It's official, The Carrera Cup is set to return to Australia's racetracks for 2011. In a media release issued late this afternoon, Porsche Cars Australia (PCA) announced that they would seek dates for a series, hopefully next year. The announcement means that PCA can now enter formal discussions with all key stake-holders for a possible return to the V8 Supercar calendar from as early as next year. Carrera Cup was introduced to Australia in 2003 and ran up to and including 2009 through a third party service provider. The reintroduction of Carrera Cup would this time be exclusively managed and operated in-house by PCA. “We have the chance for a fresh start, with an all-new race car and an all-new approach for Porsche Carrera Cup Australia,” says PCA Managing Director Michael Winkler.
Continue reading...30. July 2010
Success on the racetrack is not the only source of good news for US racing legend Roger Penske. Penske’s US based Auto sales and dealer network, has reported an impressive $29.4 million second quarter operating profit. Penske Automotive Group Inc. is the United States’ second-largest dealer holding company, and it has seen a 16% rise in [...]
Continue reading...29. July 2010
The famous Mount Buller Sprint is ready to run, but only if competitors are ready to support it. The eighth annual race to the summit of the mountain in Victoria's alpine region is scheduled for September 3 - 5th, but organisers say it will only run if the tarmac rally community comes to the party. The Buller Sprint will again use the famous sixteen kilometre stretch of road from the foot of Mt Buller to the luxury resort centre on top of the mountain. With more than 132 corners separated by short bursts of straight and cambered tarmac, the sprint is arguably Australia's premier hillclimb and draws competitors from all over the country. The 2010 event has gained valuable sponsorship from Pacific Hire and RDA Brakes and is open to both Classic cars (pre-1982) and Modern cars (1982 onwards).
Continue reading...17. July 2010
It’s a great thing to see a F1 team manager finally recognising that youth is not the simple answer or solution to hiring an F1 driver.
The announcement of former Super Aguri & Spyker driver Sakon Yamamoto being given a second chance to race this year in the German Grand Prix for HRT comes after his drive the British GP a fortnight ago. Unfortunately, that comes at the cost of the popular Karun Chandhok being cast aside.
This age long debate of balancing youth or experience in professional employment continues to be a raging argument in motor racing. As the current F1 season has turned out, Michael Schumacher’s return to full time racing has not produced results and the seven time World Champion is lagging well behind his much younger team mate Nico Rosberg. (A situation not helped by yet another Brackley dud). On the other hand, an experienced drivers such as Sakon has been recognised and rewarded for his persistence, qualities and experience directly related to the job at hand.
Continue reading...5. July 2010
The push towards high performance all electric vehicles takes another step forward as Mercedes Benz announces the SLS AMG E-CELL.
With 392 kW and 880 Nm of torque, the car offers exceptional performance. The gullwing with electric drive is part of the company strategy entitled “AMG Performance 2015″ which aims to continually reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
With the SLS AMG E-CELL, Mercedes-AMG is providing a glimpse of its latest development project – a powerful and locally emission-free super sports car. Finished in fluorescent “AMG lumilectric magno” paint, the gullwing offers the prospect of a possible small series production run and at the same time reflects the innovative strength and development competence of the AMG performance brand.
“We take social responsibility very seriously and with the SLS AMG E-CELL we are demonstrating a further milestone in our “AMG Performance 2015″ strategy. It is our goal to continually reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of new models in the coming years, while at the same time enhancing the core brand value of performance”, explains Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
Continue reading...1. July 2010
The Australian Formula Ford Championship has secured a deal that will see the series broadcast on New Zealand free to air channel TV3.
TV3 will broadcast rounds two through to seven of the championship beginning on Sunday July 18 with the combined Round 2 and 3 show.
The deal comes on the back of an increased presence of New Zealand drivers in the Championship, with no fewer than four Kiwis competing over the past two years.
“We’re incredibly pleased to be able to announce that the Australian Formula Ford Championship will be broadcast in New Zealand thanks to TV3,” Margaret Hardy, Category Manager said.
Continue reading...18. June 2010
The battle for control of Australian Speedway Racing has taken another turn with Sydney Speedway Pty Ltd, promoter of Parramatta City Raceway announcing that the Sprintcar Association of New South Wales will now have no jurisdiction over the conduct of race meetings staged at the track.
PCR General Manager, David Tapp, said that the decision to sever ties with the SANSW was regrettable but has been made based on Sydney Speedway Pty Ltd’s strong belief that the SANSW is steadfastly working against the future direction and commercial objectives of the company.
“In coming weeks, the Raceway will be contacting all Sprintcar competitors to outline the venue’s plans for the new season and to invite participation for the 2010-2011 season.” he said.
Continue reading...10. June 2010
The first Australian-specification Ferrari 458 Italia has arrived in Australia, with the 325 kmh super car making its debut in Brisbane this week (10 June 2010) after being flown direct from Italy to Australia.
“Australian deliveries have started a little earlier than planned because the interest in this remarkable car has been so great that the car has been air freighted to Australia,” explains Kevin Wall, General Manager for Ferrari in Australia and New Zealand. “Even before it was announced we have had Australian clients expressing interest in the 458 Italia and, once its specification was announced, revealing it to be, even by Ferrari standards, a technical tour de force, interest has climbed dramatically and shows no sign of slowing.”
Launched in the same year as the legendary car maker celebrates 60 years in Formula One and has competed in its 800th Grand Prix, the Ferrari 458 Italia uses a remarkable amount of Formula One technology in every aspect of its design. This enables it to be the fastest production Ferrari the company has produced and, to place this position in perspective, the launch version of the 458 Italia is faster in all areas than the ultimate, race track orientated, version of the car it replaces.
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7. June 2010
The Confederation of Australian Motorsport has opened nominations for the 2011 CAMS Rising Star Program. Once again, Australia’s brightest young stars will be able to nominate themselves to be considered for the 2011 Program. Those selected to participate in the Program will compete in either state or national level Formula Ford.
The self nomination approach has been chosen to encourage young talented drivers to be proactive in their pursuit of a national or international motor racing career. Graduates of the CAMS Rising Star Program include Scott Pye, John Martin, Ashley Walsh and Daniel Erickson. Scott Pye is currently competing in the British Formula Ford Championship as part of the AMSF International Rising Star Program.
The CAMS Rising Star Program aims to identify and fast-track the development of young Australian drivers from the junior ranks to national and international competition through clearly defined and supported pathways.
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30. July 2010