reminds of his idol Michael Schumacher, who was loved and hated, and Vettel is on the way there."

Photo: WRi2

The pundits also agreed.

"In the end he has made his unofficial status as number 1 clear," said former driver Alex Wurz. "So this changes nothing."

Indeed, when Horner was asked if Vettel will be punished or penalised in any way, he said only that further discussions "behind closed doors" will take place.

"It appears a mild slap on the wrist is all an impotent team boss will be able to deliver to his star turn," said Mirror correspondent Byron Young.

Former F1 driver Patrick Tambay told France's RMC Sport: "I think the true character of Sebastian Vettel has been revealed.

"Outside the car, he is smiling and has the reputation for being very friendly. But when he puts on his helmet, he becomes a warrior, an ogre. He wants to win at all costs. It was roughly the same scenario between Mercedes' Hamilton and Rosberg, but the latter - a very well mannered boy - followed the instructions of his boss."

Added Niki Lauda: "Vettel won with all his might against the logic of the team. It was a serious mistake."

Former F1 engineer Joan Villadelprat told El Pais newspaper: "Having two roosters in the henhouse is never easy."

According to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport, Sauber team manager Beat Zehnder admitted: "He (Vettel) has done himself no favours. This has not gone down well in the paddock generally."

Outside the paddock, however, German tennis legend Boris Becker said Vettel "did what a three time champ is supposed to do... take matters in your own hands!"

1-2 finish but no joy on the Malaysian podium. (Photo: WRi2)

Speed Week correspondent Mathias Bruner commented: "He did the right thing as a winner, but not as a sportsman."

The most serious ramification of the Sepang saga could be Mark Webber's career. Having shown Vettel the middle finger after the manoeuvre, the 36-year-old hinted to reporters that he could quit Red Bull or even formula one.

Christian Horner played that down.

"Both of them have just sat in a debrief, talked very constructively about the car and focused on where we need to improve and where we need to be better for the next race. The team didn't manipulate any situation, there was no conspiracy, so why he needs to be thinking about his future or anything like that is just pure emotion," he added.

One thing is for certain. Martin Brundle wittily observed during his Sky commentary on Sunday that the "relationship that never was" between Vettel and Webber is now definitely over.

"They are probably not going out for dinner together," agreed Dr Helmut Marko.

The crossover segment's rapid expansion has brought forth an equally large influx of new tires to satisfy the needs created by these vehicles.

Switching back to all-season tires from your winters, should that be your case, might reveal that new tires are in order. Making the right choice has never been more difficult or more important.

For this exercise, I've selected the common P225/65R17 size as the yardstick for our exercise.

Once again, the ratings could not be simpler: They are divided into the two most common price ranges in which I've placed a few recommendations. I didn't do it alone, obviously, as I've once again consulted with my friends at Talon Tire who eat, sleep and breathe tires.

Here are the picks:

Best summer tire in the $150-$200 range

• Michelin Defender - Extremely high mileage, eco low-rolling resistance technology, quiet and comfortable.

Photo: Michelin

• Continental ProContact EcoPlus - High mileage, quiet, comfortable and with low-rolling resistance technology.

Photo: Continental

Continue reading Top 2013 CUV/Minivan/small SUV Summer Tires