2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview

Yas Marina Circuit facts & stats

The ultra-modern Yas Marina circuit hosts round 18 of the 2012 world championship. The track is located on a man-made island on the eastern side of Abu Dhabi and it's one of five anti-clockwise venues on this year's calendar. It has several unique features: the pit garages are air-conditioned, the pitlane exits through a tunnel under the track and it has the largest permanent lighting system in the world.

The 5.6km track weaves its way around a man-made marina and has three distinct sectors, each putting different demands on the car. Two high-speed corners start the lap; there are then two very long straights in the middle section and the last sector is tight and twisty. Such variety makes car set-up a compromise between high-speed balance, straight-line speed, good traction and braking stability.

The track surface is made from granite imported from the United Kingdom, and it's relatively high-grip and hard wearing. Pirelli will take their Soft and Medium tyre compounds to the race and they expect to see a mix of one and two-stop strategies.

Lewis won last year's race, while Jenson has finished on the podium in every grand prix staged at Yas Marina. After their fourth and fifth places in India last weekend, they're hoping for a return to the podium on Sunday.

Race distance 55 laps (189.747 miles/305.355km)

Start time 17:00 (local)/1300 GMT

Circuit length 3.451 miles/5.554km

2011 winner Lewis Hamilton (Vodafone McLaren Mercedes) 55 laps in 1hr37m11.886s (188.494km/h)

2011 pole Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing) 1m38.481s (203.027km/h)

Lap record Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull RB5) 1m40.279s (199.387km/h)

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Wins 1 (2011)

Poles 1 (2009)

Fastest Laps 1 (2010)

Car 3: Jenson Button

Age 32 (January 19 1980)

GPs 225

Wins 14

Poles 8

FLs 8

2012 points 141 (6th)

Abu Dhabi record 2011 Q3 R3; 2010 Q4 R3; 2009 Q5 R3

"I'm really looking forward to this race weekend. I've always gone well around this track - I had a great battle with Mark Webber in 2009, and finished third, and Lewis and I have been on the podium together at the last two races.

"I think this will be another closely matched race: India showed us that the gap between the top three teams is extremely close at the moment, so I wouldn't like to predict the exact pecking order. As in the last few races, I think Red Bull will go into the weekend with a slight advantage, but I'm confident that, with a clear run through practice, we can be right up there too.

"One of the most satisfying aspects of the Indian Grand Prix was that we could battle cleanly at the front - that was fantastic. While it'll be quite tough to overtake around here - even with DRS - I'm hopeful that we can have another great battle, which would be fantastic for the fans."

Car 4: Lewis Hamilton

Age 27 (January 7 1985)

GPs 107

Wins 20

Poles 24

FLs 11

2012 points 165 (5th)

Abu Dhabi record 2011 Q2 R1; 2010 Q2 R2; 2009 Q1 R-

"The facilities in Abu Dhabi are absolutely fantastic - probably the best of any circuit in the world. I've always enjoyed the Yas Marina circuit - I took pole here in 2009 and led until my retirement, finished second in 2010 and won it last year - that's a pretty good record.

"It's a track where you can really push the car, which is what I most enjoy. There are a wide variety of corners - I love the fast sweeps in the first sector - and it's incredibly satisfying to hook together a good sector through the tricky marina section of the lap. Good mechanical balance makes all the difference here because you're always changing direction.

"This has also been a place where Red Bull have traditionally gone well, but our race pace was very strong throughout the race in New Delhi. I really enjoyed that race India - fourth place may have been little reward for 60 laps of flat-out effort, but I couldn't have gone any faster.

"I feel confident that we can pull together a strong race weekend in Abu Dhabi."

Martin Whitmarsh

Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes

"Another race just a week after the last gives us the perfect opportunity to maintain the positive momentum we gathered during Sunday's grand prix in India. Both Jenson and Lewis drove their hearts out, and, although we weren't able to match the Red Bulls in qualifying, their pace on Sunday afternoon, particularly during the second half of the race, was impressively strong.

"The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team has always gone well in Abu Dhabi - Lewis set a stunning pole at the first-ever grand prix in 2009 and led until his retirement; the last time, in fact, that we failed to get two cars home in the points. Additionally, in 2010, both Jenson and Lewis finished on the podium, while Lewis finally delivered on two years' promise by winning spectacularly last year.

"It's a circuit that both drivers enjoy, and which plays to our cars' strengths, so I feel confident that we'll have a strong race weekend."

The Yas Marina circuit is an interesting challenge for the teams and drivers. Here's how Vodafone McLaren Mercedes defined three days in the short history of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

November 01 2009

Lewis is in brilliant form. He takes pole position by a massive 0.6s and beats Sebastian Vettel into Turn 1 at the start of the race. But his progress soon begins to falter, due to a rear brake problem on his MP4-24. He keeps Vettel at bay until his first pitstop on lap 17 but retires soon afterwards.

November 14 2010

To win the four-way world title showdown, Lewis needs to win and his rivals have to falter. He drags the maximum out of his MP4-25 all weekend: he qualifies second, just 0.031s behind pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel, and he finishes the race second. Vettel is champion. Jenson's third place secures McLaren's second position in the Constructors' Championship.

November 13 2011

Lewis lines up second on the grid, but there's no stopping him in the race. Pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel retires with a puncture on the opening lap and Lewis disappears into the distance. He comes home eight seconds ahead of Fernando Alonso. Jenson is third in the second MP4-26.

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2012/10/2012_abu_dhabi_grand_prix.php

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

Texas Motor Speedway offers exclusive Cyber Monday deal: FREE PIT PASS package

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2012/11/texas-motor-speedway-offers-exclusive.html

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

January memorial for Sid Watkins

A memorial service to remember the late Professor Sid Watkins will take place in London in January.

Watkins, who was the long-serving Formula 1 medical delegate, passed away in September at the age of 84.

His family has now announced that a memorial service will be held at Marylebone Parish Church, 17 Marylebone Road in London at 11.30am on January 18.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who brought Watkins in to F1 in 1978, claimed after his death that he was ‘irreplaceable’.

“You only meet somebody of his calibre once in your lifetime,” Ecclestone said.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/january-memorial-for-sid-watkins

Jean Marc Gounon Emmanuel de Graffenried Lucas di Grassi Cecil Green Keith Greene

Earnhardt Jr. voted most popular driver for 10th time

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/11/29/2515075/earnhardt-jr-voted-most-popular.html

Jimmy Jackson Joe James John James Jean Pierre Jarier Max Jean

Horner: Hamilton exit weakens McLaren

McLaren will be less of a championship threat after Lewis Hamilton’s exit, reckons Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

Hamilton’s departure for Mercedes in 2013 means Jenson Button will be joined at McLaren by Sergio Perez, who has scored three podiums with Sauber but is yet to challenge at the front consistently or win a race.

Along with Ferrari, McLaren has been Red Bull’s main opposition through the Milton Keynes squad’s three-season Formula 1 title run.

But Horner believes the loss of Hamilton will significantly hamper McLaren.

“I think McLaren is a weaker team without Lewis,” said Horner. “I think McLaren would admit that.

“Lewis is an outstanding driver and in Lewis and Jenson they had a hugely strong driver line-up.”

He added that he would not discount McLaren even with its new driver pairing.

“McLaren have had a great car this year and who’s to say they won’t have an even better one next year,” Horner said.

But he also believes Mercedes is set to be a greater force with Hamilton onboard.

“Whichever team had taken Lewis, he would be an asset,” said Horner.

“I’m sure he will naturally add performance to Mercedes next year.”

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/horner-hamilton-exit-weakens-mclaren

Sam Hanks Walt Hansgen Mike Harris Cuth Harrison Brian Hart

2014 Acura RLX: Still Not Quite a Legend [2012 L.A. Auto Show]

Acura’s first flagship, the aptly named Legend of the late 1980s, was highly regarded among auto critics, and sold briskly enough to successfully launch Japan’s first luxury-car division. But as competitors multiplied and Acura began to soften its performance edge, then piled on more luxury trappings, the Legend began to lose its chutzpah. A brand-wide switch to two-letter model names a few years later helped turn the memorable Legend into the forgettable RL. Acura has been trying to get its flagship mojo and legions of buyers back ever since. READ MORE ››

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/Xx5-LbtGf_8/2014-acura-rlx-photos-and-info-news

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

Piquet Jr to make Daytona debut

Nelson Piquet Jr will make his Daytona 24 Hours next year after signing with Action Express Racing.

The 27-year-old Brazilian has spent the season competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck series, where he finished seventh in the championship with two victories to his credit.

In March he claimed his first NASCAR win in the K&N East Series, while in June he also made his Grand-Am debut at Road America at the wheel of a Mazda MX-5.

Alongside compatriot Felipe Nasr, Action Express has also signed up full-time drivers Joao Barbosa and Christian Fittipaldi, Le Mans 24 Hour winner Mike Rockenfeller and Brian and Burt Friselle.

Rockenfeller and Barbosa were part of the team’s 2010 winning line-up.

Team manager Gary Nelson said driver line-ups will be finalised after the Daytona ‘Roar before the 24′ event.

“After the Roar, AXR will finalise its driver and car assignments, as it works to produce the best chemistry among it’s two cars for the best overall results, an advantage other teams do not have,” he confirmed.

This year’s Roar event runs at Daytona on 6-8 January.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/piquet-jr-to-make-daytona-debut

Innes Ireland Eddie Irvine Chris Irwin Jean Pierre Jabouille Jimmy Jackson

HAYDEN INJURED IN TRAINING ACCIDENT

DUCATI
HAYDEN INJURED IN TRAINING ACCIDENT
Thursday Dec 29 2011

Nicky Hayden's winter vacation was marred on Tuesday, December 27, when he broke his left scapula and fractured two ribs while training near his home in Owensboro, Kentucky. Hayden was training at a private indoor flat track facility, riding a motorcycle for the first time since breaking his scaphoid at the Valencia Grand Prix on November 6. He underwent an X-ray and CAT scan on the same day he was injured, and he has since undergone an MRI. At the moment, there are no plans for surgery, but Hayden will have the scapula reassessed next week by Dr. Arthur Ting in Fremont, California, to see how his fracture is progressing. According to the healing process, the next few weeks will determine whether Hayden will take part in the first winter test session of 2012, which will begin on January 31 in Sepang, Malaysia.

"Obviously, injuries are never good," Hayden said, "but it's part of motorcycle racing. Just like at Valencia, it was kind of a freak accident. I was starting to train again, like I normally do during the winter, at a private track near my house. I came up behind another rider, and he went to move out of the way. I wasn't going that fast, but he clipped my front wheel and I went down and landed pretty hard on my left shoulder, and that was it. It's disappointing, but there's nothing to do about it but heal quickly. Anyway, this doesn't change my expectations for 2012 which, fortunately, is just around the corner."

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/12/hayden_injured_in_trainin.php

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

5 Questions After: Homestead-Miami Speedway

Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2012/11/5-questions-after-homestead-miami.html

Walt Hansgen Mike Harris Cuth Harrison Brian Hart Gene Hartley

Chevy Gives Gran Turismo 5 Players Chance at Driving a 2014 Corvette C7—Virtually [2012 L.A. Auto Show]

Chevrolet prides itself on its ability to keep each new generation of the Corvette a near-total mystery until it is revealed. For the most part, the company is successful—we’ve only spied well-covered 2014 Corvette C7 test mules, and background info on the car is hard to come by. (We do know a little bit about the latest Vette’s new-generation small-block V-8.) This reality makes Chevy’s collaboration with the folks behind the Gran Turismo 5 video game to offer a 2014 C7 Corvette prototype in the game all the more fascinating. Players now can download a camouflaged Corvette test mule and drive it on any track they like, well before the real deal makes its debut in January.

Besides giving enthusiasts a rare, virtual first look at a hotly anticipated new sports car, Chevrolet’s participation with Polyphony Digital, the outfit behind GT5, further raises the next-gen Vette’s profile. We also dig how the in-game C7 is fully decked out with a heavy layer of complex camouflage, just like the real prototypes we’ve caught testing in the wild. Chevy says the digital C7 even features realistically unfinished driving dynamics. That said, the game doesn’t give players the finalized 2014 Corvette experience—Chevrolet is clear that the in-game car merely approximates “specific driving characteristics that are currently being tuned and refined ahead of the vehicle’s official debut in January.”

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• Comparison Test: 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 vs. Porsche 911 Carrera S, 2013 Nissan GT-R
• Instrumented Test: 2013 Chevrolet Corvette 427 Convertible
• Instrumented Test: 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Convertible

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The Corvette may be wearing a layer of cover-up for its Gran Turismo 5 appearance, but Chevy’s work to keep the car’s detailing as secret as possible may actually have been undone slightly by Polyphony’s digitization. That’s because the Vette in the game is pretty clearly rendered, as opposed to the at-times blurry spy photos of its real-life counterparts that we’ve seen. Assuming the digital car is as realistically recreated as the rest of the rides in GT5, this is perhaps our best look yet at the next-gen Corvette.

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/NcCOthYs6hc/

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

Margaret Chin and 1,000 Citizens Ask NYPD to Investigate Pedestrian Death

Council Member Margaret Chin’s office has joined those calling for a full investigation into the death of Kwok Fu, the 82-year-old man who was struck by the driver of  a National Guard truck on Canal Street.

Following an email exchange with Streetsblog, Margaret Chin's office has pledged to ask NYPD to "fully investigate" the death of Kwok Fu.

A convoy of National Guard trucks was on its way to the Javits Center to pick up Sandy relief supplies on the afternoon of November 6 when Fu was killed as he attempted to cross Canal at Centre Street. Witnesses said convoy truck drivers did not slow down and gave no warning before running a series of red lights on Canal.

National Guard spokesperson Eric Durr told Streetsblog that the convoy was trailing a police escort. No published accounts of the crash made mention of an escort, and a man who had to step out of the way of the convoy, and who witnessed the collision, told Streetsblog he did not see one.

Durr claims that the National Guard is not investigating the crash, and referred our questions to NYPD, which in characteristic fashion has ignored our query.

After Streetsblog informed a Chin spokesperson that the National Guard has taken no responsibility and that police aren’t talking, the spokesperson said she would contact NYPD ”and urge them to fully investigate this incident.”

The National Guard’s refusal to own up to its role and NYPD’s eternal silence are indicative of how city traffic fatalities are handled as a matter of course. This is not lost on the 1,000-plus who have signed an online petition calling for a full investigation into Fu’s death.

That a City Council member would have to ask Ray Kelly’s NYPD to investigate a fatality is a telling indicator of the state of New York City traffic enforcement. Worse still, considering that police have not responded to Dan Garodnick, who made a similar request concerning the crash that killed Upper East Side pedestrian Rubin Baum, it’s not known what if anything such pleas accomplish.

To prod NYPD to take action to ensure justice for Kwok Fu, to help prevent the next traffic fatality, and to hold NYPD accountable for slapdash crash investigations and loosen the department’s grip on crash information, the council will have to act as a body. A first step would be passage of the Crash Investigation Reform Act, which would bring the formation of a multi-agency task force charged with assessing NYPD crash investigation practices and recommending reforms. The package of bills has gone nowhere in the four months since it was introduced.

The office of Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, who is up for reelection in 2013, does not comment on vehicular crimes.

Source: http://www.streetsblog.org/2012/11/28/margaret-chin-and-1000-citizens-ask-nypd-to-investigate-pedestrian-death/

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

Sebastian Vettel on his third title

Sebastian Vettel celebrated his third consecutive world championship in the pitlane with his team, then on the start/finish straight with the fans at Interlagos.

The German eventually made his way to face the world’s media in his own press conference, which was hastily-arranged as he was not one of the top three finishers.

AUTOSPORT was there to hear Vettel’s thoughts on winning another world championship.

Q. Has your achievement sunk in yet?

Sebastian Vettel: No. I haven’t had any time for myself really yet, it is very difficult to find the right words especially after the race today – what could go wrong went wrong. But we always kept believing, instead of getting angry or frustrated, imagine you are the wrong way around at Turn 4; it looked like I had a lot of cars coming then I went off brake as everyone went in my direction so to join them I tried to go down hill and avoid cars going backwards.

We kept car damage to the limit, we saw in dry conditions the pace was not there and we were slow down straight which made it easy for others to pass us and difficult for us to pass someone. Then we then lost the radio, did a pit stop at the wrong time, got dry tyres then it rained, then the inters were not ready as I didn’t have radio, then we got caught up in the wet conditions.

Fortunately the pace was there – you could make up for the loss of car pace by driving different lines and doing something different to others, then to limp home under safety car – obviously at that moment I didn’t know if it was enough. I was told a couple of laps before it was fine then I saw the crash of Nico [Hulkenberg]/[Lewis] Hamilton and I knew Fernando was ahead and I know they were ahead of him so I didn’t know, then to get told was unbelievable but the guys couldn’t hear my answer as the radio was broken.

I am still full of adrenaline, it was an incredible race today, harder for us, not just the others, the circumstances with the damage on the car, losing radio in these conditions when communications is so crucial, stopping early, not having tyres ready. You guys had your show and we had to really fight until the end.

Q. What does it mean to be the youngest triple world champion?

SV: It is difficult to find the right words. I think there are two guys who have done that before, obviously you need be in the right place at the right time, but I also believe that you can create your own luck and work for what is coming up. I think one of the great things about F1 is that you can compare your time, your era to 10/20/30/40 years ago.

Times have changed but they will keep changing because that is what we do, if you look around world there are lots of things that have changes around the world, in everyday life…I don’t know what to say.

We are in Sao Paulo here, where Ayrton Senna was born and came from and the place where he was buried and to come here and win for the third time the championship I don’t really know what to say.

I have to say a big thanks to everyone in the team – for you this sounds like a standard phrase and sometimes we get criticised for bringing out standard phrases, I feel like one of the guys at the team. I don’t feel more important or less important and I drive the car. What we achieved today was what we have been working for since I joined the team; it is a massive amount of work getting done through the whole year.

Tomorrow the season is over and the guys are flat out on the RB9 and next year. You cannot afford to lift and obviously I think I am in a very, very fortunate position compared to many guys in the team but you don’t do this job – there might be some, but all the guys in the garage and I know in the factory – you don’t do this job because you care what is written on cheque at the end of the month, you do this job because you love motorsport, F1.

I said to the guys yesterday, am I nervous? I said yes, otherwise what I am doing here. If not why I am here? I am nervous every time so we are in groove, when lights go off we are sharp and we are there. Today we had many occasions where you need to be present otherwise it goes wrong.

We were present all the time, we remained ourselves through the whole year – even if people did some things that we would never consider to do – it is not in our hands to write and comment so much – we have to make sure we do our own homework.

I said many times, sometimes people scream for Alonso, Rosberg, Schumacher – that is not the point, you are one of them and it is a privilege to race in front of a huge crowd. And having the chance we have had today makes it more enjoyable, many times in these kind of situations, it is so easy to lose focus.

We have won 2010, 2011 and we had a very smart guy who was telling me the hardest thing was winning after winning, you get the attention and you get the pressure, you focus on how to win again rather than small steps. That is why I try to remember myself, it is another day and another race, make sure we enjoy and it is fine.

Q. What happened with the accident on the first lap?

SV: The start was quite good, I was quite happy then a bit early on the KERS and didn’t get it until Turn 1, side by side with Mark and he squeezed me so angle gets worse and worse. If you are stubborn and aim for the apex, everyone turns in and you could lose your front wing.

I had to back off, down to first gear and everyone around the outside used momentum and I lost those positions. I got hit in Turn 4 for no reasons, I think someone, Bruno, was probably fighting someone, it was drizzling since the start of formation lap, it was slippery and maybe he forgot. It was the same thing as I said on Turn 1, the angle gets narrower and I was car he used to stop himself, it didn’t help us.

Q. Was this your hardest title, and does that make it more rewarding?

SV: I think it is always difficult because in the end you compare to something that happened in the past and it is not as present in our heads as this one. Nevertheless it was a very tough season for us, on track, off track. A season with ups and downs for everyone, but as I mentioned before we remained ourselves and kept doing it our way and that made the difference.

I think for us and me, it is being happy with what you see in the mirror and you are happy with yourself, why try and fake being someone else, being someone else you know if you’re cheating and cheating yourself.

It was tough as people tried everything inside the lines, outside the lines to beat us, the amount of questions we had to deal with, stuff we had to deal with during the season – the key was to remain ourselves and that made the difference.

I am not holy, I have made mistakes like everyone else but the way I was brought up was to be honest if you do something wrong. In Q3 I was pushing too hard and overstepped the mark so that wasn’t perfect and I have no problem to admit that. I was brought up that way and I also believe that is the reason why we succeeded in the end.

Q. Is the next challenge winning a title with another team?

SV: I want to enjoy now. I tried to explain to you that for the whole team the most important thing is the present, I don’t want to get carried away with next year or next years, I want to have a good time tonight and let’s see how long… Sometimes at some stage you have to charge your batteries, come back in shape next season.

I am with the team, I have a contract until the end of 2014, I am very happy with what we have achieved so far and this story isn’t over yet. I am very happy and extremely committed to give everything I have in the next years and at the moment I don’t see any point about seeing another team or something else.

I am extremely happy in the position I am and it is incredible what we have achieved…Christian came on radio and mentioned names who have achieved similar and he forgot Prost. I didn’t have radio so couldn’t tell him! He mentioned all of them except Prost, he said they forgot Prost and he had four!

It has been a tough season, seven different winners in seven different races, ups and downs for everyone. Back then I knew every place, every point will matter. In the end it was closer than we hoped for but at some stage people were not mentioning us when they talked about championship.

It was important we kept believing and since the start of season we were fighting with our car, a car that wasn’t similar to last year. I couldn’t use my tricks or my style to make it work and manipulate it, I didn’t have enough rear stability to work with the brakes and get car to corner/apex – we tried everything and I think at some stage we did a step that was big enough and in the right direction that allowed me to do more that I like.

And it came naturally in our direction, we picked up the pace, more competitive and in better position. It was tough some races, not a piece of cake – obviously everyone lost a lot of downforce and stability.

We were always up against it, we focused on every single step, we tried to work on the car, sometimes made steps in wrong direction, we paid the price and maybe learned not to confuse ourselves too much. You make mistakes and you learn from them and cars get better.

Q. Was this the hardest race of your career?

SV: I said it on the radio but you didn’t hear it – I said for sure it was the toughest race. Not just being in a situation of fighting for the championship means you are not on holiday – look at stuff that went wrong: it’s hard enough if you lose radio, any circumstances you need to talk, then we got turned around and car damaged, on lap one we were dead last and we came back, changeable conditions all the time, we did a stop for nothing, which cost us 20-22 seconds and we had to come in when it started to rain a lap after.

Still we finished sixth so it was still a very good result. Some races we would have been happy to have finished sixth, we can be very happy with that and it happened to be last race and championship decider and it went in our favour so there’s not much more to say.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/sebastian-vettel-on-his-third-title

Jason Leffler David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney Michael Duane Bliss

Nine Racing To Feature Three Cars At Chili Bowl Midget Nationals

Nine Racing Inc.
Brownsburg, Indiana January 4, 2012

Nine Racing, Inc. is pleased to announce the signing of three excellent drivers for the 26th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals Presented by General Tire midget event that will take place January 10-14, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Drivers Billy Wease, Kyle Steffens and Levi Roberts will race the pearl white midgets around the indoor, quarter-mile dirt track in front of more than 15,000 race fans.

Billy Wease, of Noblesville, Indiana, last participated in the Chili Bowl Nationals in 2008, and made it all the way to the 'A' Main event. He'll drive the #19 of Nine Racing at this year's event. "I am excited to be a part of the Nine Racing Chili Bowl team and look forward to getting back to racing with the nation's best midget drivers," said Billy Wease. "I know Glenn Martin will give me a car that I can race hard and I look forward to doing everything I can to again make the 'A' Main on Saturday night." Billy's sponsors for the Chili Bowl are Ed Pink Racing Engines, and Adams & Mehling Accounting, Inc. of Indiana.

St. Charles, Missouri's Kyle Steffens is making a return engagement to the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals, but this will be his first time driving a Nine Racing midget, and will compete in the #91. Kyle is an accomplished driver and has participated in a variety of racing endeavors, which include Legend cars, UMP Modifieds, World of Outlaws Late Models, USAC Silver Crown, and ASA asphalt Late Models. "It feels great to be a part of the Nine Racing Chili Bowl program and I very much look forward to working with the team," exclaimed Kyle Steffens. "We will do whatever it takes to get the job done. The Chili Bowl is a special event and I look forward to racing with the best in midget racing." Kyle is sponsored by Performance Plus Global Logistics.

The third member of the Nine Racing Chili Bowl effort is Broomfield, Colorado's Levi Roberts, who will pilot the #9. Levi ran a varied schedule this past year in USAC National Pavement and Dirt Midget events, in addition to a number of races in the POWRi series. Levi has been fast both on pavement and dirt and has demonstrated the desire and ability to record an excellent finish this year at the Chili Bowl. "Glenn and I have worked well together this past season and I am pleased to be a part of the Nine Racing program for the 2012 Chili Bowl race. It is going to be fun," added Levi Roberts. Levi's sponsor for the Chili Bowl is Majestic Metals.

"We are very pleased to have this strong lineup of midget drivers in our Nine Racing midgets for the 26th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals," said Steve Lewis, Nine Racing team owner. "Each driver brings something special to the team and I look forward to working with them. We will give each driver the opportunity to do well at this very competitive midget race. It is always fun to go to Tulsa to see the best in midget racing compete, along with the packed grandstands and all of the activities in the pit area."

Nine Racing's 2012 sponsor lineup includes K&N Engineering, Eibach Springs, Weld Racing, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, Penske Racing Shocks, Performance Friction Brakes, ASE, Earl's Performance Plumbing, SSi Decals, PJ1, and Hoosier Racing Tire.

Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2012/01/nine_racing_to_feature_th.php

Dave Kennedy Loris Kessel Bruce Kessler Nicolas Kiesa Leo Kinnunen

Late-Race Incident Spoils Top-10 Run for Alex Bowman at Phoenix International Raceway

Alex Bowman

AVONDALE, Ariz. - Alex Bowman and the Port of Tucson team were in contention for a top-10 finish in Saturday’s Great Clips 200 at Phoenix International Raceway, but late-race contact with the outside retaining wall resulted in heavy damage to the No. 99 Toyota Camry, leaving Bowman with a 15th-place finish.

Bowman recorded the seventh and 10th-fastest times, respectively, in Friday’s dual Nationwide Series practice sessions. Saturday morning, the 19-year-old driver ran a lap of 27.775 seconds, at an average speed of 129.613 mph, to earn the 22nd starting position for the feature later that afternoon.

Bowman was able to advance his Port of Tucson Toyota Camry in the opening laps, despite suffering from handling woes that saw him struggle both on corner entry and exit. When the caution flag was displayed at Lap 33, the Tucson native followed the leaders to pit road to take on right side tires and a spring rubber in the right rear, but problems inserting the spring saw the stop take longer than usual. As a result, crew chief Scott Zipadelli called an audible, instructing the crew to change all four tires, since Bowman would line up at the tail end of the lead lap cars.

Throughout the course of the event, Bowman would gain and lose track position on pit cycles, as the team was off sequence from the race leaders. Taking two tires when the rest of the field would take four saw the No. 99 as high as the sixth position, but taking four when the leaders took just two would see him fall back in the pack. Regardless of the situation, Bowman was able to get the most out of his Toyota Camry, as his times often mirrored those of the race leaders. With Phoenix International Raceway’s single-file style of racing, Bowman would have to time his passes carefully, as the non-existent second groove was extremely slick.

In the closing laps of the event, Bowman got out of the groove just enough to lose the nose of his Port of Tucson Camry, which resulted in contact with the outside retaining wall. Thankfully, a late-race caution flag would give the No. 99 crew a chance to come to pit road to take on four tires and make repairs to help the young driver recover to the best of his ability. With only a handful of laps remaining, Bowman was able to bring the Port of Tucson home in the 15th position.

“I had a really good Toyota Camry, but we got ourselves in a little bit of a hole during qualifying,” said Bowman. “Then we fought back into the top five. We took four tires while many of the others took two and that got us buried back in the field for a while. I got into some dirty air late in the race that caused me to hit the wall, knocking the splitter down and got us real tight. To come home 15th after that battle it’s still an okay day. I definitely learned from my mistakes and can’t thank RAB Racing, Scott Zipadelli and my hometown sponsor Port of Tucson enough.”

Next week, the NASCAR Nationwide Series heads to Homestead Miami Speedway for the season finale of the 2012 season on Saturday, November 17, 2012.

Source: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard Press Release

The post Late-Race Incident Spoils Top-10 Run for Alex Bowman at Phoenix International Raceway appeared first on Catchfence.

Related Stories:

1. Elliott Sadler and OneMain Financial Team Finish 22nd at Phoenix International Raceway Following Late-Race Incident
2. Toyota NNS Phoenix International Raceway Post Race Notes And Quotes
3. Alex Bowman, No. 99 Port of Tucson Toyota Camry Phoenix International Raceway Preview

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/catchfence/~3/cUf0lifMVBo/

Hans Heyer Damon Hill Graham Hill Phil Hill Peter Hirt

Next-Gen MyLink Infotainment System to Debut in 2014 Chevy Impala [2012 L.A. Auto Show]

Set to debut on the 2014 Chevrolet Impala at the 2012 L.A. auto show, the latest version of Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system focuses on more contemporary graphics and interfaces and streamlined user interaction.

In addition to offering highly configurable visuals and the ability to link up to 10 mobile devices, the system includes Chevy’s first use of natural language technology. According to the company, users will have the ability to place calls, play music, enter destinations, and perform other functions simply by telling the vehicle what to do in their natural speaking voice. No key phrases or commands are needed to initiate a task.

Those who still prefer a hands-on experience can also operate the system via the instantly recognizable tablet-style icons on the standard 4.2-inch or optional 8.0-inch high-res touch screens, the large center stack knobs, or the integrated steering-wheel controls. The larger screen will allow users to swipe, click, drag, and fling items and edit the main home screen just as they might on a tablet or smartphone. Both the center screen and the screen in the instrument panel can be customized with one of four graphic treatments—dubbed Contemporary, Edge, Velocity, and Main Street—to reflect the drivers mood or tastes, while all items can be displayed in the IP screen.

Arguably one of the coolest features of the new MyLink system is the ability to enter destinations (optional navigation system required, of course) in a single step, bypassing the hassle of entering the state, city, and street number and name separately. If it’s not cool, it’s definitely useful. OnStar also is accessible from the touch screen (as well as the traditional blue button), and city-by-city weather reports are provided.

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• Instrumented Test: 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.5L
• Official Photos and Info: 2014 Chevrolet Impala
• Car News: Chevrolet Introduces MyLink Infotainment System

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Chevrolet claims the the system is designed to accommodate new features and enhancements, a primary consideration for any piece of technology interested in a shelf life measured in years rather than minutes. The next-generation MyLink system also will be used in other 2014 model year Chevrolets, including the full-size Silverado pickup, the Tahoe SUV, and the C7 Corvette.

Read full story »

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/UUrKXkJmK4Y/

Mike Hawthorn Boy Hayje Willi Heeks Nick Heidfeld Theo Helfrich

East New York and Brownsville on the Cusp of Getting New Bike Lanes

A snafu at last night's Brooklyn Community Board 5 meeting delayed a vote for bike lanes on Pitkin Avenue until next month. Image: NYC DOT

After more than a year of collaboration between residents, community groups, DOT, and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the first project in a new round bike lanes for Brownsville and East New York is almost in the books and ready to be installed next year. The proposal is for simple lines on the pavement — not protected bike lanes — but, along with a road diet on Pennsylvania Avenue, it would bring safer conditions to parts of eastern Brooklyn that currently have next to no bike infrastructure.

At Community Board 5′s transportation committee meeting Tuesday evening, DOT presented the proposal to bring a combination of painted bicycle lanes and sharrows to more than two miles of Pitkin Avenue. East of Pennsylvania Avenue to Fountain Avenue, DOT is proposing dedicated lanes, while the narrower road west of Pennsylvania Avenue will have shared lanes to Legion Street.

Although an exact implementation schedule has not been set, DOT will soon be developing its work program for 2013, and the Pitkin Avenue bike lanes can be included, likely in the spring, according to DOT staff at the meeting.

“We’re excited,” CB 5 District Manager Walter Campbell said after DOT’s presentation. “I think it’s terrific that we can get more people to ride their bikes,” adding, “Pitkin Avenue is a great place to start.”

The other bike route identified by DOT and local residents based on community workshops this summer is Mother Gaston Boulevard, home to the neighborhood’s only bike shop, Brownsville Bikes. DOT has not yet presented formal designs for a bike lane on Mother Gaston, which will come in future phases.

A helmet fitting at the Brownsville Recreation Center in September. Photo: Nupur Chaudhury, Brownsville Partnership

After successful bike-oriented events and rides starting at the Brownsville Recreation Center this summer and fall, more community events are on the way, including a mid-January helmet fitting and learn-to-ride workshop at an elementary school in East New York.

Meanwhile, the area’s livable streets progress isn’t limited to bike lanes. Christmas tree lightings are coming soon to two public plazas: tomorrow from 5 to 7 p.m. at Zion Triangle at East New York Avenue and Pitkin Avenue, and Saturday at 4 p.m. at New Lots Triangle.

At October’s transportation committee meeting, DOT also presented a plan for traffic calming on Pennsylvania Avenue, where DOT measured 80 percent of drivers speeding. The avenue also has more fatalities and serious injuries than 90 percent of other Brooklyn streets.

With a resurfacing already scheduled in 2013, DOT is planning to reduce the roadway south of Flatlands Avenue from three lanes to two in each direction, while adding painted median extensions and an extra-wide curb parking lane. The changes are similar to other road diets on Fourth Avenue in Sunset Park and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard in Harlem. The committee recommended the full board vote in favor of the proposal.

At last night’s meeting, many CB 5 members did not express opposition but were interested in learning more about both the Pitkin Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue proposals. However, because one community board member left during the meeting, the board did not have a quorum to vote on the matter. It’s likely that DOT will present both plans to the full board before it votes at the community board’s next meeting, rescheduled for December 19 at 6:30 p.m.

The Pitkin Avenue bike lane will also go before Community Board 16 at its next full board meeting on December 13 at 6:30 p.m.

This post has been updated to provide more information about Pennsylvania Avenue.

Source: http://www.streetsblog.org/2012/11/29/bike-lanes-and-traffic-calming-for-east-new-york-and-brownsville-almost/

Eddie Keizan Al Keller Joe Kelly Dave Kennedy Loris Kessel

Brawn: Schumacher showed all his skills

Ross Brawn believes Michael Schumacher “showed all of his skills” to salvage a points finish in the Brazilian Grand Prix after suffering a puncture early on.

Schumacher was competing in his final race in Formula 1, having announced his retirement from the sport for a second time following Mercedes’ decision to sign Lewis Hamilton for 2013.

After suffering a puncture early in the race Schumacher got himself back into the points, and Brawn believes it was a drive which showed the seven-time world champion at his best.

“Michael showed all of the skills that we know he has today to salvage his race; considered overtaking, good decisions on tyre strategy, and he kept the car on the road to bring us some points,” said Brawn.

“It was a nice way to finish the season and his career with us.”

Brawn added that while Schumacher’s F1 comeback was not as successful as both he and Mercedes were hoping when he returned in 2010, the three-year spell was still special.

“In terms of results, Michael’s second spell in Formula 1 hasn’t been as special but it has been so for all of us who have had the privilege of working with him,” he said.

“It has been a real honour for all of the boys and girls at our team, and working alongside Michael gives you an understanding or why he is so special and has achieved seven world championships.

“He will be missed and we all wish him the very best for the future.”

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/brawn-schumacher-showed-all-his-skills

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

Toyota Racing 2012 NSCS AdvoCare 500 at PIR Post-Race Recaps

Toyota Racing Logo

Denny Hamlin (second) was the first Toyota Camry driver to the checkered flag in Sunday’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) race at Phoenix International Raceway.

Hamlin led the field twice for 46 laps (of 319).

Kyle Busch, who led the field four times for a race-high 237 circuits, crossed the finish line third.

Busch started from the pole after setting a track record qualifying speed (138.766 mph).

Camry driver Mark Martin (10th) also recorded a top-10 finish on the one-mile speedway.

Other Camry drivers in the field included Bobby Labonte (15th), Travis Kvapil (20th), Landon Cassill (25th), Joey Logano (27th), Clint Bowyer (28th), David Stremme (34th), Mike Bliss (41st) and Martin Truex Jr. (43rd).

Following the ninth of 10 races in the ‘Chase’ championship playoff, Camry drivers in the standings include Bowyer (fourth), Hamlin (fifth) and Truex (11th).

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Finishing Position: 2nd

How was your race today? “The track is just so slick. We’re running on such hard tires. You can’t get a grip on it and it makes for exciting racing like we saw today. I’m proud of our FedEx Ground Toyota Camry team. We felt bad — wish we could have pulled off the sweep here. But, still one-two is pretty good.”

Can you describe today’s run? “Treacherous. The race track is extremely treacherous. You can’t — with these hard tires — you just can’t get a grip on the race track. I did a tire test with Goodyear here not too long ago on 2013 car. I think they got some ideas that’s going to make it a little bit better, but right now — holy cow, it’s a mess. What’s happening is everyone’s just sliding around and sliding into each other. Of course, it makes for excitement on TV, but obviously it also makes for championship implications as well.”

KYLE BUSCH, No. 18 M&M’s Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Finishing Position: 3rd

How was your race today? “Great day. Guys gave me an awesome car. Just gave it away at the end. Just didn’t pick the right lane. It’s my fault. So, it seems to be the way the year goes.”

Were there any issues on the final restart? “No. Kevin (Harvick) got out a little bit on me. Denny (Hamlin) got alongside of me. Just made me really loose trying to battle with the 11 (Denny Hamlin) so I couldn’t even drive forward at all. We just basically handed the race on a silver platter to the 29 (Kevin Harvick).”

Did the paper on your grill midway through the race cause any problems? “No. It didn’t cause a problem. We got it off there and temps stayed fine.”

How good was your race car? “Great car. M&M’s guys gave me an awesome piece. Unfortunately there, I gave the race away. I hate it for my guys. They work so hard and they dug hard this weekend. Obviously, having a car that’s the class of the field — you expect to win and you’re supposed to win. I guess I just didn’t know how to win it today.”

Do you think the official’s calls during the last few laps were correct? “I saw the yellow lights flickering before (Kevin) Harvick got to the start-finish line, so I believe they called it right. And, there on that last one, I mean there was oil and everything on the exit of turn four and we all about — well the front of us about crashed. So, I can’t imagine what was going on behind me. Evidently, there was more carnage going on back there. I’m not sure if they had time to react to all of that. But, granted you would expect that they would see all of that and see the oil slick. It wasn’t small by any means. It was three feet wide.”

MARK MARTIN, No. 55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing Finishing Position: 10th

How was your race? “Wow what a wild day. I’m fine but that was a pretty hard hit. We’ll take a top-10 finish. My team worked like heck throughout the weekend to get us this top-10. I couldn’t be more proud.”

BOBBY LABONTE, No. 47 Vektor Vodka Toyota Camry, JTG-Daugherty Racing Finishing Position: 15th

TRAVIS KVAPIL, No. 93 Burger King/Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry, BK Racing Finishing Position: 20th

LANDON CASSILL, No. 83 Burger King/Dr. Pepper Toyota Camry, BK Racing Finishing Position: 25th

JOEY LOGANO, No. 20 Dollar General Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing Finishing Position: 27th

CLINT BOWYER, No. 15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing Finishing Position: 28th

What happened between you and Jeff Gordon? “I mean the racing — it’s just a shame. The last person in the world you want to get into anything with is Jeff Gordon on the race track. I mean, you’re down there racing, the track’s extremely slick, we’re all on tires — I didn’t even need to pass him. That’s the thing. All I was doing is riding around biding my time. The only thing I had to do is keep the 5 car (Kasey Kahne) within reach, so for him to act like that — I mean, I barely touched him and then I feel him get into turn three and try to turn me and he missed and then next thing I know Brett’s (Griffin, spotter) telling me on the radio that he’s trying to — he’s waiting on me. It’s pretty embarrassing for a four-time champion — and what I consider one of the best this sport’s ever seen — to act like that is just completely ridiculous.”

What did NASCAR say when you met them after the race? “I don’t know. There’s nothing you can do to fix it now. It’s over with. You’ve got to go on to Homestead (-Miami Speedway). I’ve got to try to beat the 5 car (Kasey Kahne), but I mean that was my opportunity to try to get myself back in the championship hunt. When you’re disrupting a championship run like that, it’s too bad. They asked us not to do that in the driver’s meeting and there’s usually a lot of respect there. Like I said, it’s crazy — I didn’t even need to pass him. I was plenty content riding behind him and he slipped up down there, I get under him and here he comes back. I just barely touched him. I literally barely rubbed him and then all the sudden I feel him trying to retaliate and — I don’t know — missed or something and hit the wall and made himself look like a fool.”

Will you retaliate? “We just have to see.”

Did Jeff Gordon say anything to you in the meeting with NASCAR after the race? “Not really — it’s pretty soon to be talking to him (Jeff Gordon).”

Should NASCAR penalize Jeff Gordon? “You guys have been covering this sport a long time. Same circumstances happened — what was it, last year or year before and disrupted a championship and I don’t understand how that’s any different. Like I said, it’s over with and done and have to go to Homestead (-Miami Speedway) and do the best we can.”

MICHAEL WALTRIP, owner, No. 15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing

What did you see happen between Clint Bowyer and Jeff Gordon? “I’ve never seen anything like what Jeff Gordon did to a guy racing for a championship. Cowardly, chicken sh** move by someone that has raced for championships before, and knows how important every position is. They barely brushed on the back straightaway and he waits — he purposely waits and tells everybody he’s waiting and wrecks our car and our hopes for racing for a championship. I’m beside myself. I can’t believe that he would get involved in the championship battle.”

What happened in the garage after the incident? “We’re just trying to keep everybody calm. It’s just a lot of emotion — a lot of guys that have way more time and effort invested than the act that Jeff Gordon took to take care of a problem. What a — I just don’t know what to say. I’m beside myself to think that that could happen.”

After Jimmie Johnson’s ‘issue’ did you believe your team was racing for a championship? “Yeah, we were in there still.”

Did you expect NASCAR to issue any penalties? “I don’t know what to expect. I can’t believe that someone would purposely wait and crash a guy racing for a championship. Everything else was just pushing and shoving and wasn’t any big deal. If you focus on what happened on the track, that’s where the story is — not someone trying to make something out of some guys pushing each other.”

Why did the No. 15 crew react the way they did after the incident? “It’s just boys venting, showing their frustration trying to express their feelings. The men and women that work on these cars have way more invested in what goes on than people realize and people appreciate and when a coward makes a move like that on the race track they just see all their hopes and dreams go up in flames, literally — they’re going to be frustrated.”

BRIAN PATTIE, crew chief, No. 15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing

What caused the incident between Clint Bowyer and Jeff Gordon? “I don’t know. All I know is we were running top-five there and 24 (Jeff Gordon) kind of went up there. I don’t know. We must have got into him and he retaliated — so we’ll see what happens here. Post-race got a little exciting. Obviously, it doesn’t look like there’s too many Christmas cards going back and forth from the 15 (Clint Bowyer) and the 24.”

How do you expect NASCAR to react? “Well, if they’re consistent, they’ll park him. They parked the 18 truck (Kyle Busch) at (Texas) — when they retaliated. We’ll see what happens. I like to be consistent. I try to be as fair as I can, so hopefully they are too.”

DAVID STREMME, No. 30 Inception Motorsports Toyota Camry, Inception Motorsports Finishing Position: 34th

JOE NEMECHEK, No. 87 AM/FM Energy Wood & Pellet Stoves Toyota Camry, NEMCO Motorsports Finishing Position: 39th

MIKE BLISS, No. 19 Plinker Tactical/Value Place Toyota Camry, TriStar Motorsports Finishing Position: 41st

MARTIN TRUEX JR., No. 56 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota Camry, Michael Waltrip Racing Finishing Position: 43rd

What happened to send you to the garage? “Just something in the engine. It’s a shame. We had an awesome race car this weekend. I felt like we had a shot at challenging for a win, but it wasn’t meant to be. I can’t say enough about TRD (Toyota Racing Development) and what they’ve been able to do for us this year — their engines have been incredible. This is the first problem we’ve had all year long and they’ve done an awesome job at giving us really good horsepower. Last year, we struggled on the engine side of things as far as power goes and this year they’ve done such a great job. It’s a shame it always happens when you have a really good race car, but at the end of the day they’ve done awesome. And, this is just a small little thing and I’m sure it’s a parts failure or something like that.”

When did you realize you had an ‘issue’? “Well, the engine started laying down on like the second lap and something broke in the top end and just started eating itself up, so we’re done for the day. It’s just a shame. We’ve had such a good race car all weekend long and really felt like we were going to have a shot at maybe challenging for the win today. It wasn’t meant to be. The NAPA Toyota was really good all weekend. The guys did a great job. I also have got to say all the guys at TRD (Toyota Racing Development) — they’ve done such an incredible job all year long with our engine program. This is the first problem we’ve had and we’ve had great horsepower all year long. Really struggled with that last year and they really stepped it up, so I want to thank all those guys. Just one of those deals — probably a parts failure or something.”

Source: Toyota Racing, Press Release

The post Toyota Racing 2012 NSCS AdvoCare 500 at PIR Post-Race Recaps appeared first on Catchfence.

Related Stories:

1. Team Chevy 2012 NSCS AdvoCare 500 at PIR Post-Race Recaps
2. Toyota Racing 2012 NSCS AdvoCare 500 at PIR Post-Qualifying Recaps
3. 2012 NSCS AdvoCare 500 at PIR Q&A with Toyota Racing Driver Clint Bowyer

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/catchfence/~3/Ow9_N1-7Ios/

André Guelfi Miguel Ángel Guerra Roberto Guerrero Maurício Gugelmin Dan Gurney

Vettel promises to go for victory

Sebastian Vettel has vowed to push for victory in the Formula 1 season finale in Brazil even though he does not necessarily need to win to become world champion.

The Red Bull driver starts fourth at Interlagos, three places ahead of title rival Fernando Alonso, who needs to outscore Vettel by 14 points to snatch the crown.

“I think we have a great car, we were quite competitive all weekend,” said Vettel.

“The McLarens looked a little bit faster. But in race pace, we will see.

“Sometimes we’re a little bit closer so if there’s a chance to win, then we go for victory.”

Rain now looks less likely to be a factor in the race, but Vettel said he was trying to stay relaxed whatever the conditions.

“Weather is something that we can’t influence,” he said.

“There might be some excitement during the race, some showers. We don’t know even now so I think we have to take it as it comes.

“It’s always something special here, the people are completely crazy. I’m really looking forward to the race this afternoon.”

CHAMPIONSHIP PERMUTATIONS

VETTEL WINS THE TITLE IF:

- He finishes in the top four
- He finishes fifth, sixth or seventh and Alonso doesn’t win
- He finishes eighth or ninth and Alonso is third or lower
- He finishes 10th or worse and Alonso isn’t on the podium

ALONSO WINS THE TITLE IF:

- He wins and Vettel is fifth or lower
- He is second and Vettel eighth or lower
- He is third and Vettel is 10th or lower

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/vettel-promises-to-go-for-victory

Mike Hailwood Mika Häkkinen Bruce Halford Jim Hall Duncan Hamilton

Alonso: Ferrari can be proud of season

Fernando Alonso says even if he is unsuccessful in his bid to win the Formula 1 world championship in the Brazilian Grand Prix, he and Ferrari should still be immensely proud of having taken the title fight to the season finale.

The Spaniard needs to overcome a 13-point deficit to rival Sebastian Vettel at Interlagos, which means at the minimum he needs to finish on the podium if the reigning champion fails to score.

With Alonso starting seventh, three places behind Vettel, he knows he needs a turnaround in form in the race if he is to bring the title back to Maranello.

But rather than feel that his season will be a letdown if he does not secure the crown, Alonso reckons simply to have kept up his challenge to the last race is a success considering how uncompetitive the Ferrari F2012 was at the first test.

“If I had done a standard championship then I would have something like 110 points now, and I would have said goodbye to the championship around Hungary or Singapore,” he declared.

“I would then have done the last races with no pressure like last year, when I was not fighting for anything.

“Luckily, having had an abnormal championship has taken us to have the feeling that here it’s all or nothing. So we have to erase that nothing, especially for us.

“Probably for the fans it will be a big joy or a big disappointment and it’s understandable.

“But for us it has to be a prize if we achieve it and if we don’t then we should be proud of having done our job in the best possible way.”

Alonso headed into the campaign aware that he needed to limit the damage caused by Ferrari’s lack of competitiveness, but in the end moved clear at the head of the title standings.

He enjoyed a healthy lead heading into the summer, but first lap exits in Belgium and Japan allowed his rivals to close him down – and Ferrari had little in response to Red Bull’s upsurge in form since the Singapore GP.

CHAMPIONSHIP PERMUTATIONS

VETTEL WINS THE TITLE IF:

- He finishes in the top four
- He finishes fifth, sixth or seventh and Alonso doesn’t win
- He finishes eighth or ninth and Alonso is third or lower
- He finishes 10th or worse and Alonso isn’t on the podium

ALONSO WINS THE TITLE IF:

- He wins and Vettel is fifth or lower
- He is second and Vettel eighth or lower
- He is third and Vettel is 10th or lower

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/alonso-ferrari-can-be-proud-of-season

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

Get to Know: Alex Warren

For this week’s article, I interviewed a fellow sim-racer from Illinois. In the three years he has been on iRacing, he has accomplished a great deal. Besides winning many races on the oval and road side, he has won several different iRacing championships, including last year’s NASCAR iRacing.com Pro Series. He was able to race full time in the NASCAR iRacing.com Series World Championship this year, where he finished in the top 25 in points. When not iRacing, he is currently attending North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. The driver I interviewed for this week is the one and only Alex Warren.

The 20 year old Warren has started nearly 900 oval races on iRacing, including the Class A, Pro and SWC series. He has visited victory lane 67 times, including 10 times this year. He is also an accomplished road racer, having started 72 races and visiting victory lane 11% of the time. That is only part of what he has done on iRacing. He won the 2011 Season 4 of the NASCAR iRacing.com Class C series and finished third in the NASCAR iRacing.com Class A points standings in 2011 Season 3, which earned him a spot in the NASCAR iRacing.com Pro Series, which he later went on to win. If you want to learn more about this rising driver, read on…

Q:     How long have you been sim racing?
A:     I have been sim racing for 3 years.

Q:     How did you get started in iRacing?
A:     I got started when my friends told me to get iRacing. It looked interesting, so I tried it out and the rest is history.

Q:     Which race car driver do you look up to the most?
A:     I really look up to Brad Keselowski the most. He is a driver that may not look like a typical NASCAR driver, but works his ass off each week and speaks his mind on things. He also doesn’t care what people think of him, just as long as they don’t hate him. To me, you can get anywhere in life with hard work.

Q:     What type of hobbies do you do outside of iRacing?
A:     I really enjoy sports like golf, football, and baseball. I really like to play those sports instead of watching them on TV.

Q:     What is your greatest accomplishment on iRacing?
A:     Winning the Pro Series championship earlier this year. It was a memory that I will never forget because no one thought I was a threat to win, but with great work from my teammates, crew chief/spotter and some luck, I was able to win the championship.

Q:     What is one long term goal that you hope to still accomplish in iRacing?
A:     I really hope to win the DWC championship someday. It’s going to be tough because of all the competition each year, but if you catch the lucky breaks in each race finish top 5 majority of the season, you can win. I really hope I do win it someday.

People want to race and have fun and that’s what I’m all about when I’m racing.

Q:     What type of racing do you like to watch on TV?

A:     I mostly watch NASCAR each week and I try to watch every race on Saturday or Sunday. I do follow though Indycar and F1 sometimes.

Q:     How do you think your fellow iRacers see you?
A:     I hope that they see me as a pretty respectable guy, who is clean and quiet competitor, because that’s who I am. If anything else, they are looking at the wrong guy!

Q:     Who is Alex Warren outside of iRacing?
A:     Outside of iRacing, I’m a caring, friendly, outgoing guy who never quits and never gives up on anything. Also, I always try and have fun, no matter what.

Q:     If there was one thing you could change about iRacing, what would it be?
A:     I would like iRacing to change the one lane racing every week to multi-groove racing. It would be more fun and more of a challenge in my opinion to change your racing groove.

Q:    What is one thing that you love the most about iRacing?
A:     I really love the community. People want to race and have fun and that’s what I’m all about when I’m racing. There will be the occasional idiot trying to ruin other people’s races on purpose, but the majority of this sim-racing community is awesome.

Q:     Overall, how do you rate your success on iRacing?
A:     I feel like I’m a really good driver, hopefully one day, I’ll be the best, but it’s going to be a while until that happens.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/iracing-news/get-to-know-alex-warren

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

Los Angeles: 2014 Nissan GT-R raises the stakes by just a few pennies

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Nissan, Luxury

It is fitting to greet the 2014 Nissan GT-R the same way Captain Jack Sparrow greeted the Kraken in Pirates of the Caribbean: "'Allo, beastie." It's a matter of very minor tune-up for the monster, though, the 2014 GT-R moving things on by just couple of degrees or so.

Performance responsiveness has been finessed with new fuel injectors and a new oil baffle pan, and each hand-built engine gets a plaque with the builder's name. Nissan says the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 for 2014 gets injected with 15 more horsepower and 15 more pound-feet of torque, but the 545 hp and 463 lb-ft are the same as the 2013 model listed on Nissan's web site. Compared to 2012, however, both numbers are up by 15.

It's love-it-or-else looks are unchanged, but inside, the Premium model gets revised color and stitching; the Black Edition gets new accents and the option of a Premium Interior Package with Red Amber color semi-aniline leather. Nissan hasn't mentioned any price increases - the 2013 models came in at $96,820 for the Premium and $106,320 for the Black Edition, plus $1,000 for destination and handling.

It hits dealerships in January of next year. It's in our gallery of high-res photos right now.

2014 Nissan GT-R raises the stakes by just a few pennies originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/2014-nissan-gt-r-la-2012/

Mike Harris Cuth Harrison Brian Hart Gene Hartley Masahiro Hasemi