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Toyota Canada has revealed pricing for the 2014 Toyota RAV4, which is now on sale across the country. All five trim levels get a 176-horsepower, 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability, and a choice of three driving modes including Normal, ECO, and Sport.

Inside the accommodating interior of the 2014 Toyota RAV4, you'll find 1,090 litres of cargo room behind the rear seats, and 2,080 litres with the seats folded.

Options include an 11-speaker JBL sound system, navigation with a 6.1'' display, backup sensors, lane departure warning, and more.

2014 Toyota RAV4 prices:

• FWD LE: $23,870
• AWD LE: $25,995
• FWD XLE: $27,730
• AWD XLE: $29,930
• AWD Limited: $32,860

Photo: Toyota

Pros: Entering its third year, the 2014 Toyota Prius v is a larger, stretched version of the popular Prius, making it more attractive to families after versatility and fuel economy. Like all Toyotas, it boasts superb quality, reliability, and high residual value.

Cons: Despite the increased dimensions and extra weight (about 100 kg), the same exact hybrid system can be found; the Prius v could use more than 134 horsepower when hauling heavier loads. Also, beware of pricey options.


2014 Toyota Prius v Price: While the base MSRP is set at $27,480, buyers can get their Prius v with a Luxury Package ($30,475), Touring Package ($33,505), or Touring + Technology Package ($37,175).

2014 Toyota Prius v Fuel Economy: The automaker claims the Toyota Prius v achieves 4.3L/100km in the city and 4.8L/100km on the highway.

Improvements and Changes: No significant changes.

2014 Toyota Prius v Powertrain: Under the hood is a 1.8L 4-cylinder Atkinson-cycle engine mated to an electric motor and CVT. Net output of this hybrid system is rated at 134 horsepower.

Photo: Toyota

Cargo Capacity: The cargo area in the Toyota Prius v is quite roomy, offering 971 litres for your luggage. Fold the rear seats, and you get 1,906 litres.

Safety: Standard features include stability and traction control, disc brakes with ABS, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution, as well as smart stop technology, which automatically cuts engine power and allows the brakes to take precedence over the accelerator when both pedals are pressed at the same time.

Comparing the 2014 Toyota Prius v: Other gas-electric models worth checking out include the Ford C-Max and Fusion (Hybrid and Energi), Honda Accord Hybrid, Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, and Kia Optima Hybrid. Don't overlook the Volkswagen Golf Wagon TDI, though.

Pros: A choice selection of models, a powerful, yet frugal, 4-cylinder engine, available all-wheel drive and V8 power... just a few of the well-balanced 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe's many advantages. 


Cons: However, the two-door C-Class has some things working against it, namely a complex multimedia system, the lack of a manual transmission, the unavailability of a diesel engine in Canada, and a tight-fit backseat. Moreover, the base C 250 cannot be set up with all-wheel drive.

2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Price: The coupe comes in four trim levels including C 250 ($44,750), C 350 ($54,850), C 350 4MATIC ($56,350), and the high-performance C 63 AMG ($75,600).


2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Fuel Economy: The most fuel-efficient of all the models, the C 250, consumes 9.6L/100km in the city and 6.2L/100 km on the highway. The C 350 and C 350 4MATIC have similar fuel ratings -- 10.7L/100km in the city and about 7.2L/100km on the highway. 

With the mighty C 63 AMG, expect 16.1 and 10.4L/100km, respectively.

Improvements and Changes: Since the next-generation 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class made its world debut in Detroit in January, the 2014 model year only brings slight modifications, although it should be noted that the C 63 AMG is now sold as Edition 507 (a nod to its increased power).

Powertrain: Normally a rear-wheel-drive car, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe can also be equipped with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The C 250's 1.8L, 4-cylinder turbo engine produces 201 hp and 228 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.5L V6 delivers 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque in the C 350 models. Both engines are coupled with a 7-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission.

As for the C 63 AMG, a thundering 6.2L V8 packs 507 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. This model is paired with a 7-speed SPEEDSHIFT MCT AMG transmission.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

Cargo Capacity: There's 450 litres of trunk space in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe.

Safety: This model comes with seven airbags, as well as many active safety systems including stability control, acceleration skid control, and adaptive braking. Options include adaptive cruise control and a rearview camera.

Comparing the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe: The list of competitors boils down to the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, and Infiniti Q60.

Hyundai Motor America today previewed a commercial starring the all-new 2015 Genesis that will air during Super Bowl XLVIII on Sunday, February 2nd.

Titled ''Dad's Sixth Sense,'' the clip shows how the 2015 Hyundai Genesis can be just as alert and protective as the most caring father.

Hyundai has also prepared a commercial highlighting the benefits of the 2014 Elantra.

Columbia-born Tatiana Calderon Monday morning won Race 2 of the Florida Winter Series supporter by Ferrari at Sebring.

Rain welcomed the participants Sunday for Race 1. The start was given while the cars circulated at slow speed behind the Safety Car.

It was an exciting race that saw Dennis Van de Laar take victory in front of Antonio Fuoco and Canadian Nicholas Latifi.

The other Canadian running in the series, Lance Stroll, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy like Fuoco, finished the race in 7th place.

Race 2 was staged Monday morning. Tatiana Calderon - a veteran who has F3 and Star Mazda experience under her belt -- was awarded pole position and she ran away with victory.

The Safety car came into action on the last lap of the 15-lap race. Calderon was first ahead of Fuoco. Lance Stroll arrived fourth, scoring his best result in this series. Toronto's Nicholas Latifi finished 8th.

The new 2015 Golf R is the result of nearly 40 years of work by Volkswagen engineers. Said engineers were tasked with making the always-brilliant Golf into a quicker and edgier pocket-rocket.

A little history
The original GTI was the first result of this adventure and started something. On a smaller volume scale, other special edition performance Golfs were created, some in very limited numbers such as the legendary MKII Golf Limited. When the forth generation launched, Volkswagen reissued a challenge to its crew “that makes it happen” and the first Golf R (R32) was born.

The recipe for this Golf R32 was essentially the same as it had been in 1975 for the then GTI except that VW went way beyond... As the first production car to make use of a dual-clutch transmission, the MKIV R32 also borrowed many components from the then TT 3.2. The resulting car spawned a cult following, as all good performance compact cars should. The MKV R32 was a facelifted previous car.

The 6th generation Golf brought with it the new R without the 32. The revised car now made use of VW's potent turbocharged TSI 2.0 4-cylinder engine, always mated to an AWD system. This R opened up a whole new realm of possibilities by being lighter as well as more powerful. From here, we welcome the latest Golf R, based on the 7th generation Golf.


Der neue Golf R
The claim to fame for this super Golf is being the most powerful production Golf ever. Using the same engine as the previous car, VW has graciously fitted new exhaust-valve hardware, pistons, and (most importantly) a larger turbocharger. Said boost-producer now builds up to 17.4 psi of delicious pressure.

The result is 290+ horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. As with most intelligently tuned performance engines, torque drops off its peak production rpm the moment that max horsepower pulls up, thus proposing constant accelerative power.

Haldex still manages the flow of mojo front to back and side to side, but this time with the help of VW's XDS+ or cross differential lock per axle. This system provides brake-based torque vectoring. Under light and normal loads, only the front wheels do the pulling. Under heavy performance demands, nearly 100% of the available drive torque can be directed towards the rear wheels

Gone Racing
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R is also expected to be the fastest production hot hatch from Wolfsburg.

Transmission choices remain between a 6-speed do-it-yourselfer and VW's excellent groundbreaking 6-speed DSG. The latter is the one that will mangle the minds of would-be competitors and their cars. With a new launch control, the Golf R is (according to Volkswagen) able to reach 100 km/h in only 4.9 seconds. The manual will hit the same mark in 5.3 seconds.

For those expecting to track the car -- and you should -- top speed is limited to 250km/h. Without the speed governor, it is said to reach 270km/h. Important knowledge for back-straights...

This new Golf R can be optioned with dynamic chassis control system (DCC). Three modes define the DCC: Comfort, Normal, and most importantly, Sport. Sport has an appreciable effect on the car's suspension dampers that stiffen up for obvious reasons. Said modes are selected through the touchscreen in the “Driving Profile Selector” menu.

New progressive variable ratio steering rack, requiring only 2.1 turns from lock to lock, means that feeling and precision are always perfectly adapted to driving conditions. The new steering uses a progressive gear ratio, cutting steering effort in low speed situations and doing the opposite when the going gets fast.

Photo: Nathan Leach-Proffer

The new shape
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R starts life off as a very handsome 2- or 4-door Golf. To it are added numerous enhancements to make it look as fast as it can go.

The most immediate improvement comes from the front where a massive bumper with gaping air intakes has been affixed for maximum attitude adjustment. Side skirts and handsome 18” wheels complement the standard Bi-Xenon headlights dual-double exhaust tip setup.

The cabin grows in luxury, moving away from the Spartan environment we've come to appreciate. Sport seats covered in leather, three-spoke sport steering wheel, and R-specific instrumentation help to remind the driver that this in not an ordinary Golf.

The 2015 Golf R will arrive in about a year with four doors only in North America.

From GMM

Romain Grosjean's Lotus future is safe, despite the departure from the team of boss Eric Boullier.

That is the claim of team owner Genii's chief Gerard Lopez, responding to claims that because Frenchman Boullier was famously close to his countryman Grosjean, the 27-year-old driver's future might now be in doubt.

But Gerard Lopez told France's RMC that Grosjean is safe.

"It is us who brought Romain from GP2, and his career was launched by Jean-Paul Driot, who is a friend and a partner," said the Luxembourger.

"Then the choice of the lineup for F1 was done with Eric Boullier, but it's still us who decided," added Gerard Lopez.

"And Gravity is 100 per cent ours," he insisted, referring to the management stable involving Grosjean, in which Boullier was heavily involved as the chief.

Gerard Lopez insisted: "For me, Romain is one of the best drivers in F1 today, and I think we will soon be able to announce something for the very long term."

Eric Boullier and Romain Grosjean, Lotus. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

FIA president and former Ferrari boss Jean Todt has returned to the Grenoble hospital bedside of his friend Michael Schumacher.

The seven time world champion has been in a coma for almost a full month, raising doubts he will ever recover from his late December skiing accident.

Blick newspaper reports that journalists, particularly those in Germany, have been warned away from that sort of speculation with a letter from lawyers representing the great German's family.

In the meantime, Bild am Sonntag newspaper quoted manager Sabine Kehm as saying Schumacher's wife Corinna only wants the 45-year-old closest friends to be around him.

One of the closest of all is 67-year-old Frenchman Todt, who today heads F1's governing body.

"Michael and Jean formed a deep and respectful friendship during their time at Ferrari," triple world champion Niki lauda said.

"That he is at his side now is very important," he added.

Michael Schumacher and Jean Todt, Ferrari's days, in 2006. (Photo: WRi2)

From GMM

Boss Monisha Kaltenborn dismissed two pressing questions about Sauber's health and future in the simplest possible way.

When asked by veteran journalist Roger Benoit if she had thought about quitting amid the Swiss team's high profile financial troubles, she answered emphatically: "No."

And she gave the same negative answer when asked if Sauber came close to selling up and pulling out of F1 after the tumultuous 2013 season, when unpaid bills were piling up.

The Hinwil based team 'launched' its 2014 car, the C33, on Sunday, with a couple of side-view photos of the grey single seater posted on the official website.

Sauber C33-Ferrari. (Photo: Sauber F1 Team)

Roger Benoit, the well-connected correspondent for Blick newspaper, said a notable absentee is a title sponsor.

"With Telmex, Claro, NEC, Jose Cuervo, Oerlikon, Emil Frey and Certina, we have many important partners," Kaltenborn insisted.

"We are in talks with other potential partners," she added.

The absence of a front-view photo of the V6-powered C33 makes it difficult to compare with the other revealed 2014 cars, including the 'anteater'-nosed Williams, the 'nostriled' McLaren, the 'vacuum-cleaner' Ferrari and the 'tweezer'-nosed Lotus.

The Lotus has caused the bigger stir so far, as the two tuning fork-like nose tips are actually different lengths, according to Germany's Auto Motor und Sport.

"In fact, the asymmetry is just a trick for the regulations," correspondent Michael Schmidt said. "Tips of equal length would make the E22 illegal," he added, explaining that the entire crash structure is probably inside the right-hand tip.

"Whether the FIA is happy with this solution is another matter," said Schmidt.

Still to be seen are the new Red Bull and Mercedes cars, but Nico Rosberg has at least driven the latter, when he ran the silver W05 at Silverstone last week.

"It looks quick," said the German, "but I don't know if it is quick yet!"

It's interesting how small cars always end up bigger. They were designed as small cars for a reason, weren't they? Take for example, the MINI Cooper; it eventually morphed into the Countryman, and any hatch that stretches into a wagon is doing the same thing. Why can't we just leave well enough alone and let the littles be little? What we do know is that, unfortunately, not every supersize is done well.

While the 2014 Fiat 500L means well, I'm not totally convinced it's got all the kinks out yet. However, it's not a horrible option if you're in the market for something a little off the beaten path that offers more room and decent fuel economy.


What is a Fiat 500L?
In not so flattering terms, the Fiat 500L is the 500's fat, chubby big brother. With two more doors, the 500L is longer and bigger which means more room on the inside and an ungainly appearance on the outside.

In more flattering terms, the Fiat 500L is mini minivan in the same sense as the Kia Rondo and Mazda5. Quirky on the inside and out, the 500L has been around since early 2013 and was released in order to answer a need for more space.

2014 Fiat 500L Price and Specs
Like the regular 500, the 2014 Fiat 500L comes in a few different trim levels with cute little names like Pop, Sport, Trekking, and Lounge. With a starting price of $19,995 for the Pop version, the 500L stands to be an affordable little people mover. However, at the top of the pack, the Lounge can get a bit pricey hitting nearly $26k before any extras and personalization occurs.

My Lounge tester tipped the scales at just over $30k, and I've got to say that's a bit much for what the 2014 Fiat 500L has to offer.

All four models are equipped with the same engine: a 1.4L 4-cylinder MultiAir Turbo good for 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Base models are equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission; however, a 6-speed Euro Twin Clutch autobox is available. Power is driven out the front wheels.

In not so flattering terms, the Fiat 500L is the 500's fat, chubby big brother. (Photo: Fiat)

Driving the 2014 Fiat 500L
Speaking of driving, I actually quite enjoyed my time behind the wheel of the 2014 Fiat 500L. While it is rather like driving a bus (and not because it's big, but because of the elevated driving position and angled steering wheel), it's also quite fun. Add to that the fact that this little MPV was stick and you've got yourself a relatively good time.

While it's not outwardly fast or sporty, the 2014 Fiat 500L does have a bit of pizzazz under the hood, and downshifts for a bit of oomph do deliver the results requested. At times, engine noise can be a bit much, but it's only trying its best to please.

I was also fairly impressed with the handling in the 2014 Fiat 500L. Body roll is barely noticeable, and despite sketchy winter conditions, the 500L held its own and kept me on the straight and narrow and safely on the road.

As far as fuel consumption goes, the 2014 Fiat 500L delivered fairly close to its manufacturer promise. Over a week of highway and city driving combined, plus a long trek to the country, I averaged 9.7L/100km.

While it's not outwardly fast or sporty, the 2014 Fiat 500L does have a bit of pizzazz under the hood, and downshifts for a bit of oomph do deliver the results requested. (Photo: Fiat)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Fiat 500L
There really is no getting around it: The 500L is just not an attractive automobile. Where the 500 gets away with being bubbly and “cute,” the 2014 Fiat 500L just looks bloated and swollen; rather like a 500 that's had a horrible allergic reaction to something. I can't get over the bulbous front and puffed out rear. It just looks disproportionate. Somehow, MINI managed to engorge the Cooper properly, keeping the MINI look in the Countryman without sacrificing design. Fiat's not quite there yet.

Inside, the 2014 Fiat 500L has some good features and some not-so-good ones. I'm thrilled to see that turning knobs have been added to the centre console so I don't have to frantically push buttons for everything. I also appreciate the visibility of the high-up seating position and the wrap-around A-pillar windows (that look odd, but do serve a purpose).

While there is more space in the rear of the 2014 Fiat 500L, the front seats are still a bit cramped for taller occupants. I was also disappointed in how flimsy the doors felt in the 500L. I expected a car costing over $30k to feel a bit more solid and this Fiat just didn't give me that sense. The rear liftgate is also extremely heavy for such a car, and the handle is at an awkward level (very low) for lifting, even for someone as vertically challenged as myself.

I appreciate the visibility of the high-up seating position and the wrap-around A-pillar windows. (Photo: Fiat)

Comparing the 2014 Fiat 500L
As mentioned in the intro, the 500L has competition in the brand new Kia Rondo (watch out) and the well-established and always-pleasing Mazda5. What the 2014 Fiat 500L offers that the others don't is a little bit of Italian flair that may not be for everyone, but a few will appreciate.

From GMM

Deposed McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh could switch to Lotus for 2014, an insider has confirmed.

Lotus' former chief, Eric Boullier, is the hot favourite to replace Whitmarsh at Woking, even though McLaren is not ready to confirm it.

"New car but no boss", read the headline at the weekend by the Spanish newspaper Diario Sport.

A team spokesman was quoted by Germany's Die Welt: "We are not talking at the moment about our management leadership."

Will Eric Boullier and Martin Whitmarsh exchange their seats? (Photo: WRi2)

On the other hand, Lotus' team owner Gerard Lopez has said he is replacing Boullier, but some have questioned Lopez's commitment to F1.

For instance, the Luxembourger was spotted in the paddock only a handful of times in 2013.

"Without going into detail," Gerard Lopez told France's RMC, "I had very serious health problems (last year).

"I'm not one to talk about my privacy, but I found it a bit hurtful to hear that my lack of presence was because I have no interest in F1 when in reality I was in a hospital bed. But this is the world of F1, where we do not seek to understand, we judge," he added.

Nonetheless, speculation Martin Whitmarsh is a leading candidate to be Lotus' longer term team boss is now rife.

"There has been contact with Martin," an insider with close links to Lotus told Britain's Daily Mail newspaper. "He is not necessarily the only name they have approached. There are perhaps three but he might be the most appealing of them, given his experience at McLaren."

Volvo Cars of North America will scale back its TV advertising this year and has yanked the commercials that poke fun at the Germans.

Tata Motors Managing Director Karl Slym died after falling from a high floor in a Bangkok hotel. The Englishman, who joined Tata in 2012 after a 17-year stint at GM, was in Bangkok for a Tata Motors Thailand board meeting.

When Jeff Carlson heard Ford Motor Co. was making its 2015 F-150 pickup out of aluminum, he became concerned many customers might not be ready for such a big change.

A year-old vehicle conversion company backed by retired General Motors product chief Bob Lutz is soliciting Fisker dealers to take unsold cars off their hands.

Ralph Gilles, head of the SRT brand and Chrysler Group's design operations, says the design of the 2015 Chrysler 200 will influence future Chrysler products.

Canadian Michael Valiante and his teammates Richard Westbrook and Mike Rockenfeller drove their Corvette DP to fourth overall, this weekend as the 24 Hours of Daytona kicked of the 2014 United SportsCar Championship (USCC).

Michael Valiante, Corvette DP (Photo: Spirit of Daytona)

Although he was the best placed, Valiante was not the only Canadian taking part in the famous twice around the clock event this year. His countryman Paul Dalla Lana, who co-drove a BMW Z4, also cracked the top 30 with a 25th place finish overall and 7th in the GTD category.

He narrowly beat Louis-Philippe Dumoulin, whose Porsche 911 GT America was classified 8th in the GTD class and 26th overall. His brother Jean-François, who also drove a 911 GT America but for a different team, saw the finish in the 31st overall.

SRT factory driver Kuno Wittmer was certainly one of the best Canadian candidates for victory, but he and his team had to settle for 27th overall and 6th in the GTLM category.

In his debut race for Starworks Motorsport, Kyle Marcelli drove to 42nd overall in PC.

Both IndyCar drivers Alex Tagliani and James Hinchcliffe were forced into retirement with their respective teammates Conor Daly and Sylvain Tremblay.

24 Hours of Daytona (Photo: IMSA.com)

Race results - 24 Hours of Daytona (Daytona International Speedway)
1 - Barbosa/Fittipaldi/Bourdais (Coyote-Corvette) - ActionEx. - 695 laps
2 - Taylor/Taylor/Taylor/Angelelli (Dallara-Corvette) - Taylor - 695
3 - Frisselle/Frisselle/Martin/Giroix (Coyote-Corvette) - Action Ex. - 695
4 - Westbrook/Valiante/Rockenfeller (Coyote-Corvette) - SoD - 693
5 - Graf/Luhr/Brundle (Oreca 03-Nissan) - Pickett - 692
6 - Tandy/Lietz/Pilet (Porsche 991 GT2) - Porsche-CORE - 679
7 - Auberlen/Priaulx/Hand/Martin (BMW Z4 GT2) - Rahal - 679
8 - Yacaman/Pla/Rusinov/Webb (Morgan-Nissan) - OAK - 678
9 - Bennett/Braun/Gue/Wilkins (Oreca FLM09) - CORE - 678
10 - Potolicchio/Marsal/Kimber-Smith (Oreca FLM09) - 8Star - 677
(...)
25 - Cameron/Dalla Lana/Farfus/Palttala (BMW Z4) - Turner - 659
26 - MacNeil/Keen/Van Gisbergen/Lewis/Dumoulin (Porsche 991) - Alex Job - 656
27 - Bomarito/Wittmer/Bell (SRT Viper GT2) - SRT-Riley - 653
(...)
31 - Potter/Lally/Henzler/Dumoulin (Porsche 991) - Magnus - 645
(...)
42 - Tutumlu/Marcelli/Popow/Fuentes/Kaffer (Oreca FLM09) - Starworks - 612
(...)
44 - Mucke/Turner/Lamy/Stanaway/Dalla Lana (Aston Martin Vantage GT2) - AMR - 610
(...)
57 - Tremblay/Long/Hinchcliffe (Lola B12/80-MazdaD) - SpeedSource - 369
58 - Cumming/Tagliani/Mitchell/Daly (Oreca FLM09) - RSR - 361

From GMM

Bernie Ecclestone could end his legal troubles and avoid up to ten years in a German jail by paying a huge settlement.

For the very first time, the F1 chief executive's lawyer Sven Thomas, although insisting that Ecclestone is "preparing for fighting" in court, said settling the lawsuit is also a possibility.

"I don't think that we can achieve a settlement before the trial starts," Thomas told F1 business journalist Christian Sylt.

"During trials settlements are always possible but not before."

A spokesperson for the Munich court, which is set to hear the criminal bribery case in April, confirmed to the Daily Mail that a settlement is one possible outcome.

The spokesperson said that "according to German legal procedure, there is the possibility during the trial to stop the proceedings in return for payment of an agreed sum of money to a charitable institution or the treasury, if the accused, the public prosecutors and also the court agrees with it".

Sylt said the settlement would likely cost billionaire Ecclestone, who has stepped down as a F1 director while the case is pending, somewhere just shy of EUR 300 million.

"Although it is unusual for a court to take money to settle criminal charges, it is perfectly acceptable in Germany," said Sylt.

Ecclestone said: "The judge is in a difficult position. He has locked somebody (Gerhard Gribkowsky) up for eight and a half years.

"He (the judge) said if the prosecutors wanted to, he would give some consideration to doing that (accepting a settlement) but the prosecutors haven't asked."

Six-time North American rally champion Antoine L'Estage kicked off his 2014 season with a second place at the Sno*Drift Rally, round one on the Rally America calendar.

The Canadian led early in the competition, as both he and his rival Dave Higgins battled typical rally misfortunes such as punctured tire for L'Estage or overheating issues for Higgins.

But Higgins eventually prevailed.

Dave Higgins, Subaru Rally Team USA (Photo: Alex Haugen)

"Last year Antoine hurt us really bad when he beat us on the last stage at Sno*Drift," remembered Higgins.

"These difficult conditions can change so quickly and you never know what you are going to get.  That just makes me pleased to set the year off and get the points in the bag."

Driving "Crazy Leo" Urlichich's famous orange Subaru, Canadian Alexandre Béland rounded out the event in a very respectable fifth place overall.

Andrew Comrie-Picard finished third in the two-wheel drive category.

GAINSCO driver Memo Gidley, who was involved in a huge crash yesterday during the 24 Hours of Daytona, has undergone surgery.

The accident occurred only about 3 hours after the start of the twice around the clock race. Gidley, at the wheel of a Corvette DP, failed to avoid the slowing down GT Ferrari of Matteo Malucelli.

Both drivers were taken to the Halifax Health centre in Daytona, as officials red-flagged the race in order to clear the track.

"Memo Gidley (...) underwent surgical procedures on both his left arm and left leg last night," said a team statement.

"Gidley also has an unstable fracture in his back which will require additional surgery before he can be released from the hospital. He continues to be evaluated."

Malucelli is "awake and communicating" according to his team, but remains in hospital for observation.

Auto123.com wishes both of them a speedy recovery.