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Jan
6th

F1: Lotus not to run new turbo car at first winter test in Jerez

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Nick Chester, technical director of Lotus Formula 1 Team confirmed Monday the team would not run the new E22 turbo car at Jerez de la Frontera, Spain late January.

In an interview published by Lotus, Chester confirmed that the development programme of the turbocharged E22 has been ongoing for over two years.

The engineer who took over the development of the E22 after James Allisson' departure to Ferrari, said “There are certain concepts from the E21 which are still valid for the E22, but in particular our development methodology and synchronisation with our various simulations is especially relevant and promising.”

He added that the various homologation tests which took place before Christmas including chassis squeeze and side impact loading tests as well as the rear crash structure. “We just have the nose test to complete the car's homologation. We've undertaken chassis fits for Romain (Grosjean) and Pastor (Maldonado)”.

However, Chester revealed that the E22 would be launched later than most other big teams, sort of confirming that the team is running behind schedule.

“We're going to keep our car under wraps a little longer than some other teams”, he said.

“We've decided that attending the Jerez test isn't ideal for our build and development programme. We are likely to unveil the car before attending the Bahrain tests, and in Bahrain we should really be able to put the car through its paces in representative conditions,” he added.

Jan
6th

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2014-01-06 01:00:00

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From press release

After sitting silent for all but a pair of dates on the 2013 calendar, Ontario's Kawartha Speedway has released a tentative schedule of eight events to be run during 2014.

Operating under the promotional umbrella of Lindsay, Ontario's Andrew McFadden, the track will split the agenda equally between Friday night and Sunday afternoon shows. McFadden says putting things back on 'track' for the popular 3/8th mile Fraserville, Ontario oval has been a little overwhelming.

"The internet rumour mill was unavoidable. Once word got out that we were working with the Kawartha Downs people, everyone started talking," said McFadden.

"We read all of the comments and tried to come up with the best possible combinations. You're never going to make everyone happy, but I think by taking a step back and looking at what we're calling a 'Grassroots Racing' operation, we'll help bring the facility back to what made it so popular with drivers, teams and spectators in the first place."

Fans will get their first chance to meet the new promotional team at the annual Canadian Motorsports Expo - February 7, 8 & 9 - at the International Centre in Toronto.

A spring driver's meeting and race team registration session will take place Sunday, February 23. There will also be an operational overview, race procedure and team marketing presentation at the same meeting. Further details, including a location and time will be announced at a later date.

Although the announced schedule is tentative and subject to revisions, on-track activity is set to get underway with registration and an open practice session for all classes Friday, May 16.

The first Friday of racing - with Late Model, Thunder Car, Mini Stock, 4-Fun and Legend divisions - is June 6. The first of three consecutive Sunday afternoon events - with the same classes - is scheduled for Father's Day, June 15 and highlighted by a unique Call of the Wild 'Animal Run' run what you brung exhibition.

All shows will include open classic car cruise nights and Kawartha-Durham Kart Club demonstrations will be part of the program on a number of occasions.

Andrew McFadden says he is pleased to have a number of Kawartha Speedway staff returning to the track's latest incarnation and hopes to have a solid team of enthusiastic personnel on hand for the entire campaign.

"This track earned its positive reputation in the motorsports community by having the best possible people staffing every position," said McFadden. "I've been in touch with as many of the former line-up as possible and I think we'll have an excellent team in place for when the first green flag flies."



Jan
6th

2014 Infiniti Q50 Premium AWD

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Let's address the elephant in the room first, shall we? This vehicle has gone through a bit of an identity crisis in terms of finding its name. Like the Empress Child in The Neverending Story, it desperately needed a name to give it grounds to stand in the auto industry. From G35 to G37 to Q50, I think it's safe to say that this Infiniti has found its place in the world, and can finally call its name its own.

Names aside, this latest iteration of the Infiniti luxury sedan I'd already come to know and rather like is impressive on so many levels. This was more than just a name change; this was a physical, mental, and emotional overhaul for the 2014 Infiniti Q50.


What is an Infiniti Q50?
Well, I've already touched on that briefly. Its history is littered with past identities and began with the Infiniti G20 in the '90s in North America. The G20 lasted into the 2000s, until the rear-wheel drive G35 appeared.

Essentially, the Infiniti Q50 is the company's "entry level" vehicle. There is also a hybrid version of the Q50.



2014 Infiniti Q50 Premium AWD Price and Specs
There are four Q50 models available (not counting the hybrid version I just mentioned). The starting price of the 2014 Infiniti Q50 3.7 is $37,500. That price can rise all the way to $47,450 for the Q50S 3.7. The two available hybrid models (Premium and AWD Premium) are priced at $47,000 and $49,500 respectively.

All four non-hybrid models come equipped with the same 328-horsepower 3.7L V6 engine and 269 lb-ft of torque, as well as the same electronically controlled 7-speed automatic transmission. If you don't opt for the AWD version, the 2014 Infiniti Q50s's power is spat out the rear wheels.

My particular 2014 Infiniti Q50 3.7 AWD Premium model was sitting pretty at a starting price of $43,400.

2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD Premium engine
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 come equipped with a 328-horsepower 3.7L V6 engine and 269 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Driving the 2014 Infiniti Q50 Premium AWD

I got into the Infiniti Q50 with an open mind. I was immediately intrigued by the interior design, but most excited about experiencing Infiniti's brand new direct adaptive steering feature. This is the first vehicle of its kind to sport such a feature. To simplify, the system steers the front wheels without a direct mechanical link to said wheels.

I honestly felt a bit like I was driving a simulator the first few times I got behind the wheel. And with the ability to change the steering ratio and input (quick/heavy, standard/light, etc.), that videogame feel continues. However, after a few days I came to really appreciate the quick/heavy setting and how responsive the 2104 Infiniti Q50's steering and handling truly was. It made the next car I drove feel sloppy, uncontrolled, and disconnected (and it was German).

Steering aside, I really enjoyed the 3.7L performance. The 2014 Infiniti Q50 feels fast, and that's thanks in no small part to the 7-speed transmission's ability to properly select gears and play along when asked. I did wish for paddle shifters (something that's available in the S model), but otherwise felt nothing was lacking in the drive experience.

A rear-wheel bias (despite my tester's AWD abilities) meant a sportier feel. With Infiniti Drive Mode selection, I could cycle between Standard/Sport/Snow/Eco or a personal setting to fiddle with throttle and engine response depending on the driving mood I was in.

2014 Infiniti Q50 shifter
The 2014 Infiniti Q50 feels fast, and that's thanks in no small part to the 7-speed transmission's ability to properly select gears and play along when asked. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Inside and Out the 2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD Premium
This vehicle is loaded with gadgets and hi-tech stuff. So much so that I can't even get into it all without breaking my word count by a ridiculous amount. So, I'll have to get by simply by saying: It's all quite impressive and all done very well.

Infiniti's new InTouch and InTuition system is stellar to use. I absolutely adore the centre stack layout. It is, perhaps, one of the most modernly elegant layouts I've ever seen. The dual screens are in precisely the right spots and navigation is a breeze.

Technology aside, the 2014 Infiniti Q50 is extremely comfortable up front and in the backseat. Legroom is quite good in the back, and fitting a baby seat was a breeze. The trunk also offers up plenty of space for stroller/groceries/bags.

Moving to the outside of the 2014 Infiniti Q50, something I usually look at before the interior which says something about the impact that interior actually has, it's hard not to be impressed by the fluid lines and look of the new Q50. Infiniti's design language has evolved over the years to include some seriously aggressive lines housed in sensual creases and edges. I like the look, a lot.

2014 Infiniti Q50 cabin
Legroom is quite good in the back, and fitting a baby seat was a breeze. (Photo: Colin Styker)

Comparing the 2014 Infiniti Q50 AWD Premium

It's a good thing the Infiniti Q50 is such an impressive product straight out of the gates because it has some steep competitors in the Lexus IS (which has just undergone a serious makeover), as well as the Cadillac CTS and Audi A4.

What's in a name? Well, it's a fitting name as the new Q is so loaded with gadgets and bits and bobs that I think that may just make it a solid choice over the competition based on what today's society really places value on.


Jan
6th

Canadians heading to New Jersey for indoor TQ Midget races

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From press release

The 12th annual NAPA KNOW HOW Atlantic City Indoor Races on January 24 and 25, and the first ever Battle Of Trenton Indoor races indoor races on February 7 and 8 will feature a pair of talented Canadian driving champions in Mack DeMan and Rob Neely and the reigning and three-time TQMRA outdoor TQ champion Ryan Tidman.

DeMan of Mississauga, Ontario and Neely, of Rockwood, Ontario, have dominated the Can Am Three Quarter Midget Series in recent years. Neely was the 2010 and 2012 Can Am kingpin until displaced by DeMan in the final race of the 2013 season to claim his first title by just seven points.

Tidman, of Levittown, Pa., easily drove his third straight ATQMRA Midget championship by winning more than half of the circuit's races.

DeMan, Neely and Tidman are among nearly 100 TQ Midget participants ready for Atlantic City action. Collectively, they hail from a dozen states and one Canadian province.

The pair of indoor events are produced and promoted by Len Sammons Motorsports Productions events and make up the Fatheadz Eyewear Indoor Series.

NAPA AUTO PARTS, the nation's leader in automotive supplies, has signed on for the second consecutive year as the title sponsor for the Atlantic City Indoor Auto Races. PRC Industries/Angela House Charity have come aboard to sponsor the first Battle Of Trenton Indoor events.

Fatheadz Eyewear will pay bonuses to the top three overall TQ Midget drivers from the two event, four feature race series. Drivers will receive points based on their qualifying efforts and feature finishes from Friday and Saturday night at both events towards the overall series crown.

Anthony Sesely of Matawan, N.J., is the defending champion of the NAPA KNOW HOW Gamblers' Classic Saturday night Atlantic City Indoor race.

The indoor racing inside Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall will be preceded by a closed to the public, practice session on Thursday, January 23.

The Sun National Bank Center schedule calls for Twin 20 lap features for the TQ Midgets and compete program of Slingshots on Friday, February 8 and a compete program for TQ Midgets and Champ Karts on Saturday, February 9.

The always exciting, identically prepared, built Slingshot division's roster for both the Atlantic City and Trenton races and has been boosted dramatically in the past two weeks by the entries of Modified star Anthony Perrego of Montgomery, N.Y., and established Modified driving talent Kevin Bates of Lake Ariel, PA.

Perrego and Bates are among more than forty entries for Atlantic City, where the field has reached capacity. Entries are still being accepted for Trenton.

The blindingly fast and exceedingly nimble Champ Kart class has filled the entry list at the Alantic City Indoor event though slots still do still exist to be part of the Trenton action. NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour driver Justin Bonsignore of West Islip, NY will be one of the favorites to win the event, after setting fast time for last year's event.


Jan
6th

2014 Infiniti QX70 review

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Strategies are born with intentions to improve future endeavours. Roughly 25 years ago, Nissan developed a strategy to enter the luxury car market and did so with Infiniti. With mild to major success, the heads of the company devised a new strategy, one that would unify the brand.

With stars like the G and flops like the M, Nissan decided to leverage the brand and use it as the selling point as opposed to the model or car itself. In time, I suspect it'll work out. The idea is far from new, being used by the likes of Mazda and Audi with much success.

There is little new about the 2014 Infiniti QX70 over the “outgoing” 2013 FX, but then there isn't much to fix on the QX70. It is and has been since its inception the sportiest of the Japanese luxury CUVs and for those wanting this type of vehicle, the only other options are pricier German products. The QX70 drives with purpose and in a lap of distinctively sporty luxury. This sporty aspect may be what's keeping this vehicle away from mass appeal.


What is an Infiniti QX70?
The 2014 Infiniti QX70 is a “compact” midsize high-end crossover vehicle aimed at the prosperous couple looking to blend the practical aspects of a utility vehicle and a sporty sedan.

The FX did find favour with some tuners early on when it arrived for the 2003 model year and with reason. It was styled like nothing else, sounded incredible out of the box, and with the V8 was positively a rocket.

The QX70, now in its 2nd generation since the 2009 model year, retains all of the original's attributes now in an even more striking package.

2014 Infiniti QX70 Price and Specs
The newly re-baptized 2014 Infiniti QX70 3.7 starting price is of $53,350. This sum entitles you to a 325 horsepower 3.7L V6. Moving up to the 5.0 with the 390 horsepower 5.0L V8 will set you back $65,100. My fully loaded 3.7 with navigation and Deluxe Touring and Tech packages tipped the price scale at $62,500.

Infiniti's ATTESA E-TS AWD system is standard on the QX as is a 7-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Shift Control (ASC).

2014 Infiniti QX70 3/4 view
The 2014 Infiniti QX70 is a “compact” midsize high-end crossover vehicle aimed at the prosperous couple looking to blend the practical aspects of a utility vehicle and a sporty sedan. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Driving the Infiniti QX70
The 2014 Infiniti QX70's drive reflects its outer shell; it delivers.

First set of thumbs up go to the V6 that, for the most part, is more than adequate, that is if a 0-100 km/h time of just under 6 seconds is quick enough. If not, the 5.0 will do it in a second faster.

An aspect I always appreciate about Infiniti cars is how the mechanicals interact with each other. The transmission feels exceptionally involved with the engine's revs, like Gretzky and Messier skating toward the opposing team's net. Both the V6 and 7-speed swap back and forth with amazing precision.

The next accolade goes to steering: Heavy at first, the weight of the assistance quickly reveals precision and dynamism. The large P265/50R20 rubbers obey with rewarding alacrity, encouraging the driver to press on. Through some mountain passes during my drive, I revelled at this fairly tall and bulky CUV's agility and surprising grip.

Said grip comes courtesy of a suspension setup ideally suited to the Autobahn or principally smooth roads. On some uneven surfaces, the ride was downright unpleasant. As good as the QX is on freshly paved surfaces, it punishes one and all aboard when it is not.

I was able to take a 2014 QX70S 30d for a quick spin at the 2013 Nissan 360, and although I was enthralled with the low-end torque, my diesel powertrain refinement level expectations were barely met. I thought the engine to be noisier than the last BlueTEC or TDI I'd recently driven. Power specs are on par with the Germans at 238 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.

2014 Infiniti QX70 rear 3/4 view
The 2014 Infiniti QX70's drive reflects its outer shell; it delivers. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Inside and Out of the Infiniti QX70
The QX70's design is a hit. Its unique and aggressive styling differentiates it from the other Japanese offerings and gives it an edge when alongside the Germans.

With the right set of wheels, and draped in the proper shade, the chrome accents, wheel-well flares and huge front haunches look poised to pounce.

I've also grown accustomed to Infiniti's dash design and layout, and have come to like it. Control ergonomics are functional as well as good looking. I'm always drawn to the buttons set at a near 45-degree angle below the multi-purpose screen; this is another distinct Infiniti touch.

The front seats are comfortable, the rear bench almost equally so, but the 2014 QX70's major flaw is interior space. The rear quarters can be cramped even with only two occupants, and the high load floor trunk requires some fancy footwork to get a weekend's worth of gear to fit.

2014 Infiniti QX70 inside
Control ergonomics are functional as well as good looking. I'm always drawn to the buttons set at a near 45-degree angle below the multi-purpose screen; this is another distinct Infiniti touch. (Photo: Mathieu St-Pierre)

Comparing the Infiniti QX70

The 2014 Infiniti QX70's size and price range put it in the middle of other manufacturer's offerings. It's most direct matches lie between the Lexus RX, BMW X5, Mercedes M-Class, and Cadillac SRX. It can also play along with the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 mostly on interior volume.

The QX is a fine product, if unique, however most will find their wants and needs fulfilled by another.

Jan
6th

F1: Niki Lauda says Mercedes on track for 2014 challenge

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From GMM

Niki Lauda says Mercedes is on track for the start of official 2014 testing, despite the huge challenge of the all-new turbo rules.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport reports rumours that world champion team Red Bull's boss Christian Horner had floated the idea of delaying for a week the start of winter testing late this month.

"Nothing is being moved," Mercedes team chairman Lauda insisted. "The plans are going ahead for late January. The task of big for everybody."

The report said the German squad is currently testing its new V6 engine, energy recovery technology, gearbox and cooling systems in a hybrid chassis on the test bench.

Niki Lauda admitted that cooling the 2014 package is one of the greatest challenges.

"We are constantly learning new things," he said. "Suddenly you are managing things like water pressure and intercooling.

"Oil and water must be in a precise temperature window," added Lauda. "Once you go just a few degrees above a certain limit, everything stops (working)."

F1 Mercedes W04
Mercedes W04. (Photo: WRi2)

The triple world champion said he sympathises with the customer teams, who unlike the full works teams like Mercedes and Ferrari are unable to do "any comparison testing".

"They are doing their cooling (development) only on the basis of information provided by the engine partner," said Lauda.

And he thinks Mercedes and Renault, each with three non-works customer teams, have a slight advantage over Ferrari, who are only supplying customer engines to Sauber and Marussia in 2014.

"Four teams is four sources of information," said Niki Lauda. "Everyone is having their individual problems, so we can learn faster and respond sooner."



Jan
6th

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2014-01-06 01:00:00

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Spirit of Daytona's Richard Westbrook posted the fastest time of the last day of United SportsCar Championship (USCC) winter testing, Sunday in preparation for the 2014 24 Hours of Daytona.

Westbrook, who will share his Corvette DP with DTM champion Mike Rockenfeller and Canadian Michael Valiante on January 25-26 for the new championship's inaugural event, went around the 3.56-mile road course in 1min39.748s.

"We had a fantastic, trouble-free test and a nice car," Westbrook said of the three-day test.

"Daytona is a fantastic place to drive when you have a nice car."

Oliver Gavin kept Corvette Racing on top of the timing sheets of the GTLM category, his teammate Jan Magnussen having claimed the best time on Saturday. Nobody managed beat Gavin's benchmark of 1min45.915s, set aboard his C7.R.

Mercedes Formula 1 test driver Sam Bird (Starworks Motorsport) led the LMPC field with a 1min42.704s.

Meanwhile in GTD, the fastest lap belonged to Flying Lizard's Markus Winkelhock, who turned a 1min48.862s aboard his Audi R8 LMS.
Jan
5th

Automotive News Breaking News Feed 2014-01-05 17:47:34

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Chevrolet, marrying racing with real life, will roll out high-tech video technology that will make Corvette fans think they were on the Speed channel.
Jan
5th

Fiat-Chrysler likely to list stock in New York, further sidelining Italy

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CEO Sergio Marchionne's merger of carmakers Fiat and Chrysler will probably entail a share listing in the United States that cements North America as the group's new center of gravity and further sidelines Italy.
Jan
5th

Performance Recorder turns Corvette into ultimate racing game: New telemetry data recorder can help improve lap times, share hi-def video with friends

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Here's something we think you'll really like: At the Consumer Electronics Show, Chevrolet announced a performance data recorder for the
Jan
5th

Nissan plans big push for Nismo parts

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Nissan North America wants to help its dealers retail more motorsports parts as it pushes for a bigger U.S. role for its Nismo performance brand.
Jan
5th

Coming to Detroit: F-150 cuts weight with aluminum; sporty cars from Chevy, BMW, Lexus add pizzazz

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Ford will make the biggest splash of the Detroit auto show with the redesigned 2015 F-150. At other brands, sporty cars will dominate the headlines. Chevrolet will show the high-performance Corvette Z06. BMW will unveil redesigned M3 and M4 cars.
Jan
5th

Nearly all vehicles to be autonomous by 2050, analysts say

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According to IHS Automotive analysts, the vast majority of personal and commercial vehicles will be fully automated by 2050.

Nissan has already announced that its first ''driverless'' car will hit the road around 2020, with other manufacturers following the lead over the next decade.

Sales of autonomous cars will increase from 230,000 units in 2025 to 11.8 million cars in 2035, IHS Automotive forecasts, while fully autonomous cars will begin to appear around 2030.

Experts claim that these vehicles will considerably reduce accidents and the costs attached to them. They'll adjust their driving dynamics and characteristics to maximize fuel economy while communicating with each other to ensure safe, fluid traffic.

Source : leblogauto.com

Automated Ford Fusion Hybrid
Photo: Ford


Jan
5th

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2014-01-05 01:00:00

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From Audi

A new era begins in US motor racing on the last weekend in January: the 52nd running of the endurance classic in Florida is the first race of new United SportsCar Championship (USCC).

Five Audi R8 LMS cars start in the strongest of the four classes. 
 
An impressive field of about 70 prototypes and GT sports cars join the grid for the opener at Daytona on January 25/26. The ‘GT Daytona' (GTD) class for production-based sports cars, in which the Audi R8 LMS competes, forms the largest contingent.

Audi Sport customer racing developed a GTD version of the successful GT3 customer racing racecar, which makes its race debut at Daytona, specifically for the new US race series. As before, the Audi R8 LMS in GTD form bears the sporting genes of the R8 road car, with which it shares more than 50 per cent of its technology.

The ASF aluminum chassis, the robust V10 power plant with rebuild intervals of 20,000 kilometers or the sophisticated suspension incorporating double wishbones are just three examples of this.

Audi R8 LMS 24 Hours of Daytona United SportsCar
Photo: Audi Motorsport

Audi customer teams at Daytona


Audi R8 LMS #32 (GMG Racing)
Marc Basseng (D), Frank Stippler (D), James Sofronas (USA), Alex Welch (USA)


Audi R8 LMS #35 (Flying Lizard Motorsports)

Filipe Albuquerque (P), Seth Neimann (USA), Alessandro Latif (I), Dion von Moltke (USA)


Audi R8 LMS #45 (Flying Lizard Motorsports)
Nelson Canache Jr. (YV), Tim Pappas (USA), Spencer Pumpelly (USA), Markus Winkelhock (D)


Audi R8 LMS #46 (Fall-Line Motorsports)

Charles Espenlaub (USA), Oliver Jarvis (GB), Charlie Putman (USA), James Walker (GB)


Audi R8 LMS #48 (Paul Miller Racing)
Matt Bell (GB), Christopher Haase (D), Bryce Miller (USA), René Rast (D)


Jan
5th

Endurance: Muscle Milk Pickett Racing confirms Le Mans bid with Oreca-Nissan

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Muscle Milk Pickett is entering the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans with its new Oreca-Nissan, Greg Pickett confirmed.

For the occasion, the 66 year-old team owner is making a return behind the wheel, having not raced since Petit Le Mans in 2011. He will share driving duties with his regular drivers Klaus Graf and Lucas Luhr.

The Indianapolis based team has raced in La Sarthe only once before, in 2008. Driving a Lola, Pickett, Graf and Jans Lammer completed 146 laps before retiring with engine problems.

"[It's great] going back with Klaus and Lucas with the relationship I have, and with a really nice car that we think can fight for a really good finish in P2," Pickett is quoted saying by Sportscar365.

In order to be allowed to race at Le Mans this year, Graf and Pickett must complete a minimum of 10 laps each during the June 1st test day. Having entered the race last year with Jota Sport, Luhr qualifies automatically.

Muscle Milk Pickett Racing won the last two American Le Mans Series title with Honda, before switching to Oreca ahead of the inaugural United SportsCar Championship season.

Muscle Milk Pickett Racing Klaus Graf
Photo: Muscle Milk Pickett Racing



Jan
5th

AUTO123.COM – RSS 2014-01-05 01:00:00

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Former rally driver Marcus Grönholm believes former F1 driver turned rally ace Robert Kubica has the potential to succeed.

The two-time world champion was in Austria, covering the Jännerrallye for Eurosport. He witnessed Kubica's dramatic win in the last stage of the ERC season opener.

"He's learning quickly," Grönholm said of the Pole.

"He told me on Saturday morning it was the first time with the studs on a rally car on the stage so he had a lot of things to learn to reach the top. But he is doing well."

Robert Kubica, Jännerralye, Ford Fiesta RRC, ERC
Robert Kubica at the Jännerrallye (Photo: FIAERC.com)

According to the Finn, all Kubica needs to be world champion one day is some more experience.

"He needs time to learn but he has the speed, he just needs more experience."

In his career as a driver, Grönholm won 30 WRC rallies, driving for Peugeot and Ford. He now runs a shopping centre in his native Finland.

Kubica, who won the WRC 2 category of the world championship last year with Citroën is making is full time debut in the top category of the WRC at the Monte Carlo, where he will drive a Ford Fiesta RS WRC for M-Sport in two weeks.


Jan
5th

Rally: Robert Kubica wins in first Ford outing

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Robert Kubica wasted not time getting used to driving a Ford Fiesta. In his first outing behind the wheel if his new car, he won the Jännerrallye, round one of the European Rally Championship (ERC).

The Jännerrallye served as a warm-up for the Pole's 2014 season, which starts in two weeks at the Monte Carlo rally.

Kubica overcame a deficit of 11.8 seconds in the final stage, thanks to a better choice of tires, to beat Václav Pech for the win in the Austrian based event.

Robert Kubica Jännerrallye Ford Fiesta RRC European Rally Championship
Robert Kubica, Ford Fiesta RRC (Photo: FIAERC.com)

"We had a big moment when there was fog and I want to apologize to Maciej [Szczepaniak, his co-driver] for this," said the former F1 driver.

"To be honest the experience I got means much more than the win because that was my plan before the start."

Kubica drove a Citroën DS3 to last year's WRC 2 title, before signing with M-Sport to drive a Fiesta RS WRC in the top category of the world championship.


Jan
5th

USCC: Jamie McMurray leads day two of pre-season testing at Daytona

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NASCAR driver Jamie McMurray turned the quickest lap of the whole United SportsCar Championship (USCC) field, Saturday testing ahead of the 24 Hours of Daytona.

The 2010 Daytona 500 winner brought his No. 01 Riley/EcoBoost DP around the Daytona International Speedway's road course in 1min38.980s.

But engine problems forced his team to leave before the last day of the three-day test. Michael Shank Racing, which also uses Ford's EcoBoost powerplant also left early.

Ganassi, Daytona Prototype, Daytona International Speedway, United SportsCar Championship
Photo: IMSA.com

"We have a couple of problems," team owner Mike Shank is quoted saying by Motorsport.com. "We want to make sure we maximize all the reliability things we can. It's not the motor itself. It's the things that hang on it."

Jan Magnussen clocked the best lap of the GTLM field, with a 1min46.010s aboard the brand new Corvette C7.R. The No. 97 Aston Martin Vantage, co-driven by Pedro Lamy, Stefan Mucke, Darren Turner, Richie Stanaway and Canadian Paul Dalla lana, clocked the second best lap at 1min46.157s.

Sam Bird put Starworks Motorsport on top in LMPC, while Jan Heylen went faster than everyone in the GTD category aboard his Porsche 911 GT America. Leh Keen was third in that category, behind the wheel of the Alex Job Porsche he co-drives with Cooper MacNeil, Shane van Gisbergen and Canadian Louis-Philipe Dumoulin.


Jan
4th

Car in Paul Walker crash going more than 100 mph before deadly crash: Alcohol, drugs not found in investigation of crash that killed actor and his business partner Roger Rodas

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While "Fast and Furious" star Paul Walker and business partner and Pirelli World Challege racer
Jan
4th

Costco tests new used-car sales model

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Costco's auto sales arm is testing a program that allows franchised dealers to list for sale on its site used vehicles of any brand that are still under warranty.
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