BlogNodes

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/F1InsightAFormula1Blog/~3/to5ODaYY2v4/red-bull-rb7-launch-pictures-31st-of.html

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

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Jean Todt arives for Wednesday's hearing © Getty Images

Formula One should look at abolishing the controversial ban on team orders after Ferrari escaped further punishment for their manipulation of the German Grand Prix result. That is the view of the Daily Telegraph’s Tom Cary, who is of the opinion that the team orders rule now needs to be seriously looked at because of its obvious shortcomings.

“Whether you are for or against team orders, if the FIA could not back up its own rules and nail a competitor in a blatant case such as this the rule really does need reviewing. Perhaps Ferrari’s thinly-veiled threat to take the matter to the civil courts if they were punished too harshly scared the governing body, who as much as admitted the flimsiness of its rule."

Paul Weaver, reporting for the Guardian in Monza, was in favour of the ruling which keeps alive Ferrari’s slim chances in an enthralling championship.

“The World Motor Sport Council was right not to ruin a compelling Formula One season by taking away the 25 points Alonso collected in Germany. That would have put him out of the five-man title race. But the council was widely expected to increase the fine and possibly deduct points from the team, as opposed to the individual. In the end, it could be argued that common sense prevailed. But the decision will dismay those who were upset by the way Ferrari handled the situation as much as anything else.”

The Daily Mail's Jonathan McEvoy expressed outrage at the FIA tearing up its own rule book by allowing Ferrari to escape unpunished.

"Although the race stewards fined them £65,000 for giving team orders in July, the FIA World Motor Sport Council, to whom the matter was referred, decided not to impose any further punishment. It leaves the sport's rulers open to derision. It was, after all, their rule they undermined. In a statement, the WMSC said the regulation banning team orders 'should be reviewed'."

Source: http://blogs.espnf1.com/paperroundf1/archives/2010/09/team_order_rule_needs_a_rethin_1.php

Bruce Halford Jim Hall Duncan Hamilton Lewis Hamilton David Hampshire

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We’ve all been there—you’re sitting around with all of your buddies and their 2012 Camrys when all of a sudden someone blurts out, “Hey, we should all do burnouts in our front-wheel-drive family sedans!” One among your ranks then declares, “Good luck with that, I’ll do a good ol’ rear-drive burnout, because my Camry is [...]

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

Christian Goethals Paul Goldsmith José Froilán González Oscar González Aldo Gordini

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I have painted and built award winning Game Figures and Models since I was 12 years old I am now 3o years old and my father a long time Model Car Builder has gotten me into building them. I haven't built anything worth posting yet, but with my fathers help I am learning! My father has a case full of ribons,placques, and trophies he has won over the years, for his models. He has built everything from model cars to military, ships, aircraft, and Historical figures. My father was also one of the early Pro-Slot Car Racers.

I look forward to learning the right way to build and detail my models. I haven't decided on any one type of car to build yet, so I think I will try some of every thing. My father wants me to build some kit as them come out of the box before trying any modified builds. Any Advice from the people on the forum will be welcome, what do all of you think I should do?

ET

Source: http://cs.scaleautomag.com/SCACS/forums/thread/975427.aspx

Hans Heyer Damon Hill Graham Hill Phil Hill Peter Hirt

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Audi showed off a seemingly production-ready A8 hybrid “concept” at last year’s Geneva auto show, and now it has announced the production specs for the big Euro-market sedan. The A8 hybrid’s dirty bits are nearly identical to those of the concept, meaning the car will combine a 211-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with a 54-hp electric [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/Kof9BBnYKL4/

Bill Holland Jackie Holmes Bill Homeier Kazuyoshi Hoshino Jerry Hoyt

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Caraviello: Danicas move leaves Wise again in limbo

Source: http://www.nascarracinglive.com/nascar/caraviello-danicas-move-leaves-wise-again-in-limbo-nascar-com.html

Cecil Green Keith Greene Masten Gregory Cliff Griffith Georges Grignard

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We're having one of the best Formula 1 seasons ever and the final eight races promise to be really exciting, with Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari closely matched. Watch my preview to this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix and the rest of the season.

In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions. If you're reading via RSS, you'll need to visit the blog to access this content.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE THE UK, CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/murraywalker/2011/08/my_belgian_grand_prix_preview_1.html

George Abecassis Kenny Acheson Andrea de Adamich Philippe Adams Walt Ader

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Filed under: Truck, Etc., Videos, Humor, Diesel

Health advocacy takes many different forms. Whether it's a quiet reminder from a friend that tobacco use can kill you, a shocking television ad from the likes of the American Lung Association or a bold billboard from the American Cancer Society, it seems like smokers simply can't catch a break. They've been relegated to cramped, sealed-off rooms at (some) airports and banished from bars and restaurants all over the country. Nearly every public space is protected from second-hand smoke, and as a result, smokers themselves are forced to huddle around safe zones like dehydrated animals at a far-flung watering hole.

Still, some individuals chose to carry on with the habit, including a shocking number of young people. No matter what doctors, parents, scientists or even the tobacco companies themselves can convince these individuals that the risks associated with smoking outweigh any potential benefits. What does all this have to do with cars, you ask? Hit the jump to find out how one group of upstanding young men is working to deter smoking in their area.

Continue reading Excuse me, ma'am... do you smoke?

Excuse me, ma'am... do you smoke? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/30/excuse-me-maam-do-you-smoke/

Nico Hülkenberg Denny Hulme James Hunt Jim Hurtubise Gus Hutchison

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Today, we bring you our most pressing consumer news this week: pricing and specifications for Aston Martin’s new 2012 V-12 Vantage GT3 race car have been released. We know you all have been pining for your Aston GT3 cars, and now the 2012s are finally here. The Vantage GT3 succeeds the DBRS9 and packs a [...]

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

Geki Olivier Gendebien Marc Gené Elmer George Bob Gerard

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Filed under: Motorsports, Toyota, Electric, Racing

Toyota's TMG EV P001 - perhaps trying to outrun its boring name - smashed the existing lap record for an electric vehicle on the famed 12.93-mile Nürburgring Nordschleife track with a time of seven minutes, 47.79 seconds. This beats the previous electric car time by a healthy margin and puts Toyota's electric racer on par with the lap times recorded by vehicles like the Nissan GT-R and Porsche 911 Turbo, but is still a ways off the any-powertrain-goes record of 6:48. The just-bested EV record was set by Peugeot's EX1 earlier this year at 9.01:33 (watch a video of that run here). The EX1 averaged a rather impressive 85.9 miles per hour on the grueling track. Prior to the EX1's blazing run, a modified Mini E held the electric vehicle record at the Nürburgring with a time of 9 minutes 51 seconds.

The new record, comfortably under Toyota's pre-attempt target of eight minutes, should help TMG sell the heart of the EV P001 when commercial sales start next year. The powertrain includes components from Rational Motion and EVO Electric. We should also see at least some sort of improvement in Toyota's other electric vehicle offerings, since Pascal Vasselon, TMG's Technical Director, said in a statement, "We also wanted to learn more about the operation of our electric powertrain in extreme circumstances... We have enhanced our electric powertrain development thanks to the information our engineers have gained and our future EV products will benefit from this project."

Given the rapid advancements in electric vehicle technology, we'd assume that Toyota's record will be challenged in the near future, but we don't expect Toyota to give up its spot without a fight. There's video of Toyota's electrifying Nurburgring run after the jump.

Continue reading Toyota smashes electric vehicle record with 7.47:79 Nürburgring lap time [w/video]

Toyota smashes electric vehicle record with 7.47:79 Nürburgring lap time [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/30/toyota-smashes-electric-vehicle-record-with-7-47-79-nurburgring/

Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis Marco Apicella Mário de Araújo Cabral Frank Armi

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McLaren has announced the creation of a Special Operations personalization arm, allowing current and future customers to add unique touches to their McLaren sports cars. The small automaker says it already has “the knowledge and capability to design, engineer, and produce almost anything a customer may desire for their 12C.” Only now, McLaren has packaged all [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/qeXk1rwcJg8/

Jim Hall Duncan Hamilton Lewis Hamilton David Hampshire Sam Hanks

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Team Chevy LogoTEAM CHEVY ADVANCE ADVOCARE 500 ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY HAMPTON, GEORGIA SEPTEMBER 4, 2011 DID YOU KNOW? Chevrolet is proud to support the American Cancer Society® in raising awareness of breast cancer. Along with its dealers, Chevrolet will support the Society’s efforts to save lives by helping people stay well, helping people get well,...more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/sprintcup/08/30/team-chevy-2011-nscs-advocare-500-race-notes-quotes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=team-chevy-2011-nscs-advocare-500-race-notes-quotes

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

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Vitantonio Liuzzi - 19th: "We knew it would be a complicated race, especially in dry conditions, but I made a good start and gained a few positions quickly. We were ahead of our main rivals and, even though we knew beforehand that our pace wasn't the best, we kept on fighting. I think we did a pretty good job, especially in the first stint of the race.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/belgium-sunday-quotes-hrt/

Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis Marco Apicella Mário de Araújo Cabral Frank Armi

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Kamui Kobayashi insists that Lewis Hamilton caused the collision between the pair that put the McLaren driver out of the race. Hamilton passed Kobayashi for fourth place, but on the approach to the Les Combes left-hander the Sauber appeared to have stronger top speed and came back at him

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/kobayashi-hamilton-at-fault-in-clash/

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

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/F1InsightAFormula1Blog/~3/IhmQi_dp4Cg/mercedes-mgp-w02-launch-pictures-1st-of.html

Christijan Albers Michele Alboreto Jean Alesi Jaime Alguersuari Philippe Alliot

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Scarecrows adorn the entrance to a barren Korean International Circuit © Getty Images

Two leading Formula One journalists have expressed their surprise at Korea being named the best grand prix promoter of the season at the FIA’s annual prize gala in Monaco last Friday. The Korean Grand Prix received the Race Promoters' Trophy despite the event taking place at an incomplete facility with few race fans in attendance and team members and media staying at disparagingly dubbed 'love hotels'. "Korea. Korea? KOREA??!! I must have been somewhere else," said Times correspondent Kevin Eason on Twitter. Daily Mirror journalist Byron Young added, "The Korean GP, complete with event and flight chaos, shoddy hotels and things I won't mention, won the race promotors’ trophy. Why?"

Source: http://blogs.espnf1.com/paperroundf1/archives/2010/12/journalists_shocked_at_korea_a.php

Hans Heyer Damon Hill Graham Hill Phil Hill Peter Hirt

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Source: http://www.metrof1.com/blogs/metrof1/2011/07/what-ralph-lauren-can-teach-mr-e.html

Sterling Burton Marlin Mark Anthony Martin Jeremy Allan Mayfield James Christopher McMurray Casey James Mears

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NASCAR U CREW To Expand Sport’s Interaction With College Students NASCAR U CREWDaytona beach, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2011) — Students at select colleges and universities will return to campuses this fall to find NASCAR brand ambassadors hosting events including viewing parties and trips to their local tracks to witness firsthand the thrill and excitement of...more»

Source: http://www.catchfence.com/2011/sprintcup/08/29/nascar-launches-college-brand-ambassador-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nascar-launches-college-brand-ambassador-program

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

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Robert Kubicas hopes of returning to Formula One racing received a boost as surgeons in Italy successfully completed the last scheduled operation on the Renault driver.

Source: http://www.nascarracinglive.com/nascar/renaults-robert-kubica-has-successful-operation-pa-sportsticker.html

Kurt Thomas Busch Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt

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Pastor Maldonado has criticised Lewis Hamilton's driving after the McLaren driver crashed out of the Belgian Grand Prix while fighting for fourth position with Kamui Kobayashi's Sauber. Hamilton had executed a pass on the Japanese when the pair made contact under braking for Les Combes at the top of the hill, as Hamilton moved back across to the left to take the racing line. This led to a large accident for the 2008 world champion.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/maldonado-critical-of-hamilton-again/

André Guelfi Miguel Ángel Guerra Roberto Guerrero Maurício Gugelmin Dan Gurney

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NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France (August 25, 2011) “We are pleased Danica Patrick has chosen to race full time in NASCAR in 2012. She has demonstrated a strong desire to compete and NASCAR provides the best opportunity to race against the top drivers in the world with the largest and most loyal fan base [...]

Source: http://thefinallap.com/2011/08/25/nascar-world-reacts-to-danica-patrick-full-time-in-2012-quotes/

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

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Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2011/08/indy-shorts-chat-with-ryan-briscoe.html

Marco Apicella Mário de Araújo Cabral Frank Armi Chuck Arnold Rene Arnoux

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President Obama with daughter Malia on Tuesday. Not pictured: Secret Service SUVs. Photo: Jim Watson/AFP/Getty via Transportation Nation
This week marked the 109th anniversary of the first presidential motorcade, starring Theodore Roosevelt. If you’ve ever wondered why TR’s successors so rarely ditch their limos in favor of human-powered transport, read on. Staged photo op or no, [...]

Source: http://www.streetsblog.org/2011/08/24/behind-the-scenes-of-a-presidential-bike-ride/

Lorenzo Bandini Henry Banks Fabrizio Barbazza John Barber David Carl Allison

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Will Power topped the timesheets in a delayed warm-up session ahead of Sunday's IndyCar race at Sears Point. Heavy fog forced the session to be postponed by more than an hour, and when the cars took to the track it was KV Racing's Ernesto Viso who led the initial phase.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/indycar-news/indycar/power-heads-sears-point-warm-up/

Scott Russell Riggs Hiroshi Fushida Beppe Gabbiani Bertrand Gachot Patrick Gaillard

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Filed under: Government/Legal, Videos, Police/Emergency

Florida is facing a class-action lawsuit from drivers who have been ticketed for attempting to warn other motorists of hidden speed traps. According to WTSP 10 News, Eric Campbell was recently cited for just that, despite the fact that there is no law against using one's headlights to communicate with other drivers. The officer who ticketed Campbell used Florida State Statute 316.2397, even though the courts ruled that the police were wrongfully applying the law to crack down on vehicle-to-vehicle communication in 2005. Now Campbell wants his $100 ticket refunded and $15,000 in damages.

Since 2005, over 10,429 drivers have been cited for flashing their high beams, and if Campbell wins his case, Florida could be facing over $1 million in ticket refunds. But that's nothing compared to the $156.4 million the state could have to pay out if each driver is awarded $15,000 each. Hit the jump to take a look at news report on the lawsuit.

Continue reading Florida sued for ticketing motorists that warn others of speed traps

Florida sued for ticketing motorists that warn others of speed traps originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/florida-sued-for-ticketing-motorists-that-warn-others-of-speed-t/

Kevin Paul Lepage William Ashton Lewis Jr Sterling Burton Marlin Mark Anthony Martin Jeremy Allan Mayfield

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Pirelli has accused Red Bull Racing of putting it in an 'unfair' position over the Belgian Grand Prix tyre situation, because of the way the team's set-up choices were the cause of the controversial blistering to the option tyres it begun the race with.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/pirelli-red-bull-to-blame-for-blisters/

Charles Robert Hamilton V Kevin Michael Harvick Virgil Ernest Irvan III Kenny Dale Irwin Jr Dale Arnold Jarrett

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Hyundai has been running around plenty of camouflaged 2013 Genesis coupes recently, and now an eagle-eyed observer for an Italian blog has captured the refreshed coupe sans coverings. We knew from previous spy photos that the Genesis coupe would inherit Hyundai’s new hexagonal corporate grille and a very Elantra-like interior, while we also heard that [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/WRivEH0f0lg/

Christian Goethals Paul Goldsmith José Froilán González Oscar González Aldo Gordini

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Source: http://www.skirtsandscuffs.com/2011/08/this-week-in-nascar-history-828-93.html

Georges Grignard Bobby Grim Romain Grosjean Olivier Grouillard Brian Gubby

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This is my first post here and my first motorcycle build. This is Revell's "Fireball" and "Crusader" kits kinda mixed and matched. Lots of modifications and scratch building, but then again, that's the fun right? I still have a lot to go on this one. I haven't even touched the front end yet. I want to do a springer front end. I don't really know how that is gonna work out though. Thanks for check'n it out and let me know what you think!

Modifications so far:

Reworked oil tank with scratch built battery box

Spark plug wires and fuel line added

Suicide shifter added

Manual kickstart added

Bolts on the cylinder heads re-drilled because they were barely there

Raised detail on the seat sanded off

Frame was cut to lower the bike a bit

I still have to make the rear part of the frame. I cut them to lower the bike a bit.

I am going to completely rebuild the belt and pullies because i'm not using the belt cover and the kit belt has

no detail what so ever.

Source: http://cs.scaleautomag.com/SCACS/forums/thread/971756.aspx

Fabrizio Barbazza John Barber David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle David Lee Blaney

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Filed under: Safety, Videos, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

Allow us a moment to revisit a video game classic... Sonic, boom! Our Guile moment is inspired by General Motors, which has released video of the compact Chevrolet Sonic undergoing crash testing. The diminutive hatchback is loaded up with a healthy heaping of safety technology that ranges from a plethora of sensors to high-strength steel.

The body of the Sonic utilizes the heavy-duty steel in the frame rails, around the door openings and roof supports. In fact, high-strength steel is used throughout 60 percent of the body structure. Couple that with ten airbags, and the interior of the Sonic is a relatively safe place to be in the event of an accident. All of those airbags are controlled by a system of sensors that also monitor the angle of travel, speed and points of impact.

Click past the jump to see how the Sonic handles an offset frontal impact at 40 miles per hour. Note that the videos look small, but there's an option to view them in full screen. Enjoy!

Continue reading General Motors introduces a Chevy Sonic to a wall

General Motors introduces a Chevy Sonic to a wall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/29/general-motors-introduces-a-chevy-sonic-to-a-wall/

Jim Hurtubise Gus Hutchison Jacky Ickx Yuji Ide Jesús Iglesias

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That a roofless version of Ferrari’s mid-engine 458 Italia will exist is a foregone conclusion—we referred to the car as “inevitable” in last year’s 25 Cars Worth Waiting For feature. Now, the first photos of what appears to be the final version of the 458 Italia Spider have sprung up on CheersandGears.com. The car should [...]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/8DNuweg-KmM/

Jesús Iglesias Taki Inoue Innes Ireland Eddie Irvine Chris Irwin

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Vitantonio Liuzzi - 19th: "We knew it would be a complicated race, especially in dry conditions, but I made a good start and gained a few positions quickly. We were ahead of our main rivals and, even though we knew beforehand that our pace wasn't the best, we kept on fighting. I think we did a pretty good job, especially in the first stint of the race.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/belgium-sunday-quotes-hrt/

Johnny Herbert Al Herman Hans Herrmann François Hesnault Hans Heyer

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Source: http://www.metrof1.com/blogs/metrof1/2011/06/bahrain-is-still-not-a-certainty.html

Christijan Albers Michele Alboreto Jean Alesi Jaime Alguersuari Philippe Alliot

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Lewis Hamilton believes he lost the opportunity for a podium finish when he crashed out of the Belgian Grand Prix on lap 12. The McLaren driver came into contact with Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi into the braking zone for Les Combes, having just passed the Japanese up the hill for fourth position.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/formula-one-news/f1-formula-one-news/hamilton-crash-cost-me-podium-chance/

George Abecassis Kenny Acheson Andrea de Adamich Philippe Adams Walt Ader

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/nofenders/zbjv/~3/WI8-1FRVn7k/indycar-wilson-out-pagenaud-in-for-mid.html

Marcel Balsa Lorenzo Bandini Henry Banks Fabrizio Barbazza John Barber

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Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Work, Specialty

The New York Times is reporting that Navistar is recalling 15,500 school buses over a fire risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the popular buses were built with a positive alternator cable that could rub against a mounting bracket. Should the cable's insulation be compromised, the electrical system could malfunction, potentially resulting in a fire. The recall covers 2007-2012 model-year buses, including the BE and CE series. The report says that Navistar itself filed the recall and that so far, no fires have been reported from vehicles in the field.

Navistar is based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and manufacturers a number of heavy-duty vehicles for everything from construction and farm use to people and cargo conveyance. The BE and CE series buses are built by subsidiary IC Bus.

15,500 Navistar school buses recalled over fire possibility originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/15-500-navistar-school-busses-recalled-over-fire-possibility/

Howden Ganley Frank Gardner Billy Garrett Jo Gartner Tony Gaze

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"We didn't feel comfortable and both of us stopped early. But, surprisingly, the pace was good."

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/f1fanatic/~3/bsVWZndRzt0/

Chris Irwin Jean Pierre Jabouille Jimmy Jackson Joe James Carlo Abate

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Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel, Long-Term Garage

August was quite the month for our long-term Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Not only did our diesel darling roll over the 10,000-mile mark, it did so while making its journey across the United States - Detroit to Los Angeles - with AOL Autos' Michael Zak behind the wheel.

Before hitting the road, we took the Jetta in for its first scheduled maintenance appointment, all of which was covered under Volkswagen's carefree maintenance program (no-cost scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles). We had the oil changed, tires rotated, fluids topped off, and other key points inspected. Simple stuff. Upon dropping the car off at the dealership, though, we found out that there was an open recall on our car for - wait for it - wind noise. The service technicians told us that the driver door's sound deadening materials would be inspected and replaced, and to be honest, there wasn't any noticeable difference in wind noise when we picked the car up from service later that day.

In any case, the Jetta was now primed and ready for its cross-country voyage, which meant saying goodbye to the Jetta as we handed the keys over to Michael Zak. After four months of service with our east coast staff, it was time for the Jetta to head west. Click through the jump to read more.

Continue reading 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: August 2011

2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI: August 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2011/08/26/2011-volkswagen-jetta-tdi-august-2011/

Kyle Thomas Busch Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr

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From Clarence via the Streetfilms Facebook page:

HURRICANE DOCUMENTATION ALERT! With Irene closing in, keep in mind there may be interesting things like this to document in the aftermath with your cameras. Are there lots of people on bikes? Are the streets more quiet? Will your city impose HOV requirements on bridges? Will people walk more [...]

Source: http://www.streetsblog.org/2011/08/26/wanted-your-post-irene-pics/

Denny Hulme James Hunt Jim Hurtubise Gus Hutchison Jacky Ickx

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IndyCar is close to confirming the addition of a race in China to its 2012 schedule. The series has been in talks about a Chinese event for some time, and president of IndyCar's commercial division Terry Angstadt said that a deal for a race in the eastern port city of Qingdao, which hosted the sailing events for the 2008 Olympics, was on the verge of being finalised.

Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/indycar-news/indycar/indycar-close-to-confirming-china/

Denny Hulme James Hunt Jim Hurtubise Gus Hutchison Jacky Ickx

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The 2012 Audi A6 Avant has received a new tuning kit courtesy of Audi tuner extraordinaire, ABT Sportsline. Aesthetic upgrades are part of the package, but the main ingredient of the whole thing is an extensive performance upgrade that takes the output of the estate car to a whole new level.

Among the changes you’ll notice on the exterior include a new front spoiler, new sidebars, a custom rear spoiler, a new rear apron that integrates four exhaust pipes, and a set of 19", 20", and 21" lightweight wheels that comes wrapped with high-speed tires.

As for the engine, the 2012 A6 Avant is powered by a number of engine options, including a 3.0-liter TDI engine with a choice output of 204 horsepower and 245 horsepower and a 2.0-liter TFSI engine that produces 300 horsepower. On it’s own, these engines are impressive, right? Not to ABT Sportsline.

Using a few engine modifications, the German tuner was able to bump up the output of the two 3.0-liter TDI variants from 204 horsepower to 240 horsepower and 245 horsepower to 300 horsepower. As for the gas-powered 2.0 TFSI engine, the original output of 300 horsepower has been juiced up to a mouth-watering 420 horsepower, improving the car’s 0-62 mph time to just under five seconds.

ABT Sportsline’s upgrade on the 2012 A6 Avant has turned an already attractive car into one impressive piece of business. And quite frankly, we wouldn’t mind owning a piece of that business ourselves.