The Frank Files is a series of deep dive critique on design,
produced by noted Art Center College of Design graduate Frank
Stephenson, primarily focused on the creations found in the world of
motor culture. Image Credit: Frank Stephenson (2022)
BMW Design Goes The Path Of Trans-Humanism Or Something
In a day and age tainted by fears of a Virus pandemic response raging for
almost two years, causing major auto-makers to forego displaying at places
like the LA Auto Show in 2021, BMW, with the release of its latest designed
SUV tabbed the XM, has adopted a confusing design language that seems to be
speaking in tongues.
This impression is not just a "one-of" by a writer who follows Motorsports and
Motor Culture as a main focus, but one that was recently paraphrased in a
video presentation produced by famed vehicle and products designer who once
contributed to this BMW design legacy (noted through the MINI rebirth &
the X5), Frank Stephenson.
Another impression shared on Frank's posted META/FB timeline by a Motor
Press Guild colleague, John Grafman plays out as follows:
the bmw design is indeed confusing.
all roads may lead to rome, but all the lines on the xm are leading
nowhere. furthermore, the surfaces, which are iffy too in this
illustration, will only be more muddled in the real world where the
lighting is not ideal.
sadly, it's easy to see how the design could be pulled out of the trash
bin, but unfortunately it's too late for that.
did bmw clinic this design before moving forward? were those that were
survey inebriated? were there no designers brave enough in the studio to
say that the emperor has no clothes?
i saw the initial oversized grill design on a bmw (vision) concept five or
so years ago in person at a centennial celebration down at barker hanger.
that car had numerous unique features that were most likely not destined
for production. i thought the grill was one of those. i was wrong ... and
so was bmw.
ENDS
BMW must have been impressed through some of the elements put into design
lexicon by Lamborghini and soon thereafter adopted by Toyota.
Squared and angled wheel well defining element harkens to a
mathematical influence found through a computer program as opposed
to a natural flow. Image Credit: Automobili Lamborghini
S.p.A. (2021)
The designers of the Toyota RAV4 could not resist the addition of
the black plastic defining shape around the wheel well introduced
by Lamborghini earlier in the year. Image Credit Toyota Motor
Corporation (2021)
Algorithms may be the cause of this confusing display of surfaces and
elements. A trend is emerging out of the advancements in Artificial
Intelligence (AI) where the Human brain of a specific Human being might be
replicated/reproduced.
This image was resourced through the postings of Joe Allen,
publisher of
Singularity Weekly
found at joebot.xyz. He alerts all
of us about the impending influences and possible transformation
in Humanity of Artificial Intelligence technology and the
replication of the Human brain imported into a baseless &
faceless machine(s). Image Credit:
The Next Web
(2021)
This trend and line of study is called Trans-Humanism or Singularity. What
if this was being applied through automobile design with a room full of
replicated Trans-Human designers? Where every successful design language is
fed into the Singularity designers and this was the best they could come up
with?
Heck, first time Electric SUV (2 models) manufacturer from Vietnam, Vinfast,
seems to have had a greater grasp on the definition of their language in
design than BMW. They even managed to not replicate the no-grille bull-nosed
front end famously used by Tesla (and others).
Vinfast VF e35 front end. A front end that looks a bit more like
a grille as opposed to just a plug. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks
(2021)
Vinfast VF e36 rear quarter view. Tail lights that enhance the
nameplate of the manufacturer. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks
(2021)
At its base, vehicle design is art. In a two dimensional world, we have
great examples of impressionistic extremes - Picasso, Dali, Pollock, Kahlo,
Warhol, Bradford, and etc.. - each with their own themes. When one is
confronted visually through so many themes and elements as one is with this
BMW XM release is left asking, exactly, "Where is the art?"
Upon first impressions and review of the BMW XM, we are left with a design
that speaks to the observer in tongues, and not a one is left wagging.
TAGS:BMW, XM, SUV, Frank Stephenson, The Frank Files, critique, design,
Vinfast, Lamborghini, Toyota, Joe Allen, Singularity Weekly,
Trans-Humanism, brain-computer interfaces, The EDJE
CES is the world's gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years — the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace.
Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, it attracts the world's business leaders and pioneering thinkers.
Future-Focused Automakers Turning to Startups
CES 2020 cemented its role as the most important show for automotive technology, with a handful of new car introductions (and re-introductions) plus lots of standalone technologies this week. Most US auto shows other than perhaps LA don’t generate a critical mass of tech-oriented auto company people, analysts, and journalists. CES certainly did.
Automakers are preparing for the future of mobility by investing in and partnering with all sorts of technology and mobility-focused startups, which allows them to expand their knowledge, capability and expertise to remain relevant in an industry on the verge of massive transformation.
Some might snicker when Byton CEO Daniel Kircher called the M-Byte EV “the first smart device on wheels,” but not the people attending this show. Of the vehicle introductions and concept cars, all were electrified – EVs or plug-in hybrids – with no gas-engine-only vehicles introduced.
Enjoy this visual overview gathered on an overnight boomerang run from Los Angeles to Las Vegas Wednesday January 7th and Thursday January 8th, 2020. What a way to begin a year of exciting possibilities.
The Worthhouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan S15 driven by James
Deane takes the 2017 Formula DRIFT season O’Reilly Auto Parts Round
1: Streets of Long Beach win. Image Credit: @worthousedrift via
James Deane Facebook (2017)
Ireland's James Deane Makes His Return To Formula DRIFT A Beaming Success
Formula DRIFT Black Magic Pro Championship presented by BlackVue Dash Cameras
kicked off the 14th season with an exciting day of action at the O’Reilly Auto
Parts Round 1: Streets of Long Beach. Irish driver James Deane returns to
the Series and gets the win in the Worthhouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan
S15.
“What a way to start the season,” said Jim Liaw, president and co-founder of
Formula DRIFT. “With not only a capacity crowd, record numbers on the
Livestream, but proof that Formula Drift is truly an international series where
the best of the best come to compete.”
The first event of the season commenced on the Grand Prix of Long Beach Street
Course. The highly anticipated event was action packed from start to
finish and the capacity crowd witnessed many competitive battles throughout the
day. The event also introduced new drivers to the field including Georgy
Chivchyan from Russia and Piotr Wiecek from Poland and marked the return of
Irish driver, James Deane. The event broke records with the Livestream
with over 1 million viewers tuning in from around the world over the two-day
event weekend making for the largest viewership for a single event in Formula
DRIFT history.
Deane returned to Formula DRIFT after a seven year hiatus from the Series in
dramatic fashion. Deane proved to be a contender after qualifying in
second position and making his way through to the finals by defeating both
former champion Michael Essa and the reigning and 3-time champion, Chris
Forsberg.
Deane met with Ryan Tuerck in the Gumout / Nameless Performance / Hankook Toyota
86 in the semi-finals and with consistent driving all-day and a solid chase run
he was able to advance to the Finals.
On the other side of the bracket in the semi-finals, Aurimas “Odi” Bakchis in
the Falken Tire / Drifz Wheels / Ark Performance Nissan 240SX faced off against
Alex Heilbrunn in the IMR / Nitto Tire BMW M3. After a hard fought battle
that was too close to call, the drivers met in a One More Time battle and while
chasing Heilbrunn, Bakchis made an error entering the hairpin giving Heilbrunn
the win to put him in the Finals. Deane’s consistency and technical
driving was no match for Heilbrunn in the Finals and Deane won his first Formula
DRIFT victory to take the lead in the chase for the championship.
“Man, what a way to start back in Formula DRIFT after missing out on the last
seven years,” said James Deane, winner of Round 1: Streets of Long Beach.
“I owe a lot to my good friend and teammate, Piotr Wiecek, who came up
with this whole idea to come back to the Series as a two-car team. To come
out with the win is just mind blowing. What a feeling!"
For more information visit, www.formulad.com and find Formula DRIFT on Instagram
@formulad, Facebook www.facebook.com/formuladrift, Twitter @FormulaDrift, and
Snapchat - formula_drift. Tune into Formula DRIFT on CBS Sports and check your
local listings for airtimes.
Formula DRIFT 2017 Round 1 Podium - (L to R) P2 - Alex
Heilbrunn, P1 - James Deane, P3 - Ryan Tuerck. Image
Credit: Formula DRIFT (2017)
Round 1: Streets of Long Beach Event Results
1. Deane, James
Worthouse Drift Team / Falken Tire Nissan 240
Winner
2. Heilbrunn, Alex
IMR / Nitto Tire BMW M3
2nd Place
3. Tuerck, Ryan
Gumout / Nameless Performance / Hankook Toyota 86
3rd Place
TAGS:Formula DRIFT, Round 1, Long Beach, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Falken, Nitto,
Hankook, Nexen, Achilles, Toyota, Ford, Nissan, Dodge, BMW, Infiniti, James
Deane, Alex Heilbrunn, Ryan Tuerck, The EDJE
Drivers for the final and 40th Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race held on Saturday, April 16, 2016. Former racers: Al Unser Jr., Jimmy Vasser (not in photo), Eddie Lawson, Rod Millen, Max Papis, Mike Skinner and Ken Gushi. Actors: Stephen Baldwin, Ricky Schroder, Alfonso Ribeiro, Chris McDonald, Frankie Muniz, Brian Austin Green, William Fichtner, Adam Carolla and Brett Davern. Also: NBC Sports personality Rutledge Wood, swimmer Dara Torres, Toyota Senior Vice President Bob Carter and business executives Dave Passant and Doug Fregin Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2016)
Tribute To The Final Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race #TPCR40 After 40 Year Run
So just how does an annual charity event that lasts 40 years and raises more than $2.3 million to the “Racing for Kids” organization on behalf of this race and its participants by Toyota Motor Company get started?
According to Chris Pook, founder and organizer of the Grand Prix of Long Beach, through a simple gathering of motorsport competitors at a pre-race C-300 volunteer organization cocktail reception. A party where a prodding and joking attitude spurs the wish to see famous world champions and motor culture standouts racing side-by-side on a young, newly formed street race course.
The gathered group with Chris Pook included Theodore Racing Formula One car constructor from Hong Kong - Teddy Yip, INDY500/CART/NASCAR car builder, team owner, driver, and 11 year world Formula One competitor - Dan Gurney, former world Formula One champion - Phil Hill, and world Formula One champion - Graham Hill. The conversation that had Teddy Yip mention how great it would be to see these famous people perform in a demonstration race was shared with the Toyota Motor Company's Marketing Director for the Toyota offices in Torrance - Al Hagen ... and the rest, as they say, is history (see video above).
Another ex-F1 driver, Bob Bondurant, showed up and in 1975, four Toyota Celica cars, outfitted with Simpson 5-way driver harnesses, performed a five lap exhibition race on the track through the streets of Long Beach.
The race-ready, identically-prepared Toyota Scion FR-S cars will produce 210 horsepower, and are equipped with performance enhancements - VIDEO. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2016)
This final edition here in 2016 was raced with equally race-prepared 210-horsepower Toyota Scion FR-S 2-door sport coups.
The 40th Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race “Racing For Kids” charity all-star participants were a field of intensely competitive personalities who laid it all out for the final trophy and bragging rights. Listed in order of their first win in the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race and the years they performed in the race as follows:
Al Unser, Jr. (@AlUnserJr) 1985, 2009 and 2014
Pro/ Overall winner in 1985, 2009, Pro winner in 2014. Dubbed “King of the Beach,” as the winningest driver in Long Beach, with six Indy Car wins and three Pro/Celebrity wins. Also a 2-time Indy 500 winner, and 2-time IndyCar Champion.
Ricky Schroder 1989 and 1996
Celebrity/ Overall winner in 1989. Most recently starred in “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors.” Golden Globe winning actor best-known for roles in “Silver Spoons,” “NYPD Blue” and “Get Him to the Greek.”
Eddie Lawson 1993
Pro/ Overall winner in 1993. Motorcycle Hall of Famer and four-time 500cc World Champion. He also earned back-to-back AMA 250 Grand Prix Series, AMA Superbike Series Championships, won the prestigious Suzuka 8 Hour race, and was a two-time winner of the Daytona 200.
Alfonso Ribeiro (@Alfonso_Ribeiro) 1994, 1995, 1996 and 2015
Celebrity/ Overall winner in 1994 & 1995, Pro/ Overall winner in 2015. Currently the host of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” on ABC and “Unwrapped 2.0” on the Cooking Channel. Known for his iconic role of Carlton on “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and in 2014, he took home the coveted Mirror Ball trophy on “Dancing With the Stars.”
Rod Millen (@LeadFootNZ) 1992 and 1995
Pro winner in 1995. Winner of three-consecutive Grand National Sport Truck titles, 5-time Toyota Pikes Peak Unlimited class winner, and 3-time Toyota off-road stadium truck champion.
Sean Patrick Flanery (@SeanFlanery) 1997 and 1998
Celebrity/ Overall Winner in 1997, Pro/ Overall Winner in 1998. A television and film actor, best-known for his roles in “Powder,” “Boondock Saints” and Showtime’s “Dexter.” His second book, Jane Two: A Novel, drops in April.
Dara Torres (@DaraTorres) 2002, 2004 and 2015
Celebrity/ Overall winner in 2002. 12-time Olympic medalist swimmer, who was named as one of the “Top Female Athletes of the Decade” by Sports Illustrated. In 2002, she was the first woman to win the Toyota Pro/Celebrity race.
Max Papis (@MaxPapis) 2004
Pro/ Overall winner in 2004. “Mad Max,” a stock car race driver has competed in many top-level motorsports events including the Le Mans 24 Hours, Formula One and Champ Car. He has three Champ Car victories.
Chris McDonald (@YesItsChrisMcD) 2001, 2004 and 2005
Celebrity winner in 2004. Currently co-starring in HBO’s “Ballers,” after a stint on CBS’s “The Good Wife.” He has starred in over 100 movies, but is best-known for playing ‘Shooter McGavin’ in “Happy Gilmore.”
Frankie Muniz (@FrankieMuniz) 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2011
Celebrity winner in 2005. Starred in “Sharknado: Heart of Sharkness,” and best-known for his role in “Malcolm in the Middle.” His diverse resume also includes race car driver, drummer of pop-rock group’s Kingsfoil, and Ambassador for the Armed Forces Foundation.
Mike Skinner (@SkinnerRoundUp) 2007 and 2008
Pro winner in 2007 & 2008. 1995 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion, and the 1997 Sprint Cup Series Rookie of the Year. He has competed in over 550 races in NASCAR’s top three divisions.
Doug Fregin 2009, 2012 and 2014
Charity auction winner in 2009, 2012 & 2014. He has donated over $320,000 to “Racing For Kids.” Co-Founder of Research in Motion (now Blackberry) and Quantum Valley Investments Fund.
Brian Austin Green 1997, 2010 and 2011
Celebrity winner in 2010. An actor, director, and producer, who came to fame on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” recently starred on “Anger Management” on FX. He’s also known for roles in “Desperate Housewives,” “Smallville” and “Las Vegas.”
Jimmy Vasser (@JimmyVasser) 2010
Pro/ Overall winner in 2010. Former Toyota Atlantic Series and IndyCar driver. 1996 IndyCar World Series Champion. He is an IndyCar team owner, and owns three Toyota dealerships.
Ken Gushi (@KenGushi) 2011
Pro winner in 2011. He was once the youngest, most successful drift competitor in Japan, and in the U.S. With numerous Top 3 finishes in national and international drifting competitions, his racing career has just begun.
William Fichtner 2006, 2008, 2011 and 2012
Celebrity/ Overall winner in 2011. A television, theater and film star, he will be seen in the June releases of “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows” and “Independence Day: Resurgence.”
Adam Carolla (@AdamCarolla) 2003, 2010, 2012 and 2013
Celebrity/ Overall winner in 2012, Pro winner in 2013. He is best known as a comedian, actor, radio personality, television host and New York Times bestselling author. He can be heard daily on his podcast “The Adam Carolla Show.”
Rutledge Wood (@RutledgeWood) 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015
Celebrity/ Overall winner in 2013. A NASCAR analyst for NBC Sports, he can also be seen in History Channel’s “Lost In Transmission,” and as co-host of “Top Gear USA” which just finished filming its sixth season.
Brett Davern (@BDavv) 2013, 2014 and 2015
Celebrity/ Overall winner in 2014. Actor who stars as ‘Jake Rosati’ in MTV's hit series “Awkward.” He recently appeared in the Beach Boys bio-pic “Love & Mercy” and “The Stanford Prison Experiment.”
Dave Pasant 2001, 2002, 2003, 2010, 2013 and 2015
Celebrity winner in 2015, and 7-time charity auction winner. A retired insurance executive, he has participated in this race six times, donating a total of $417,000 to “Racing For Kids.” He is also an executive producer of “Road Hard,” starring Adam Carolla.
Bob Carter
Carter is the Senior Vice President of Automotive Operations for Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A.
The race, itself, was as raucous a contest as was predicted ... damaged cars, YELLOW Flags, and a FULL Course Red Flag stopping the field during the race due to the potential injuring of a course worker that could have ended up a lot worse than it looked on the broadcast ... which was bad.
Alfonso Ribeiro (L), already having obtained the lead was pursued heavily by Max Papis (M), currently a Race Steward for the Verizon IndyCar Series, with Rod Millen (R), 5-time Toyota Pikes Peak Unlimited winner, riding his tail. This trio rounded out the top three finishers. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2016)
In the end, Alfonso Ribeiro won the 40th and final Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, truly a fan favorite event at the Grand Prix of Long Beach that will be missed more than Toyota or the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach, at this moment, knows.
"I owe an awful lot to the city of Long Beach, they've been so supportive, and to Toyota, 40 years putting on this fantastic Pro/Celebrity Race and promoting Long Beach the way they have," Ribeiro said.
Max Papis won the Pro category by finishing 4.872 seconds behind Ribeiro.
"It is just an amazing event and who won was the kids this event supports," said Papis. "This is the best street course in America, maybe the world."
Rod Millen, the Pro winner in 1995, was third and followed by Adam Carolla and Mike Skinner, the Pro winner in 2007 and 2008. (ht: abcnews.go.com)
Race Overview Here >>>
(contains photos of the drivers at race's end performing donuts for the crowd)
From Left to Right: Max Papis P2 celebrates with the last and 40th winner of the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, Alfonso Ribeiro and P3 Rod Millen during their victory lap around the track at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2016).
“The pace of this race was extremely fast and the drivers were very competitive at the start,” said President and CEO of the Grand Prix Association Jim Michaelian. “There was some exciting action in the field that had the fans on their feet, and we are glad everyone will walk away unscathed.
Congratulations to Alfonso Ribeiro on his victory. A special thanks to all this year’s participants who helped make the final race exciting. All their enthusiasm is, ultimately, for a great cause, and the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race was proud to be able to make it happen one last time.”
Trophy celebration for one last time for this enjoyable TGPLB event fan favorite. Standing on the Victory Circle Podium is (L to R) Max Papis P2, Alfonso Ribeiro P1, and P3 Rod Millen. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2016)
Toyota will donate $5,000 to Racing for Kids in the name of each participant, for a total of $100,000, and an additional $5,000 to Fresh Start Surgical Gifts on behalf of Ribeiro. Fresh Start Surgical Gifts is a national nonprofit program benefiting infants, children and teens with physical deformities caused by birth defects, accidents, abuse or disease through the gift of reconstructive surgery.
The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race is scheduled to be broadcast on CBS Sportsnet on May 8 at 6 PM ET, and will re-air numerous times. (Check your local listings for details)
Fans can follow the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on Facebook at GrandPrixLB, Twitter @ToyotaGPLB (#TPCR40) and Instagram at ToyotaGPLB.
... notes from The EDJE
TAGS:Al Unser Jr., Jimmy Vasser, Eddie Lawson, Rod Millen, Max Papis, Mike Skinner and Ken Gushi, Stephen Baldwin, Ricky Schroder, Alfonso Ribeiro, Chris McDonald, Frankie Muniz, Brian Austin Green, William Fichtner, Adam Carolla and Brett Davern, Rutledge Wood, Dara Torres, Bob Carter, Dave Passant, Doug Fregin, Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race, #TPCR40, Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach, #TGPLB42, Chris Pook, Teddy Yip, Dan Gurney, Phil Hill, Graham Hill, Bob Bondurant, Al Hagen, Toyota
2014 Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race Interview With Scion FR-S #3 Phil Keoghan
Pre-event interview with Phil Keoghan (@PhilKeoghan): Emmy award-winning New Zealand-born television personality best known for his role as host of the popular series "Amazing Race."
The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race's primary effort is to raise money for charity. Phil Keoghan has a long-time commitment to MS - Multiple Sclerosis - multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. About eight (8) years ago, Phil set a goal to use his celebrity and recognition to raise one-million dollars ($1,000,000) in his lifetime and was already able to hit this goal with a ride across America film effort. Later this year, he has planned a follow up film production of a ride across France where he plans to donate the proceeds of this production to MS as well.
Additionally, Phil appreciates the umbrella charity that the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race raises money for - "Race For Kids." He believes that if someone fortunate to have celebrity, one should dedicate a portion of their time, awareness, and energy to give back to the community. Since 1991, Toyota has donated more than $2 million to the "Racing for Kids" organization on behalf of this race and its participants.
Phil would not predict his chances at being able to win and donate the $5,000.00 first prize money to Multiple Sclerosis but in the interview he was very keen on the development of driving skills, especially the skill of driving a stick shift.
Further, Phil relates the many different situations where he was exposed to driving experiences that would have prepared him for this challenge ... including driving an IndyCar as well as the international driving situations presented to him during his many years at being the host of "Amazing Race."
Phil Keoghan's Amazing Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race challenge begins in earnest with the Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach Friday, April 11, 2014 11:30 a.m. Pro/Celebrity Race practice and 3:00 p.m. Pro/Celebrity qualifying followed on Saturday, April 12, 2014 12:00 p.m. Pro/Celebrity Race for charity (10 laps).
The
2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup season promises to be a year of exciting change
for Clint Bowyer. The former paint-and-body man at Kansas car
dealerships has moved up in the world. Image Credit: 5-hour ENERGY
Racing (2014)
K&N Pro Series returns to Irwindale! NAPA AUTO PARTS 150 MARCH 22 - Special Guest: 'Cup' Driver Clint Bowyer
Irwindale, Calif. - - After a two-year absence, all the short track
action and excitement of the K&N Pro Series West will be back at
"LA's Half-Mile Superspeedway" when the Napa Auto Parts 150 championship
series event roars to life on Saturday night, March 22, 2014!
"We're all very pleased to have this top pro series back at Irwindale
... we really missed them," said Race Director Mike Atkinson. "These
these drivers and their teams are some of the most competitive in the
business.
If you haven't witnessed twenty-six K&N West drivers mixing it up
on a fast half-mile track like Irwindale, you've really missed some
very exciting short-course stock car racing."
This event will be the first race on the busy Irwindale Speedway
calendar for 2014 and will feature a very special guest appearance by
Clint Bowyer, driver of the #15 5-Hour Energy Sprint Cup Toyota for
Michael Waltrip Racing.
Irwindale
Speedway and Dragstrip has announced that it will honor its 2013 NASCAR
and NHRA champions at a special dinner and awards ceremony at the
Courtyard by Marriott Monrovia. The event is set for Friday evening,
March 7 and will begin with an informal reception at 6:30pm followed by
dinner at 7:00pm, with the awards presentations following directly
thereafter.Image Credit: performanceracing.com (2012)
Tickets for the March 22 K&N event are now available on the
website: www.irwindaleeventcenter.com as well as by telephone at the
Speedway ticket office: 626-358-1100
SPECIAL NOTE: This year's season ticket package gives fans all 18
races on the Irwindale 2014 NASCAR calendar for the incredibly low price
of only $99 and that includes the above K&N Pro race. Fans can
further enhance their Speedway experience by adding close-in VIP $99
reserved parking at all 18 NASCAR events. There's even a "bundled"
price of $189 for tickets and special parking at every event. More
info. 626.358.1100
IZOD IndyCar Series race car driver, and three-time champion, Scott Dixon shares his good emotions about capturing the 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series Championship for Target Chip Ganassi Racing at the MAVTv 500 Auto Club Speedway's press conference. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2013)
Scott Dixon Post 2013 IZOD IndyCar Series Season Interview
33 year old Scott Ronald Dixon, is a New Zealand race car driver who became the most successful all-time driver in the Indy Racing League (IRL) championship in the United States when he won the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio in August 2009. This took his total to 20 wins.
Competing for Chip Ganassi Racing since joining IndyCar, Dixon has won the championship three times, in 2003, 2008, and just this weekend in the MAVTv 500 at Auto Club Speedway, and he won the 92nd Indianapolis 500 in 2008 from pole position.
Among notable awards won by Dixon are the Jim Clark Trophy (1999, 2001, 2004) and the Bruce McLaren Trophy (2003, 2008). In 2012 he was appointed Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
IndyCar Series Race Director, Beaux Barfield, waves Scott Dixon out to take his qualification run for the MAVTv 500 at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2013)
Scott, you are with Edmund Jenks - welcome to Motorsports Unplugged and Race Talk Radio.
1) At the Auto Club Speedway's post race press conference, it was pointed out that the French sports publication L'Equipe wrote that your latest accomplishment would have your legacy move ahead of the likes of Denny Hulme and Bruce McLaren as New Zealand's most successful driver in terms of annual titles. I heard your response to L'Equipe's assertion --- Now that you have had time to digest this assertion for about 36 hours, what do you make of this hearlding that you are New Zealand's most successful race car driver?
2) It was reported that Max Papis put out a 'Tweet' (a 140 character communication message on Twitter) ... Watching yesterday @IndyCar race if they don't change something on those Ovals is just a matter of time before one of my friends will die!! Max seems to be concerned about how long it will be when a driver might pass away due to injuries with the rules package used at a superspeedway like Auto Club Speedway. Do you think open-wheel racing is safe enough running 3-wide at over 200mph?
Scott Dixon takes his #9 Honda-powered Dallara DW12 race car out under a full moon practice run at Auto Club Speedway. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2013)
3) This 2013 championship is the first one earned within the merged and integrated field of drivers and racing venues from ChampCar - with the variety of racing venues presented in the present day IndyCar series, which type of track do you enjoy the best? You have shown accomplishment on all types.
4) In the not so distant past, it was obvious who the top 2 or 3 contenders would be for the title by the season's halfway point, but this year a driver would emerge and then have issues - was this part of the learning curve of year two with the new DW12 Dallara car and engine combos?
5) Speaking of engine combinations - how involved with the motor engineers do you become - what is your habit? Working with Japanese racing engineers, first at Toyota, then at Honda for these last dozen or so years ... how do you anticipate working with the engineers at Chevrolet will go - any differences?
6) There has been a lot of background discussion on the introduction of a road race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the timing of the race in the schedule - Do you care if the Indy road course is raced in the same month - the Month of May - as the Indy 500? Does it matter?
A beaming team owner, Chip Ganassi (right) discusses the meaning of being competitive with the support of Target Chip Ganassi Racing's managing director, Mike Hull. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2013)
7) For 2014 - What do you think of the new Tudor road racing series? I assume you'll be driving in it ... any idea as to which car Ganassi Racing will go with? The Daytona Prototypes or the ALMS style P2 cars?
8) Do you have an opinion on the Indy Lights series and the troubles they're going through?
9) The last time we talked, just before your going to Valencia to receive some instruction from Olympian Skeet Shooter, Kim Rhodes, we discussed the options for the community service that was going to be asked of you as a driver for the penalty assessed post Baltimore for comments made out of frustration. Now that the season is over and are now a three-time IndyCar champion, do you expect to be awarded a modification taking in the time served over the next few months due to the additional promotional appearances based on this 2013 IndyCar Championship accomplishment?
Book category finalists for the Motor Press Guild's Dean Batchelor Award. The annual award banquet singles out individuals demonstrating outstanding achievement in the profession of automotive journalism. Each year MPG presents the Dean Batchelor Award to the journalist judged to have produced the single piece of work which best represents the professional standards and excellence demanded by Dean Batchelor during his life as an editor, writer, and chronicler of the automotive industry. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2012)
2012 Dean Batchelor Award Is Snagged By "Porsche - Origin of the Species"
Every year since 1995, when the Motor Press Guild decided to bestow it's true highest honor by naming the prestigious process of recognition on the efforts of its community of communications professionals after Dean Batchelor, the Dean Batchelor Award has set the standard of automotive journalistic recognition.
Dean Batchelor's career spanned many disciplines, from aircraft builder, B-17 flyer, to race car driver and automotive journalist and through it all he proved to be the consummate historian, editor, racer, designer, and hot rodder.
The award builds from a series of awards honoring three publishing categories defined as Best Article, Best Book, and Best Audio/Visual.
The three finalists in each category are culled from potentially tens of nominations submitted by Motor Press Guild members who have seen an outstanding published effort and thought it worthy of recognition with in the year of the honor.
Best Article Dean Batchelor Award 2012 presentation. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2012)
This year, the following finalists for Best Article were "Tambay: The Phoenix" By Thomas Stahler (Vintage Motorsport, May/June 2012) | "The Dillinger Trail" By Peter Egan (Road & Track, March 2012) | "The World's Fastest Hot Rod" By Greg Sharp (The Rodder's Journal, Spring 2012) with the Article of the Year Award going to "The World's Fastest Hot Rod" By Greg Sharp.
Best Book Dean Batchelor Award 2012 presentation. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2012)
The following finalists for Best Book were "In The Red" By Jade Gurss (Octane Press) | "Porsche - Origin of the Species" by Karl Ludvigsen (Bentley Publishers) | "The Stainless Steel Carrot: An Auto Racing Odessey - Revisited" By Sylvia Wilkinson (Brown Fox Books) with the Book of the Year Award going to "Porsche - Origin of the Species" by Karl Ludvigsen.
Best Audio/Visual Dean Batchelor Award 2012 presentation. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2012)
The following finalists for Best Audio/Visual were "Corvette ZR1 Review - Exotic Driver" By Todd Deeken and Paul Schmucker (EverydayDriver.com, September 27, 2012) | "A Look At London's BMW Art Drive" By Alistair Weaver (InsideLine.com, August 6, 2012) | "KBB Races A Mazda Miata" By Micah Muzio and Michael Delano - Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com, February 22, 2012) with the Audio/Visual of the Year Award going to "KBB Races A Mazda Miata" By Micah Muzio and Michael Delano - Kelley Blue Book.
The 2012 Dean Batchelor Award is bestowed upon a choice from one of these three category award honorees Article of the Year Award going to "The World's Fastest Hot Rod" By Greg Sharp | Book of the Year Award going to "Porsche - Origin of the Species" by Karl Ludvigsen | Audio/Visual of the Year Award going to "KBB Races A Mazda Miata" By Micah Muzio and Michael Delano - Kelley Blue Book with the 2012 Dean Batchelor Award going to Book of the Year Award going to "Porsche - Origin of the Species" by Karl Ludvigsen.
Book of the Month at Bentley Publishers becomes Book of the Year for Motor Press Guild. Image Credit: Bentley Publishers (2012)
This edited and excerpted from Bentley Publishers (and was included in the presentation from the podium during the award presentation) -
Classic and Sports Car - December 2012 BOOK OF THE MONTH
Porsche - Origin of the Species by Karl Ludvigsen It's hard to imagine that there's a Porsche stone unturned for respected marque historian Karl Ludvigsen. But, inspired by an early 356 - comedian Jerry Seinfeld's treasured Gmünd coupe 2-040 - the American historian set out to reveal the story of the landmark 1950s sports model. And top studio photographer Michael Furman provides a superb set of the historic survivor. Ludvigsen's journey of fastidious research took him from factory archives to owners and specialists while unravelling this fascinating tale. This hefty, 344-page title covers the evolution of pre-war streamliners through to the early operations in the wooden sawmill in Gmünd, Austria. Putting Porsche's development in context, the book also covers VW Beetle-based specials and coach built variants. Ludvigsen's writing style is a captivating joy to read, plus the main text is accompanied by fascinating panels including Robert Cumberford on styling, Miles Collier on preservation and Alex Finigan on ownership. The final pages are devoted to a complete reproduction of Porsche's trial reports on '040', and an early 1949 356 Betriebsanleitung (operating manual).
[Reference Here]
A wonderful time spent with like-minded folks and meeting new friends. The Petersen Automotive Museum provided the backdrop for the evening's presentations and all of the finalists from all categories were equally honored to be mentioned along side of the eventual 2012 Dean Batchelor Award honoree.
Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2012)
Sponsors for the evening included Hyundai, Mothers, Jaguar, Land Rover, Honda, Ford, Audi, General Motors, Infiniti, Mazda, Porsche, Subaru, and Toyota - Thanks. ... notes from The EDJE ** Article first published as 2012 Dean Batchelor Award Is Snagged By "Porsche - Origin of the Species" on Technorati **
All electric Cadillac Converj concept on display at the 2011 LA Auto Show. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)
LA Auto Show Announces A Debut Event Of 40+ Vehicles
The Los Angeles Auto Show announced today July 12, 2012 that more than 40 vehicles are anticipated to debut at the Show during the 2012 Press Days, held Nov. 28-29.
With four and a half months until the Show (beginning with Press Days - Nov. 28-29), it is noteworthy that at least 20 world debuts have already been confirmed by automakers. This breaking news, as well as other automotive trends, will be unveiled to a global audience consisting of media from more than 50 countries.
The debut lineup this year also promises a compelling mix of the hottest trends and cutting-edge innovations driving today's resurgent automotive industry, including world firsts from Chevrolet as well as European automakers such as BMW, Fiat and Volkswagen. Los Angeles attendees will also see global unveiling previews of new designs from Asian brands, including models from Acura, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan and Toyota.
The all natural gas-powered 2012 Honda Accord Green Car of the Year for 2012. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)
Green and alternative fuel technologies represented by types powered through fuel hybrid and all-electric vehicles, will be featured in several world debuts at the Show. There also will be an increasing number of high-mileage internal combustion vehicles, including clean diesel, on display.
Additionally, several automakers will unveil emerging technologies that are dramatically changing the modern driving experience and making it safer.
These technology-laden vehicles will share the media spotlight with a well-represented lineup of luxury and performance models underscoring the L.A. region's status as the largest market for these segments in the country. Of the 40 debuts slated, at least a dozen will come from these two categories, including unveilings from the likes of Acura, Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover and Porsche.
As stated by Andy Fuzesi, general manager, L.A. Auto Show - "As the first major North American show of the season, L.A. sets the tone for 2013 and we expect that automakers will pull out all the stops to excite new-car buyers. In virtually every category from the greenest electric vehicle to high-horsepower performance models, the technological advancements we are seeing today eclipse all previous automotive eras."
With California established as a global center for alternative fuel and advanced technology innovations, it should come as no surprise that the L.A. Auto Show will be a prime venue for breaking news on all the latest developments. The entirely new Automotive Technology Showcase, presented by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, is a Press Days expo designed to connect automotive technology companies with automakers, media, analysts, and other potential customers and partners. It will serve as a one-stop dedicated showcase covering advancements such as digital speech recognition, accident avoidance technology, navigation systems, real-time traffic data and solutions designed to mitigate distracted driving concerns.
Supporting the Showcase will be an expanded Ride and Drive called the Green & Advanced Technology Ride and Drive. This Press Days' event will include both "green" vehicles as well as those featuring in-car advancements such as automatic park assist, radar-based object detection systems and driver assist technologies. The Show's "green" credibility is further sustained with the Green Car Journal's annual Green Car of the Year® and Nielsen Automotive Green Marketer of the Year awards.
INDY Long Beach - Toyota Pro Celebrity Race Winners - Keanu Reeves & Al Unser, Jr.taking a victory lap. - Image Credit Edmund Jenks (2009)
INDY Long Beach - Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race
The Pro/Celebrity race was a test of patience and driving skill in combination with camaraderie and a love of competition.
Press Room branding change to Toyota Pro/Celebrity event - Image Credit Edmund Jenks (2009)
The really fun thing about this type of event is that in the department store of life, Sports is the toy store ... Pro/Celebrity racing is a first step at realizing how toy-like this once proud pursuit can become.
Cars crunch the walls around the track as the Professional drivers set up the unsuspecting Celebrities into doing something stupid ... like crash into the wall at turn one because the driver was not going to let the professional "out-brake" them into the corner and pass. So the Professional pushes the Celebrity just enough but not enough to carry too much speed so that when the celebrity crashes, they could just scoot around and leave the carnage behind.
The Celebrity Dais from left to right - Carlos Mencia - Comedian and host of Comedy Central’s “Mind of Mencia.” Has appeared in “The Heartbreak Kid,” “29 Palms.”, Winner Keanu Reeves - Actor whose films include “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” “The Matrix,” “The Matrix Reloaded,” “The Replacements,” “Speed,” “Walk in the Clouds,” “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”, last year's Celebrity winner Jamie Little - ESPN/ABC pit reporter for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series who returns to compete in the “Pro” category, and Eric Close - Actor, currently co-starring on CBS's “Without a Trace” as FBI agent Martin Fitzgerald. Other television roles include “Steven Spielberg's Taken,” “Now and Again,” “Dark Skies,” “Sisters,” “The Magnificent Seven.” - Image Credit Edmund Jenks (2009)
Keanu shares with reporters how he was able to end up winning the Celebrity category after a Green Flag restart toward the conclusion of the event.
Al Unser continues to have a week of his life - after being inducted into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame on Thursday, re-dedicate the Weyland mural on the side of the Long Beach Convention Center on Friday, Al wins (in an extremely easy style) the Pro category of the 2009 Pro/Celebrity race.
A usually accessible Al Unser, Jr., signs a tee-shirt for a fan as he walks from the pits to an appearance at a sponsor event at the track. Image Credit Edmund Jenks (2009)
This excerpted and edited from China Daily -
Keanu Reeves revs engines to win Celebrity Race China Daily - Updated: 2009-04-19 11:30
Keanu Reeves came in first among celebrities at the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race at the 35th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach event on Saturday.
The “Matrix” star finished fourth overall in a mixed field that included racing pros Al Unser Jr., who won the 10-lap charity race, and Johnny Benson and Tom Rudnai, who finished second and third, respectively.
Other stars who revved up for the event included “Cadillac Records” star Adrien Brody, “Jeopardy” host Alex Trebek, comedian Carlos Mencia, “24” star Mary Lynn Rajskub and “From G’s To Gents” host Fonzworth Bentley. Reference Here>>
The "MiniMe" - Toyota's half-sized scale model (in Kevlar black) used for wind tunnel testing pictured with its full sized Formula One racing counterpart. Image Credit: Panasonic Toyota Racing
The Heathrow Accord – F1 Teams Agree On New Rules
Formula One racing team management meet outside of London, England over the last few days in order to draft and agree on new rules aimed at addressing the world economic downturn due to the problems brought on by the sub-prime lending debacle here in the United States.
Tight money will affect motorsports racing activity starting in 2009 and may last for an estimated 24 to 48 months or more with reduced investment by consumer product companies in advertising.
The Formula One Teams Association (FOTA), in an effort to reduce operating costs for all Formula One teams met in Heathrow and all the Members unanimously agreed a number of important principles and supported the process now established within FOTA.
This edited from a Press Release issued by the Formula One Teams Association -
FOTA Press Release Thursday 8 January 2009
The teams detailed and signed a comprehensive Aerodynamic Test Restrictions Agreement, effective in 2009.
Furthermore, the Teams agreed that they would develop and freeze low cost transmissions for the 2010/12 seasons which would have a six race life, priced at € 1.5 million per season per team.
FOTA also reaffirmed its commitment to a € 5 million engine supply from 2010 for independent teams, who have expressed their agreement with and support for this arrangement.
The FOTA Technical Regulations Working Group will now conclude the elimination of expensive materials and identify further opportunities to reduce the cost of components and systems which do not deliver performance differentiation. All of the Teams present wished to express their support for the entrant currently known as Honda and they will agree to any name change registered.
All of the Teams are committed to working together in a rational and systematic manner, within the framework of FOTA to effectively reduce the costs inherent to Formula One. The same approach will now be used to improve the spectacle of the sport, following the outcome of the FOTA commissioned market research.
Since the season began back in March, Timo has developed a great relationship with the team, who of course work hand in hand with him to get maximum performance from the TF108. Timo won at the circuit as recently as 2006, in his first season of GP2. He has already shown everyone at Panasonic Toyota Racing the talent which saw him crowned GP2 champion in 2007 and his ability and work rate has quickly impressed his team-mates. Image Credit: Panasonic Toyota Racing
German GP 2008 – A Home Run For Timo
Please excuse the baseball reference, but the fact that Timo Glock has had a history driving in ChampCar throughout North America it just felt appropriate.
In the closing laps of the race Glock twice managed to retain the lead over Servia by missing the track's final chicane. As the rules require drivers who blatantly gain or retain a position by driving off the racing surface to give way, Timo was asked to move over by Champ Car officials, and let Servia take the lead. Timo obliged midway through the final lap, giving him enough time to try and take the lead back, but to no avail.
Glock went on to finish 8th in the final season points standings and win Champ Car World Series Rookie of the Year honors. Reference Here>>
This weekend, Timo returns home for the Formula 1 German Grand Prix. Timo Glock (born March 18, 1982 in Lindenfels, Germany) considers Hockenheim a home race for him, and that means not only will he be on familiar territory, he will have plenty of familiar faces to cheer him on as he looks for another points finish. “A lot of friends are coming down and a lot of people I know,” he says. “That makes it quite a special race.”
Of course, the ambition for any racing driver is to win, so it is no surprise Hockenheim is one of Timo’s favorite tracks, with a victory and third place on his last visits, as a GP2 Series driver in 2006 and 2007, adding to an expanding collection of happy memories.
“Every time I’ve been to Hockenheim I have had really good races and I’ve won a few times,” he adds. “It’s one of the best races of the year for me, not just because it’s my local track but also because I have been strong there.”
Not only is Hockenheim a home race for Timo, it is the start of the second half of his first full season as a Formula 1 racer.
So far the balance sheet says nine races and five points, but bare statistics only tell a fraction of the story. Timo has shown strong performance since the very start of the season and only bad luck denied him points on his Panasonic Toyota Racing debut in Australia.
A points finish was also looking certain in Bahrain until gearbox gremlins struck but in Canada he got the break his consistent performances deserved, capping a battling drive with fourth place.
The fight for points is fiercer than ever this season, making it tough for a young driver to regularly finish in the top eight when he must compete against a grid filled with 10 Grand Prix winners, including his experienced and brilliantly quick team-mate Jarno Trulli.
That is a formidable challenge, but one which Timo has risen to since joining the team at the beginning of the year. Formula 1 is more complex than a driver simply sitting behind the wheel and letting his talent do the talking; much more work is required to compete at the top – and that suits Timo the “terrier”. (ht: Toyota Motorsport GmbH)
Timo Glock's ride getting worked over in the garage. Image Credit: Toyota Motorsport
Toyota - F1 - Monaco - 'Nuff Said
Monaco is one of the greatest Formula 1 races of the year. It is an iconic example of taking the most sophisticated motorsports equipment designed by man and racing it on a road street circuit through an environment people live in.
When one watches a driver do a flying lap in Monaco, one knows that they earn their salary for the year, right there.
The Panasonic TF108 with Jarno Trulli at speed. Image Credit: Toyota Motorsport
As far as the value of an event for spectators, one is confronted with the great atmosphere of being in Monaco. You know, the glitz of it all. The glamour of it all. Combine that with Formula 1 racing and one expects an enthusiasm, a passion, that one would probably not get at any other circuit and event in the world today.
This supplied by the Formula 1 Panasonic Toyota Racing Team as it prepares to compete in the 2008 Monaco Grand Prix -
This released video from the Panasonic Toyota Racing Team includes an edited video piece about the Monaco Grand Prix, with soundbites from Team Manager Richard Cregan, Chief Engineer Race and Test Dieter Gass, Senior General Manager Chassis Pascal Vasselon, and Head of Aerodynamics Mark Gillan.
For nearly 80 years, the Monaco Grand Prix has challenged drivers to tame the tight and twisty streets of the Principality.
Jarno Trulli in the cockpit. Image Credit: Toyota Motorsport
The Panasonic Toyota Racing Team can benefit from driver Jarno Trulli’s experience to face the mental and mechanical challenges the race track features, having won his first Grand Prix in Monaco in 2004. Drivers will need to pay particular attention to the tight curves and the close proximity of the walls next to the track to preserve their racecars' gearboxes, brakes and engines.
The
2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup season promises to be a year of exciting change
for Clint Bowyer. The former paint-and-body man at Kansas car
dealerships has moved up in the world. Image Credit: 5-hour ENERGY
Racing (2014)
Irwindale
Speedway and Dragstrip has announced that it will honor its 2013 NASCAR
and NHRA champions at a special dinner and awards ceremony at the
Courtyard by Marriott Monrovia. The event is set for Friday evening,
March 7 and will begin with an informal reception at 6:30pm followed by
dinner at 7:00pm, with the awards presentations following directly
thereafter.Image Credit: performanceracing.com (2012)
