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ETC: Red Bull Soapbox winners and racers in all their glory [w/videos]

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, UK

Red Bull Soapbox Race London UK

There is simply no end to the crazy stuff the crew from Red Bull will sponsor. From the well-known Formula 1 outfit to moped rallies to what you see here, soapbox racers, there seems to be nothing worth doing (or not, we suppose) that the energy drink isn’t interested in. And we’re thankful for that.

If not for Red Bull, where else in the world would you see grown men and women storm Alexandra Palace in the UK to spend a day barreling down a hill barricaded by hay bails with strategically placed jumps in gravity-driven wheeled vehicles just to get judged on their speed, creativity and showmanship? Nowhere. That’s where.

We can’t show you all 70-something teams that took part in the soapbox festivities in the UK this year, but we have managed to scrounge together a gallery of images from the event, and you can see videos of the top three finishers, along with some high- and low-lights, below.

Continue reading Red Bull Soapbox winners and racers in all their glory [w/videos]

Red Bull Soapbox winners and racers in all their glory [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jul 2013 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Audi R18 racers qualify 1-2-3 at Spa

Filed under: Motorsports, Audi, Peugeot

audi r18 tdi

Audi R18 TDI race cars qualify 1-2-3 at Spa – Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi’s newest diesels are running strong. A trio of R18 TDI race cars have qualified 1-2-3 at the Le Mans Cup 1,000km of Spa. It should be noted, of course, that Peugeot’s cars didn’t get the chance to set qualifying times due to a red flag that ended the session for all teams.

Despite the lack of pressure from the French oil-burners, this is a strong debut showing for the new Audi R18 racers. We expect to see some exciting competition between the Audis and the 908s come race day.

New Audi R18 racers qualify 1-2-3 at Spa originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 May 2011 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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FIA supports young female racers with karting trophy

Filed under: Motorsports

2011 CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy

CIK-FIA’s nine finalists (above) and contest winner (below right) – Click for high-res image gallery

Women in racing are few and far between. Sure, a smattering of notable names comes to mind – like Danica Patrick, Sabine Schmitz and Susie Stoddart – but in this male-dominated sport, they’re the exception. The FIA is taking steps to fix that, however.

2011 CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy Two of the regulatory body’s organs – the Women & Motor Sport Commission and the Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK-FIA) – teamed up to award the most outstanding young female talent a helping hand. They held a shootout among nine candidates, all below the age of 16, who were tested for their physical and mental capabilities over the course of two days in Geneva before pitting them against each other in a track competition.

At the end of the process, the jury – consisting of commission president Michèle Mouton (a former WRC runner-up); two-time WTCC champ Yvan Muller and his karting-champion sister Cathy; and CIK-FIA executive secretary Vincent Caro – selected Lucile Cypriano, 15, of France. As a result, she’ll receive a fully funded ride in the 2011 CIK-FIA Karting Academy Trophy, where she’ll face off against 50 contenders, each representing a different country, on her climb up the motorsport ladder. Follow the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading FIA supports young female racers with karting trophy

FIA supports young female racers with karting trophy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 May 2011 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari 458 Challenge and GT3 racers debut at Monza [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Europe, Videos, Ferrari, Racing

Ferrari 458 Italia GT3

Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

There’s no shortage of race tracks in Italy and around the world that are commonly associated with Ferrari. The factory has its own Fiorano circuit on premises, and the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola – former host of the San Marino Grand Prix – is just fifty miles away. But the spiritual home of the Tifosi, Ferrari’s legions of fans, is at Monza. A fitting location, then, to launch the latest Ferrari sports racers.

This past weekend, Monza hosted a number of production-based races including the first rounds of both the European and Italian leagues of the Ferrari Challenge series. After launching the new 458 Challenge spec racer at the Bologna Motor Show several months ago, this was the first time the car was actually being raced. And what would you know, it actually won its first outing! (Okay, it is a spec racing series, but the new 458 Italia racers did beat out the older F430 models that are still being used by some teams.)

The Challenge, however, wasn’t the only version of the 458 that made its debut this past weekend at Monza. So did the 458 Italia GT3, which slots in between the GT2-spec 458 GTC and the aforementioned Challenge racer. The GT3 car was prepared by Michelotto Automobili – the same factory-endorsed racing garage responsible for countless racing Ferraris as well as the development of the 288 GTO and F40 – and campaigned by AF Corse in two races of the GT Sprint International Series that supports the Superstars touring car series, where it finished second and third overall on its race debuts – second only to the F430 GTC it replaces.

Want to see what it’s like to lap Monza in a 458 racer? To coincide with the launch of the new machinery, Ferrari has released on-board video footage of the 458 Challenge with Stefano Gai, the defending champion who dominated this weekend’s national series race from start to finish. Follow the jump to watch and check out the pair of press releases.

Gallery: Ferrari 458 Challenge

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Ferrari 458 Challenge and GT3 racers debut at Monza [w/video]

Ferrari 458 Challenge and GT3 racers debut at Monza [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Racers from Germany and Spain announced for Pixar’s CARS 2

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

Max Schnell in Pixar's CARS 2

Two new characters from Pixar’s CARS 2 – Click above to view all of the new characters

Pixar has released more goodies this week about its upcoming sequel, CARS 2, due to hit theaters in the U.S. on June 24. What we have for you today are the cars representing Germany and Spain in the movie’s championship race, the World Grand Prix.

First up is Max Schnell, who not only represents Deutschland, but also appears to be carrying the torch for all DTM racers in CARS 2. His last name, Schnell, is also a nice touch, being the German word for ‘fast’. He hails from Stuttgart, which is the home of both Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, but we think his design is actually inspired by the Audi A4, hence him wearing the #4. He’s also won more races at the Motorheimring (Pixar-speak for Nürburgring, and also German for Motorhome-ring) than any other car in the World Torque Champion League (Pixar-speak again for World Touring Car Championship).

Miguel Camino in Pixar's CARS 2 Next up, representing the country of Spain, is Miguel Camino, who hails from Pamplona. Miguel gained fame in his homeland by participating in the famous Running of the Bulldozers and competing as a toreador in the dozer ring. He now races as car #5 in the Grand Touring Sport circuit. If we had to venture a guess at who Miguel is modeled after, we’d say Spanish F1 champ Fernando Alonso. Why? The shape of his headlights suggest a Ferrari influence, and Spain’s real greatest racer drives for Ferrari in Formula One.

Finally, Pixar has also released some cool retro posters promoting the World Grand Prix in each of the four locations it’s raced. Check them out in the second gallery below, and follow the jump to watch turntable videos of Max Schnell and Miguel Camino.

Gallery: CARS 2 Characters

Grem Acer Shu Todoroki Raoul ÇaRoule Carla Veloso

Gallery: CARS 2 World Grand Prix retro posters

Continue reading Racers from Germany and Spain announced for Pixar’s CARS 2

Racers from Germany and Spain announced for Pixar’s CARS 2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Videos, Ford

2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet – Click above to watch the video after the jump

We’re all for an event that culminates with the serving of cake, especially when the sweet stuff is delivered in tandem with supercharged Mustang coupes built especially for drag racing. Ford recently threw a party at the Auto Alliance Mustang factory in Flat Rock, MI to celebrate the official delivery of its new 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet, a vehicle that the company proudly maintains is quickest accelerating production vehicle ever made. When pressed, Ford tells us the CJ will do a 60-foot launch in 1.3 seconds and the quarter-mile in under 10 seconds. We asked about a 0-60 mph time, but we were reminded that measurement is pretty meaningless in drag racing.

Cobra Jet buyers from all over came from as far away as Calgary, Alberta and Puerto Rico to participate in the ceremony and take delivery of their new racecars, and we’re betting they would have made the trek even without the sheet cake. All attendees signed a 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet hood that will later be placed on the walls of the production facility.

Continue reading Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video]…

Gallery: 2012 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet Delivery

Continue reading Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video]

Ford delivers 2012 Mustang Cobra Jet racers, lays claim to quickest production car [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Trio of FIA GT4 Lotus racers at the ‘Ring

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Performance, Videos, Lotus, Racing

Lotus 2-11 at speed on Nurburgring

Lotus running the FIA GT4 Championship at The ‘Ring – Click above to watch videos after the jump

PistonClash Productions has done its thing at the Nürburgring again, this time capturing some of the best of Lotus racing the FIA GT4 Championship. A pair of 2-Elevens and an Evora play the starring roles, with the sounds of race exhaust, rain, passing and a little bit of driver commentary for support.

You’ll find a teaser, a short and a ten-minute doc after the jump. Enjoy. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: PistonClash via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Trio of FIA GT4 Lotus racers at the ‘Ring

Video: Trio of FIA GT4 Lotus racers at the ‘Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK street racers boosting nitrous canisters from ambulance stations?

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Etc., Technology, UK

The fun button

Nitrous oxide – the preferred go-fast gas of many speed freaks – delivers its substantial power boost by cooling the surrounding air, which in turn becomes denser. The denser air’s higher oxygen volume feeds the hungry engine, which can now produce more power. Nitrous oxide is also widely used in the healthcare industry as an anesthetic and analgesic, so you’ll find nitrous canisters in hospitals, dentists’ offices and ambulance stations in addition to Paul Walker’s local speed shop. British street racers have apparently been paying attention.

A number of UK ambulance stations have reported missing giggle gas canisters, and they’re pointing the finger at local “boy racers.” The Daily Mail highlights the ways nitrous oxide is used by the enthusiast crowd, but fails to mention any specific proof that these recent crimes were committed by folks addicted to going faster. Perhaps a little more evidence is called for before conveniently condemning the English Fast and Furious set, no?

UK street racers boosting nitrous canisters from ambulance stations? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Sep 2010 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Monterey 2010: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion puts vintage racers back on track

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Racing

2010 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion

2010 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion – Click above for high-res image gallery

This year’s Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion was actually the first one ever run, as there was a name change to go along with last year’s change in management. The former Historics are now the Reunion, but name change aside, the event was still the same old week of wheel-to-wheel racing action. Now we know that you can see that kind of action on any given Saturday or Sunday, but the players are usually much, much newer.

Classic and vintage race cars from every era of motorsports are what make this such a wonderful event. There are literally hundreds of your favorite old race cars running in the nearly twenty classes of racing action. Legendary race cars like Ferrari SWBs and Lotus 23s, Porsche 962s and Trans Am Mustangs, Cobras and Vettes as well as F1 cars, Can-Am racers, NASCAR, Indy cars, and so on and so on. The classes take you from the under 1500 cc Minis up to the 1,000-horsepower 917Ks, with almost everything imaginable in between.

We were out there for hours and hours watching, listening to, feeling, smelling and enjoying these vintage racers, and we’ve assembled a sizable gallery to help convey what that was like. Click any image below to see our massive high-res gallery.

Gallery: 2010 Monterey Motorsports Reunion

Monterey 2010: Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion puts vintage racers back on track originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Aug 2010 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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