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."