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:

IN PIT LANE Podcast “A Chat with Martin Whitaker”

V8 Supercar CEO Martin Whitaker joins us for a chat about the Car of the future, International expansion, New Manufacturers and TV Rights.

CALDER SET FOR “RICHEST” PRO-STOCK SHOWDOWN

Australia's richest Pro-Stock Drag Race and the return of the Top Doorslammers will be just two of the major announcements to come this Wednesday at Melbourne's Calder Park. Track owner Bob Jane and manager Ian Macarthur will also announce details of a rich new "Triple Crown" series to be held at the track across all major classes. The new series will kick off with the "True Blue" Nationals which will once again feature the countries Top Doorslammer stars in their 1/8th mile challenge series. As well fans of hi-tech turbos and rotaries will get to see a special match race series featuring the turbocharged Toyota Aurion of Tony Wedlock, against Rocky Rehayem in his wild rotary turbocharged Mazda 6, in a Pro FX challenge.

BRABHAM, PAGENAUD WIN UTAH ALMS

Australian David Brabham and team-mate Simon Pagenaud have raced to their third consecutive victory in the American Le Mans Series with a hard-fought victory in the Utah Grand Prix. Pagenaud drove the final 1:45 in the team’s HPD ARX-01c, and the Patrón Highcroft crew took advantage of a quick final pit stop to beat Drayson Racing’s Emanuele Pirro to the line by 19.116 seconds at Miller Motorsports Park. Pagenaud and Brabham haven’t lost since the Long Beach round in April and increased their championship lead in LMP to 11 points over Muscle Milk Team CytoSport’s Klaus Graf. He and Greg Pickett, driving a Porsche Spyder, were third, 90 seconds behind the winning car.

SPEED TV PETIT LE MANS WRAP