For the first time in the seventy-three year history, The Wedge.
Featured images that were captured through one of the posters
- RetroAuto poster - had in the foreground the 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero Bertone Coupe following a 1979 Aston Martin Bulldog - both prototype one-of cars. Image
Credit: RetroAuto Poster Painting - Tim Layzell - Pebble Beach
Concours d’Elegance (2024)
Wedge Issues Invade The 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
A modern version of the best car-judging show known throughout
the world, the Concours d'Elegance held on the Monterey Peninsula of
central California along the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach golf course was
riddled with wedge issues through the introduction of a design form as a
classification.
The Wedge, once seen, fully understood. Two classes
were introduced for the first time highlighting this line of design and
innovation - V-1: Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes Early &
V-2: Wedge-Shaped Concept Cars & Prototypes Late.
As the RetroAuto Poster description read >>> 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance Poster - Retro Auto - Nuccio
Bertone’s 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero has been called “the ultimate wedge”
car and it takes prime of place on our RetroAuto poster, which celebrates
the bold lines and shapes that transformed automotive design in the 1960s
and held sway through much of the ensuing decades.
Here the Zero is hot on the tail of the 1979 Aston Martin Bulldog, which
was said to be the fastest production car of its era. Both of these iconic
wedge cars are charging through Del Monte Forest down to the Pebble Beach
Concours show field.
On the lawn, this Best-In-Class Lancia Stratos HF Zero wedge is much smaller in stature than one expects just looking
at a stand alone non-perspective picture. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
On the lawn, this Best-In-Class Aston Martin Bulldogwedge is full size
and longer in stature than one expects just looking at a stand
alone non-perspective picture. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
Sunday's surprise had these two cars win Best In Class awards as
judged in the showfield. Both cars were owned and shown by Phillip Sarofim,
Beverly Hills, California. Wedge issues.
Headlights on this Aston Martin Bulldog are cleanly mounted
behind a dropdown flat wedge panel that forms the hood.
Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
The diversity and breadth that appeared on the 18th Fairway to be judged was
quite surprising since when one says "wedge" one believes that there may not
be much room for interpretation. The classes did not have a limitation on
year developed and produced so this broadened out these potentials and
invigorated the overall 73rd Concours by their inclusion.
Wedges galore on the 18th Fairway - from front to
back, 1955 Ghia Streamline X ‘Gilda’ Coupe | 1970
Mercedes-Benz C 111/II Sports Car | 1972 BMW Turbo Concept |
1976 Ferrari Rainbow Bertone Coupe | 1960 Plymouth XNR Ghia
Roadster. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera
(2024)
These two first time classes had 12 cars in the V-1 Class and 9 cars
in the V-2 Class on the fairway to be judged.
"Italdesign Asso di Picche In Movimento" is, in fact, the name
chosen for the digital anniversary show-car that translates the
original model into the present, conferring a timeless nature,
while preserving its essence and the simplicity of its design.
Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
Vehicle body in aluminum and windows in polycarbonate combine
to form one monolithic and seamless aerodynamic whole, enclosed
by a single unbroken outline that unifies the roof, front end
and rear end, all the way down to the tail panel, wrapping
around the passenger compartment. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
On the rear, together with a reflector and a centrally located
extractor, an active spoiler, chosen to contribute to the car’s
aerodynamics. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
The top view highlights the visual continuity between the windshield,
roof and rear window: a single transparent expanse, a true architectural
element that guarantees a bright interior and structural strength.
Underneath it, are concealed the cameras that replace side rearview
mirrors, which were absent on the first model. Designed to protect
passengers from the sun, a part of the roof has been treated like a
polarized lens and filters out 100% of UVA rays.
With a designer's note that captures the finned era of the 1950s, this
1960 Plymouth XNR Ghia Roadster grabs all that is imaginative from that
time. From the flair accents highlighting the wheel position along the
side panels, to the attention-getting chrome and badging displays, set
this platform on a different level.
Embedded chrome along the bumper and fin lines as well as the
badging serve to pronounce the pedigree of this concept
wedge. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
Chrome billet grille, scoop, and dual headlights create quite
an entrance. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
Wheel cover design consistent with this finned-era designed
platform. Image Credit: Andrew McCredie via Driving
(2024)
One of the more brilliant displays in "one-of wedgedom" would probably
have to be a car that was first at Pebble Beach in August on the concept
lawn in 2017. It is a car valued at over $1.5 Million dollars and built
through the design talents of Ken Okuyama, a graduate of ArtCenter
College of Design.
If that name sounds familiar, Okuyama is a career automotive design pro
who spent much of his career at Pininfarina. He is credited in helping
create vehicles like the original Acura NSX, Ferrari 599 GTB, Ferrari
Enzo, Maserati Birdcage 75th Concept, and even the fourth-generation
Chevrolet Camaro. Yes, that Camaro.
The car is the Kode 0 - Debut: 2017 - Engine: 6.5-Liter V12 - Specs: 690
Horsepower / 507 pound-feet.
Scissor style cab forward doors add to the attractive
entrance into the cabin of this sculpted metal wedge supercar.
Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
The rear styling notes seem to have been copied by Lexus but
never as beefy as the original. Image Credit: Albert
Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
And what's a wedge show without a 1988 Cizeta-Moroder V16T
Prototype.
The Cizeta-Moroder was designed by Marcello Gandini — he of
the Miura, Countach, and Lancia Stratos — and incorporates
classic wedge design cues, including a nose close to the
ground and a rear high up in the air. It debuted at the 1989
Los Angeles and Geneva auto shows, and was owned by Moroder
until 2022. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera
(2024)
Cizeta-Moroder Motors srl, which was based in Modena, brought together
Giorgio Moroder, financier and California show-business (music), and the
technician Claudio Zampolli. The carbonfiber monocoque covers a big
6.9-litre V12 engine with a power output of 690 horsepower.
The last and most tragic wedge issue happened the evening after a day of
motor culture celebration was over and in the books.
The 1979 Ford Probe I Ghia Concept was designed by Ford design chief Don
F. Kopka along with Carozzeria Ghia, and was based on a Fox-body Mustang
platform with a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder Cobra engine. With
its rear wheel spats, elongated rear deck and large glass greenhouse, the
Probe I influenced many future Ford production cars.
A last procession for a unique American
prototype. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
Greenhouse cabin sets this wedge concept apart from all on
the showfield. Image Credit: Albert Wong/Nacho Herrera (2024)
Funny, no one thinks about the real joy in being a part of this
unique event with one-of unique cars and how truly special this is until
one is jerked hard toward a reality that nothing lasts forever, especially
when the glow of the moment is brought to a halt through the glow of a
fire.
Burnt out framework of the 1979 Ford Probe I Ghia Concept (Sunday, August 18,
2024). Image Credit: Scott Grundfor Co. on Instagram FB/META (2024)
The car is owned by Scott Grundfor Co., an Arroyo Grande, California
restoration operation, that has worked on and also owns some 15 other rare
Ford prototypes. Drew Grundfor, speaking on behalf of the company, told
Motor Trend that the burned-out shell of the car is expected to be
displayed in the Scott Grundfor Co. showroom, and that they still have to
decide whether they will attempt to restore the car, or leave it as-is.
The estimated value of the car has been rumored to be about $1 Million
dollars.
Issues, issues, issues - wedge issues, after which the Pebble Beach
Concours d'Elegance will never be the same.
Reeves Callaway with engine creation and driving in his Formula Vee (the one in the bottom of the background picture over Reeves' shoulder). Image Credit: Callaway Cars FB/META (2023)
Ely Reeves Callaway III Leaves Behind A Legacy Second To None In Business,
Culture, & Competition
Preferring to use his given second name as his first, Reeves (Ely Reeves
Callaway III) Callaway succumbed to injuries he had sustained in a fall on
Tuesday, July 11 - he was at his home in Newport Beach California and was 75
years old.
Many observing from the outside would say, "With a name like Callaway, this
guy had it made from the very beginning. A privilege beyond belief." This is
understandable since many are familiar with the name Callaway from the worlds
of competition in Wine and Golf. Both of these notable achievements of his
textile businessman father, Ely Reeves Callaway Jr. (June 3, 1919 - July 6,
2001 at 82).
The actual privilege for Reeves Callaway, from the beginning, was being born
with a sense of purpose and a self-taught mechanical wit. He was a person
captured by motor culture and racing early in life where he was able to
learn how to drive a race car to secure championships in racing Formula Vee
on the East Coast of the United States.
Not having the resources to pursue a career in racing, Reeves decided to
teach others how to drive fast and efficient by being hired by Bob
Bondurant's racing school. While using the newly launched BMW 320i as a
school car, Reeves became familiar with its intricacies and deficiencies of
the German design, and later convinced BMW to let him take one of its cars
to his garage in Old Lyme, Connecticut, to tune it for more power. As is
said ... "the rest is history."
This from Callaway Cars -
This excerpted and edited from Golf Digest -
Ely Callaway’s son Reeves, founder of Callaway Cars, dies at 75
By Matthew Rudy - July 14, 2023
The Callaway name is ubiquitous in golf, but in a certain part of the
automotive world it means something completely different and unrelated.
Reeves Callaway - son of Callaway founder Ely - started Callaway Cars in
1977 and became one of the most respected builders of powerful and
highly-modified Corvettes, Range Rovers and other models for customers who
spent most of their time in the passing lane. Callaway Cars announced
Friday that Ely Reeves Callaway III passed away July 11 after a fall at
his home in Newport Beach, Calif. He was 75.
Callaway Cars started as a response to the first wave of heavily de-tuned
"emissions-era" cars of the mid-1970s. By the mid-1980s, Callaway was
putting highly engineered turbo kits into Corvettes and turning them into
monsters hidden behind relatively stock looking exteriors. His twin-turbo
"Sledgehammer" Corvette set the world street legal speed record of 254
miles per hour in 1988 and held it for more than 20 years.
Callaway's version of the 1999 Range Rover 4.6 HSE had a modified engine
and drivetrain, and the 220 limited edition SUVs sold for an eye-watering
(at the time) $75,000. His company currently offers modified versions of
Chevrolet models ranging from the Corvette, trucks to SUVS like the
Silverado and Tahoe.
Callaway's pioneering work with high-performance materials like carbon
fiber were influential in Callaway Golf's research and development, and in
recent years he served as a founding advisor for a start-up developing a
blended-wing aircraft for NASA and the Air Force.
World Long Drive champion Kyle Berkshire might use a Callaway driver, but
Reeves Callaway was the fastest Callaway on Earth.
What was most impressive in being around the presence of Reeves as he lived
his life was his general joy in being around folks who appreciated
competitive pursuits in motor sports and motor culture in general. A
gentleman in most every way.
As noted by Callaway Cars, Inc, in their announcement of Ely Reeves Callaway
III (Nov 22, 1947 - July 11, 2023 at 75) presence leaving us to continue
>>>
The first son of Ely Reeves Callaway, Jr., the founder of Callaway Golf,
and brother of publisher Nicholas Callaway, Reeves proudly epitomized the
entrepreneurial Callaway family tradition of making the finest goods that
enhance an individual's enjoyment, performance and lifestyle.
A true gentleman, he was the devoted father of four and grandfather of
two.
His large circle of friends, colleagues and admirers around the world will
mourn his passing and miss him deeply.
For inquiries, please e-mail: info@callawaycars.com
TAGS:Ely Reeves Callaway III, Callaway Cars, NASA, BMW, Corvette, GM,
Reeves, Motor Press Guild, The Sledgehammer, Alfa Romeo,
Aston Martin, Land Rover, Mazda, The EDJE
NTT IndyCar Series Dale Coyne Racing with Team Goh Rookie Alex Palou streaks toward the start/finish line in his No. 55 Dallara Honda during the Firestone 175 at Twin Ring Motegi, the fourth race in the INDYCAR iRacing Challenge. Image Credit: Chris Graythen (Getty Images) via NICS
NETCODE Meets Up With DIGITAL COURAGE - IndyCar iRacing Challenge & SRO's GT Rivals eSports
Let's be honest around here - digital racing is only racing for those with digits on the electronic messaging input virtual "steering wheel" and not much else.
Those who strive to remain connected to motor racing culture are left with the very inadequate yet colorful familiar impressions of a laser coded two-dimensional racing venue.
In recent successive weeks we were treated to event races, featuring truly professional drivers from IndyCar and IMSA/SRO Series, broadcast online or cable television from places like Watkins Glen, Barber Motorsports Park, Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, Super Speedway Michigan Raceway, Danika Patrick's favorite track outside of the United States Twin Ring Motegi, and a very international circuit in San Marino, Italy Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli.
When the headlights of big events go out, the passion for engines remains on. As in other important sports facilities, in addition to national and international competitions, Misano World Circuit opens its doors to "Misano Circuit Tour", the program that offers the opportunity to visit the circuit named after the great Marco Simoncelli. Image Credit: sporttravelworld.com
Almost sounds exciting, almost like a travelogue, doesn't it? Well, it is not.
Interesting? Yes - but not exciting.
The expressions of NETCODE and DIGITAL COURAGE are very real functional (or non-functional given one's point-of-view) and potentially the Achilles heel elements of a gaming presentation, in a replacement motor sports event, no matter how good the graphics and on-air talking head ,via ZOOM or Skype pop-up window, color might be.
DIGITAL COURAGE (first put forward in the IndyCar iRacing Challenge Round 1 from Watkins Glen by announcer Townsend Bell) is the recognition that no real consequence happens to a driver or the repair-ability of the car when a competitor becomes too aggressive at Race Start, or within the game other than some program template consequence.
If a digital colorful blob slides off the track due to a move that could be classified as DIGITAL COURAGE, instead of having the "track" come under a Full Course YELLOW (FCY), the colorful blob is simply placed back onto the Pit Stop area of the digital race track and a time assessment of having to wait x-seconds, then the competitor can proceed back onto the track "fully repaired" and resume the fray. This process brings forward just a bit of disconnect for the viewer as well as the competitor because the calculation for a consequence almost goes on completely missing.
We are going E-Racin’! Who likes my setup for this weekends @RoadToIndyTV eRace at @roadamerica? It’s definitely got some character! 🤣👌🏼
NETCODE is technology disconnect of a different nature and can happen even if somehow there was an element of "skin-in-the-game" (like a fee in advance before competition starts in order to bring forward the concept of prize money).
Wikipedia defines NETCODE as a blanket term for anything that somehow relates to networking in online games; netcode is a term most commonly used by gamers when discussing synchronization issues between clients and servers. The actual elements of a game engine that can cause so-called "netcode issues" include, among other things, latency, lag compensation or the lack thereof, simulation errors, and network issues between the client and server that are completely out of the game's hands. Netcode as a term tends to be used only in the gaming community, as it is not recognized as an actual computer science term.
The net effect of a NETCODE issue - if this is an issue that remains localized to the individual competitor/driver - is the ultimate consequence of not being able to compete/play at all, making the experience for both fan and participant unsatisfactory in a way that seems more blasphemous than any real world non-compete definitive occurrence.
This NETCODE "bug" could pop-up at almost anytime in any game and is probably a bigger issue now that most neighborhoods across these United States are under a shelter-in-place order. Since everyone is at home all day, people are online so as to blunt the speed of the Internet as well as infections from a pandemic virus labelled COVID-19 ... which led to the broadcasting of these digital motorsports racing events in the first place. Otherwise ... who'd care?
Well...yesterday [at Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca GT Rivals eSports] had some ups and downs! Qualified P2 and pitted from P2. Then after rejoining in P8 and running my strategy, lap traffic decided to race me hard and we had contact that caused a spin. Then after circulating with damage I was P7 and got collected by a driver who let his car roll down the track unattended... Which totalled my car. Thankfully I finished in the top 25 which gets me reinvited to the next event. Hopefully next race is a little cleaner! On another note, learning a lot with setup and what makes a quick car, but also what makes a long lasting car. So much goes into the preparation for these events and to be your own "engineer" against others with more "resources" is difficult. But boy does it feel good to be competitive! I thank my wife @bydanikoch for being understanding during the days leading to these events. Hahaha. Image & Caption Credit: iRacing via Kenton Koch FB Timeline
Another less than satisfactory DIGITAL COURAGE element observed during the SRO World Challenge GT Rivals eSports platform second race of IMSA and SRO Series sportcar drivers held at Misano World Circuit. The race, itself, was very hotly competitive throughout the field but especially up front between the top three podium positions.
A bit past half way through, former Southern Californian Kenton Koch, signed in to his purple metallic No. 59 BSport Racing Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 from North Carolina, was beginning to challenge for the lead with Sim racer Josh Staffin, when the race stewards assessed a Drive Through Penalty (from a passing incident that happened around 1:14:20) to Kenton.
This excerpted and edited from Sportscar 365 -
Sim Racer Staffin Wins GT Rivals Round in Misano By: John Dagys - April 19, 2020
Staffin took his No. 230 Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo to a 30.248-second win over the No. 90 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Kevin Boehm. It came after incidents for both Bryan Heitkotter and Kenton Koch, who were in contention for the win in the 60-minute race. Staffin, a 24-year-old from New Jersey, led every lap from pole. Round 1 winner Heitkotter dropped from second to fifth in his Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 after contact with the curb in Turn 6 that sent him into the wall with less than 25 minutes remaining. The former Nissan GT Academy North America winner finished fifth. Koch briefly assumed second after Heitkotter’s incident but was handed a drive-through penalty for contact, which he did not serve and was disqualified.
[Reference Here]
The race stewards assessed the drive through penalty and one supposes that Kenton did not agree, or wished to discuss this with the stewards. He drove on and went beyond the two (or three) lap grace period while challenging for the lead and ...
... B O O M, just like that (at around 1:21:00), his Aston Martin, which was the focus of the broadcast at the time, was proceeding down the front straight in anger, at full acceleration, then it was showed parked in pitlane with the broadcasters, who were caught out by surprise as well, left to explain that Kenton Koch was disqualified.
People watching this could all have suffered a whiplash. Very unnerving to the fan who was interested in the "driving" during the competition.
Sportscar driver and coach, Kenton Koch's virtual racing rig. Image Credit: Kenton Koch via FB Timeline
One can only imagine what was going on in Kenton Koch's mind, to the realtime imagining, the feeling that he was actually driving, in his very fast Aston Martin, while sitting in a room somewhere, then suddenly he sees a view of being absolutely stationary on a track pitlane somewhere in Italy.
This has to give the sensation of an electric SHOCK with no electricity while sitting in a chair, looking at screens, in a room somewhere in North Carolina.
In the IndyCar iRacing Challenge Round 4 FIRESTONE 175 @ Twin Ring Motegi run this last weekend, DIGITAL COURAGE was also on display, but the most noteworthy incident, which did not have an effect on the outcome, came directly at race's end. The race was won by Team Penske's Simon Pagenaud for the second weekend in a row, followed by digital rookie Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon, with lap leader Will Power filling out the podium.
Soon after crossing the Start/Finish line, and coming hard at full speed, Scott Dixon rear-ended Simon Pagenaud nearly disabling the digital Chevy Dallara he was in and throwing off the rear-wing and engine cover of his DXC sponsored platform.
What's worse, a now out-of-control Scott Dixon spins in front of a non-contesting Helio Castroneves who t-bones Dixon's Dallara and sails up into the fence to possibly deal Helio a digital career-ending catch-fence injury. Of course, this being digital where the most damaging thing to happen would be NETCODE because nothing is working out properly as planned or engaged, Helio Castroneves finished the race without one hair ever being out of place just like in reality.
This also left Simon to do his digital victory donuts in a very damaged looking car - not a pretty sight. Oh, but this did not stop Simon's wife Hailey, from popping the cork on a bottle of victory champagne.
Post Race Communications UPDATE:
Turns out there is another element involved with this brave new world of truly Professional 3-D drivers compeating in a 2-D world and it is in-race communications. This can be termed as being an equal partner to NETCODE and it would be NOT-TOLD.
Take the situation that happened in last Sunday's virtual motor sports event put on by sportscar racing sanctioning SRO GT Rivals eSports from San Marino.
Kenton Koch was running in the top three positions for most of the race when Bryan Heitkotter running in the second position in his Nissan GT-R GT3 behind Josh Staffin in his Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo (who later went on to win). At around 2/3rds through the race Bryan Heitkotter had a miscue off of the track leaving Kenton in his BSPort Racing Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT3 to chase down the gaming leader Staffin. Koch's car seemed the better for late race action given that it was gaining on the P1 of Josh Staffin when the race stweards decided that Kenton Koch came too close to lapped traffic cars when passing them on the track and issued a DRIVE-THRU Penalty.
The problem resulted in Kenton Koch being DISQUALIFIED since Kenton was NOT-TOLD and his car was placed in pitlane.
In a post race communication, this is what Kenton Koch had to say via FB private messaging about the DQ.
"I actually never knew I had the penalty... Sorry to burst your bubble [in my imaginary story telling above]. I just never got a notification in my field of view and was focused on driving. I'm new to the game, so apparently I needed to have different boxes checked or something to get the correct notification."
So now there are three things competitors need to be aware of when racing in virtual 2-D:
DIGITAL COURAGE | NETCODE | NOT-TOLD
----
Last scatological thoughts on virtual motor sports racing events in relation to the everyday seriousness of living life and racing in reality:
2-D destroys the opportunity for awe.
2-D for too long creates the effect of numbness to the tactile effect and excitement of reality.
The longer this virtual shelter-in-place world goes on, hope deferred makes the heart grow sick.
In being a race fan watching digital racing, one begins to get the sensation of banging their head on a beam that's not even there.
IndyCar iRacing Challenge Rounds 5 & 6 ... the finale
The IndyCar iRacing Challenge returns on April 25 at Circuit of the Americas, and continues on May 2 with a non-NTT IndyCar Series track to be announced. For more information on iRacing and for special offers, visit www.iracing.com.
SRO GT Rivals eSports
GT Rivals Esports Invitational returns to action on Sunday, April 26th from the south of France at Paul Ricard. Tune-in on Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook for all the action.
TAGS: IndyCar iRacing Challenge, SRO World Challenge GT Rivals eSports, virtual, NET CODE, DIGITAL COURAGE, Simon Pagenaud, Kenton Koch, Aston Martin, Chevy Dallara, Team Penske, BSport Racing, The EDJE
Muscle Milk collected its first American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila PatrĂłn win under the Aston Martin Racing banner Saturday as Lucas Luhr made an opening-lap pass on Dyson Racing’s Chris Dyson. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)
In qualifications, the lead for the start of the race changed eight times between the two fastest cars in the American Le Mans Series 2011 season and the only two cars in the LMP1 classification.
At race start the race was ended with a first lap pass by the Muscle Milk Aston Martin driven by Lucas Luhr on the series points leading Dyson Racing Mazda/Lola driven by Chris Dyson. After a long caution period which started soon (lap #3) after the turn #6 pass for the lead, the lead never change as the Muscle of the 12 cylinder engine of the Aston Martin pulled ahead by nearly a lap before a race ending crash with about eight minutes left had the race end on a Yellow Flag while the field took the Checkered Flag in parade behind a safety car.
Behind the two LMP1 class cars the story was very different, in that, the GT class was in a pitched battle in the first 31 laps as the Rahal Letterman Lanigan BMW's, the Corvette, and Patrick Long in the Flying Lizard factory Porsche duked it out while being as hooked-up as a train.
“My eyes were popping out of my head but that’s how street racing is,” said Joey Hand, driver of the RLL BMW M3 GT at the post race. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011) Full Audio Of Post Race Press Conference (moderated by Bob Dickinson - ALMS Vice President Public Relations/Media Services - Running Time: 34min. 52sec.)
This excerpted and edited The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila PatrĂłn -
MUSCLE MILK SCORES LONG BEACH WIN AHEAD OF EPIC GT BATTLE Opening lap pass gives Luhr/Graf win while BMW makes it two in a row in GT
Shortly after Luhr’s pass for the lead, attention turned to a furious GT battle led by Joey Hand in the BMW Team RLL BMW M3 GT. While leading the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of Patrick Long and the Corvette Racing Chevrolet Corvette C6.R of Oliver Gavin, Hand was caught out by teammate Bill Auberlen, who spun in Turn 2 just before the 30-minute mark and blocked the course as the GT leaders came back around. Gavin seized the moment, promoting his Corvette into the lead on lap 44.
“My eyes were popping out of my head but that’s how street racing is,” Hand said. “The incident with Bill was interesting. I went to the right and he went to the right. It wasn’t his fault because he couldn’t see me.”
GTC traffic came into play next when Long attempted to use one of the slower cars for a pick on Gavin in an attempt to take the lead 10 minutes later at Turn 7. Hand, who had fallen to third, anticipated the move and passed both Gavin and Long to move back into the GT lead. Long used the Porsche’s power to get back around Hand coming out of the final turn but that lead was short-lived. On lap 31 and after dispatching the Extreme Speed Motorsports Ferrari 458 Italia of Scott Sharp - which had just completed its first pit stop - Long made contact with the Turn 9 wall, damaging the suspension and sending the car to pit lane and an eventual retirement. Hand retook the lead, and a flawless pit stop for the BMW Team RLL ensured Dirk Mueller was in position to take the team’s second consecutive win. ---- The full-course caution came out with less than eight minutes remaining in the race after two GTC Porsches made contact on the backstretch, leaving a car stranded at Turn Nine and a trail of fluid on the course.
The No. 4 Corvette finished second in the hands Magnussen, who set a new GT race lap record of 1:20.552 . Third place went to the hard-charging Risi Competizione Ferrari F458 Italia driven by Toni Vilander and Jaime Melo. The team was forced to start the car from the back of the grid after an accident in qualifying prevented Melo from entering a flying lap.
“If you don’t like ALMS GT racing, you don’t like racing,” Hand said of the thrilling GT race. “If I was a spectator, I’d love to see what is going on out there. At one point I was in third and Long was going to the inside of Gavin into a turn and I was thinking, ‘This isn’t going to work out for them.’ I race to put on a show for people watching at home, and I think that’s what we all did.” ---- In LMPC, polesitter CORE autosport faced off against Intersport Racing. The pivotal moment came on lap 56 when Gunnar Jeannette’s ORECA FLM09 passed Kyle Marcelli for the lead in Turn 1. It was the first win for the new LMPC team and defending Cooper Tires Prototype Lites championship team but the second in a row at Long Beach for Jeannette. Finishing third overall with Ricardo Gonzalez, Jeannette also set a new LMPC race lap record at Long Beach, a 1:18.620.
“I’m so happy to be up here for CORE autosport’s first win,” Jeannette said. “Ricardo did a fantastic job today and put in a monster first stint. We decided to take tires under green, and props to our guys for being able to do a four-tire change under green and get us out behind the Intersport car. I could catch him pretty easily and made the move. It’s never easy to win here at Long Beach and any street course in the ALMS. To have two wins here in a row, I have to pinch myself.” ---- Completing the LMPC podium with Intersport’s Marcelli and Tomy Drissi were Eric Lux and Elton Julian in the Genoa Racing ORECA FLM09.
Black Swan Racing, which had a rough debut at Long Beach last year, navigated the treacherous streets like veterans this year for its second straight GTC win of the season with Tim Pappas and Jeroen Bleekemolen behind the wheel of their Porsche 911 GT3 Cup entry. ---- Level 5 Motorsports the LMP2 winner, though the team elected to park the Lola-Honda coupe piloted by Scott Tucker and Christophe Bouchut after 45 laps.
“We’re running Le Mans and going to the Test Day next Sunday,” team owner Tucker explained. “One of our goals here was bringing the coupe, which is leaving in two hours. We decided this was the best thing to do in the overall picture.” ---- MICHELIN® GREEN X® Challenge honors went to LMP1 winner Muscle Milk Aston Martin Racing and GT winner BMW Team RLL.
The Tequila PatrĂłn American Le Mans Series at Long Beach will be broadcast on ESPN2 from 5 to 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. Following the ESPN2 broadcast, the race will be available on demand at both ESPN3.com and americanlemans.com.
The American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila PatrĂłn will take its traditional break for those teams preparing to race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and return for Round 3, the American Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix at Lime Rock Park, on July 9. The race will be shown live and in its entirety on ESPN3.com in the United States and internationally on americanlemans.com starting at 1:05 p.m. ET. ESPN2 will provide television coverage from 1 to 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 10.
Tequila PatrĂłn American Le Mans Series at Long Beach Long Beach street circuit, Long Beach, Calif. Saturday’s results 1. (2) Lucas Luhr, Monte Carlo; Klaus Graf, Dornham; AMR/ Lola Coupe B08 62 (1, LMP1), 83. 2. (1) Chris Dyson, Pleasant Valley, NY; Guy Smith, Bracken, Yorkshire; Lola B09 86/Mazda (2, LMP1), 83. 3. (3) Ricardo Gonzalez, Monterrey; Gunnar Jeannette, Salt Lake City, UT; Oreca FLM09 (1, LMPC), 81. 4. (4) Tomy Drissi, Los Angeles, CA; Kyle Marcelli, Barrie, ON; Oreca FLM09 (2, LMPC), 81. 5. (7) Joey Hand, Sacramento, CA; Dirk Mueller, Monte Carlo; BMW M3 GT (1, GT), 81. 6. (8) Oliver Gavin, Yardley Hastings; Jan Magnussen, Roskilde; Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 (2, GT), 81. 7. (28) Toni Vilander, Kankaanpaa; Jaime Melo, Milan; Ferrari F458 Italia (3, GT), 81. 8. (11) Wolf Henzler, Nuertingen; Bryan Sellers, Braselton, GA; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (4, GT), 80. 9. (6) Eric Lux, Jacksonville, FL; Elton Julian, Santa Monica, CA; Oreca FLM09 (3, LMPC), 80. 10. (15) Tommy Milner, Leesburg, VA; Olivier Beretta, Monte Carlo; Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 (5, GT), 80. 11. (17) Jon Bennett, Fort Mill, SC; Frankie Montecalvo, Highlands, NJ; Oreca FLM09 (4, LMPC), 79. 12. (16) Bruno Junqueira, Brazil; Cristiano da Matta, Belo, Horizonte; Jaguar XKR (6, GT), 79. 13. (9) Bill Auberlen, Redondo Beach, CA; Dirk Werner, KissenbrĂĽck; BMW M3 GT (7, GT), 79. 14. (26) Seth Neiman, San Francisco, CA; Darren Law, Phoenix, AZ; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (8, GT), 78. 15. (19) Tim Pappas, Boston, MA; Jeroen Bleekemolen, Monte Carlo, ; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (1, GTC), 77. 16. (13) Ed Brown, Las Vegas, NV; Guy Cosmo, West Palm Beach, FL; Ferrari F458 Italia (9, GT), 77. 17. (20) Bill Sweedler, Westport, CT; Leh Keen, Dublin, GA; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (2, GTC), 77. 18. (5) Miles Maroney, Topanga, CA; Alex Figge, Denver, CO; Oreca FLM09 (5, LMPC), 77. 19. (23) John Potter, Salt Lake City, UT; Craig Stanton, Long Beach, CA; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (3, GTC), 76. 20. (21) Dominik Schwager, Eisenhofen; Nicky Pastorelli, Rijswijk; Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (10, GT), 75. 21. (27) Scott Blackett, Avon, CO; Nick Ham, Evergreen, CO; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (4, GTC), 71. 22. (12) Johannes van Overbeek, San Francisco, CA; Scott Sharp, Jupiter, FL; Ferrari F458 Italia (11, GT), 70. 23. (25) Brendan Gaughan, Las Vegas, NV; Dion von Moltke, Coral Gables, FL; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (5, GTC), 70. 24. (14) Sascha Maassen, Lontzen; Bryce Miller, Summit, NJ; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (12, GT), 68. 25. (29) Scott Tucker, Leawood, KS; Christophe Bouchut, Paris; Lola Honda (13, LMP2), 45. 26. (22) Duncan Ende, Los Angeles, CA; Spencer Pumpelly, Mason Neck, VA; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (6, GTC), 36. 27. (10) Patrick Long, Bellaire, FL; Joerg Bergmeister, Langenfield; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (14, GT), 31. 28. (18) Paul Gentilozzi, Grand Ledge, MI; PJ Jones, Torrance, CA; Jaguar XKR (15, GT), 2. 29. (24) Bret Curtis, Valencia, CA; James Sofronas, Newport Beach, CA; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (7, GTC), 2. 30. (30) Luis Diaz, Mexico City; Scott Tucker, Leawood, KS; Lola Honda (8, LMP2), 0.
Another great race for the books and history that is the Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach event. Two open-wheel races (IZOD IndyCar and Firestone Indy Lights) and two full-bodied multiple class races (Tequila Patron American Le Mans Series and Pirelli World Challenge Championships) make for a very memorable modern era rite of spring here in Long Beach during its 37th year of hosting this motor culture event icon.
With a rich offering of dynamic grids over the years, this season’s running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida may top them all. An impressive list of full-season entrants in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila PatrĂłn will combine with the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup field for a 59-car grid, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated editions of America’s greatest sports car race.
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest – sanctioning body for the Le Mans 24 Hours – announced Wednesday the teams that will participate in the seven-round ILMC. Concurrently, ALMS sanctioning body IMSA released its list of full-season entrants for 2011. Together, it gives Sebring one of the largest and most diverse gatherings of sports cars it has seen in what will be its 59th running. It ties the largest Sebring field in the ALMS era, matching the 2002 grid.
Each of last year’s Sebring class winners are back for 2011 – Peugeot Sport in LMP1, Muscle Milk Aston Martin Racing (up to P1 from LMP2), Level 5 Motorsports (LMPC to LMP2), Risi Competizione (GT) and Alex Job Racing (GTC). In addition, defending ALMS champions Highcroft Racing (P1), BMW Team RLL (GT) and Black Swan Racing (GTC), are on the initial Sebring entry.
A bevy of manufacturers will compete in the March 19 race. The battle at the head of the grid will be fascinating once again. In LMP1 alone, Peugeot will defend against the likes of Audi and representatives from Aston Martin, Honda Performance Development, Toyota, Mazda and Pescarolo.
The entry in GT is even more expansive with marques such as Aston Martin, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Jaguar, Lamborghini, Panoz and Porsche. In addition, the LMP and GT Challenge classes that debuted in 2010 will compete alongside ILMC entries at both Sebring and Petit Le Mans.
“The American Le Mans Series was founded by Don Panoz as a year-round showcase of everything that makes the 24 Hours of Le Mans the greatest motor race in the world,” Scott Atherton, ALMS President and CEO said. “Having Sebring serve as the first round of this important new championship is another validation of the world-class stature of our platform and Sebring’s status in global endurance racing.”
This week features a record 31 cars participating in the annual Winter Test at Sebring International Raceway, only one of many pieces of noteworthy news making the rounds in the Series. A collection of drivers, teams and officials from the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila PatrĂłn visited with media members Wednesday and the following are some of the bits of information shared at the Winter Test Media Day.
Paddock crowds are growing. Image Credit: ALMS
Atherton: Carrying the Momentum
Series President and CEO Scott Atherton remained bullish on the outlook for 2011. There is good reason, given last year’s fantastic championship battles, a full-season grid of between 35 and 37 cars for this season, and an increasing share of a coveted youth demographic.
“Last year was the first year where all four class championships went down to the final race - in one instance, it was the last lap of the final race to decide the GT championship,” Scott said. “It was an incredible level of competition and mix of winners that we’ve never had."
“There’s a lot being written about the fact that traditional sports have lost the youth market,” he added. “It’s an important part of our demographic makeup, because those are our future core fans, and it’s important to be relevant to that fan base as you look at a long-range perspective. In our category of 18 to 34 age group, from two years ago, we doubled. That has caught the attention of a lot of organizations and companies that are already involved with us and those, who for the first time, are looking to be involved with us. At a time when other areas of our industry are experiencing significant declines, that demo is headed our direction.”
Corvette’s Newcomers
Tommy Milner and Richard Westbrook are growing quite comfortable at Corvette Racing.
“When I was invited to be part of the Test, I was both nervous and excited,” said Milner, who raced against Corvette the last two seasons with BMW Rahal Letterman Racing. “As Doug (Fehan) said, it is a family-atmosphere and that is exactly what it was like when I showed up."
“With Corvette Racing, no matter what session, if it was pouring down rain or blazing hot, you would always see a Corvette out in the front. I look forward to having a target on our backs and being held to that standard- and to win races.”
Milner will drive the full season with Olivier Beretta. Westbrook will team with Jan Magnussen and Oliver Gavin at Sebring, Le Mans and Petit Le Mans.
“It is great to be a part of the team. As you know, I am used to driving Porsches and they are quite different from Corvettes,” Westbrook said. “I would rather be racing a Corvette than racing against one.”
Corvette Racing. Image Credit: ALMS
Corvette and Road America
Chevrolet and Road America announced a multifaceted marketing partnership today that will put Chevrolet in the spotlight at one of America's premier racing venues. Chevrolet is now the Official Vehicle of Road America, the renowned Corvette Bridge will return to the historic track, and the Corvette World Tribute will celebrate Corvette's rich racing heritage.
A ceremony will be held during the ALMS race weekend in August to rededicate the famed Corvette Bridge, which spans the track at Turn 6. The Corvette Bridge was a signature landmark at the track from 1963-81, and the Corvette logo reappeared on the crossover in 1992. The Corvette World Tribute, to be held on August 21, the day following the seventh round of the ALMS, will include a Corvette racers reunion, club and pro series races, a concours, parade laps and other activities.
“When you think of iconic venues, Road America is definitely on the list,” said Doug Fehan, Corvette Racing program manager. “It started out as a race on the streets and then moved to a road course. What we like about Road America is how it embraces and values all the cars on the grid. The Corvette nation is excited for what’s to come at Road America.”
Secret to Lizards’ Success
According to Porsche factory driver Patrick Long, the formula for back-to-back driver championships with Flying Lizard teammate Jörg Bergmeister isn’t really that complicated.
“Our goal for 2011 is to continue on what we have been doing,” Long said. “The Flying Lizards have held the championship for three years. We don’t usually start out as favorites in pure speed or lap times. The strategy and pit stops are what we have worked on which helps us in the highly competitive field. You have to have a flawless season, not just a weekend, to defend a championship.”
The Lizards’ dynamic duo is testing out a series of updates in Porsche’s 911 GT3 RSR racer.
“There are updates with the suspension; right now we are trying to find where the car works the best at Sebring,” said Bergmeister, a five-time ALMS champion. “Also we have some aero changes along with different mufflers and restrictors to help reduce the noise on the track.”
The new car also features a paddle-shift system, which requires a bit of mental adjustment.
“Jörg and I both reached down for the gearshift and it wasn’t there,” Long cracked. “I was hoping our in-car camera wasn’t on when that happened!”
Bringing on Ferrari’s 458
Both Risi Competizione and Extreme Speed Motorsports are testing Ferrari’s new F458 this week at Sebring – the first time the car has turned a wheel in North America.
“This is the first real test for the 458,” said Risi’s Jaime Melo, a winner at Sebring three times with the Ferrari F430. “We have spent some days testing in Europe but the weather was not so nice and it was definitely not Sebring. The car has a lot of potential. We need to work on the setup some more, but the performance has been something that will only get better and better.”
Risi Competizione's Ferrari F458. Image Credit: ALMS
Speaking of the 430, how is it similar to the 458?
“The biggest difference is the engine, aero, suspension… so it is actually a completely different package,” Risi team manager Dave Sims. “There is no comparison. But we have to get it up (and ready) straightaway. The GT championship is so challenging that there is no choice.”
ESM’s Ed Brown was in Italy a couple of weeks ago at Ferrari’s official test track to shakedown the first of the team’s F458s.
“The car is unbelievable. We are working through some things right now, but it will be great,” said Brown, who will drive for the full season with Guy Cosmo. “Sebring is a huge test for the car. The biggest strain right now is to have the car race-ready for Sebring. Our crew’s goal is to shake it down to make it as reliable as possible.”
First Day Test Top Runners
Muscle Milk Aston Martin Racing opened the Sebring Winter Test in strong style Wednesday with the fastest times in both sessions with its Aston Martin-powered Lola. The exotic closed-top prototype turned in a best lap of 1:50.530 (120.510 mph) with team owner Greg Pickett, Klaus Graf and Lucas Luhr sharing driving duties.
Muscle Milk Aston Martin Racing's Lola. Image Credit: ALMS
Of all the motivating factors driving Greg Pickett to get back behind the wheel of a race car, one simply took the cake. “I didn’t want my career to end upside down in a Porsche!”
The annual Sebring Winter Test is the first time Muscle Milk Aston Martin Racing’s owner/driver has been in the cockpit since a horrific crash that left Pickett on top of a tire barrier at Mid-Ohio in August. Wednesday, Pickett got his first lap in his team’s new Aston Martin-powered Lola coupe on the first day of the two-day test.
“It’s a pretty little car,” Pickett said. “We were brokenhearted to close the door on the RS Spyder, and Porsche was sad about it as well. The Lola really does feel different, and you can feel the extra weight (around 75 kilograms). It’s nice to be able to squeeze through the GT cars easier than we did last year. For an old guy like me, it’s more fun!”
The Muscle Milk squad will race its new coupe for the first time in the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila PatrĂłn next month as part of a 59-car field for the 59th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida. In last year's race, the Aston Martin factory team drove the car to a third-place overall finish.
Dyson Racing's Mazda-powered Lola B09/86, another prototype coupe, was second quickest at 1:51.042 (119.955 mph). Chris Dyson, Guy Smith and Jay Cochran each drove Wednesday.
The 59th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida is set for 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 19. The race will be shown live and in its entirety on ESPN3.com and americanlemans.com starting at 10 a.m. ET. ABC will provide coverage from 12:30 to 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 20. Visit the American Le Mans Series’ schedule page for information on tickets and area accommodations. (ht: ALMS)
Bronze 2010 Chevy Camero getting ready for the show. Image Credit: AutoSpies.com (2009)
From MPG Track Day 2009 To SEMA 2009 Las Vegas
The ebb and flow in the winds of the events that surround Southwest automobile culture can be pretty much an effort in sensory overload. At Track Day ... one is treated to being able to drive a multitude of automobile platform concepts, available for sale to a buying public, where just two weeks later, the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) tradeshow and exposition in Las Vegas ... one is treated to a visual explosion of tricked-out versions of cars that they, by those at the MPG Track Day event, may have driven just two weeks earlier.
The stock $270,000+, 510bhp, 0-60 in 4.2, seconds Aston Martin DBS Volante: Features a 13 speaker 160 watt Bang & Wolfson stereo with dash mounted pop-up tweeters. A very nice Street Test vehicle, one of many at the 2009 MPG Track Day held at Auto Club Speedway. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2009)
The 2009 edition of the SEMA Show previews products in this $36 billion-a-year automotive aftermarket industry. This portion of the automobile market includes performance and racing components, cosmetic and functional accessories, wheels and tires, mobile electronics, safety products, restoration parts, handling equipment, drivetrain parts (as plug-in hybrid aftermarket kits)and more ... and now consists of over 7,094 companies worldwide, bringing together aftermarket manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, media, car dealers, specialty equipment distributors, installers, retailers and restoration specialists.
A 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage and a Rolls Royce tricked out with an open roof and ground effects package sporting DUB rims. Image Credit: AutoSpies.com (2009)
Further, the SEMA Show is where automobile manufacturers love to show off their cars in a more radical and modified makeover set-up. Afterall, the aftermarket industry delivers products that cover muscle cars, classics, luxury vehicles, sport compacts, street rods, light trucks (off-road and sport trucks) SUVs and recreational vehicles.
A couple of days before traveling to Las Vegas for show set-up, Suzuki dropped by MPG Track Day (put on by the Motor Press Guild) to preview what it had done to show-off their latest sport sedan line known as the Kizashi and an Equator pickup ... packing in every aftermarket gizmo imaginable. The world’s very first look at the four concept vehicles fresh out of the shop was introduced by Jeff Holland, American Suzuki‘s Senior PR Manager (and Motor Press Guild board member).
Suzuki Kizashi at reast outside the hall at SEMA Show 2009. Image Credit: AutoSpies.com (2009)
This excerpted and edited from AutoSpies Auto News
SEMA AUTO SHOW: SEMA As It Ever Was. Opening Day Photos Now LIVE!
SEMA AUTO SHOW: SEMA Employees Going Rogue? EXCLUSIVE Photos Leak
Hidden tool storage options for the contractors working breed of vehicle. Image Credit: AutoSpies.com (2009)
The business end of a 2010 Murcielago Lamborghini. The $350,000+, 680hp "E" ticket ride, driven by IRL driver, Richard Antinucci, that put in an appearance at MPG Track Day to the delight of many of the journalists in attendance. Image Credit: AutoSpies.com (2009)
On the infield road track at Auto Club Speedway during MPG Track Day 2009. Porsche Boxter (drove), Murceilago Lamborghini (rode), Dodge Charger (drove), and a Mazdaspeed Mazda3 (drove) entering the final turn, turn 11, a reducing radius turn just before entering the front straightaway [ctrl-click image to launch "Track Drive" experience video]. Image Credit: Pete Lyons/MPG (2009)
The world of Sponge Bob Squarepants makes an appearance on the side of this vintage Chevy Monte Carlo. Image Credit: AutoSpies.com (2009)
The SEMA Show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, from Tuesday, November 3rd to Friday November 6th, 2009.
