It stands to reason that drivers who take part in any kind of motorsport are putting their lives at risk in some way. Apparently, though, even being a fan of NASCAR can be hazardous to your health. And it’s not because the cars sometimes find themselves barreling off the track and into the crowds.

According to a recent study, noise levels at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee and the Kentucky Speedway can reach alarming levels – as high as 140 decibels, significantly louder than a jet at takeoff. By way of comparison, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has set the maximum allowable noise levels over an eight-hour work day at just 85 decibels.

It takes just one minute for drivers and under an hour for workers and spectators to hit OSHA’s maximum allowable noise level for the entire day. Worse yet, it seems that the damage caused by such high noise levels adds up over time and is not reversible. That said, nobody is suggesting that sporting events like NASCAR should be banned. Instead, the study aims to inform people of the risks and urges them to take appropriate action… in other words, ear plugs are your friend.

[Source:Autoblog]

The full-on competition version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is now officially available to order for race teams in preparation for the 2011 season. Mercedes-Benz will start delivering the GT3-class race cars in February of 2011, leaving plenty of time for teams to do their own preseason testing.

The GT3 class for production based sports cars is truly heating up these days with Mercedes joining Audi, BMW and, of course, Porsche. The American Le Mans Series has dipped its toe into GT3 waters this year as well with the GT Challenge class. At present, GT Challenge is currently limited to Porsche 911s but hopefully, Porsche will open it up to other GT3 contenders.

AMG and HWA AG are developing and producing the SLS GT3, and track testing began in June with veteran Mercedes-Benz DTM and GT driver Bernd Schnieder at the wheel. Before customer deliveries begin, the SLS will appear in some VLN endurance series races at the Nürburgring Nordschleife later this year. The SLS AMG GT3 costs €334,000 before value added taxes (about $430,000 U.S.). Check out the official press release after the break.

Sales launch for the SLS AMG GT3: Ready for the off - the gullwing model for the racetrack

Affalterbach – Interested teams can now order the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3. The gullwing model for the racetrack is being delivered on time for the coming motorsport season, starting in February 2011. The sales price is €334,000(net) / €397,460 (incl. 19% VAT). Developed in accordance with the GT3 regulations of the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile), the SLS AMG GT3 is designed as a customer sports car for sprint and endurance races. These races for GT cars which are similar to their roadgoing counter-parts have diversified starting fields and are always filled with excitement. They are becoming increasingly important on the world stage, not least thanks to their relatively inexpensive cost structure. The development and testing programme for the SLS AMG GT3 is proceeding as planned. Bernd Schneider, who has been a Mercedes-Benz works driver for many years and has won more DTM championship titles than any other driver, is at the wheel for the bulk of the test drives, which started in June. The first competitive action for the car, as part of the testing programme, will be in the VLN race at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife (North Loop) at the end of September.

Mercedes-Benz motorsport chief Norbert Haug: “The Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 marks the beginning of a new era in Mercedes-Benz customer motorsport. This is an exciting and spectacular sports car for dedicated private teams and talented private drivers. AMG will work together with our tried-and-trusted sports and touring car partner HWA to put in place a motorsport customer department which will guarantee its motorsport customers hallmark Mercedes service.”

Haug adds: “I am very pleased that the demand for this new and unique competition car is so great – there are many more enquiries for orders than can initially be dealt with. But, have no fear, the production curve will be ramped up step by step so that all interested parties who are serious about the SLS AMG GT3 can be served successively.”

The new SLS AMG GT3 is an emphatic continuation of AMG’s commitment to motorsport. AMG has been a pioneer in the motorsport world ever since its foundation in 1967. Ola Källenius, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “With the SLS AMG GT3, AMG is once again showing its vast experience gained in over 40 years of motorsport and its high expertise when it comes to developing unique, high-performance vehicles.”

The new racing version of the SLS AMG is developed and produced by AMG in close cooperation with HWA AG. HWA is responsible for the development and deployment of the AMG-Mercedes DTM racing team on behalf of and in constant consultation with Mercedes-Benz Motorsport. The HWA team is one of the most successful in international motorsport, as proved by nine driver championships in the DTM and ITC, as well as two championship titles in the FIA GT series.No other brand has won nearly as many DTM races and DTM-titles as AMG‑Mercedes.

Interested racing teams can use the new SLS AMG GT3 in all race series in accordance with the FIA GT3 regulations, for example the FIA GT3 European Championship, the ADAC GT-Masters and the endurance championship organised by the VLN (Association of Nürburgring Endurance Cup Organisers, with 10 motorsport clubs) as well as the 24-hour races at the Nürburgring or Spa‑Francorchamps (Belgium).

Spectacular racing-car looks

The GT3 variant marks a further enhancement of the puristic design of the SLS AMG with its long bonnet, a flat greenhouse positioned a long way back and a short rear end. Body modifications make the gullwing model even more spectacular. Here the focus was on aerodynamic performance – as is seen not only in the new front apron with a splitter, the bonnet with its central cooling air vent and the wider front and rear wings, but also in the side wheel arch air vents, the sideskirts with cooling ducts for the rear brakes, the smooth underbody with a rear diffuser and the adjustable rear aerofoil. All these features ensure a low drag coefficient and excellent aerodynamic efficiency – while guaranteeing effective cooling of the thermally highly stressed components. The C-pillars accommodate the standardised filler pipes for the fast-refuel system.

The FIA will determine the maximum output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication on the “Balance of Performance” principle. This is intended to ensure that all the racing cars taking part have an equal chance. The classification process, during which the kerb weight is also determined, will be completed in spring 2011. Power transmission in the GT3 variant is by a sequential six-speed racing transmission with steering wheel shift paddles, an integrated multi-disc locking differential and traction control. As in the standard SLS AMG, the transmission is located at the rear axle: the engine and transmission are connected by a torque tube within which a carbon-fibre shaft rotates at the engine speed, as in the roadgoing version. The transaxle design ensures favourable weight distribution as well as optimising handling and traction.

In a system that is largely the same as the one used in the roadgoing cars, the wheels are located by a double-wishbone suspension of forged aluminium at the front and rear. Adjustment facilities for the springs and shock absorbers, the suspension height, the stabilisers, the track width and camber allow an individual setup for the racetrack. Rack-and-pinion steering with a more direct ratio and servo assistance make for extremely agile handling. Behind the central-locking AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels, a steel racing braking system with racing ABS ensures outstanding deceleration. The airjack system integrated in the underbody allows fast wheel changes.

Functional racing car atmosphere, exemplary safety level

A functional racing car atmosphere dominates the interior of the SLS AMG GT3: like the standard-production gullwing model, the racing version features a dashboard in the shape of a powerful wing section to give the impression of width. The steel roll cage offers a high level of safety for the driver as well as further stiffening the aluminium spaceframe.

In a set-up similar to that of the Mercedes-Benz DTM vehicles, the seat shell is located in a high-strength carbon-fibre (CFRP) safety cell. Thanks to its special form, the safety cell, which is bolted to the roll cage and the aluminium spaceframe, offers far greater protection for the driver’s shoulders, hips and legs. The seat shell is individually foam-padded, features the HANS (Head and Neck Support) system, and is equipped with a six-point seat belt, thus maximising occupant safety. In conjunction with the 120-litre CFRP safety tank with inner bladder positioned on the rear axle and the optimised fire extinguisher system, the SLS AMG GT3 provides an exemplary level of safety that is unmatched by any other current GT3 car.

The central display is ideally positioned within the driver’s field of vision and provides all the relevant information such as track speed, engine rpm, operating temperatures, lap times and gear selection. The racing steering wheel with shift paddles for gear changes allows perfect control of the vehicle. Additional controls are located on the centre console. Here the driver can start the AMG V8 engine and adjust the traction control as well as engage reverse gear or – if the worst comes to the worst – activate the integrated fire extinguisher system. Brake balance adjustment is also possible.

Testing programme with Bernd Schneider started in June 2010

Development of the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 is proceeding on schedule; the testing programme began on the Lausitz Eurospeedway in June 2010. Bernd Schneider (46) – who has been a Mercedes-Benz works driver for many years and is also an AMG brand ambassador – and Thomas Jäger (33) were brought on board as test drivers. With five DTM titles, one ITC championship and one FIA GT championship to his name, Bernd Schneider is one of the most successful German racing drivers. Thomas Jäger is the reigning Porsche Carrera Cup (Germany) champion, and drove in DTM for Mercedes-Benz between 2000 and 2003. This season he is lining up in the ADAC GT-Masters (Germany).

For Bernd Schneider, who will be doing the bulk of the test driving, developing a basic setup is a top priority. “The SLS AMG has excellent genes for being successful in motor racing. Even on my first fast laps at the Lausitz Eurospeedway, it was obvious that the GT3 version of the gullwing model has just what it takes to be a big hit on the racetrack. The combination of optimum weight distribution, a low centre of gravity, a powerful AMG V8 engine and efficient aerodynamics already indicates that the SLS AMG GT3 will be very competitive.”

First competitive action in the VLN race on the Nürburgring Nordschleife

As well as being tried out at the Lausitz Eurospeedway and the Sachsenring circuit, the SLS AMG GT3 is also being tested on the Nürburgring Nordschleife – under realistic racing conditions. On top of the pure testing and tuning drives, the gullwing model will taking part in its first races in the VLN endurance championship later this year.

The extensive development and testing program focuses on various suspension settings, engine mappings, tyre mixes and aerodynamics configurations. In addition to this, the complete package has to prove its durability and serviceability. At the same time, the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine and the six-speed racing transmission with sequential gearshift are being run on the test stations at HWA AG. Plus the entire vehicle is being tested on a driving-dynamics test station.
Teams can count on service and replacement parts

Mercedes-AMG and HWA will also be assisting the teams with service and replacement parts within Europe. The concept for the 2011 European motorsport season envisages offering comprehensive support in the three key championships and the major 24-hour races involving the SLS AMG GT3. A 24-hour replacement-part service and a technical hotline will be available for all other races and test drives.

Laureus look similar to Ralf Schumacher’s DTM C-Class

The SLS AMG GT3 features a Laureus look in shining chrome – designed to mirror the look of Ralf Schumacher’s AMG-Mercedes C-Class. The former Formula 1 driver is racing for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in this year’s DTM championship.

Laureus, founded by Daimler AG and Richemont in 1999, is a sports-based charity which uses the power of sport to bring people together. Laureus consists of three elements: the Laureus World Sports Academy, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Laureus World Sports Awards.

Laureus supports 80 community projects in 32 countries which use sport as the means to tackle social evils such as HIV/AIDS, juvenile crime, violence, social exlusion, landmines awareness and discrimination. Since its inception Laureus has raised over €35 million for projects which have helped to improve the lives of more than one million young people. Each year the Laureus World Sports Awards honour the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen, with proceeds from the Awards Ceremony going to underpin the work of the Laureus Foundation.

SLS AMG GT3 can be ordered immediately

Interested teams can order the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 immediately – directly from Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The sales price is €334,000 (not incl. VAT) or €397,460 (incl. 19% VAT). The vehicle is only available with left-hand drive. Deliveries commence in February 2011, following homologation by the FIA in accordance with the GT3 regulations. For interested customers, the AMG Driving Academy offers special SLS AMG GT3 driver training.

[Source:Autoblog]

Chris Rado has added another car to Team Need for Speed: an 1,100-horsepower all-wheel drive Scion TC taking aim at the Time Attack series. It’s taken a few years to take the idea from concept to reality, and pictures of the build make it clear why. The zebra-marked tC with gold-plated bulkhead and hood-exit exhaust made its debut last weekend at Road Atlanta, and for some reason – maybe the snowplow? – we wouldn’t be surprised to see it on a mountain in Colorado someday. Have a closer look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.

[Source:Autoblog]

Saab was quite successful in rally competition once upon a time, and it looks like the automaker’s new management hopes to kick-start the brand’s revival with a return its motorsports roots.

The word out of Europe is that Saab has met with World Rally Championship officials and committed to a 2012 entry into the series with a machine based on its upcoming smaller car. Depending on who you talk to, the new model could be dubbed either the 9-1 or 9-2.

The small car project originally began several years ago when Saab was still under the General Motors umbrella with the car expected to be based on the Gamma platform that underpins the Opel Corsa. As an independent, Saab doesn’t have the resources to develop such a platform on its own and is currently talking to other potential partners including BMW and some Chinese makers. Expect its design to be inspired heavily by the Saab 9-X Air BioHybrid concept (above).

If Saab hooks up with BMW, it could have a Mini-based 9-1/9-2 competing against the new Mini Countryman WRC.

[Source:Autoblog]

Here’s a Ferrari unlike any you’ve ever seen, and that includes the amusement park rides. The Prancing Horse’s three-seater Formula 1 demonstrator, called the Marlboro Red Rush, was doing laps in the rain at Fiorano with either testing dummies or two tiny passengers. We’ve seen plenty of two-seater F1 cars, but this is the first we’ve heard of a factory-built three-seat joyrider and from the most unlikely source. We’d still like to know, though, how to get in? Oh, and “shotgun…”

UPDATE: Turns out this guy has been around for years and is a part of the Marlboro Red Racing School, and as one would expect of any Ferrari it sounds like a lot o’ fun… Hat tip to Jim

[Source:Autoblog]

When Lotus hinted that its Exos Type 125 track-day car would deliver the ultimate customer track experience, we had no idea they meant this ultimate. The 125 was revealed to a few of Lotus’ friends at the Monterey Motorsports Pre-Reunion, and it’s about as close as many of its buyers will get to a Formula 1 car.

Powered by a 650-horsepower Cosworth V8 that runs up to 10,300 rpm, the 650-kilogram open-wheeler is no doubt awesome fast. With a starter motor and a tear-down interval of 4,000 kilometers, it should go relatively easy on budgets as well. Lotus says it will be offering 25 of them for one million dollars each, and will develop a training and racing program around them.

At least one Autoblogger has wondered if there isn’t more to this car than merely promoting Lotus cars and owner experiences. Ferrari was viewed askance earlier this year when it put Alonso in an F10 for some “promotional” work at Fiorano, since it looked a lot like contravening Formula 1’s testing ban. The Type 125 is so close to this year’s T127 – it’s even named as if it were last year’s F1 car, although Lotus wasn’t in F1 last year – that you should win a prize for spotting the minor differences. Or that could be just some silly tinfoil hat talk right there…

[Source:Autoblog]

BMW has decided to officially compete for the inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with the M3 GT2. This year’s initial iteration will include three races at England’s Silverstone, the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and Zuhai in China. Peugeot has already committed to run the LMP1 class 908 and Audi is considering running the R15+ TDI.

The M3 GT2 debuted in the American Le Mans Series in 2009 with Rahal Letterman Racing and BMW added Team Schnitzer in Europe for 2010. Schnitzer will campaign the cars in the cup runs at Silverstone and Zuhai, while Rahal will be responsible for the American race. In 2011, the Intercontinental cup will expand to six races, including Sebring and Le Mans.

BMW to contest the 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.

* 31.07.2010
* Press Release
* UPDATE

Munich, 31st July 2010. BMW will contest all three legs of the 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 2010 with the BMW M3 GT2. This Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO)-sanctioned championship consists of Silverstone’s 1000-kilometre race in Great Britain, the classic “Petit Le Mans” round in Road Atlanta (US), and the 1000-kilometre season finale in Zhuhai (CN).

In Silverstone and Zhuhai management of the BMW M3 GT2, to be driven by BMW works drivers Jörg Müller (DE) and Dirk Werner (DE), will be in the hands of Schnitzer Motorsport, led by team manager, Charly Lamm (DE). With the 10-hour “Petit Le Mans” counting towards the American Le Mans Series, BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team, together with drivers Dirk Müller (DE)/Joey Hand (US) and Tommy Milner (US)/Bill Auberlen (US), will represent BMW in the event. The ALMS drivers will be supported by Andy Priaulx (GB) and Dirk Werner.

“The Intercontinental Le Mans Cup is offering a new approach to set up a worldwide GT category,” says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “I am convinced the concept will find favour among spectators in 2010 and beyond. In Silverstone and Zhuhai our flag will be flown by BMW Team Schnitzer, while BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team will represent us in Road Atlanta as part of the ALMS campaign. I am looking forward to three exciting races.”

BMW currently is second in the GT category of the American Le Mans Series, while drivers Auberlen/Milner and Dirk Müller/Hand occupy second and third respectively in the drivers’ classification. In the European Le Mans Series, BMW Team Schnitzer has to date contested races in Le Castellet (FR) and Spa-Francorchamps (BE), with the best result being fourth in Belgium thanks to the no. 79 BMW M3 GT2. This year’s Le Mans 24 Hour race in France saw Jörg Müller, Augusto Farfus (BR) and Uwe Alzen (DE) placed sixth in the LM GT2 category.

For BMW the highlight of the season to date was the Nürburgring 24-hour race: Jörg Müller, Augusto Farfus, Uwe Alzen and Pedro Lamy (PT) celebrated victory, scoring BMW’s 19th overall win in the 38th running of this endurance classic.

The 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.

10th to 12th September 2010, 1000-kilometre race, Silverstone (GB)

29th September to 2nd October 2010, Petit Le Mans, Road Atlanta (US)

5th to 7th November 2010, 1000-kilometre race, Zhuhai (CN)

[Source:Autoblog]

If you’re lucky wealthy enough to own one of Ferrari’s retired works Formula One machines, the automaker’s F1 Client department takes care of maintenance and preparation of your historic racer, whether it be Nigel Mansell’s ex-F190, Michael Schumacher’s championship-winning F2001 or any number of pedigreed prancing ponies.

This week, the crew brought 10 of its most prized possessions out to the Nürburgring so current owners could spend some quality time behind the wheel. And the open wheelers weren’t the only exotic wares in Germany. Four of the Enzo-based FXXs and 15 of the newer 599XXs were on hand, each track-only variant equipped with cutting-edge technologies that the Maranello boffins are experimenting with for future products. The “owners” of these XX models are essentially paying for the privilege of being Ferrari beta testers, but to our eyes, there are worse ways to spend a few days at the Green Hell.

The past and the future at the Nurburgring

Maranello, 28 July 2010 – Today, at Germany’s Nurburgring circuit, three days of testing got underway with fifteen Ferrari 599XX and four FXX, the amazing laboratory-cars of the eponymous development programme, taking to the track for some free practice sessions.

Coming together at this special event is the present and the future, represented by these non-homologated sports cars and the Maranello company’s past, in the shape of some of the single-seaters that have written their part in Scuderia Ferrari’s Formula 1 history. Ten of these will be in action in Germany, run by the F1 Clienti Department of Maranello, taking turns on the circuit so that their owners can experience the excitement of driving on of the most famous tracks in motor sport.

Among these rare jewels are the F190 raced by Nigel Mansell in the 1990 Formula 1 Championship, the 412 T1 with which Gerhard Berger won the 1994 German Grand Prix, the F300, which was the forty fifth car built by Scuderia Ferrari for the 1998 season, driven to six wins by Michael Schumacher and the F2001, with which the German champion won nine races. Also present, the more recent F2007, which took both World titles for the Scuderia.

[Source:Autoblog]

The real revolutionaries in the Fiesta Movement – the cars themselves, not the agents – have more work to do even though they’re kind of on sale now and the revolution is over. Ford is giving 43 of the 100 Fiestas from the movement to the Team O’Neil Reilly Rally School in New Hampshire, where the hatchbacks will be refitted for student racing duty.

They’ll form the core of the Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience, the only manufacturer-backed rally school on the continent. One- and two-day courses start at $495, and your gravel guide will be a man who’s coached Travis Pastrana and Ford’s WRC driver, Ken Block. Maybe while you’re there you’ll find out what made Reilly quip, “Driving the Fiesta is like driving an expensive German car.” All the info you need on how to get there you can find in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford]

Ford Racing and Team O’Neil Driving School Team Up To Create Fiesta Rally School

DEARBORN, Mich., July 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ –

* Ford Racing will supply 43 Fiestas from the Fiesta Movement to the Team O’Neil Rally School in New Hampshire for aspiring rally drivers
* Team O’Neil Rally School will upfit Fiesta with a roll bar, rally suspension and off-road tires to be used in the school’s Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience and various rally racing programs
* Ford Fiesta will be the global rally car for Ford Motor Company in 2011 and beyond running in FIA World Rally Championship and in Rally America

Last year, 100 European-spec Ford Fiestas arrived in North America for the Fiesta Movement. This summer, 43 of the Fiestas will receive a second life as Ford Racing teams up with Team O’Neil Rally School to create the Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience in Dalton, N.H.

The Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience is the only rally experience offered by a manufacturer in North America and will provide aspiring rally drivers with the opportunity to learn how to drive on a rally course in a Fiesta. The creation of the Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience is the latest addition to Ford’s racing experiences with the first being Ford Racing School of High Performance Driving at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.

“Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience will provide consumers with the opportunity to experience Fiesta in a true rally environment,” said John Felice, general manager, Ford, Lincoln Mercury Marketing. “From learning how to drive high-performance Mustangs on the track at Miller Motorsports to driving a Fiesta on a rally road course at Team O’Neil, these driving schools allow consumers to experience our products in unique and different environments.”

For the Fiesta rally experience, Team O’Neil will modify each production front-wheel-drive Fiesta with a roll bar, rally suspension and off-road tires, and will then feature Fiesta in its Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience.

“The opportunity to find a second life for nearly half of the cars from the Fiesta Movement is a way to keep alive the legacy these cars have brought to the Fiesta launch in North America,” said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. “Fiesta’s nimble driving dynamics and precise handling attributes make it a perfect fit to serve as a rally school car at Team ONeil.”

“Our philosophy at Team O’Neil is to teach drivers how to master front-wheel drive in order to keep speed in the corners, accelerate through the corners, and use the brake to make a turn,” said Tim O’Neil, five-time U.S. and North America rally racing champion. “Fiesta is a strong, light, front-wheel-drive car. The addition of Ford Racing-developed performance parts including a rally suspension, underbody protection and roll bar gives us a great future with these cars.”

Fiesta will be incorporated into Team O’Neil’s one-day Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience and two-day Ford Racing Rally School. The classes will introduce students to the fine art of driving a rally car. Aspiring rally drivers learn the left-foot braking technique pro drivers use, and the braking, steering and throttle techniques that allow drivers to slide through corners under control. Beginner students get a chance to ride at “maximum attack” with a Team O’Neil driving instructor on real rally roads, while more advanced students get an opportunity to drive in rally conditions. Additionally, students will have a chance to be in the car as Team O’Neil instructors demonstrate the exciting “Scandinavian flick” or pendulum turn.

The cost per student for the one-day Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience is $495, which includes a short classroom session on vehicle dynamics, safety, balance and car control. Most of the day will be spent driving on either the skid pad or slalom course, practicing the techniques of car control rally driving on gravel conditions in a rally-prepared Ford Racing Fiesta.

“The Ford Fiesta has had a memorable rally debut here in the U.S., winning at last year’s X Games and most recently partnering with Ken Block in Rally America,” said Allison. “With this opportunity, who knows if the next Ken Block will start his rally career with a session at Team O’Neil in a Ford Fiesta.”

“Ford has always been very active in the rest of the world as far as rally goes. Driving the Fiesta is like driving an expensive German car. It is the coolest Ford I have ever driven and I have driven almost every Ford product in the world,” said O’Neil. “To grow rally in North America, we need people who want to compete to have access to a light, reliable, strong car that is inexpensive, easy to maintain and easy to get parts for. I think Fiesta will be an affordable option for the clubs and sportsmen.”

For more information on Ford Racing Fiesta Rally Experience and to register, go to www.teamoneil.com; or call the school at (603) 444-4488; or email info@teamoneil.com.

Fiesta has it all, and more
The all-new Fiesta features an expressive, vibrant design, fuel-efficient engine, high-quality materials, and a number of features and technologies not found on competitive vehicles. Designed to be versatile, personal and adaptable, Fiesta delivers best-in-class highway fuel economy of 40 mpg, convenience and connectivity, and an expressive color palette.

The available all-new North American industry-exclusive PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission combines the responsive performance and fuel economy of a manual with the convenience of a traditional automatic in one advanced, dual dry-clutch package.

Fiesta delivers a number of standard and available features that increase convenience and add connectivity. Among them is Ford SYNC®, integrating a driver’s mobile phone with Fiesta’s onboard, voice-activated communications and entertainment system.

Fiesta offers keyless entry and push-button start, a feature unique within the segment. Fiesta also features Ford’s Easy Fuel® capless fuel filler system, a North American industry-exclusive, as standard equipment.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 176,000 employees and about 80 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln and Mercury, production of which has been announced by the company to be ending in the fourth quarter of 2010, and, until its sale, Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

About Team O’Neil Rally School and Car Control Center
Located in Dalton, New Hampshire, Team O’Neil Rally School and Car Control Center was established in 1997 to provide a safe and realistic environment for students of all abilities to develop a high level of driving performance and automotive awareness through world-class instruction, teamwork, and development of state-of-the-art technology. Students learn skid control, accident avoidance, and vehicle dynamics. Owner Tim O’Neil, an American rally racing driver and winner of five North American rally championships, was a factory driver for Volkswagen and Mitsubishi, and has participated and placed in rally events all over the world. He has coached hundreds of rally drivers all over the country, including four-time Rally America Champion Travis Pastrana and Ken Block, the 2005 Rally America Rookie-of-the-Year and three-time X-Games medalist. Learn more from the best at www.teamoneil.com.

[Source:Autoblog]

The FIA GT1 World Championship just kicked off its inaugural season since its organizing body, SRO, split the former FIA GT Championship into separate series for the GT1 and GT2 classes. Already, manufacturers are lining up to participate.

At the opening round of the new series, six different vehicles were on the grid, including the Nissan GT-R, Corvette C6.R, Lamborghini Murcielago R-SV, Matech Ford GT, Aston Martin DBR9 and Maserati MC12. But if the latest reports become reality, that impressive lineup could see a new challenger from a decidedly more niche manufacturer.

According to some reports, Veritas is preparing a fixed-roof GT1-spec version of its RS III supercar – complete with BMW-sourced V10 – for participation in the series. The reports emanate from the Top Marques show in Monaco, where the automaker reportedly indicated its racing ambitions. If Veritas gets its act together on time, they could be joining the series mid-season as soon as the Nurburgring round this coming July.

[Source:Autoblog]