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This weekend the Charlotte Observer published a story suggesting that NASCAR would be revising its' Chase for the Sprint Cup points system again.

The idea is to further NASCAR Chairman and CEO, Brian Z. France's, goal of making the finale like a “seventh game” in the World Series-like event.

The key component would be a second reset of the points after the ninth race to make the series finale, likely remaining at the Homestead Miami Speedway, available as a one-race shoot-out among the top-four points drivers.

The basic changes would:
• Increase the number of Chase seeded drivers to 16 from 12. One victory would assure a seed with the drivers with the most points break any ties.
• Knockout eliminations after the third sixth and ninth rounds.
• As stated above the season finale would be a shoot out for the top four drivers in points.

NASCAR declined to comment on the story, but is consulting with teams about new rules which will likely be announced within two weeks at the annual Media Tour in Charlotte.

Photo: NASCAR

The genesis of the NASCAR Chase goes back to the 2003 season when Matt Kenseth won his only title to date based on consistency rather than wins. The old system was designed to reward consistency - versus points for wins - so as to reward smaller teams which needed season ending bonuses to survive. But the lack of drama was too much for NASCAR officials who try to model their series after the NFL. Thus the Chase was born in 2004.

With Jimmie Johnson taking six out of the last eight championships, in Michael Schumacher-like Formula One dominance, NASCAR officials feel compelled to change the points system much like what happened in Formula One when the German-born driver was so dominant.

Looking at the some of the changes; item number two is a distinction without a difference as drivers are already mathematically eliminated when they don't score points.

Ironically, the ten-race Chase will reward a what is derisively known as a “points racer,” because all you need to do to get a ticket to the championship lottery is to be consistent to be within the top four in points and then lay it all-on-the-line in the finale.

Three years ago NASCAR revamped the points system to a more simplified 43 to the winner, 42 to second place, and one less point for each position finishing below. That's less than a 2.5 per cent awarded to the winner. And that's where the issue lies

If the four driver shootout is adopted then the championship could be called a gimmick.

A season championship in a sport where everyone competes all year should be based on a season performance not a chance in the last event of the year.

This writer proposes that the one point for leading a lap and most laps led bonus be eliminated. The only points should be a 10 percent point increment for a win and a one-point bonus for a pole. Anyone finishing 35th or lower gets no points.

It's simpler and that's no gimmick.

The BMW i3 has gotten considerable attention for its electric powertrain and carbon fiber body structure. But more groundbreaking innovations -- BMW's vision of eco-friendly urban transportation -- can be found in the cockpit.

Michael Horn's offensive has begun. And for VW's chief of U.S. operations, it is not just about winning over the U.S. market, where Volkswagen wants to be a major player on a par with Toyota or Honda.

Created just three years ago as Infiniti's European-competing performance subbrand, IPL might no longer cut it for the company's bolder future product plans.

From GMM

The Hungaroring needs an urgent cash injection of more than 3 million euros.

That is the claim of the Budapest track's boss Zsolt Gyulay, despite the fact the F1 circuit renewed its contract to annually host the Hungarian grand prix last year.

But Gyulay told Hungarian television and the state news agency MTI that the Hungaroring needs money immediately in order to comply with its modernisation plan, beginning in 2014.

"The Hungaroring was built in 1985, so the modernisation can no longer be postponed," he said.

Gyulay said the necessary works are to the electrical and drainage systems, and the quality of the asphalt.

From WRC.com

Sébastien Ogier kicked off the defence of his World Rally Championship title in style after winning rally Monte Carlo, winning seven out of 15 stages to take victory by 51s from privateer Bryan Bouffier.


But Ogier was forced to draw on all of his world championship-winning experience to make it to the head of the field after suffering a nightmare first day. Running first on the road, he encountered the worst of the weather conditions and an altercation with a bridge didn't help his cause either.

Partway through day one he was languishing in 9th place. However, he bounced back on day two to take what would prove to be an unassailable lead. His victory proved to be his first on the Monte Carlo stages as a World Rally Championship driver.

Sébastien Ogier, VW Polo R WRC (Photo: VW Motorsport)

Bouffier impressed with an assured drive to second in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC. The Frenchman led the rally for seven stages but gave way to Ogier after he spun on SS9. Citroen's Kris Meeke completed the top-three and was only 35s slower than Bouffier after 15 stages. The Briton battled with Robert Kubica early on but the pressure dropped when the ex-F1 driver crashed into a ditch on SS9.

Mads Ostberg completed a memorable weekend for Citroen as he finished fourth, just under a minute behind Meeke, and Jari-Matti Latvala was fifth in his VW Polo. The Finn didn't have the best of starts after stopping to change a puncture on day one, but he ended the rally well by taking maximum points on the rally-ending ‘Power Stage'.

Elfyn Evans was another debutant to emerge unscathed from the perilous Rallye Monte-Carlo in sixth. Andreas Mikkelsen was the final manufacturer finisher in seventh, while privateer Jaroslav Melicharek completed the top eight in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Ukrainian driver Yurii Protasov has taken his first victory in the WRC2 category after winning by almost eight minutes, driving his Ford Fiesta.

From GMM

The ever-wily Niki Lauda caused a stir last week when he appeared on the red carpet.

F1's great Austrian was in Hollywood to introduce the award candidature for the movie Rush, the biopic based on the legendary 1976 season.

Keen-eyed observers will notice that the lettering on Lauda's ever-present red cap has changed since the last race of the 2013 season.

Indeed, the Golden Globes signalled the world debut of his new sponsor.

"You could hardly have a better start than that," the 64-year-old was quoted as saying.



But Welt newspaper reports that, within Lauda's native Austria, the company is a highly controversial gambling giant.

"I think the airplanes and formula one cars have adjusted Mr Lauda's view of reality," said Peter Pilz, an Austrian parliamentarian.

Lauda is the chairman of Mercedes' F1 team, and yet the German carmaker is renowned today for its approach to ethics.

"The team plays no role in the choice of Niki Lauda's sponsor," Mercedes told Die Welt.

From GMM

Jean Todt says he is confident Michael Schumacher will recover from his skiing injuries.

The FIA president, who became famously close to the seven time world champion during their days together at Ferrari, is one of only a handful of people who have visited Schumacher in hospital since he fell into coma three weeks ago.

Jean Todt and Michael Schumacher celebrate with Rubens Barrichello (Photo: Ferrari)

There has been speculation the great 45-year-old German may not recover from his brain injuries, but Frenchman Todt said he is confident he will see his close friend again.

"Michael is a fighter and I know well his energy, his courage and his perseverance," he is quoted in German-language news reports.

"I firmly believe this will make the difference at a time when fate is hesitating," Todt reportedly said in Munich at an awards ceremony.

"It is at this time that all who love him must believe in him," he added.

Model: 2006 to 2013 Infiniti G35/G37

Vehicle Type: Sedan, Coupe or Convertible

The Verdict: Issues all appear to be easily diagnosed and repaired, and no major or systematic problems were reported with enough frequency to cause alarm. Find the G that's right for you, get it inspected fully, and start enjoying one of the most reliable used premium sports models on the road.

Price: Older, high-mileage units can be had from about $9,000, with newer, loaded, low-mileage units commanding prices approaching $60,000. Selection is rich between $20,000 and $40,000.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

History/Description: The latest iteration of the Infiniti G lineup offered Canadian shoppers plenty of choice. Available in sedan, coupe and convertible variants, with available all-wheel drive (AWD) and in a higher-performing Infiniti Performance Line (IPL) variant, selection in this premium model range was world-class.

Available feature content included Bluetooth and multimedia connectivity, adaptive xenon lights, climate-controlled leather seats with memory, keyless engine start, a premium BOSE stereo system, sunroof, driver computer, and plenty more.

The VQ25VHR powerplant in the mileage-focused G25 displaced 2.5L and generated 218 horsepower; but it's the bigger V6 engines that'll be more popular. Most examples in the used market will have 3.5L or 3.7L V6s making no less than 305 horsepower, and as much as 348 horsepower on IPL-tuned models.

Note that G models wearing an X designation have Infiniti's AWD system, and models with the S designation carry the Sport Package, which fits bigger wheels, sporty tires, tighter springs, and various precision-enhancing upgrades. The X and S designations (AWD and Sport Package) could also be combined.

Look for paddle-shift control with the 5- or 7-speed automatic transmission, and a delightfully short, stubby shifter with the 6-speed stick.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

What Owners Like: G owners tend to rave about an all-around balance of performance and comfort, looks, a well-appointed cabin, and the great-sounding, strong acceleration delivered by the bigger V6 engines. Great handling, a long list of gadgets, and the tail-happy, strongly rear-drive bias to the AWD system were commonly praised, too.

What Owners Dislike: Rear seat headroom (especially on coupe models) was a common gripe -- as were higher-than-expected levels of road noise on some models. Most owners wish for better fuel consumption, and owners of the G37 convertible gripe about the near total loss of trunk space when they put the roof down. Further, the clutch pedal on manual-equipped models has a weird effort and lever action that takes some getting used to.

Photo: Matthieu Lambert

Common Issues: Examine the seats, steering wheel and dashboard for signs of abnormal wear. Earlier machines in this generation may have bubbling in the seat material, peeling or chipping steering-wheel trim or an instrument cluster that's bubbling upwards or lifting away.

Other niggling issues relate to condensation or water inside the headlight assemblies, and an annoying, rattling or buzzing sound from the muffler area of 2008 G37 models. A squealing or screeching sound from the lower area of the windshield is likely a bad piece of weather stripping, and the sound can be eliminated with a bit of lubricant or the installation of some felt tape.

Automatic and manual transmissions should both be scrutinized for signs of hard shifting (automatic) or grinding and “popping out of gear” (manual) -- although the G's gearboxes seem to be largely free of the issues reported in the previous generation. A check of all fluids for condition and level is also advised.

If you're considering a convertible, be sure to operate the roof several times between open and closed, noting any straining, binding or other unwelcomed sensations. Fully inspect the interior and trunk for signs of water leaks, mildew or rust, as well.

Photo: Rob Rothwell

Spaniard Juan Roma took his maiden win in the car category of the famous Dakar rally-raid, Saturday in Chile, resolving the team orders row at X-Raid.

Stéphane Peterhansel went against his boss Sven Quandt's wish Friday when he took the lead of the event, but it was only because his teammate Roma got lost and prefered to follow the Frenchman to the finish rather than risk getting lost again.

"Follow me," Peterhansel told his teammate Roma (BMW Sports Communications)

On Saturday, Peterhansel gave the lead of the event back to Roma to comply with the team orders of Friday. Nasser Al-Attiyah completed the all MINI podium.

Giniel de Villers takes fourth position overall aboard his Toyota Hilux, ahead of another MINI X-Raid, driven by Orlando Terranova.

Robby Gordon was forced to retire on Friday with his Hummer, which put an end to a very tough Dakar rally for the NASCAR driver, who suffered numerous technical issues on his car.

Roma's win is actually his second, the Spaniard having also won the bike category exactly 10 years ago.

Michel Périn and Juan Roma eventually found their way (Photo: BMW Sports Communications)

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone is facing the prospect of up to ten years in jail.

F1's embattled chief executive has been removed from the sport's executive board after German prosecutors announced he will face trial in 2014 for alleged corruption.

"The possible maximum penalty is a ten year prison sentence," the major Bild daily declared.

Banker Gerhard Gribkowsky has already been jailed for eight and a half years for accepting Ecclestone's bribe, but according to the judge in that case, the F1 supremo's alleged acts were worse.

Indeed, that judge - Peter Noll - will also preside over the Ecclestone case, and in the Gribkowsky trial he claimed the "driving force" of the corruption "was Mr Ecclestone".

Bernie Ecclestone (Photo: WRi2)

For now, 83-year-old Briton Ecclestone is typically bullish, but even he admits that jail will definitely end his long reign over formula one.

"I don't think I could operate that well from a German prison -- I hope I don't have to," he told the Express newspaper.

Dr Helmut Marko, a leading figure at the world champion F1 team Red Bull, said he continues to support Ecclestone.

"He must be presumed innocent," the Austrian told Germany's SID news agency.

"Of course these are not easy circumstances, but until there is a judgement, he will remain our partner," Marko added.

Adapted from GMM

McLaren has refused to comment on intensifying speculation Ross Brawn could soon be unveiled as the great British team's new boss.

After five years of Martin Whitmarsh's reign culminated in the disastrous 2013 campaign, it emerged last week that supremo Ron Dennis has wrested back control of the team he built to success.

Some think Dennis now wants to return to the pitwall as team principal, but at the age of 66, others believe that is unlikely.

So, it is the newly-departed former Mercedes boss Brawn who is now at the centre of the speculation, even though a McLaren source told the Telegraph the team will "not get involved in commenting" on those rumours.

Ross Brawn trying to hide behind a plant (Photo: WRi2)

What is fairly clear is that the Whitmarsh era is over.

McLaren also has played down reports its 2014 car is yet to pass all of the mandatory FIA crash tests.

"It is normal at this time of the year for teams to push to the limit to achieve maximum performance," a source at the Woking based team reportedly told the German news agency DPA.

"It is no different when it comes to the crash tests," he added, insisting the MP4-29 will pass the tests before it makes its track debut.

However, it is not clear if the tests will be passed in time for the first pre-season session at Jerez in just over a week. Eric Boullier said recently he knew as "fact" that Lotus will not be the only team missing in southern Spain.

Spain's El Mundo Deportivo said McLaren has scheduled a new round of crash tests for the forthcoming week.

Meanwhile, former F1 driver, legend Sir Jackie Stewart, played down suggestions Jenson Button's performance may suffer in 2014, following the death of his father.

John Button was a key member of the McLaren driver's entourage at grands prix, but Stewart insisted: "I think racing drivers probably are tougher than most people.

"Jenson will miss him terribly, but look at all the deaths we had (in F1 in the past), yet for whatever reason we all raced."

From GMM

An unlikely name is being linked with a potential F1 foray for 2015.

Earlier, it emerged that former Force India and HRT boss Colin Kolles was among the bidders for pitlane's final 2015 spot.

The Caradisiac publication reports that Kolles has the backing of "Romanian entities", with the aim "to promote the country's image and businesses".

Dacia in Formula 1? (Photo: Facebook)

Enter the name Dacia.

It is a Romanian carmaker, renowned for its unspectacular Logan and Duster models.

Since 1999, it has been owned by Renault, the French marque and F1 engine supplier.

Ron Tonkin, the Oregon auto dealer who crusaded against overbearing factories while president of the National Automobile Dealers Association in 1989, has died at age 82.

U.S. dealers aren't likely to get the new Smart ForFour four-seat car that goes on sale in Europe this year.

At the Detroit auto show this week, suppliers and competitors finally got a chance to inspect the innovative Ford F-150 pickup. A constant parade of them toured the Ford exhibit. They snapped pictures with their cellphones. They measured.

U.S. dealers aren't likely to get the new Smart ForFour four-seat car that goes on sale in Europe this year.

West Coast Editor Mark Rechtin, who walked the floor of the Detroit auto show gathering first impressions of new cars and concepts, is convinced that this was a show of missed opportunities.

Robert Kubica (Ford Fiesta) has now had to retire from his second ever WRC start as well, having crashed out of SS8, at the Rallye Monte-Carlo.

The Pole exited last year's Whales Rally GB, his first ever event behind the wheel of a WRC car, in the same exuberant fashion.

In Monte-Carlo, round one of the 2014 World Rally Championship (WRC) season, his pace was impressive as always. He led early on and was still a very quick fourth at the moment of his demise.

Robert Kubica, Ford Fiesta RS WRC (Photo: McKlein)

The former F1 driver was giving the rally community another proof he has adapted well, up until he gave the rally community another proof he has not adapted well, crashing for the umpteenth time.

It seems as though Kubica is still getting to grip with one aspect of rally driving: the changing conditions, which are not as big a problem when driving on a closed course.

On the everyday roads of the rally world, it can be over four hours before a driver uses again the same bit of stage. In that time, conditions can change drastically. To be able to judge how exactly, Kubica needs experience.

But given time, he will most certainly be able to challenge the cream of the WRC.

The mood must be frosty in MINI X-Raid's area of the 2014 Dakar paddock, after Frenchman Stéphane Peterhansel took the lead over from his teammate Nani Roma yesterday, going against strict orders from team boss Sven Quandt.

A week ago, after a horrible first few legs, Peterhansel was languishing some 30 minutes behind his teammate Nani Roma. It seemed then as though nothing could stop the Spaniard, a 2004 winner of the bike category, from taking his first victory on four wheels.

Nani Roma (Photo: BMW Sports Communications)

That is, only until Peterhansel's incredible comeback, which got the Frenchman back within striking distance of Roma by last Wednesday. Forecasting a potentially dangerous fight between his two top drivers, Quandt issued strict team orders to freeze the positions and stop the comeback.

But on Friday, as drivers neared the Chilean towns of El Salvador and La Serna, Peterhansel seemed to have forgotten the team orders. With a second place finish behind another of his teammates, Nasser Al-Attiyah, Peterhansel now laid 36 seconds... ahead of Roma in the overall classification, with one more stage to go.

Stéphane Peterhansel (Photo: BMW Sports Communications)

Will team boss Quandt ask Peterhansel to hand over the lead back to Roma, or will he give them both permission to fight?



In any case, this affair has sparked rumours of Peterhansel's potential departure from the team, possibly to join Peugeot, which is said to be preparing a return to the famous rally-raid for as soon as next year.