Archive for June, 2010

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Doug Coby To Fill In For George Brunnhoelzl III In Inaugural Whelen Modified Tour Event At Lime Rock Park

June 30th, 2010

With George Brunnhoelzl III still on the mend after a hard wreck last week at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Doug Coby of Milford has been tabbed as a fill-in driver for car owner Bob Katon Jr. for Saturday’s Lime Rock 100 at Lime Rock Park in Salisbury.

09 Doug Coby.jpg“I am trying to help them out and keep them in the hunt for the owners points,” Coby said. “They’re sitting 22nd in owners and I’m going to try to keep them in the hunt to get into the top-15. I am every excited. I’ve never run a road course before and I want to.”

Coby has started three of the first five events this season on the Whelen Modified Tour for car owner Ralph Solhem. He is coming off an eighth place finish for the team in last Saturday’s New England 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Speed51.com reported earlier this week that Brunnhoelzl sustained a bruised or possibly fractured sternum in his wreck Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

 

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2013 Tesla Roadster to be completely built in-house

June 29th, 2010

Tesla Roadster Sport – Click above for high-res image gallery

We’ve been poring over Tesla’s IPO filing with the SEC and hidden within the indecipherable legalese is a little gem for those of us more interested in product then federal oversight.

As reported previously, the Roadster’s reign is set to end in December of 2011, although Tesla will continue to take orders for the current Roadster into 2012 if its supply of “gliders” – the rolling chassis provided by Lotus and built on the same platform as the Elise/Exige – isn’t exhausted.

Tesla has contracted Lotus for a total of 2,400 gliders and if the price is right, it could extend that contract to meet demand.

More importantly, Tesla confirms that the next Roadster won’t arrive until production of the Model S begins in 2012, so a revised Roadster isn’t in the cards until 2013 – at the earliest. Interestingly, the upstart EV automaker says that it intends to build the “next generation Tesla Roadster entirely in our own facilities.” Which leads us to believe that an all-new platform could underpin the next generation model, possibly based on the Model S’ architecture and shared by a range of new products. How much of the current Roadster carries over remains to be seen, but if Tesla wants to continue to assert its independence, it’s fair to assume that it won’t be sourcing its next chassis from another automaker.

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: SEC]

2013 Tesla Roadster to be completely built in-house originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST.

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Supercross 2011 Schedule released

June 29th, 2010

Two new venues added to 2011 Monster Energy Supercross schedule

Dodger Stadium and Oakland Alameda City Stadium are added venues for 2011 …

Feld Motor Sports announced the 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, schedule that kicks off January 8 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., and concludes at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium on May 7. Monster Energy Supercross will showcase the world’s premier indoor off-road motorcycle racing championship at some of the world’s most prominent stadiums in 2011, including two new events.

Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles will host its first-ever Monster Energy Supercross race January 22, which is the tour’s third race. Monster Energy Supercross will maintain its tradition in Anaheim while expanding into Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium. From Los Angeles, Monster Energy Supercross will head to Oak-Alameda City Stadium in Oakland, Calif., for the first time since 1984 on January 29.

“The 2011 Monster Energy Supercross schedule, which includes two new venues, sets the stage for next year and we will continue to assemble several key enhancements to build this brand and the sport of supercross. We are excited to showcase the inaugural Monster Energy Supercross races at the legendary Dodgers Stadium and return to Oakland’s Oak-Alameda City Stadium” said Kenneth Feld, Chairman and CEO, Feld Entertainment.

“Year after year, the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, is very exciting, captive and unpredictable. Who would have thought that Ryan Dungey would win the title in his first year of participation Supercross is an excellent showcase for FIM motor sports and the number of its fans grows every year, as their appetite to see Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship events go worldwide. This is also the FIM’s wish. We know Feld Motor Sports is working hard on that for the future and we are pleased to see that the 2011 calendar counts another 17 events” said FIM President Vito Ippolito.

“Since the early 1970s, AMA Supercross has provided the stage, and the best motorcycle racers in the world have delivered the talent, to create one of the most exciting championship series on two wheels. The AMA is very pleased to continue working with our promotional partner, Feld Motor Sports, to deliver both a level playing field and high-octane thrills to hundreds of thousands of fans across the United States” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman.

Reigning Monster Energy Supercross champion Ryan Dungey will defend his championship in 2011 after becoming the youngest rider in history to be crowned AMA Supercross class champion.

“Anaheim 1 is probably the biggest and most anticipated race we have in our sport, but I like San Francisco, Atlanta, St. Louis, and Indy because they are better suited to my style. The crowds are big in all of those cities, the towns are cool and the tracks are great, but I am a racer, so I am ready to go wherever they line us up at. I have to prepare for a long season that is 17 races in 18 weeks. It is grueling on your body and mind. I experienced that last year and know a little more now what to expect. And with the return of James Stewart, Chad Reed, and Ryan Villopoto, it should be a good one that hopefully goes down to the wire” said Dungey.

2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, Schedule

January 8 – Angel Stadium – Anaheim CA
January 15 – Chase Field – Phoenix AZ
January 22 – Dodger Stadium – Los Angeles CA
January 29 – Oak-Alameda City Stadium – Oakland CA
February 5 – Angel Stadium – Anaheim CA
February 12 – Reliant Stadium – Houston TX
February 19 – Qualcomm Stadium – San Diego CA
February 26 – Georgia Dome – Atlanta GA
March 5 – Daytona Int’l Speedway – Daytona FL*
March 12 – Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis IN
March 19 – Jacksonville Municipal Stadium – Jacksonville FL
March 26 – Rogers Centre – Toronto, ON, Canada
April 2 – Cowboys Stadium – Arlington TX
April 9 – Edward Jones Dome – St. Louis MO
April 16 – Qwest Field – Seattle WA
April 30 – Rice-Eccles Stadium – Salt Lake City UT
May 7 – Sam Boyd Stadium – Las Vegas NV

*Not a Feld Motor Sports event this date is independently promoted by Daytona International Speedway and the International Speedway Corp.

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Athletes nominated for 18th annual ESPY awards include Supercross Champion and Motocross Champion Ashley Fiolek

June 29th, 2010

The 18th annual ESPYs, which will be televised live, for the first time since 2003, Wednesday, July 14, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN/ESPNHD. The 2010 ESPYs co-presented by Capital One and Castrol EDGE and hosted by Saturday Night Live’s Seth Meyers release the nominees for Best Male Action Sport Athlete and Best Female Action Sport Athlete categories.

Supercross and Motocross fans will certainly know of two athletes nominated – Supercross Champion Ryan Dungey and MX Champion Ashley Fiolek

The ESPY nominees for Best Action Sport Athlete:

BEST MALE ACTION SPORT ATHLETE NOMINEES

Bobby Brown, Freestyle Skiing

The only skier to win two gold medals at the same Winter X Games, Bobby Brown won Ski Slopestyle and Ski Big Air at the Winter X Games in January 2010. The first athlete to land the switch double misty 1440, the trick earned him the first-ever perfect score in the Ski Big Air contest. Brown continued his domination by winning the next Dew Tour stop and earning a silver medal at Winter X Games Europe.

Ryan Dungey, Supercross & Motocross

Enjoying a breakout season in 2009, Ryan Dungey was both the AMA Motocross 250 Class season points champion and the 2010 AMA Supercross champion. To top off a great season, Dungey led Team USA to its fifth straight victory at the Motocross of Nations in Italy.

Mick Fanning, Surfing

The first Australian to beat Kelly Slater out for the ASP World Title, Mick Fanning put together one of the most impressive competitive seasons of all time to win the 2007 title. Two years later, Fanning pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in surfing history to battle back from the middle of the pack to win his second ASP World Title.

Garrett Reynolds, BMX Freestyle

Winning his first X Games gold medal at the debut of BMX Freestyle Street at X Games 14, Garrett Reynolds hasn’t slowed down at all. With international X Games wins in Mexico, Brazil and Dubai, Reynolds was named the NORA Cup Street Rider of the Year in 2008 and 2009. He will attempt a three-peat at X Games 16.

Shaun White, Skateboarding & Snowboarding

In a banner season for White, the defending Winter X Games Snowboard SuperPipe and 2006 Winter Olympic gold medalist successfully defended both titles, becoming the only Winter X Games athlete to three-peat in Snowboard SuperPipe and the only Winter Olympic athlete to win back-to-back halfpipe gold.

BEST FEMALE ACTION SPORT ATHLETE NOMINEES

Torah Bright, Snowboarding

Australia’s golden girl, Torah Bright has become one of the most recognizable female snowboarders. Awarded the highest score ever given to a Winter X SuperPipe female at Winter X Games 13, Bright went on to add Winter Olympic gold medalist to her title in 2010.

Ashley Fiolek, Motocross

Already one of the most successful female motocross riders in just her third season as a professional racer, Ashley Fiolek has been a force behind advancing the level and prestige of women’s racing in the United States. The defending X Games Super X Women’s gold medalist, Fiolek is also the two-time and defending Women’s Motocross Champion.

Stephanie Gilmore, Surfing

One of the most talented female surfers on the ASP Tour, Stephanie Gilmore wrapped up the 2009 season with her third straight Women’s ASP World Tour title. This season, she is on track to continue her success, winning three of four events so far.

Jen Hudak, Freestyle Skiing

Not only did Jen Hudak earn her first Winter X Games gold medal in the Ski SuperPipe competition in Aspen, Colo. and her first gold at the inaugural Winter X Games Europe, she finished on top of the AFP World Tour.

Ashleigh McIvor, Freestyle Skiing

In the first year ski cross was featured in the Winter Olympics, Ashleigh McIvor went down in the history books as the very first Women’s Ski Cross Olympic gold medalist. She also achieved a first at Winter X Games 14, earning her first Winter X Games Skier X medal (silver).

The ESPYs gather top celebrities from sports and entertainment to commemorate the past year in sports by recognizing major sports achievements, reliving unforgettable moments and saluting the leading performers and performances. The 2010 ESPYs will recognize both sport-specific achievements, such as “Best MLB Player” and “Best WNBA Player” and best-in-sport winners, such as “Best Team” or “Best Female Athlete” that pit nominees from different sports against each other. The ESPYs honor ESPN’s commitment to The V Foundation for Cancer Research, a partnership launched with the late Jim Valvano at the inaugural ESPYs in 1993.

X Games 16 – The 16th annual action sports competition will feature more than 300 of the world’s best athletes who will compete in BMX Freestyle, Moto X, Skateboard and Rally Car.

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Autoblog Long-Term Garage Introduction: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

June 29th, 2010

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition – Click above for high-res image gallery

We hinted at it in our review, but it’s time to make it official. Welcome the newest entrant to the Autoblog Long-Term Garage: the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition.

So why, with the all-new Jetta right around the corner, would we bring the TDI Cup into the hallowed halls of Autoblog Towers? Simple. We want to get intimate with diesel. Not only do we want to reap the high-mileage benefits of ultra-low sulfur dino-juice, we want to see if something with a TDI badge can, in fact, be an entertaining drive over the long haul.

We explored the Cup’s backroad prowess in our review, but how will it fare at the track? Will a new set of tires and wheels make a world of difference? How about some upgraded brake pads? In stock form, does it have what it takes to compete with the latest and greatest in the new fuel-conscious sporty car segment? How will it hold up after thousands of miles, a few road trips and stints across the country with our editors? All these questions and more will be answered over the course of a year.

We’ll be keeping you updated on the TDI’s progress with weekly and monthly posts, highlighting the finer points and questioning the logic of others. More importantly, we’re interested in what you want to know about the Jetta TDI Cup Edition. Tell us in Comments and we’ll get cracking.

Additionally, we’ve set up a specific page to follow the TDI’s progress, complete with updates, specs and other useful info. Check it out and follow us on Twitter at TheRealAutoblog for 140-character morsels of insight tagged #ablongterm.

The fun is about to begin, and the only question now is: What’s first?

Autoblog Long-Term Garage Introduction: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST.

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Report: Bob Lutz, Tom Purves to advise Lotus?

June 28th, 2010

Two anonymous sources have told Automotive News that Lotus is courting both Bob Lutz and retired BMW executive Tom Purves to become advisors to the British brand.

As previously reported, Lotus’ Malaysian parents at Proton are on a kick to increase both volume and model mix to take on its exotic rivals at Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche. In order to boost production to around 8,000 units annually, Lotus needs to take a long, hard look at what it’s offering and how it can expand the brand to take on Europe’s elite – possibly at the expense of Lotus’ core values. Or not.

To that end, Lotus could be looking at both Lutz and Purves for their product knowledge, which in the case of Maximum Bob is as wide and varied as it is successful. Lutz has already said he’s open to future gigs and he’s already accepted a board position at Transonic Combustion. But at this point, however, formal bids for both retired execs have yet to provided by Lotus.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Report: Bob Lutz, Tom Purves to advise Lotus? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:22:00 EST.

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GM Mulls a New York Showroom to Woo Wall Street

June 28th, 2010

General Motors realizes it has a nagging little marketing problem as it prepares for an initial public stock offering. The analysts, portfolio managers and potential investors that they are hoping will like their stock aren’t big customers of the company’s cars. So GM is mulling over a plan to open up a GM salon in Manhattan, say three people who know about the discussions. The company would rent or buy a building, outfit it with imagery for its four brands and showcase the latest cars. The idea is to get GM’s best models in a place where high-fashion New Yorkers, tourists and high-rolling investors might walk by. GM does poorly in the New York metro area. GM’s market share in the New York area was just 9.6% in the first quarter, compared with 18.7% in the U.S. GM’s share in the New York area was 10% last year, down from 13% in 2008, according to Experian Automotive, which tracks vehicle registrations.

GM thinks that the salon would show investors and car buyers that the company’s newest models are competitive. Audi has a similar display called the Audi Forum at the corner of 47th Street and Park Avenue. Audi keeps five cars on hand, including a vintage Le Mans series race car. Audi has events at the Forum. They even kept it open so Audiphiles could watch the entire 24 Hours at Le Mans race last year.

For GM, this does create a bit of a dilemma. GM wants to get in front of the hip and the well-heeled. But is this the right way to do it? The Forum works for Audi because it’s a house for just one brand. There is nary a Volkswagen in sight. GM would have four brands together at a time when the company is trying to give Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC some individuality.

That isn’t what’s stopping GM. Executives say they like the idea of a company showroom in the Big Apple. But Manhattan real estate is really pricey. For a company perceived by some to be on the dole–and that took some heat for giving a Corvette to near-perfect Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga–a Manhattan marketing scheme could draw heat. GM should pay no mind. The bigger question is whether GM could differentiate its brands with this, and any other companywide marketing strategy.

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Sleeping Giant Wakes: Jimmie Johnson Gets Pushy And Rallies To Lenox Industrial Tools 301 Victory At NHMS

June 28th, 2010

LOUDON, N.H. – It was just few weeks ago when the big story in NASCAR was what was wrong with four-time defending Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.

Jimmie Johnson Lenox 301 Win.jpgA span of five races beginning with the Aaron’s 499 on April 25 at Talladega Superspeedway saw Johnson record three finishes outside of the top-30 over five events, dropping him from the top of the standings as far back as seventh place.

It proved a stretch that had many around the sport wondering if the magic was finally wearing off for Johnson, who has proved to be the model of consistency and success over the last four seasons.

They can all stop wondering now.

A week after recording the first road course victory of his Sprint Cup Series career at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., Johnson came to New Hampshire Motor Speedway Sunday and showed he’s truly back and in the process also sent the message that if someone wants to mess with him he’s fully prepared to give it right back.

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Video View: Dario Franchitti Taking Laps Around New Hampshire Motor Speedway In An IndyCar Series Car

June 27th, 2010

LOUDON, N.H. – The high-pitched wail of an IndyCar Series car running at speed returned to New Hampshire Motor Speedway Sunday for the first time since 1998.

Ganassi Car Indy.jpgTwo-time IndyCar Series champion Dario Franchitti, coming off his second Indianapolis 500 victory last month, took three laps around the 1.058-mile New Hampshire Motor Speedway oval Sunday just prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Lenox Industrial Tools 301.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway officials announced Sunday morning that the IndyCar Series would return to the track next season with an event scheduled for July 30, 2011.

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NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour A Likely Candidate To Run On Izod IndyCar Series Card In 2011 At NHMS

June 27th, 2010

LOUDON, N.H. – When the Izod IndyCar Series competed at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the 1990′s the events always included a support event from the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.

Whelen Modified Tour.jpgNew Hampshire Motor Speedway management made official Sunday morning the new that the IndyCar Series would return to the track in on July 30, 2011, making their first appearance at the facility since 1998. And Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of NHMS, said he wants the Whelen Modified Tour on the schedule for the race weekend.

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