Fast Cars

Renault extended Flavio Briatore’s contract as boss of their Formula One team to the end of 2006.

Steve Lindecke, former VP with IMG and co-founder of Cleveland-based Elevation Group, shares a case study with us today on Sports Blog week. The on-site/online promotion was developed by Elevation Group for M&Ms. The case study is presented below as an attachment, courtesy of Lindecke and Elevation Group.

Says Steve, "In a constant effort to reach and communicate with a brand’s consumers, the Internet is obviously a medium through which marketers can interact with their target demographics and collect information. The “Color Vote” program that we executed for M&M Mars did exactly that and we had a lot of fun doing it. M&M’s was very impressed by the turn out."

Ricky Hendrick, son of Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick and co-owner of two NASCAR teams, was tragically killed in a plane crash with nine others en route to the Subway 500 at Martinsville Speedway on October 24, 2004. The other passengers on board were Ricky's uncle John Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports president; Jennifer and Kimberly Hendrick, daughters of John Hendrick; Randy Dorton,...

Ricky had retired after a short NASCAR driving career following a wreck in which he sustained physical injuries and mental anguish which he thought caused him to "lose his edge" as a driver. He put his energy into the business of racing and at the end of his life-cut-short, he was co-owner of two NASCAR teams.

For reactions from Hendrick Motor Sports drivers and employees and the extended NASCAR family, watch the Hendrick News Videos @ NASCAR.com.

NASCAR mourns Hendrick Motorsports plane crash victims Baptist Press - Oct. 27, 2004

Hendrick's son was rising in racing management USATODAY.com - Oct. 25, 2004

NTSB examining cause of Hendrick plane crash SI.com - Oct. 25, 2004

Plane Crash Kills Son Of NASCAR Owner, 9 Others WXII2.com - Oct. 24, 2004

Hendrick Motorsports Plane Missing About - Oct. 24, 2004

Younger Hendrick enjoying role as owner NASCAR.com - June 30, 2003

Hendrick adjusting to life outside the cockpit NASCAR.com - Oct. 30, 2002

Ricky Hendrick ends driving career NASCAR.com - Oct. 10, 2002

Winston Cup: Hendrick will attempt The Rock NASCAR.com - Sept. 23, 2002

Hendrick gets clearance for Richmond NASCAR.com - May 1, 2002

Hendrick out six weeks; Hornaday to sub NASCAR.com - Mar. 5, 2002

Hendrick won't miss Darlington despite injury NASCAR.com - Mar. 2, 2002

Conversation: Ricky Hendrick NASCAR.com - June 18, 2002

Ricky Hendrick @ NASCAR.com

Bio: Ricky Hendrick NASCAR.com

Bangladeshi customs officials found luxury cars, large-screen television sets and refrigerators in a container declared to be carrying metal scrap — so they made it just that at a public ceremony on Monday.

A little FYI: American Le Mans racing, a form of endurance racing licensed by from Europe by Panoz Motor Sports, has four major classes. P1, P2, GT1, and GT2. P1 and P2 don’t look like any car you’ve ever seen on the street. Audi has the most successful cars in this class (the R8). GT1 is dominated by Corvettes and Vipers. GT2 class is usually dominated by Porsche, but the Panoz Esperante just dominated all the Porsches (as I previously mentioned). In American Le Mans, the winner is the car who completes the most laps in a long race (4-12 hours). The real Le Mans is a 24-hour race, but you should already know that.

There is no ‘magic’ solution to a not-fast-enough Formula One package. That’s the warning of Ross Brawn, who said at Imola that Ferrari and Bridgestone are likely to struggle a little longer.

Nissan has taken their landmark Altima series to a new height with the addition of a performance-oriented SE-R. Its truly a sheep in a wolf’s clothing with 250hp V6 engine, a stiffer suspension and an understated body kit. Thanks to the extra boost of turbocharged character, Legacy GT is a sports sedan that comes with one of the world’s finest AWD system with potent performance. It also handles relatively well thanks to its newly found stiff chassis and dynamic suspension tuning. Unlike its predecessor, S40 T5 feels like a true sports sedan in every dimensions. It got typical Volvo Swedish styling, a comfortable interior and a proven T5 powerplant that delivers real power. While all are nice cars, Legacy GT took the honor as best sports sedan despite its Limited version is overpriced. It simply offers the best value for money with 250hp turbocharged engine, a proven AWD system and a style that is finally mainstream.

Why the skepticism about a driver who has obviously been a force to be reckoned with in his past and therefore could potentially be dangerous on the grid on any race day? Simple, Jacques hasn’t delivered. The fact that his boss, Peter Sauber, has been willing, however late to JV’s defense, to admit the problems the French Canadian faces have had more to do with a poorly sorted car, known as the C24 in Sauber code, and the fact that JV has had little opportunity to test than with any lack of talent on his part, has done little to thwart the critics, hot after the 1997 champion for blood.

Commenting on the subject of replacement drivers, Sauber jokingly told Autosport magazine, “In Malaysia we were married to Anthony Davidson, before Bahrain apparently Klien or Liuzzi would replace Jacques very soon. But there was no contact whatsoever with any of these drivers. And the reason for that is simple: I feel no urge for a driver change.”

Thanks, Doc. It's certainly my pleasure to make your driving experience fun.

Great bang-the-steering-wheel roadhouse blues numbers, one after another. I never thought I'd get back into music listening in the car, but Tony did it for me. A high-four (wheels) to the dude.

One recommendation, though - don't pound the wheel too hard. We don't want you driving off the road in a fit of blues euphoria.

The legendary Lamborghini Countach was one of the most radical, innovative, powerful, and stylish cars of its time. The vision of Ferruccio Lamborghini was to build a machine that would beat Ferrari as the ultimate Italian Sports Car. Powered by a 4.0 Liter 375hp V12 engine, four camshafts, and six two-barrel carburetors, the Countach had a top speed of over 170MPH. Become a part of the heritage of one of the most exotic sports cars in history with our true-to-life replica Lamborghini Countach body for 1/10th scale nitro touring cars. For scale looks, the new HPI Vintage Series wheels and tires are highly recommended, with 6mm rear offset and huge 31mm tread they are a perfect fit. 3mm offset wheels plus 2mm spacers can also be used in the rear. This body is clear and uncut, and comes with precut decals, vinyl window masks and detailed instructions. Photorealistic die-cut premium vinyl decals include window frames, headlight, grille, tail lights and more, plus official logos!

Anthony Prozzi, a designer for Ford Motor, is keeping close watch as yet another new generation of technology-smitten youth grows up. It's this group of future customers he has in mind as he tries to anticipate what they'll want out of an automobile in 2020.

The creator of the interior of Ford's Mercury Meta One concept car, Prozzi is a former fashion designer for Donna Karan. He's trying to apply that same sensibility to his current job--which is no less than to figure out how to merge the latest in technology with the more pedestrian habits of Ford drivers.

Well, JT, Kenny, Wesley, Tiffany, and me hit the road yesterday to see the sights at The Southern Drag-way. Yes, its a drag strip way down in the bowels of southern Georgia. Did I say southern? How Southern is it? If you want a Dixie flag, or a thong for your woman with a Dixie flag or Harley Davidson emblem, then this is the place to be. Hotdogs for a buck and a half, slaw dogs for two dollars, and the saltiest french fries I have ever eaten for 75 cents. Ruth, do you know what a slaw dog is? I doubt they have them in New Zealand. The slaw dogs were tasty. Anyway, the kids loved the race cars, the noise, the wheelies, etc. We had a great time. JT and I always have a great time together, no matter what.

Basil goes to the baseball games. Me, I'm not much on going to baseball. I used to go over to the Braves games when they was in Atlanta, but since they moved to Turner Field, I hadn't been able to find them. I mean, look at a map of Georgia. It's got Atlanta on it. And that's the stadium they played in. But, they moved and I can't find no Turner Field on the map. But that's okay. Cause I can watch them on TV sometimes. When the weather's clear, I can turn the TV antenna to point it in the direction of Atlanta and watch them on channel 17. Seems they still are on the Atlanta TV channels.

But, I'm ready for some real sports. None of this silly baseball stuff. I'm ready to pack up the car and head out for ...

NASCAR!!

1. Official NASCAR products take precedence. For example, if Checkers/Rally's, the official hamburger and drive-through, and McDonald's, a team sponsor, are both available, I have to choose Checkers/Rally's.

2. If there isn't an official NASCAR version or the official version isn't available, sponsors of cars and/or races can be used. Thus, I can drink a Pepsi if Coke isn't available.

I'm starting to get into the mode of looking for a new car. My car is now 8 years old with 160K miles on it. It's a decent car and I'm sure I could get another 100K out of it easily, but I have to admit that cars are a weakness of mine.

I can delay big financial purchases easily, but with cars, it's a different matter.

I was looking at the Acura MDX and the Lexus 330, but the idea of paying $40K for an Isuzu Rodeo or $40K for a nice looking, but small, SUV didn't sit too well with me. Besides, it's the Toyota Highlander.

It irks me that the luxury cars provided by the Japanese car makers are plushed out versions of their more pedestrian line.

Nick has kept the Viper here for the past month and a half while his new place gets the street repaired. I have been having an enjoyable time with it, of course, driving it pretty much as often as I can. With that in mind, this past Saturday I had a great day of "Cars". I started off with an early morning meeting with an online group of Lotus owners that I have known for a few years (Lotus Owners of South Texas - L.O.S.T.) at Star Motor Cars. Star is the local Lotus dealership....

Now I realize it's a bad thing to stereotype and I'm not trying to do that now. But as a public service announcement to a certain individual in a group I drove home over the weekend, I would like to clarify something - my right arm is not a second brake. Grabbing it will not affect the driving experience in a positive manner and may trigger an involuntary (or voluntary based on the number of occurrences) reflex.

The Tramontana design recovers long-forgotten classical models. The other main source of inspiration is fighter planes, for example lateral intake vents and, especially, the tandem-like position of the two seats, that allows the perfection of the equilibrium. Lovers of sports cars will appreciate the perfect weight symmetry offered by the position of the seats.

Finally! The perfect racing game will be coming out, most likely for the Xbox 360. Need for Speed has had differnt gamess with great racing, some with gorgeous sports/muscle cars, and others with regular cars you can customize, and even police which try to run you down. Now, however, they are finally coming out with a racing game that combines the city, and Underground Racing feeling, with customizable cars, brand name muscle cars and hot pursuit. I can’t wait!

Dunlop's flagship SP Sport Maxx racked up another win in maximum performance -- this time with Tire Rack, the online performance source for tires.

Tire Rack, outlining test results this week, said, "The Sport Maxx achieved the highest lateral g's, which aided driver confidence, and easily set the fastest average overall lap time in this test."

Tire Rack drivers indicated the Dunlop ultra-performance summer tire out- performed three leading tire brands on four identical 2003 BMW 330Ci sports sedans.

Delphi's Forewarn Smart Cruise Control with Headway Alert uses a long- range radar sensor to detect objects in the vehicle's path up to 150 meters or 402 feet ahead. The system helps to reduce the need for drivers to manually adjust speed or disengage cruise control when encountering slower traffic. Using the vehicle's braking and throttle systems, Smart Cruise Control with Headway Alert automatically manages vehicle speed to maintain a time gap (following distance) set by the driver.

Tony Stewart made a fiery exit Sunday.

With 37 laps left in the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Texas, something broke on Stewart's car, creating a fireball from underneath. Once the car rolled to a stop on the backstretch, Stewart scrambled out quickly.

He was treated at the infield medical centre and released.

Greg Biffle won the Samsung/Radio Shack 500 Nextel Cup race at the Texas Motor Speedway Sunday. finishing 3.244 seconds ahead of runner-up Jamie McMurray.

Biffle used the same chassis which he used to win in February at the California Speedway. It was his second win of the season and fifth of his career.

The race began with a couple of quick cautions when Dave Blaney and Scott Riggs both lost control of their race cars in the first nine laps.

We also save on car insurance. Used cars cost less to insure than new ones, and, depending on the year, you may not want collision and comprehensive coverage. This can add up quickly, especially if you have other factors that make you high risk.

The beer limitations might be the decision of the Rangers, but then it might have something to do with Texas state law - which wouldn't be surprising. Today's fishwrap had an article about the lack of beer sales at Texas Motor Speedway, where tomorrow's NASCAR race will be held.

What!? They don't sell beer at the TMS? They must sell beer at TMS, after all it's NASCAR.

Evidently state law does not allow the selling of beer where people can bring their own. Anyone who has been to a NASCAR race, or been anywhere near a NASCAR race, knows that BYOB is standard operating procedure. Hence plenty of beer being drunk, just not sold by TMS.

If you’re a Nascar fan and didn’t get a chance to see Nascar 3D at an Imax theater, save yourself the cost and effort of renting or, gasp, buying this on DVD. I found it to be really boring and mostly a documentary of Nascar and it’s history. The only way it could possibly be entertaining is on an 8 story screen for the staged racing scenes. That being said, it may be interesting to someone new to Nascar.

The 1982 San Marino Grand Prix was the last Formula One race for Gilles Villeneuve, who was killed in a practice crash prior to the Belgian Grand Prix.

The 2005 edition of the race may just be the last for his son, Jacques Villeneuve, who is currently struggling through a difficult year with the Sauber team.

Stories have percolated over the last several weeks about the future of the 1997 F1 champion with the Swiss-based team. While the team has acknowledged there are problems with the C24 chassis, Villeneuve has been off the pace when compared to teammate Felipe Massa. The team’s recent decision to replace the Canadian after just one day of inconclusive testing in Spain further fuelled the speculation surrounding his future.

I am back to work after taking a day off yesterday. I went to Sears Point with my parentals to see IRL (Indy Racing League) practice. It’s been forever since we were last at the track as a family, probably close to seven or eight years when we used to race cars. That was even before Kayla and I moved to Santa Barbara! The day was quite cold, and while we didn’t take in any wine tasting in near by Napa, we did have a GREAT time! So, I have a new “girlfriend” (sorry Kimmi, but you are going to have to up your game) named Danica Patrick; [danica-patrick.com]. She’s not only smokin’, but she also knows how to drive fast. LOL! Anyway, I have tons of “not so fun” stuff to do, so I’m outta here.

I was exposed to supercars at a very impressionable age, in my teens to be exact. I had previously, in my youth, had no interest in cars whatsoever, preferring to concentrate my energies on scale models of aircraft and ships. When I reached my mid teens I was forced to seek employment, and my dad helped me out by getting me a job at the workshop where he sent his car for repairs.

You can't get any more redder than Ohio. Home of the truckdriver, home of the interstate, and yes, home to the national grocery store chain I was referring to in that post. We might even be home to the most NASCAR fans per capita in the US. (I know, them's fightin' words)

Following a unanimous request from the teams and further to a fax vote of the remaining Formula One Commission members, together with a fax vote of the World Motor Sport Council, the requirement under Article 58b of the 2005 Formula One Sporting Regulations that the third (Friday) driver should not have competed in more than six World Championship Events during the previous two World Championships has been deleted.

I wish we had a Formula One grand prix near by.

Trois Grands-prix, trois victoires, celà nous change de l’hégémonie des Ferrari et de la supériorité de Mickaël Schumacher de ces dernières années. Bravo à Renault de nous offrir la Marseillaise à chaque podium. Je vais certainement retourner à Monaco et Magny-cours cette année, j'espère que Renault continuera sur sa lancée...

That's actually not as true as it used to be, but there's no doubt that NASCAR owes much of it's meteoric rise in the 80s and 90s to RJ Reynolds cleverly skirting increasingly restrictive advertising rules by pouring huge piles of cash at the series and take over advertising to such a great etent that they effectively became a surrogate promoter. Formula One has been solidly attatched to the tobacco pipeline though they've been slowly but surely coming ungluued as well (though not before they dumped the historic Spa circuit a couple of years...

"Aston Martin is a name that needs little introduction. It has always stood for fine, civilized high performance sports cars, designed and produced by skilled craftsmen. There is a special place in the market and in the hearts of owners for classic sports cars which conform to this ideal. These are cars which bring to life the freedom and enjoyment of the open road.

Doc Boudreaux, no man's fool, saw the potential of getting involved with NASCAR and began to sponsor a NASCAR Busch Series car driven by former Louisiana school principal Kim Crosby. There has been no word on how sales have been affected by the NASCAR sponsorship, but we'll find out in the near future.

Butt Paste: Not Just for Babies and NASCAR drivers anymore!

I am convinced that the end of days is truly upon us when I find myself agreeing with a statement made by Newt Gingrich, of all people. But I find hard to argue against his point that if NASA were willing to accept the same level of risk as NASCAR, we’d have people on Mars by now.

NASCAR's number 24 has a new prime sponsor: Bourdreaux's Butt Paste.

The driver is Kim Crosby. I don't follow NASCAR, is she the only female on the circuit? Anyways, it's like Stroker Ace come to life.

Like Acura, Audi is the most undervalued German brand and that, too, is a shame. We love Audi. Some of our colleagues think all Audis look alike but we don't agree. And, even if they did, we don't think that's such a horrible trait. Audi interiors are top-notch, exteriors are sculpted and engines strong. Audi's A6 makes a bold statement with a grill that would make George Forman envious. But to focus on the grill is to ignore the beautiful shape of the entire car and its very smart interior. Audi doesn't let their cars get stale like M-B has recently....

The billionaire creator of Red Bull energy drink has decided that competing in Formula One racing and sponsoring a variety of extreme sports teams isn't quite enough exposure in the jock market.

Dietrich Mateschitz, who swooped in to buy Jaguar's Formula One team in November, now has purchased struggling Austrian soccer club SV Salzburg -- and set some lofty goals.

from the 4/10 NASCAR Notebook:

Formula One star Jacques Villeneuve has expressed an interest in driving in NASCAR, according to some who have talked with him, and that could be a good sign for NASCAR’s proposed Canadian racing project.

Last spring, when Villeneuve’s F1 career seemed all but over, and he was searching for a ride, Villeneuve inquired about NASCAR opportunities. But last fall he managed to land another F1 ride, though it wasn’t a great one. At 34, Villeneuve may well be nearing the end of his career on the international circuit.

Some say that Villeneuve may not have the attitude for NASCAR’s “got-to-get-along” world, or the gumption for the grinding 38-week-a-year tour.

Still, Villeneuve’s driving credentials are excellent, and Montreal’s Formula One road course - which NASCAR executives have their eyes on - is named for Villeneuve’s late father.

An intriguing aspect to NASCAR’s Canadian venture is that Vancouver may be a player, because that beautiful city, just two hours north of Seattle, could give the sport its long-awaited Northwest anchor. Given the problems that NASCAR has had finding 800 acres and political support for construction of a track in the Seattle area itself, Vancouver ould be a solution. And Vancouver has a racing tradition with street-course CART Indy-car races.

Villeneuve, 34, could be a key player in NASCAR’s Canadian marketing plans, much as Adrian Fernandez was key in NASCAR’s Mexico City venture.

These and other features available on the new IS, such as the Adaptive Front headlamp System (AFS), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and ventilated front seats are normally found only in more expensive luxury cars.

Since I've already given a shout-out to NASCAR today, it's only fair that I give F1 fans equal time. And, since I'll be working outside most of the day, I'll do it in the form of a time-waster for those of you who opt to stay indoors today. You don't actually have to be a Formula One fan to enjoy this one, either, but I do recommend you check out the "how to play" section and take advantage of the practice option until you get the hang of it.

I'll be back when the lawn's mowed and the mulch is down....

Recently my dad called and told me that I could no longer be on his car insurance since I was too high of a risk and therefore cost too much. Apparently I am a risk taker. I have had two speeding tickets wtihin the last three years. When I got them I thought the the only cost to me would be points on my license and a fine. However, I did not look at the big picture and the total oppurtunity cost of speeding as opposed to going the speed limit. I did not properly weigh the benefits and consequences of speeding therefor I was an irrational criminal. Not only that but now I am going to have to pay a lot of money for my own insurance now just to drive. Now I will have to get just liability insurance and hope I don't hurt my car. This now affects my whole lifestyle, since I have an extra bill to pay I won't get enough utility out of my money. The total cost of speeding was a lot more than I anticipated.

Jeff Gordon said he came to Martinsville Speedway to do his job, and as he climbed from his car into an embrace with owner Rick Hendrick in victory lane, doing it well never felt better.

Gordon won the Advance Auto Parts 500 yesterday, turning NASCAR's first visit to the track since a Hendrick Motorsports plane crashed nearby last fall into a tribute to 10 team members and friends who were killed.

The headline in the local newspaper said it all:

Renault 3, Ferrari 0.

Fernando Alonso's victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix last Sunday was the team's third straight and his second in a row.

"For the team, it has been a fantastic start in these hot races. Now we arrive in new conditions in Europe, tracks that all the teams know very well, and we are allowed to test quite a lot and we will see how the car is there," Alonso said. "So far the car has been difficult to beat."

The possibility that some Formula One teams may break off and form their own racing tour is increasing. Nine Formula One teams and five carmakers decided today to boycott a meeting next week with auto racing's world governing body.

FIA president Max Mosley called the meeting to discuss regulations for the 2008 season. That's the year the breakaway group might start its own tour.

Looks like we have some good weather for racing tonight. I live on a road that many race cars take to the local track and watching the haulers go by is getting me excited for my first D.I.R.T.-style modified race of the year.I’m looking forward to the New Egypt season opener tonight and then I’m heading to Thompson CT in the morning to watch the NASCAR Modified series race.

A former investment manager from Belleville stole more than $60 million from his clients - many of them injured and unable to work - and used it to buy a yacht, luxury cars and a failing grocery store chain, according to witnesses and prosecutors in his federal fraud trial.

Esther Friedman indicates that she and her husband carry enough automobile insurance to pay for repairs to their Toyota Camry and cover bodily injury and property damage exposures if their car becomes involved in a vehicular accident. Friedman says that she has never been in an accident in her almost 40 years of driving experience, "but I have insurance just in case. I just hope I never have to use it."

The Japanese automakers (Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu, Honda, etc.) have already shown this strategy for decades. Here is what they've been doing: the interior of an automobile takes large influences from the Japanese tea ceremony: 1) ritual-like experience of the tea ceremony is blended with the driving experience; 2) the simple, yet rich environment of various colors, materials, and textures can exist harmoniously. The best thing is that you can use something more recent like the radiant lights/colors and the various materials used in electronic gadgets...

Jeff Gordon came from three laps down to win Sunday's Advance Auto Parts 500 in the first Nextel Cup race to be held at Martinsville since nine members of his Hendrick Motorsport team perished in an air crash near the Speedway last October.

Although Gordon's Hendrick teammate Jimmie Johnson won on that fateful day last October, the NASCAR community only learned of the tragedy at the conclusion of the event, and a sixth Martinsville win for the #24 team seemed fitting on a warm, sunny day in Virginia.

Bobby Labonte became the 12th driver to win in all three NASCAR divisions when he won the truck race in Martinsville.

Labonte held off Ricky Craven on a restart six laps from the end to win his first race in the Craftsmen Truck Series. Craven and Ron Hornaday battled for second and third and had a bumping incident after the race.

The nine Formula One teams still unsigned to an extension of the current Concorde Agreement have announced that they will not be attending a planned meeting with FIA president Max Mosley in order to concentrate of formulating plans for a proposed breakaway series.

The nine teams - including every squad except Ferrari, which has already signed up to Bernie Ecclestone's vision of the future - and the five remaining manufacturers met in London to advance the ideas first published in February's 'Governing Principles for Grand Prix Motor Racing Post 2007'.

Now under the chairmanship of BMW Burkhard Goetschel, the carmakers continue to plan their own series from 2008, when the current Concorde Agreement ceases, and, to that end, have agreed to boycott the offered meeting with the FIA, scheduled for Paris on 15 April. The gathering had been intended as a forum to discuss technical regulations for 2008 and beyond.

(for those who are wondering, the NASCAR reference is related to the "turn left" comment. I hate it when my references are too obscure to be funny....)

While it wasn't exactly what I had envisioned when I was complaining, "It's 2005! Where's my flying car?", I remember reading that one of the Formula One companies had tested its latest F1 race car, the SR8, and found that it generates more downforce than its weight. Therefore, hypothetically (so far) turning it over and driving upside down will generate more lift that its weight and it will fly.

GM officials did not specify which articles the company found offensive. Ryndee Carney, a GM spokeswoman told The New York Times: "It involves news reporting, it involves opinion."

Messages left after business hours Thursday with representatives for GM and the Times were not immediately returned.

On Wednesday, the newspaper published a column by auto critic Dan Neil, who called for the "impeachment" of two executives, and charged the company "utterly missed the boat on hybrid gas-electric technology" while speeding up production of sport utility vehicles.

"The design of the handset is just like that of sports cars in detail, the handset maker said.

It's Friday, so here's a game for hungover people and other shirkers to play (Thursdays are the new brown, or something).

Instructions: You race a car over jumps, using only two keys (left and right arrows) to accelerate or brake. It's that easy. You can invite friends to play you in a league and there's a world ranking too, so see how well you do.

I’ve been thinking and wondering how this is going to impact on this years Formula One Grand Prix, it will certainly be a more somber affair than normal I should imagine, as Rainier was always omnipresent at Grand Prix weekends.

Well, the Bimmer is in the shop for repairs to the convertible top. Meanwhile, my misadventures with USAA continue. Every time I talk to one of their agents, I get a different story. Example: Yesterday they told me the check had to be issued jointly to both me and the leasing company. Today they tell me they in fact can issue the check directly to the body shop. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? Another example: The first agent I spoke to said my iPod would be replaced...

After another disappointing race with Sauber in Bahrain last weekend, Canadian driver Jacques Villeneuve may only have one grand prix left to prove he still has what it takes to stick around in Formula One. With a poor showing in the first three races of the season, media speculation about the 1997 world champion's possible departure continues to gain momentum.

Formula One is one of my burning passions (well, I should say Ferrari!) and, the strange bond that is created by the driver with his machinery has always intrigued me.

After watching Formula One for so many years, my family is savyer than me, including my 4-year old son, Nino.

Nino is such a crazy Ferrari Fan that he cries wholehartedly if the scarlet car (well… Schumacher) does not win. I will be posting his pictures: since his early days in his mother’s womb when he rolled and kicked when we were watching Formula One. I really wonder what will he do if he has the opportunity to be in the Ferrari boxes (Montezemolo, if you ca read this… a pass to access Monza’s pitlane would be the greatest gift for your true-red fan)

"A Mclaren F1, on March 31, 1998, reached 386.7 km/h"

DaimlerChrysler AG, the world’s biggest maker of luxury cars, is recalling 1.3 million Mercedes- Benz brand models worldwide to fix electrical and braking-system faults, marking a big blow to the brand’s quality reputation, they had been guarding for so long since Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) delivered its first Mercedes on 22 December 1900.

At the moment the news broke, I had written two words of a review of the Pontiac G6: "Dump Lutz."

On Monday morning, the news came that General Motors North America Chairman Robert Lutz and Group Vice President Gary Cowger were "relinquishing" their duties with GM North America to assume unspecified roles in GM's global product development and manufacturing efforts — compared with the high-profile role Lutz has occupied, this is like "extraordinary rendition" to Pakistan.

Although GM's chairman and chief executive is Rick Wagoner, Bob Lutz — also known as "Maximum Bob" — has been the point man for GM policy and future product design, the Great White-Haired Father, the Man with the Golden Gut, the auto industry's most quotable and charismatic executive in a town where charisma is scarcer than banana trees.

Although you�ll spend a lot of time collecting and upgrading cars, the meat of the game is in the driving. This is where the good meets the bad. On your own, GT4 represents a perfect driving experience. The physics are incredibly detailed; each car has a unique feel, and there are nearly infinite possibilities for customization. You�ll notice the car lurch forward and back with braking and acceleration and slide realistically through corners. There is also an excellent wind noise effect that contributes to the already significant feeling...

So, where does this leave Gran Turismo 4? I reluctantly shelled out the cash for it, took it home, and enjoyed almost every minute of it. The flaws I mentioned, with the exception of missing online play, are just part of the series, and fans will likely accept them as such (while secretly hoping that a competitor comes along and knocks some sense into Polyphony). For those new to the series, they will likely be more apparent and off-putting. If you like cars, and the idea of collecting them is gratifying, this is still the only game in...

The interior has a heavy use of metallic and chrome 4 panel sunroof, leather seats, two-tone door and seat inserts. The interiors were given high priority in the car design which is very evident. There is a large and confortable passenger room in the front and especially in the rear seat. The vehicle’s interior roominess is heightened by the large windshield – a result of the steeply raked A pillar and the p anoramic roof, which features four sliding glass panels to create a convertible style open air driving experience.

You may not be aware that one of the best sports sedans in the country - the Infiniti G35 - is actually the Nissan Skyline in Japan. Here's a link to the home-market website where both the Skyline sedan and coupe are shown: http://www2.nissan.co.jp/SKYLINE/

It was 1973. I had a '56 Belair 2dr. w/a 265/170 with a Powerglide and a 3:55 gear that my dad had bought new. I bracket raced the well worn Chevy at the local dragstrip. With recurved distributor, 18.70's were the best it would do. It was common practice to bring along a portable 1 gallon water sprayer to cool the intake & radiator between rounds. At one Saturday race, a highschool acquaintance was behind me in line behind me in line with new Cuda 340. He borrowed my sprayer and used all the water .It just so happened we got paired up together at the starting line. With the handicap, I had about a 4 sec. head start. My lights came down and the '56 was off and running .When his came down the Cuda sputtered, backfired and barely moved. He evidently had sprayed his ignition. Anyway ,I was told the crowd cheered wildly as the rusty old Chevy half-tracked the new 'Cuda.

Mercedes has just released the information for the European CLK AMG equipment package. Exterior accents include revised front and rear bumpers and side skirts, rear spoiler, 18-inch AMG wheels, silver-painted calipers with MB lettering, lowered suspension and chrome AMG twin tailpipe. Inside AMG adds multicontour seats, aluminum-style sports pedals, velour floor mats with the AMG logo and steering wheel gearshift buttons on automatic equipped cars.

Kevin Harvick won the Food City 500 Nextel Cup Sunday by finishing 4.652 seconds ahead of Elliott Sadler.

Elliott Sadler and Rusty Wallace were the early leaders but a series of accidents cut down the field.

At the mid-point (250 of 500 laps) Wallace was still leading with Matt Kenseth and Kevin Harvick close behind.

World Championship leader Fernando Alonso set a sizzling pace in the roasting desert heat yesterday to claim the fastest time in first qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

In temperatures of 42 degrees Celsius the Spaniard, who won the last race in Malaysia, set a time of 1:29.848 to finish 0.145 ahead of closest challenger Jarno Trulli of Toyota.

The pair have dominated qualifying in the first few races and even with world champions Ferrari bringing a new F2005 machine here this weekend they dominated again as the only two drivers inside the 1:29 barrier.

Millions of Indian racing fans across the globe are pinning their hopes on the first Indian driver to have made it into Formula One racing. He is none other than Narain Karthikeyan who is in Bahrain for the third Grand Prix of the season that will be held today.

The Indian idol enjoys a huge fan base here in Bahrain too with several people attending the event here just to get a glimpse of their F1 hero. Making his debut in Formula One this year, he is enjoying every moment of it.

“Every race is like a lesson for me and I’m learning from the experiences,” Narain said while speaking to The Peninsula. Narain’s journey into F1 has not been a cakewalk, instead it has been a long, painstaking road with several hurdles along the way. But now that he’s here, he feels things will get easier for budding stars back in India.

I did fall victim to one prank yesterday, however. If you check the Detours, the links below the photos on the sidebar to the right, you may have noticed one that I put up Thursday night about the retirement of Formula One great Michael Schumacher. When I saw the article I was astonished, as was my dad, the other big F1 fan in my family.

(High-Performance Sports Concept) originally unveiled at last year’s North American International Auto Show was Honda’s main exhibit at the 2005 Melbourne International Motor Show opened today, further fueling speculation the car is the basis for the next generation NSX. Like the NSX it will replace, the HSC builds on decades of Honda’s engineering heritage to deliver the ultimate driving experience in an easy to drive package. Its muscular exterior, with sharp lines and elaborate detail, serve as a teaser for what lies beneath the hood. The...

So, it turns out that, somewhat counterintuitively, surrounding people in a ton of metal and rubber and making their driving experience "smoother" is potentially more dangerous than not. How you view this of course depends on your mindset. I personally would rather hold more control over what happens around me and therefore prefer a small nimble car.

I finally got around to watching the ESPN original movie “3” last night. It’s a movie about the life of Dale Earnhardt. I’ve had it on the PVR ever since it premiered in, I think, December. I have no problem confessing that I cried when Dale was killed. (When I watched it live in reality - not in the movie.) It was like losing another part of my father. Not that I thought that much of Dale, but it was something my daddy and I shared. I experienced the same thing when Johnny Carson died recently. (I lost my daddy almost 23 years ago at 12 and I sometimes wonder if I’m ever going to “finish” losing him.)

The movie was pretty lame. It was typical TV movie of the week fare. I was pretty disappointed, really. It explored nothing and glossed over a lot that was important. I kept waiting for it to get good and then realized there was only fifteen minutes left and we had only just gotten to the ‘98 Daytona 500 win.

Many people have different hobbies that keep them occupied during their spare time. As a “typical” American male I love sports cars. Fast, sleek, loud cars drive me crazy. I have always been a fan of Chevrolet Corvettes. An all American sports car since it's creation. I have had the opportunity to drive many corvettes since a young child. My father has always been a big fan of corvettes since I was a young child.