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Filed under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW

Incoming and outgoing BMW Motorsport directors Jens Marquardt (left) and Mario Theissen (right)

For over a decade now, BMW has had its racing program directed by one man: Mario Theissen. Having joined the Bavarian automaker as a development engineer back in 1977, Theissen became the company’s motorsport director in 1999, driving BMW onto the Formula One grid as an engine supplier to Williams before spearheading its acquisition of the Sauber team, which he then ran until the BMW’s withdrawal from the sport at the end of the 2009 season. Since then he’s been overseeing the construction of the carmaker’s racing programs, but he’s now stepping down to make way for new leadership.

Taking the reins in Theissen’s place will be one Jens Marquardt, who – similar to his mustached predecessor – directed Toyota’s Formula One program until it, too, withdrew from the grid. Prior to joining Toyota Motorsport in 2000, Marquardt worked on F1 and Indy engine development at Ilmor Engineering. He’ll take over at BMW Motorsport on July 1, working in tandem with Theissen for six months as the company’s new DTM program takes shape. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW Motorsport changes leadership as Mario Theissen exits stage left

BMW Motorsport changes leadership as Mario Theissen exits stage left originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorcycle

H-D Sidecar

Stars and Stripes. Peanut butter and jelly. Harley-Davidson and sidecars. Okay, fine – one of those pairings is not like the others, but H-D does have a long history of adding a third outrigger wheel to its line of heavyweight motorcycles, starting back in 1914. That’s over now.

Harley-Davidson just announced that 2011 will be the final year it offers sidecars as a factory option, and it will no longer accept new orders for them. The good news is that The Motor Company will continue to provide warranty service for current sidecar owners and will stock replacement parts at its dealerships.

We have an unhealthy affection for offbeat sidecar motorcycles, and if you also happen to fall into that category, Ural and Royal Enfield are ready to serve your needs. As for Harley, check out its official statement after the break.

[Source: Harley-Davidson | Image: AMCA Motorcycle Library]

Continue reading Harley-Davidson exits the sidecar business

Harley-Davidson exits the sidecar business originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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