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Pros: The 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante is a new luxury convertible that sits at the top of the British automaker's sports car lineup. World-class power, style and craftsmanship combine with a power retractable, lightweight fabric top for a unique motoring experience. It's the fastest and stiffest Volante ever made, and the first with a full carbon fibre body (at 1,844 kg, this drop-top is just 9 kg heavier than the coupe). The roof folds away in 14 seconds only at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Aston Martin also offers plenty of body colours and customization options.

Cons: There are faster cars in its price range, and cheaper cars in its power range. The rear seats in this 2+2 convertible are useless.

Photo: Aston Martin

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Price: The exact Canadian MSRP hasn't been disclosed, but customers should expect to pay upwards of $300,000.

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Fuel Economy: Official ratings for the Vanquish Volante are unavailable at this point, but they should be pretty similar to the coupe's -- 10.7L/100km on the highway and 16.2L/100km in the city.

Improvements and Changes: This is an all-new model based on the Vanquish coupe.

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Powertrain: A front mid-mounted, 6.0L V12 engine produces 565 horsepower and 457 lb-ft of torque. Power is fed to the rear wheels via a 6-speed Touchtronic 2 sequential transmission with paddle shifters. A limited slip differential comes standard, helping transfer power to the road more effectively.

The 2014 Vanquish Volante will cover the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4.1 seconds, and keep accelerating until it reaches a top speed of 295 km/h.

Cargo Capacity : Seriously? You have to ask? All you need to know is that the trunk is more than 50% larger than the outgoing DBS Volante's with the roof up or down.

Safety: ABS, dynamic stability control with track mode, positive torque control, traction control, and launch control are all part of the package. Side curtain airbags mounted discreetly on the upper door trim combine with driver and rear passenger airbags. Aston Martin's advanced Rollover Protection System deploys hidden spikes from behind both rear headrests, removing the tonneau trim cover and shattering the rear screen to provide protection for driver and passengers in the event of an accident.

Comparing the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante: Rivals include the Audi R8 5.2 Spyder, BMW M6 Cabriolet, Ferrari California T, Jaguar XKR-S, Maserati GranCabrio MC, McLaren MP4-12C Spider, and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster.

Here is the on-track schedule of the Pirelli Grand Prix of Spain, Round 5 of the 2014 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

The 66-lap race will be held at Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona.

The track is 4.655km long and features 16 corners. The lap record is 1m21.670 set by Kimi Raikkonen in 2008.

Schedule*:

Thursday May 8
Formula 1 Press Conference - Press Room 15h00

Friday May 9
Formula 1 Practice 1 10h00 - 11h30
GP2 Practice Session 12h00 - 12h45
Formula 1 Practice 2 14h00 - 15h30
GP2 Qualifying Session 15h55 - 16h25
Formula 1 Press Conference - Press Room 16h00 - 17h00
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Practice Session 16h45 - 17h30
GP3 Practice Session 17h50 - 18h35

Saturday May 10
Formula 1 Team Pit Stop Practice 08h30 - 09h15
GP3 Qualifying Session 09h45 - 10h15
Formula 1 Practice 3 11h00 - 12h00
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Qualifying Session 12h25 - 12h55
Formula 1 Qualifying 14h00
GP2 First Race (37 Laps or 60 Minutes) 15h40 - 16h45
GP3 First Race (17 Laps or 30 Minutes) 17h20 - 17h55

Sunday May 11
GP3 Second Race (17 Laps or 30 Minutes) 09h25 - 10h00
GP2 Second Race (26 Laps or 45 Minutes) 10h35 - 11h25
Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Race (14 Laps or 30 Minutes) 11h45 - 12h20
Formula 1 Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk 12h25 - 13h15
Formula 1 Drivers Track Parade 12h30
Formula 1 Starting Grid Presentation 12h45 - 13h15
Formula 1 National Anthem 13h46
Formula 1 Race 14h00
*Subject to changes

Pros: With its extroverted design and a choice of TwinPower Turbo engines, the all-new 2014 BMW X4 is said to combine lifestyle and performance by merging the hallmark features of the successful BMW X family (power and utility) with the sporting elegance of a classic coupe. Variable sport steering, Performance Control, and xDrive all-wheel-drive come standard. It's the ideal vehicle for those who dreamed of either a smaller, more affordable X6 or a sportier-looking X3.

Cons: As is the case with the X6, expect limited rearward visibility, rear-seat headroom, and cargo capacity. 

Photo: BMW

2014 BMW X4 Price: When it goes on sale this summer, buyers will have a choice of two models: xDrive28i and xDrive35i. Pricing has yet to be announced, but a starting MSRP of around $50,000 (or maybe just under) is a good bet.

2014 BMW X4 Fuel Economy: The X4 promises to burn as little as 5.9L/100km on the highway and 8.7L/100km in the city in its most fuel-efficient form (with optional low-rolling resistance tires included). Opt for the larger engine, and these numbers increase to 6.9L and 10.7L/100km, respectively. An ECO PRO mode, auto Start/Stop, a coasting function, and brake energy regeneration are available to improve fuel economy.

Improvements and Changes: The 2014 BMW X4 is an all-new model that introduces the unique “sports activity coupe” concept to the premium midsize segment. It's based on the technical blueprint of the X3, but is 14mm longer and 37mm lower. The driver and front passenger also sit 20mm lower.

2014 BMW X4 Powertrain: The base 2.0L inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine produces 245 horsepower, while the 3.0L inline 6-cylinder turbocharged engine is rated at 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. With the latter, 5.5 seconds are all it takes to sprint from 0-100 km/h. Both are direct injected and mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the sports leather steering wheel. As mentioned earlier, power is sent to all four wheels.

Cargo Capacity: While the sloping roofline limits the size of the cargo area to just 500 litres, you can fold the standard 40/20/40 split rear seat to load more items (up to 1,400 litres).

Safety: ABS, brake assist, electronic brake force distribution, stability control, traction control, and cornering brake control all come standard. Then you have available technologies like full-colour head-up display, anti-dazzle high-beam assistant, and Driving Assistant Plus including lane departure warning, active cruise control with stop & go function, preventive pedestrian protection, and a collision warning system which applies the brakes as required.

Comparing the 2014 BMW X4: The X4 opens up a new niche within the premium midsize segment. That said, it will compete for consumer dollars against the likes of the Audi Q5, Infiniti QX50, Range Rover Evoque, Porsche Macan, and Volvo XC60.

From GMM

Mercedes has turned to a psychologist to help the dominant team cope with its championship campaign in 2014.

That is the claim of the Telegraph newspaper, revealing that former professional soccer player Dr Ceri Evans also worked with New Zealand's 'All Blacks' during the rugby team's 2011 world cup triumph.

Correspondent Daniel Johnson said Evans, 50, attended the recent Chinese grand prix with the Brackley based team, observing engineers and mechanics at work. He has reportedly been retained as a consultant.

"Evans has not had any direct involvement with either (Lewis) Hamilton or Nico Rosberg", Johnson clarified.

NASCAR Sprint Cup team Michael Waltrip Racing Monday announced a multi-year contract extension for Clint Bowyer.

Michael Waltrip's team also signed No. 15 team crew chief Brian Pattie and primary sponsor 5-hour Energy to multi-year extensions.

The 5-hour Energy brand will appear on Bowyer's car for 24 races each year beginning with the 2015 season.

"This is big news for all of us,” said Bowyer, an eight-time winner in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition.

“It creates great stability and excitement about what the next few years can bring. MWR is my racing home and continuing this relationship with 5-hour Energy was a high priority. It's time to put the paperwork in a drawer and focus on winning.”

From press release

During the off-season race fans of Riverside International Speedway overwhelmingly asked that the facilities season finale sanctioned by the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour (PST) become an extended length event - and so it has.

The Lucas Oil 150 has added 50 laps to the 2014 season at the Maritimes most popular race track located in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

"It took some convincing," said Paul McLean, general manager at Riverside International Speedway.

"But we got it done and we're happy with that. We strive to satisfy our fans and give them the best possible experience when they come here. One hundred fifty laps adds a different level of strategy to the event for the racers and therefore adds to the entertainment value for our fans."

And, with the Lucas Oil 150 being Round 11 of 12 on the 2014 PST season, the extra 50 laps is bound to affect the series chase for the championship.

The event was previously announced as a 100-lap feature, the standard on the Parts for Trucks Pro Stock Tour, and brings the total number of extended length races on the series season schedule to seven, with two of those being '250's, one '200', and four '150's. All of the series events at Riverside in 2014 are extended length with the Ron MacGillivray 150 on June 14, Canada's biggest stock car race - the IWK 250 on July 19, and the Lucas Oil 150 on September 6.

Besides these three events Riverside International Speedway will host the only NASCAR Canadian Tire Series event east of Quebec with the Wilson Equipment 300 on August 16.

Ticket prices for the Lucas Oil 150 will be the same as a '100' - even more value for Riverside race fans. The Napa Sportsman Series will provide support class action September 6 with the Highland Home Building Centres 75.

Advance tickets for the Riverside season opener, the June 14 Ron MacGillivray 150, will be available approximately three weeks before the event. Season Pass, VIP Seating, and IWK 250 Campsite renewals are currently in full swing.

Visit www.riversidespeedway.ca for more information and while you are there be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get all the latest updates delivered directly to your inbox.

Riverside International Speedway is recognized as a premier stock racing facility in Canada.

The 1/3-mile high banked asphalt oval roars to action several times a year for special events. It is the home for eastern Canada's only NASCAR event, and of the IWK 250 - widely known as the best stock car race in Canada. Located in James River, between New Glasgow and Antigonish, the facility is easily accessible at exit 30 on Trans Canada Highway 104.

For more information call 902.863.2410 or click www.riversidespeedway.ca.

From GMM

Specialist Ferrari journalist and author Leo Turrini on Tuesday reports that Ross Brawn has this week been at Maranello and Fiorano.

Turrini, who according to F1 colleague Mathias Brunner "knows everything when it comes to Ferrari" and recently predicted Stefano Domenicali's departure, said the recently-retired former Mercedes boss was seen at the fabled Italian team's headquarters and test circuit.

Ross Brawn, 59, has played down the prospects of a return to Formula 1, but many insiders believe the F1 paddock has not seen the last of the highly rated Briton.

As technical director, he was a key player at Ferrari during the highly successful Michael Schumacher era, spanning multiple years and titles.

Turrini joked on his Quotidiano blog that Brawn may just be in the Italian region to "buy bananas" or "buy a Ferrari", but there is another obvious hypothesis.

"Marco Mattiacci is a very intelligent person," he wrote, "and perhaps also very persuasive."

Ross Brawn, Mercedes AMG. (Photo: WRi2)

The 2014 Toyota Corolla LE ECO features an all-new Valvematic system that increases power by 10% and reduces fuel consumption by 5%-10%, helping drivers save up to 160 litres of gas annually.

The Valvematic technology uses advanced valve control to manage air intake and optimize both responsiveness and efficiency. By eliminating the throttle body, the valves are in direct contact with the air pressure; a computer adjusts valve lift based on input from the gas pedal.

By 2015, no fewer than 14 variants of the Valvematic system will be available worldwide, including a 1.3L Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine.

Photo: Toyota

Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 team insist Kimi Raikkonen will rapidly get on top of his early 2014 struggles and reassert himself as a frontrunner.

The Finn has found it difficult to get comfortable with the Ferrari F14 T and has been beaten by his teammate Fernando Alonso as a result. In China, Raikkonen finished more than 50 seconds adrift of Alonso.

James Allison, Ferrari's chassis technical director, thinks Raikkonen will soon be back to his best however, tipping the 2007 World Champion for a rapid resurgence.

"Kimi is working extremely well with this team, collaborating extremely well with his engineers, with the other car, and helping us drive this car forwards; helping to show us where it is weak and helping us to make it stronger," Allison told Ferrari.com.

"He has class written all over him, and we know that within a very short space of time we will also be seeing the results on the track."

James Allison. (Photo: Ferrari)

Allison also paid tribute to Alonso, saying his form over the opening four races has been phenomenal.

"With Fernando we have seen an extraordinary level of performance, scavenging every possible point at every possible opportunity," he said. "We have to say thank you to him for what he has managed to do with the car so far this year.

"We are very fortunate to have two good drivers with impeccable pedigree. Until we deliver both our drivers a car they can really put to work on a track, we are just fortunate to have these guys helping us drive the programme forward."

Allison believes it is imperative for Ferrari to continue finding gains at every remaining Grand Prix, in order to continue the improvement the team enjoyed between Bahrain and China.

Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari F14 T. (Photo: WRi2)

"The performance we saw at China - was that the real performance of the car, or was it Bahrain?" Allison said.

"In fact it is a mistake to think in those terms, because it wasn't the same car at those tracks: between Bahrain and China we improved the car quite substantially.

"That is the key to having a successful season: you need to keep improving at every race. If we can do that successfully, bringing a meaning amount of performance to every race, we will keep seeing a step forward,” the British engineer explained.

From GMM

Toto Wolff suspects McLaren will pass on knowledge about Mercedes' turbo V6 to its 2015 engine supplier Honda.

This year, Mercedes is in the awkward situation of being contractually bound to supply its industry-leading new technology to McLaren, whilst knowing the British team is already setting up its new works relationship with Honda.

When asked by Germany's Auto Motor und Sport how much information about Mercedes has already passed from Woking to Japan, team boss Eric Boullier smiled whilst insisting: "Nothing!"

Indeed, correspondent Tobias Gruner insists Mercedes is "using every means" to prevent Honda from learning from McLaren's final year with Mercedes.

But Wolff admitted: "I am convinced that what McLaren learns is being exchanged with Honda in the context of what is allowed."

McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

He said McLaren's own telemetry will allow Honda engineers to see information about things like torque, power delivery and driveability.

"And also what is needed for cooling, hydraulics, electronics -- all these things are of course passed on," said Wolff.

Wolff said he trusts McLaren - famously fined $100 million by the FIA for the 2007 'spygate' scandal - to stick to what is allowed as it moves from Mercedes to Honda power.

"We have a very clear understanding of what can be disclosed and what cannot, but I am convinced that they acknowledge the partnership and the confidentiality that they enjoy as a client today," he added.

Wolff also acknowledged that even the transfer of some information will not overcome Honda's inherent "disadvantage" of only returning to formula one in 2015.

"Honda has a natural disadvantage," he said, "because they are coming into the sport when everyone else has already been there (in the V6 era) for a year," he said.

At the same time, he also thinks rivals Ferrari and Renault will be closer to Mercedes next year.

"Our concepts are very different, but the others will certainly catch up a lot, because they have information about how our engine runs when they see it on the track. Next year the field will automatically be closer," said Wolff.

From IndyCar.com

IndyCar officials announced it is exploring a prospective Verizon IndyCar Series race at NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, Louisiana.

The announcement of the potential event, which would be known as the IndyCar Grand Prix of Louisiana and organized by Andretti Sports Marketing, was made jointly with Gov. Bobby Jindal and Laney Chouest, owner of NOLA Motorsports Park.

The state of Louisiana, upon approval by its Legislature, will commit $4.5 million to make necessary enhancements to the racetrack in support of the potential event.

This investment, combined with private funding from NOLA Motorsports Park, will help facilitate track and facility improvements as required by IndyCar.

The event would combine a three-day festival featuring Louisiana's culture with the excitement of a Verizon IndyCar Series event. The festival would include live musical acts, entertainment and local food.

Tracé du circuit NOLA. (Image: NOLA)

From GMM

McLaren could fit a Lotus-style 'double pronged' nose solution to its 2014 car at this weekend's Spanish grand prix.

After a notable dip in form for the Woking based team, France's AFP news agency reports that bosses Eric Boullier and Jonathan Neale have recently overseen a raft of new signings.

McLaren MP4-29-Mercedes. (Photo: WRi2)

Dan Fallows' aborted move from world champions Red Bull is now the subject of a legal dispute, but Peter Prodromou is definitely joining in 2015.

And AFP claims other prominent F1 aerodynamicists - Sauber's Tony Salter and Lotus' Guillaume Cattelani - have also been signed by McLaren.

"McLaren is composed of brilliant individuals, they have been winning many races and have been fighting for championships," said Eric Boullier.

"I think it is just to make sure that the same people are working together in one way with strong leadership, strong guidance and at least it will help them to recover their past success," he added.

Now, international publications Omnicorse and Speed Week report that McLaren's 2014 car could be set for a dramatic aerodynamic turn this weekend in Barcelona.

Earlier, Williams' Pat Symonds said he suspected other teams would be looking into designing a version of the innovative asymmetrical nose at the front of the 2014 Lotus.

Lotus E22-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

"Lotus have been haemorrhaging employees from all departments over the last few months, so I think all of the teams had an idea of where they were going," he said.

Italy's Omnicorse claims the solution has been in the wind tunnel at Woking for some time.

"We have also looked at several interpretations (of the double nose), but some of them simply did not fit with our car," admitted Pat Symonds.

From GMM

Pastor Maldonado insists he has no regrets about moving from Williams to Lotus for 2014.

On the face of it, the Venezuelan switched his millions in PDVSA backing from a resurgent team to one entering a deep slump.

But Maldonado told Spain's El Confidencial he was right to join Renault-powered Lotus.

"Williams was not working as it should and so after three years I had to look for a new challenge, a new hope, something to motivate me.

"I decided to come here because history said it was a great team," he insisted, "and when I arrived I found exactly what I had sought.

"The atmosphere is terrific and I say this because we are having many problems," added Maldonado.

"People say that the team is lost, it's not the same as before but I think what has changed is the cars. We are experiencing a major technological transformation. We've had millions of problems, many of them insignificant and silly so it has taken us a lot of time," he explained.

Pastor Maldonado, Lotus E22-Renault. (Photo: WRi2)

While grappling with the troubled Renault-powered E22, Maldonado is having to watch the resurgent form of Williams, whose Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas have already scored 36 points in 2014.

In contrast, Maldonado and Romain Grosjean's combined tally is zero.

"I'm very calm, really," Maldonado insists.

"Williams knew they were going to have a better car this year -- for sure, being worse (than 2013) would have been virtually impossible.

"It can always be worse, but it was on a scale where it was more likely to go up than down -- we were fighting with the small teams, compared to Williams with its name, its structure, its factory.

"They have shown they can do well but it is still hard to say if they can win races again," Maldonado added.

He said the biggest difference between 2013 and 2014 is the change of emphasis within the regulations from aerodynamics to engine.

"Lotus was the only team that could attempt to reach the level of Red Bull," said Maldonado. "Now the engine is dominant."

Finally, Maldonado was asked whether he is a fan of the 'new' F1.

"Yes and no," he responded.

"First it is the same for everyone and so you have to adapt to the rules," he explained.

"It is what it is. No more. I liked what we had before, but for sure we will develop soon and have better cars," Pastor Maldonado added.

Fiat-Chrysler will invest $7 billion USD in Alfa Romeo between now and 2018. The plan is to quintuple the newly independent brand's global sales.

How? A new Alfa Romeo midsize sedan will be launched in 2015, followed by seven other models in the next three years. The list includes two compact cars, another midsize sedan, a full-size sedan, two SUVs, and a specialty vehicle.

Despite these major investments, Alfa Romeo president and CEO Harald Wester did not specify when the company will return to North America.

Source : autonews.com

Photo: Alfa Romeo

A total of 118,557 Evenflo and Snugli child seats manufactured from 2012-2014 are being recalled because the buckle may over time become progressively more difficult to unlatch or stuck in the latched position after being contaminated with foreign material, such as food or dried liquids. This could increase the risk of injury in an emergency situation.

Registered owners will be sent a letter containing proper care instructions and information on how to obtain a replacement buckle. Non-registered owners should contact Evenflo at 1-800-490-7591, or register online at www.buckle.evenflo.com.

Another recall affects 17,700 Diono child seats manufactured in 2013. A memory foam insert in the seat pan fabric may have been omitted at time of manufacture. This could allow forces to be transmitted to the seat occupant which would exceed limits allowable by the standards, increasing the risk of injury.

All registered owners with affected child seats will be sent a repair kit containing memory foam inserts and installation instructions. Non-registered owners should contact Diono at 1-866-954-9786 to obtain a repair kit.

No seat should be returned to the store where they were purchased.

Affected models include:

Evenflo	Chase DLX	2011 2012 2013
Evenflo	Chase LX	2011 2012 2013
Evenflo	Maestro	2011 2012 2013
Evenflo	Momentum 65 DLX	2013
Evenflo	Secure Kid 400	2013 2014
Evenflo	Secure Kid LX	2013 2014
Evenflo	Sureride DLX	2013
Evenflo	Symphony 65	2012 2013
Evenflo	Symphony DLX	2012 2013
Evenflo	Symphony LX	2012 2013

Snugli	All In One	2012 2013
Snugli	Booster	2012 2013 2014

Diono	Radian 100	2013
Diono	Radian 120	2013
Diono	Radian GTX	2013
Diono	Radian RXT	2013

Source : Transport Canada

Pros: While the 2014 Nissan Maxima boasts the sophistication of a more expensive sedan, the power of its 3.5L V6 delivers quick acceleration and the lasting euphoria you get from being behind the wheel of a sports car. An advanced sport-tuned suspension and four driver-selectable modes give you great open-road performance without compromising control or ride quality. The spacious interior was crafted with care and features premium materials.

Cons: A somewhat dated, polarizing exterior, a streamlined model lineup, and a price that borders luxury-car territory certainly don't help the Maxima.

Photo: Nissan

2014 Nissan Maxima Price: There's just a single trim level on the menu this year, namely the upscale SV at $38,680. It comes standard with leather seats and a heated steering wheel. An incredibly loaded Premium Navigation Package is available for just $3,710 more, while the Sport Navigation Package costs $3,260.

2014 Nissan Maxima Fuel Economy: The official fuel consumption ratings for the Maxima are 7.7L/100km on the highway and 10.9L/100km in the city.

Improvements and Changes: The 2014 Nissan Maxima gains some formerly optional features as standard including xenon headlights, a rearview camera, a USB input, and a 7” touchscreen. As you may know, the launch of the new Nissan Sport Sedan Concept means the current Maxima will soon bow out.

2014 Nissan Maxima Powertrain: The company's venerable 3.5L V6 engine produces 290 horsepower and 261 lb-ft of torque in the Maxima. Believe it or not, a CVT is the only transmission available, here. Paddle shifters are optional.

Cargo Capacity: The trunk in the Maxima can fit up to 402 litres of cargo, which is below average for a full-size sedan.

Safety: The 2014 Nissan Maxima comes with six airbags, ABS brakes, brake assist, as well as stability and traction control systems.

Comparing the 2014 Nissan Maxima: Other large sedans worth considering include the Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Hyundai Genesis, Kia Cadenza, and Toyota Avalon.

The Journal de Montreal published some sad news May 6th: Uncle Jacques Villeneuve, Gilles' younger brother, suffers from cancer.

Uncle Jacques, aged 60, raced his snowmobile in Valcourt and Trois-Rivieres this past winter. However, he admitted yesterday that he did not feel well at the time.

Villeneuve is a two-time Formula Atlantic series' and Can-Am champion. He also raced in the Indy Car series, and even got a small taste of Formula 1 back in the ‘80s.

“Jacques Sr” was suffering from abdominal pain when he decided to consult his doctor a few weeks ago. He learned that he has a type of intestinal cancer.

Villeneuve will return to the hospital next week and his doctor will evaluate a treatment.

“What's not encouraging is that I've been told that the cancer is well advanced. I have little chance of recovering,” Villeneuve told the Journal de Montreal.

We wish him good luck. He's a great fighter.

Uncle Jacques Villeneuve, 1986 Indy 500 (Photo: IMS)

Mercedes AMG Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg produced this stunning selfie video a few days ago when he drove a legendary race car at the Hockenheimring.

Rosberg used his Blackberry photo to capture the sound and the excitement of driving a genuine 1954 Mercedes W196 Silver Arrow of five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio.

Canadian road racer Alex Tagliani will drive the No. 22 Discount Tire Ford Mustang for Team Penske in two 2014 NASCAR Nationwide Series road course races.

The Lachenaie, Quebec native will compete for the team in the June 21 event at Road America and again on August 16 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. The No. 22 Discount Tire Ford won at both Road America and Mid-Ohio last season with AJ Allmendinger behind the wheel.

The No. 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang (Photo: Team Penske)

"This is a great opportunity to get back in a NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) car and to do it for one of the best teams in the series and one of the greatest owners the sport has ever seen - Roger Penske," said Tagliani.

"I've been able to run for 'The Captain' one other time in my career in a stock car and we were so close to winning the race. This gives me two great chances to get my first Nationwide Series win. And with the team winning both of these races last year, I guess you could say the pressure is on me to get the job done this season."

"I have known Alex for a long time and he has driven for our team before, so he was the ideal choice to race the Discount Tire Ford for these upcoming road course events," said Roger Penske.

"Alex is a proven winner in both open-wheel and stock car competition. He has competed for wins each of the last two times he has raced in the Nationwide Series, including with Team Penske back in 2011. I think he, (crew chief) Jeremy Bullins and the No. 22 Discount Tire Ford team will be tough to beat at both Road America and Mid-Ohio this season."

CARACAS (Reuters) -- Ford Motor Co. was forced to halt vehicle assembly operations in Venezuela on Monday due to a lack of foreign currency to import parts for assembly, workers at its plant said.