Volvo ownership moves from Ford to ... China

The Volvo Car Corporation is one of the car industry’s strongest brands, with a long and proud history of world-leading innovations. Founded in Gothenburg, Sweden, by Gustaf Larson and Assar Gabrielsson, the first car left the factory on 14 April, 1927. It was called ÖV4 (Jakob). Image Credit: egmCarTech

Volvo ownership moves from Ford to ... China

In the annals of automobile culture, nothing expresses the challenge of change more than a change in the culture of ownership of a manufacturing operation.

So when Chinese low-end mass production automobile brand, Geely purchased the Swedish premium brand Vlovo from Ford for $1.8 billion, many thought this made sense. Geely could get help migrating up the quality and auto size chain from small and cheap, to mid-sized with a premium brand added on to coordinate.

Ford sold Volvo at a time when their domestic stable brands are benefitting from American free-market loyalty ever since the Obama Administrationtook over and restructured the other two domestic brands ... retaining control over General Motors and selling off Chrysler to Italian automaker Fiat while hurting investors through a devaluation of position along the way.

The culture difference between Volvo and Ford was never able to turn a profit so one has to question if the culture divide between China and Sweeden might be a bit more tough to cross even though China can boast the largest potential market on Earth. Chinese Government support and the desire for Geely management to win where others may fail could be the key.

Understand now that when one purchases a Volvo ... they will be supporting a subset of the Chinese government as they seek to become the most powerful nation on the planet.

Has Geely and China over-reached in this cross-borders international expansion with the purchase of an internationally recognized European luxury car operation (the first of its kind by a large Chinese equipment manufacturer)?

This excerpted and edited from Financial Times -

Premium car deal fills a hole at Geely
By Patti Waldmeir, Financial Times - Published: March 29 2010 03:00 | Last updated: March 29 2010 03:00

Arthur D Little, the consultancy, has predicted that Geely would be one of only five Chinese automakers - out of more than 100 - likely to make it into the "exclusive club of global OEM champions" by 2020.
Reference Here>>

Culture integration may be the first order of business to success or failure.

... notes from The EDJE

36th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach events cheatsheet

The 36th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach logo on the side of an IZOD IndyCar Series Dallara show car on display outside of V2O Nightclub & Events Center during the Committee of 300 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach KICKOFF PARTY. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

36th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach events cheatsheet

The 36th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach activities get started in earnest this week as the ticket office opens and events are firmed up for all to enjoy during race weekend "At The Beach". The Grand Prix downtown ticket office opened Monday March 22, 2010, and is located at 300 E. Seaside Way in Long Beach (near the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center box office). The office is expected to be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

One of the anticipated events that kick-off the weekend of April 16-18 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, featuring six races including the IZOD IndyCar Series, is the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame induction ceremony that happens the day before the formal activities get started - April 15, 2010 at 11:00am - Pine Avenue in front of the Long Beach Convention Center.

The City of Long Beach kicks off the 2010 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach by honoring two additional members to the 5th annual Motorsports Walk of Fame: Michael Andretti (whose father, Mario, is already honored with a medallion and whose son, Marco will be competing in the IZOD IndyCar Series race) and Danny Sullivan. The event honors motorsports stars that have either lived in Long Beach or have graced the oceanside city with their talent, along the way to a pinnacle career behind the wheel in sporting competition.

A one-of-a-kind, two-foot in diameter medallion was cast, listing the name and accomplishments of the honoree, then set in cement for all race fans and visitors to see as they walk down the east side of Pine avenue in front of the Convention Center. Past inductees include Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Brian Redman, Chris Pook, Paul Newman, Carl Haas, Al Unser, Jr., Bobby Rahal, Parnelli Jones, and Gary Gabelich. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2008)

The official three-day event, headlined with the fourth stop in the IZOD IndyCar Series 17 race season, that runs from April 16-18 also includes: the popular Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race; the technologically advanced sports cars of the Tequila Patron American Le Mans Series at Long Beach race; Firestone Indy Lights; Team Drifting Challenge and the SCCA Pro World Challenge.

The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race will again boast a star-studded lineup that includes the return of Keanu Reeves, who will defend his 2009 race win, skateboarding icon Tony Hawk and Christian Slater tangling with professional drivers such as former CART champion Jimmy Vasser and Drifting ace Tanner Foust in an always-action-packed 10-lap dash for charity.

In addition to wheel-to-wheel racing, fans can enjoy the Tecate Light Fiesta Friday Concert Presented by Exitos 93.9 at 6:30 p.m., with the potent one-two punch of "Molotov" and "Maldita Vecindad." On Saturday, the Tecate Light Rock-N-Roar Concert Presented by KLOS at 6:30 p.m. features classic rockers "Cheap Trick."

Both concerts, held on the Convention Center outdoor stage, are free to race ticket holders.

The weekend-long Lifestyle Expo in the Convention Center - free to all ticket holders - features the alternative energy vehicles of "Green Power Prix-View" and highlights renewable energy sources and a host of energy tips for inside AND outside the home, as well as racecars, games, simulators, and BMX bike exhibitions. A new addition, Arena Jamm, will take place inside the Long Beach Arena and feature over 20 local musical acts providing a constant stream of entertainment throughout the weekend.

Of course, if paying for tickets is not your thing, and you would rather be a part of the 36th annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach as opposed to just watching the show, join the Committee Of 300. Volunteer and be seen assisting on staffing for the Los Angeles and Orange County Auto Shows, the Belmont Shore Auto Classics Show, the Belmont Shore, Seal Beach, and Daisy Lane holiday parades, and are supporters of the STEEL MAGNOLIAS, an organization for the Stramski Children's Development Center at Memorial Hospital ... the C-300! Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

The famed race circuit, which includes the downtown streets of Long Beach surrounding the Long Beach Entertainment and Convention Center, is 1.97 miles in length and includes 11 turns. Grandstands lining the circuit include reserved seating, limited general admission seats, and seating for various hospitality club ticket packages.

In addition to the downtown walk-up service, tickets can be ordered via credit card by using the toll-free ticket hotline, (888) 82-SPEED. Tickets can also be purchased on-line at www.gplb.com or at Ticketmaster outlets. Handicapped seating, IZOD IndyCar Paddock Passes, Super Photo tickets and a wide variety of hospitality club packages - including the all-new Vista Club atop the Hyatt Regency Hotel - are also available.

So get your tickets to the 36th annual Race at the Beach weekend, see some famous race drivers get honored, and don't forget to slap on your "SPF 500" sunscreen. It always is sunny and hot around Shoreline Drive, the Aquarium and Ocean Avenue as the sound of high-revving naturally aspirated Honda engines echo off of the buildings and fill the air.

Flowers, sunshine, SPF sunscreen, and the sound of race engines ... it MUST be spring in Southern California.

... notes from The EDJE

NASCAR - Bristol: Johnson notches first win, attendance down

In a milestone race Sunday at Bristol Motor Speedway, Jimmie Johnson -- the last driver third-place finisher Kurt Busch wanted to see win the race -- took the checkered flag for the 50th time in his Cup Series career in the Food City 500. Image Credit: NASCAR.com

NASCAR - Bristol: Johnson notches first win, attendance down

With all of the winning Jimmie Johnson has been doing over these last four years, with consecutive national championships and now three wins in five races to begin a fifth year with few challenges from the forty car plus field ... in his 17 career races at the famed short-track at Bristol, Tennessee, Johnson has nine top-10 finishes but yesterday marked his first victory at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Further, with this victory, Jimmie Johnson became one of just 12 drivers to score 50 or more career victories and now there are only five active tracks Johnson has not won on: Michigan, Infineon, Watkins Glen, Chicagoland and Homestead.

With all of this winning the #48 car has had over these last four PLUS years, it is hard to find anything wrong except for this one troubling fact, after 55 sellout NASCAR Cup events at the Bristol track, the attendance was down at the Food City 500. The Bristol Motor Speedway can accommodate 160,000 and yesterday's attendance was NASCAR estimated to be 138,000.

The speedway’s record streak of 55 sellouts began back in August 1982 – when the track could accommodate a mere 30,000 fans.

Many seats in the grandstands at Bristol Motor Speedway were empty at the start of Sunday’s Food City 500. Image Credit: Andre Teague

This excerpted and edited from Bleacher Report -

NASCAR: Empty Seat Syndrome Even at Bristol
By Sandra MacWatters - 3-21-2010

The contagion of empty seats at racing venues appears to have migrated from California to Bristol, Tennessee.

NASCAR depends on fans. Sponsors suffer when fans don't attend races and television viewership drops.

The average NASCAR fan must budget for attending a race. Going to an event might equate to a mortgage payment for the family home.
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Lowered attendance cause the dominoes to fall with local businesses suffering due to reduced influx of fans.
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During the Sprint Cup race at Bristol, Darrell Waltrip commented on air about the weather keeping fans away from the track. Weather was an unlikely suspect in the low attendance. Most people come to the track for the Nationwide race and the Sprint Cup race. It was bright and sunny for the Saturday race.

The stands were probably only sixty percent filled for the Nationwide race at Bristol.
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There are those who say the COT [Car Of Tomorrow standardization] has dampened attendance. The wing will be gone in Martinsville making the Cup cars look more normalized.

The "let the boys have at it" will continue to play out. Hopefully it will bring about the anticipated fan attention.

Another camp of people believe Jimmie Johnson's winning ways have been a downer for the supporters of other drivers. He has won three out of the five races this season so far.

It just may take the return of Dale Earnhardt Jr. to competitive, perhaps winning ways to offset the Johnson tedium and get the fans back in the stands.
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We can hope the economy and employment levels will rebound to improve the situation at hand.

One still has to wonder if all the people who stay away from the races will be watching on television.

For the sake of all concerned, hopefully the spread of empty seat syndrome won't become epidemic.
Reference Here>>

... notes from The EDJE

Highest television ratings in Brazil for IZOD IndyCar Series race in Sao Paulo

Highest television ratings in Brazil for IZOD IndyCar Series race in Sao Paulo

As reported on VERSUS TV, Bob Jenkins stated that it has been measured that the highest ratings for any television broadcast ever in Brazil was registered for the opening race of the IZOD IndyCar Series in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This was a very good race on ANY level. The CCWS was fairly well represented on the driverside (Will Power, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Raphael Matos) ... not so much on the teamside (top CCWS transition team finish was KV Racing technology at P12). RHR and Vitor both were coming into the race having sustained back injuries last year - a very good drive? for those in the top five places - a good start for the first year series sponsor, IZOD!

The race started with a first lap compression accident touched off by ICS rookie and seven year former Formula 1 driver for KV Racing Technology's Takuma Sato. Sato, came in too hot on the first corner setting up a chain reaction accident that aids in taking out KV Racing Technology teammate Mario Moraes (also has trouble slowing down) who lands on top of Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti.

The ratings were boosted by the fact that seven drivers from Brazil were competing in this first race of the 2010 ICS season and many are household names ... they are Vitor Meira - AJ Foyt Racing - finishing P3, Raphael Matos - Luczo Dragon Racing - finishing P4, Helio Castroneves - Verizon Penske Racing - finishing P9, Tony Kanaan - Andretti Autosports - finishing P10, Ana Beatriz (Bia Figueiredo) - Dreyer&Reinbold Racing - finishing P13, Mario Romancini - Conquest Racing - finishing P17, and Mario Moraes - KV Racing Technology - finishing P24.

... notes from The EDJE

Roughed up "dance" surface in Sao Paulo leaves Franchitti "reeling" in securing P1

The Scot Dario Franchitti, ruling champion of the IndyCar, will begin the first race of the year from pole position, to the being the fastest today in the morning in the urban circuit of Anhembi, in classifications that were postponed by serious problems of traction in the main straight line, that caused that the pilots had serious problems of takes hold in one of the fastest parts of the track. Caption and Image Credit: mepongodepie.com

Roughed up "dance" surface in Sao Paulo leaves Franchitti "reeling" in securing P1

Defending IndyCar Series (ICS) champion, Dario Franchitti of Scotland, won the pole position (P1) for the IndyCar season-opener on the streets of Sao Paulo on Sunday. In Scottish country dancing, the reel is one of the four traditional step dances and is danced in reel time.

Qualifying for the inaugural Sao Paulo Indy 300 was moved to Sunday after drivers complained on Saturday that the track's front stretch lacked enough grip to keep the cars from stepping out making it unsafe.

The straightaway of the track goes through a stadium-like Sambadrome and the surface is usually painted for the traditional Carnival dancing parades and it had remained slippery even though organizers removed the paint. The straight stretches for about a third of a mile and is the only part of the track constructed of concrete instead of asphalt and it is where today's 75-lap race is scheduled to start and finish. Grooves were added to the Sambadrome straightaway overnight to fix the problem.

Franchitti clocked in at a 1 minute, 27.7354 seconds fastest lap speed during the Firestone Fast Six qualifying round that had Alex Tagliani of Canada, second, 0.0322 seconds back, Justin Wilson of England, making his debut for Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, will start third (1:27.8183), 0.0829 behind, American Ryan Hunter-Reay, also competing in his first race for Andretti Autosport, will start fourth (1:27.8756), the Penske of Australian driver Will Power, fifth (1:28.0156), and finishing with Andretti Autosport's Tony Kanaan, sixth (1:28.6946), and he will represent the Brazilian with the best starting spot. Qualifying Results>>

This excerpted and edited from the translated Brazilian website, VOOZ -

Meanwhile, optimum Brazilian was Tony Kanaan, that leaves in the sixth position.

The trainings of classification of the stage of São Paulo must have happened in the afternoon of Saturday, but problems in the straight line of the Sambódromo had postponed the dispute for the morning of this sunday. After the emergenciais repairs in this stretch of the circuit of the Anhembi, the cars had obtained to develop the speed waited in the session that defined grid of jettison, although the constant dust in the track.

For the Brazilian pilots, the trainings of classification were not very good. Tony Kanaan (Andretti) was the only one to dispute the last part of the session, when position was defined pole, but obtained only the sixth place. Excessively they had been being for the way: Helium Castroneves (Penske), Vitor Meira (AJ Foyt) and Raphael Matos (Luczo Dragon) had fallen in the second part, while Bia Figueiredo (Dreyer&Reinbold), Mario Romancini (Conquest) and Mario Moraes (KV) had left soon in the first one.
Reference Here>>

Organizers had three months to set up the track following the announcement that the IndyCar Series would be coming to Brazil for the first time since the CART series raced in the Latin American country from 1996 to 2000.

With the running of this race today, Sao Paulo becomes the only city in the world to host both an IndyCar Series and a Formula 1 (GP Brazil de Fórmula 1 to be held November 7th) in 2010.

... notes from The EDJE

The first ever Mojave Mile Shootout experience

On a chilly spring day near where the 58 and 14 highways intersect, the participants line up to take their runs in the first ever Mojave Mile Shootout [CTRL-CLICK image to see video]. Image Credit: Rhode Island Red

The first ever Mojave Mile Shootout experience

This post is a compilation of personal reactions file Shootout held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 at the famed Mojave Air and Space Port, a private airfield (featuring a 12,000 foot runway) in Mojave, CA.

A man and his motorcycle setting up for a run. The bike is a 1936 Indian ... a definite show piece. Image Credit: Rhode Island Red

Mile Shootout format racing is already a popular speed event held in Texas, the Midwest, and the East Coast. Basically, a Mile Shootout allows participants to take an approved vehicle (motorcycle or car) from a standing-start, flat out speed, as fast as you can go in ONE MILE! Unlike a drag race, there is only one car on the track at a time. The measurement is not based on an elapsed time, only top speed. Because there is no E.T., burnouts and hot starts are not necessary or needed - just traction and a steady drive.

Anybody 18 years or older, with a current valid driver’s license and insurance and a safe machine with good tires is eligible. Please note, however, that you must have permission of the vehicle’s owner to actually race it with one caveat ... NO RENTAL CARS are allowed.

2002 Firehawk #35 - All Known and hidden options... 382rwhp/366rwtq |!CAGS | SLP bolt-on SFC's | STB | TB Bypass | Ported Throttle Body | SLP Aftermarket Dual/Dual | 160 T-stat | Airborn coated K***s **'s | Custom Cam | UD pulley | !Air | LS7 Clutch Image Credit: Rhode Island Red

This excerpted and edited from LS1TECH -
Mojave Mile results. I ran a top speed of...
By Rhode Island Red, TECH Fanatic - 03-06-2010, 09:54 PM

145.0 then

145.3

and finally a 143.9 having trouble finding 5th (took me a couple seconds). The DA was 3000 feet at an actual 2700 feet (cloudy cool damp with a sprinkle a couple times).

My initial goal was to do between 130-140 and shoot for 140, thus upgrading me from the 150 class to the 165 class. I exceeded my goal.

Big Red Camero ... the day's fastest run with a 200.7mph trap speed [CTRL-CLICK image to see video]. Image Credit: Rhode Island Red

Big Red Camaro's best was 196.6 and finally a 200.7mph when I took off for home.

J.R. Enjoying his 200.7 mph pass in hiss 1100 hp Big red Camaro before being swarmed by magazine reporters [CTRL-CLICK image to see video]. Image Credit: Rhode Island Red

The ZR1 corvette was running a 165.6. Many corvette ran 150's and a couple ran 170's.

Many of the Ford GT's ran 160's and a couple ran in the mid 180's. A stock Dodge magnum SRT8 ran a 152.8.
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Need 400+ hp to break the 150's. Besides Big Red, I was THE ONLY f-body there. Seemed like a Corvette vs Ford GT top speed shootout ... GT's won with a 186 mph to speed pass.
Reference Here>>

Great License Plate - Comment from car owner - Now my time to brag... 189.4 on my last run, just edging out Black Ice for the best Ford GT time of the day.. and I think is the second best car time of the day! Image Credit: Apollo

This excerpted and edited from Ford GT Forum -

First Annual Mojave Mile Event
By Fast Freddy, gps'd 212 mph - 03-07-2010, 01:18 PM

The fastest of my 3 runs was 182.3 mph. i have a 2.87" pulley and 100 octane heffner tune with an MMP X-pipe. i was on stock tires.

My weather station was reporting a corrected DA of 4000' above sea level and a 10 mph crosswind on my run. It was nice meeting everybody and i had a great time.
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I think with the whipple and some nitrous i can go 200+ mph at the mojave mile.
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I have done 4 different 1 mile top speed shootouts in America now. I have done the "HIGH noon" shootout twice at the Silver State Classic, the Texas Mile once, the "HIGH Roller" mile shootout once and the Mojave Mile once. By far the best location, track and event is the "Mojave Mile"

One of a plethora of Ford GT350's ... this one with a classic bright blue and orange GULF Oil livery. Image Credit Rhode Island Red

And this ...

A newbie's perspective
GTED, GT Owner - 03-07-2010, 05:45 PM

What a fun and addictive game.....especially for a 1st timer.

I have a pulley/tune and x-pipe mod on Bridgestone. As a 1st timer, i had to do a qualify run to demonstrate the ability to reach 140-150 without "incedents".
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I reached 169.7; 172.1;and 177.8. I was thorough happy as my goal for the day was to reach 170.

Terry's got it figured out. Veronica looks GREAT in the red suit! And she has the balls (er..ahh..whatever girls have) to drive 177 MPH!!! THAT ROCKS. Image Credit: SYCO GT

Then, FastFreddy and Skyrex told me the "secret sauce" to get to 180! They told me to stay in 4th, since shifting to 5th would lose too much rpm and a few mph on the acceleration.

So armed with this tip, I was all pumped for the next run. Unfortunately, in 3rd, I held it a little too long and when it touched the rev limiter I lost a second or 2, I ended with 176.8!

Backward, lost 1mph not acceptable! One more run... In the final run of the day, I was the 15th car in the 20 cars run group sitting at the staging spot. Still pumped and all I could think of was 180, 180..... the wait in the cue drove me nuts.... Finally, I was waved to the starting box. The green flag dropped, I went for it!! Come on, baby!! I wanted that 180 badly!!! Too eager, I spun the wheels again in 1st at 3k rpm.... stayed in 4th gear and vrrrroooooommmmm..... 178.8!

Oh well, didn't get 180, sorry Skyrex and FastFreddy.... Man, only if I could do one or two more runs to get better the take off in 1st gear, I know I'd get there. Still, thoroughly satisfied!!

Also worth mentioning, I was too glad to meet all the nice GT folks, The Apollo's (Terry and Veronica- you go girl! 177, wow!); Love CHP- Richard and Sue; FastFreddy, and Skyrex and a few others whose name escaped me at the moment.

Clinton had a great showing, thundering down the track; his acceleration is visually evidenced!! He had the fastest non-race car speed at 188 and change. I don't count the 200.7 reached be the Camero as it is a race car.
Reference Here>>

The Mojave Mile Shootout was open to anyone with a car or motorcycle, and, as this event grows in popularity, it is hoped that it will be held multiple times per year.

... notes from The EDJE

What is the Mojave Mile Shootout? One fast and crazy run.

Mojave Mile Shootout - That’s right – standing-start, flat out speed, as fast as you can go in ONE MILE! In conjunction with the Mojave Air and Space Port, a private airfield in Mojave, CA, we will host the first ever Mojave Mile Shootout event on March 6, 2010. This facility features a 12,000’ runway which will allow for very fast speeds (250+ mph) and a comfortable braking margin [CTRL-CLICK image for video preview]. Image Credit: i.space.com

What is the Mojave Mile Shootout? One fast and crazy run.

Come one and come all who feel they have a really fast vehicle that would be able to go from a standing start and finish a one mile run on an internationally famous and private concrete airstrip with the fastest time and speed.

A competition format that has been run on the East Coast and Midwest comes to the crucible of automobile culture here in Southern California this weekend. The event will be conducted on the 12,000-foot runway at Mojave Air and Space Port near where the 14 and 58 highways meet. The Mojave Air and Space Port has become a beacon of aero-technical development where Burt Ruttan built the Voyager (the aircraft that made Ruttan's 1986 around-the-world trip) and the location of Scaled Composites, the Virgin Atlantic sponsored company building a spaceship for commercial purposes.

The first ever Mojave Mile Shootout event is scheduled to start at 8:00am on March 6, 2010 and will feature two-wheeled motorcycles and 4-wheeled vehicles eligible to compete in the various classes, provided they meet stringent safety regulations. As a result of the rules, no rental cars will be allowed to compete.

Only one vehicle will be run at any one time, with laser beams triggering the electronic timing. The "speed trap" used to measure speed will consist of the last 132 feet of the one-mile track. Each car will use a semi-standing start (20-foot prestart box) and no elapsed time will be kept.

While the premiere of the Mojave Mile is scheduled to be a one-day event, future events will be 2-3 days long and will attract up to 300 participants! It is not known at the time of this posting how long registration will remain open, but at the very least if one wishes to be a spectator ... contact:

Administration and Registration

MKM Racing Promotions, LLC
9850 S Maryland Parkway, Suite A5-143
Las Vegas, NV 89183-7146
Phone 702-614-6108
Fax: 702-614-6109
www.mojavemile.com

The Mojave Mile Shootout will be held at (map here>>):

Mojave Air and Space Port
1434 Flightline St.
Mojave, California 93501
Phone: (661) 824 2433
Fax: (661) 824 2914 or 2620

... notes from The EDJE

UPDATE:

Reaction and some results HERE>>