Shelby to Debut 2 New Vehicles at Detroit Auto Show

Shelby American has announced plans to Unveiling Two New Vehicles in Detroit Auto Show.

Gary Patterson, Shelby American vice president of operations, confirmed via the company's Web site that one of those two vehicles destined for the Detroit show will be a wide body version of the 2013 Super Snake. Patterson says the wide body design, which will also be available as a retrofit kit for 2005-2009 Mustangs, will allow for rear tires as wide as 355.

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Eldora Won't Add Seats For "Mudsummer Classic"

Officials at Ohio’s Eldora Speedway have decided not to add temporary seating for the Wednesday, July 24 inaugural NASCAR Camping World Truck Series “Mudsummer Classic.”

The track currently boasts approximately 17,700 reserved seats, in addition to extensive hillside seating seats. After a recently-concluded pre-sale opportunity extended to 2012 Prelude to the Dream ticket holders, approximately 12,000 remaining seats for NASCAR’s first national series dirt-track event since 1970 will go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Campsite reservations will also be available Saturday via on the track’s TicketForce-powered online system, at www.EldoraSpeedway.com. The system is capable of processing up to 800 different orders simultaneously. Race fans can also call the Eldora Box Office at (937) 338-3815, and the Speedway Box Office will be open for walk-up sales.

There has been no shortage of speculation regarding the possible driver lineup for the race, with a combination of NCWTS regulars, invaders from the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide series and current dirt-track superstars eager to defend Eldora’s turf.  NASCAR and Eldora officials continue to work on the specifics of the race program in an effort to blend existing NASCAR procedures with Eldora’s traditional short-track race format.

Eldora’s 60^thconsecutive season of racing action also features the $100,000-to-win Dirt Late Model Dream Weekend (June 6-7-8), the 30^th Annual Kings Royal Weekend (July 12-13) and the 43^rd Annual World 100 Weekend (September 5-6-7). Tickets for those events went on sale December 1 and can be included in “Mudsummer Classic” orders.

Reserved Grandstand and North and South Terrace Seats are priced at $40. General admission tickets are $36 and children’s (12 and younger) tickets are $12 with a $4 upgrade available for reserved seating in the North and South Bleacher sections.

Complete information regarding Eldora Speedway, including seating schematics, facility maps and event schedules can also be found at www.EldoraSpeedway.com.

Cassill Marries During Holiday Break

Landon Cassill, driver of the No. 83 BK Racing Toyota was married to longtime girlfriend Katie Linsted on December 28 in Charleston, SC.

Cassill tweeted the news of his marriage, along with a picture, following the ceremony.

"Here we are! Newlyweds! Me and my beautiful new wife," tweeted Cassill. "I'm so excited about everything that's in store for 2013. It's already off to a great start." 

Cassill finished in championship points in 2012, the first season for the start-up BK Racing team. He recorded a season-best finish of 18^th (three times) for a team that did not open its doors until late January.

BK Racing has yet to announce its driver lineup for 2013.

Buescher Will Defend Truck Title In 2013

Turner Motorsports announced today that NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, James Buescher will return to the seat of the No.31 Chevrolet Silverado competing in a full 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule. Much like the 2012 season, Buescher will also continue to hone his skills running select NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) events in 2013. Buescher will aim to become the first back-to-back NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion. Buescher will drive a minimum of fifteen races for new Turner Motorsports sponsor, Rheem Manufacturing Company. Rheem is the only North American manufacturer that produces a comprehensive line of advanced, energy efficient heating, cooling and water heating solutions for homes and businesses throughout the world. A long time, loyal sponsor throughout NASCAR and other racing series, Rheem is one of the few sponsors in the sport today that has visited victory lane in each of the NASCAR's national series, including the Daytona 500.

Coming off a breakout season in 2012, Buescher went on to record four wins in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, 10 Top-5 and 14 Top-10 finishes, en route to his and Turner Motorsports' first NASCAR Championship. In addition to Buescher's NCWTS exploits, he also won the NASCAR Nationwide series' opening race at the famed Daytona International Speedway in February.

"Last season was a dream come true for me,” said Buescher. “I had always dreamt of winning a NASCAR championship. I am most excited about the opportunity to compete to become the first driver to win the NCWTS championship in back-to-back seasons. I look forward to working with the entire Turner Motorsports organization and Rheem on our quest to keep the NCWTS championship at Turner Motorsports.”

"Everyone at Turner Motorsports is excited to have James return to Turner Motorsports and the seat of the No. 31 NCWTS ride,” said team owner Steve Turner. “And to have a company like Rheem with such a long standing relationship in the sport of NASCAR come on board is an honor. To have Rheem join us is just the icing on the cake."

"The Rheem family of quality brands is proud to continue our support of NASCAR by joining Turner Motorsports for the 2013 season,” said JR Jones, Rheem President and CEO. “The Rheem hallmarks of quality , innovation and consistent performance are the same qualities as those exhibited at Turner Motorsports. Championship performance built on professionals dedicated to delivering quality results is at the heart of Rheem; we believe that Steve Turner, his entire organization, James Buescher and the No. 31 team exemplify those same characteristics. We can't wait to see the famed red and black Rheem paint design competing for the 2013 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship.”

Buescher’s 2012 champion crew chief, Michael Shelton, will return to his previous role with the No. 31 Rheem Chevy Silverado in 2013.

Pastrana To Run Full NNS With Roush Fenway Racing

Pastrana Signs With Roush Fenway

Action sports legend Travis Pastrana will make the move to full-time NASCAR racing in 2013, driving Roush Fenway’s historic No. 60 Ford Mustang in all 33 events on the NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule. 

“I am extremely excited about making the move into full-time NASCAR competition in 2013 and equally thrilled to have the opportunity to make that move with Jack Roush and the team at Roush Fenway Racing,” said Pastrana, a four-time rally champion, motocross champion and multiple X Games gold medal winner. 

“I am very serious about making this move, running competitively and ultimately winning races in NASCAR,” added Pastrana. “No team can claim the success in the Nationwide Series that Roush Fenway has, and I know driving an RFR Ford will provide me with the maximum opportunity to develop my skills behind the wheel of a stock car.” 

Pastrana has made nine career Nationwide Series starts, including one for Roush Fenway last September at Richmond, where he qualified a career-high fifth and ran top-10 for much of the race en route to a 17^th-place finish.  

Pastrana will team up with veteran NASCAR crew chief Chad Norris and will be partnered with a variety of sponsors during the season.  

“Travis is a champion,” said Roush Fenway co-owner Jack Roush. “It takes a great deal of drive and determination to reach that level of greatness in any field. He is serious about this move to NASCAR and we are committed to doing everything we can to see his career develop in NASCAR. We would certainly expect to see a great level of excitement brought to the table as he progresses within our sport.” 

The No. 60 will be one of two full-time RFR Nationwide Series entries in 2013, with Pastrana being paired with Roush Fenway teammate and 2010 Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne in the No. 6 Ford Mustang.

Coming off of back-to-back Nationwide Series Championships in 2011 and 2012, RFR’s 131 wins are the most in NNS history. In addition, the No. 60 captured the NNS owners’ championship in 2011.

Roush Fenway’s No. 60 entry boasts the most wins in NNS history, having been driven to Victory ane a grand total of 90 times by celebrated drivers Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and Mark Martin.

New Car: 2013 Citroen DS3 Red

The Citroen DS3 Red special edition has been unveiled. Based on the mid-range DS3 DStyle and range-topping DS3 DSport trim levels, the Red model adds extra equipment and a Red Touch interior and exterior pack.

The DS3 Red models are available in white or - for an extra £480 - metallic black, and all cars feature a contrasting red roof and door mirror caps. The front grille and Citroen chevrons are also finished in red, and the alloys are painted in either white or black to match the body colour.

Inside, the DS3 Red models include a large swathe of gloss red across dashboard and around the door handles.

The DS3 DStyle Red models include Citroen’s Connect Signature pack as standard, which includes Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and extra speakers for the stereo.

DSport Red models also benefit from the Connect Signature pack as standard, and also get automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, electric door mirrors, an auto-dipping rear view mirror, interior mood lighting and a front central armrest.

The Citroen DS3 DStyle Red version can be had with a 120bhp petrol or 90bhp diesel engine, costing from £15,655 and £15,855 respectively, and £805 more than the regular DS3s that they’re based on.

The DS3 DSport Red comes with a choice of 155bhp petrol or 115bhp diesels, priced from £17,780 and £18,060 – and £730 or £810 – more than the regular models respectively.

All models come with six-speed manual gearboxes and are on sale now. For more details click here.

Thanks to: Auto Express

Recall Up Date: 2007 Suzuki XL-7

The Problem: 2007 model-year Suzuki XL7 crossover models originally sold or registered in Arizona, California, Nevada or Texas may have a faulty plastic fuel pump module in which the fuel return or supply port could develop a crack, resulting in a fuel leak. Fuel leaking from the module could lead to an engine compartment fire.

The Fix: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers or authorized repair facilities will replace the fuel pump module free of charge. A timeframe for notification has not yet been announced. Owners can contact Suzuki at 714-996-7040, or NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 2830 XL7 models manufactured from June 13, 2006 through December 22, 2006, and originally sold or registered in Arizona, California, Nevada or Texas.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

Sneak Peek: 2014 Infiniti Q50

We’re still not exactly sure what to think of Infiniti’s new vehicle naming strategy, with all cars carrying the “Q” designation going forward, and all SUVs and crossovers bearing the QX badge. But we won’t have much longer to wait to see the new models that will be introduced under the new naming convention.

Infiniti has released this brief teaser clip on YouTube of the 2014 Q50 sedan, scheduled to be revealed at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show on January 14. The Q50 will replace the G37 sedan. All we know for certain from the video is that the headlamps will feature LED eyebrows and projector-beam surrounds, and that it will most likely be V-6 powered. How did we surmise the latter? Take a listen to the exhaust note. It’s definitely not the throaty baritone of a V-8, (which incidentally, Infiniti has said is largely on its way out within the brand’s future products) nor the buzz of a four-cylinder. It has the distinctive metallic growl of Nissan’s VQ family of V-6 engines. There’s a good possibility the Q50 may get direct-injection as well.

Automakers often take liberty with engine soundtracks in commercials, frequently substituting the uninspiring blat of a four-cylinder with the sexier tones of a six or eight, but we believe the Q50 will continue to be V-6-powered, like its predecessor.

Thanks to: Motor Trend

New Car: 2014 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible

Bentley's PR department is in an enviable position. While other automakers need to launch an entirely new model, or at the very least a major face lift in order to appear on our radar, all Volkswagen's ultra-luxury subsidiary needs to do is come up with another trim level and a different engine control unit for home-page visibility. Just take the 2013 Continental GT Speed convertible—which will make its in-the-metal debut at the Detroit auto show later in January—as an example. Oh, did we mention that Bentley claims it’s the fastest four-seat convertible in the world? That could have something to do with all this fuss, too. 

Actually, the changes that set the Speed apart from the standard GT convertible are not trivial. The twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine not only emits an intoxicating soundtrack, it also makes a stunning 616 hp, up from 567. Maximum torque is 590 lb-ft, served up at a low 2000 rpm. That translates to ear-to-ear-grin–inducing levels of performance. Bentley claims that the sprint from zero to 60 mph takes a mere 4.1 seconds; 100 mph comes up in 9.7 seconds, comfortably below the 10-second marker that defines the performance elite. And another exclusive marker is surpassed as well: This convertible tops out at a lofty 202 mph. The W-12 is mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic—a highly competent unit that can skip gears upon the driver’s request—featuring two column-mounted paddle shifters. 

The Speed version also sets the internal hierarchy straight again. While the standard W-12 is quicker than the recently launched V-8–powered Continental on paper, real-life performance seems to be superior in the GT V-8. The Speed, by contrast, will enjoy a comfortable margin between itself and entry-level eight-cylinder. By the same token, it also guzzles a lot more gas: Bentley is estimating fuel-economy numbers of 12 mpg in the city and 20 on the highway. At this price point, hoping for average consumption in the middle-teens probably isn’t a big deal, but the Speed will require more-frequent refueling than the V-8 will, and that‘s an annoyance on long journeys. Thankfully, the tank holds a generous 24 gallons. 

Given this convertible's claimed 5500-pound curb weight (that’s 385 pounds heavier than the coupe), the superior performance is all the more remarkable. Yes, Bentley took out some weight when the second generation of the Continental was launched in 2010, but only so much can be done to lighten a platform that’s shared with Volkswagen’s fantastically over-engineered Phaeton. (Internally, this model is referred to as a very major face lift; budget restraints kept the brand from creating an entirely new vehicle for the second-gen Conti.

Hustling over tight country roads is not the Continental's preferred domain, but when asked, it can go through the motions impeccably, while not necessarily gracefully. The suspension is stiffer and 0.4-inch lower than in the standard Continental, and the stability-control system is reprogrammed to allow more slip and earlier re-application of torque after an intervention. And, importantly, the car rides on high-performance tires and massive 21-inch wheels. Just don't expect miracles from this platform with a heavy W-12 engine up front. The all-wheel-drive system is rear-biased with just 40 percent of the power routed to the front wheels. All that said, ambitious drivers likely will experience considerable understeer and faster-than-normal brake wear. 

Thanks to: Car and Driver

[Video] Gold-plated Lamborghini Aventador doing multiple drifts and flybys

Appeared in June, the first gold-plated Lamborghini Aventador in the world named Project AU79 rumored owned by Lamborghini CEO at Miami. After appearing, the Project AU79 was attended by the police cause of speed like flying in the street.

It seems the owner of this gold-plated Aventador is real player when recently the video clip of this supercar doing multiple drifts was launched on youtube.

Here is the video :

Original : Youtube

Citroen has launched the DS3 DStyle and DSport Red special editions. The Red model adds extra equipment and a Red Touch interior and exterior pack. Price from £15,655.

Available in either DStyle or DSport trims and in either Polar White or Perla Neta Black, the red touches give the DS3 a sportier flair similar to the limited-edition DS3 Racing.

The DS3 DStyle Red gets Citroen’s ‘Connect Signature’ - that's Bluetooth and USB connectivity in plain English, while the DSport Red gets a ‘City Signature’ pack. Automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, electric heated and folding door mirrors, an electrochrome rear view mirror, interior mood lighting and a front central armrest are all included.

The exterior finish is matched with white or black 16-inch ‘Ashera’ alloy wheels on DStyle Red models and white or black 17-inch ‘Bellone’ alloys on DSport Red variants.

Under the hood, the DStyle Red is available with a VTi 120 petrol engine or an e-HDi 90 diesel engine. Likewise, the DSport Red offers a THP 155 petrol engine or an e-HDi 115 diesel engine.




Press Release

CITROËN LAUNCHES NEW DS3 RED SPECIAL EDITIONS

• Citroën announces new DS3 DStyle Red & DSport Red special editions
• Available in Polar White or Perla Nera Black with exclusive ‘Red Touch’ interior & exterior
• New Red special editions emphasise DS3’s styling & desirability
• Additional equipment specified as standard

Citroën has launched an exciting range of DS3 Red special editions for the New Year. The new models are based on DS3’s existing DStyle and DSport trim levels, with exclusive styling cues and additional standard equipment. The special edition DS3 Red range is available now, priced from just £15,655.

A TOUCH OF RED

Complementing the Polar White or Perla Nera Black body colours, all DS3 Red models come with an exclusive ‘Red Touch’ interior and exterior pack, which includes a ‘Sport Red’ roof and door mirrors. Also specific to the Red range is the striking ‘Sport Red’ finish to the front grille and chevrons. Inside, the vibrant red customisation continues with a matching red dashboard and door handle surrounds.

Matching the exterior body colour chosen by the customer, DS3 Red models come with white or black 16-inch ‘Ashera’ alloy wheels on DStyle Red models and white or black 17-inch ‘Bellone’ alloys on DSport Red versions. All wheels come complete with ‘Sport Red’ centre caps.

SPECIAL EDITIONS OFFERING MORE

DS3 DStyle Red models are available, as standard, with Citroën’s ‘Connect Signature’ pack, which includes Bluetooth® and USB connectivity, plus an enhanced Hi-Fi system and additional speakers for superior sound quality.

The ‘City Signature’ pack, which comes as standard on DSport Red versions, consists of automatic headlights and wipers, rear parking sensors, electric heated and folding door mirrors, an electrochrome rear view mirror, interior mood lighting and a front central armrest. All DSport Red versions are also specified, as standard, with Bluetooth®, USB connectivity and the same enhanced Hi-Fi system as specified in DStyle Red.

ENGINE OPTIONS & PRICES

DS3 DStyle Red is available with either a VTi 120 petrol engine or an e-HDi 90 Airdream diesel engine that produces just 98g/km of CO2. The DS3 DSport Red is powered by a THP 155 petrol engine, with a 6-speed manual gearbox, or an e-HDi 115 Airdream diesel, also with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Patrick To Turner Motorsports For 10-Race Nationwide Slate

Just hours after the announcement that sponsor Great Clips and drivers Kasey Kahne and Brad Sweet would leave Turner Motorsports for a 2013 position with JR Motorsports, Turner has turned the tables. 

Multiple sources say former JRM Nationwide Series driver Danica Patrick will augment her full-time schedule of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing with a 10-race Nationwide Series slate in Chevrolets from the Turner stable. 

Like her Stewart Haas Racing Sprint Cup Series team, Turner Motorsports enjoys a technological partnership with Hendrick Motorsports and fields Hendrick-built Chevrolets in Nationwide competition. Eventual Camping World Truck Series champion James Buescher won the series’ season opener at Daytona last season, and teammate Justin Allgaier finished sixth in championship points, with one victory. 

While Patrick’s 10-race Nationwide schedule has not yet been finalized, sources say they will compete in the Feb. 23 lid-lifter at Daytona International Speedway; a race for which she won the pole a year ago. She will compete in the Daytona 500 for Stewart Haas Racing the following day.

Brandon Jones Signs With Turner Motorsports

Brandon Jones

Fifteen-year old Brandon Jones will drive in four different series for Turner Motorsports in 2013.

While driving for Eddie Sharp Racing in 2012, the Mooresville (NC) High School sophomore competed in the Pro All Stars Series and United Auto Racing Association Series Super Late Models. He finished fifth in the UARA final standings, with a win at Concord Speedway, five Top-5 and 11 Top-10 finishes in 22 starts. He ran as high as fifth in his first K&N Pro Series East start at Greenville-Pickens Speedway, before a last-lap wreck dropped him back in the standings. That performance followed  2011 track championships in the pro truck division at Lanier (Ga.) Speedway and Gresham (Ga.) Motorsports Park.

In 2013, Jones will race the full UARA season, seven NASCAR K&N Pro Series East races, two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events and selected NASCAR Late Model Stock races under the Turner Motorsports banner.

"I am extremely excited to be joining Turner Motorsports and look forward to driving in UARA and select K&N and Camping World Truck races in 2013 for the Turner organization," said Jones. "I'm confident that with the outstanding team at TMS and with the help of Mike Greci and Cale Gale, we will be very competitive. This opportunity for me would not be possible without the development and coaching I received in 2012 from all the guys at Eddie Sharp Racing and Lee McCall."

At Turner Motorsports, Jones will work under the tutelage of Mike Greci, a stock car racing veteran, famed NASCAR crew chief and NASCAR driver development expert. Following back-to-back K&N Pro Series titles in 1997 and 1998 as owner/crew chief for Mike Stefanik, Greci went on to again score consecutive K&N East titles with Martin Truex, Jr. in 2009 and 2010. Greci has served as crew chief in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series for Paul Menard and Martin Truex, Jr. Most recently, Greci has mentored and been crew chief for Brett Moffit, Ryan Truex, Travis Pastrana and Sergio Pena in NKNPSE and NNS. Greci will now serve as Turner Motorsports' Competition Director for the NKNPSE teams.

"I echo Mr. Turner's sentiments of working with the younger talent in the sport; I truly enjoy seeing the younger generation work so hard at their dreams, and to be a part of that is special to me. We have a great core of people working for Turner Motorsports and I feel like we will see the success that has become synonymous with Turner Motorsports," mentioned Greci.

In addition to Greci, 2012 Truck Series winner Cale Gale will continue his longtime mentoring relationship with Jones. Gale recently rejoined Turner Motorsports as a crew chief and will continue to groom Jones for his climb up the racing ranks.

"Coming to Turner Motorsports was a great opportunity for me and I look forward to working more closely with Brandon Jones in the NKNPSE series. I've worked with him the last couple of years on honing his skills and I've seen him come a long way in short time period. I think he has the talent necessary to be successful in his racing career," said Gale.

In 2013, Turner Motorsports plans to field three Nationwide teams, four Camping World Truck Series teams, four K&N Pro Series East teams, as well as entries in the UARA Series and the NASCAR Late Model Stock program.

JR Motorsports Adds Great Clips, Kahne Sweet

JR Motorsports announced today significant developments in its 2013 NASCAR Nationwide Series plans, as Great Clips Inc., the world’s largest hair salon brand, has signed a primary sponsorship agreement for 28 races next season. The partnership brings Kasey Kahne and Brad Sweet to JR Motorsports, adding to a lineup that already includes Regan Smith, the series’ most recent winner, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

This will mark the 13th year Great Clips has used the Nationwide Series to market its brand, making it the series’ longest-running sponsor. Kahne has a long-standing relationship with Great Clips dating back to 2003 when the company served as primary sponsor for the up-and-coming driver for three seasons. The company also recently announced a sponsorship of Kahne’s No. 5 Chevrolet at Hendrick Motorsports for three NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2013.

The addition of Great Clips further establishes the JR Motorsports line-up for 2013, albeit with substantial changes from two months ago. First, it guarantees the company will field at least two entries in 28 of 33 Nationwide Series events. Smith is already committed to driving a full schedule, and Earnhardt Jr. will compete in select races in a third car.

Kasey Kahne

Additionally, car numbers have been reassigned to align with Kahne’s branding in the Sprint Cup Series. Kahne and Sweet will split time in the No. 5 Chevrolet for 27 races. Smith will compete for a championship in the No. 7, and Earnhardt Jr. will carry his familiar No. 88 in a limited schedule that presently stands at four races. One of Earnhardt’s races will be with Great Clips branding to fill out the 28-race sponsorship package.

JR Motorsports General Manager Kelley Earnhardt Miller said the organization still isn’t committing the No. 5 team to a full-season slate but continues to work at securing sponsorship to fill out the remaining six races.

“The last three months have been critical for the direction of JR Motorsports and the commitment we’ve made, and this partnership with Great Clips is a major step in the right direction,” Earnhardt Miller said. “To sign a 28-race sponsor while adding Kasey Kahne and Brad Sweet to our line-up is quite extraordinary. Our goal is still to run two full-time teams, and this helps us greatly to achieve that.”

A teammate of Earnhardt’s at Hendrick Motorsports, Kahne is a 14-time Sprint Cup Series winner and seven-time Nationwide Series winner. He drove two races for JR Motorsports in 2011, finishing fourth at Kentucky Speedway and third at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Kahne rejoined the Great Clips family in 2009 and, over the last three years, has competed in select Nationwide Series races with the company as his primary sponsor. Great Clips has since expanded its relationship with the Enumclaw, Wash. native over the years by being heavily involved in the driver’s charity events and serving as a primary sponsor for Kasey Kahne Racing. Part of that expansion has also included the addition of Sweet to the Great Clips driver lineup with the Grass Valley, Calif. native carrying Great Clips branding in 18 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and 19 Nationwide Series races over the last three years.

Brad Sweet

“Great Clips has been a long-time sponsor of mine for 10 years,” Kahne said. “They support everything that I do from the Kasey Kahne Foundation to my sprint car team and they continue to grow their program in NASCAR. We all look forward to joining JR Motorsports and continuing to build on the success that they have had.”



Like Kahne, Sweet is a product of United States Auto Club (USAC). He was hired by Kasey Kahne Racing in 2007 and has given KKR seven victories, including wins at the Belleville Midget Nationals, Knoxville Midget Nationals and Four Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway.

“I’m looking forward to this new opportunity with JR Motorsports and to continue representing Great Clips, both on and off the track,” said Sweet. “They have been extremely supportive of me over the last couple of years so taking this step with them is very special for me. As a young driver in this sport, having the chance to drive under the JR Motorsports banner is an amazing opportunity that I plan to make the most of. The 2013 season is‘gonna be great’ and I can’t wait to get it started.”

A race schedule for Kahne and Sweet in the No. 5 Great Clips Chevrolet is still to be determined. So, too, is Earnhardt Jr.’s complete Nationwide Series slate. To date his only announced races are Feb. 23 at Daytona International Speedway and March 9 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, both in the No. 88 TaxSlayer.com Chevrolet.

Bentley Continental GTC Speed 2013 suddenly appear

Convertible model Bentley Continental GTC Speed 2013 suddenly appear with the shade of purple.

The supercar was equipped twin-turbo W12 engine capacity of 625 horsepower, coming out before of predictions made ​​many fans by surprise.

Bentley Continental GTC Speed ​​2013 was officially launched before the plan that break all previous doubts. Some sources said the new models will be launched in North America in the Detroit International Auto Show. Of course, the details were known by the shape of the "brothers" Bentley Continental GTC at the beginning of last summer.

Continental GT Speed ​​Cabriolet almost certainly motorized Bentley's 6-liter, 48 valve, twin-turbo W12 engine. Power increase to 625 hp and torque of 800 Nm at 6000 r / min. Vehicles of the same weight as the coupe, which means that the total weight of the GT Speed ​​Convertible will be maintained at 2495 kg. Acceleration from 0 - 100 km / h can be slower than the coupe 0.1 seconds, was at 4.1 seconds.

The steering system and suspension system has been upgraded along with the height reduced. To increase sports, Bentley Continental GT Speed ​​Convertible equipped with wheels up to 21 inches and is compatible with the the Pirelli Pzero size shell 275/35.

Significant changes to the design of the Bentley Continental GT Speed ​​Convertible including front grille dark matrix and lower air intakes and slotted exhaust fans. Standard furniture Mulliner package, worthy of a sports car most luxurious.

Gallery:

Photos : GTspirit

Shane Hmiel Back In A Race Car Jan. 26

Hmiel runs The Rock Jan. 26

Shane Hmiel will climb back behind the wheel of a race car for the first time since his injury on Saturday, Jan. 26 when Accessible Racing visits the legendary Rockingham (NC) Speedway. 

Hmiel suffered critical head, back, and neck injuries in a USAC Silver Crown qualifying crash at the Terre Haute Action Track on October 9, 2010 that left him paralyzed. Doctors initially told his family that he had a 10-percent chance to live. He was not expected to walk or breathe on his own again, and was not supposed to move his fingers, arms, toes or feet. The former driver has defied all those predictions, however, regaining some function in all his extremities, while continuing to use a wheelchair.

Now, Hmiel has an opportunity to do something else few expected him to do; climbing back behind the wheel of a race car at Rockingham Speedway.

"I can't wait," said Hmiel this week. "I have had a lot of people in my corner pulling for me since I got injured, and without the support and prayers from my family, friends and fans, I wouldn't be where I am today on the road to recovery. Having this opportunity to get back behind the wheel of a racecar with Accessible Racing will allow me to show everyone their prayers haven't gone unanswered and that anything is possible.”

Accessible Racing has offered dozens of disabled persons – including many former members of the United States military – to experience the freedom, hope and inspiration of driving an actual race car, providing incentive for them to improve the quality of their lives and continue to reintegrate into society.  Hmiel is a prime example of what the program is all about; providing a road map to recovery for newly disabled persons to see, believe and achieve.  

“I think it is amazing what Accessible Racing stands for and what they do for our wounded veterans and physically disabled,” said Hmiel. “It is very important for me to continue to be an inspiration and give back to help people in my position. I hope this event at Rockingham serves that purpose and opens the eyes of other disabled people that they too can overcome their challenges."

Accessible Racing is the brainchild of Co-Founder and President Brian Hanaford, who himself was the victim of a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as a result of an automobile accident. After years of recovery and emotional distress, Hanaford used his family’s connections in stock car racing to obtain and modify a race car to assist the physically challenged.

"Seeing the look on disabled peoples’ faces when they took a ride in my racecar was a life changing experience for me,” he explained. “I want to continue sharing what has been a gift from God to me.”

The Accessible Racing Driving Experience provides an exciting and therapeutic experience that helps disabled individuals rediscover their capabilities, allowing individuals to experience the excitement of competition and the thrill of victory; preparing them to better face adversity and the challenges of living with a disability.

As part of the Jan. 26 Rockingham Speedway event, Hmiel, media members and other dignitaries will visit an area hospital to deliver the message that life does not end after a traumatic head or spinal injury. To help make this special event happen, visit http://tinyurl.com/cxq7wfy. Donations are being accepted now through January 26. To find out more about Accessible Racing please visit www.accessibleracing.com.