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Many people complain that NASCAR Sprint Cup stars, racing in the Nationwide Series, ruin the show for the series regulars. Just don't tell that to Chase Elliott, the rookie who scored his first series win, in Texas, last Friday.

This was only Elliott's sixth race in NASCAR's junior series.

The 18-year old son of former NASCAR champion, Bill Elliott, beat some of the Sprint Cup stars including Junior Motorsports teammate, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth. More importantly he won, going away, by 2.666 seconds. The win was so popular that Busch (not known for a good mood when he gets beat) and others came to Victory Lane to congratulate the second-generation driver.

“We didn't get beat tonight. We got our butts handed to us," Busch said.

“Chase Elliott kicked us tonight. I like him because he's a really good kid and I've raced against him in Late Models coming up and he's always been a class act. He deserves it here and I'm sure he'll get plenty more. Certainly it was fun battling with him there at the end. I know that we come up a little bit short, but he beat the best out there."

"I can't it believe it, man," Elliott said after climbing from his car in Victory Lane. "It's crazy. I went to him (Harvick) for a lot of advice this week, and helped me out, gave me some tips. ... To pass him for the lead is really crazy. I can't believe it. It's awesome, and I can't thank everybody enough."


Chase Elliott, Chevrolet Camaro. (Photo: NASCAR)

And the proud father, Bill Elliott, who had been keeping a low profile throughout the race, was moved.


"I'm about speechless," Elliott said. "I can't thank Rick Hendrick, all the guys at HMS (Hendrick Motorsports), JR Motorsports for pulling this deal together, and (sponsor) NAPA for putting together at the last minute. Everything was on the fence all the way till January.


"I keep saying it. Never to have been at some of these places like Vegas, California and now here at Texas, and to come out and beat the kind of guys he beat -- I'll tell you what, you've done a heck of a job."


On Monday it was back to school for the youth, but, he spoke with the media on Tuesday.

“I don't know that it's completely sunk in yet.  It is really, really cool to look back at that and to know that those guys, I've learned a lot from them.  Kevin has been a guy who's really reached out and offered a lot of advice and help, and I really appreciate that.  And Kyle is a guy who I've raced a lot of big super late model races over the years.  We've had some good races.

So it was cool just to have the opportunity to go race with those guys on a weekly basis in the Nationwide Series I feel like is definitely just a privilege in itself, and to have a car and a team and effort to try to go and outrun them, that's just unbelievable to me to just be in an opportunity to be able to go do that,” said Elliott.

When you consider that Elliott had never been to this track previously and won in only his sixth race it won't be long before he's ruining the races for the Sprint Cup interlopers.

From GMM

F1 team Marussia has split with its Russian supercar maker owner.

The sports arm of the Russian news agency Ria Novosti reports that Marussia Motors, headed by Nikolai Fomenko, is no longer making cars and has given up ownership of the UK-based formula one team that bears its name.

R-Sport said Marussia staff have "left the company en masse and joined a government-run technical institute".

"The supercar project was ambitious, but it is disappointing that it was unable to get to market," team spokeswoman Tracy Novak confirmed.

"There is no impact whatsoever on the formula one team's operation," she insisted.

Marussia's racing team 2014. (Photo: Marussia F1 Team)

Tracy Novak explained that the team is now owned by another company with a Marussia-themed name, Marussia Communications Limited.

There is a company called Marussia Communications Ireland Limited, which is registered to a house on a street in Dublin.

"There is no link between the two companies financially or technically. The F1 team has been an independent operation for some time," Tracy Novak said.

It was reported recently that Marussia Motors president Fomenko was in F1 takeover talks with Zoran Stefanovich, but Novak played down fears the future of the backmarker team is in doubt.

"The F1 team has had a positive start to the 2014 season and looks forward to continued success in the pursuit of its racing ambitions," she said.

From GMM

Reigning world champion team Red Bull is hoping to be "at least within reach" of dominant Mercedes in the space of a month.

After controlled race victories for the German squad in Australia and Malaysia, the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg pushed each other hard in a long wheel-to-wheel battle out the front in Bahrain.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said it was "the first time we saw their (Mercedes') true potential", amounting to a two second per lap advantage to the rest of the field.

He warned: "In China, Mercedes are again going to be very difficult to beat given the kilometre long straight. But then once we get back to Europe we need to start making inroads into them."

The team's Dr Helmut Marko, referring to the subsequent Spanish grand prix in mid May and beyond, agreed: "Our hope is that we are at least within reach by Europe.

"You need a good engine in Bahrain," he told Austrian Servus TV, "and China will also be difficult with two long straights. But in places like Barcelona and Monaco, the chassis has more importance again."

Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing. (Photo: WRi2)

Marko hailed Mercedes' advantage at present.

"Through (Mercedes') ingenuity and a much longer-term preparedness, both us and Ferrari have a lot to do to even come remotely close to them. This will be a process that will not be achieved by a stroke of genius," he added.

Ferrari, who alongside Mercedes and Renault is the other engine manufacturer in F1, is also pushing to improve.

The works team's Fernando Alonso, who is testing in Bahrain this week, said: "We have the resources and the potential to do it. We have a very aggressive (development) programme, which we need."

Ferrari customer Sauber agrees that Mercedes' rivals need to work hard to catch up.

"In Bahrain it was obvious that one of the three manufacturers has a huge advantage regarding the powertrain," said chief engineer Giampaolo Dall'ara.

Starting this spring, Mitsubishi customers across Canada will have a choice of limited-edition models at attractive prices.

Priced at $26,498, the new Mitsubishi RVR Limited Edition is just $800 over the SE AWC model on which it is based. It features 18'' alloy wheels, a large rear spoiler, a chrome grille surround, and roof rails. Inside are paddle shifters, premium seat fabric, and climate control, among other things.

As for the Mitsubishi Outlander Limited Edition, it comes with extras such as an exclusive body kit, a blacked-out grille, and a large rear spoiler. Pricing is set at $36,998, only $1,000 more than the GT S-AWC model on which it is based.

Source: Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada

From GMM

Mercedes has revealed it probably would have quit formula one if the sport had stayed with loud V8 engines beyond 2013.

It was believed Renault was the major driving force behind the controversial new turbo V6 regulations, but Daimler board member Dr Thomas Weber said on Wednesday that Mercedes was also keen to see the sport drive into the future.

The BBC quotes him as saying the old V8 rules had become "hard to explain" amid the trends for "downsizing" and fuel efficiency within the road car market.

Asked if Mercedes would have pulled out had the rules not changed, he admitted: "I think so, yeah. We had hard discussions."

Weber explained that the new rules now make it easy to "clearly convince" the decision-making board that F1 has become relevant and worth the investment.

He said recent statements that the rules are too complicated were "stupid", insisting that the quieter engines are simply the sound of the future.

"Of course we can look if there is a little bit more (volume) possible," said Weber. "But in the meantime all the road cars are going for turbos, downsizing, so even a Porsche now sounds similar. So people learn it. That's easy."

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

On April 20th, Bentley will introduce a plug-in hybrid concept based on the Mulsanne at the Beijing Auto Show in China, foreshadowing a dedicated version of the all-new Bentley SUV available in 2017.

“There is no doubt that plug-in hybrid technology is true to Bentley's values of outstanding luxury and effortless performance,” said Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors. “Combining our renowned engines with electric power reinforces and enhances both principles, and so we will gradually introduce this powertrain across our model range. By the end of the decade, at least 90% of our production will be available as a plug-in hybrid. We are proud to be pioneering these developments in the luxury sector.”

Future Bentley vehicles equipped with this plug-in hybrid technology will deliver 25% more power and emit 70% less CO2, while providing a minimum range of 50 kilometres in EV mode.

Photo: Bentley

Red Bull Racing Formula 1 team has hired a new head of aerodynamics.

In a short press release issued Wednesday, Red Bull Racing confirmed that Peter Prodromou, former aero chief, has commenced a period of gardening leave.

Prodromou has been replaced by Dan Fallows who becomes Head of Aerodynamics at Infiniti Red Bull Racing with immediate effect.

Fallows has worked as part of the team's aerodynamic department for many years. Previously working as a Team Leader (Aerodynamics), he left Red Bull Racing for a short time last year.

He has now returned to Infiniti Red Bull Racing to begin working in his new role.

But according to British journalist Adam Cooper, Eric Boullier, competition director at McLaren, said that Fallows is already under contract with McLaren. The whole affair could now be sent to the court of justice.

Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull RB10-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

Following GM's nightmares and Ford's latest confession, the recall campaign continues with Toyota targeting 27 models and 6.7 million vehicles worldwide. This also affects the Pontiac Vibe and Subaru Trezia.

Actually, the Japanese automaker is attempting to address five separate issues:

• Defective starter which could prevent the engine from shutting off;
• Faulty airbag cables that may not work properly;
• Loose steering mounts;
• Windshield wiper motor failure;
• Defective seat rails.

Toyota first identified one of the five problems back in 2007, while the most recent surfaced last year. No accident has been reported yet, although two cases of fires are linked to the defective engine starter. Fortunately, no one has been injured.

Approximately 2.3 million vehicles are affected in North America. They include Corolla, Camry, RAV4, Yaris, Highlander, Tacoma, and Scion xD vehicles built from 2004 to August 2013.

Source : cbc.ca

The Prius, Toyota's sweetheart hybrid (a brand unto its own), continues to sway buyers of green wheels with its promise of eco-friendliness and spacious cabin. Since its arrival in 1997, the Prius has made waves in urban areas around the globe as the car to go to not only to save the environment but also to make a statement.

The oxymoron with this pioneer of the hybrid movement is that it is currently amongst the oldest and most outdated of its kind. Perhaps not in exterior design or powertrain, the Prius does fall behind in amenities, interior ergonomics, and driving pleasure.

Despite this, the 2014 Toyota Prius remains the darling hybrid around the world, and in areas such as California. It is instantly recognizable and thus says much without making a sound as it scoots by in EV mode. There is little gratification to be had at the wheel of the Prius, but then again I wasn't looking for it. Roomy, well-crafted but dated, it still holds its own.


What is a Toyota Prius?
The Toyota Prius is the bestselling hybrid nameplate in the world, and is the first mass-production dedicated hybrid car to have been widely accepted. The Honda Insight edged it out timing-wise, but there's little more to say about that.

2014 Toyota Prius Price and Specs
This third generation Toyota Prius is a very simple car. All sport the same Atkinson Cycle 1.8L 4-cylinder engine mated to Toyota's renowned Hybrid Synergy Drive, which features EV, ECO, and Power drive modes. All 134 horsepower make their way to the front wheels via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).

Pricing begins at $26,105. Here, the Prius is well-equipped with a backup camera, cruise control, and a push-start button. Trims include Moonroof Upgrade ($29,350), Touring ($31,090), and Technology ($34,190) packages.

My tester was the last on that list and includes intelligent cruise control, a premium JBL audio system and navigation.

Driving the 2014 Toyota Prius
It's not anywhere near as bad as some of you might think. The Prius is a real car, at the very least it has been for the last two generations. If you're looking for a glorified golf-cart without any of its amenities, consider the purchase of a used 1st gen Prius, but I digress.

If you've never driven a hybrid, it's really no different than taking your Mitsubishi Galant or Dodge Caravan to the corner convenience store. Turning an ignition key is a rare affair nowadays and practically unheard of in a modern hybrid. Thus, the Prius “starts” normally but it's the unusual shifter that physically differentiates the initial process.

Once underway, the 2014 Toyota Prius starts off in EV mode for a few moments depending on load, ambient and desired internal temperatures, and functioning accessories. The internal combustion engine noticeably comes to life but settles as throttle demands lessen. The CVT does what it must to keep things moving and is no more annoying than it is in most other cars.

The Prius is an average performer when in the aforementioned Power mode. In normal or ECO mode, the hybrid Toyota loves an unrushed urban setting where it thrives thanks to its relaxed ride and manoeuvrability. On the highway, the Prius manages well, but is no fan of crosswinds.

In the course of my rough snow- and cold-weather-laden test week, the 2014 Toyota Prius returned a fuel consumption average of 6L/100km.

Inside and Out of the 2014 Toyota Prius
The 2014 Toyota Prius proudly carries the wedge shape that has made it famous and possibly infamous to some. Aerodynamics is the name of the game here, and the Prius delivers with an extremely low 0.25 coefficient of drag.

The wedge shape does have some advantages, as well as disadvantages. The Prius' trunk is impressively capacious thanks to the tall and lightly sloping roofline. Ingress and egress are simple enough for the same reason. The two-tier glass that is part of the hatch hampers rearward visibility.

The 2014 Toyota Prius' cabin is roomy and comfortable. Seats are reasonably cozy, in both rows. Fit and finish are fine and the dashboard's presentation was special, when the car was introduced in 2010. Many of the top-seated controls are too far out of reach for most normal passengers.

Comparing the 2014 Toyota Prius
The 2014 Toyota Prius has never faced stiffer competition from the likes of the Ford Fusion, the Hyundai Sonata, it's cousin the Toyota Camry, and compact alternatives such as the Volkswagen Jetta and Honda Civic (all hybrids).

Like its other close cousin, the Corolla, Toyota relies heavily on the Prius' pedigree to put units on the road. It remains an excellent product. Thing is that taking a spin in one of the other hybrids is likely to drop the Prius further down the list. That is, unless a Prius is what you want.

Kelley Blue Book has announced the winners of its 2014 Brand Image Awards, and for the second year in a row, Honda is the best overall brand.

Factors that helped determine the scores include affordability, "cool" factor, driving comfort, driving performance, durability/reliability, exterior styling, fuel efficiency, interior layout, prestige/sophistication, reputation, ruggedness, and safety.

2014 Brand Image Award Winners: Non-Luxury Brands

• Best overall brand: Honda
• Most trusted brand: Honda
• Best value brand: Kia
• Most refined brand: GMC
• Best performance brand: MINI
• Best car styling brand: Chevrolet
• Best overall truck brand: Ford

2014 Brand Image Award Winners: Luxury Brands

• Best overall brand: Mercedes-Benz
• Most trusted brand: Lexus
• Best value brand: Buick
• Most refined brand: Mercedes-Benz
• Best performance brand: Porsche
• Best car styling brand: Jaguar

Source : multivu.com

The Formula 1 teams concluded their first in-season test of 2014 at the Bahrain International Circuit Wednesday, with Lewis Hamilton taking the wheel of the F1 W05 for the second of two days' running in Sakhir this week.

Hamilton' best time of 1m34.136 from 120 laps put him first on the time sheets. Yesterday, his teammate Nico Rosberg also set the fastest time of the day.

Mercedes's programme focused on tires, with the team conducting a range of tests on behalf of Pirelli in line with the 2014 Formula One Sporting Regulations.

Hamilton completed 50 laps in the morning, and further 70 laps followed in the afternoon. He set his best time on a set of Pirelli experimental tires.

Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne ranked second in the Toro Rosso-Renault. The team sheet focussed mainly on chassis work with the team making a major change to the suspension over the lunch-break.

McLaren rookie Kevin Magnussen was third. The team able to complete its planned aerodynamic correlation work; however, a car problem pitched Magnussen into the gravel just before lunchtime, and the team spent much of the remainder of the day repair the subsequent damage to the chassis.

Sergio Perez was fourth in the Sahara Force India, followed by Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull Racing, Marussia's Jules Bianchi, Giedo van der Garde (Sauber) and... Fernando Alonso in the Ferrari.

The Scuderia had to stop the test when the chassis of the F14 T was found to be damaged.

Marcus Ericsson (Caterham), Felipe Nasr (Williams) and Romain Grosjean (Lotus) completed the order.

Best lap times of the day:
Pos. Driver Car Time Laps
1 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes AMG 1m34.136 120 laps
2 Jean-Eric Vergne Toro Rosso 1m35.557 64
3 Kevin Magnussen McLaren 1m36.203 26
4 Sergio Pérez Force India 1m36.586 63
5 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull 1m37.310 67
6 Jules Bianchi Marussia 1m37.316 93
7 Giedo van der Garde Sauber 1m37.623 77
8 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1m37.912 12
9 Marcus Ericsson Caterham 1m39.263 66
10 Felipe Nasr Williams 1m39.879 64
11 Romain Grosjean Lotus 1m43.732 16

From press release

Given the immense popularity of this offer, the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA is pleased to announce today that it will be selling an additional series of trios, package deals which give fans reserved seating in three different grandstands, one for each of the three days of the event.

These special tickets are greatly appreciated by fans who get to see the best drivers in the world and their magnificent race cars from different angles. The first series of tickets was put on sale last fall and is now sold out, so a new, limited series of trios offers two new options. These special tickets will be on sale until 15 May, or while supplies last.

Option A
Priced at $477.35 (taxes and service charges included), this trio allows fans to sit at the finish line (Grandstand 1) on Saturday 7 June for the always-exciting qualifying session for the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA. This is a unique opportunity to closely observe the intense activity in pit lane during the three qualifying sessions that will determine the starting grid for the following day's race. This package deal also includes a ticket in Grandstand 12, at the Senna curve, on Friday. Finally, on Sunday, ticketholders will be able to see the Formula 1 drivers going around the Hairpin from their reserved seat in Grandstand 24.

Option B
Priced at $449.60 (taxes and service charges included), this trio offers tickets at both ends of the track. Fans will have a reserved seat at the Hairpin on Friday (Grandstand 24) and Sunday (Grandstand 15), the day of the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA. For qualifying on Saturday, fans will be able to watch all the action from the popular Grandstand 12 at the Senna corner.

As usual, whichever grandstand they're in, all ticket holders are assured of being able to follow all the on-track action thanks our giant screens.

Right from their initial launch last year, trios have been greatly appreciated by amateur photographers who can enjoy different vantage points and take pictures of the Formula 1 cars and all the on-track action from different angles.

Fans who wish to buy a trio, whether for option A or B, must contact the FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX DU CANADA box office as soon as possible at 514 350-0000 or 1-855-790-1245, seven days a week, between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased on our secure website at www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca or www.admission.com.

This 40th edition of the Grand Prix of Long Beach will be staged this weekend in California. Between 1976 and 1983, the race featured the Formula 1 cars. The IndyCar machinery then replaced the F1 cars.

Here are eight things to know about this unique street race.

* The maiden Long Beach race was held in 1975. It featured Formula 5000 race cars. Britain's Brian Redman won the race in a LolaT332-Chevrolet.

Taken from Youtube

* The first Formula 1 Grand prix was presented in 1976. Clay Regazzoni (Ferrari) captured victory ahead of his teammate, Niki Lauda and Patrick Depailler in a Tyrrell-Ford.

Taken from Youtube

* American racing star Mario Andretti has the highest number of poles at Long Beach with 4.

Taken from Youtube

* In 1983, Ireland's John Watson (McLaren-Ford F1) started the race in 22nd place and sliced through the field to score victory.

Taken from Youtube

* The closest finish took place in 1986, when Michael Andretti crossed the line first ahead of Al Unser Jr. by 0.380s.

Photo: IMS

* Al Unser Jr. took the start of the race 15 times and scored a record of 6 wins.

Taken from Youtube

* The current street circuit is 1.97-mile in length and has 11 turns.





* Au menu this year: The Verizon IndyCar series, the Indy Lights series, the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, the Pro/Celebrity Race, Pirelli World Challenge, a SPEED Energy Formula Off-Road Race and the Motegi Racing Super Drift Challenge.

Taken from Youtube

ARCA Racing Series' competitor, Canadian Maryeve Dufault is currently racing and planning her wedding.

Dufault, now seventh in the driver point standings through two races, is in the middle of planning a June wedding.

"It is going to be June 28," Dufault said. "That was the only weekend I had off from racing that I was able to squeeze it in. It was really challenging to pick a date."

Dufault, 32, is a native of Sorel, Quebec. She will marry Guy Zubchevich the week between ARCA Racing Series events at Elko Speedway June 21 and Winchester Speedway July 6. It will take place in a town about a half-hour from Montreal, Canada.

"We've got people coming from all over," she said. "My fiance's family is from Arizona and California. There will be people from my team and people I've worked with. It's going to be a really fun wedding."

Dufault's No. 46 Stange Racing team is off to a good start in the ARCA series. She led laps in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway and finished 16th in the Shooters Restaurants-HotTVBrands.com Ford at Mobile International Speedway in her first race at that track.

Canadian driver Kuno Wittmer will compete this weekend in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship on the streets of Long Beach.

After claiming a pair of podium finishes and a pole in the season's opening two USCC endurance races, SRT Motorsports will look to continue its success this weekend at the Long Beach Grand Prix.

Run on Saturday, April 12, the Sports Car Showcase in Long Beach will be the third event of the 2014 season.

"I love Long Beach. Ever since I won there in 2010 in a Viper Competition Coupe, the track has held a special place to my heart,” said Kuno Wittmer, driver of the No. 93 SRT Viper GTS-R.

“Looking back at last year, we did very well there, so Long Beach is a circuit that I am strongly looking forward to. Throughout my racing career I have always enjoyed short race weekends. I know that the teams, our tire sponsor Michelin and the engineers would like to see more track time, but there is always something special about a good old fashioned sprint race where you are flat out at 110 percent."

Washington state officially approved Tesla's direct-sales model last Thursday, when Gov.

General Motors was hit with federal fines today over its ignition switch crisis after U.S. auto safety regulators concluded the company had not been forthcoming in responding to questions.

General Motors estimates repairs to 2.6 million small cars affected by a massive recall will not start until next week -- not this week as originally expected.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration's top lawyer told a gathering of automotive engineers today that they were the 'first line of defense' in vehicle safety.

Obviously, the big problem with the VW Scirocco is that its rear wheels aren't driven.