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Wednesday, July 31, 2013
A Car of Tomorrow Renaissance
Watch Sabine Schmitz race Ron Simons at Spa in a BAC Mono throwdown
Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Videos

Last month, RSR Nürburgring put the Queen of the Nürburgring, Sabine Schmitz, up against Ron Simons, an instructor at the Ring (which we suppose makes him one of Sabine's subjects). In that video, the two tangled on the Ring, with the German in her personal Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the Belgian in the excellent Ferrari 458 Italia. The Queen was victorious.
The next challenge saw Schmitz and Simons on the Belgian's home turf, at Spa-Francorchamps. The cars, this time around, would be equal - two BAC Monos - meaning Schmitz didn't have the luxury of using her personal vehicle. Factor in that the track was, rather appropriately for Spa, soaked, and that Simons claimed he'd never lost a race at Spa in the wet, and you'd be forgiven for think Sabine's goose was cooked.
Take a look at video below. You might be surprised by the result.
Continue reading Watch Sabine Schmitz race Ron Simons at Spa in a BAC Mono throwdown
Watch Sabine Schmitz race Ron Simons at Spa in a BAC Mono throwdown originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Jul 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsPirelli push for wider 2014 tyres
2014 Indian Grand Prix under threat | F1 Fanatic Round-up
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
VIDEO: Runaway Marussia leads to safety car
Johnson's moonshine event added to Acceleration Weekend
Harvick wins Truck race in Martinsville
“That’s pretty cool. Don’t know that I’ve ever won four [...]
Johnson's moonshine event added to Acceleration Weekend
Monday, July 29, 2013
Join KLIM and Friends for Another Epic Ride

KLIM News Release
Make plans now to attend KLIM’s Second Annual Adventure Summit and Camp-out this July 12th-14th in scenic Idaho. Located in KLIM’s backyard playground, the location couldn’t be better for a fantastic riding experience. We’ll have ADV-focused vendors on hand and a great campground atmosphere to relax in. The food won’t be bad, either!

Pre-registration deadline is June 25th, sign up now and we’ll see you in Idaho this summer!
Click here to download the event flyer:
http://klimfiletransfer.s3.amazonaws.com/KlimAdventureRally2.jpg
Click here to Pre-Register today (Free T-shirt!):
http://www.klim.com/en-us/pages/klim-adventure-rally

Kyle Busch Loses License After Speeding
Austria could return to F1 calendar
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Q3: Hamilton surprises himself

Jeremy Mayfield?s lawsuit against NASCAR to remain in federal court
BMW Press Release: BMW To End Factory Involvement In WSBK, Focus On Customer Bikes
BMW Motorrad today issued the following press release, announcing the end of factory involvement in World Superbikes, and a shift of focus to supplying customer teams. Analysis of the announcement will follow, once we have more idea of the full implications of this:
BMW Motorrad continues its strategic realignment in motorsport.
With effect from the end of the 2013 season, BMW Motorrad will terminate its commitment in the FIM Superbike World Championship in order to strengthen the customer sports programme.
Munich, 24th July 2013. BMW Motorrad is continuing its long-term strategic realignment of the brand. This strategy also affects BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s activities, which as a next step will also be restructured.
At the end of the 2013 season, BMW Motorrad Motorsport will terminate its factory involvement in the FIM Superbike World Championship. The main focus and some of the resources of BMW Motorrad’s commitment to sport will switch to other motorsport activities like the successful international customer sports programme from 2014 on.
TMS? Gossage admits name change offer an April Fools gag
Gossage and TMS officials sent out an official release Wednesday on speedway letterhead saying Dallas DJ Terry Dorsey had accepted Gossage’s offer of $100,000 to legally change his [...]
Saturday, July 27, 2013
FIA Friday press conference - Hungary
Q: Good afternoon everyone. Cyril, can I start with you? In a way it's been a quiet season for you so far, there doesn't seem to have been any forward movement. What's been going on behind the scenes
Dakota Mamola on pole position
Eighteen year old Dakota Mamola rode his Yakhnich Motorsport Yamaha YZF-R6 to pole position for the Cup of Nations 10-lap race scheduled for tomorrow at 10:30 am.
The young American clocked a 1'41.044 seconds in first qualifying that resulted by far the fastest lap-time of all. Mamola will be joined on the first row by Czech Viktor Dusek (DRT Racing Yamaha) and Hungarian Agoston Rosivall (R2 Motorsport Yamaha).
Kenan Sofuoglu keeps pole position in Q2

Kenan Sofuoglu (Mahi Racing Team India Kawasaki) is the pole-sitter for the eight World Supersport race of the season, scheduled for tomorrow early afternoon at Moscow Raceway, courtesy of the 1'38.088 seconds lap-time set yesterday in Qualifying 1. The three-time Champion will move off from the top spot on the WSS grid for the fifteenth time in his career, with Yakhnich Motorsport Yamaha's Sam Lowes and local hero Vladimir Leonov to start alongside him on the first row.
As second qualifying turned into a wet session in the early half, due to the rain that began falling on the Russian track, all riders had to wait until the final minutes to start a late charge for pole. During his last quick-lap attempt Lowes was a provisional first, before a technical problem at the final turn prevented him from edging out his rival for the title from the top of the timesheets. The Brit leaned his YZF-R6 against the pit-wall and - visibly disappointed - walked back to his garage.
None of the riders, except for 19th place Roberto Tamburini (Lorini Honda), was then able to improve from yesterday's session, meaning Andrea Antonelli (Team Goeleven Kawasaki) finished 4th ahead of fellow Italian Alex Baldolini (Suriano Racing Team Suzuki), Michael van der Mark (Pata Honda World Supersport), Jack Kennedy (Rivamoto Honda) and Fabien Foret (Mahi Racing Team India Kawasaki).
Mazda Skyactiv-D racer first diesel to run at Indy in 60 years
Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Mazda, Diesel, Racing

While it may not be touting the old "Win on Sunday, sell on Monday" axiom we all know and love, Mazda recognizes that racing can only improve its cars. And so it's no surprise that the Japanese automaker is testing and refining its Skyactiv-D diesel engine by sending it out on various race tracks around the country - notably being the first diesel ever to compete at Daytona and the first to notch a Grand Am win at Road Atlanta.
Next up? Indy. It has been over 60 years since a diesel-powered machine ran at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Cummins-powered racer that competed in the 1952 Indy 500 with a 6.6-liter inline-six-cylinder oil-burner was a fast and brutal machine that set a new lap record in qualifying leading up to the race. Though that car was withdrawn with turbocharger failure 71 laps in, its diesel powerplant left an indelible impression on the racing community, and that's something Mazda hopes to accomplish once again.
Mazda says that the diesel engine in its race car is pretty darn close to stock - 51 percent stock by parts count, and 63 percent stock by weight - which means the way it performs in competition is at least a somewhat meaningful way to the stock engine's durability in the real world. Check out the image of the Mazda6 Skyactiv-D racer posing alongside the 1952 Cummins above (click to enlarge) and feel free to peruse the press release below for the rest of the details.
Continue reading Mazda Skyactiv-D racer first diesel to run at Indy in 60 years
Mazda Skyactiv-D racer first diesel to run at Indy in 60 years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jul 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsFriday, July 26, 2013
Gary Anderson: Pit stops should be slowed down
2014 MV Agusta F3 800 Wallpaper

Action and static images of the new triple provided courtesy of MV Agusta
More sportbike wallpapers.
Related articles:
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Photo Gallery: 2014 MV Agusta F3 800 Wallpaper - Sport Rider Magazine
F1 driver underestimates talent needed for wet-weather burnout
Filed under: Motorsports, Videos, Ferrari, Humor, Russia, Racing

Whoops. That's a word nobody wants to hear in racing, and that's especially true in Formula 1, where the cars cost untold millions to design, develop, build and operate. In other words, just about any 'whoops' is an expensive 'whoops.'
Kamui Kobayashi, who made his F1 debut in 2009 driving for Toyota, has always been known as a bit of a wild card in the sport. He is notoriously difficult to pass, driving as he does with seemingly reckless abandon, and he's not afraid to get tangled up with the world's best drivers in the world's fastest race cars.
That brash attitude sometimes serves him well. Other times... well, not so much. See what happens with Kobayashi tries to show off in a Ferrari F1 car for fans on a wet track in Moscow in the twin videos below.
Continue reading F1 driver underestimates talent needed for wet-weather burnout
F1 driver underestimates talent needed for wet-weather burnout originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 21 Jul 2013 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsThursday, July 25, 2013
Motul Introduces Newly Updated Lubricants for Motorcycle Engines

Reformulated products are being rolled out in both the Motul brand’s Core Range
POMONA, CALIFORNIA – Motul®, manufacturer of world class lubricants, introduces its newly updated line of motorcycle engine lubricants. Reformulated products with updated labels & packaging are being rolled out in both the Motul brand’s Core Range for both road and off road use, and its 300V Factory Line racing products.
Core Range-Four Stroke
While already recognized for its quality and performance with today’s high-tech motorcycles, Motul’s 7100 4T (four stroke) oil range meets or exceeds the latest motorcycle manufacturer’s recommendations and the latest worldwide industry standards. This 100% synthetic, Ester based product has an API SN rating -- offering better oxidation stability for longer oil life, improved anti-wear protection, better cold flow performance… all while keeping engine internals cleaner and for helping to reduce emissions.
The 7100 range of motorcycle engine oils is JASO MA2 approved for wet clutch compatibility, providing the ideal amount of friction for clutch engagement, maximizing the longevity of clutch components. In addition, it exceeds the FLS 14 level rating in the stringent German FZG (Forschungsstelle für Zahnrader und Getriebebau) test for the protection of gear components. In simple terms, it delivers the highest level of gear protection for today’s high-horsepower, high-torque motorcycles while providing a smooth ride. The reformulated Core Range 7100 has been expanded to include four different viscosities including a new 10W50 viscosity.
The 5100 4T range of engine oils features Motul’s Technosynthese® Ester formulation which also provides phenomenal gearbox protection. The 5100 4T 10W30 and 10W50 are now rated API SM and are JASO MA2 approved, providing reliable wet clutch performance.
Also for four stroke motorcycles, Motul offers its 3000 engine oil, a mineral based oil range for the best combination of performance and durability.
Core Range-Two Stroke
710 2T is a 100% synthetic + Ester product for two stroke engines. It has a JASO FD rating for lubricity, piston cleanliness and low smoke output.
The 510 2T range also has Technosynthese® and is designed for two stroke engines. 510 2T is rated JASO FD for lubricity, piston cleanliness and low smoke output.
300V Factory Line and 800 2T Racing Product lines
Motul’s 300V Factory Line is an Approved Product of the FIM and is developed specifically for racing. Made with Ester Core® technology, the newly updated 300V Factory Line delivers up to a 1.3-percent increase in horsepower over the previous 300V formulation, while delivering up to a 2.5-percent increase in both horsepower and torque over competitor’s products. Motul has targeted in its development improvements in two critical areas; the gearbox and the wet clutch. The new 300V provides outstanding properties to deal with extreme pressure. This helps protect highly loaded gearboxes while the clutch friction indexes have been optimized in order to improve overall life time and the response of the clutch.
Unique formulations of 300V Factory Line are available for both Road Racing and Off Road four stroke motorcycles. . Each version is specially formulated to deal with the unique stresses associated with the types of riding conditions, whether sustained high-rpm operation, or rapidly shifting and accelerating. To easily denote these unique blends, the labels on the bottles have images of either a road racing or off road motorcycle.
In addition, Motul offers 800 Factory Line 2T specifically formulated for two-stroke road and off road race applications. It now includes Ester Core® technology, exclusive to all Motul racing engine oils.
To learn more about Motul’s newly updated line of lubricants for motorcycle engines, contact your Motul dealer or go online at www.motul.com/us/en-us.
¹ American Petroleum Institute
² Japanese Automotive Standard Organization
ABOUT MOTUL USA
Motul USA is a world-class company specialized in distribution of high-tech synthetic lubricants formulated for power sports and automotive applications.
Motul is an Official Lubricant Partner of the FIM. In addition, the brand is a partner to many manufacturers and racing teams in order to further their technological development in motorsports. It has invested in many international competitions as an official supplier for teams in: 24 Hours of Le Mans, GT1 World Championship, MotoGP, Pike’s Peak Hill Climb, Supercross, World Rally Car (WRC), Rolex GrandAm, Conti Sports Car Challenge, Pirelli World Challenge, Dakar™ and others. For more information, log on to www.motul.com/us/en-us.
Photo Gallery: Motul Introduces Newly Updated Lubricants for Motorcycle Engines - Sport Rider Magazine
Single detection point for Hungary?s two DRS zones | 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix
VIDEO: Classic Europe 2007: Alonso wins in the rain
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Ferrari 458 Scuderia to be unveiled in Frankfurt?
Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Ferrari, Rumormill, Racing

We're heavy on the speculative side with this, but Auto Express is saying that "Rumours of Ferrari 458 Scuderia emerge, with possible debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show." To be clear, that's the possible debut of a car that is still only a rumor, and we're not sure it will be called "Scuderia," either - remember, the track-day 360 was the Challenge Stradale. Admittedly, the rumor of its existence is strong and there is plenty of precedent: Ferrari has introduced some model or variant of its mid-engined V8 sports car at the last three Frankfurt Motor Shows.
Car and Driver went into a great deal of indepth speculation about the coming, track-focused 458 in a piece back in May, and also predicted it would be shown first in Frankfurt. According to C/D we can expect "roughly 600" horsepower and 9,300-rpm redline - up 300 rpm from standard - a faster shifting seven-speed gearbox, a dry weight under 2,900 pounds thanks to "exotic compound materials" and a "slightly stripped interior," less exhaust silencing, uprated carbon-ceramic brakes and active aerodynamics on the rear diffuser.
As far as rumors go this one sounds thoroughly lovely. We hope to see it in made metal in Frankfurt in two months, you can enjoy a detailed gallery of the 563-horsepower Ferrari 458 Challenge above for now.
Ferrari 458 Scuderia to be unveiled in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jul 2013 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsVIDEO: Highlights: Hamilton takes German GP pole
Join KLIM and Friends for Another Epic Ride

KLIM News Release
Make plans now to attend KLIM’s Second Annual Adventure Summit and Camp-out this July 12th-14th in scenic Idaho. Located in KLIM’s backyard playground, the location couldn’t be better for a fantastic riding experience. We’ll have ADV-focused vendors on hand and a great campground atmosphere to relax in. The food won’t be bad, either!

Pre-registration deadline is June 25th, sign up now and we’ll see you in Idaho this summer!
Click here to download the event flyer:
http://klimfiletransfer.s3.amazonaws.com/KlimAdventureRally2.jpg
Click here to Pre-Register today (Free T-shirt!):
http://www.klim.com/en-us/pages/klim-adventure-rally

Tuesday, July 23, 2013
CANCELLED: Andrea Iannone to visit Dainese D-Store San Francisco Wednesday, July 17

Dainese D-Store San Francisco to host in-store appearance with Iannone on the Wednesday prior to the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
UPDATE 7/17/13: Unfortunately due to injuries suffered during the previous MotoGP round at the Sachsenring circuit in Germany, Andrea Iannone has been forced to cancel his overseas trip to the U.S.G.P. Dainese and all involved apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and wish Andrea a swift recovery.
For Immediate release: The Dainese D-Store San Francisco will host an in-store appearance with Moto GP rider Andrea Iannone, on the Wednesday prior to the California Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix . Racing for the Pramac Ducati team, the 24 year old Italian rider enters his first season in MotoGP and debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Sponsored by Dainese and AGV, Iannone is wearing head to toe protections from the Italian company including the revolutionary D-Air system racing suit. Fans can submit questions for a Q&A through D-Store San Francisco Facebook page or email, regarding topics on his career, the bikes, his gear, and future plans. Following the interview, there will be an autograph session for the attending guests.
The event will begin at 5 P.M. on Wednesday July 17th. Complimentary posters will be available. There will also be a raffle directly benefitting Riders for Health. Prizes for the raffle will include donations from photographer Scott Jones, grand stand seats from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and more. Tickets for the MotoGP will also be for sale at the D-Store starting at 4pm.
The D-Store San Francisco is Dainese’s largest flagship showroom outside of Italy. One of only three D-Stores in the U.S., the shop carries Dainese’s full collection of motorcycle, ski/snowboard, bicycling, and equestrian apparel and protections, as well as AGV helmets.
aPhoto Gallery: Andrea Iannone at Dainese D-Store San Francisco - Sport Rider Magazine
VIDEO: Highlights: Vettel wins first German GP
CANCELLED: Andrea Iannone to visit Dainese D-Store San Francisco Wednesday, July 17

Dainese D-Store San Francisco to host in-store appearance with Iannone on the Wednesday prior to the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
UPDATE 7/17/13: Unfortunately due to injuries suffered during the previous MotoGP round at the Sachsenring circuit in Germany, Andrea Iannone has been forced to cancel his overseas trip to the U.S.G.P. Dainese and all involved apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and wish Andrea a swift recovery.
For Immediate release: The Dainese D-Store San Francisco will host an in-store appearance with Moto GP rider Andrea Iannone, on the Wednesday prior to the California Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix . Racing for the Pramac Ducati team, the 24 year old Italian rider enters his first season in MotoGP and debut at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Sponsored by Dainese and AGV, Iannone is wearing head to toe protections from the Italian company including the revolutionary D-Air system racing suit. Fans can submit questions for a Q&A through D-Store San Francisco Facebook page or email, regarding topics on his career, the bikes, his gear, and future plans. Following the interview, there will be an autograph session for the attending guests.
The event will begin at 5 P.M. on Wednesday July 17th. Complimentary posters will be available. There will also be a raffle directly benefitting Riders for Health. Prizes for the raffle will include donations from photographer Scott Jones, grand stand seats from Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, and more. Tickets for the MotoGP will also be for sale at the D-Store starting at 4pm.
The D-Store San Francisco is Dainese’s largest flagship showroom outside of Italy. One of only three D-Stores in the U.S., the shop carries Dainese’s full collection of motorcycle, ski/snowboard, bicycling, and equestrian apparel and protections, as well as AGV helmets.
aPhoto Gallery: Andrea Iannone at Dainese D-Store San Francisco - Sport Rider Magazine
Monday, July 22, 2013
Ask Gary: Ecclestone and Massa form
Bell Helmets and Mazda Raceway unveil commemorative helmet for 2013 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix

Limited Edition Bell Star Carbon celebrates prestigious international event with imagery paying homage to Monterey’s Historic Cannery Row
Scotts Valley & Monterey, Calif. – Bell Helmets and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, unveiled a commemorative helmet in honor of the 2013 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, taking place July 19-21 at the famed Northern California raceway. A limited run of the helmet will be available for purchase online during the weeks leading up to the event, as well as onsite during race weekend at the Mazda Raceway Superstore, while supplies last.
aPhoto Gallery: Bell Helmets/Mazda Raceway unveil 2013 Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix helmet - Sport Rider Magazine
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)