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May
26th

Stock car: Super DIRTcar series heading to The BOS Wednesday

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From press release

For the first time, Brockville Ontario Speedway will host the opening round of the Big Block Modified Super DirtCar Series this coming Wednesday night along with a regular show for the Sportsman.

The top stars of the series will be on hand including eight-time and defending series champion Brett Hearn, three-time series champion Matt Sheppard, reigning Syracuse 200 winner Billy Dunn, "The Natural" Dale Planck, Jimmy Phelps and local favorite fresh off his first ever big block modified win Matt Billings will be among tour stars coming to the fast quarter mile.

The BOS's own crop of 358 Modified drivers will be on hand to challenge the big block invaders including Pat O'Brien, Danny O'Brien, Stephane Lafrance, Ryan Arbuthnot, Jordan McCreadie, Kyle Dingwall and Bobby Herrington among others.

This will be the seventh appearance for the big blocks at The BOS and five of the six previous races have been won by a big block, in 2010 Danny Johnson was the first driver to win a series race using a 358 modified.

Other winners include Alan Johnson in 2006, Pat O'Brien in 2007, Billy Decker won the 2008 event. Brett Hearn won the series race here in 2009, rain was victorious in 2011 & 2012 and Billy Decker became the first two-time winner with a victory in last year's 1000 Islands RV Fall Nationals.

Gates open at 4, hot laps at 6 and the first heat will be set to roll at 7pm.

The BOS is on the web at: www.wbrockvillespeedway.com.

May
26th

Indy: A tough day for Canadians at Indy 500

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Canadians endured a difficult day at the Indy 500 Sunday.

Front row starter James Hinchcliffe of Toronto led early, but was involved in a Turn 1 incident with pole sitter Ed Carpenter on a lap 176 restart.

Indy500 James Hinchcliffe IndyCar Ed Carpenter
James Hinchcliffe and Ed Carpenter. (Photo: IMS)

Alex Tagliani of Lachenaie, Quebec started 24th on the grid. "We had a good start, we settled in, and then all of the sudden we got loose with the car," Tagliani said. "I really didn't know if it was our tire balance or the aerodynamics, but we started with a lot of aero, and the car was a bit slow in the straightaways."

The No. 68 team hoped to pit under caution to take out wing, but the green flag flew for the first 149 laps of the 200-lap race. Tagliani led laps 171-173 during the pit stop cycle, the fourth consecutive year he has led at least one lap in the "500."

"It takes a lot of time to take wing out and we kept pitting under green," Tagliani said. "We continued to trim the car until finally the car was balanced and quick enough to follow. We made some passes on restarts and had good pit stops to make up time."

Indy 500 Alex Tagliani IndyCar
Alex Tagliani. (Photo: SFHR)

Former Formula 1 World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve gained 13 positions to finish 14th in his first appearance at "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing" since winning in 1995.

"Today went according to plan," Villeneuve said. "I started toward the back, so I took a very easy start and didn't go for broke on the first lap. Early on, I wasn't happy with the car, so I hung back and focused on not losing a lap."

Unfortunately, Villeneuve's No. 5 car lost a lap to the race leaders. But Villeneuve regained his lap thanks to the multiple caution periods in the last 125 miles of the race.

"During the pit stops, we steadily improved the car, and luckily we got our lap back," he said. "At the end of the race, I felt that my car was really starting to catch its stride, and I drove more aggressively."

Indy500 Jacques Villeneuve IndyCar
Jacques Villeneuve. (Photo: IMS)


May
26th

Drag: PMRA, PBSS & Quick 32 off to US 131 Motorsport Park

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From press release

Three top drag racing series will compete in their second round of 2014 at the upcoming Super Chevy Show and Night of Thunder at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan May 30 - June 1.

The Pro Modified Racing Association, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series are proud to return to the Michigan facility for the third time, and are proud to be a part of this spectacular weekend of drag racing action.

Along with the Super Chevy Show, racing, car corral and a swap meet, there will be a bevy of jet cars at US 131 Motorsports Park, including three of Al Hanna's jet cars, the GoJo jet Funny cars, and the Queen of Diamonds jet car. The weekend will also feature nitro Fuel Altereds and nostalgia Top Fuel cars.

Along with regular teams from the PMRA, the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, and the PBSS, Michigan-based teams are expected to compete over the weekend in the series.

Presently leading in the Championship Point Award Series in the PMRA is three-time champion Bruce Boland of Stoney Creek, Ontario. In the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, presented by NAPA Auto Parts, the Top Dragster entry of Glen Vardy of Burlington, Ontario leads at present. And Pro Bike Rider Dan Cryderman of Thamesville, Ontario heads up the PBSS, presented by Wiseco Performance Products.

There will be a Test and Tune session Friday, May 30, and a qualifying round held Friday evening. All three series will run three qualifiers on Saturday May 31, with eliminations scheduled to take place Sunday June 1.

For more information visit www.us131msp.com.

The Pro Modified Racing Association (PMRA), www.PMRA.ca enters its 10th season of popular Pro Modified racing this year, while the Quick 32 Sportsman Series, presented by NAPA Auto Parts, www.Quick32.ca will begin its sixth season, and the Pro Bike & Sled Series (PBSS) presented by Wiseco Performance Products, www.PBSS.ca begins its fourth year of operation. Several times during the race season all three series compete at the same weekend events, offering a colourful, diverse, and exciting package of drag racing action.


May
26th

F1: Lotus says PDVSA, Maldonado not leaving the team

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From GMM

Team owner Gerard Lopez has added his denial to reports Lotus could be set to lose its new lucrative PDVSA backing.

The Enstone team secured the deal with the state Venezuelan oil company when Pastor Maldonado moved over the winter from Williams.

In Monaco, however, Maldonado had to deny reports that his PDVSA backing will end, after the Venezuelan sports minister said he will allocate "not one dollar more" to motor racing due to a scandal.

He said the media story about PDVSA pulling out was a "very big misunderstanding", because the comments were made by the sports minister, not the oil company itself.

"PDVSA, as with Maldonado, is staying with us," Lopez, the founding partner of the Lotus owner Genii, is quoted by the Swiss newspaper Blick.

"In Venezuela, it is this company (PDVSA) that has the final say, not the government," he insisted.

F1 Lotus E22 Renault Monaco Pastor Maldonado
Pastor Maldonado, Lotus E22-Renault, Monaco. (Photo: WRi2)


May
26th

F1: Bernie Ecclestone says no French Grand Prix in 2015

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From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone gave a clear "no" when asked if France is on the brink of returning to F1.

A week ago, former grand prix venue Magny Cours' boss Serge Saulnier told Infosport: "If the will of a number of people is confirmed in the coming weeks, we are very close (to returning)."

He said Magny Cours, located a remote 250 kilometres from Paris and absent from the calendar since 2008, is heading for a comeback race next year.

"We are still in negotiations with FOM," said Saulnier, referring to F1's commercial rights company that is run by chief executive Bernie Ecclestone.

But in Monaco, when Ecclestone was asked about those French reports, the Briton told Reuters: "No.

"They'll knock at the door but I don't think we can do anything," he added.


May
26th

F1: Flavio Briatore says F1 ”needs a dictator” to not being destroyed

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From GMM

Embroiled in a corruption scandal that could end his reign, F1's current 'supremo', Bernie Ecclestone, has hinted that his bosses at CVC could be about to replace him.

"I feel sorry for him," Briatore said on his customary trip with his yacht 'Force Blue' to Monaco, "but if I was Ecclestone, I would have left five or six years ago."

Reports suggested Italian Briatore, who left F1 amid his own scandal some years ago, might be a potential successor for Ecclestone, but the 64-year-old played that down.

Asked if he wants to be the 'new Bernie', Briatore told Auto Motor und Sport: "I prefer the old Bernie."

Pressed as to whether he is interested in the job, however, Briatore just "grinned, turned around and left", recounted correspondent Michael Schmidt.

F1 Monaco 2014 Bernie Ecclestone
Bernie Ecclestone on the starting grid in Monaco. (Photo: WRi2)

But before he left, Briatore admitted he knows the kind of person that needs to be running F1.

"What formula one needs is a dictator. He makes the rules and the teams have to follow. If you don't want to, look for another job. Formula one is a strong brand," said Briatore.

"Bernie took 30 years to build it, but without him, it could be that it is destroyed in two or three.

"What is needed now is a man who has a clear plan for the formula one of the future."

Dieter Zetsche, the chairman of Daimler, also said that amid the corruption scandal that could end Ecclestone's reign, the next steps for the sport are crucial.

"It is very clear that Bernie Ecclestone is responsible for the success of formula one," Zetsche, whose Mercedes camp is utterly dominating the 2014 season, told Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

"That is why it is in everyone's interest that his incredible work, 'formula one', which he has built up over the years - the story that he wrote - is not damaged," he added.


May
26th

Indy: Ryan Hunter-Reay wins Indy 500 (+photos)

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From IndyCar.com

Ryan Hunter-Reay, driving the No. 28 DHL car for Andretti Autosport, held off three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves by a hair-raising .0600 of a second -- the second-closest margin of victory in the history of the event -- in a six-lap shootout to claim his first Indy 500 victory.

Hunter-Reay's teammate, Marco Andretti, finished .3171 of a second back for his third third-place finish in nine starts.

"It's a dream come true," said Hunter-Reay, who is the first American winner since Sam Hornish Jr. in 2006.

"This (race) is American history. It's where drivers are made; where history is made. I hope the fans loved it because I was on the edge of my seat. The Verizon IndyCar Series, with superspeedways, short ovals, road and street courses is a true drivers championship, which is what I love about it."

IndyCar Indy 500 2014
2014 Indy 500 photo gallery. (Photos by Jeff Roberts)

There were 34 lead changes among 11 drivers in the fast-paced 200 laps (186.563 mph average; second-fastest in history), with Hunter-Reay regaining the point from Castroneves for good by a scant .0235 of a second at the end of Lap 199.

Carlos Munoz, who finished second last year as a rookie, finished fourth and 2000 Indy 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya was fifth. Kurt Busch, who had 600 more miles of racing left on the day in the NASCAR event North Carolina, placed sixth in his first 500 Mile Race.

Canadian James Hinchcliffe, who started second and led early, was involved in a Turn 1 incident with pole sitter Ed Carpenter on a lap 176 restart.

Sebastien Bourdais, driving the KVSH Racing car that won the “500” last year with Tony Kanaan, placed a career-best seventh in the 500 Mile Race and Will Power finished eighth.

Other Canadians endured a tough afternoon. Former Indy 500 race winner Jacques Villeneuve crossed the line 14th while Alex Tagliani arrived home one spot ahead, in 13th position.


May
25th

VW goes for value with Golf, GTI

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With its seventh-generation Golf and Golf GTI, now made for the United States in Puebla, Mexico, VW had a chance to drive down costs and lower sticker prices in pursuit of market share.
May
25th

What Toyota learned from its own recall crisis

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Four years ago, Toyota was fighting the same kind of safety battle General Motors is waging today. Toyota boss Jim Lentz reflected on the lessons his company learned. Some may help GM.
May
25th

Renault starts assembly of Fluence in Malaysia

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Renault is stepping up efforts to grow market share in Southeast Asia by starting local assembly of the Fluence compact sedan in Malaysia.
May
25th

F1: Mercedes’ Toto Wolff surprised by McLaren, Ferrari struggles

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From GMM

Toto Wolff has admitted he is "surprised" grandee teams like McLaren and Ferrari have struggled so much in 2014.

Mercedes has utterly dominated this year's world championship so far, but after a slow start for reigning world champions Red Bull, the Renault-powered team is now closing the gap.

"When you consider where we were pre-season to where we are now, that's a pretty long way in a couple of months," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner in Monaco.

"Hopefully if we can keep it up we'll be able to challenge Mercedes before too long in the future," he added.

However, it is a markedly different story for Mercedes' other big-budget rivals.

Jenson Button, McLaren MP4-29, Monaco F1
Jenson Button, McLaren MP4-29 (Photo: WRi2)

Customer McLaren has the same basic 'power unit' as the works Mercedes team, while Ferrari has the benefit of building its chassis and engine under the same Maranello roof.

Wolff admits he has been surprised in 2014.

"I'm surprised that McLaren have not pushed us more because they have the same power unit," he is quoted by the Guardian.

"They looked very strong in the first test in Jerez, but they haven't been able to deliver on track. Looking from where we are it looks as if they have gone backwards," said Wolff.

As for Ferrari, Wolff admitted he is even more surprised by the fabled Italian team's struggles.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T Monaco F1
Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T (Photo: Ferrari)

"It is bizarre their engine didn't perform in the way ours did," he said. "And they haven't been able to integrate the different parts of the car in the way that we did."

In truth, however, the struggles of McLaren and Ferrari are not new.

Indeed, in the last full calendar year, the only two F1 winners have been Red Bull and Mercedes.

"Ferrari and McLaren have no less a budget," said Horner.

"So it's down to the people, down to the skill and how you apply those budgets.

"It's the skill of a team, it's the skill of the drivers, it's the skill of a company how it's applying those resources to achieve the results," he added.


May
25th

F1: Tony Fernandes is not responding to Caterham sale reports

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From GMM

Tony Fernandes is not responding to reports he plans to sell Caterham.

Ten days ago, we reported paddock rumours that the backmarker team, which may be behind in its engine and gearbox payments to suppliers Renault and Red Bull, could be losing the support of its founder.

Fernandes has scarcely been seen in an F1 paddock for months, and on Saturday he appeared to have found another source of "ecstasy" as he watched his London football club Queens Park Rangers move into the premier league.

Now, as the sun rises in the Monaco harbour for F1's premier race, Bloomberg and The Edge Malaysia report that Fernandes plans to sell the Caterham Group.

Kamui Kobayashi, Caterham CT05 Monaco F1
Kamui Kobayashi, Caterham CT05 (Photo: Caterham)

Citing a source and a memorandum circulated in the Middle East, The Edge said the Malaysian entrepreneur is seeking just under $600 million for the road car company and the F1 team.

Bloomberg said Fernandes did not respond to a phone call, text message and email about the matter.

But he warned in January: "If we're at the back (in 2014) I don't think I will carry on. This is it -- the final chance. I need to feel like we're going somewhere."

In March, Caterham's joint road car venture with Renault was scrapped, and the Malaysian Reserve newspaper reported on Friday that plans for a premium airline to be called Caterham Jet have also been scrapped.


May
25th

F1: Ron Dennis wants Fernando Alonso to lead McLaren’s Honda charge

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From GMM

According to swirling rumours in Monaco, McLaren could be looking to boost its fortunes ahead of the works Honda partnership in 2015 by making a swoop for Fernando Alonso.

"Fernando would be welcome back at McLaren," McLaren 'supremo' Ron Dennis, who clashed so infamously with the Spaniard back in 2007, reportedly told the Italian press.

"You're surprised that I'm talking about Fernando? I don't have any problem -- the most important thing is for us to win again.

"In 2015 we have the Honda engine and we need a great driver."

McLaren's current lead driver, Jenson Button, was asked by Spain's AS newspaper if Alonso will be at McLaren next year.

"He has a Ferrari contract," the smiling Briton replied.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T Monaco F1
Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T (Photo: Ferrari)

"Yes it would be a great challenge to have him as a teammate."

According to two British F1 correspondents, there may be some truth to the Alonso rumours.

Jonathan McEvoy, of the Daily Mail, cited 'sources' as he reported that 'meetings' have already taken place.

And The Times' Kevin Eason agreed that "It is an open secret that McLaren have approached Alonso".

However, while Alonso has sounded frustrated with life at Ferrari recently, returning to struggling McLaren might not be at the top of his wish list.

"I'm happy," he told France's L'Equipe. "I have a great life, I'm a Ferrari driver -- it doesn't get much better.

"A third title would be the icing on the cake for my career. So many great drivers have won three titles."

Flavio Briatore, close to Alonso throughout his career, said in Monaco: "Fernando has a contract with Ferrari, so it's out of the question to go elsewhere unless something extraordinary happens.

"He, like everyone else, has difficult moments, and like every driver he wants a competitive car, and he can't solve the problems of an entire team by himself," the Italian is quoted by La Gazzetta dello Sport.


May
25th

F1: No end in sight for ‘star wars’ between Hamilton and Rosberg

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From GMM

The German press already has a word for the situation between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg -- 'Star Wars'.

After the qualifying controversy in Monaco, the furious Hamilton sat down with Rosberg in a mandatory meeting with Mercedes team bosses Paddy Lowe, Toto Wolff and Niki Lauda.

When asked if the teammates are still talking, German Rosberg smiled: "Of course!"

Not according to Hamilton. The Briton, who lost his championship lead to Rosberg as his winning streak ended in the Principality, answered "no" when asked if he and Rosberg are on speaking terms.

Lauda confirmed that Hamilton did not exactly accept Rosberg's apology of Saturday.

"Well, we're not friends," the 2008 world champion, when asked if their falling out after a long friendship was a shame, told British television Sky. "We're colleagues."

After the calm and maturity of Hamilton's early-season form in 2014, he sounded upset not only with Rosberg on Sunday, but also the Mercedes team.

"I knew you wouldn't call me in," Hamilton fumed to his engineer, after suggesting he should have been invited for an earlier pit service on Sunday.

But the big fracture within Mercedes is between Hamilton and Rosberg.

Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Mercedes W05 Spanish Grand Prix F1
Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg (Photo: WRi2)

"Fortunately I didn't make any mistakes," he said in the podium interview on Sunday, obviously referring to Rosberg's dubious 'mistake' twenty four hours ago.

Even Rosberg is now beginning to catch on to the chill. "I don't want to comment about Lewis in any way," he said after taking back the championship lead with his second consecutive Monaco win.

"'Friends' is a big word," he explained when probed about his relationship with the occupant of the sister silver and turquoise car. "We work well together."

But as recently as mere days ago, Rosberg happily revealed that when Monaco neighbour Hamilton's fridge is empty, the Briton will often knock and ask for a spare rissole.

When asked if Hamilton is still going to drop by, Rosberg told Germany's Sky on Sunday: "I doubt it."

Lauda, a triple world champion who has first-hand experience of tough title battles, vowed to keep the situation under control.

"They know what they have to do -- I made it clear to them this morning," he said. "I think I am earning my money as a mentor!"

At the same time, it emerged - and Lauda confirmed it - that Hamilton had to apologise for using a high engine setting against orders in Barcelona two weeks ago to keep Rosberg behind him.

Rosberg, who complied with orders and used the lower setting, reportedly accepted Hamilton's apology.

"Everything is perfect," Lauda insisted.

May
25th

F1 Monaco: Nico Rosberg retakes championship lead from Lewis Hamilton (+results)

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From press release

Mercedes' Nico Rosberg took the lead in the Formula One drivers' championship back from his teammate Lewis Hamilton, Sunday, with a win in Monaco.

Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Daniel Ricciardo Monaco F1
Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and Daniel Ricciardo stand on the podium of the Monaco Grand Prix (Photo: WRi2)

It was the German's second consecutive win in the Principality, and also his first since de the season-opener in Melbourne, last March. Rosberg, who lives in Monaco, therefore leads the championship by four points over Hamilton.

"It was a tough race out there today but I am absolutely delighted to have won my second Monaco Grand Prix in succession," said the winner. "It's an amazing feeling and I'm proud to have done it at home, in front of my family and friends who were all here this afternoon.

Nico Rosberg Monaco F1
Nico Rosberg leads the field into turn one at the start (Photo: WRi2)

"It was important for me to break Lewis' momentum of winning the last four races this weekend. That worked out very well, but it was a really tough weekend. I'm so happy for the team that we had another one-two finish and look forward to the party tonight!"

The race was also Mercedes' fifth consecutive 1-2, despite Hamilton falling back in the last few laps with dirt in his eyes.

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T Monaco F1
Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F14 T (Photo: WRi2)

"I was following Nico as close as I could and had great pace but I just couldn't get past," commented the 2008 world champion.

"Towards the end, I got some dirt in my eye through the visor which made it very tough for a few laps but thankfully it cleared up and I was able to hold off Daniel (Ricciardo) and keep second place.

Adrian Sutil, Sauber C33 Monaco F1
Adrian Sutil, Sauber C33 (Photo: WRi2)

"This hasn't been the greatest of weekends but I'll go into the next race with even more energy and determination."

Race results* - Monaco Grand Prix (round 6 of 19)
1 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes W05) - 78 laps 1:49'27"661
2 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes W05) - 9"210
3 - Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull RB10-Renault) - 9"614
4 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari F14-T) - 32"452
5 - Nico Hulkenberg (Force India VJM07-Mercedes) - 1 lap
6 - Jenson Button (McLaren MP4/29-Mercedes) - 1 lap
7 - Felipe Massa (Williams FW36-Mercedes) - 1 lap
8 - Romain Grosjean (Lotus E22-Renault) - 1 lap
9 - Jules Bianchi (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 1 lap
10 - Kevin Magnussen (McLaren MP4/29-Mercedes) - 1 lap
11 - Marcus Ericsson (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 1 lap
12 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F14-T) - 1 lap
13 - Kamui Kobayashi (Caterham CT05-Renault) - 2 laps
15 - Max Chilton (Marussia MR03-Ferrari) - 3 laps

Fastest lap of the race: 1'18"479 by Kimi Raikkonen

Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR9 Monaco F1
Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso STR9 (Photo: WRi2)

Retirements
Lap 59 - Esteban Gutierrez
Lap 55 - Valtteri Bottas
Lap 50 - Jean-Eric Vergne
Lap 23 - Adrian Sutil
Lap 10 - Daniil Kvyat
Lap 5 - Sebastian Vettel
Lap 1 - Pastor Maldonado
Lap 1 - Sergio Perez

Drivers' championship
1.Rosberg 122 points; 2.Hamilton 118; 3.Alonso 61; 4.Ricciardo 54; 5.Hulkenberg 47; 6.Vettel 45; 7.Bottas 34; 8.Button 31; 9.Magnussen 21; 10.Perez 20; 11.Massa 18; 12.Raikkonen 17; 13.Grosjean 8; 14.Vergne, Kvyat 4; 16.Bianchi 2.

Constructors' championship
1.Mercedes 240; 2.Red Bull 99; 3.Ferrari 78; 4.Force India 67; 5.McLaren, Williams 52; 7.Toro Rosso, Lotus 8; 8. 9.Marussia 2.

*Unofficial results

May
25th

NASCAR: Brad Keselowski ”would have joined the military” if racing had not worked out

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From press release

NASCAR's 2012 Sprint Cup champion admitted recently in his blog that he would have pursued a career in the military if racing had not worked out so well.

Keselowski, a 30-year-old Michigan native, comes from a family were many have served. His sister, his grandfathers, his uncle and several cousins all followed that career path.

"I was fascinated with the discipline, the mental strength that it takes to be a member of the military and the code of self-sacrifice and (honour) that goes with it," Keselowski wrote. "And I was also impressed by people who were really looking to make something of their lives and took that route."

Keselowski thinks racing and military communities have a lot in common because of the history of NASCAR.

"It's no coincidence that that the biggest racing weekend of the year is on Memorial Day," he says. "NASCAR was created in 1948, three years after World War II had ended. It was created by a lot of war veterans, and a lot of the garage is populated with former military because the lifestyle is so similar.

"You need to have a lot of discipline and be able to follow orders, or somebody could get hurt, potentially fatally. Because of that, there's a real affinity between the racing community and the military world that doesn't exist in any other sport, as far as I can tell."

Brad Keselowski NASCAR
Keselowski enjoys working with veterans (Photo: bradracing.com)

So last year, through his Checkered Flag Foundation, Keselowski started offering veterans the opportunity to ride with him on the track.

"On days after races, we started hosting injured veterans, taking them on rides in a specially built car with its own safety setup," Keselowski explains.

"I decided that if I was going to it, I was going to do it full out, and that meant having a car that went full speed -- 180, 190, 200 mph. I didn't want to take an injured vet, who had made all the sacrifices he made, to a racetrack and have him experience 150 mph.

"I wanted to take him out and have him say, 'Hey, this is the real deal here.'"

As a reward, Keselowski hopes his efforts will help racing and military people stay close: "I can play some small part in perpetuating (the affinity), I would be very proud," he concludes.


May
25th

IndyCar: Dario Franchitti is enjoying retirement at the Indianapolis 500

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From press release

Three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti was forced to retire from IndyCar racing last November for medical reasons, but he is making the most of his new situation.

He says not being able to take part in the race this year is not so bad.

"Because my job was always to block out whatever was going on and to focus on the race, this year I'm going to be able to soak it all in and I'm really looking forward to that actually," he said.

Watching from the sidelines even made him realize he was ready for retirement.

"I'm fairly at peace with the fact I'm not in the car. I also realize that I'm not sure I would have the commitment level anymore to do what's required here, or any track. It's a certain mind-set you've got to have," he added.

"The crazy things that you saw the guys do on the Fast Nine (Shootout) last Sunday (in qualifications) is normal for drivers. And it doesn't feel normal for me anymore; therefore I shouldn't be a driver anymore."

Dario Franchitti, Chevrolet Camara Z28 Indianapolis Motor Speedway Indy 500
Dario Franchitti, Chevrolet Camara Z28 (Photo: IndyCar.com)

As a retiree, Franchitti got to drive the pace car today, leading the field to the green flag of the Indianapolis 500. 24 hours before the start, he had the chance to take his parents around the track in the pace car, a Chevrolet Camaro Z28.

"(My mom) was having a great time," he said.

"I think my dad was a little -- I think it was close to his threshold of what he wanted to experience on the second lap. He was quite happy. So that was great. It was really so much fun, too, anytime you get to drive around here."


May
25th

NASCAR: Roush Fenway confirms Trevor Bayne as full-time Sprint Cup driver for 2015

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From press release

2011 Daytona 500 winner Trevor will be driving full-time in the Sprint Cup next year, with Roush Fenway Racing.

Bayne, who has started 50 Sprint Cup race over the last five years, will be behind the wheel of the No. 6 AdvoCare Ford Fusion in 2015, bringing back an iconic number to the top NASCAR championship.

"I'm both excited and humbled to be a part of bringing the No. 6 back to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series," said Bayne. "I know the history of the No. 6 and what it means to Jack (Roush) and the entire Roush Fenway organization and our goal is to continue to add to its rich legacy in the sport."

Trevoy Bayne, Roush Fenway Racing NASCAR
Trevoy Bayne, Roush Fenway Racing (Photo: TrevorBayne.com)

Mark Martin, the former Roush Fenway driver who helped make the No. 6 so special, is proud to see it come back: "It's the number we used when Jack and I first went racing in 1988," he said.

"There is so much history associated with that number and with the trials and successes that we went through as we helped build RFR into a premiere NASCAR team.

"I'm happy to see it return with Jack, Trevor and AdvoCare next season."


May
25th

F1 Monaco: Jules Bianchi scores Marussia’s first points

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From press release

Frenchman Jules Bianchi scored Marussia's first points during this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old from Nice started the race in 21st position after a gearbox penalty dropped him to the back of the grid. He made a very good start, gaining five places to be 16th by the end of the first lap.

Shortly after the start, Bianchi and his teammate Max Chilton were handed a five-second penalties, having been out of position on the grid. Bianchi served his penalty during his his first and only pit stop, on lap 29.

He continued to make progress through the race, eventually finishing 8th.

Marussia F1 Team, Jules Bianchi, Monaco Grand Prix
Photo: Marussia

Having served his penalty under the safety car, Bianchi was also handed another five-second penalty after the race, which relegated him to 9th.

"Wow. What a race and what a result for the whole team", said Bianchi. "I am just incredibly happy, but first of all I have to pay credit to everyone at the Marussia F1 Team for making this possible.

"Nobody knows just how much work and determination goes into our races, so today I am thrilled that I have helped them to achieve their long-held target of our first (two) points."


May
24th

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