Panoz Abruzzi makes on-track appearance, gearing up for competition

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, MISC, Racing

Panoz Abruzzi on the track at Petit Le Mans - Click above for high-res image gallery

Panoz recently revealed its long-awaited new sports car, the Abruzzi, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France. We finally have a better look at the Abruzzi on our own home soil thanks to a surprise on-track appearance at Petit Le Mans a few weeks ago.

The Panoz Abruzzi is powered by a front-mounted V8 engine producing 640 horsepower and over 600 pound-feet of torque, while it's styling is derived from pre-war classics such as the 1935 Delahaye.

It has been five years since Don Panoz and his racing team have experienced a win in the American Le Mans series. They plan to change that next year when they enter the Panoz Abruzzi into the 12 hours of Sebring using the race-prepped version, which also got some track time at Road Atlanta. While the race version didn't compete in the Petit Le Mans, it was shown off during the parade lap as well as in the Panoz Motorsports booth.

Gallery: Panoz Abruzzi on the track at Petit Le Mans

[Source: American Le Mans]

Continue reading Panoz Abruzzi makes on-track appearance, gearing up for competition

Panoz Abruzzi makes on-track appearance, gearing up for competition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nick Heidfeld Michael Waltrip Racing David Reutimann

2010 Estoril Moto2 Warm Up: West Shines In The Wet

Ant West finished an extended 30-minute warm up session for the Moto2 class at the top of the timesheets, the MZ rider ending just a fraction ahead of Technomag CIP wildcard - and 2010 World Supersport champion - Kenan Sofuoglu. The Turk was just six thousandths of a second slower than West, but suffered a nasty highside towards the end of the session. Vector Kiefer's Michi Ranseder set the 3rd fastest time, ending ahead of Marc VDS Racing rider Scott Redding.

Sofuoglu was not the only rider to crash. Just as yesterday, the crash truck was very busy, with riders dropping like flies on the wet and slippery track. Though the sun is out - more or less - at Estoril, the thin film of water on the track is making conditions treacherous.

Results: 

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Kyle Busch Paul Menard Ryan Newman

Korea say 168,000 attended first F1 race but many tickets were given away

The inaugural Korean Grand Prix attracted 168,000 spectators over the three-day event, the race organisers claimed on Friday. However local media reported significant numbers of tickets were given away for free to boost attendance at the first race at the Korean International Circuit. The Korea Auto Valley Operation (KAVO) claimed attendance figures of 25,000 for [...]

Michael Waltrip Racing Terry Labonte Joe Custer

DTM coming to America in 2013 with NASCAR's help?

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Japan

NASCAR's making moves, one of which is helping Germany's DTM series make the giant move to the U.S. The German touring car promoter ITM is in talks to run a 12-race calendar in the U.S. in 2013, with six races alongside Grand-Am events and another six alongside NASCAR events. The next generation of DTM cars will bow a year earlier, and they would run by themselves as opposed to joining a multi-regulation series in the U.S. The plan will certainly be welcomed by BMW, who will return to DTM in 2012 after an 18-year absence.

DTM is also spreading its wings the other way, having come close to getting Japan's GT500 class in SuperGT to run according to DTM technical regulations. That would put contenders like the Honda HSV-10 and a potential LFA racer, as well as the Ferrari, Mercedes and Lamborghini teams already there, against the best of the rest from Germany. And that would be a series we'd really need to have... Hat tip to Drew

[Source: Autosport]

DTM coming to America in 2013 with NASCAR's help? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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STEPHANE RONCADA KYLE LEWIS ERNESTO FONSECA

Celebrate Halloween with Complimentary Shipping from Pit Posse

Celebrate Halloween with Complimentary Shipping from Pit Posse

10.29.2010 Pit Posse News Release

Pit Posse's Halloween Spooktacular!

Visit our website October 29 - October 31st and get FREE SHIPPING!

Pit Posse loves Halloween and passing out treats! So with that in mind, Pit Posse is treating you to FREE SHIPPING on everything you order as long as it's not oversized and within the continental US.  Visit our website while you're working on your costume or waiting for those trick-or-treater's to knock!  Check out what we've got happening to help you get your bike in tip top shape for some seriously fun riding. When you do visit our website, keep in mind that anything you order using the redemption code "SPOOKY" at check-out, will give you FREE SHIPPING on your entire order! Not only do you get to celebrate Halloween, but you get to save some cash all at the same time. All you have to do is visit our website, check out what we've got that you want. Check us out at www.pitposse.com, or give us a call at 866-447-6773 to place your order.  Keep being spooktacular!

Posse Lift Stand
Easily lifts bike by stepping on foot lever, made from 6061 aluminum, heavy duty extruded aluminum lift lever, foot activated release trigger with a wide stable base. Two choice heights low=11"-15" or high=12"-17". Extra thick, oil & gas resistant rubber pad with a maximum lift of 300lbs. Available in Silver, Red, Blue, Black & Orange. Part #PP276 retails for $64.95.

Mini Aluminum MX Stand
13" high great for all mini/super moto bikes. Made from 1" round 6063 t-5 aluminum with all heli-arc welded and hand built. Deck is 10"x10" with high quality rubber and is gas resistant with aluminum rivets. Rated for 350lbs. Available in Silver, Red, Blue, Black & Orange. Part # PP103 retails for $44.95.

Aluminum Bike Stand
Features sturdy aluminum, reinforced construction and stand is 17" high with a durable rubber pad. Drain hole for quick and easy oil changes. Gussets on legs prevent sinking into ground. Available in Silver, Red, Blue, Black & Orange. Additional shipping charge for oversized item: $2.00 Part #PP145 retails for $49.95.

Posse Panel Stand
Reinforced top with drain hole for quick and easy oil changes. Side panels are a great place to display your sponsors. Features sturdy aluminum reinforced construction, extra thick, oil & gas resistant rubber pad and removable tool tray included. Stand is 17" high. Available in Silver, Red, Blue, Black & Orange. Part # PP277 retails for $59.95.

Posse Folding X Stand
Constructed from 6061 T-6 aluminum with large 12"x12" top with injection molded rubber and recessed rivets. 4" round center cut in top for easy access to oil drain. 17" high and strong with 350lb maximum load capacity. Folds flat to 2". Available in Silver, Red, Blue, Black & Orange. Part # PP2713 retails for $59.95.

Free Shipping
To take advantage of our FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS PLACED OCTOBER 29, 2010 - OCTOBER 31, 2010, visit our website, www.pitposse.com, throw all your goodies in the shopping cart and when you checkout throw in the code "SPOOKY". Simple as that!  

Offer Expires: October 31, 2010   
(Oversize charges still apply and is good only in the lower 48 states)

About Pit Posse Motorsports
Pit Posse Motorsports was founded in 2003. The company is based in St. Petersburg, Florida. Pit Posse Motorsports is a manufacturer and distributor of power sport accessories, tools and trailer accessories. The company distributes a number of major brands plus the Pit Posse line of products and Outlaw Racing products. Top teams (Butler Brothers MX) and athletes (Justin Barcia, Ian Trettel, Zack Freeberg, Trey Canard) use Pit Posse (www.pitposse.com) and Outlaw Racing Products (www.outlawracingproducts.com) for their motorsport needs.
 PITPOSSE.COM (c) 2010

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McLaren-Mercedes Ferrari Mercedes GP

Gordon and Kenseth not happy with each other after Martinsville finish

Matt Kenseth went for the win with an aggressive move that included bumping Jeff Gordon with less than two laps remaining in the Goody?s Fast Pain Relief 500 on Monday at Martinsville Speedway. �Gordon?s reaction was simple ? if he wasn?t going to win, then Kenseth wasn?t going to win as well.
With Gordon leading and [...]

WIL HAHN MIKE ALESSI JOHN DOWD

Tipping contest winners: Donington 2009

It was a freakish race - one which I am still trying to get my head around, let alone write up!
Because of the unusual podium, points were scarce this week with many people striking out. Only one person scored podium points: @leighberwick with his 3rd place for de Puniet. How you picked him out Leigh, [...]

Roush Fenway Racing Robby Gordon Robby Gordon Motorsports

2010 Ducati Multistrada S on the Dyno

2010 Ducati Multistrada S on the Dyno

Horsepower and torque numbers for each of the four modes

The December 2010 issue of Sport Rider is on sale this week, and features a full road test of the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Sport model. We ran our test bike on the dyno in each of the four engine modes - Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro. Results were identical in the Sport and Touring modes, and the Urban and Enduro modes were also identical. Note also that maximum rpm is different for the two sets of curves. Check out the dyno chart and wallpapers from the review here, and look for the full road test in the December 2010 issue of Sport Rider.

Photo Gallery: 2010 Ducati Multistrada S on the Dyno - Sport Rider Magazine

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Eric McClure Larry McClure Phoenix Racing Mike Wallace

Formula One and Bulgaria

There have been stories for some time of plans for F1 races in former Eastern Bloc countries, such as Romania, Bulgaria and Poland. None of these plans have ever sounded very serious, mainly because of the costs involved. However, the promoters of these projects continue to try to land government support to make the races [...]

ERIC SORBY BRANDEN JESSEMAN TRAVIS PRESTON

Eagle-eyed readers spot embarrassing Ferrari World mistake

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Ferrari, Humor

2007 World Champion Kimi "Räikönnen" - Click above for high-res image gallery

Someone at Ferrari World has some esplanin' to do. A gaggle of readers with keener eyesight than us happened to notice something a little fishy about wall of World Champions in Abu Dhabi's newest exotic-car-themed amusement park. If you look closely at the image above, you'll notice that under 2007, the park has the winner displayed as "Kimi Räikönnen." The only problem there is that Kimi's name is actually spelled Räikkönen. That's one very large mural to have replaced for a couple of swapped consonants.

Does anyone know how to say, "It's my first day" in Arabic?

Ferrari World has already flung open its doors to the adoring public, so the mistake is there for the world to see for the time being. We're guessing that the slip-up will be fixed sooner rather than later. Thanks for the tips, Seppo, Anne and Pasi from Finland!

Gallery: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Opening Day

Eagle-eyed readers spot embarrassing Ferrari World mistake originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paul Menard Ryan Newman RBR-Renault

Spotter's Stand: Are Bad Brakes the Breaking Point for Kahne, RPM?

by Geoffrey Miller

Filed under: Kasey Kahne, Chase for the Sprint Cup, Sprint Cup, NASCAR

J.J. Yeley became NASCAR's newest Budweiser man for about 90 laps Saturday night after Kasey Kahne left the track following a lap 125 crash on the frontstretch.

Yeley, who started the race in the start-and-park No. 36 for Tommy Baldwin Racing, hopped in the repaired No. 9 when Kahne decided to leave Charlotte Motor Speedway for the evening.

The driver change -- one that seemingly echoed a situation a few years ago when Kyle Busch departed Texas Motor Speedway after a crash only to see Dale Earnhardt Jr. finish the race in the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports car -- initially was blamed by Richard Petty Motorsports staff on Kahne feeling ill.

However, listening to Kahne's radio told a different story -- one that involved Kahne being incensed over brake issues.

Fortunately, Kahne had a previously scheduled 5k running race for his charity foundation Sunday in Charlotte, and he didn't hesitate to speak up, explaining that both issues were involved.

Spotter's Stand: Are Bad Brakes the Breaking Point for Kahne, RPM? originally appeared on Motorsports FanHouse on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 14:25:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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NICK WEY SEAN HAMBLIN MATT WALKER

BMW returning to DTM in 2012

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, BMW, Racing

BMW is returning to the DTM - Click above for high-res image

BMW has announced that it will once again knock fenders in the DTM. The company has said that it will make its way back to the race series for the 2012 season after a lengthy 18-year absence. The German automaker is in the process of restructuring its involvement in motorsport, and DTM is going to play a key part in that effort.

According to the company's press release, BMW has been in talks with DTM organizers for some time about future regulations and technical requirements. After it began to look like the brand would in fact be welcome in the series once again, BMW broke the news to fans at the DTM race weekend at Hockenheimring.

So far, it looks like the M3 will be the bruiser of choice for going toe-to-toe with the rest of the field, but as of right now, it's anyone's guess as to who will be behind the tiller when the green flag drops on the company team. Stay tuned and hit the jump for the full press release.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW returning to DTM in 2012

BMW returning to DTM in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vitaly Petrov Nico Hulkenberg Vitantonio Liuzzi

Tipping contest winners: Donington 2009

It was a freakish race - one which I am still trying to get my head around, let alone write up!
Because of the unusual podium, points were scarce this week with many people striking out. Only one person scored podium points: @leighberwick with his 3rd place for de Puniet. How you picked him out Leigh, [...]

Terry Labonte Joe Custer Haas CNC Racing

Josh Strang Topples the Titan

Josh Strang Topples the Titan

Monday Race Report: Dirt Rider checks in on the Titan GNCC in Tennessee.

Josh Strang has struggled somewhat in the last few rounds of the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series, however, the FMF/Makita Suzuki rider returned to the form that carried him to four-straight victories at the start of the season, as the Aussie rider topped series rival Charlie Mullins to win the Titan GNCC in Lafayette, Tennessee.

Photo Gallery: Josh Strang Topples the Titan - Dirt Rider Magazine

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Ware Racing Enterprises Stanton Barrett Jeff Wyler

Russia reportedly bags F1 grand prix contract from 2014

Filed under: Motorsports, Government/Legal, Celebrities, Russia

Russian premier Vladimir Putin (right) has big plans to put his country on the map of world-class sporting events. In 2014, the Black Sea resort town of Sochi will play host to the Winter Olympics. In 2018, Putin hopes to be hosting the World Cup. But not before the country secures its own Formula One grand prix.

The country's leader met with F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone on the matter and has reportedly inked a deal to host its very own race. While the Olympics are expected to cost Russia some $6.1 billion to put together, putting on the grand prix - reportedly secured for six years from 2014 through 2020 - is tipped to cost the country $200 million to build the track, and another $40 million in commercial rights each year. The plan reportedly involves building the circuit at the same Sochi location as the winter games, thereby neatly utilizing much of the same tourist infrastructure.

The emergence of a Russian Grand Prix has been in the making for some time, as participants from the world's largest country have been making inroads into Formula One. The Midland F1 team that followed Jordan Grand Prix and preceded the Spyker and current Force India teams was billed as the first Russian F1 team (despite being based in England), while this year Renault - which has been investing heavily in the Russian car market - brought in Vitaly Petrov as the sport's first Russian driver. The team has twice held promotional demonstration events in the country: one in Moscow and another in the proposed site at Sochi.

[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Mikhail Metzel/AP]

Russia reportedly bags F1 grand prix contract from 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rick Hendrick Hendrick Motorsports Mike Dee

Late Braking: Loud Motorcycle Exhausts

Late Braking: Loud Motorcycle Exhausts

Loud exhausts and other hot-button issues

Politics
Excessive noise has long been a problem for motorcyclists, and as time goes on it seems sportbikes are coming more and more under scrutiny for this issue. While there are federal laws that limit the amount of sound a motorcycle can produce, the intricacies of the written law and the complexities of the associated testing make it almost impossible to properly enforce those laws. Municipalities and states often force the issue and take it upon themselves to reduce noise; unfortunately, rather than address the issue directly, they use indirect methods that often end up targeting law-abiding motorcyclists. In Boston and Denver, local police enforce the federal ruling that motorcycles made after 1982 are required to have their EPA compliance stamp intact on the exhaust system, with a $300 fine as punishment. The problem with some of these laws is that the noise limits are not directly addressed; well-intentioned, law-abiding motorcyclists are often unfairly targeted as a result. If the pipes rust through on your 1983 Interceptor it's highly unlikely you'll be able to find an OEM exhaust anymore. Replace them with a quiet aftermarket alternative, and you're still open to a citation in Boston or Denver.

Photo Gallery: Late Braking: Loud Motorcycle Exhausts - Sport Rider Magazine

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Jarno Trulli Bruno Senna Timo Glock

Report: Jeff Gordon's New Sponsorship Deal to Be Announced Wednesday

Filed under: Jeff Gordon, NASCAR Sponsors, Sprint Cup, NASCAR

The AARP Foundation and Jeff Gordon will team up in 2011, with the charity arm of the retired persons organization becoming the primary sponsor on Gordon's No. 24 Chevrolet for most of the NASCAR Sprint Cup races to promote a major anti-hunger campaign, the Charlotte Observer reported Monday.

The paper reported that the campaign will be coordinated by the foundation and will eventually involve other companies.

The new deal, however, doesn't mean that fans will no longer see Gordon's longtime primary sponsors, Dupont and Pepsi, on his No. 24 Chevrolet. Those two powerhouse companies are expected to sponsor the races that AARP Foundation doesn't cover, the Observer said.

More details of the sponsorship are expected to be announced at a Wednesday news conference.

Dupont is one of NASCAR's longest-running and most dedicated sponsors.

If Dupont steps away completely from some of the 2011 races, it will be the first time since the company began sponsoring Gordon beginning with his very first race at Atlanta at the end of 1992.

 

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Ward Burton Rick Hendrick Hendrick Motorsports

New Ducati Performance Apparel and Clearance Items

New Ducati Performance Apparel and Clearance Items

In time for the (whisper it) holiday season.

PRO ITALIA MOTORCYCLES
Contact Pro Italia (818) 249-5707
Online Store Catalog (818) 249-5707

New Items at Ducatiperformance.com
Brand new Ducati Performance apparel and gifts are arriving ahead of the EICMA show in Milan and in time for the (whisper it) holiday season. Everything we've received so far is now online at ducatiperformance.com including Ducati's 2011 Meccanica jacket, Ducati cappucino
and "coffee" (espresso) sets, Corse mugs,and these cool pin sets. Some items in limited stock with many more items due through the end of the year. At the same time Parts Master Rey has posted some clearance items in our online shop. Rey's got new parts coming in so these older parts have got to go! Supply extremely limited; when they are gone, they are gone. Check out these Ducati Hypermotard carbon sprocket cover frames for $196.65 and this Ducati SportClassic GT 1000 chrome plated rear fender for $286.00 and all the rest of Rey's Fall Clearance.

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Robert Kubica Adrian Sutil Michael Schumacher

Inmotec To Test MotoGP Bike At Valencia, On Grid For 2011?

The perilous state of the MotoGP grid has long been a topic of conversation among MotoGP fans. The grid threatened to drop to just 15 bikes earlier this year, but intervention from Dorna allowed Pramac to keep running two machines instead of dropping to one, and a sponsorship boost from Repsol helped Honda field three riders in its factory team, freeing up space at Gresini for Hiroshi Aoyama.

That still leaves the grid at just 17 bikes, however: six Hondas (three Repsols, two Gresinis and one LCR), six Ducatis (two Marlboro factory bikes, two Pramac bikes, one Aspar bike and one Cardion bike for Karel Abraham), four Yamahas (the factory squad and Tech 3) and a solitary Suzuki, Rizla having pulled out and the factory unwilling to run two machines. This is a long way from Dorna's ideal grid size of 24 bikes, but as long as the manufacturers control the technical rules, there is little hope that this might change any time soon.

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RYAN HUGHES JEFF GIBSON BROC HEPLER

Insane EnduroCross Practice Action With Colton Haaker

Insane EnduroCross Practice Action With Colton Haaker

This is a must see video!

IRVINE, Calif., (Sept. 22, 2010) – Lucas Oil backed Colton Haaker is one of the top riders competing in the AMA GEICO EnduroCross series, presented by E3 Sparkplugs.  The northern California native was a top Trials competitor before shifting his focus to EnduroCross. He moved to SoCal this year to get more riding time in at the Motocross tracks and he even qualified for two AMA MX Nationals; once on the 250 at Hangtown and then on a 450 at Washougal. But all of that time on the MX tracks hasn’t taken away from his Trials skills. The video link below highlights some of the amazing skills that Colton has developed with his unique background in Motocross, Trials, and more recently, EnduroCross.

Photo Gallery: Insane EnduroCross Practice Action With Colton Haaker - Dirt Rider Magazine

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Robert Yates Robert Yates Racing Ricky Rudd

Hamlin makes pit gamble pay off at Martinsville

Denny Hamlin turned a gutsy late-race pit stop for tires into a gutsy drive from fourth to first in an overtime finish Monday, winning a rain-delayed thriller at Martinsville Speedway.
Hamlin bruised past Jeff Gordon, Ryan Newman and Matt Kenseth in the next-to-last lap to win the Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 for his second straight [...]

Rubens Barrichello Kamui Kobayashi Vitaly Petrov