AUSSIE COMMODORE CONFIRMED AS CHEVY’S NEW NASCAR WEAPON

As widely predicted in the Australian motoring media, Holden has announced a new export program, confirming that the Commodore will return to North America in late 2013. The car will be rebadged as the new Chevrolet SS performance sedan. The limited production derivative of the yet to be launched VF Commodore will arrive in North American showrooms late next year.  It will be the first time in 17 years that Chevrolet will offer a rear-wheel-drive sedan for sale in the US. The SS will also become Chevrolet’s next NASCAR Sprint Cup racecar debuting next year in its race configuration at the world renowned Daytona 500.

FIGHT TO THE END AT PHILLIP ISLAND

The glorious uncertainty of endurance racing played out once again as Jim Pollicina and Ryan Simpson took out the Phillip Island 6 Hour, round two of the Australian Manufacturers Championship. In a thrilling  duel to the end, Formula Ford star Simpson - chased down and passed - reigning champions Stuart Kostera and Inky Tulloch, to take the lead with just two laps to go. The winners had to do one more pitstop than the TMR prepared car, but still had the pace to pull off a remarkable victory. The father and son team of Tony and Klark Quinn started from pole position and stormed to an early lead. But their race ended in bizarre fashion when a trolly jack went through the driver’s side floor during a routine pit stop.

22 CARS FOR ISLAND 6 HOUR SHOWDOWN

A field of 22 cars will face the starter for this weekend's Phillip Island Six Hour Endurance race. With entries representing most leading Australian car companies, the fight for the top step of the podium will be very keenly contested. The race is the second round of the Australian Manufacturers Championship as well as the opening round of the Australian Production Car Endurance Championship. Defending race and series champions Stuart Kostera and New Zealand's Ian ‘Inky’ Tulloch, driving the Team Mitsubishi Ralliart-prepared Evo X, are once again favourites for the race. But Jim Pollicina teamed with Ryan Simpson and the father and son pairing of Tony and Klark Quinn are also in the latest racing Class A Extreme Performance Mitsubishis and will match the TMR boys for pace while perennial placegetters Dylan and Dave Thomas should again be very consistent.

AUDI BUYS DUCATI, What’s next ? The Vatican?

AUDI AG is acquiring from Invest industrial Group the tradition-steeped Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., which has its registered office in Bologna. The transaction will be completed as quickly as possible once authorised by the competition authorities. The Supervisory Boards of AUDI AG and Volkswagen AG approved the acquisition today in Hamburg. Ducati is known worldwide as a leading brand in motorcycle manufacture, with outstanding expertise in engine development and lightweight construction. Alongside the traditional Italian brands Lamborghini and Italdesign, Ducati is now a third pillar for AUDI AG in Northern Italy. Another building block in the Company’s growth strategy thus falls into place.

IN PIT LANE IS “ON THE ROAD”

From Australia's longest running live motorsport show In Pit Lane comes "ON THE ROAD" a new weekly online news update featuring the latest news from the world of general motoring, the automotive industry and road safety issues. OTR will feature new product reviews, consumer tips, interviews and road tests. The show has come from the demand of many In Pit Lane viewers for more general motoring news, but without the need to sacrifice In Pit Lane's traditional hardcore motor racing and high performance focus. "There's lots of interesting news comes in every week about new models, new technologies and interesting products and services." said In Pit Lane producer Brett Ramsey.

FIA GT1 & EUROPEAN GT3 LIVE FROM NOGARO

It’s the opening round of the FIA GT1 and European GT3 championships. Watch the action LIVE from Nogaro in France.

IT’S OFFICIAL: NISSSAN JOIN V8 SUPERCARS (now we can all get some sleep)

MELBOURNE TO FOCUS ON AUSSIE AFTERMARKET

A heightened commercial focus on Australia’s leading edge aftermarket performance, racing and tuning products will highlight an expanded 2012 Australian Automotive Week, to be held in Melbourne from 11 to 18 March. Supported by the Victorian Government, the 2012 Australian Automotive Week will include a new program to showcase Australian designed and manufactured high performance accessories, [...]

BRITISH DRIVERS DOWN UNDER PAY TRIBUTE TO DAN

British sportscar drivers Richard Westbrook and Oliver Gavin will pay tribute to countryman Dan Wheldon at this weekend’s Armor All Gold Coast 600. Wheldon tragically passed away following an IndyCar accident in Las Vegas last weekend. He was scheduled to race alongside James Courtney at the Surfers Paradise street circuit this weekend. Both Westbrook and Gavin are life long friends and rivals of their countryman Wheldon, with all three members of the exclusive British Racing Drivers Club. Westbrook and Gavin will unveil special visor stickers in memory of Wheldon in pit lane at the Surfers Paradise street circuit at 9.30am local Queensland time. All BRDC members present at this weekend’s event will carry the special visor stripe stickers as a tribute to Wheldon. They are Westbrook, Gavin, Andy Priaulx, Emanuele Pirro, Gil de Ferran, Marino Franchitti, Ryan Briscoe, Richard Lyons and Darren Turner. Westbrook will partner Todd Kelly in the #7 Jack Daniel’s Commodore at the Armor All Gold Coast 600, while Gavin will drive alongside Greg Murphy in the #11 Pepsi Max Commodore. Source: Kelly Racing Media Release

MAZDA ENDS RX-8 WITH SPIRIT BUT THE ROTARY TO LIVE ON

Mazda has announced the new Mazda RX-8 SPIRIT R, a special edition version of its four-door, four-seat rotary engine sports car. The RX-8 SPIRIT R will go on sale from November 24, 2011 at all Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealerships throughout Japan. Mazda RX-8 production will end in June 2012 and SPIRIT R will be the final special edition model. Mazda expects to sell 1,000 units. However despite the end of the RX-8 Mazda say that the iconic Rotary engine will continue to be developed. although just how and why they haven't said. Takashi Yamanouchi, Mazda's Representative Director, Chairman of the Board, President and CEO, said: