Sunday, March 31, 2013
Mighty Melbourne's 2013 memories
Force India inks Merc deal for long-term shove
Force India inks Merc deal for long-term shove
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Race Recap: 2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring, cakewalk up front, grindfest out back [w/spoilers]
Filed under: Motorsports, Audi, Chevrolet, Ferrari, Racing
This year's 12 Hours of Sebring wasn't exactly a foregone conclusion because we're still talking about racing, and anything can happen when the speeds are as high as the adrenaline and the desire. But we're still talking about Audi bringing it's two top-spec racers - and its huge budget and its nearly neurotic attention to detail - to a race that it uses as a test bed for The 24 Hours of Le Mans and as a way to open the endurance racing season with a victory.
Besides, 12 hours is a long time, especially at Sebring, and things didn't go all Audi's way. On top of that, although it was a pretty quiet race, behind the Audis things got even grimier, with plenty of battles, plenty of mechanical issues, and the new BMW Z4 GTE and Viper GTS-R being race tested. Oh, and that brand new chromed-out DeltaWing...
Race Recap: 2013 Twelve Hours of Sebring, cakewalk up front, grindfest out back [w/spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsBussolotti back to his roots with Team Trasimeno
Marco Bussolotti joins Team Trasimeno to race the 2013 FIM Superstock 1000 Cup onboard a BMW S 1000 RR. The Italian rider will tackle his 4th consecutive season in the series and hopes to make a difference with the team that launched his international career and helped him finishing twice as runner up in the European Superstock 600 Championship, back in 2008 and 2009.
"I want 2013 to be the turning point of my career" said Marco Bussolotti. "I'm truly happy to be back with Team Trasimeno as I started my career on the European stage with them and we did an excellent job together. It's a very strong team and the bike is a very competitive one. I have to do my very best and I'm confident we'll have a good season. I will be testing the bike in a few days in order to be ready for the Aragon round. I haven't been riding for five months so I can't wait to try my BMW S 1000 RR out and to be back working with Team Trasimeno technicians, I know them very well and I'm sure they will give me a great help in this important season."
Friday, March 29, 2013
BBC unveils 2013 Formula 1 plans
Haslam back in the ballpark with Honda
At some point in Phillip Island Race 1 it looked like you were going to get on the podium, then what happened? What do you think of the weekend overall, despite the results?
"I was happy of the progress we made, it could have been a 3rd place in both races, definitely a 4th with the pace we had. In Race 1 e had a problem with the traction control, it basically went into safety mode halfway through the race, it's something we knew there was a problem with and the guys are resolving it. I'm confident it'll be fine for the next race. It was a brand new software, brand new electronics and we had a lot done during the test and the race weekend. At one point during the race I got up to 2nd place after passing most of the guys. I was quite happy but very disappointed for the results we got. Race 2 was just misfortune getting caught in Chaz' crash."
You had a surgical operation a couple of weeks ago, what was it about?
"I got one nerve removed an one repaired from when I broke my leg last year in Australia. One of the nerves was trapped in the hole that was there when the screw was removed, one of the other nerve was damaged with the removal of the screw. It's something that's been injuring me since Christmas, I had a lot of pain through it. The strength and everything have been there, it's just been quite frustrating because I wasn't able to train like I wanted to. I just wait for the scar to stick together and once it happens it'll be back to normal."
Despite the traction control issue and the misfortune of Race 2, it looked like you felt very comfortable on the bike already. What's made the difference?
"The bike allows you to be aggressive and to ride hard. A very strong point of the Honda is that it's a consistent bike, it's not so sensitive. This was one of the major problems I found on the BMW, as it was quite sensitive for temperature and tyre changes. Sometimes it hindered you during the race where Honda is almost the opposite, it works in pretty much all conditions and allows you to ride it really hard. Of course, there are some areas we need to improve."
You have two test planned before the next round, the first at Aragon on April 2-4 and the second one at Alcarras on April 7-8, correct?
"Yes, we got three days testing at the track we're racing, we have a lot of new upgrades we've kind of been waiting for. The team have been working very hard at the workshop during the break so I can't wait to try this new stuff out."
Press Release: Aspar Launches Campaign In All Three Grand Prix Classes
The Aspar organization launched their MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 campaigns in Valencia on Tuesday, ahead of next week's season opener at Qatar. After the launch, they issued the following press releases:
Thursday, March 28, 2013
VIDEO: Murray's Memories: sensational Schumacher
VIDEO: Mixed emotions for Hamilton
Harvick wins Nationwide race in Nashville
Harvick and crew chief Ernie Cope gambled by taking two tires under caution and seized the lead from Kyle Busch with 34 laps to [...]
Some Advice For Christmas
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Wednesday, March 27, 2013
2013 Jerez MotoGP Test Day 2 Times: Rossi Breaks Two-Year Dry Spell, Tops Timesheets
Valentino Rossi topped the timesheets on the second day of the MotoGP test at Jerez, the first time he has topped a session in the dry since 2010. The Factory Yamaha rider just edged his teammate Jorge Lorenzo by a few thousandths of a second, and the Monster Tech 3 Yamaha rider Cal Crutchlow by a few fractions more. Dani Pedrosa was the first non-Yamaha man, the Repsol Honda rider just over a tenth of a second slower than Rossi. That four men should finish so close together is an intriguing prospect, and promises much for the upcoming season.
Andrea Dovizioso ended the day in 5th, pleased with the gap of just eight tenths to the Yamahas and factory Honda, and ending ahead Alvaro Bautista on the Gresini Honda. Marc Marquez had his first difficult day on the Repsol Honda, having to adapt the Moto2 lines he had learned around Jerez and change section by section to a more MotoGP style, with less lean angle and more drive. Marquez still finished ahead of LCR Honda's Stefan Bradl, though only by a few hundredths of a second. Andrea Iannone took 9th slot on the Pramac Ducati, a second and a half behind Rossi, while the second Factory Ducati rider Nicky Hayden ended the day in 10th, despite a moment around the stadium section where he was nearly thrown out of the seat.
Webber's dad criticises Vettel
Schwantz booted from Austin MotoGP test, banned from CotA
Credentialed former World Champion escorted from CotA during recent MotoGP test, told he was “accused of criminal trespass” and would be “arrested” if he returns
In an apparent show of displeasure with his pending legal battle with the Circuit of the Americas over the rights to promote the upcoming MotoGP round, former 500cc Grand Prix world champion Kevin Schwantz was escorted off the CotA premises by track security during the recent private Honda/Yamaha MotoGP test there, despite having full MotoGP credentials and being an invited guest of the LCR Honda team. Schwantz's primary reason for being at the test was as a coach for wild card rider Blake Young who was riding the Attack Racing CRT entry.
aPhoto Gallery: Schwantz booted from Austin MotoGP test, banned from CotA - Sport Rider Magazine
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Coletti leads championship after opening round | GP2 Malaysia review
Coletti leads championship after opening round is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.
Stefano Coletti missed out on victory from pole in race one but bounced back in race two to take the lead of the GP2 championship.
Coletti leads championship after opening round is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.
Formula1blog.com Podcast #307- Malaysian GP review
VIDEO: Highlights: Vettel wins in Malaysia
Road 2 Recovery Golf Classic Las Vegas Finale
Road 2 Recovery News Release
Carlsbad, CA – It’s not too late to register for the 13th Annual Monster Energy Golf Classic hosted by the Road 2 Recovery Foundation! The tournament is hosted at Desert Pines Golf Club on Friday, May 4th before the Monster Energy Supercross Finale at Sam Boyd Stadium. The tournament aims to further the mission of the Road 2 Recovery Foundation to help AMA licensed professional motocross/supercross riders with assistance if they sustain career-ending injuries. Start your weekend early by joining us on May 4th to play against your favorite supercross racers and industry elite!
**Pre-registration deadline is May 3rd but we offer at the door registration. Register online for golf online at http://www.road2recovery.com or for more information call Anita at (602) 578-5339**
Event Host:
Desert Pines Golf Club
3415 East Bonanza Road
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 388-4400
http://www.desertpinesgolfclub.com
Tournament Package Rate:
Foursome: $3,500 (includes a 30”x36” tee sign with company logo along with 18 holes of golf, food, beverage, and prize package for four)
Single player: $1,000 (includes 18 holes of golf, food, beverage, and a prize package)
Event Schedule:
11:30am-12:30pm Lunch and Registration/Check-In
12:45pm Putting Contest
1:15pm Putt Off
1:30pm Shotgun Start (scramble format)
5:30-6:00pm Play concludes with awards party to follow (Hors d’Oeuvres and drinks will be served)
The Road 2 Recovery Foundation is hosting a second tournament at The Links at Summerly in Lake Elsinore, California on September 6th for the final round of the Lucas Oil Outdoor Motocross Championships. Package rates for both tournaments as follows:
Las Vegas/Lake Elsinore (2) Tournament Package:
Foursome: $4,000 (includes a 30”x36” tee sign with company logo along with 18 holes of golf, food, beverage, and prize package for four)
Single player: $1,000 (includes 18 holes of golf, food, beverage, and a prize package at both tournaments)
See you there!!
About Road 2 Recovery:
The Road 2 Recovery Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that was founded by Bob Moore, Bob Walker, and Jimmy Button in the fall of 2000, and is dedicated to helping AMA licensed professional motocross/supercross riders with financial assistance if they sustain career-ending injuries as well as providing motivational, emotional, and spiritual support to these individuals and their families. To make a donation click here. For more information on Road 2 Recovery and upcoming events visit www.road2recovery.com or contact Anita Button at (602) 578-5339.
Monday, March 25, 2013
2013 Yamaha FJR1300 | Moving Forward
In an economy that has dealt a major body blow to motorcycle sales, there are a few categories that have weathered the storm better than most.
In an economy that has dealt a major body blow to motorcycle sales, there are a few categories that have weathered the storm better than most. One of them is the sport-touring market, which has been grabbing an increasing share of total sportbike sales since the economic crisis initially struck in 2008. This is an expected trend, as sport-touring riders tend to be more affluent and thus have expendable cash that makes them more likely to continue buying bikes.
aPhoto Gallery: First Ride: 2013 Yamaha FJR1300 - Sport Rider Magazine
Photo Gallery: First Ride: 2013 Yamaha FJR1300 - Sport Rider Magazine
2013 rings in big changes in NASCAR
Mixed feelings for Rosberg after fourth-place finish
The German repeatedly radioed his team to ask for permission to pass Hamilton in the latter stages of the race, but was told to hold position, allowing the Briton to pick-up Mercedes' first podium finish of the season
VIDEO: Highlights: Vettel wins in Malaysia
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Ex-F1 champ ends beer legal action
Honda World Motocross team heads to home round in Italy
Honda World Motocross Press Release
The Honda World Motocross team is looking forward to this weekend as it makes the short journey to Fermo, Italy for its home race at round three of the MX1 World Championship.
Although this hardpack track hasn't reaped great rewards for the Honda World Motocross squad in the past, it's certainly an event with extra motivation for good results this weekend with it being situated just a few hours from the team's headquarters. Last year the Fermo race concluded the World Championship series with riders Rui Goncalves and Evgeny Bobryshev finishing eighth and eleventh overall.
The MX1 World Championship event this weekend follows on from the Bulgarian Grand Prix just one week ago in Sevlievo, where Bobryshev battled through the pain for fifth overall and Goncalves endured a tough weekend with ninth in race one along with a machine issue in the second moto.
24-year-old Russian racer Bobryshev is still recovering from the painful thumb injury sustained at round one in Valkenswaard, The Netherlands, which is improving day-by-day, although it has been tough to ride especially over braking bumps, hard braking areas and landings. With more rest this week he is hoping for a better opportunity to showcase his potential at Fermo aboard the Dunlop-shod factory CRF 450R. Teammate Goncalves is also looking to improve his results, especially after having had a weekend racing on the hardpack terrain in Bulgaria.
Rui Goncalves #999:
"This weekend is going to be similar terrain to Bulgaria on the hardpack, and it is quite fast. We did a lot of sand riding in the winter, so now we've had a weekend of hardpack racing under our belt, we are more prepared on the hard ground. I just need to get better starts in the races to make it easier to achieve the results I want. Physically I feel good, but it's the starts that have mainly been letting me down, so I need to take a different approach to achieve this. Fermo is a good track and obviously it's quite close to where the team is based, so we will want to put on a good show for the fans and get some good results."
Evgeny Bobryshev #777:
"Fermo is not the best track for me as the results haven't been great and the feeling I have there isn't so good; but now it's a new year and we are more ready. We will go and do our best, like every race, but with it being close to the team I hope we can get a good result for the fans. I also hope it's a bit cooler there than last year, as I found the heat to be a big problem at the Grand Prix in Fermo last season. For sure we'll be trying our best and although the thumb isn't going to be perfect, it is improving and we've got to concentrate on staying safe while putting as many points in the bag as possible."
Lorenzo Resta: Honda World Motocross Team Manager
"Fermo is very important for us because it's the first of probably two home GP's we will have in Italy this year. It's usually a really busy race with a lot of guests and support for the team. The track is not really that special for our riders, and we've not had brilliant results there in the past, so it will be a tough race suited to the hardpack specialists and we are aware of that going into the weekend. Bobby is still not completely injury free and this kind of ground will be hard for him, but again we will work on damage limitation to get the best results we can. With Rui, if he can improve his starts then I hope that we can have two good races from him too."
(Image credit Sarah Gutierrez)
2013 Jerez MotoGP Test Day 1 Times: Lorenzo Blitzes Field On A Soaking Track
Jorge Lorenzo has finished the first day of a rain-lashed Jerez test on top of the timesheets, getting within 8 seconds of the lap record despite a soaking track. The day started dismally, with a lot of heavy rain and only a few riders circulating, but shortly after 2pm the rain let up sufficiently to allow everyone but the Aspar riders Randy de Puniet and Aleix Espargaro to go out and chase a wet set up. The rain returned in force some time around 5pm, causing most of the MotoGP men to return to their boxes, with only a few men, including Ducati test rider Michele Pirro, running through more laps.
Lorenzo was fast for most of the session, as was Repsol Honda's Dani Pedrosa, who had seized the lead as soon as he took to the track. But with just four sets of wet tires to use for the entire test, and Jerez' abrasive asphalt tearing up the rears on the 1000cc MotoGP machines, securing the top spot was mainly a question of timing. Lorenzo set his fastest lap right at the point where there were no more rivers of rainwater crossing the track, giving him a lead of over a second over Pedrosa, who had been lapping earlier on.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Raikkonen handed grid penalty for impeding Rosberg | 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix
Raikkonen handed grid penalty for impeding Rosberg is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.
Kimi Raikkonen has been given a three-place penalty for the Malaysian Grand Prix.
Raikkonen handed grid penalty for impeding Rosberg is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.
The Latest on Larry Pearson
Interview with Jules Cluzel
The FIXI Crescent Suzuki rider, who competed in the past three season onboard a 600cc machine and jumped on the GSX-R 1000 K13 for the first time only last January, has shown already - despite a few crashes in testing - a remarkable connection with his bike. WorldSBK.com spoke with Jules Cluzel about his debut and much more.
It hasn't been an easy World Superbike debut round for you, but you managed to get a strong result in Race 2 at Phillip Island. Are you happy of how things went in the end?
"Yes I was really, because seventh was un-hoped for after all problems we had during test and race week-end! I did not do many laps in the four testing days because I had three big high-sides, one day in hospital and on Saturday of the race week-end I managed only three laps, so my target for the race was just to get more experience for the future and at the end I was able to fight with the leader group!"
How did you find the series compared to your expectations?
"I'm happy because it's really how I imagined it. I knew it would be tough racing as the field is so strong. I had never done two races in a day either so did not know what to expect really, but I like the two races in the same day."
Do you still have to adapt to the 1000cc bike? What's still to improve?
"Yes for sure in many points! I believe that we can be fast, but in race two at Phillip Island in last seven laps I was slower compared to the front group so I have some work to do next races with race distance."
Are you feeling confident for Round 2 at Aragon?
"I just can tell you that I'm excited to get back on track and to get more laps with my new toy. So that's means I'm enjoying myself a lot every time I ride the bike and looking forward to being in Aragon!"
The 2013 calendar features a new round at the Intercity Istanbul Park, a track you already know. What can you tell us about the circuit, do you like it?
"I am really excited about going back to Turkey. It's a very nice track with a good layout and very fast. I like the changes as it goes up and down and I think it will suit the Superbikes well. I love riding at this track and think that everyone else will as well!"
Hamlin will need clearance from doctor to compete
Hamlin injured his left knee Jan. 22 while playing basketball, and had hoped to put off the surgery until after [...]
Friday, March 22, 2013
VIDEO: Australian GP: F1 driver reaction
SBK2013 brings all the action on iPad, iPhone and Android
Get the SBK2013 App for iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch and Android!
Come with us and follow the most exciting racing series on the planet, the eni FIM Superbike World Championship, with the official SBK2013 App for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android!
With SBK2013 installed on your mobile device you can follow top riders like Marco Melandri, Carlos Checa, Tom Sykes, Jonathan Rea, Eugene Laverty, Leon Haslam and many others, directly from circuits all over the world, racing on production-based machinery from Honda, Ducati, Aprilia and the other manufacturers.
The main features of the SBK2013 application are:
* Live Timing: follow the results from free practice, qualifying, Superpole and the Superbike, Supersport, Superstock 1000, Superstock 600 and European Junior Cup races at each round of the 2013 season, in real time directly from your mobile device.
* News: read all the latest news and info about the eni FIM Superbike World Championship.
* Season: the calendar, the results, points tables and all the data about the 2013 season, all at the touch of a keypad.
* Info: learn everything about your favourite teams and riders.
* Videos: watch exclusive interviews from the circuit, exciting overtaking moves and race highlights, all available on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android immediately after the chequered flag.
* Downloads: download images from the races, girls, all the atmosphere of SBK, top- quality photos and wallpapers.
Colin Edwards' Video Tour of the Austin Track
Veteran World Superbike TV commentator - and commentator of many other premium motorsports series - Jonathan Green has been enlisted by the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, to help promote the Austin round of MotoGP, scheduled for 21st April this year. To this end, Green engaged the help of Colin Edwards to talk him around the track, and explain the ins and outs of the Texas circuit.
Despite the wind noise which blights some of the commentary, it offers an interesting insight into the nature of the track, with Edwards helping to unlock some of the secrets of the circuit. The video follows below:
Live: 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix second practice | F1 Fanatic Live
Live: 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix second practice is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.
Follow the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix second practice session on F1 Fanatic Live.
Live: 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix second practice is an original article from F1 Fanatic. If this article has been published anywhere other than F1 Fanatic it is an infringement of copyright.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
VIDEO: Murray's Memories: sensational Schumacher
Watch an Ariel Atom receive a pit stop in the middle of London traffic
Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Videos, UK, Specialty, Racing
Just how quick can a pit crew from the Ariel AtomCup swap out a set of tires? Quicker than the span of your standard stop light. One crew set out to prove just that by serving up a full changeover at a downtown London intersection. The team not only manages a complete pit stop ( minus fuel, of course), but they do it with plenty of time to spare and under the watchful eye of a transfixed public. From jack up to jack down, the whole affair takes about 30 seconds.
As you may recall, the AtomCup is the only race series built around the now-legendary open-wheel machine. The series takes place at eight tracks in the United Kingdom, with racers campaigning Cup Spec Atom racers. While the car is technically road legal, the series doesn't allow owners to race their own cars in competition. You can find out more about the event here, and be sure to check out the pit stop video below.
Continue reading Watch an Ariel Atom receive a pit stop in the middle of London traffic
Watch an Ariel Atom receive a pit stop in the middle of London traffic originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsRaikkonen wins tense opening race
Denny Hamlin refuses to pay NASCAR fine for criticizing Gen VI racecar
Filed under: Motorsports, Etc.
Denny Hamlin isn't crazy about the new NASCAR Gen 6 cars. Well, actually, that's a bit strong. Based on our readings of his statements following the March 3 race at Phoenix International Raceway, Hamlin simply thinks that the new NASCAR racecar has got some growing to do before it's as polished at the outgoing Gen 5 cars were. Here's what the Toyota driver said:
"We learned a lot. I don't want to be the pessimist, but it did not race as good as our Generation 5 cars. This is more like what the Generation 5 was at the beginning. The teams hadn't figured out how to get the aero balance right. Right now, you just run single-file and you cannot get around the guy in front of you."
That rather mild criticism of the Gen 6 (appearing in its second only race thus far) car has been enough, however, to cause NASCAR to issue Hamlin a $25,000 fine. The organization said that it gives its drivers "ample leeway" to voice their opinions but, "will not tolerate publicly made comments by its drivers that denigrate the racing product."
Hamlin, who races for Joe Gibbs Racing - and drove the Gen 6 Toyota Camry from a 43rd-place start to a 3rd-place finish in Phoenix, by the way - is incensed that NASCAR officials didn't reach out or attempt to have a conversation with him before issuing the fine. He has appealed the official decision, and vowed not to pay the twenty-five large.
Tweeted Hamlin on the issue: "I believe I was severely disrespected by NASCAR by getting fined. I believe that the simple fact of us not even having a conversation about this issue before I was hit with a fine has something to say about our relationship." We'll wait and see how this stand off at the stock car corral plays out.
Denny Hamlin refuses to pay NASCAR fine for criticizing Gen VI racecar originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments