Saturday, December 31, 2011

Slideshow: Racing through 2011

Robert Allen Labonte Terrence Lee Labonte Randy Joseph Lajoie Kevin Paul Lepage William Ashton Lewis Jr

Yamaha/Petronas partnership ends

Yamaha's works MotoGP squad will lose its Petronas backing from the 2012 season, bringing a 'natural conclusion' to a three-year partnership between the two entities. Petronas, an oil and gas corporation owned by the Malaysian government, joined forces with Yamaha at the start of the 2009 season, although FIAT remained the title sponsor. It met with success immediately, as Valentino Rossi claimed his seventh and to date last MotoGP crown, while Jorge Lorenzo helped secure Yamaha the teams' crown

Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr

Hyundai Lures BMW Designer Christopher Chapman to Direct California Design Studio

Of all the good plays that Kia has made in recent years, the best one may have been poaching German designer Peter Schreyer from Volkswagen in 2006, and charging him with making the company?s then-forgettable product line more distinct and more attractive. It worked so well that now Hyundai has gone and picked up a [...]

David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss Kurt Thomas Busch

Top 10 Stories of 2011 ? #7 Paul Menard wins at The Brickyard

7-Paul Menard Holds Off Jeff Gordon to Win Brickyard 400 Surprise winners in 2011, take three. For much of its 19 years, Indianapolis Motor Speedway?s Brickyard 400 had been won by the greatest names in NASCAR: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Jarrett, Tony Stewart, Dale Earnhardt, bill Elliott ? champions all. No first-time winners in [...]

William Ashton Lewis Jr Sterling Burton Marlin Mark Anthony Martin Jeremy Allan Mayfield James Christopher McMurray

Dover International Speedway announces seat-widening plan to begin in 2012

Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch

Kurt Busch Joins James Finch?s Phoenix Racing for 2012

Kurt Busch Joins Phoenix Racing 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion and 24-Time Race Victor To Compete in Full 2012 Sprint Cup Season with Car Owner James Finch CHARLOTTE, N.C., (Dec. 22, 2011) ? ?I just want to get back to having fun in the racecar.? Those were the words spoken by Kurt Busch just [...]

Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica David Carl Allison

Autoblog's Most Popular Posts of 2011

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We've been doing Autoblog for a while now and still don't know exactly why some posts become popular and others completely miss boarding the crazy train to Viralville. Maybe we were the first to post about a hot topic. Videos are almost always poised for success, and of course any post that includes a first look or specs of a highly anticipated vehicle can be a hit waiting to happen. But every time we hit the publish button it's like throwing a dart in the dark.

It may be difficult to know in advance what you all will click on the most, but after the fact, simple math tells us everything we need to know. We've assembled the 10 Most Popular Posts of 2011 according to clicks, and the results are available after the jump.

Continue reading Autoblog's Most Popular Posts of 2011

Autoblog's Most Popular Posts of 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sterling Burton Marlin Mark Anthony Martin Jeremy Allan Mayfield James Christopher McMurray Casey James Mears

Kia Introduces Ray EV, We Offer Initial Impressions

Although Kia calls the Ray EV its first production EV, the car won’t be commercially available. Instead, the company will build 2500 of the electric boxes and distribute them to Korean government fleets. While we’ll probably never see one here, the Ray EV is a precursor to an electric crossover that Kia plans to launch [...]

Randy Joseph Lajoie Kevin Paul Lepage William Ashton Lewis Jr Sterling Burton Marlin Mark Anthony Martin

2011 Honda Odyssey Touring Elite Long-Term Intro

Minivans are the true automotive appliances: unsexy, underappreciated, and indispensable to many families. That the Honda Odyssey is entertaining to drive?as far as these vehicles go?is something we?ve recognized before, and why we jumped at the chance to add the latest version to our long-term fleet for a 40,000-mile test. Besides, we all appreciate a [...]

Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr

Friday, December 30, 2011

Dover International Speedway to widen seats

Dover International Speedway in Delaware is hoping to make race fans experience a little more comfortable by widening seats in the tracks outdoor grandstands. The speedway announced Thursday that the process of increasing seats from 18 inches to 22 inches will start next year and will be complete by 2014.

Floyd Anthony Raines Scott Russell Riggs Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot

Focus ST: Riding Shotgun in Ford?s Next Shogun

?You see how you can play with the back end going on or off the throttle?? asks Jost Capito, who is clearly having fun. Inside Ford?s European proving ground near Lommel, Belgium, the director of Global Performance Vehicles is drifting through the corners of the handling track in his latest �project, the Focus ST, adjusting [...]

Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr Carl Michael Edwards III

iPRoC with Joey Logano & Coleman Pressley

William Ashton Lewis Jr Sterling Burton Marlin Mark Anthony Martin Jeremy Allan Mayfield James Christopher McMurray

Give to Streetsblog and Make 2012 a Great Year for Livable Streets Coverage

Streetsblog NYC made a huge impact in 2011, countering misinformation about the city’s bike and pedestrian programs, exposing the machinations of the politically-connected NIMBYs who wanted to drag progress on bike policy to a halt, and calling out Governor Andrew Cuomo for neglecting transit. We couldn’t have done it without the support of our readers. [...]

Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr Carl Michael Edwards III

Ragan the front-runner for Petty's iconic No. 43?

Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne

Hyundai Veloster DCT Test: Slow Shifts, Slow Car ? Instrumented Test

About that name. It could be rooted in the word velox, Latin for swiftness or speed, as in velocity. (Think velocipede, velociraptor, Velocette, Veloster.) If that?s the source, our first trip to the test track with a Hyundai Veloster suggests that the name was invented by someone drawing inspiration from the uninhibited sheet metal and [...]

Robert Allen Labonte Terrence Lee Labonte Randy Joseph Lajoie Kevin Paul Lepage William Ashton Lewis Jr

Stewart: Title fight among best ever

Tony Stewart believes his battle for the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup with Carl Edwards was one of the best in the history of the sport. The top two in the title race finished the year equal on points, after a head-to-head fight for race victory in the season finale at Homestead

James Christopher McMurray Casey James Mears Juan Pablo Montoya Joseph Francis Nemechek III Ryan Joseph Newman

Audi to appear in World GT1 in 2012

Audi will be represented by Team WRT in the 2012 FIA GT1 World Championship. Vincent Vosse's squad, which won the Spa 24 Hours and ran Greg Franchi to the Blancpain Endurance title this year, will run a pair of new R8 LMS ultras on a customer basis.

Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Max Jones Named Team Manager at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing

Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix SabatesCONCORD, NC (December 21, 2011) ? Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that long-time NASCAR veteran Max Jones has been named team manager of the organization?s NASCAR operation. Jones takes over the role effective immediately in preparation for the 2012 season. ?We are all pleased to get someone...more»

Michael Duane Bliss Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven

Volkswagen?s Big Game of Risk: The Ambitious Plan for World Domination

Volkswagen is bold. Bold enough to declare that it will be the No. 1 seller of ?vehicles in the world by 2018. Think about that. In seven years, about one product cycle, the Volkswagen Group?made up of the VW, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti Lamborghini, and Porsche brands, as well as a few more not sold in [...]

Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch

Logano and Keselowski Visit Troops at Guantanamo Bay Cuba

Partnership Strengthens Military-Motorsports Connection To Boost Troop Morale DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 15, 2011) ?NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Brad Keselowski, driver of the No. 2 Dodge for Penske Racing, and Joey Logano, driver of the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing,brought holiday cheer, smiles and good times to troops and their families on [...]

Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil

Miles the Monster announces candidacy for 2012 presidential election

Miles the Monster announces candidacy for 2012 presidential election DOVER, Del. ? Miles the Monster, professional monster and icon for Dover International Speedway, today announced his plans to run for President of the United States in the 2012 presidential election. The move comes just days shy of the start of the busy political season as [...]

Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr Dale Arnold Jarrett

Belk Bowl players run laps

Divina Galica David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss

Smashing Atom: Ariel Atom V8 vs. Large Hadron Collider

The upshift time for the Atom?s Sadev ST-90 six-speed sequential racing gearbox is about 40 milliseconds?a tenth of an eye blink. In those 40 milliseconds, the atoms zipping beneath us around the underground loop of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) would have traveled nearly 7500 miles, more than twice the distance from Seattle to Miami. [...]

Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt

Austin and Ty Dillon Partner with TAG Heuer Avant-Garde Eyewear

TAG Heuer EyewearWELCOME, N.C. (December 21, 2011) - NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Austin Dillon and ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards champion Ty Dillon will look stylish on and off the track in 2012 thanks to a new partnership with TAG Heuer Eyewear in which the RCR drivers will serve as ambassadors for...more»

Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil Robert Allen Labonte

McLaren will be ready for first test

McLaren will have its new car ready for the first test of 2012, after the team confirmed on Monday it will be launched on 1 February. With tougher crash test regulations in place for next year, allied to a two-week gap between the first and second test, it had been expected that a number of outfits could choose to delay the launch of their new cars to make the most of extra development time. However, McLaren's announcement that the MP4-27 will be ready for the opening test at Jerez, which takes place from February 7-9, means the team follows Ferrari and Red Bull Racing in opting to get running as early as possible.

Divina Galica David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Tony Stewart set for Chili Bowl Nationals

NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart said Tuesday that he will race in the Chili Bowl Nationals next month at the QuikTrip Centers Tulsa Expo Raceway. Stewart, the 2002 and 2007 Golden Driller winner, last competed in the Midget event in 2008. In 12 previous starts, he has made it to the championship feature 10 times.

Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica David Carl Allison

2014 Chevrolet Impala Spied; Doesn?t Look Boring

Once a design icon, the poor Chevrolet Impala has been anything but since the early 1970s. There was a brief flicker of light with the rear-wheel-drive V-8?powered SS model in the mid-90s, but the Impala has otherwise been reduced to default rental-lot up-sell and mundane transportation device for Midwestern retirees. But these spy shots of [...]

Casey James Mears Juan Pablo Montoya Joseph Francis Nemechek III Ryan Joseph Newman Kyle Eugene Petty

Osborn, Engelhart Set Sail at SoBo

While Herb Engelhart will go down in the record books as the overall winner from Round Six of the NASCAR iRacing .comTour Modifed Series (NiTMS) at South Boston Speedway, it was Brett Osborn who made one of the biggest statements of the week. Osborn took one of the top two online races of the week, which set the tone when it comes to the weekly standings at the Virginia track. Osborn?s win came in Thursday’s 3102 Strength of Field (SoF) race in which he led 47 of 120 laps at the famed Virginia short track. David Colley was second, followed by Rick Webster, Donny Moore and Thomas Zinninger. Six cautions slowed the race while three leaders swapped the lead twice and front row starters Jerold John (one lap) and Jamie [...]

Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle

AMA SBK: Top Ten Riders Of 2011

Who's the top gun in AMA Pro Road Racing -- seven-race winner Blake Young or two-time champ Josh Hayes?

Juan Pablo Montoya Joseph Francis Nemechek III Ryan Joseph Newman Kyle Eugene Petty Floyd Anthony Raines

Saab Is Actually Dead This Time, To Be Sold Off in Pieces

Saab is actually, finally finished. The company filed for bankruptcy in Sweden today?and not the kind that American Airlines currently is using to reorganize and shed some debt. Essentially the Swedish equivalent of what we call Chapter 7 in the U.S., Saab’s filing� means that the company will be liquidated so that its creditors get [...]

Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr

Jeremy Bullins To Lead Discount Tire Dodge Nationwide Series Team With Brad Keselowski And Parker Kligerman

Penske RacingMOORESVILLE, N.C. (December 21, 2011) ? Penske Racing announced today that Jeremy Bullins has been named crew chief of the No. 22 Discount Tire Dodge Challenger in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. Bullins makes the move from Richard Childress Racing where he most recently served as race engineer for the No. 29 car entry in...more»

Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica

iRacers Team-Up

Two iRacers — NASCAR Sprint Cup regular Joey Logano and NASCAR iRacing.com Pro Series/NASCAR iRacing.com Class C Series (fixed) championship leader (and former inRacingNews contributor) Jordan Hightower — teamed-up to provide Logano’s fans with some insights on the recent iRacing.com Pro Race of Champions . . . Oval The first of two events in the inaugural iRacing Pro Race of Champions took place under the lights at the digitally recreated Charlotte Motor Speedway driving the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Chevrolet Silverado for 25 laps. Joey Logano started his No. 20 truck from the 17th position and was quickly moving his way up through the field. He would race as high as 12th, but misfortune on lap seven took Logano?s chance at a good run away as he made contact [...]

Terrence Lee Labonte Randy Joseph Lajoie Kevin Paul Lepage William Ashton Lewis Jr Sterling Burton Marlin

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Best Buy Partners With Roush Fenway Racing

Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil Robert Allen Labonte

Best Buy Partners With Roush Fenway Racing

Minneapolis, Dec. 20, 2011 ? Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) today announced a new sponsorship deal for the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Season. Best Buy will serve as primary sponsor of the Matt Kenseth No. 17 Ford for nine races and Carl Edwards? No. 99 Ford for two races. In addition, Best Buy [...]

Jeffrey Michael Gordon Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick Virgil Ernest Irvan III

Zippy and Smoke Together again, Greg is new Competition Director at SHR

Greg Zipadelli Named Competition Director for Stewart-Haas Racing KANNAPOLIS, N.C., (Dec. 16, 2011) ? Greg Zipadelli, winner of two championships and 34 victories as a crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been named competition director at Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). He will work with Vice President of Competition Matt Borland and oversee the [...]

William Clyde Elliott Jeffrey Michael Gordon Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick

Audio: RTR ? Canadian Auto Racing News, Dec 19th, 2011

Race Time Radio Their mission�is to present to you the fan with the most up to date racing information for the Canadian racing scene. Where you can voice your opinions in the hot topics in racing. Live interviews with track promoters, drivers, travelling series, teams, and others that shape our sport. Race Time Radio – [...]

Joseph Francis Nemechek III Ryan Joseph Newman Kyle Eugene Petty Floyd Anthony Raines Scott Russell Riggs

Official: Chris Chapman named chief designer at Hyundai America tech center

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Chris ChapmanIn car design circles, the name Chapman may be inexorably tied to the famous Colin of Lotus fame, but these days the name is hoisted by another influential automotive designer. And he's just been poached by Hyundai.

A Southern California native, Christopher Chapman started out with Isuzu after graduating from the Art Center College of Design. But since 1994 he's been at BMW, working his way up the ladder until he was named its director of automotive design (in 2002) and all of the group's transportation design (in 2008). Along the way he's been credited with designing the X5, X3, Z4 and 1 Series, to say nothing of several concept cars.

In his new capacity at Hyundai, Chapman will serve as the Korean automaker's chief designer in America, overseeing and directing the styling of Hyundai's new production and concept vehicles from its facility in Irvine, California. Details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Chris Chapman named chief designer at Hyundai America tech center

Chris Chapman named chief designer at Hyundai America tech center originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Divina Galica David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss

Skoda retains Hanninen, Kopecky

Skoda will retain Juho Hanninen and Jan Kopecky in its factory team for the 2012 Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Both have driven for the team since it came into the IRC in 2009, with Hanninen taking the '10 championship and Kopecky finishing second in the standings for all three years. Skoda will also continue to provide factory-specification equipment for reigning champion Andreas Mikkelsen, who drives under the Skoda UK banner.

Travis Wade Kvapil Robert Allen Labonte Terrence Lee Labonte Randy Joseph Lajoie Kevin Paul Lepage

Q and A with Luis Perez-Sala

Conducted and provided by the HRT press office Q. You arrived at HRT in July as a sporting adviser and now you are the team principal, what are your feelings and how are you taking on this new task you are presented with? Luis Perez-Sala: This past July, the owners of HRT offered me the opportunity of advising them in this project they were embarking on and it felt an interesting challenge

Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle

Monday, December 26, 2011

Name That Shifter, No. 56

It’s Monday, and that means it’s time to present this week’s shifter. You’ll have until mid-day Wednesday to identify the make and model of the vehicle from whence this shifter came. The first person to respond correctly in the Backfires section below will win a Save the Manuals button and sticker. Good luck!

Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil Robert Allen Labonte

Busch gets new ride with Phoenix Racing

Scott Russell Riggs Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard

Official: Happy Holidays from Autoblog!

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1970 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400 by Fitz and Van

Like so many of you, we're spending the holidays with family and friends. Regardless, we've got a few posts scheduled for you the rest of today and tomorrow; the normal daily grind resumes on Tuesday. You'll be hard-pressed to find two better links to peruse and read in your downtime today, however, then the ones we're about to show you.

The most fun thing about the annual "Happy Holidays" post is finding a suitable lead image for it. Many readers will doubtless recognize the wintry scene above, depicting a 1970 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400, as the work of Art Fitzpatrick and Van Kaufman. The two (Mr. Kaufman painted the scenery and people, Mr. Fitzpatrick the cars) are best known for their Pontiac works - so excellent that for years, per John Delorean's orders, they were the only images authorized for use in Pontiac advertising (no photos allowed) - but their decades-long collaboration also produced images for other brands as well. Fitz and Van started collaborating in the 1950s on Mercury, then moved to General Motors to work on Buick, which led to the iconic Pontiac run, as well as similar works for Opel during Bob Lutz's tenure there in the 1970s. We remember reading somewhere that Lutz has one of the Fitz and Van originals for Opel hanging in his home.

Your mission today, between good times and great meals with friends and family, is to check out the page on Fitz & Van at PontiacsOnline.com, where you can scroll through most of the 285 works the pair created for the late, lamented performance division. From there, head to Art Fitzpatrick's homepage, for an excellent bio and more work examples, some that you'll recognize from recent years. We promise you'll be engrossed.

All of us at Autoblog wish you a happy and healthy holiday, whether you're celebrating a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, a Festivus (for the rest of us), or just sitting at home and enjoying some well-deserved down time. Have a wonderful holiday - and as always, please drive safely while you make the rounds today.

Happy Holidays from Autoblog! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Divina Galica David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss

Palmer switches to iSport for 2012

Jolyon Palmer will switch to iSport International for his second year of GP2 competition in 2012.

Mark Anthony Martin Jeremy Allan Mayfield James Christopher McMurray Casey James Mears Juan Pablo Montoya

Report: Abarth working up new sports car separate from Alfa 4C

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1968 Abarth Scorpione brochureHow many sports cars can one automotive group offer? Just ask the people at Volkswagen, whose various divisions - Lamborghini, Bugatti, Porsche, Audi - churn them out like you and I would write Christmas cards. (Or Hannukah cards, anyway.) And the Fiat group is right behind their German counterparts, with Ferrari and Maserati keeping the upper crust of the market satisfied, and now Alfa Romeo and Abarth filling a more accessible - but potentially no less exciting - niche.

Recently we brought you a progress update on the Alfa Romeo 4C, a concept mid-engine sports car that's now apparently been green-lit for production. In the ruminations of its potential roadworthiness, there was speculation that Abarth could get a version of its own. But those rumors have existed for longer than the 4C concept, and will now appear to outlast it as well.

According to the latest reports, Abarth is pitching a project that would see it develop its own sports car. But while the 4C would be priced similarly to a Porsche Boxster or Nissan 370Z, the Abarth would be positioned lower - maybe at the Mazda MX-5 or the new Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S/Toyota GT-86. It would also likely be front-drive, with between 200 and 250 horsepower, and draw its inspiration from the 1968 Abarth Scorpione pictured at right.

Whether it comes to fruition or not remains to be seen - not to mention its potential arrival in North America - but the prospect of another Italian sportscar isn't something we'd turn down.

Abarth working up new sports car separate from Alfa 4C originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Dec 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil Robert Allen Labonte

Verging on Immortal: The Chevy/GM Small-Block V-8 Strives to Last Forever (And We Help Build the 100 Millionth Example)

I had a bookend experience with the most mass-produced car engine in human history. In 1955, the year Chevrolet introduced its first modern V-8 engine, GM?s highest volume brand delivered 1.68 million cars. Since the V-8 cost only $100 or so more than the standard “stovebolt” six, my rough estimate figures that more than a [...]

Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr Carl Michael Edwards III William Clyde Elliott Jeffrey Michael Gordon Charles Robert Hamilton IV

HRT aware progress will take time

HRT's new team principal Luis Perez-Sala says making steady progress is the Spanish squad's main goal for the 2012 season, the former GP driver conceding it will be a transitional year. HRT has changed ownership this year and has moved its racing operation from Germany to Valencia in the hope of co-ordinating the team better. The outfit has also hired Pedro de la Rosa as its leading driver for the next two years

Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr

Sunday, December 25, 2011

INDYCAR: Top 10 Drivers Of 2011

Ranking the Top 10 Indy drivers for 2011? Piece of cake. Just copy the final point standings, right? Hell no.

Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr

Kurt picks up Cup ride and likely Nwide ride for 2012

Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki

Video: Who knew scooter racing could be so much fun?

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scooter racing

Scooter... racing? We've got to be kidding, right? Only we're not. Because if it's got wheels - or often even if it doesn't - it can be raced. So while you might think of motor scooters as little more than an easy, cheap, quick and (if we're being completely honest here) downright fun way of getting around town, you can pretty much be guaranteed that someone, somewhere will be racing them.

And that's just what we've found in the video after the jump, where a group of speed junkies set up an autocross circuit in a parking lot and went at it - complete with some of the least threatening crashes and spills you'll ever see in any form of motorsport. Check it out.

Continue reading Who knew scooter racing could be so much fun?

Who knew scooter racing could be so much fun? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Divina Galica David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss

Chevrolet: Malibu to Offer Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

During our brief drive in a mild-hybrid Malibu Eco prototype, Chevrolet told us that the car’s engine lineup would be comprised exclusively of four-cylinders, a move we considered questionable. Now, though, the company has confirmed that the car will get an optional turbocharged four-cylinder, which will take the V-6′s place in the lineup. Chevy isn’t [...]

Scott Russell Riggs Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard

Penske hires Allmendinger to drive No. 22 car

Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica David Carl Allison

NYPD Reportedly Lost Evidence Related to Crash That Killed Mathieu Lefevre

The attorney representing the family of Mathieu Lefevre has sent a letter to NYPD that raises serious questions about the investigation of the hit-and-run crash that took the 30-year-old artist’s life.
The parents of Mathieu Lefevre asked NYPD for answers at a rally outside 1 Police Plaza in October. Photo copyright Dmitry Gudkov
The five-page letter from [...]

Kyle Eugene Petty Floyd Anthony Raines Scott Russell Riggs Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani

McLaren will be ready for first test

McLaren will have its new car ready for the first test of 2012, after the team confirmed on Monday it will be launched on 1 February. With tougher crash test regulations in place for next year, allied to a two-week gap between the first and second test, it had been expected that a number of outfits could choose to delay the launch of their new cars to make the most of extra development time. However, McLaren's announcement that the MP4-27 will be ready for the opening test at Jerez, which takes place from February 7-9, means the team follows Ferrari and Red Bull Racing in opting to get running as early as possible.

Randy Joseph Lajoie Kevin Paul Lepage William Ashton Lewis Jr Sterling Burton Marlin Mark Anthony Martin

Name That Exhaust Note, Episode 118: 2012 Chrysler 300C

On Tuesday, we posted an audio recording of a mystery car?s exhaust note. We also threw in the incentive of a Save the Manuals prize pack for the first commenter to identify this week?s sound. To hear it again, click play above. A lot of you guessed that the exhaust note came from a Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge [...]

Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica David Carl Allison

Hirvonen in emotional M-Sport farewell

World Rally Championship runner-up Mikko Hirvonen has talked of an emotional visit to M-Sport earlier this week, when he went to say goodbye to his former team. Hirvonen flew to Britain earlier this week to pay tribute to the Ford and M-Sport, with whom he finished runner-up to Sebastien Loeb in this year's championship. The Finn subsequently announced he would be joining his long-term rival at Citroen, and has already tested the DS3 WRC which he will drive from next month onwards.

William Clyde Elliott Jeffrey Michael Gordon Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Saab Is Actually Dead This Time, To Be Sold Off in Pieces

Saab is actually, finally finished. The company filed for bankruptcy in Sweden today?and not the kind that American Airlines currently is using to reorganize and shed some debt. Essentially the Swedish equivalent of what we call Chapter 7 in the U.S., Saab’s filing� means that the company will be liquidated so that its creditors get [...]

Casey James Mears Juan Pablo Montoya Joseph Francis Nemechek III Ryan Joseph Newman Kyle Eugene Petty

Paddon switches to S2000 for 2012

Reigning Production Car World Rally Champion Hayden Paddon will switch to the Super 2000 WRC for next season. The New Zealander confirmed on Tuesday that he will drive a Skoda Fabia S2000 run by Spanish team ASM Motorsport

Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr

F1: Top 10 Drivers Of 2011

German Sebastian Vettel was the best driver of 2011 by a landslide...

Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne

Busch gets new ride with Phoenix Racing

Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt

Report: A123 confirms Fisker Karma batteries could have cooling problem

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2012 Fisker Karma

Battery maker A123 has announced that batteries it supplied to Fisker Automotive for its Karma range-extended luxury sedan might have "misaligned" hose clamps for the cooling system, which could cause coolant to leak. Unabated, A123 admits the leak could cause an electrical short-circuit.

According to Bloomberg-BusinessWeek, the company has a fix for the issue, and luckily the issue was discovered when there are no more than 50 Karmas needing the repair. A123 provides batteries to several other OEMs, but only Fisker's batch appears to suffer from the cooling issue.

A123 confirms Fisker Karma batteries could have cooling problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Dec 2011 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr Carl Michael Edwards III William Clyde Elliott Jeffrey Michael Gordon

Osborn, Engelhart Set Sail at SoBo

While Herb Engelhart will go down in the record books as the overall winner from Round Six of the NASCAR iRacing .comTour Modifed Series (NiTMS) at South Boston Speedway, it was Brett Osborn who made one of the biggest statements of the week. Osborn took one of the top two online races of the week, which set the tone when it comes to the weekly standings at the Virginia track. Osborn?s win came in Thursday’s 3102 Strength of Field (SoF) race in which he led 47 of 120 laps at the famed Virginia short track. David Colley was second, followed by Rick Webster, Donny Moore and Thomas Zinninger. Six cautions slowed the race while three leaders swapped the lead twice and front row starters Jerold John (one lap) and Jamie [...]

Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil Robert Allen Labonte Terrence Lee Labonte Randy Joseph Lajoie

Friday, December 23, 2011

Acura RL Replacement Coming in April, TL or TSX To Get Axed

Acura’s replacement for the aged RL will greet the public in April at the New York auto show. The model is desperately needed for the brand, which has struggled on the periphery of the luxury world since its birth as the first upscale Japanese nameplate 25 years ago. The next flagship sedan?the company’s trepidation at [...]

James Christopher McMurray Casey James Mears Juan Pablo Montoya Joseph Francis Nemechek III Ryan Joseph Newman

Final Jeopardy: BMW M3 vs. Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Remember when that pasty software engineer from Utah kept winning on Jeopardy!? His name is Ken Jennings, and he won 74 times in a row before ignominiously losing to a real-estate agent from Ventura, California. Jennings was smug and a bit annoying. But love him or hate him, he was shockingly good and seemingly genetically [...]

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Video: Volkswagen brings six generations of GTIs to the track

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Six generations of Volkswagen GTI

The Volkswagen Golf and its GTI hot-hatch twin might only be six generations old, but the hatchback meant to replace the Beetle is more than 35 years old. That makes it one of the dwindling members of the old-growth forest of car models, standing in the shade of holdouts like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Ford Mustang.

To celebrate its 35th year in the UK, the limey VW reps put all six generations together and ran them around a track. Fair warning, it's short and they didn't wring them out so don't expect the sound and the fury, but if nothing else perhaps a glimpse of that Mk II will inspire stories that begin with "So this one time at band camp..." Follow the jump for the action.

Continue reading Volkswagen brings six generations of GTIs to the track

Volkswagen brings six generations of GTIs to the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jason Ratcliff new crew chief for #20 Cup Series Car at Joe Gibbs Racing

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (December 16, 2011) ? Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) announces today that Jason Ratcliff has been named crew chief for its No. 20 Sprint Cup Series team, replacing Greg Zipadelli who is leaving the organization to pursue an opportunity with Stewart-Haas Racing. ?We appreciate everything Greg has done for us here at Joe Gibbs [...]

Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil Robert Allen Labonte

Miller Magic at New Hampshire

Defending NASCAR iRacing.com Class C Series (NiCCS) Champion Ashley Miller showcased his talent once again in the series by taking the overall win during Week Six of the 2011 Season Four season at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Miller?s victory in the 3012 Sterngth of Field (SoF) race on Tuesday put him over the top for Round Six with 188 points. Seven cautions slowed the 90-lap event for 25 laps and Miller showed his strength by leading 55 laps in the event. Second place belonged to Alan Jones while pole-sitter Heath Hindman, Roger Wagner and Phil Brown completed the top five. Runner-up in the Granite State belonged to Greg Evans based on his performance in the top split race of the week. The online race, which tipped the scales at [...]

Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne

Al Hameli Wins; Qatar Team Crash Gives Carella World Title!

F1 H2O / F1 Powerboat News SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates - Friday, December 16, 2011 What was expected to be a 37-lap battle for the 2011 UIM F1 H2O World Championship at the 13th Grand Prix of Sharjah ended three...

Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil Robert Allen Labonte Terrence Lee Labonte

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz E400 Hybrid Joins Diesel in U.S. Lineup ? Car News

Facing hybrid mid-sizers from every major competitor, Mercedes-Benz gets on board. Mercedes-Benz must like variety. It refuses to adhere to a single way of building fuel-efficient cars. The M- and S-class have both offered buyers a choice of hybrid and diesel powertrains, and now the company is taking that approach with the E-class as well. [...]

Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica David Carl Allison

Blake Koch 23rd In Season Finale; Reed Sorenson 25th For MacDonald Motorsports At Homestead-Miami Speedway

MacDonald Motorsports Thumbnail(HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA) November 21, 2011 ? After 10 months and 34 races, the NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year came down to one weekend in South Florida. As it was the entire season, the race proved to be a battle for Blake Koch with fellow rookie contender, Timmy Hill. Blake?s Daystar.com No....more»

Mark Anthony Martin Jeremy Allan Mayfield James Christopher McMurray Casey James Mears Juan Pablo Montoya

Danny Efland Graduates as an Engineer!

Danny EflandNASCAR Nationwide driver Danny Efland earned his engineering degree on Monday from the University of South Carolina. Now Ryan Newman is not the only engineer/driver in NASCAR! “It has been a real challenge,” said Danny, “I have raced an average of 10 times a year and still attended school full time. At times I...more»

Michael Duane Bliss Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Faith on the Frontstretch: 'Tis the Season for Anticipation

Ryan Joseph Newman Kyle Eugene Petty Floyd Anthony Raines Scott Russell Riggs Hiroshi Fushida

GP drivers join new i1 Supercar series

Former grand prix drivers Jacques Villeneuve and Giancarlo Fisichella have joined the new i1 Supercar Series. The championship will use Radical SR3 cars for its inaugural season, which will visit the Buddh International circuit in India, the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, the Losail circuit in Qatar, Sepang in Malaysia and Sakhir in Bahrain. Villeneuve and Fisichella will be joined by former and current GP drivers like Jean Alesi, Tonio Liuzzi, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Karun Chandhok and Mika Salo, according to Indian media.

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Dover NiPS Gallery

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Official: New Kia Ray is Korea's first production EV

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Kia Ray EV

Kia has unveiled the automaker's very first production electric vehicle. The Kia Ray EV will offer buyers a range of around 86 miles depending on driving conditions and will include a fast-charge option that should top off the cells in around 25 minutes. Otherwise, expect the 16.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack to take around six hours to charge on a 220-volt circuit. A 50 kW electric motor provides power to the front wheels, which is good enough to get the EV to 62 mph in 15.9 seconds. That may seems slow by most standards, but its worth noting that the internal combustion Ray with its 1.0-liter gas engine makes due with significantly less torque.

Kia says that Ray EV boasts 123 pound-feet of torque, which is 77 percent more than the 1.0-liter machine. The boxy EV also uses a new type of regenerative braking system in which the electric motor generates boost for the hydraulic brake assist - just like on an internal combustion vehicle. The automaker says that the result is a linear brake that still manages to recuperate energy that would otherwise be lost during deceleration. As wonky brake feel is one of our chief sticking points with all EVs, this comes as welcome news.

Kia will manufacture 2,500 Ray EVs for government agency use in Korea, so don't expect to be able to get your hands on one anytime soon. Click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading New Kia Ray is Korea's first production EV

New Kia Ray is Korea's first production EV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss Kurt Thomas Busch

McLean Tops Intel GT Series Round 2

Round 2 of the Intel GT Series saw Luke McLean (Aus/NZ) emerge as the overall winner in the week-long competition to qualify for the Africa/Asia/Australia Regional Finals. McLean came out on top of nearly 200 iRacers during the week of online racing featuring the HPD-ARX01C at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. For his efforts, McLean wins an Intel Core i5 Processor and Motherboard, along with $50 of iRacing credit. Along with the other 19 top finishers in Round 2 of the Intel GT Series, McLean now moves on to the Regional Finals, which has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 7, 2011 at 9pm AEST (11:00 GMT).�� The 20 finalists will compete in a single 30 minute race at Spa in their HPD-AR01Cs, with the top eight finishers qualifying for the Intel GT [...]

Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica David Carl Allison

By the Numbers: Excitement from start to finish in Truck Series (NASCAR.com)

By the Numbers: Excitement from start to finish in Truck Series

William Ashton Lewis Jr Sterling Burton Marlin Mark Anthony Martin Jeremy Allan Mayfield James Christopher McMurray

Vergne: Ricciardo will have early edge

Jean-Eric Vergne has conceded that Scuderia Toro Rosso team-mate Daniel Ricciardo may have the edge on him at the start of next year, but hopes he can develop quickly to catch him up. The Frenchman has been handed his Formula 1 chance by Toro Rosso, after the outfit announced on Wednesday that it was dropping Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastian Buemi.

James Christopher McMurray Casey James Mears Juan Pablo Montoya Joseph Francis Nemechek III Ryan Joseph Newman

VIR iPSRR Gallery

Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt

NASCAR digital media outlets to grow

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Zippy and Smoke Together again, Greg is new Competition Director at SHR

Greg Zipadelli Named Competition Director for Stewart-Haas Racing KANNAPOLIS, N.C., (Dec. 16, 2011) ? Greg Zipadelli, winner of two championships and 34 victories as a crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, has been named competition director at Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). He will work with Vice President of Competition Matt Borland and oversee the [...]

Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne

Allmendinger to replace Busch at Penske

Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt

Dodge, Penske Racing Partnership Produces Results

Dodge MotorsportsDodge Motorsports and Penske Racing proved one thing during the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season: teamwork, determination and commitment produced exceptional results. Penske?s two Dodge-powered drivers, Brad Keselowski and Kurt Busch, qualified for the Chase for the Sprint Cup. Only Chevrolet had more teams represented in NASCAR?s version of the playoffs. Penske Racing...more»

Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica

Alonso welcomes Raikkonen?s return

Fernando Alonso says he is delighted he will share the track with Kimi Raikkonen next year, following the Finn's return to Formula 1 with Lotus. Raikkonen, who left the sport at the end of 2009, has secured a two-year deal with Lotus Renault to return to grand prix racing in 2012. Alonso believes the Finn's comeback is good news for the sport

Scott Russell Riggs Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard

Engine firms relaxed about DW12

IndyCar engine manufacturers believe that the series will not suffer if the new DW12 chassis initially proves to be slower than expected on ovals. Championship officials have long been optimistic that the new chassis will outperform its predecessor at tracks such as Indianapolis, although this has not been borne out in initial testing

David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton

Kellogg Company Returns as a Primary Sponsor of Carl Edwards? No. 99 Ford

Carl Edwards with Crew Chief Bob Osborne - Photo Credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesCONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 15, 2011) ? Roush Fenway Racing and Kellogg Company have announced the multi-year extension of their NASCAR partnership. Kellogg will serve as a primary sponsor of the No. 99 Ford for four Sprint Cup races in 2012, teaming its famed...more»

Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard Divina Galica David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle

De la Rosa: HRT move not a step back

Pedro de la Rosa says moving to the HRT team is not a step back, although he concedes it will be a huge challenge getting the Spanish squad closer to the midfield. De la Rosa, who has McLaren's reserve driver, will return to racing next year after securing a two-year contract with HRT

Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt

Kellogg Company Returns as a Primary Sponsor of Carl Edwards? No. 99 Ford

Carl Edwards with Crew Chief Bob Osborne - Photo Credit: Sam Greenwood/Getty ImagesCONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 15, 2011) ? Roush Fenway Racing and Kellogg Company have announced the multi-year extension of their NASCAR partnership. Kellogg will serve as a primary sponsor of the No. 99 Ford for four Sprint Cup races in 2012, teaming its famed...more»

Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki

BRANDT Returns To Turner Motorsports As Primary Sponsor For Justin Allgaier In 2012

No. 31 BRANDT Chevrolet Impala (Justin Allgaier) - Photo Credit: Chris Graythen / Getty Images for NASCARMOORESVILLE, N.C. (December 14, 2011) - Turner Motorsports announced today that BRANDT is returning to the multi-car team as primary sponsor of the No. 31 Chevrolet driven by championship contender Justin Allgaier. Allgaier finished the 2011 season third in...more»

Kyle Eugene Petty Floyd Anthony Raines Scott Russell Riggs Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented By Sprint Features Appearances By 2011 Champions

NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by SprintStewart, Stenhouse Jr., Dillon To Sign Autographs At Inaugural Fan Festival In January DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. (Nov. 29, 2011) ? With the completion of the 2011 NASCAR season, planning for the NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint season preview fan event is in high gear. Driver appearances by the newly...more»

Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki

Ecclestone doubts US will embrace F1

Bernie Ecclestone doubts that Formula 1 will become a big success in America even with two grands prix in the nation from 2013. The world championship returns to the United States next year after a four-season absence, racing at a new purpose-built course in Austin, Texas, where construction was recently restarted after financial and organisational issues

Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch

Zipadelli moves to Stewart?s team

Tony Stewart's former crew chief Greg Zipadelli has been appointed as competition director at Stewart-Haas Racing. Zipadelli joins Stewart's team from Joe Gibbs Racing, where he stayed after his driver left to set up his own outfit for the 2009 season. In his new role Zipadelli will oversee the cars of Stewart and Ryan Newman, as well as building up a third crew for Danica Patrick's part-time NASCAR Sprint Cup schedule.

Ryan Joseph Newman Kyle Eugene Petty Floyd Anthony Raines Scott Russell Riggs Hiroshi Fushida

Boullier: Driver strategy shows ambition

Lotus Renault boss Eric Boullier says the team's decision not to hire a pay driver shows its ambition to return to the sharp end of the grid. The team has signed Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean for 2012, the Frenchman replacing Vitaly Petrov, who was believed to have significant financial backing. Boullier says having signed two drivers that will not bring big financial support to the team is a strategy aimed at building a better future for the outfit

Ralph Dale Earnhardt Jr Carl Michael Edwards III William Clyde Elliott Jeffrey Michael Gordon Charles Robert Hamilton IV

Alonso welcomes Raikkonen?s return

Fernando Alonso says he is delighted he will share the track with Kimi Raikkonen next year, following the Finn's return to Formula 1 with Lotus. Raikkonen, who left the sport at the end of 2009, has secured a two-year deal with Lotus Renault to return to grand prix racing in 2012. Alonso believes the Finn's comeback is good news for the sport

Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil

Sahara Force India confirms Paul Di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg for 2012

Sahara Force India Formula One Team Friday, 16 Dec 2011 Sahara Force India Formula One Team today confirmed that Paul Di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg will form its line-up for the 2012 season....

Jeremy Allan Mayfield James Christopher McMurray Casey James Mears Juan Pablo Montoya Joseph Francis Nemechek III

Video: The Incredible Hulk drives... a Toyota Yaris?

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Toyota Marvel What The?

As children of the '80s, we remember Marvel's What The-? series of comic books with fond memories. More recently, it appears the series has migrated to video on YouTube. Either way, playing parodies with Marvel's most beloved characters makes for a romping good time, and Toyota has decided to buddy-up with the comic producer to help sell the Yaris.

The first episode of the Marvel/Toyota universe features one Dr. Bruce Banner, also known as The Incredible Hulk. After a brief cameo by Red Hulk, Mr. Banner hooks up with Dr. Strange and the two of them go on a road trip. In a Toyota Yaris, of course...

Along the way, they happen upon The Punisher, and add a third wheel to their roving band of superheroes. Oh, and they decided to head for Cleveland, Ohio, which has become amazing. Trust us when we tell you it's all rather humorous. Click past the break to watch The Incredible Drive, Part 1.

Continue reading The Incredible Hulk drives... a Toyota Yaris?

The Incredible Hulk drives... a Toyota Yaris? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr