Dunlop Drivers Cup is returning to legendary Virginia International Raceway with a new twist on U.S. Regional competition Sept. 17-21.
The amateur competition is adding rally racing for the first time to its diverse collection of racing venues.
Drivers, who are at least 21 and have a valid driver's license, can apply for a spot at VIR at:
http://www.dunloptire.com/driverscup/
Deadline for applying is July 15.
"We are so pleased to be returning the Dunlop Drivers Cup to VIR," said Janice Consolacion, marketing manager for Dunlop in North America. "The facility is beautiful, and it is custom-made for our unique competition. Few other racing facilities in the world offer the capability to hold on-track, autocross, karting, motocross and off-road contests simultaneously."
Consolacion said the rally-racing venue provides another opportunity for amateur drivers to hone their driving skills for international competition. Dunlop employs international instructors to teach amateurs the driving skills necessary to compete at the World Finals.
"The beauty of Drivers Cup is that driving enthusiasts literally come from all walks of life, from all backgrounds. It begins with people like you and me, who possess a passion for driving and racing. We bring them to Virginia International Raceway for the opportunity of a lifetime," Consolacion said.
For example, last year's World Finals winners were Dave Furchak, a mild- mannered customer rep for an Ann Arbor, Mich., software company; and Egon Szenttamasy, a hard-charging Hollywood, Fla., executive for a women's footwear company.
Furchak and Szenttamasy upset a favored German team in a 10-day rally in Germany, France and Spain. Fourteen teams of international amateur drivers competed for the Dunlop Drivers Cup. Dunlop USA brought three teams to Europe; the other two teams finished third and fourth.
"Virginia International Raceway proved to be the perfect training ground for our teams," Consolacion said. "It's really more than a racetrack; VIR is legendary among driving enthusiasts." In 1957, the facility was built as one of the country's first permanent road-racing circuits. In 2001, the 1,200-acre site was renovated and reopened as America's first true "motorsports resort."
"The call to compete is on. We want people who are passionate about driving and competition, who can help us repeat in the 2008 World Finals, which will be held in an undisclosed exotic location," she said.
European Dunlop officials started Drivers Cup in 1998 to showcase Dunlop's racing heritage and its broad range of passenger, truck, motorcycle and all- terrain-vehicle tire lines. Dunlop USA has competed in just two World Finals.
The global tire brand has an excellent reputation among performance car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Well known for its prestigious original equipment fitments and sports car racing heritage, Dunlop is also a key supplier to sport compact enthusiasts featuring "tuner" tire sizes and race series sponsorships.
Source: Dunlop Tires
пятница, 22 июня 2007 г.
четверг, 21 июня 2007 г.
Lend America Gets an 8,000 Horsepower Surprise
Lend America, The official mortgage sponsor of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) and a sponsor on Mike Ashley's 8,000 Horsepower Nitro Funny car received a special surprise Tuesday morning. Employees arrived at work to find the team's 80 foot "race shop on wheels" and the actual race car at the front doors of Lend America's headquarters in Melville, NY. While on the way to Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ for the ProCare Rx SuperNationals this weekend, the team made a slight detour to support Lend America and its 300 employees with some goodies and a photo shoot.
All of Lend America's 300 employees received shirts sporting the Lend America Racing logo and Mike Ashley's signature promoting Mike's world record setting 334 MPH performance, a mark set earlier this year in Las Vegas. Over 100 of Lend America's employees will be accommodated with transportation from the office to the track to sit in a special pit side suite overlooking the finish line on Friday, the first day of qualifying.
"This was truly a surprise to see the Funny Car on the front steps of our office! The Lend America family will be in full force in Englishtown to cheer for Mike and the team this weekend," said Lend America spokesperson Brian Fried.
Lend America is currently promoting a HomeFree(TM) Giveaway, where a homeowner can enter and have their mortgage paid off in full up to $250k. Homeowners and potential homeowners can log on to the newly launched website http://www.lendamerica.com/ to enter the sweepstakes and learn more about their exclusive loan programs including its Liberty Grant and FHA, government insured loans to help with refinancing and purchasing residential homes.
Lend America is a nationwide direct lender, specializing in residential financing for one to four family homes. Lend America combines a flexible, common sense loan review process with hundreds of loan programs to provide exceptional service for its clients. Potential applicants can call 800-200-LEND for more information.
Source: Lend America
All of Lend America's 300 employees received shirts sporting the Lend America Racing logo and Mike Ashley's signature promoting Mike's world record setting 334 MPH performance, a mark set earlier this year in Las Vegas. Over 100 of Lend America's employees will be accommodated with transportation from the office to the track to sit in a special pit side suite overlooking the finish line on Friday, the first day of qualifying.
"This was truly a surprise to see the Funny Car on the front steps of our office! The Lend America family will be in full force in Englishtown to cheer for Mike and the team this weekend," said Lend America spokesperson Brian Fried.
Lend America is currently promoting a HomeFree(TM) Giveaway, where a homeowner can enter and have their mortgage paid off in full up to $250k. Homeowners and potential homeowners can log on to the newly launched website http://www.lendamerica.com/ to enter the sweepstakes and learn more about their exclusive loan programs including its Liberty Grant and FHA, government insured loans to help with refinancing and purchasing residential homes.
Lend America is a nationwide direct lender, specializing in residential financing for one to four family homes. Lend America combines a flexible, common sense loan review process with hundreds of loan programs to provide exceptional service for its clients. Potential applicants can call 800-200-LEND for more information.
Source: Lend America
четверг, 14 июня 2007 г.
Win for Bernd Schneider and the New Mercedes-Benz C-Class
* Third Mercedes-Benz victory in the fourth race
* All four new Mercedes-BenzC-Class cars among top-six
* Four poles for the new C-Class in four races
* Bernd Schneider (2007 Genuine Parts AMG Mercedes C-Class) won the fourth round of the 2007 DTM in Brands . It is Bernd’s 42nd DTM victory and his first of the year. For the race version of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class it is the second win within three weeks.
* All four 2007 C-Class cars finished among the top-six: Mika Häkkinen (AMG Mercedes C-Class), starting from pole position, came home fourth ahead of Bruno Spengler (DaimlerChrysler Bank AMG Mercedes C-Class) and Jamie Green (Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class).
* In the overall ranking, Bernd Schneider improved to third with 17.5 points behind Audi drivers Martin Tomczyk (20 points) and Mattias Ekström (18). Paul di Resta (JAWA4U.de AMG Mercedes C-Class 2005), who retired on the first lap due to an accident without his own fault, dropped from first overall to fourth with 16 points.
* A crowd of 18,000 attended the 2007 DTM season’s fourth race during the weekend.
Stuttgart, Jun 12, 2007 -- The start: Mika Häkkinen started from pole position for the second time this year and for the third consecutive time from the front row. However, the Finn lost one position to Bruno Spengler who had qualified second. Bernd Schneider improved from sixth to fifth whilst Jamie Green lost one place from seventh to eighth. Following an accident at the second corner, which involved also Paul di Resta without his own fault, the safety car was deployed.
Lap 8 : Re-start. Mathias Lauda and Gary Paffett tangled, Lauda went off shortly.
Lap 9 : Bernd Schneider’s first pit stop, followed by Gary Paffett one lap later.
Lap 12 : Jamie Green pitted for the first time.
Lap 22 : Mika Häkkinen came in for his first stop from second position.
Lap 29 : Second pitstop of Jamie Green.
Lap 31 : Mika Häkkinen who had followed Bernd Schneider closely for a couple of laps made his second stop. Gary Paffett pitted for the second time one lap later.
Lap 35 : Second stop of Bernd Schneider. Bruno Spengler pitted from the lead for the first time on lap 36.
Lap 40 : Bruno Spengler was back in the lead, followed by Audi drivers Mattias Ekström and Martin Tomczyk.
Lap 48 : Accelerating after his second pit stop, Bruno Spengler stalled the engine shortly and resumed behind Mika Häkkinen, Bernd Schneider and Mattias Ekström.
Lap 54 : Bernd Schneider overtook Mika Häkkinen entering the Paddock Hill Bend. Afterwards, Mika had to hold off Ekström.
Lap 57 : Ekström overtook Mika entering the front straight.
Lap 63 : All drivers have completed their pit stops. Bernd Schneider was in the lead ahead of the Audis of Martin Tomczyk and Mattias Ekström, followed by Mika Häkkinen, Bruno Spengler and Jamie Green.
Finish (Lap 82) : Bernd Schneider held off all attacks and won after 82 laps with a gap of 0.543sec ahead of Tomczyk. Ekström ended up third followed by Häkkinen, Spengler and Green. It is Schneider’s 42nd DTM victory and his first after Lausitzring 2006.
The first to congratulate Bernd Schneider was Lewis Hamilton who had watched the race together with his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes teammate Fernando Alonso in via Satellite. Lewis who had raced in the Formula 3 Euro Series and won it in 2005, is like Fernando a big DTM fan and did physical training together with Bernd and all other team mates a couple of years ago. For Lewis and Fernando, the live broadcast from was a warm-up for the Canadian Grand Prix where Lewis will start from pole for the first time in Formula 1, and Fernando will be second on the grid – a nice parallel to the Brands Hatch grid with Häkkinen and Spengler on the front row.
Bernd Schneider, 2007 Genuine Parts AMG Mercedes C-Class, winner: “A great success, I am happy. I did not expect to improve from sixth on the grid to first on such a short track with only a few overtaking opportunities. But we had a perfect new C-Class and a great strategy and I thank my team for this super job. I dedicate this victory to my father Horst who turned 71 today. I was particularly happy that Lewis Hamilton has called together with Norbert and congratulated right after the race.”
Mika Häkkinen, AMG Mercedes C-Class 2007, fourth: “Starting from pole position I had expected more than fourth place; however, the entire weekend was positive and I am still quite happy. Congratulations to Bernd on his victory. With six races to go the championship is still wide open – I will ‘C’ what I can do.”
Bruno Spengler, 2007 DaimlerChrysler Bank AMG Mercedes C-Class, fifth : “My start was very good and I was in the lead for a long time. With my mistake when I stalled the engine after my second pit stop I lost all my chances for a podium finish and I am really angry about myself.”
Jamie Green, 2007 AMG Mercedes C-Class, sixth : “After my pit stops I got stuck in traffic and lost a lot of time. That’s the problem on this short and narrow circuit, because overtaking is almost impossible here.”
Alexandros Margaritis, 2006 stern AMG Mercedes C-Class, ninth: “To improve from 17th on the grid to ninth at the finish is quite a good performance; however, to miss the points positions by only one place is a bit frustrating.”
Gary Paffett, 2006 Laureus AMG Mercedes C-Class, 10th : “I was involved in the incident at the second corner and my car was damaged. Afterwards I lacked downforce and was not able to go faster.”
Mathias Lauda, 2006 Trilux AMG Mercedes C-Class, 12th: “I am not satisfied. After the incident with I had dropped to last place. In the following I got stuck behind other cars and then I made a mistake and had a short off.”
Susie Stoddart, 2005 TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes C-Class, 16th: “I pitted too early after the safety car period and this was not counted as a compulsory stop. Therefore I had to make a total of three stops and a better result was not possible.”
Paul di Resta, 2005 JAWA4U.de AMG Mercedes C-Class, retired after a first-lap accident without his own fault: “I am very disappointed, because we had a strong strategy and points would have been possible despite my 15th grid position. It’s a shame; however, that’s racing.“
Daniel la Rosa, 2006 TrekStor AMG Mercedes C-Class 2006, excluded from the event: “I made my second compulsory stop on the final lap; however, the rules require you to drive a full lap afterwards what I didn’t do. Therefore I was disqualified.”
Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport (linked to the DTM press conference by telephone from the Canadian Grand Prix in ) : “Congratulations to Bernd on his excellent victory, today we saw the best Schneider ever. Congratulations also to the HWA team headed by Gerhard Ungar and Hans-Jürgen Mattheis on the second consecutive success for the new C-Class within three weeks. To charge through the field from sixth on the grid to victory on this short and narrow circuit is a remarkable performance and we had already expected this opportunity. On his ideal lap, Bernd was one and a half tenths faster than all his competitors. Without taking half of the points away after the Lausitzring, which is a undeserved handicap for us there would be three drivers in the lead, all tied on 20 points, and Bernd and Paul di Resta among them. Anyway, we have put this behind us and the championship is still wide open and with six races to go there are six C-Class drivers among the top-eight in the overall ranking. We now look forward to the season highlight at ’s Norisring in two weeks.”
Source: DaimlerChrysler
* All four new Mercedes-BenzC-Class cars among top-six
* Four poles for the new C-Class in four races
* Bernd Schneider (2007 Genuine Parts AMG Mercedes C-Class) won the fourth round of the 2007 DTM in Brands . It is Bernd’s 42nd DTM victory and his first of the year. For the race version of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class it is the second win within three weeks.
* All four 2007 C-Class cars finished among the top-six: Mika Häkkinen (AMG Mercedes C-Class), starting from pole position, came home fourth ahead of Bruno Spengler (DaimlerChrysler Bank AMG Mercedes C-Class) and Jamie Green (Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class).
* In the overall ranking, Bernd Schneider improved to third with 17.5 points behind Audi drivers Martin Tomczyk (20 points) and Mattias Ekström (18). Paul di Resta (JAWA4U.de AMG Mercedes C-Class 2005), who retired on the first lap due to an accident without his own fault, dropped from first overall to fourth with 16 points.
* A crowd of 18,000 attended the 2007 DTM season’s fourth race during the weekend.
Stuttgart, Jun 12, 2007 -- The start: Mika Häkkinen started from pole position for the second time this year and for the third consecutive time from the front row. However, the Finn lost one position to Bruno Spengler who had qualified second. Bernd Schneider improved from sixth to fifth whilst Jamie Green lost one place from seventh to eighth. Following an accident at the second corner, which involved also Paul di Resta without his own fault, the safety car was deployed.
Lap 8 : Re-start. Mathias Lauda and Gary Paffett tangled, Lauda went off shortly.
Lap 9 : Bernd Schneider’s first pit stop, followed by Gary Paffett one lap later.
Lap 12 : Jamie Green pitted for the first time.
Lap 22 : Mika Häkkinen came in for his first stop from second position.
Lap 29 : Second pitstop of Jamie Green.
Lap 31 : Mika Häkkinen who had followed Bernd Schneider closely for a couple of laps made his second stop. Gary Paffett pitted for the second time one lap later.
Lap 35 : Second stop of Bernd Schneider. Bruno Spengler pitted from the lead for the first time on lap 36.
Lap 40 : Bruno Spengler was back in the lead, followed by Audi drivers Mattias Ekström and Martin Tomczyk.
Lap 48 : Accelerating after his second pit stop, Bruno Spengler stalled the engine shortly and resumed behind Mika Häkkinen, Bernd Schneider and Mattias Ekström.
Lap 54 : Bernd Schneider overtook Mika Häkkinen entering the Paddock Hill Bend. Afterwards, Mika had to hold off Ekström.
Lap 57 : Ekström overtook Mika entering the front straight.
Lap 63 : All drivers have completed their pit stops. Bernd Schneider was in the lead ahead of the Audis of Martin Tomczyk and Mattias Ekström, followed by Mika Häkkinen, Bruno Spengler and Jamie Green.
Finish (Lap 82) : Bernd Schneider held off all attacks and won after 82 laps with a gap of 0.543sec ahead of Tomczyk. Ekström ended up third followed by Häkkinen, Spengler and Green. It is Schneider’s 42nd DTM victory and his first after Lausitzring 2006.
The first to congratulate Bernd Schneider was Lewis Hamilton who had watched the race together with his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes teammate Fernando Alonso in via Satellite. Lewis who had raced in the Formula 3 Euro Series and won it in 2005, is like Fernando a big DTM fan and did physical training together with Bernd and all other team mates a couple of years ago. For Lewis and Fernando, the live broadcast from was a warm-up for the Canadian Grand Prix where Lewis will start from pole for the first time in Formula 1, and Fernando will be second on the grid – a nice parallel to the Brands Hatch grid with Häkkinen and Spengler on the front row.
Bernd Schneider, 2007 Genuine Parts AMG Mercedes C-Class, winner: “A great success, I am happy. I did not expect to improve from sixth on the grid to first on such a short track with only a few overtaking opportunities. But we had a perfect new C-Class and a great strategy and I thank my team for this super job. I dedicate this victory to my father Horst who turned 71 today. I was particularly happy that Lewis Hamilton has called together with Norbert and congratulated right after the race.”
Mika Häkkinen, AMG Mercedes C-Class 2007, fourth: “Starting from pole position I had expected more than fourth place; however, the entire weekend was positive and I am still quite happy. Congratulations to Bernd on his victory. With six races to go the championship is still wide open – I will ‘C’ what I can do.”
Bruno Spengler, 2007 DaimlerChrysler Bank AMG Mercedes C-Class, fifth : “My start was very good and I was in the lead for a long time. With my mistake when I stalled the engine after my second pit stop I lost all my chances for a podium finish and I am really angry about myself.”
Jamie Green, 2007 AMG Mercedes C-Class, sixth : “After my pit stops I got stuck in traffic and lost a lot of time. That’s the problem on this short and narrow circuit, because overtaking is almost impossible here.”
Alexandros Margaritis, 2006 stern AMG Mercedes C-Class, ninth: “To improve from 17th on the grid to ninth at the finish is quite a good performance; however, to miss the points positions by only one place is a bit frustrating.”
Gary Paffett, 2006 Laureus AMG Mercedes C-Class, 10th : “I was involved in the incident at the second corner and my car was damaged. Afterwards I lacked downforce and was not able to go faster.”
Mathias Lauda, 2006 Trilux AMG Mercedes C-Class, 12th: “I am not satisfied. After the incident with I had dropped to last place. In the following I got stuck behind other cars and then I made a mistake and had a short off.”
Susie Stoddart, 2005 TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes C-Class, 16th: “I pitted too early after the safety car period and this was not counted as a compulsory stop. Therefore I had to make a total of three stops and a better result was not possible.”
Paul di Resta, 2005 JAWA4U.de AMG Mercedes C-Class, retired after a first-lap accident without his own fault: “I am very disappointed, because we had a strong strategy and points would have been possible despite my 15th grid position. It’s a shame; however, that’s racing.“
Daniel la Rosa, 2006 TrekStor AMG Mercedes C-Class 2006, excluded from the event: “I made my second compulsory stop on the final lap; however, the rules require you to drive a full lap afterwards what I didn’t do. Therefore I was disqualified.”
Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport (linked to the DTM press conference by telephone from the Canadian Grand Prix in ) : “Congratulations to Bernd on his excellent victory, today we saw the best Schneider ever. Congratulations also to the HWA team headed by Gerhard Ungar and Hans-Jürgen Mattheis on the second consecutive success for the new C-Class within three weeks. To charge through the field from sixth on the grid to victory on this short and narrow circuit is a remarkable performance and we had already expected this opportunity. On his ideal lap, Bernd was one and a half tenths faster than all his competitors. Without taking half of the points away after the Lausitzring, which is a undeserved handicap for us there would be three drivers in the lead, all tied on 20 points, and Bernd and Paul di Resta among them. Anyway, we have put this behind us and the championship is still wide open and with six races to go there are six C-Class drivers among the top-eight in the overall ranking. We now look forward to the season highlight at ’s Norisring in two weeks.”
Source: DaimlerChrysler
Nissan Pilot Carl Renezeder Chalks Up Two Wins in CORR Pro-2
Nissan Dominates CORR Pro-2 Events in Chula Vista
Carl Renezeder, in his Nissan Motorsports-supported Nissan Titan-bodied Pro-2 race truck, took two victories in Championship Off Road Racing (CORR) competition June 9–10 at the new Chula Vista International Off-Road Raceway in Chula Vista, Calif. During the event the Lake Forest, Calif.-based Renezeder chalked up his record 51st CORR win behind the wheel of his 715-horsepower Nissan Titan-bodied race truck in the always-competitive Pro-2 category.
“The combination of Carl Renezeder and the Nissan Motorsports-powered Titan race truck has proven unbeatable, and we’re very proud of him and his crew,” said Nissan Motorsports Marketing and Operations Senior Manager Ron Stukenberg. “Carl’s talent is unmatched in off-road racing and we’re thrilled to be partners with his racing organization.”
The third 2007 event for CORR, Rounds 5 and 6, marked the series’ return to Chula Vista. “I’ve won at Chula Vista many times, but this time it was a testament to Nissan Motorsports and my team,” said Renezeder. “We fought so hard, and thanks to everyone for elevating me and my Titan-bodied race truck to be the group to beat out there.”
Race Reports
Saturday
Saturday featured the Jason Baldwin Memorial Cup Qualifying race and Round 5 of the CORR Lucas Oil Series. In the “Baldwin Cup” qualifying event, Renezeder started in third and began attacking the leaders. After a few intense battles and some impressive driving, Renezeder was able to pass using the outside line to win the race, his 50th career CORR victory.
In the Round 5 Pro-2 event, Renezeder started in the back of the field and had a strong run, but traffic proved to be too tough to pass. At one point, Renezeder was up to third place, but a racing incident caused the Titan’s hood to unlatch and cover the windshield. After a pit stop where the crew removed the damaged hood piece, Renezeder entered the fray and again encountered traffic, digging his way to sixth place.
Sunday
Fueled by his previous day’s tough finish, Renezeder came hard out of the gate for Round 6, qualifying first and setting the fastest time by 6/10 of a second. The field was then inverted, placing Renezeder and his Titan in the sixth starting position. Showing patience, Renezeder picked off the competition and with three laps to go challenged the leader, motocross star Ricky Johnson. Johnson and Renezeder exchanged the lead repeatedly, and at the last corner, Renezeder called upon every horse of his Nissan Motorsports powerplant to pass Johnson for a crowd-pleasing win, his 51st career CORR victory.
About Nissan Motorsports
Nissan has a long heritage of Motorsports success, both off-road and on the track. Nissan’s Contingency Awards Program offers more than $200,000 in available awards to qualifying Nissan drivers in 2007, including those competing in Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR), the Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR), Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Grand Am KONI Challenge Series, Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series, NOPI Drag Racing Association (NDRA) and the Formula Drift Championship.
# # #
Source: Nissan Motorsports
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Carl Renezeder, in his Nissan Motorsports-supported Nissan Titan-bodied Pro-2 race truck, took two victories in Championship Off Road Racing (CORR) competition June 9–10 at the new Chula Vista International Off-Road Raceway in Chula Vista, Calif. During the event the Lake Forest, Calif.-based Renezeder chalked up his record 51st CORR win behind the wheel of his 715-horsepower Nissan Titan-bodied race truck in the always-competitive Pro-2 category.
“The combination of Carl Renezeder and the Nissan Motorsports-powered Titan race truck has proven unbeatable, and we’re very proud of him and his crew,” said Nissan Motorsports Marketing and Operations Senior Manager Ron Stukenberg. “Carl’s talent is unmatched in off-road racing and we’re thrilled to be partners with his racing organization.”
The third 2007 event for CORR, Rounds 5 and 6, marked the series’ return to Chula Vista. “I’ve won at Chula Vista many times, but this time it was a testament to Nissan Motorsports and my team,” said Renezeder. “We fought so hard, and thanks to everyone for elevating me and my Titan-bodied race truck to be the group to beat out there.”
Race Reports
Saturday
Saturday featured the Jason Baldwin Memorial Cup Qualifying race and Round 5 of the CORR Lucas Oil Series. In the “Baldwin Cup” qualifying event, Renezeder started in third and began attacking the leaders. After a few intense battles and some impressive driving, Renezeder was able to pass using the outside line to win the race, his 50th career CORR victory.
In the Round 5 Pro-2 event, Renezeder started in the back of the field and had a strong run, but traffic proved to be too tough to pass. At one point, Renezeder was up to third place, but a racing incident caused the Titan’s hood to unlatch and cover the windshield. After a pit stop where the crew removed the damaged hood piece, Renezeder entered the fray and again encountered traffic, digging his way to sixth place.
Sunday
Fueled by his previous day’s tough finish, Renezeder came hard out of the gate for Round 6, qualifying first and setting the fastest time by 6/10 of a second. The field was then inverted, placing Renezeder and his Titan in the sixth starting position. Showing patience, Renezeder picked off the competition and with three laps to go challenged the leader, motocross star Ricky Johnson. Johnson and Renezeder exchanged the lead repeatedly, and at the last corner, Renezeder called upon every horse of his Nissan Motorsports powerplant to pass Johnson for a crowd-pleasing win, his 51st career CORR victory.
About Nissan Motorsports
Nissan has a long heritage of Motorsports success, both off-road and on the track. Nissan’s Contingency Awards Program offers more than $200,000 in available awards to qualifying Nissan drivers in 2007, including those competing in Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR), the Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR), Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Grand Am KONI Challenge Series, Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series, NOPI Drag Racing Association (NDRA) and the Formula Drift Championship.
# # #
Source: Nissan Motorsports
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2007 Formula 1 World Championship, 6th round in Montreal: Canadian Grand Prix - Maiden Victory for Lewis Hamilton
* Lewis Hamilton and Vodafone McLaren Mercedes lead both World Championships
* Fernando Alonso seventh following an extra pit stop due to a stop-and-go penalty
* Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal
Montreal and took his maiden Formula 1 victory in only his sixth race. After 70 laps with four Safety Car periods, Lewis won 4.3sec ahead of Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber) and Alexander Wurz (Williams Toyota). Fernando Alonso ended up seventh following an extra pit stop due to a 10sec stop-and-go penalty. It is the 47th victory for the McLaren Mercedes partnership. In the drivers' championship, Lewis Hamilton took the lead with 48 points ahead of Fernando Alonso with 40 points. After six of the season's 17 races, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes heads the constructors' table with 88 points ahead of Ferrari on 60.
The start: Lewis Hamilton started the race from his first Formula 1 pole position with Fernando Alonso lining up alongside him in second place on the front row of the grid. The Spaniard had the better start; however, he ran wide at the first corner and dropped to third, behind Lewis and Heidfeld.
The race : On lap 22, Lewis came in for his first routine stop and resumed in fourth place after 9.0sec. The Safety Car was deployed one lap later following an accident of Adrian Sutil (Spyker Ferrari). Fernando now made his first pitstop (7.8sec).
When the race was re-started at the end of lap 26, Lewis was in the lead again ahead of Heidfeld and Fernando. Only one lap later, the Safety Car came out again after an accident of Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber).
The next re-start followed at the end of lap 33. Due to an 10sec stop-and-go penalty for pitting too early during the first Safety Car period, Fernando came in on lap 36. The Spaniard dropped to 13th. On lap 46, he posted the fastest lap of the race (1min16.367).
Lap 48: Second routine stop of Lewis (6.0sec); he maintained the lead. After an accident of Christijan Albers (Spyker Ferrari), a third safety car period followed on lap 51. Fernando made his second regular pit stop on lap 53 5.7.sec). The race was re-started one lap later.
Safety Car period number four started on lap 56, when Vitantonio Liuzzi’s Toro Rosso was stationary on the front straight with the re-start following on lap 60. After 70 laps, Lewis took the chequered flag for his first Grand Prix victory; Fernando came home seventh.
Comments
Lewis Hamilton: “I’m on another planet after this – I simply can’t find the words to describe what it feels like to win my first Formula 1 race. The team has done a fantastic job and I’m so happy to be part of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes family. I made an OK start off the line – nothing spectacular but managed to get a good exit out of the first corner and whilst mayhem was happening around me I was able to keep my cool and focus. Obviously I’m pleased that my good friend Robert is OK after his accident. It seemed like every time I opened up a bit of a gap the Safety Car came out and I had to start all over again. It was only a few laps from the end I realised that victory was within my grasp and I started noticing things like the fans cheering and when I crossed the finishing line it was amazing. I now have to stay focused and keep up the good work. It’s been an incredible start to my Formula 1 career so far but I know there is a tough season ahead of us. Finally thanks to the entire team at McLaren and Mercedes-Benz for all the hard work they have put into the car – it’s an absolute pleasure to drive and be part of such a winning combination.”
Fernando Alonso: “I think this was a strange race with the Safety Car being deployed so many times which worked to Lewis’ advantage today and my disadvantage. I came into the pits for the first time on lap 24 as I had no more fuel so basically there was nothing I could do. It was a shame as this resulted in a ten second penalty but I guess that unfortunately those are the rules but there was no alternative other than to stop on track with no fuel. After that I had to push as hard as possible because I was stuck in the middle of the field and when you push to the maximum you sometimes go off track but at that stage there was nothing to lose. Whilst it was a difficult race for me I’m pleased for the team and Lewis that we were able to secure some important points and Lewis winning his first race and also that Robert is OK. I hope for a bit more luck for the US Grand Prix next week and at least I can leave having scored two points more than .”
Ron Dennis, Team Principal: “The whole team worked so hard to achieve the optimum result today. The frustration and disappointment of receiving a stop-and-go penalty having been forced to stop in the pitlane when the pitlane was closed in the first safety car period was obviously immense. However this in no way should detract from a mature and disciplined drive by Lewis to claim his first Grand Prix win. His family should be justifiably proud of his achievement and whatever McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have contributed only compliments his talent and commitment. Fernando was truly unlucky today but there is still a long way to go in the World Championship and we appear to be extremely competitive. The entire team is obviously delighted that Robert Kubica is OK.”
Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “Lewis took his first Grand Prix victory in his sixth Formula 1 race. He did the best job of all and kept cool throughout. Congratulations and compliments to him. Fernando fell victim to the new Safety Car rules and received a stop-and-go penalty because he had to refuel as the pits were still closed during the first safety car phase, but when the tank is empty you have no other choice than to come in. He posted the fastest lap of race and was a contender for the podium, but at least he scored a couple of points under difficult circumstances. We have won three out of the six races and finished all the race laps with both cars so far this year and are the only team to have finished every race in the points. Thank you to everybody in the team for their great efforts to make this possible. We now look forward to the US Grand Prix in in one week’s time. The most important news today is that Robert Kubica is OK after his horrifying accident.”
Source: DaimlerChrysler
* Fernando Alonso seventh following an extra pit stop due to a stop-and-go penalty
* Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal
Montreal and took his maiden Formula 1 victory in only his sixth race. After 70 laps with four Safety Car periods, Lewis won 4.3sec ahead of Nick Heidfeld (BMW Sauber) and Alexander Wurz (Williams Toyota). Fernando Alonso ended up seventh following an extra pit stop due to a 10sec stop-and-go penalty. It is the 47th victory for the McLaren Mercedes partnership. In the drivers' championship, Lewis Hamilton took the lead with 48 points ahead of Fernando Alonso with 40 points. After six of the season's 17 races, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes heads the constructors' table with 88 points ahead of Ferrari on 60.
The start: Lewis Hamilton started the race from his first Formula 1 pole position with Fernando Alonso lining up alongside him in second place on the front row of the grid. The Spaniard had the better start; however, he ran wide at the first corner and dropped to third, behind Lewis and Heidfeld.
The race : On lap 22, Lewis came in for his first routine stop and resumed in fourth place after 9.0sec. The Safety Car was deployed one lap later following an accident of Adrian Sutil (Spyker Ferrari). Fernando now made his first pitstop (7.8sec).
When the race was re-started at the end of lap 26, Lewis was in the lead again ahead of Heidfeld and Fernando. Only one lap later, the Safety Car came out again after an accident of Robert Kubica (BMW Sauber).
The next re-start followed at the end of lap 33. Due to an 10sec stop-and-go penalty for pitting too early during the first Safety Car period, Fernando came in on lap 36. The Spaniard dropped to 13th. On lap 46, he posted the fastest lap of the race (1min16.367).
Lap 48: Second routine stop of Lewis (6.0sec); he maintained the lead. After an accident of Christijan Albers (Spyker Ferrari), a third safety car period followed on lap 51. Fernando made his second regular pit stop on lap 53 5.7.sec). The race was re-started one lap later.
Safety Car period number four started on lap 56, when Vitantonio Liuzzi’s Toro Rosso was stationary on the front straight with the re-start following on lap 60. After 70 laps, Lewis took the chequered flag for his first Grand Prix victory; Fernando came home seventh.
Comments
Lewis Hamilton: “I’m on another planet after this – I simply can’t find the words to describe what it feels like to win my first Formula 1 race. The team has done a fantastic job and I’m so happy to be part of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes family. I made an OK start off the line – nothing spectacular but managed to get a good exit out of the first corner and whilst mayhem was happening around me I was able to keep my cool and focus. Obviously I’m pleased that my good friend Robert is OK after his accident. It seemed like every time I opened up a bit of a gap the Safety Car came out and I had to start all over again. It was only a few laps from the end I realised that victory was within my grasp and I started noticing things like the fans cheering and when I crossed the finishing line it was amazing. I now have to stay focused and keep up the good work. It’s been an incredible start to my Formula 1 career so far but I know there is a tough season ahead of us. Finally thanks to the entire team at McLaren and Mercedes-Benz for all the hard work they have put into the car – it’s an absolute pleasure to drive and be part of such a winning combination.”
Fernando Alonso: “I think this was a strange race with the Safety Car being deployed so many times which worked to Lewis’ advantage today and my disadvantage. I came into the pits for the first time on lap 24 as I had no more fuel so basically there was nothing I could do. It was a shame as this resulted in a ten second penalty but I guess that unfortunately those are the rules but there was no alternative other than to stop on track with no fuel. After that I had to push as hard as possible because I was stuck in the middle of the field and when you push to the maximum you sometimes go off track but at that stage there was nothing to lose. Whilst it was a difficult race for me I’m pleased for the team and Lewis that we were able to secure some important points and Lewis winning his first race and also that Robert is OK. I hope for a bit more luck for the US Grand Prix next week and at least I can leave having scored two points more than .”
Ron Dennis, Team Principal: “The whole team worked so hard to achieve the optimum result today. The frustration and disappointment of receiving a stop-and-go penalty having been forced to stop in the pitlane when the pitlane was closed in the first safety car period was obviously immense. However this in no way should detract from a mature and disciplined drive by Lewis to claim his first Grand Prix win. His family should be justifiably proud of his achievement and whatever McLaren and Mercedes-Benz have contributed only compliments his talent and commitment. Fernando was truly unlucky today but there is still a long way to go in the World Championship and we appear to be extremely competitive. The entire team is obviously delighted that Robert Kubica is OK.”
Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “Lewis took his first Grand Prix victory in his sixth Formula 1 race. He did the best job of all and kept cool throughout. Congratulations and compliments to him. Fernando fell victim to the new Safety Car rules and received a stop-and-go penalty because he had to refuel as the pits were still closed during the first safety car phase, but when the tank is empty you have no other choice than to come in. He posted the fastest lap of race and was a contender for the podium, but at least he scored a couple of points under difficult circumstances. We have won three out of the six races and finished all the race laps with both cars so far this year and are the only team to have finished every race in the points. Thank you to everybody in the team for their great efforts to make this possible. We now look forward to the US Grand Prix in in one week’s time. The most important news today is that Robert Kubica is OK after his horrifying accident.”
Source: DaimlerChrysler
вторник, 5 июня 2007 г.
Volkswagen Desert Racing Team Makes Strong Factory Debut at 39th Tecate SCORE Baja 500
Volkswagen Race Touareg made strong debut at the 39th Tecate SCORE Baja 500. The #81i Red Bull Race Touareg driven by Mark Miller along with co-driver Ralph Pitchford. (PRNewsFoto/Volkswagen of America, Inc.)
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- A pair of Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 vehicles, from the automaker's acclaimed Dakar Rally Factory Team, claimed two top-20 finishes at the 39th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500 in Ensenada, Mexico.
The Volkswagen Race Touareg 2 team was paced by American Mark Miller, with an 11th place finish in the International Truck Class, and South African teammate Giniel de Villiers, who took 18th place in the same division.
This event marked Volkswagen of America's first official factory entry in the SCORE Desert Racing series. Miller piloted the #81i Red Bull Race Touareg 2 to a time of 10:00:38 hours, while de Villiers' #83i Race Touareg crossed the finish line at 10:18:44 hours. Round three of the six-race 2007 SCORE Desert Series featured a record lineup of 492 competitors in 28 Pro and six Sportsman classes for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs. This year's tight and technical 424.22-mile course saw only 283 competitors, or 57 percent of all participants, finish within the 20-hour time limit.
"The results of this race are very positive for Volkswagen," said Clark Campbell, Volkswagen of America Motorsports manager. "While the Race Touareg SUV is built for an entirely different type of racing, our two finishes clearly demonstrates the vehicle's reliability, efficiency, and speed, proving that we are more than capable of competing with the best of the competition."
"That was the toughest, most brutal route I've ever driven in a Baja 500," said event veteran Mark Miller, driver of the #81i Race Touareg. "The course was very difficult and you can't believe the abuse this thing took - I can't believe I can even stand up right now. It's the roughest thing that this vehicle has ever endured."
His teammate, Giniel de Villiers, said the vehicle's shorter suspension system held up admirably, even against typical, Baja-equipped competitors.
"Only on the extremely bumpy parts of the track did we have a disadvantage, compared to the U.S. vehicles, with their long suspension travels. We are subject to limitations in this regard on account of the Dakar regulations," said de Villiers "Despite this technical difference, we were definitely able to keep the pace and perform even faster in some stretches of the course."
Volkswagen's Race Touaregs were likely helped by the efficiency of the 2.5 L in- line five-cylinder TDI engine, as they were the only two vehicles that did not have to stop to refuel during the entire race. Additionally, they suffered no mechanical problems; combined, the two vehicles only made three pit stops along the course, to replace a spare tire that had fallen off and for both vehicles to receive fresh tires.
"The fact is that we achieved this success with a diesel engine that is relatively quiet but develops incredible torque," said Miller. "We participated not having to refuel even once, while the U.S. vehicles had to stop for fuel two or even three times. This is a testament to how advanced and fuel efficient the TDI technology truly is."
"The drivers and co-drivers put in a magnificent performance," said Campbell. "The entire Volkswagen Red Bull race team was superb - we had a strong plan going into this and everyone helped to execute according to that plan - the preparation was awesome."
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Volkswagen Rabbit, Volkswagen New Beetle, Volkswagen New Beetle convertible, Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen GLI, Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Passat wagon, Volkswagen Eos, and Volkswagen Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers.
Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com
Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
пятница, 1 июня 2007 г.
Four Fast Facts on F1 Montreal
What is the main characteristic of the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve?
The track, which was named in the memory of the French-Canadian driver, comprises a number of very high speed straights punctuated by slow corners and hairpins, with the drivers braking hard from top speeds of up to 315km/h. The slowest corner is the L’Epingle hairpin, which is taken at 55km/h. To avoid losing time on the straights, this characteristic means that the cars need to have excellent corner balance to allow the drivers to get on the power as they are exiting the corners. The nature of the track also sees the greatest demands with regards braking. Canada-specific brake packages are run, including an increased cooling capability and in addition the set-up of the car has to ensure excellent braking stability. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes spent time at the recent Paul Ricard test evaluating this area with Pedro de la Rosa at the wheel of the MP4-22. Finally, the location of the track can lead to significant head and tail winds, which have an effect on the performance of the cars.
How does the nature of the circuit affect Bridgestone Potenza tyre choice?
The track has relatively low grip levels and as a result, softer compound tyres tend to deliver the best performance as they provide the grip required. The surface is not massively abrasive, so it does not affect the performance greatly. The track is not a permanent racing circuit, and as a result it gets grippier during the weekend as more rubber is laid down.
What levels of downforce are used in Montreal?
At the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a low-medium downforce configuration is used. This is to ensure the cars can be as fast as possible on the long main straight. The low downforce and low grip conditions means that cornering is more of a challenge, and even though the turns are all largely low speed, it is still necessary to be very precise. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will also run a Montreal-specific aerodynamic package for the race in order to optimise performance.
When did the freight and the team depart for Canada?
The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes sea freight departed the UK for Canada in the week prior to the Spanish Grand Prix. The contents will cover both the Canadian and United States Grands Prix. It is scheduled to arrive on Friday 1st June. Air freight will leave the McLaren Technology Centre on Saturday 2nd June, arriving in Montreal on Sunday 3rd / Monday 4th.
TEAM QUOTES
Fernando Alonso
“We have a great momentum in the team right now after such a fantastic result in Monaco, which is a positive way to be going into the North American double-header. There has been no opportunity to test since Monaco; however the team has been pushing hard off track to keep the momentum going. Until last year, I hadn’t had great results in Canada, so it was fantastic to win there. It is always a tough race, and you see a lot of retirements because you are stressing the whole car with the high speeds and the hard braking zones. The track conditions also change over the race weekend, the grip levels improve as more rubber is laid and the dusty conditions. On race day, it is much better than Friday. We have some new packages on the car for Montreal; we are all pushing hard to attack and fight for more race victories. It is a good circuit to race on as there are a number of places you can overtake, which makes it more exciting for the drivers, teams and fans.”
Lewis Hamilton
“The result in Monaco was great for everyone in the team, it was a dream result considering it was my first year there in a Formula 1 car, and it means we are going to North America at the top of both Championship tables. I cannot wait to get back on track and continue to focus on racing. This will be my debut at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, because of the chances there are to pass; it looks like a great track to compete on. It has some very distinctive characteristics, such as the low grip, the long straights, hard braking and so on, so my initial laps will focus on understanding all these and how best to drive the track to get good times. I have completed preparation work with my engineers at the McLaren Technology Centre specific to Canada and the US, and it will be great to finally take to the track here in Montreal.”
Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula 1, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“The Canadian Grand Prix is a very different event to the Monaco race. We go from the slowest, tightest track packed with corners on the calendar to a circuit that is all about long periods of power and braking. The MP4-22 performed incredibly well in Monte Carlo, however as the track conditions are poles apart, we are not going to Montreal with the same expectations. We go to Canada aiming to fight for the victory and to maintain our positions at the top of both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships; however are realistic about the potential to dominate. The test at Paul Ricard prior to Monaco had two days of Canada running and useful intelligence was gained. It is going to be a tougher battle and the track is notoriously tough on race cars, but we will keep pushing.”
Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
“The first three letters are almost the only things, which the street circuits of Monaco and Montreal have in common. The layout of the track located at the Île Notre Dame, the Olympic park of 1976, could hardly be more of a contrast to Monaco. Instead of maximum aero downforce as in Monaco, there will be only a little; instead of slow turns we will see fast corners, instead of short straights, there are long ones. The longest straight is the section between the L’Epingle hairpin and the chicane prior to start and finish; 1,100 metres or 15 seconds are run under full throttle. This is particularly demanding for brakes and engines; four times per lap, the drivers slow down from speeds of more than 300km/h to about 100km/h. During the test one and a half weeks before Monaco, our team completed an intensive test at the Paul Ricard circuit’s long version to prepare for this race.”
Source: DaimlerChrysler
The track, which was named in the memory of the French-Canadian driver, comprises a number of very high speed straights punctuated by slow corners and hairpins, with the drivers braking hard from top speeds of up to 315km/h. The slowest corner is the L’Epingle hairpin, which is taken at 55km/h. To avoid losing time on the straights, this characteristic means that the cars need to have excellent corner balance to allow the drivers to get on the power as they are exiting the corners. The nature of the track also sees the greatest demands with regards braking. Canada-specific brake packages are run, including an increased cooling capability and in addition the set-up of the car has to ensure excellent braking stability. Vodafone McLaren Mercedes spent time at the recent Paul Ricard test evaluating this area with Pedro de la Rosa at the wheel of the MP4-22. Finally, the location of the track can lead to significant head and tail winds, which have an effect on the performance of the cars.
How does the nature of the circuit affect Bridgestone Potenza tyre choice?
The track has relatively low grip levels and as a result, softer compound tyres tend to deliver the best performance as they provide the grip required. The surface is not massively abrasive, so it does not affect the performance greatly. The track is not a permanent racing circuit, and as a result it gets grippier during the weekend as more rubber is laid down.
What levels of downforce are used in Montreal?
At the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a low-medium downforce configuration is used. This is to ensure the cars can be as fast as possible on the long main straight. The low downforce and low grip conditions means that cornering is more of a challenge, and even though the turns are all largely low speed, it is still necessary to be very precise. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will also run a Montreal-specific aerodynamic package for the race in order to optimise performance.
When did the freight and the team depart for Canada?
The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes sea freight departed the UK for Canada in the week prior to the Spanish Grand Prix. The contents will cover both the Canadian and United States Grands Prix. It is scheduled to arrive on Friday 1st June. Air freight will leave the McLaren Technology Centre on Saturday 2nd June, arriving in Montreal on Sunday 3rd / Monday 4th.
TEAM QUOTES
Fernando Alonso
“We have a great momentum in the team right now after such a fantastic result in Monaco, which is a positive way to be going into the North American double-header. There has been no opportunity to test since Monaco; however the team has been pushing hard off track to keep the momentum going. Until last year, I hadn’t had great results in Canada, so it was fantastic to win there. It is always a tough race, and you see a lot of retirements because you are stressing the whole car with the high speeds and the hard braking zones. The track conditions also change over the race weekend, the grip levels improve as more rubber is laid and the dusty conditions. On race day, it is much better than Friday. We have some new packages on the car for Montreal; we are all pushing hard to attack and fight for more race victories. It is a good circuit to race on as there are a number of places you can overtake, which makes it more exciting for the drivers, teams and fans.”
Lewis Hamilton
“The result in Monaco was great for everyone in the team, it was a dream result considering it was my first year there in a Formula 1 car, and it means we are going to North America at the top of both Championship tables. I cannot wait to get back on track and continue to focus on racing. This will be my debut at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, because of the chances there are to pass; it looks like a great track to compete on. It has some very distinctive characteristics, such as the low grip, the long straights, hard braking and so on, so my initial laps will focus on understanding all these and how best to drive the track to get good times. I have completed preparation work with my engineers at the McLaren Technology Centre specific to Canada and the US, and it will be great to finally take to the track here in Montreal.”
Martin Whitmarsh, CEO Formula 1, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“The Canadian Grand Prix is a very different event to the Monaco race. We go from the slowest, tightest track packed with corners on the calendar to a circuit that is all about long periods of power and braking. The MP4-22 performed incredibly well in Monte Carlo, however as the track conditions are poles apart, we are not going to Montreal with the same expectations. We go to Canada aiming to fight for the victory and to maintain our positions at the top of both the Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships; however are realistic about the potential to dominate. The test at Paul Ricard prior to Monaco had two days of Canada running and useful intelligence was gained. It is going to be a tougher battle and the track is notoriously tough on race cars, but we will keep pushing.”
Norbert Haug, Vice President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
“The first three letters are almost the only things, which the street circuits of Monaco and Montreal have in common. The layout of the track located at the Île Notre Dame, the Olympic park of 1976, could hardly be more of a contrast to Monaco. Instead of maximum aero downforce as in Monaco, there will be only a little; instead of slow turns we will see fast corners, instead of short straights, there are long ones. The longest straight is the section between the L’Epingle hairpin and the chicane prior to start and finish; 1,100 metres or 15 seconds are run under full throttle. This is particularly demanding for brakes and engines; four times per lap, the drivers slow down from speeds of more than 300km/h to about 100km/h. During the test one and a half weeks before Monaco, our team completed an intensive test at the Paul Ricard circuit’s long version to prepare for this race.”
Source: DaimlerChrysler
среда, 30 мая 2007 г.
Online Fan-Driven Racing Community Fan1st.com Announces New Member Feature Allowing Fans to Receive Text Messages from Drivers, Crew
Fan1st.com sent first message to fans Memorial Day weekend from NASCAR Busch Series race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C.
Fan1st.com #10 Toyota from NASCAR's Busch Series. (PRNewsFoto/Fan1st.com)
Las Vegas-based Fan1st.com, an online fan-driven racing community that gives fans the opportunity to sponsor and have their name on a Fan1st car racing in NASCAR's Busch Series, today announced a new benefit that allows members to receive instant text messages from the drivers or crew -- live from the racing action.
Fan1st.com debuted the text-messaging feature Memorial Day Weekend with live text messages from driver Dave Blaney navigating the #10 Fan1st.com Toyota at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. during the Carquest Auto Parts 300 Race May 26.
"With this cutting-edge technology, we can now send all of our members instant text messages right to their mobile phones, giving them real-time updates on race day action and unprecedented glimpses into the excitement from the driver or the crew," said Fan1st Founder Edward Collins. "Our members are going to be thrilled when they see a text message pop up from driver Dave Blaney or Jason Leffler -- this is going to be our most popular member benefit."
Members who do not opt-in to receive text messages (standard SMS text-message fees will apply) can choose to receive emails instead.
In addition to text messages or emails from the drivers or crew, Fan1st.com will soon offer its members live webcam views of the Fan1st cars located at Braun Racing in Mooresville, North Carolina, where the Fan1st.com cars are stored and maintained when not racing. Fan1st.com, along with several other companies, sponsors the cars, driven by Dave Blaney, Jason Leffler, Jerick Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Greg Biffle, Jeff Gordon, and Kasey Kahne.
Fan1st.com members also receive their name on the car; a personalized sponsor card offering entrance to special events and offers; the opportunity to participate in polls about the car; access to Fan Forum, which provides unique insight from the crew chief, feedback from the driver and tips and tricks from the pit crew; and the opportunity to participate in interactive polls about non-competition related decisions of the Fan1st team such as paint schemes, uniform designs, and even the official food and beverage of the pit crew.
"This is truly a unique concept that is fast gaining popularity with NASCAR fans, especially as we continue to add new features such as text messages and the webcams," Collins said. "Fan1st.com allows ordinary fans to become a part of the sponsorship of a car by not only having their name on the car but being asked for their opinions on the car and team decisions. If we wreck the cars, our members can even get a piece of that crunched up hood or dented quarter panel to hang on their wall!"
Fans can join Fan1st.com by purchasing a Diamond Monthly Membership for $9.99 a month or a Diamond Season Membership for $99.
For more information, please visit http://www.fan1st.com/
Source: Fan1st.com
Fan1st.com #10 Toyota from NASCAR's Busch Series. (PRNewsFoto/Fan1st.com)
Las Vegas-based Fan1st.com, an online fan-driven racing community that gives fans the opportunity to sponsor and have their name on a Fan1st car racing in NASCAR's Busch Series, today announced a new benefit that allows members to receive instant text messages from the drivers or crew -- live from the racing action.
Fan1st.com debuted the text-messaging feature Memorial Day Weekend with live text messages from driver Dave Blaney navigating the #10 Fan1st.com Toyota at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C. during the Carquest Auto Parts 300 Race May 26.
"With this cutting-edge technology, we can now send all of our members instant text messages right to their mobile phones, giving them real-time updates on race day action and unprecedented glimpses into the excitement from the driver or the crew," said Fan1st Founder Edward Collins. "Our members are going to be thrilled when they see a text message pop up from driver Dave Blaney or Jason Leffler -- this is going to be our most popular member benefit."
Members who do not opt-in to receive text messages (standard SMS text-message fees will apply) can choose to receive emails instead.
In addition to text messages or emails from the drivers or crew, Fan1st.com will soon offer its members live webcam views of the Fan1st cars located at Braun Racing in Mooresville, North Carolina, where the Fan1st.com cars are stored and maintained when not racing. Fan1st.com, along with several other companies, sponsors the cars, driven by Dave Blaney, Jason Leffler, Jerick Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Greg Biffle, Jeff Gordon, and Kasey Kahne.
Fan1st.com members also receive their name on the car; a personalized sponsor card offering entrance to special events and offers; the opportunity to participate in polls about the car; access to Fan Forum, which provides unique insight from the crew chief, feedback from the driver and tips and tricks from the pit crew; and the opportunity to participate in interactive polls about non-competition related decisions of the Fan1st team such as paint schemes, uniform designs, and even the official food and beverage of the pit crew.
"This is truly a unique concept that is fast gaining popularity with NASCAR fans, especially as we continue to add new features such as text messages and the webcams," Collins said. "Fan1st.com allows ordinary fans to become a part of the sponsorship of a car by not only having their name on the car but being asked for their opinions on the car and team decisions. If we wreck the cars, our members can even get a piece of that crunched up hood or dented quarter panel to hang on their wall!"
Fans can join Fan1st.com by purchasing a Diamond Monthly Membership for $9.99 a month or a Diamond Season Membership for $99.
For more information, please visit http://www.fan1st.com/
Source: Fan1st.com
FARO, Corvette Racing Rev Up for Le Mans
FARO, Corvette Racing Rev Up for Le Mans. (PRNewsFoto/FARO Technologies, Inc.)
FARO Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:FARO) , the world market leader in portable computer-aided measurement arms and laser tracker sales, announced that it is increasing its role as technology sponsor for the GTS-champion Corvette Racing Team, which is preparing for the most grueling race of the season, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Corvette Racing, which is run by Pratt & Miller on behalf of General Motors, has used the FaroArm in the design, quality control and race- specification compliance of their vehicles, and will now also use FARO's Gage and Laser ScanArm. The Gage validates parts in their precision machine shop, while the ScanArm reverse-engineers components. This allows the company's engineers and technicians to accurately and efficiently produce everything from small, individual components and sub-assemblies to complete turnkey road and race cars.
"We use the FaroArm, Gage and ScanArm in order to design, construct and analyze 'virtual' components, CFD (computational fluid dynamics), systems, and complete cars - every facet of a project from initial conception to the finished product," Gary Pratt, Vice president of Pratt & Miller said. "The combination of our team's expertise and FARO's portable, computerized measuring technologies offers a total design solution, so we have unmatched time and cost efficiencies, accuracy, and performance."
Pratt & Miller has evolved from a small auto design/production company into highly successful engineering and racing operation. Achievements to date include multiple wins and championship titles at the most prestigious production-based racing events in America and Europe. In 2001, Pratt & Miller's Corvette Racing program earned major international success with an outright victory in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, followed by a one-two finish in the GTS class of the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Since then, Corvette Racing has typically won nine of 10 ALMS races every year since then, except in 2004. That year they were undefeated, as they are thus far in 2007.
"They've consistently beaten top level Ferraris, Maseratis, Aston Martins, Saleens, and Vipers," FARO Vice President Pete Edmonds said. "Pratt & Miller consistently demonstrates that it fields the best GT1 team in the world, and FARO is proud to be part of it."
A Pratt &Miller Race Team Corvette C6.R will be on display at FARO's upcoming tradeshows, including the Quality Show in Chicago this September.
For other appearances, please visit http://www.faro.com/Events
Source: FARO Technologies, Inc.
вторник, 22 мая 2007 г.
Milka Duno Qualifies for 91st Running of Indy 500
Venezuelan rookie makes history: first Latina, first time three women will race at Indy
Milka Duno becomes historic third female for Indianapolis 500, first Latina in sporting event. (PRNewsFoto/CITGO)
Milka Duno, the newest driver and third female in the IndyCar Series, will start the 2007 Indianapolis 500 in the middle of the 10th row from the 29th starting position. Duno's run for the spot held the attention of fans as they watched the IndyCar Series rookie from Venezuela come back from a crash that took place on Friday, May 11th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"When I crashed, I felt so bad but everyone was very supportive including the team, the IndyCar Series, all the wonderful fans in Indianapolis, my sponsor CITGO and many of the other drivers," said Duno. "I am really grateful. We proved what a fantastic spirit there is in this team. Everyone worked so hard and we never stopped believing, and now we are in!"
During the first week of practice, Duno damaged the #23 CITGO Dallara Honda in Turn One of the oval racetrack. With the backup car not yet assembled, Duno was forced to sit out the first weekend of qualifications while the team worked hard to repair the primary car.
Further hindering her progress, when practice started again on Wednesday weather conditions were challenging with high winds. Therefore, the SAMAX Motorsport team elected to run only a few installation laps to make sure the car was completely repaired. On Thursday, Duno ran a flat running top speed of 213.460 miles per hour. On Friday, the driver improved her speed to 218.025 miles per hour.
The Miami resident was first in line when qualifying began at noon on Saturday, May 19 and ran four laps at an increased average speed of 219.228 miles per hour. From that moment, Duno and the SAMAX team would wait almost 30 hours until the conclusion of the infamous Sunday, May 20th Bump Day to confirm their position in the "Greatest Spectacle of Racing."
"This is the most amazing day of my racing career," said Duno. "I have never experienced so much pressure over the last week or so much tension than the last two days."
Peter Baron, SAMAX team owner, said "I'm so proud of Milka for exceeding everyone's expectations coming into Indianapolis. This has to be the hardest track for any driver and despite the setback in the first week, she really proved what a strong character she is to bounce back and qualify. I'm also really proud of the team for all their hard work this month...we came up with a plan to build Milka's speed and confidence...we stuck to the plan and it worked."
Sponsor CITGO added, "We are so very proud of Milka's determination to make history as the first Latina driver and third female in the Indianapolis 500 and to not let anything stand in her way," said Felix Rodriquez, president and CEO of CITGO Petroleum Corporation. "It's because of her focus on this level of excellence that she continues to be an amazing role model for Venezuelans, Americans and young women everywhere who seek to set goals and make their dreams come true."
CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, marketer and transporter of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, refined waxes, asphalt and other industrial products. The company has been a major sponsor of American racing for 21 years in such series as NASCAR, Grand-Am Racing and now the IndyCar Series. CITGO is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information on CITGO visit http://www.citgo.com/
Milka Duno becomes historic third female for Indianapolis 500, first Latina in sporting event. (PRNewsFoto/CITGO)
Milka Duno, the newest driver and third female in the IndyCar Series, will start the 2007 Indianapolis 500 in the middle of the 10th row from the 29th starting position. Duno's run for the spot held the attention of fans as they watched the IndyCar Series rookie from Venezuela come back from a crash that took place on Friday, May 11th at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"When I crashed, I felt so bad but everyone was very supportive including the team, the IndyCar Series, all the wonderful fans in Indianapolis, my sponsor CITGO and many of the other drivers," said Duno. "I am really grateful. We proved what a fantastic spirit there is in this team. Everyone worked so hard and we never stopped believing, and now we are in!"
During the first week of practice, Duno damaged the #23 CITGO Dallara Honda in Turn One of the oval racetrack. With the backup car not yet assembled, Duno was forced to sit out the first weekend of qualifications while the team worked hard to repair the primary car.
Further hindering her progress, when practice started again on Wednesday weather conditions were challenging with high winds. Therefore, the SAMAX Motorsport team elected to run only a few installation laps to make sure the car was completely repaired. On Thursday, Duno ran a flat running top speed of 213.460 miles per hour. On Friday, the driver improved her speed to 218.025 miles per hour.
The Miami resident was first in line when qualifying began at noon on Saturday, May 19 and ran four laps at an increased average speed of 219.228 miles per hour. From that moment, Duno and the SAMAX team would wait almost 30 hours until the conclusion of the infamous Sunday, May 20th Bump Day to confirm their position in the "Greatest Spectacle of Racing."
"This is the most amazing day of my racing career," said Duno. "I have never experienced so much pressure over the last week or so much tension than the last two days."
Peter Baron, SAMAX team owner, said "I'm so proud of Milka for exceeding everyone's expectations coming into Indianapolis. This has to be the hardest track for any driver and despite the setback in the first week, she really proved what a strong character she is to bounce back and qualify. I'm also really proud of the team for all their hard work this month...we came up with a plan to build Milka's speed and confidence...we stuck to the plan and it worked."
Sponsor CITGO added, "We are so very proud of Milka's determination to make history as the first Latina driver and third female in the Indianapolis 500 and to not let anything stand in her way," said Felix Rodriquez, president and CEO of CITGO Petroleum Corporation. "It's because of her focus on this level of excellence that she continues to be an amazing role model for Venezuelans, Americans and young women everywhere who seek to set goals and make their dreams come true."
CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, marketer and transporter of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals, refined waxes, asphalt and other industrial products. The company has been a major sponsor of American racing for 21 years in such series as NASCAR, Grand-Am Racing and now the IndyCar Series. CITGO is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information on CITGO visit http://www.citgo.com/
Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge Attracting National Attention from the Series Premier on SpikeTV
Reality Racing, Inc. (Pink Sheets: RRGI) announced today that the season opener of Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge which aired its first episode on SpikeTV Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 9:00 am has attracted the attention of fans from around the country.
Kathy Itchkow, Reality Racing, Inc., Director of Marketing and Promotions said, "Our email boxes and voice messages are overflowing with positive feedback, orders for Reality Racing merchandise, requests to join our Member's Club and mailing list as well as people hoping to become contestants for the second season of Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge. We've also set up a MySpace page and that has also gotten a lot of attention ... several thousand hits since Saturday's airing of the show."
Ms. Itchkow added, "The entire staff is working hard to respond to everyone and enjoying every minute of it. We love our show and are thrilled to hear from so many of the people around the country who are supporting our efforts. Thank you all and please be sure to tune in to SpikeTV this coming Saturday for the exciting second episode of Reality Racing - The Rookie challenge. Another secret password will be reveled and viewers will have an opportunity to enjoy free offers and a chance to win a walk-on part on the show."
Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge is part of SpikeTV's high-revving Saturday morning "PowerBlock". Spike TV's telecast of Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge reaches the United States and its territories, as well as Canada.
In response to the debut of company's reality television show, Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge, Reality Racing, Inc. President, Lee F. Schaefer spoke to AudioStocks regarding his unique perspective on the television series from inception to realization. The complete audio interview with Mr. Schaefer can be found exclusively at http://www.audiostocks.com/
Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge combines reality television and stockcar racing, featuring amateur contestants vying for the 'Bobby Allison Cup' in a thirteen-episode series of races and challenges. In addition to the Cup, the ultimate champion in this winner taking all show will receive a prize package that includes a contract with a professional race team, national exposure, a cash purse and a gold ring.
For more information, visit: http://www.realityracingtv.com/
Source: Reality Racing, Inc.
Kathy Itchkow, Reality Racing, Inc., Director of Marketing and Promotions said, "Our email boxes and voice messages are overflowing with positive feedback, orders for Reality Racing merchandise, requests to join our Member's Club and mailing list as well as people hoping to become contestants for the second season of Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge. We've also set up a MySpace page and that has also gotten a lot of attention ... several thousand hits since Saturday's airing of the show."
Ms. Itchkow added, "The entire staff is working hard to respond to everyone and enjoying every minute of it. We love our show and are thrilled to hear from so many of the people around the country who are supporting our efforts. Thank you all and please be sure to tune in to SpikeTV this coming Saturday for the exciting second episode of Reality Racing - The Rookie challenge. Another secret password will be reveled and viewers will have an opportunity to enjoy free offers and a chance to win a walk-on part on the show."
Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge is part of SpikeTV's high-revving Saturday morning "PowerBlock". Spike TV's telecast of Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge reaches the United States and its territories, as well as Canada.
In response to the debut of company's reality television show, Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge, Reality Racing, Inc. President, Lee F. Schaefer spoke to AudioStocks regarding his unique perspective on the television series from inception to realization. The complete audio interview with Mr. Schaefer can be found exclusively at http://www.audiostocks.com/
Reality Racing - The Rookie Challenge combines reality television and stockcar racing, featuring amateur contestants vying for the 'Bobby Allison Cup' in a thirteen-episode series of races and challenges. In addition to the Cup, the ultimate champion in this winner taking all show will receive a prize package that includes a contract with a professional race team, national exposure, a cash purse and a gold ring.
For more information, visit: http://www.realityracingtv.com/
Source: Reality Racing, Inc.
вторник, 15 мая 2007 г.
Lewis Hamilton Second, Fernando Alonso Third at F1 Barcelona
The start: For the third time this season, Fernando and LewIs had qualified second and fourth. At the start, Fernando attacked pole sitter Felipe Massa, but slid off the track at the second corner, regaining the circuit in fourth place. Lewis got past Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari) and finished the first lap in second position.
The race: On lap nine Kimi Räikkönen slowed down and came into the pits to retire. Fernando now moved up to third position.
Lap 19: Fernando Alonso came in for his first pit stop (9,7sec) in the same lap as Massa. This allowed Lewis Hamilton to take the lead whilst Fernando was now running seventh.
Lap 22: Lewis Hamilton came in for his first pit stop (8.5sec) and resumed the battle in third position.
Lap 27: All drivers had finished their first round of pit stops. Lewis Hamilton was now second, 10sec ahead of Fernando Alonso.
Lap 42: Second stop for Felipe Massa, which allowed Lewis Hamilton to take the lead again. Until lap 47, he stayed in this position and then came in for his second scheduled stop (6,7sec). Fernando Alonso pitted one lap later and accelerated back into the race after an identical 6.7sec stop.
Lap 49: Lewis Hamilton was second, 10 sec behind Felipe Massa and 17 sec behind the third placed Alonso. After 65 laps, Lewis Hamilton took the chequered flag 6.7sec behind Felipe Massa. Fernando Alonso reduced the gap behind his team-mate by 5sec and wound up third 12sec behind the British driver.
Comments
Lewis Hamilton: “Things just keep getting better and I continue living my dream. In the early stages I was struggling to get heat into the tyres and had a bit of oversteer but things improved considerably a few laps into the race but the gap to Felipe was already too big. In the second stint I was a bit unlucky with the traffic but that happens sometimes. Overall I’m happy with the outcome of the race and I want to keep on scoring points. The team has worked really hard since Bahrain and whilst we didn’t win I still think we can take some satisfaction as we are leading both Championships.”
Fernando Alonso: “My chance for victory disappeared after the incident at the first corner. I got off the line OK at the start and was able to get a tow from Felipe and challenge into the first corner as I was already half a car length in front but we touched and I had to go on the gravel to avoid an accident. We were both lucky to finish the race. As a result by the second corner I was fourth. I also sustained a bit of damage to my car which upset the balance for the rest of the race. I lost additional time in the second stint as the tyres were not working as well but I still think the result would have stayed the same even if we had used the softer tyres.”
Ron Dennis, Team Principal: “Coming into the Monaco Grand Prix being first and second in the Drivers’ Championship and leading the Constructors’ battle is a good achievement for the entire team. Our pace was a little weak in the middle sector. Fernando’s race was hampered by having damaged his deflector during his efforts to get past Massa in the first corner. Another solid performance from Lewis. As you would expect we will continue to push hard in our development programme to put the team in the best possible position to win as many of the remaining races as possible.”
Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “It’s great that Lewis and Fernando are at the top of the list in the Drivers’ Championship after the fourth race here in Barcelona. Well done and thank you to all the team members for leading the Constructors’ rankings too. Fernando showed a great and committed manoeuvre in the first corner that unfortunately didn’t pay off. Lewis again did a great job – we will increase our performance further. We are now looking forward to the next race in Monaco in two weeks time.”
Source: DaimlerChrysler
The race: On lap nine Kimi Räikkönen slowed down and came into the pits to retire. Fernando now moved up to third position.
Lap 19: Fernando Alonso came in for his first pit stop (9,7sec) in the same lap as Massa. This allowed Lewis Hamilton to take the lead whilst Fernando was now running seventh.
Lap 22: Lewis Hamilton came in for his first pit stop (8.5sec) and resumed the battle in third position.
Lap 27: All drivers had finished their first round of pit stops. Lewis Hamilton was now second, 10sec ahead of Fernando Alonso.
Lap 42: Second stop for Felipe Massa, which allowed Lewis Hamilton to take the lead again. Until lap 47, he stayed in this position and then came in for his second scheduled stop (6,7sec). Fernando Alonso pitted one lap later and accelerated back into the race after an identical 6.7sec stop.
Lap 49: Lewis Hamilton was second, 10 sec behind Felipe Massa and 17 sec behind the third placed Alonso. After 65 laps, Lewis Hamilton took the chequered flag 6.7sec behind Felipe Massa. Fernando Alonso reduced the gap behind his team-mate by 5sec and wound up third 12sec behind the British driver.
Comments
Lewis Hamilton: “Things just keep getting better and I continue living my dream. In the early stages I was struggling to get heat into the tyres and had a bit of oversteer but things improved considerably a few laps into the race but the gap to Felipe was already too big. In the second stint I was a bit unlucky with the traffic but that happens sometimes. Overall I’m happy with the outcome of the race and I want to keep on scoring points. The team has worked really hard since Bahrain and whilst we didn’t win I still think we can take some satisfaction as we are leading both Championships.”
Fernando Alonso: “My chance for victory disappeared after the incident at the first corner. I got off the line OK at the start and was able to get a tow from Felipe and challenge into the first corner as I was already half a car length in front but we touched and I had to go on the gravel to avoid an accident. We were both lucky to finish the race. As a result by the second corner I was fourth. I also sustained a bit of damage to my car which upset the balance for the rest of the race. I lost additional time in the second stint as the tyres were not working as well but I still think the result would have stayed the same even if we had used the softer tyres.”
Ron Dennis, Team Principal: “Coming into the Monaco Grand Prix being first and second in the Drivers’ Championship and leading the Constructors’ battle is a good achievement for the entire team. Our pace was a little weak in the middle sector. Fernando’s race was hampered by having damaged his deflector during his efforts to get past Massa in the first corner. Another solid performance from Lewis. As you would expect we will continue to push hard in our development programme to put the team in the best possible position to win as many of the remaining races as possible.”
Norbert Haug, Vice-President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “It’s great that Lewis and Fernando are at the top of the list in the Drivers’ Championship after the fourth race here in Barcelona. Well done and thank you to all the team members for leading the Constructors’ rankings too. Fernando showed a great and committed manoeuvre in the first corner that unfortunately didn’t pay off. Lewis again did a great job – we will increase our performance further. We are now looking forward to the next race in Monaco in two weeks time.”
Source: DaimlerChrysler
Nissan Named Official Vehicle of New Off-Road Racing Series
Nissan Trucks Take Center Stage of Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced that Nissan will be the Official Vehicle of the newly-formed Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR). Nissan Motorsports is concentrating their off-road racing efforts on this challenging series, not only as the Official Vehicle of the series, but also offering contingency awards to Nissan race truck drivers.
As Official Vehicle of WSORR, Nissan trucks will serve as official WSORR pace vehicles. Additionally, Nissan will have an extensive vehicle display and conduct some special events during WSORR weekends.
“Nissan is excited to be associated with WSORR as the Official Vehicle of this new series,” said Nissan Motorsports Marketing and Operations Senior Manager Ron Stukenberg. “Nissan Motorsports has long used competition to improve its vehicles, evident by the rugged Frontier and Titan trucks, as well as our entire adventure-ready SUV lineup. WSORR is an ideal proving ground for Nissan trucks and Nissan Motorsports components.”
Based in the Midwest of the United States, WSORR features high performance, professional truck racing and entry level off-road classes competing at some of the toughest off-road courses in the world.
“WSORR is honored to have Nissan as its official vehicle for our inaugural season,” said WSORR President and General Manager Doug Davis. “WSORR will attract thousands of action-hungry fans seeking to see high-tech vehicles pushed to their limits, and there’s no doubt that Nissan vehicles will continue the success honed over decades of off-road competition around the world.
Nissan also includes WSORR in its extensive 2007 Motorsports Contingency Awards Program, with $1,000 to $2,000 available to registered Nissan drivers during the racing season, with up to $5,000 available for driver championship winners. The PRO 2WD pickup truck class (Nissan Titan) and the PRO Light Pickup class (Nissan Frontier).
“This 2007 WSORR season will be exciting for everyone – the competitors, the fans, and Nissan,” said Stukenberg. “We’re ready for the first event this May.”
WSORR 2007 Schedule
• May 19-20, 2007 - Rounds I and II, Steele County Fairgrounds, Owatonna, Minn.
• June 9-10, 2007 - Rounds III and IV, I-96 Speedway, Lake Odessa, Mich.
• June 23-24, 2007 - Rounds V and VI, Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run Races, Crandon Raceway, Crandon, Wisc.
• July 14-15, 2007 - Rounds VII and VIII, Bark River International Raceway, Bark River, Mich.
• August 11-12, 2007 - Rounds IX and X, Bark River International Raceway, Bark River, Mich.
• August 31-September 2, 2007 - Rounds XI and XII, BorgWarner World Championship Off-Road Races, Crandon Raceway, Crandon, Wisc.
• September 22-23, 2007 - Rounds XIII and XIV, Lucas Oil Speedway, Wheatland, Mo
About the Lucas Oil World Series of Off Road Racing (WSORR)
The Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing is the newest short course off-road racing sanctioning body in the United States. Based in the Midwest, WSORR features a high speed, high impact off-road racing experience for racers and fans at key tracks in Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. All races will be shown on the SPEED Channel during prime time viewing hours.
About Nissan Motorsports
Nissan has a long heritage of Motorsports success, both off-road and on the track. Nissan’s Contingency Awards Program offers more than $200,000 in available awards to qualifying Nissan drivers in 2007, including those competing in Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR), Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Grand Am KONI Challenge Series, Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series, Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR), NOPI Drag Racing Association (NDRA) and the Formula Drift Championship.
Nissan Motorsports offers a comprehensive 110-page parts catalog, available through Nissan Motorsports.
# # #
Source: Nissan Motorsports
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) today announced that Nissan will be the Official Vehicle of the newly-formed Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR). Nissan Motorsports is concentrating their off-road racing efforts on this challenging series, not only as the Official Vehicle of the series, but also offering contingency awards to Nissan race truck drivers.
As Official Vehicle of WSORR, Nissan trucks will serve as official WSORR pace vehicles. Additionally, Nissan will have an extensive vehicle display and conduct some special events during WSORR weekends.
“Nissan is excited to be associated with WSORR as the Official Vehicle of this new series,” said Nissan Motorsports Marketing and Operations Senior Manager Ron Stukenberg. “Nissan Motorsports has long used competition to improve its vehicles, evident by the rugged Frontier and Titan trucks, as well as our entire adventure-ready SUV lineup. WSORR is an ideal proving ground for Nissan trucks and Nissan Motorsports components.”
Based in the Midwest of the United States, WSORR features high performance, professional truck racing and entry level off-road classes competing at some of the toughest off-road courses in the world.
“WSORR is honored to have Nissan as its official vehicle for our inaugural season,” said WSORR President and General Manager Doug Davis. “WSORR will attract thousands of action-hungry fans seeking to see high-tech vehicles pushed to their limits, and there’s no doubt that Nissan vehicles will continue the success honed over decades of off-road competition around the world.
Nissan also includes WSORR in its extensive 2007 Motorsports Contingency Awards Program, with $1,000 to $2,000 available to registered Nissan drivers during the racing season, with up to $5,000 available for driver championship winners. The PRO 2WD pickup truck class (Nissan Titan) and the PRO Light Pickup class (Nissan Frontier).
“This 2007 WSORR season will be exciting for everyone – the competitors, the fans, and Nissan,” said Stukenberg. “We’re ready for the first event this May.”
WSORR 2007 Schedule
• May 19-20, 2007 - Rounds I and II, Steele County Fairgrounds, Owatonna, Minn.
• June 9-10, 2007 - Rounds III and IV, I-96 Speedway, Lake Odessa, Mich.
• June 23-24, 2007 - Rounds V and VI, Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run Races, Crandon Raceway, Crandon, Wisc.
• July 14-15, 2007 - Rounds VII and VIII, Bark River International Raceway, Bark River, Mich.
• August 11-12, 2007 - Rounds IX and X, Bark River International Raceway, Bark River, Mich.
• August 31-September 2, 2007 - Rounds XI and XII, BorgWarner World Championship Off-Road Races, Crandon Raceway, Crandon, Wisc.
• September 22-23, 2007 - Rounds XIII and XIV, Lucas Oil Speedway, Wheatland, Mo
About the Lucas Oil World Series of Off Road Racing (WSORR)
The Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing is the newest short course off-road racing sanctioning body in the United States. Based in the Midwest, WSORR features a high speed, high impact off-road racing experience for racers and fans at key tracks in Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin. All races will be shown on the SPEED Channel during prime time viewing hours.
About Nissan Motorsports
Nissan has a long heritage of Motorsports success, both off-road and on the track. Nissan’s Contingency Awards Program offers more than $200,000 in available awards to qualifying Nissan drivers in 2007, including those competing in Lucas Oil World Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR), Sports Car Club of America (SCCA), Grand Am KONI Challenge Series, Grand Am Rolex Sports Car Series, Championship Off-Road Racing (CORR), NOPI Drag Racing Association (NDRA) and the Formula Drift Championship.
Nissan Motorsports offers a comprehensive 110-page parts catalog, available through Nissan Motorsports.
# # #
Source: Nissan Motorsports
пятница, 11 мая 2007 г.
Henkel Boosting Reliability, Speed in Constructing the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 Formula One Car
Henkel Helps Drive Innovation in Grand Prix Racing
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes storms ahead in the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship season with a new line-up of drivers and a new car - constructed with the help of a long-standing partner, Henkel. Now in more than 300 different applications covering diverse and time-critical engineering constraints, Henkel products and technologies help drive the continuing evolution and innovation of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22.
Heading into Fernando Alonso's home turf and holding two of the top spots in a three-way tie for the 2007 Drivers' Championship, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is emerging as one of the teams to beat in 2007. Infused with comprehensive design modifications from more than a year of R&D and wind-tunnel testing, the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 is clocking top lap times, delivering consistent peak performance and leading the field in the race for this year's Constructors' Championship. Innovative solutions from Henkel play an invisible yet important part in this.
As an Official Supplier to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, Henkel provides increasingly more products and technologies used to construct the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22, helping the team to implement design modifications quickly and reliably. Throughout a 13-year association with the team, the number of different applications of Henkel products on the car has grown from around 50 to more than 300 today.
As part of a continuous testing program, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes engineers have discovered the optimal "grades" of innovative Henkel brand products for new applications -- such as Loctite(R) 246, an adhesive that is specially sourced from the USA and currently used on the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 in twelve distinct applications on a variety of 'exotic' materials used in building the components of the car -- from the brake pads, to the driveshaft, to the rear wing assembly. After thorough testing specified by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes engineers and carried out last year by engineers at Henkel in the UK, Loctite(R) 246 has helped the team solve a long-standing assembly challenge: securing components with an adhesive that is strong enough to withstand extreme conditions yet still allows for easy disassembly and re- use of components. Created by Henkel's U.S.-based R&D team, Loctite(R) 246 exhibits superior resistance to high temperatures despite its medium-grade strength. The advantage is that engineers can replace parts easily using standard hand tools during a race weekend or at test sessions -- without having to scrap the parts after removal and with the assurance that the replacements will hold fast for the duration of the race.
"In Formula One racing, change is a constant and innovation is a necessity," said Martin Whitmarsh, CEO, Formula One, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. "In such a fast-paced and unpredictable sport, it is all the more important to have reliability, flexibility and speed in engineering processes. Henkel provides Vodafone McLaren Mercedes with proven, innovative products and technologies that we can depend on to make modifications quickly and flexibly - whether in the race bays at the McLaren Technology Centre or at the circuit just hours before the car takes to the track."
Speed, agility and reliability are important not only on the track. The perfect mix of aerodynamic performance for the straights and optimal downforce for agile and reliable cornering demands ongoing innovation. As up to 80 percent of a Formula One car's grip is achieved by aerodynamic downforce, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes engineers continuously adapt the car's bodywork to the unique characteristics of each track. This can include re-designing molded parts such as the front and rear wings to reduce drag on circuits with long straights or making modifications to improve downforce and grip for tracks marked by a mix of high and low-speed corners, such as Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya.
The Fast-Track and True Course of Ongoing Innovation
Henkel products and technologies play a key role in the team's continual process of innovation to gain the competitive edge in aerodynamics. In wind- tunnel testing, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes engineers determine optimal aerodynamic settings using 60 percent scale models of the MP4-22, created with the help of the Henkel product line used in creating the racecar. For example, Loctite(R) 420 instant adhesive is used to bond plastic parts to the model's rear wing. This low viscosity adhesive quickly "wicks" between the parts, leaving no excess residue that would affect the airflow during testing, enabling engineers to draw reliable results.
Design modifications resulting from wind-tunnel tests are then quickly executed on the car's bodywork moldings, using Henkel's Syncore(R) brand epoxies, which add stiffness to parts and only minimally increase weight. Henkel's Hysol(R) EA9686 film adhesive is used in the "lay-up" of materials, in which patterns are cut to size to form specific parts. This Henkel product is chosen for its excellent reliability and resistance to the extreme conditions on the racetrack.
The newly modified car then takes to the track for testing before race day. Performance analysis of pre-race test sessions are passed on to the design team at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. If further modifications are necessary, engineers at the center quickly mold parts to the new aerodynamic specifications -- and ship them to the circuit in time for the race. Through such continual modifications, by the end of any given race season, the car's components can have changed by as much as 75 percent compared to those in the car that started the year.
"Like Henkel's ongoing commitment to leading manufacturers in diverse industries around the world, our engagement with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is more than a one-off contribution," said Alois Linder, Executive Vice President, Adhesives Technologies, Henkel. "This team effort enables us to continually prove and refine the reliability and performance of Henkel products in a racing sport driven by continual change. It also helps us feed the insights gained into new product development and to further innovate the way we support companies of all industries with state-of-the art products, technologies and manufacturing processes."
About McLaren
McLaren Racing, the company behind the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, was formed in September 1980 as a result of a merger between Team McLaren and Project Four, a British company owned by Ron Dennis, now Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group. McLaren has won eleven Formula One Drivers' Championships and eight Formula One Constructors' Championships including the 1998 and 1999 Drivers' World Championship. McLaren has competed in Formula One since 1966 and has proven to be one of the most successful Formula One teams of all time with 149 Grand Prix wins. To date, McLaren has raced in 617 Grand Prix races.
For more information, go to http://www.mclaren.com/
Henkel - A Driving Force in the Racing World
Around the world, Henkel has an extensive commitment to motorsports. In 2004, the Henkel logo appeared for the first time on the rear-wing of the Team McLaren Mercedes race cars, thereby continuing the technical association with the team, which began in 1995 through the Loctite(R) brand. As Official Supplier, Henkel provides a wide variety of innovative solutions to the team. More than 300 different applications of Henkel products have been incorporated into the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 for its challenge in the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship. For the 16-day, 8,000-kilometer 2007 Dakar Raid through grueling desert terrain, Henkel provided each racing team with an essential mechanical emergency kit containing a wide range of adhesives, sealants, maintenance products, cleaners and bonding tapes.
Henkel, a Fortune Global 500 company, operates in three business areas: Home Care; Personal care; and Adhesives Technologies, which serves the transportation, electronics, aerospace, metal, durable goods, consumer goods, maintenance and repair and packaging industries, and offers a broad range of products for the craftsman and consumer. With brands and technologies, Henkel makes people's lives easier, better, and more beautiful. More than 50,000 employees work for Henkel worldwide. People in 125 countries around the world trust in brands and technologies from Henkel -- "A Brand like a Friend."
Internet: http://www.henkelna.com/
Source: Henkel
Vodafone McLaren Mercedes storms ahead in the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship season with a new line-up of drivers and a new car - constructed with the help of a long-standing partner, Henkel. Now in more than 300 different applications covering diverse and time-critical engineering constraints, Henkel products and technologies help drive the continuing evolution and innovation of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22.
Heading into Fernando Alonso's home turf and holding two of the top spots in a three-way tie for the 2007 Drivers' Championship, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is emerging as one of the teams to beat in 2007. Infused with comprehensive design modifications from more than a year of R&D and wind-tunnel testing, the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 is clocking top lap times, delivering consistent peak performance and leading the field in the race for this year's Constructors' Championship. Innovative solutions from Henkel play an invisible yet important part in this.
As an Official Supplier to Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, Henkel provides increasingly more products and technologies used to construct the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22, helping the team to implement design modifications quickly and reliably. Throughout a 13-year association with the team, the number of different applications of Henkel products on the car has grown from around 50 to more than 300 today.
As part of a continuous testing program, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes engineers have discovered the optimal "grades" of innovative Henkel brand products for new applications -- such as Loctite(R) 246, an adhesive that is specially sourced from the USA and currently used on the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 in twelve distinct applications on a variety of 'exotic' materials used in building the components of the car -- from the brake pads, to the driveshaft, to the rear wing assembly. After thorough testing specified by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes engineers and carried out last year by engineers at Henkel in the UK, Loctite(R) 246 has helped the team solve a long-standing assembly challenge: securing components with an adhesive that is strong enough to withstand extreme conditions yet still allows for easy disassembly and re- use of components. Created by Henkel's U.S.-based R&D team, Loctite(R) 246 exhibits superior resistance to high temperatures despite its medium-grade strength. The advantage is that engineers can replace parts easily using standard hand tools during a race weekend or at test sessions -- without having to scrap the parts after removal and with the assurance that the replacements will hold fast for the duration of the race.
"In Formula One racing, change is a constant and innovation is a necessity," said Martin Whitmarsh, CEO, Formula One, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes. "In such a fast-paced and unpredictable sport, it is all the more important to have reliability, flexibility and speed in engineering processes. Henkel provides Vodafone McLaren Mercedes with proven, innovative products and technologies that we can depend on to make modifications quickly and flexibly - whether in the race bays at the McLaren Technology Centre or at the circuit just hours before the car takes to the track."
Speed, agility and reliability are important not only on the track. The perfect mix of aerodynamic performance for the straights and optimal downforce for agile and reliable cornering demands ongoing innovation. As up to 80 percent of a Formula One car's grip is achieved by aerodynamic downforce, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes engineers continuously adapt the car's bodywork to the unique characteristics of each track. This can include re-designing molded parts such as the front and rear wings to reduce drag on circuits with long straights or making modifications to improve downforce and grip for tracks marked by a mix of high and low-speed corners, such as Barcelona's Circuit de Catalunya.
The Fast-Track and True Course of Ongoing Innovation
Henkel products and technologies play a key role in the team's continual process of innovation to gain the competitive edge in aerodynamics. In wind- tunnel testing, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes engineers determine optimal aerodynamic settings using 60 percent scale models of the MP4-22, created with the help of the Henkel product line used in creating the racecar. For example, Loctite(R) 420 instant adhesive is used to bond plastic parts to the model's rear wing. This low viscosity adhesive quickly "wicks" between the parts, leaving no excess residue that would affect the airflow during testing, enabling engineers to draw reliable results.
Design modifications resulting from wind-tunnel tests are then quickly executed on the car's bodywork moldings, using Henkel's Syncore(R) brand epoxies, which add stiffness to parts and only minimally increase weight. Henkel's Hysol(R) EA9686 film adhesive is used in the "lay-up" of materials, in which patterns are cut to size to form specific parts. This Henkel product is chosen for its excellent reliability and resistance to the extreme conditions on the racetrack.
The newly modified car then takes to the track for testing before race day. Performance analysis of pre-race test sessions are passed on to the design team at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. If further modifications are necessary, engineers at the center quickly mold parts to the new aerodynamic specifications -- and ship them to the circuit in time for the race. Through such continual modifications, by the end of any given race season, the car's components can have changed by as much as 75 percent compared to those in the car that started the year.
"Like Henkel's ongoing commitment to leading manufacturers in diverse industries around the world, our engagement with Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is more than a one-off contribution," said Alois Linder, Executive Vice President, Adhesives Technologies, Henkel. "This team effort enables us to continually prove and refine the reliability and performance of Henkel products in a racing sport driven by continual change. It also helps us feed the insights gained into new product development and to further innovate the way we support companies of all industries with state-of-the art products, technologies and manufacturing processes."
About McLaren
McLaren Racing, the company behind the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team, was formed in September 1980 as a result of a merger between Team McLaren and Project Four, a British company owned by Ron Dennis, now Chairman and CEO of the McLaren Group. McLaren has won eleven Formula One Drivers' Championships and eight Formula One Constructors' Championships including the 1998 and 1999 Drivers' World Championship. McLaren has competed in Formula One since 1966 and has proven to be one of the most successful Formula One teams of all time with 149 Grand Prix wins. To date, McLaren has raced in 617 Grand Prix races.
For more information, go to http://www.mclaren.com/
Henkel - A Driving Force in the Racing World
Around the world, Henkel has an extensive commitment to motorsports. In 2004, the Henkel logo appeared for the first time on the rear-wing of the Team McLaren Mercedes race cars, thereby continuing the technical association with the team, which began in 1995 through the Loctite(R) brand. As Official Supplier, Henkel provides a wide variety of innovative solutions to the team. More than 300 different applications of Henkel products have been incorporated into the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-22 for its challenge in the 2007 FIA Formula One World Championship. For the 16-day, 8,000-kilometer 2007 Dakar Raid through grueling desert terrain, Henkel provided each racing team with an essential mechanical emergency kit containing a wide range of adhesives, sealants, maintenance products, cleaners and bonding tapes.
Henkel, a Fortune Global 500 company, operates in three business areas: Home Care; Personal care; and Adhesives Technologies, which serves the transportation, electronics, aerospace, metal, durable goods, consumer goods, maintenance and repair and packaging industries, and offers a broad range of products for the craftsman and consumer. With brands and technologies, Henkel makes people's lives easier, better, and more beautiful. More than 50,000 employees work for Henkel worldwide. People in 125 countries around the world trust in brands and technologies from Henkel -- "A Brand like a Friend."
Internet: http://www.henkelna.com/
Source: Henkel
Super GT, Le Mans Victories in Japan and Spain Mark Stunning Weekend for Ricardo Transmissions
Ricardo high performance transmissions were used successfully last weekend by the winning teams in the Fuji Super GT 500km and Valencia Le Mans series 1000km races, underscoring the impressive reliability and performance of these advanced competition systems
The Autobacs Super GT series is the premier racing formula of Japan and is hotly contested by leading manufacturer teams including Nissan, Honda and Toyota. The 500km round three of the 2007 Autobacs Super GT series was held at the Fuji Speedway on May 5. This was the first race at which all five Nissan GT500 cars of the Nismo team have been fitted with their new Ricardo transmission, which is in its first year of use. The transmission's technology is based upon Ricardo's enviable record of sportscar racing and is the first time this has been demonstrated in the premier Super GT series. Richard Lyons and Satoshi Motoyama took first place, seconds ahead of teammates Michael Krumm and Tsugio Matsuda.
While Ricardo transmissions were contributing to race winning success in Japan, they were doing so in Europe, too. Competing in the Valencia Le Mans Series 1000km race on May 6, the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP diesel of Pedro Lamy and Stephane Sarrazin took first place. This follows the victory three weeks previously at Monza for teammates Nicolas Minassian and Marc Gene in their identical car. The Peugeot 908 HDi FAP has a bespoke gearbox designed by Ricardo to suit the needs of its V12 diesel engine, capable of delivering substantial torque and power. Ricardo was uniquely experienced to design and develop this advanced transmission, having been responsible for the transmissions which powered Audi to five Le Mans 24 hour victories in the past seven years.
"We congratulate the Nismo and Peugeot teams on last weekend's successes," said Mark Barge, Ricardo director of high performance transmission systems, "and look forward to supporting them within these two competitive race series as the season progresses."
Ricardo plc: With technical centers in the UK, USA, Germany and the Czech Republic, and offices in Shanghai and Tokyo, Ricardo is a leading independent technology provider and strategic consultant to the world's automotive industries. The company's engineering expertise ranges from vehicle systems integration, controls, electronics and software development, to the latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell powertrain technologies. Its customers include the world's major vehicle, engine and transmission manufacturers, tier 1 suppliers and leading motorsport teams. Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in people, technology and knowledge; approximately 70 percent of its employees are highly qualified multi-disciplined professional engineers and technicians. A public company, Ricardo plc posted sales of 173 million pounds in financial year 2006 and is a constituent of the FTSE techMark 100 index -- a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Source: Ricardo
The Autobacs Super GT series is the premier racing formula of Japan and is hotly contested by leading manufacturer teams including Nissan, Honda and Toyota. The 500km round three of the 2007 Autobacs Super GT series was held at the Fuji Speedway on May 5. This was the first race at which all five Nissan GT500 cars of the Nismo team have been fitted with their new Ricardo transmission, which is in its first year of use. The transmission's technology is based upon Ricardo's enviable record of sportscar racing and is the first time this has been demonstrated in the premier Super GT series. Richard Lyons and Satoshi Motoyama took first place, seconds ahead of teammates Michael Krumm and Tsugio Matsuda.
While Ricardo transmissions were contributing to race winning success in Japan, they were doing so in Europe, too. Competing in the Valencia Le Mans Series 1000km race on May 6, the Peugeot 908 HDi FAP diesel of Pedro Lamy and Stephane Sarrazin took first place. This follows the victory three weeks previously at Monza for teammates Nicolas Minassian and Marc Gene in their identical car. The Peugeot 908 HDi FAP has a bespoke gearbox designed by Ricardo to suit the needs of its V12 diesel engine, capable of delivering substantial torque and power. Ricardo was uniquely experienced to design and develop this advanced transmission, having been responsible for the transmissions which powered Audi to five Le Mans 24 hour victories in the past seven years.
"We congratulate the Nismo and Peugeot teams on last weekend's successes," said Mark Barge, Ricardo director of high performance transmission systems, "and look forward to supporting them within these two competitive race series as the season progresses."
Ricardo plc: With technical centers in the UK, USA, Germany and the Czech Republic, and offices in Shanghai and Tokyo, Ricardo is a leading independent technology provider and strategic consultant to the world's automotive industries. The company's engineering expertise ranges from vehicle systems integration, controls, electronics and software development, to the latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell powertrain technologies. Its customers include the world's major vehicle, engine and transmission manufacturers, tier 1 suppliers and leading motorsport teams. Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in people, technology and knowledge; approximately 70 percent of its employees are highly qualified multi-disciplined professional engineers and technicians. A public company, Ricardo plc posted sales of 173 million pounds in financial year 2006 and is a constituent of the FTSE techMark 100 index -- a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Source: Ricardo
NASCAR, Starbridge Media Group Release Premier Issue of NASCAR Comics Branded Publication, "NASCAR Heroes"
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Starbridge Media Group, Inc., announced today the release of the premier issue of the NASCAR Comics brand initiative under the banner of the NASCAR Library Collection.
Working in conjunction with NASCAR, McLean, VA-based Starbridge Media Group has published the first of a series of NASCAR comic books with unique concepts, original characters and varied storylines. The books, which are branded NASCAR Comics, appeal to NASCAR's large and diverse fan base as well as traditional independent comic book consumers. The first issue, titled "NASCAR Heroes," is available nationwide via Books-a-Million stores, independent comic shops, track-side merchandisers, other fine retailers, online.
Through an online balloting contest at http://www.racingone.com/ during February and March, fans had the opportunity to vote for the design and look of the comic book's three main characters. In the first-ever release of "NASCAR Heroes," fans can see the resulting appearances of rookie Jimmy Dash, sinister Jack Diesel, hard-charging Astor Shockington, and a host of other characters.
"We continue to be excited about creating original publishing content and promotions for NASCAR's expansive fan base," said Mark Dyer, NASCAR's vice president of licensing and consumer products. "Having Starbridge Media Group as our publishing partner for the NASCAR Comics initiative enhances NASCAR's opportunity to serve this space and meet increased demand from our fans for new material. Starbridge's background in both sports media and animation production makes them a compelling partner for this new line of publications."
The first issue of "NASCAR Heroes" sets the stage for the story of lowly Team Flatstock and its bumbling crew as it seeks to challenge the hard- charging team of the legendary Jack Diesel. The second and third issues in the series are scheduled for July and September releases, respectively.
"We are excited to release the premier issue of the NASCAR Comics brand in conjunction with the NASCAR Library Collection," said Ken Hutman, president of Starbridge Media Group. "We look forward to publishing compelling and dynamic comic books that will appeal to the core values of NASCAR and its fans for many years."
Source: Starbridge Media Group, Inc.
Working in conjunction with NASCAR, McLean, VA-based Starbridge Media Group has published the first of a series of NASCAR comic books with unique concepts, original characters and varied storylines. The books, which are branded NASCAR Comics, appeal to NASCAR's large and diverse fan base as well as traditional independent comic book consumers. The first issue, titled "NASCAR Heroes," is available nationwide via Books-a-Million stores, independent comic shops, track-side merchandisers, other fine retailers, online.
Through an online balloting contest at http://www.racingone.com/ during February and March, fans had the opportunity to vote for the design and look of the comic book's three main characters. In the first-ever release of "NASCAR Heroes," fans can see the resulting appearances of rookie Jimmy Dash, sinister Jack Diesel, hard-charging Astor Shockington, and a host of other characters.
"We continue to be excited about creating original publishing content and promotions for NASCAR's expansive fan base," said Mark Dyer, NASCAR's vice president of licensing and consumer products. "Having Starbridge Media Group as our publishing partner for the NASCAR Comics initiative enhances NASCAR's opportunity to serve this space and meet increased demand from our fans for new material. Starbridge's background in both sports media and animation production makes them a compelling partner for this new line of publications."
The first issue of "NASCAR Heroes" sets the stage for the story of lowly Team Flatstock and its bumbling crew as it seeks to challenge the hard- charging team of the legendary Jack Diesel. The second and third issues in the series are scheduled for July and September releases, respectively.
"We are excited to release the premier issue of the NASCAR Comics brand in conjunction with the NASCAR Library Collection," said Ken Hutman, president of Starbridge Media Group. "We look forward to publishing compelling and dynamic comic books that will appeal to the core values of NASCAR and its fans for many years."
Source: Starbridge Media Group, Inc.
среда, 9 мая 2007 г.
ING Explains F1's Inner Secrets #4: Formula One Isn't All That Complicated
The Team With the Fastest Car Usually Wins
True to a point... but what are the key elements when it comes to creating a car that gives one team an edge over its adversaries? There is no single magic ingredient -- were that the case, every team would buy it. Rather, it's a question of creating an effective team unit, where egos are kept in check and everybody, from those on the factory floor to those behind the wheel, collaborates effectively in pursuit of a common goal.
Unlike some of his peers, Renault F1 Team managing director Flavio Briatore did not cut his teeth on motorsport's nursery slopes -- while others were fiddling with gear ratios he was developing acute business skills in the retail trade and admits he can't necessarily tell the difference between an oil filter and a coffee filter. He does, however, understand how to assemble a winning team.
In the mid-1990s he was at the helm as Benetton evolved from a Formula One front-runner into a world title winner. And he has been the driving force since Renault bought out the Benetton team in 2001, prior to making a full- time F1 return the following season. Under Briatore, Renault began winning races in 2003 and captured back-to-back double world titles in 2005 and 2006.
"If you come in from the outside, you see things other people don't," he says. "A Formula One team is like any other company. You need the right structure and the right product. That product is the car and the engine, but I don't think the product makes any difference if you are managing the company well. Success is about people and I think we are a human team. We do a job but we are not pretentious.
"There is not one person that makes the company do well, or do badly. A team has a heart and when those people understand their objective, and they are in the right structure, then they work well. A driver is the last act in the play, because he interprets and delivers everybody else's work on the track."
The effectiveness of Briatore's methods can be gauged from the fact that, in an industry where money supposedly buys success, Renault is thought to lie only fifth in the spending stakes.
"Efficiency is the key," says Briatore. "We know you have to prioritise and make the right decisions. If you have an unlimited budget, it can be like going into a restaurant where the menu is fantastic. So you have a bit of that, of bit of this, and end up with nothing. The way we work is like going shopping. You know what you want for dinner, so you buy the ingredients and get the result you want. You have made decisions and your effort is efficient.
"We are a good investment for sponsors: we spend less, which means we ask for less money than our competitors -- but we are winning. In any business, that relationship makes sense."
This F1 insight is provided by ING, the leading global provider of banking, insurance and asset management services.
ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to over 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 120,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.
Source: ING
True to a point... but what are the key elements when it comes to creating a car that gives one team an edge over its adversaries? There is no single magic ingredient -- were that the case, every team would buy it. Rather, it's a question of creating an effective team unit, where egos are kept in check and everybody, from those on the factory floor to those behind the wheel, collaborates effectively in pursuit of a common goal.
Unlike some of his peers, Renault F1 Team managing director Flavio Briatore did not cut his teeth on motorsport's nursery slopes -- while others were fiddling with gear ratios he was developing acute business skills in the retail trade and admits he can't necessarily tell the difference between an oil filter and a coffee filter. He does, however, understand how to assemble a winning team.
In the mid-1990s he was at the helm as Benetton evolved from a Formula One front-runner into a world title winner. And he has been the driving force since Renault bought out the Benetton team in 2001, prior to making a full- time F1 return the following season. Under Briatore, Renault began winning races in 2003 and captured back-to-back double world titles in 2005 and 2006.
"If you come in from the outside, you see things other people don't," he says. "A Formula One team is like any other company. You need the right structure and the right product. That product is the car and the engine, but I don't think the product makes any difference if you are managing the company well. Success is about people and I think we are a human team. We do a job but we are not pretentious.
"There is not one person that makes the company do well, or do badly. A team has a heart and when those people understand their objective, and they are in the right structure, then they work well. A driver is the last act in the play, because he interprets and delivers everybody else's work on the track."
The effectiveness of Briatore's methods can be gauged from the fact that, in an industry where money supposedly buys success, Renault is thought to lie only fifth in the spending stakes.
"Efficiency is the key," says Briatore. "We know you have to prioritise and make the right decisions. If you have an unlimited budget, it can be like going into a restaurant where the menu is fantastic. So you have a bit of that, of bit of this, and end up with nothing. The way we work is like going shopping. You know what you want for dinner, so you buy the ingredients and get the result you want. You have made decisions and your effort is efficient.
"We are a good investment for sponsors: we spend less, which means we ask for less money than our competitors -- but we are winning. In any business, that relationship makes sense."
This F1 insight is provided by ING, the leading global provider of banking, insurance and asset management services.
ING is a global financial institution of Dutch origin offering banking, insurance and asset management to over 60 million private, corporate and institutional clients in 50 countries. With a diverse workforce of over 120,000 people, ING comprises a broad spectrum of prominent companies that increasingly serve their clients under the ING brand.
Source: ING
Chicago Board of Trade Highlights Ethanol, Indianapolis 500 on May 14
100 percent fuel-grade ethanol powers 91st running of historic race
The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) will host Team Ethanol Driver Jeff Simmons and his 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol car in a tribute to the “Greening of Racing” and a salute to the IndyCar® Series — a racing series that features one of the premier sporting events in the world, the Indianapolis 500 — for its transition to 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in 2007. Jeff Simmons will open the event by driving up in an IndyCar vehicle on CBOT Plaza.
WHO:
Charlie Carey, Chairman, Chicago Board of Trade
Chris Malo, Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Business Development, CBOT
Terry Angstadt, President IndyCar Series
Tom Slunecka, Exec. Dir., Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC)
Jeff Simmons, #17 Team Ethanol Driver
Thomas C. Dorr, Under Secretary for Rural Development
Patrick Quinn, Illinois Lt. Governor
WHEN:
Monday, May 14, 2007
8:30 a.m. Central Time
WHERE:
Chicago Board of Trade
CBOT Plaza, outside of the Exchange on the East side of the building
141 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604-2994
Source: EPIC
The Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) will host Team Ethanol Driver Jeff Simmons and his 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol car in a tribute to the “Greening of Racing” and a salute to the IndyCar® Series — a racing series that features one of the premier sporting events in the world, the Indianapolis 500 — for its transition to 100 percent fuel-grade ethanol in 2007. Jeff Simmons will open the event by driving up in an IndyCar vehicle on CBOT Plaza.
WHO:
Charlie Carey, Chairman, Chicago Board of Trade
Chris Malo, Executive Vice-President, Marketing and Business Development, CBOT
Terry Angstadt, President IndyCar Series
Tom Slunecka, Exec. Dir., Ethanol Promotion and Information Council (EPIC)
Jeff Simmons, #17 Team Ethanol Driver
Thomas C. Dorr, Under Secretary for Rural Development
Patrick Quinn, Illinois Lt. Governor
WHEN:
Monday, May 14, 2007
8:30 a.m. Central Time
WHERE:
Chicago Board of Trade
CBOT Plaza, outside of the Exchange on the East side of the building
141 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604-2994
Source: EPIC
вторник, 8 мая 2007 г.
LENOX, NASCAR's Jeff Burton Team Up for EXTRA-MILE EXPERIENCE
Sweeps gives tradespeople the opportunity to win a once-in-a-lifetime VIP vacation adventure
EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- LENOX(R), a leading manufacturer of premium power tool accessories, torches, solder and band saw blades, is offering professional tradespeople in the United States and Canada the opportunity to win big in the EXTRA-MILE EXPERIENCE Sweepstakes with Richard Childress Racing driver Jeff Burton(TM).
One lucky grand prize winner will select one of three exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for him/herself and up to three guests.
They include:
* The All-Star Challenge Race Experience. LENOX rolls out the red carpet for NASCAR fans, giving them a helicopter ride to and VIP suite race passes for the All-Star race in Charlotte, N.C. The winner will be an Honorary Pit Crew Member for the day, and post-race he and his guests will enjoy 5 nights and 6 days at a private cottage on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., featuring gourmet meals prepared by a private chef.
* The Ultimate Heli-Fishing Trip. The ultimate in fishing meets the ultimate in luxury. Winner and guests get whisked off in a private helicopter for some of the world's best salmon fishing on Nimmo Bay, British Columbia. They'll stay for 7 days and 6 nights, experiencing the finest accommodations at the world famous Wickaninnish Inn to enjoy the Pacific Northwest's renowned cuisine and sights.
* A Baja Off-Road Adventure. Winners will thrill to the sand, surf and spa experience in this ultimate adventure. After taking command of the desert in a Hummer and catching a trophy or two on a private deep-sea big-game fishing trip, winners will spend 7 days and 6 nights enjoying the ocean views at the luxurious Westin Resort and Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
To go the extra mile, all packages offer the winner and his guests a VIP tour of Richard Childress Racing, including a private lunch with world-class NASCAR driver Jeff Burton, along with $10,000 cash.
"This sweepstakes gives LENOX the opportunity to share the excitement of its NASCAR sponsorship with customers and those in the trades," said Rich Mathews, vice president of marketing for LENOX. "Some lucky winner will have the ultimate LENOX EXTRA-MILE EXPERIENCE, one that will last far longer than the trip itself. And we're happy to be able to give that experience to our customers through this sweepstakes, but more importantly, every day through our products and services."
LENOX will be the primary sponsor of Burton's No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in two races during the 2007 NASCAR Cup season - May 5 at Richmond International Raceway and July 1 at New Hampshire International Speedway. In addition, LENOX will serve as an associate sponsor of Burton's No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet throughout the rest of the NASCAR Cup season.
Burton, one of the most respected drivers in NASCAR, is in his 14th full season of NASCAR Cup competition. The 39-year-old father of two entered 2007 with 18 career triumphs. He has finished in the top five of the championship standings four times and in the top 10 on two other occasions. He won at Dover International Speedway last season on his way to a seventh-place result in NASCAR's "Chase for the Championship."
Entry forms for the LENOX EXTRA-MILE EXPERIENCE Sweepstakes can be found at participating distributors and dealers nationwide. The sweepstakes is open to tradespeople 18 and over in the United States and Canada and runs from May 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007.
For full rules, visit www.lenoxextramile.com
About LENOX
In 1915, a group of 10 employees began making hacksaw blades under the trade name LENOX. Today, the company employs more than 600 people and manufactures and markets power tool accessories, hand tools, torches, solder and band saw blades and sawing fluids in more than 70 countries around the world. LENOX is a Newell Rubbermaid company.
For more information, contact LENOX at 1-800-628-8810 or visit www.LENOXsaw.com
About Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 150 victories and 10 NASCAR championships, including six in the NEXTEL Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. It was the first organization to win championships in the NEXTEL Cup Series, Busch Series and Truck Series. Its 2007 NEXTEL Cup Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 07 Jack Daniel's), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 Cingular Wireless). Its Busch Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 2 BB&T), Harvick and Timothy Peters (No. 21 AutoZone) and Burton and Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn).
Source: LENOX
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EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- LENOX(R), a leading manufacturer of premium power tool accessories, torches, solder and band saw blades, is offering professional tradespeople in the United States and Canada the opportunity to win big in the EXTRA-MILE EXPERIENCE Sweepstakes with Richard Childress Racing driver Jeff Burton(TM).
One lucky grand prize winner will select one of three exciting, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for him/herself and up to three guests.
They include:
* The All-Star Challenge Race Experience. LENOX rolls out the red carpet for NASCAR fans, giving them a helicopter ride to and VIP suite race passes for the All-Star race in Charlotte, N.C. The winner will be an Honorary Pit Crew Member for the day, and post-race he and his guests will enjoy 5 nights and 6 days at a private cottage on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., featuring gourmet meals prepared by a private chef.
* The Ultimate Heli-Fishing Trip. The ultimate in fishing meets the ultimate in luxury. Winner and guests get whisked off in a private helicopter for some of the world's best salmon fishing on Nimmo Bay, British Columbia. They'll stay for 7 days and 6 nights, experiencing the finest accommodations at the world famous Wickaninnish Inn to enjoy the Pacific Northwest's renowned cuisine and sights.
* A Baja Off-Road Adventure. Winners will thrill to the sand, surf and spa experience in this ultimate adventure. After taking command of the desert in a Hummer and catching a trophy or two on a private deep-sea big-game fishing trip, winners will spend 7 days and 6 nights enjoying the ocean views at the luxurious Westin Resort and Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
To go the extra mile, all packages offer the winner and his guests a VIP tour of Richard Childress Racing, including a private lunch with world-class NASCAR driver Jeff Burton, along with $10,000 cash.
"This sweepstakes gives LENOX the opportunity to share the excitement of its NASCAR sponsorship with customers and those in the trades," said Rich Mathews, vice president of marketing for LENOX. "Some lucky winner will have the ultimate LENOX EXTRA-MILE EXPERIENCE, one that will last far longer than the trip itself. And we're happy to be able to give that experience to our customers through this sweepstakes, but more importantly, every day through our products and services."
LENOX will be the primary sponsor of Burton's No. 31 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet in two races during the 2007 NASCAR Cup season - May 5 at Richmond International Raceway and July 1 at New Hampshire International Speedway. In addition, LENOX will serve as an associate sponsor of Burton's No. 31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet throughout the rest of the NASCAR Cup season.
Burton, one of the most respected drivers in NASCAR, is in his 14th full season of NASCAR Cup competition. The 39-year-old father of two entered 2007 with 18 career triumphs. He has finished in the top five of the championship standings four times and in the top 10 on two other occasions. He won at Dover International Speedway last season on his way to a seventh-place result in NASCAR's "Chase for the Championship."
Entry forms for the LENOX EXTRA-MILE EXPERIENCE Sweepstakes can be found at participating distributors and dealers nationwide. The sweepstakes is open to tradespeople 18 and over in the United States and Canada and runs from May 1, 2007 to November 30, 2007.
For full rules, visit www.lenoxextramile.com
About LENOX
In 1915, a group of 10 employees began making hacksaw blades under the trade name LENOX. Today, the company employs more than 600 people and manufactures and markets power tool accessories, hand tools, torches, solder and band saw blades and sawing fluids in more than 70 countries around the world. LENOX is a Newell Rubbermaid company.
For more information, contact LENOX at 1-800-628-8810 or visit www.LENOXsaw.com
About Richard Childress Racing
Richard Childress racing (www.rcrracing.com) has earned more than 150 victories and 10 NASCAR championships, including six in the NEXTEL Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. It was the first organization to win championships in the NEXTEL Cup Series, Busch Series and Truck Series. Its 2007 NEXTEL Cup Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 07 Jack Daniel's), Kevin Harvick (No. 29 Shell) and Jeff Burton (No. 31 Cingular Wireless). Its Busch Series lineup includes Clint Bowyer (No. 2 BB&T), Harvick and Timothy Peters (No. 21 AutoZone) and Burton and Scott Wimmer (No. 29 Holiday Inn).
Source: LENOX
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