Saturday
2013 Audi RS4 Avant First Drive: 450 hp, Five Doors, as Fun as You Think
F1 Chief Bernie Ecclestone not optimistic about New Jersey race happening next year
Construction is underway for the planned 2013 New Jersey Grand Prix, but that's no guarantee that the event will actually be held next year. Bernie Ecclestone, the man in charge of Formula 1, isn't sure that the circuit will be ready next year.
When asked about the race happening, Ecclestone said "No. Definitely, no." And then he said this:
From Autosport via Yahoo! Eurosport:
"We'll have to see, I need to go and have another look," added Ecclestone. "What I've seen up to now, and what's been going on, I'm not quite as sure as they are. If they can get it completed, and confirm to us it will be done, for sure they'll be on the calendar."
When asked if he was worried that the event will be ready in time, he said: "Yeah. Exactly."
That's not exactly a ringing endorsement about the race's immediate future, even if Sebastian Vettel turned some laps on the projected course, which will have a distinct view of the New York City skyline, recently.
You may remember that there was similar handwringing over the Formula 1 race scheduled to take place in November in Austin -- and Ecclestone even made similar comments about the race last year, saying at one point that he wouldn't bet on the race happening. But, somehow, those worries didn't become reality and the race is a go for the fall. Will we see the same scenario play out for New Jersey?
Would You Rather be NASCAR Driver Kyle Busch or Dale Earnhardt Jr?
Castroneves Earns Front Row Start to Lead Team Penske into Saturday?s Iowa 250
2012 IICS Helio Castroneves - Photo Courtesy of INDYCAR/LAT USANEWTON, Iowa (June 22, 2012) ? Helio Castroneves secured a front row start for Saturday?s Iowa Corn Indy 250 by leading Team Penske in a unique new heat race format. Castroneves finished second in Friday?s third and final heat race, which consisted of the fastest-eight drivers...more»
The post Castroneves Earns Front Row Start to Lead Team Penske into Saturday’s Iowa 250 appeared first on Catchfence.
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/catchfence/~3/rVNdnq_k4_Y/
Friday
Danica Patrick gets the worst end of contact with Sam Hornish Jr.
Danica Patrick and Sam Hornish Jr., together again.
A month ago at Talladega, Hornish and Patrick were racing to the line when Hornish had a tire go down, sending his car into Patrick's and into the wall. After the two crossed the finish line, Patrick, annoyed by the contact, sent Hornish's car into the wall in Turn 1.
On Saturday, the two drivers found themselves racing each other for position again on Lap 132 at Dover. Hornish dove to the inside of Patrick in Turns 3 and 4 and got loose and slid up into Patrick. That contact sent Danica into Brad Sweet and the wall.
And no, this wasn't revenge for that Talladega incident. (If it was, Hornish did a really, really, really good job of disguising it.) Hornish, who was trying to charge back through the field after making contact with the spinning Timmy Hill to bring out a caution just a few laps before, saw his car get loose on the bottom groove under Patrick's, a common occurrence at Dover.
The damage to Patrick's car necessitated a trip to the garage. She finished 30th, 67 laps down. Hornish finished 13th, a lap off the pace.
Other popular content on the Yahoo! network:
? Michael Silver: Saints' bounty scandal underscores danger of hits, brain trauma
? Price of fame becomes scary for Bubba Watson and family
? Trending Now: The real story behind the Hatfields and McCoys
Jeremy Allan Mayfield James Christopher McMurray Casey James Mears Juan Pablo Montoya
Perez expecting tough weekend
Paco Godia Carel Godin de Beaufort Christian Goethals Paul Goldsmith
2013 Chevy Malibu Priced from $23,150; Least-Expensive Turbo Starts at $27,710
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/yxhCIOA8XIY/
Clint Bowyer Zaxby s Chevrolet Brad Keselowski Ruby Tuesday Dodge
RAB Racing Reinstates John Wes Townley: NASCAR Fan Reaction (Yahoo! Contributor Network)
Happy Hour: The Kurt Busch response roundup
Welcome to the latest Happy Hour mailbag! You know how these work: You write us with your best rant/ joke/one-liner at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com or on Twitter at @jaybusbee, we respond to your messages, everyone goes away with a smile on their face.
It's swim team season, and if you've got kids, that means you're going to big four-hour neighborhood meets. I train my kids to work sponsor mentions (Yahoo! Sports, of course) into regular conversation and put their opponents into the wall, which really doesn't go over too well with the other teams. But I recommend against trying tandem racing in the pool. And for heaven's sake, don't try interviewing my kids right after they finish the race. Those are some foul-mouthed munchkins. Say, that reminds me of something ... let's do a roundup of KuBu responses, shall we? DJ, give me a beat ...
I am a Kurt Busch fan. [After last fall] I decided to stick with the driver, thinking he was smart enough to keep his cool, and maybe contend for a win or so. Come to find out, he is the same Kurt. Now that he is out of Pocono for the weekend, is it cool to change drivers midseason now? (Rickie Hodges, Norfolk, VA)
James Finch certainly seems to think so. And if the owner of Phoenix Racing, who's currently writing Kurt's checks, is willing to make a change if Busch doesn't shape up, why shouldn't fans? I say disaffected Kurt fans should start rooting for Trevor Bayne. It'll be a wondrous change for all involved.
Jay, what are the odds that Kurt Busch gets fired before the end of the season? (Michael George Koltuniak)
Vegas sets the line at 3-1. But if Kurt plays his cards right, he could bet on his own firing, get himself fired, and cash in. Money!
Why do you who don't do, get to control those few that can? Reporters are the vultures of all who produce. (Alan)
I had to get out the industrial-strength grammar cleaner for a few of these emails. If the media was REALLY as evil as some of you seem to think, I'd let you hang yourselves with your own start-and-park spelling. Anyway, here's a thought to all of you who hate the media so much: don't watch/read/listen. We're all biased vultures, so why do you want to spend any time with us? Just drive to each race yourself, buy tickets and lodging, and observe what's happening on-track. Shouldn't cost you more than about $100,000 a year. Per person. No problem, right? Not when the alternative is, you know, reading/watching and then forming your OWN opinion.
Mr. Busch needs to remember to think twice before stepping outside the box. It's ugly mob rules. Not worth the trouble! Media, please stop provoking. Treat others as you want to be treated. (Troy)
This was a common thread, that the media somehow "provoked" Kurt Busch. Let's break this one down, shall we?
1. If a driver can't handle being simply asked questions, even "provocative" ones, without losing his mind, it might be time for him to consider an alternative line of work ... one where he's not paid a ton of money to drive a car in a circle.
2. Busch is in this predicament because of his own actions. Nobody else's. And in December, he took responsibility for that and promised to conduct himself more professionally. That seems to have been lost in the rush to defend Kurt.
3. Sporting News' Bob Pockrass asked a question in a professional manner and, like so many before him, got back a smarmy, sarcastic answer. Let's apply "treat others as you want to be treated" equally, shall we?
4. It's funny how drivers love the media when they want us around to promote their latest sponsor initiative/charity event, but then slag the media as "tabloid" when the off-track stories don't break their way. Just, you know, an observation.
5. The media didn't fire Kurt Busch twice from Chase-level teams. And the media didn't GET Kurt fired. Another observation.
You should have a mic stuck in your face after you drive home from the race. Leave the drivers alone and report on the crap NASCAR puts them through. You must be a Dem. Only half the story! (James Liptrap)
Leave the drivers alone? Really? Not sure their sponsors would like that. And if you're looking for someone to "report on the crap" of NASCAR, few can match Pockrass, FYI. Man ... talk about telling only "half the story." (Also, let's be honest: both sides have their problems telling the whole story. But NO MORE POLITICS.)
One other thing: NASCAR holds the top-five drivers after each race to do on-track interviews. It wasn't like Pockrass ambushed Kurt. And even if he did, the burden is on the driver to act like a professional. If a member of the media is REALLY being unprofessional, go on Twitter and call 'em out. Make it public. There are those in the NASCAR media pool who would gleefully jump on one of their own if it meant getting in better with the drivers. But be specific. Hurt feelings are not evidence.
Does NASCAR have favorite sons? Why is this hothead still racing? They come down hard on some and others skate by, is it because NASCAR likes the drama? They need to [expletive] can this guy. (racefanmich)
You think NASCAR is favoring Kurt Busch? There's proof that we all see the world the way we want to. (Yes, NASCAR does like the drama, as long as it doesn't make the sport look too bad. As we've seen, that can be a devil's bargain.)
If stupid people ask stupid questions, they deserve stupid answers and the notion that everyone has to be on best behavior all the time because of a fan with a cell phone is ludicrous. It's almost as if they really, really wanted to get him, and in turn it makes NASCAR look childlike, almost grade-schoolish. (Chris H, St. Louis)
"Stupid people asking stupid questions and getting stupid answers" ? sounds like this whole mailbag right here. (I kid! Not all your questions are stupid.)
If I was going to make a list of people who make NASCAR look "childlike and grade-schoolish," it'd probably be different from yours. And yes, there is absolutely no middle ground between "best behavior" and throwing out f-bombs and screaming at everyone around you. That's not a stupid statement at all.
Jay, you must admit that was a stupid question that the reporter asked. All he was trying to do was egg Kurt on. There are some reporters that don't belong in the business. (Jim Lewis)
Bob Pockrass absolutely belongs, and anybody who says differently needs to educate themselves on his work. (I'd actually like to see some legitimate examples of the "unprofessional" and "tabloid" journalism that drivers and fans seem to think is so prevalent in NASCAR. Send me links. Trust me, compared to, say, college football, the journalism in NASCAR is like a gentle backrub to the drivers and teams.)
This whole "stupid question" angle mystifies me. What was stupid about it? In December, Kurt promised to behave better. He was on probation and got challenged, ON THE TRACK, by Allgaier. Pockrass was, in effect, asking Busch how he was handling RACING while under probation. Both Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski have mentioned the chilling effect of probation on their on-track style. Despite what Busch (and some fans) seem to think, that's the very DEFINITION of a racing question.
And finally, if he WAS trying to "egg Kurt on," so what? You mean to tell me Busch lacks the self-control to be able to handle a freaking QUESTION? Some of you are giving these drivers less accountability than a dog that's not housebroken. "Dog peed on the rug? IT'S THE RUG'S FAULT FOR BEING THERE!"
We done with this story? Obviously not, but let's move on to something far less controversial ... like Danica Patrick.
____________________
People are asking why was Danica Patrick invited to the Prelude to the Dream. They claim she has no business there and that she is unqualified. Let's be serious, this is an exhibition race for a great cause. This is about getting some of the most popular drivers from a variety of disciplines to compete, Saturday night style, for the benefit of fans and more importantly to raise money for charity. If Danica's presence can sell a few more pay-per-view orders or put another few backsides in the stands then she is doing exactly what she and every other driver there was invited to do. If it was purely about the race, then most of the drivers invited would be exchanged for the top dirt late model stars.
? Bill
Yeah, that Kurt Busch is ... wait, what? That wasn't a Kurt question. Oh. Too bad. Anyway, yeah, I agree with what Bill said about Danica's participation. Far as I'm concerned, she's still got goodwill to burn, based on the eyeballs and revenue she's bringing to NASCAR. At some point, that won't be the case, but if you're begrudging her participating in a charity event, it's probably time to reassess your life.
Wow, negativity left and right today! Let's wrap with a high note. Someone praised ... Pocono? Really? Huh.
____________________
I'm tired of people [expletive]ing on Pocono. Big Bill begged Doc Mattioli to take a second race and Doc was very reluctant. And the actual racing is a hell of a lot better than a lot of other tracks. Five-wide on restarts there is awesome. Going to 400 miles is a plus, too. I've been to 10-15 races there and was never disappointed. Maybe it was the naked chicks in the infield! By the way, if you like beer, the area from Long Pond to Williamsport has great microbreweries. Beautiful area, as well.
? Mike Deppen
Naked chicks? Beer? That's not about racing, Mike! Kurt Busch would NOT approve! (Thanks. Good recommendations.)
And on that note, we're out. Thanks to all our writers this week. You want in? Fire up the computer and hit us with whatever's on your mind, NASCAR-wise, at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com. You can find Yahoo! Sports' NASCAR coverage on Facebook right here, and you can follow me on Twitter at @jaybusbee and on Facebook here. Make sure to tell us where you're from. We'll make you famous!
Thursday
Yamaha and PETRONAS Conclude MotoGP Partnership
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2012/01/yamaha_and_petronas_concl.php
Trevor Bayne Out! Pet Care Toyota Jason Leffler David Carl Allison
Ullrich: 2012 win ?high value? for Audi
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/ullrich-2012-win-high-value-for-audi
Andrй Guelfi Miguel Бngel Guerra Roberto Guerrero Maurнcio Gugelmin
Red Bull Racing and Nissan to Collaborate on Engineering, Tech?Maybe Even Road Cars
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/caranddriver/blog/~3/wbPrRAx4Al8/
Gunr4sR.com ? iRacing.com Sponsors ARCA Truck Series Pole Award
Out! Pet Care Toyota Jason Leffler David Carl Allison Gregory Jack Biffle
Caterham pins hopes on next upgrades
Wednesday
AASHTO Adds Designs to Bikeway Guide, But Not Protected Bike Lanes
Emmanuel de Graffenried Lucas di Grassi Cecil Green Keith Greene
Davidson taken to medical centre
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/davidson-taken-to-medical-centre
Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil Robert Allen Labonte Terrence Lee Labonte
MORE THAN 1000 FANS CELEBRATE MATT HAGAN'S 2011 FUNNY CAR CHAMPIONSHIP IN HIS HOMETOWN
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/12/more_than_1000_fans_celeb.php
Happy Hour: The Kurt Busch response roundup
Welcome to the latest Happy Hour mailbag! You know how these work: You write us with your best rant/ joke/one-liner at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com or on Twitter at @jaybusbee, we respond to your messages, everyone goes away with a smile on their face.
It's swim team season, and if you've got kids, that means you're going to big four-hour neighborhood meets. I train my kids to work sponsor mentions (Yahoo! Sports, of course) into regular conversation and put their opponents into the wall, which really doesn't go over too well with the other teams. But I recommend against trying tandem racing in the pool. And for heaven's sake, don't try interviewing my kids right after they finish the race. Those are some foul-mouthed munchkins. Say, that reminds me of something ... let's do a roundup of KuBu responses, shall we? DJ, give me a beat ...
I am a Kurt Busch fan. [After last fall] I decided to stick with the driver, thinking he was smart enough to keep his cool, and maybe contend for a win or so. Come to find out, he is the same Kurt. Now that he is out of Pocono for the weekend, is it cool to change drivers midseason now? (Rickie Hodges, Norfolk, VA)
James Finch certainly seems to think so. And if the owner of Phoenix Racing, who's currently writing Kurt's checks, is willing to make a change if Busch doesn't shape up, why shouldn't fans? I say disaffected Kurt fans should start rooting for Trevor Bayne. It'll be a wondrous change for all involved.
Jay, what are the odds that Kurt Busch gets fired before the end of the season? (Michael George Koltuniak)
Vegas sets the line at 3-1. But if Kurt plays his cards right, he could bet on his own firing, get himself fired, and cash in. Money!
Why do you who don't do, get to control those few that can? Reporters are the vultures of all who produce. (Alan)
I had to get out the industrial-strength grammar cleaner for a few of these emails. If the media was REALLY as evil as some of you seem to think, I'd let you hang yourselves with your own start-and-park spelling. Anyway, here's a thought to all of you who hate the media so much: don't watch/read/listen. We're all biased vultures, so why do you want to spend any time with us? Just drive to each race yourself, buy tickets and lodging, and observe what's happening on-track. Shouldn't cost you more than about $100,000 a year. Per person. No problem, right? Not when the alternative is, you know, reading/watching and then forming your OWN opinion.
Mr. Busch needs to remember to think twice before stepping outside the box. It's ugly mob rules. Not worth the trouble! Media, please stop provoking. Treat others as you want to be treated. (Troy)
This was a common thread, that the media somehow "provoked" Kurt Busch. Let's break this one down, shall we?
1. If a driver can't handle being simply asked questions, even "provocative" ones, without losing his mind, it might be time for him to consider an alternative line of work ... one where he's not paid a ton of money to drive a car in a circle.
2. Busch is in this predicament because of his own actions. Nobody else's. And in December, he took responsibility for that and promised to conduct himself more professionally. That seems to have been lost in the rush to defend Kurt.
3. Sporting News' Bob Pockrass asked a question in a professional manner and, like so many before him, got back a smarmy, sarcastic answer. Let's apply "treat others as you want to be treated" equally, shall we?
4. It's funny how drivers love the media when they want us around to promote their latest sponsor initiative/charity event, but then slag the media as "tabloid" when the off-track stories don't break their way. Just, you know, an observation.
5. The media didn't fire Kurt Busch twice from Chase-level teams. And the media didn't GET Kurt fired. Another observation.
You should have a mic stuck in your face after you drive home from the race. Leave the drivers alone and report on the crap NASCAR puts them through. You must be a Dem. Only half the story! (James Liptrap)
Leave the drivers alone? Really? Not sure their sponsors would like that. And if you're looking for someone to "report on the crap" of NASCAR, few can match Pockrass, FYI. Man ... talk about telling only "half the story." (Also, let's be honest: both sides have their problems telling the whole story. But NO MORE POLITICS.)
One other thing: NASCAR holds the top-five drivers after each race to do on-track interviews. It wasn't like Pockrass ambushed Kurt. And even if he did, the burden is on the driver to act like a professional. If a member of the media is REALLY being unprofessional, go on Twitter and call 'em out. Make it public. There are those in the NASCAR media pool who would gleefully jump on one of their own if it meant getting in better with the drivers. But be specific. Hurt feelings are not evidence.
Does NASCAR have favorite sons? Why is this hothead still racing? They come down hard on some and others skate by, is it because NASCAR likes the drama? They need to [expletive] can this guy. (racefanmich)
You think NASCAR is favoring Kurt Busch? There's proof that we all see the world the way we want to. (Yes, NASCAR does like the drama, as long as it doesn't make the sport look too bad. As we've seen, that can be a devil's bargain.)
If stupid people ask stupid questions, they deserve stupid answers and the notion that everyone has to be on best behavior all the time because of a fan with a cell phone is ludicrous. It's almost as if they really, really wanted to get him, and in turn it makes NASCAR look childlike, almost grade-schoolish. (Chris H, St. Louis)
"Stupid people asking stupid questions and getting stupid answers" ? sounds like this whole mailbag right here. (I kid! Not all your questions are stupid.)
If I was going to make a list of people who make NASCAR look "childlike and grade-schoolish," it'd probably be different from yours. And yes, there is absolutely no middle ground between "best behavior" and throwing out f-bombs and screaming at everyone around you. That's not a stupid statement at all.
Jay, you must admit that was a stupid question that the reporter asked. All he was trying to do was egg Kurt on. There are some reporters that don't belong in the business. (Jim Lewis)
Bob Pockrass absolutely belongs, and anybody who says differently needs to educate themselves on his work. (I'd actually like to see some legitimate examples of the "unprofessional" and "tabloid" journalism that drivers and fans seem to think is so prevalent in NASCAR. Send me links. Trust me, compared to, say, college football, the journalism in NASCAR is like a gentle backrub to the drivers and teams.)
This whole "stupid question" angle mystifies me. What was stupid about it? In December, Kurt promised to behave better. He was on probation and got challenged, ON THE TRACK, by Allgaier. Pockrass was, in effect, asking Busch how he was handling RACING while under probation. Both Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski have mentioned the chilling effect of probation on their on-track style. Despite what Busch (and some fans) seem to think, that's the very DEFINITION of a racing question.
And finally, if he WAS trying to "egg Kurt on," so what? You mean to tell me Busch lacks the self-control to be able to handle a freaking QUESTION? Some of you are giving these drivers less accountability than a dog that's not housebroken. "Dog peed on the rug? IT'S THE RUG'S FAULT FOR BEING THERE!"
We done with this story? Obviously not, but let's move on to something far less controversial ... like Danica Patrick.
____________________
People are asking why was Danica Patrick invited to the Prelude to the Dream. They claim she has no business there and that she is unqualified. Let's be serious, this is an exhibition race for a great cause. This is about getting some of the most popular drivers from a variety of disciplines to compete, Saturday night style, for the benefit of fans and more importantly to raise money for charity. If Danica's presence can sell a few more pay-per-view orders or put another few backsides in the stands then she is doing exactly what she and every other driver there was invited to do. If it was purely about the race, then most of the drivers invited would be exchanged for the top dirt late model stars.
? Bill
Yeah, that Kurt Busch is ... wait, what? That wasn't a Kurt question. Oh. Too bad. Anyway, yeah, I agree with what Bill said about Danica's participation. Far as I'm concerned, she's still got goodwill to burn, based on the eyeballs and revenue she's bringing to NASCAR. At some point, that won't be the case, but if you're begrudging her participating in a charity event, it's probably time to reassess your life.
Wow, negativity left and right today! Let's wrap with a high note. Someone praised ... Pocono? Really? Huh.
____________________
I'm tired of people [expletive]ing on Pocono. Big Bill begged Doc Mattioli to take a second race and Doc was very reluctant. And the actual racing is a hell of a lot better than a lot of other tracks. Five-wide on restarts there is awesome. Going to 400 miles is a plus, too. I've been to 10-15 races there and was never disappointed. Maybe it was the naked chicks in the infield! By the way, if you like beer, the area from Long Pond to Williamsport has great microbreweries. Beautiful area, as well.
? Mike Deppen
Naked chicks? Beer? That's not about racing, Mike! Kurt Busch would NOT approve! (Thanks. Good recommendations.)
And on that note, we're out. Thanks to all our writers this week. You want in? Fire up the computer and hit us with whatever's on your mind, NASCAR-wise, at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com. You can find Yahoo! Sports' NASCAR coverage on Facebook right here, and you can follow me on Twitter at @jaybusbee and on Facebook here. Make sure to tell us where you're from. We'll make you famous!
Tuesday
Tony Stewart gives his take on incident that led to Kurt Busch?s suspension
On Tuesday night, defending Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart hosted a special edition of his semi-annual "Tony Stewart Live" show on Sirius NASCAR Radio, and, of course, the topic of Kurt Busch and his suspension came up.
Busch was suspended by NASCAR on Monday for Sunday's race at Pocono for remarks he made to the Sporting News' Bob Pockrass for a question that was (legitimately and respectfully) posed to Busch about racing with Justin Allgaier after Saturday's Nationwide race.
As has been well documented, Stewart and the media have a relationship that can alternate between contentious and cordial seemingly dependent on the wind, humidity, Stewart's attitude or simply his choice of deodorant. So when Stewart offered up his view on Busch's response and the events surrounding it, you can probably guess the angle already.
It's sad but true. And honestly Kurt is right, Bob Pockrass is probably the biggest mixer in the whole media center.
Every time he interviews somebody it is strictly about something controversial, so that's just kind of his angle, but, you know, just because he asks you a question? the great thing I've learned is when it comes to Pockrass, if I don't ? if he asks me something that I know ? which 9 times out of 10 it's something that is going to make you frustrated, you just don't even answer it. Just go on to the next question.
Unfortunately there's too many of those guys out there but, I'll be honest, I liked his answer (chuckles). I kind of thought it was good when it pertains to Bob Pockrass. Bob's a decent guy, he just, there's so many good things to write about in our sport and there's a couple of reporters out there that strictly want to be tabloid journalists and unfortunately he's one of them.
Later, Stewart continued the discussion with Charlotte TV affiliate WSCO-TV's Alan Cavanna.
Let's get this out of the way: this entire situation should in no way be a referendum on Pockrass, no matter what Tony Stewart says. (Turning into such is a distraction from the larger issue.) Bob is not TMZ. Far from it. There's a reason he's respected by so many.
If you can separate Stewart's criticism of what he perceives to be unfair tactics, he's got a great point about the entire incident that could have kept Busch on the Pocono entry list. (Hint, it's answer B from Jay Busbee's post on Sunday.)
Journalists have an obligation to the public to ask questions about topics that at times may seem "controversial" to the newsmakers involved. And a lot of times, those "controversial" topics are the ones that are on many people's minds.
But guess what? The people who are asked the questions have no obligation to answer them. Had Busch simply said "no comment," thanked his sponsor, or talked about the how well the team and the guys back at the shop did, he avoids the topic fairly easily. And he's racing at Pocono. Instead, we're still discussing what should have been a fairly routine post-race interview from Saturday on Tuesday.
MotoGP set to scrap rookie rule
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/motorcycles/motogp/motogp-set-to-scrap-rookie-rule
Memo to New York Post: Dooring Is Illegal, Not a ?Freak Accident?
The New York [...]
Source: http://www.streetsblog.org/2012/06/18/memo-to-new-york-post-dooring-is-illegal-not-a-freak-accident/
Monday
Happy Hour: Is Dale Earnhardt Jr. going for points over wins?
Welcome to the latest Happy Hour mailbag! You know how these work: You write us with your best rant/ joke/one-liner at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com or on Twitter at @jaybusbee, we respond to your messages, everyone goes away with a smile on their face.
I'm on U.S. Open duty for Devil Ball this week, so I'll be filling your Twitter feeds with all kinds of wacky golf jokes. (Now you'll know how my golf readers feel when I'm tweeting about Kurt Foxing Busch and Juan Pablo Montoya, Jet Dryer Killer.) Anyway, the U.S. Open is set up to be the toughest test in golf, making pros look like regular joes out there on the course. This is an approach that NASCAR ought to take for one race. Give 'em stock tires to race on. Stick a few passengers in each car. Hell, make 'em race minivans on the highway. I'm all over that! Anyway, come hang at Devil Ball. I treat golf with the same respect and reverence I do our beloved NASCAR. And with that, your letters!
It seems to me that JR is making the chase and would make it anyway whether he finished 8th or 25th. Wouldn't it be better to risk it and go for the win and possibly get bonus points to start the chase, not to mention get everybody off his back for not winning? I just think with the cushion he has and the consistent way he has been running, that 17 points won't make a difference.
? Steve Kinzer
I think that way lies madness, Steve. I think Junior did exactly the right thing in pitting, for two reasons. First, he could have fallen as far as fifth in the standings. Second, he specifically said that running out of gas would have upset him for weeks. Say what you will about his mindset, I think it's a fair trade, going points racing to hold onto second place in the standings. And while the Chase appears to be a sure thing, let's not get too far ahead of ourselves. If he'd fallen to, say, fifth place, he'd only be about 70 points out of 11th place. Right now? He could skip two races and still be in the top 10. The fuel gamble was just a headache he didn't need. Your mileage, of course, may vary. (Get it? Get it...?)
____________________
Every NASCAR season, I am sad to turn my TV channel to TNT for race coverage for 6 weeks. Each year, I hope that TNT has finally hired TV commentators that know what they are talking about, are entertaining to listen to, and make watching the race exciting like the commentators on ESPN and Fox. However, every year I am completely disappointed. The commentators are HORRIBLE, AWFUL, and just an annoyance to listen to...
? Dayna B
California
Dayna went on for another few hundred words after that, but you get the idea. Anyway, no matter which broadcast team is on, the others are better. We hate DW when Fox is on, we loathe Kyle Petty when TNT is on, and we long for the days of Fox and TNT when ESPN is on. We're a whiny bunch.
That said ... TNT absolutely pooched the broadcast on Sunday. They missed not one, not two, but three accidents, they didn't cover pit road effectively, and the announcing acumen left a lot to be desired. I like all three cats in the booth for TNT, but boy ... this was an off week for them. Hopefully they get it together in time for Michigan.
____________________
Well, it seems the boys are aggravated at all the pit road speeding penalties at Pocono. Seems they forgot to pick up the maps showing where the timing sensors were this week. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the pit road speed limit put in to place as a safety measure ? and not as another level of competition to see who could speed without getting caught. Here's a novel idea boys, how about just doing the speed limit and quit worrying about where the sensors are. If you ask me, if NASCAR were serious about pit road safety ? they would continuously change the location of the sensors and not let the teams get used to where they can speed. Of course, that's just my opinion. I could be wrong.
? Mike Lang
That's an interesting point, and would certainly place safety over gamesmanship. Problem is, it'd lead to all kinds of conspiracy theories (dammit! there they are again!) if guys were getting dinged with speeding penalties and they didn't know why. Shoot, imagine if, say, a long-suffering driver were to win a race while others were tagged with speeding penalties? Why, that'd be downright unseemly!
Anyway, good idea, but the thought of putting anything more under NASCAR's control without oversight/transparency makes me a little queasy. I think I need a good ol' racing story to cleanse the palate ...
____________________
We were at the Lincoln Speedway in Illinois a few weeks ago and saw Kenny Wallace, Kenny Schrader and Justin Allgaier. Kenny Wallace won the feature, but in his classy fashion said he wished Justin had had a better car. He said he was going to send his crew chief to Justin to get his car handling better for the next night's race in Peoria "because Justin is the best on dirt." He told the crowed he loved us and appreciated us. Schrader was scrappy and we loved watching him. All three signed autographs after the race. It was cool.
? Barb
Like so many of you, Barb had multiple topics in her letter (Friends! Don't worry! I don't mind getting multiple emails!), but I thought this one warranted the focus. If you're sick of the Jimmie-Kurt-Junior drama, if you think NASCAR is one big clown show, go find a dirt track in your area. Or, hell, make one. Racing is racing, no matter whether it's multimillion-dollar cars or neighborhood kids on tricycles. Put 'im in the wall, Timmy!
And hey, speaking of clowns ...
____________________
I think Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals (baseball, for those who don't follow stick & ball sports) may have just saved a handful of the more colorful NASCAR drivers millions of dollars, and in at least one case a career, with his brilliant response to a stupid (yes, stupid) reporter's inquiry:� "That's a clown question, bro!"
Kurt Busch, Shrub, Smoke, Kevin Harvick, etc., just add that to your repertoire! �You might have to say it about a million times a weekend, but with what passes for journalism these days, especially in the NASCAR garage, it may be all you are allowed to say!
? Nick H.
Ventura, Calif.
Yeah! Yeah! Hey, wait ... what? Screw you, Nick from Ventura!
No, you're actually exactly right. There are ways to disregard dumb questions without getting yourself in trouble. Now, Harper is a known pain in interviews; he makes Kurt Busch look like Trevor Bayne. But you know what? Unlike Busch (and, for that matter, Nick), Harper disregarded the question without going after the questioner. There's a HUGE difference. Still a jerk move, yes, but a jerk move that doesn't get you suspended. (Hey, we all have dumb questions at times. I once fumbled a question to Phil Mickelson and basically ended up asking him how hot it was on this hot day. He looked at me and replied, "Hot." Stupid media.)
____________________
On behalf of NASCAR fans everywhere, I wish to apologize for our ignorance and stupidity. Week after week I become more and more disappointed in our idiotic mailbag questions and the way we are treating you and NASCAR. I mean, really? All of these ridiculous conspiracy theories make me embarrassed to call myself a NASCAR fan. HAVE A LITTLE FAITH, PEOPLE! Am I the only one left who still loves NASCAR? I have defended NASCAR fans my whole life, but I'm done defending us. The way we are acting shows we clearly don't deserve this great sport. Jay, you have handled these questions with dignity and grace, but some of these issues make me sad that you need to address them.
? Sean Gossett
Ha! Sean, my friend, do not worry. Takes all kinds to make up a sport, from devotees to utter cranks. Problem is, the cranks tend to yell a lot more than the devotees. But in the end, none of us can impact your enjoyment of what happens on the track if you don't want us to. Find your guy, watch 'em run, and enjoy this kick-ass sport. The rest? Take it or leave it. (Oh, but always stop by Yahoo! Sports. Every single day.)
And on that note, we're out. Thanks to all our writers this week. You want in? Fire up the computer and hit us with whatever's on your mind, NASCAR-wise, at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com. You can find Yahoo! Sports' NASCAR coverage on Facebook right here, and you can follow me on Twitter at @jaybusbee and on Facebook here. Make sure to tell us where you're from. We'll make you famous!
Innes Ireland Eddie Irvine Chris Irwin Jean Pierre Jabouille
Official: 2014 Kia Sorento finally shows its face
Here it is: the 2014 Kia Sorento. And to no one's surprise, it's no different than what we've seen in the slow striptease of spy shots. That's not a bad thing, though. The updated Sorento's new front fascia, redesigned alloy wheels and freshened rear end look good, and they certainly fall in line with what Kia has done to its latest crop of new products.
Like the current Sorento, Kia will offer its top-selling crossover in both five- and seven-passenger configurations. As of this writing, it's unclear whether or not the interior has been significantly upgraded in terms of materials or design - Kia's European site debuting only the trio of exterior images you see here - though the press release mentions things like a new LCD instrument cluster, a revised center stack with a seven-inch display and a "more luxurious character." Likewise, no new powertrain details have been divulged at this time. Here in the United States, we expect both four- and six-cylinder engines to be on tap.
We'll have more details when the Sorento makes its official U.S. debut in the not-too-distant future. For now, scroll down for Kia's official press blast.
Continue reading 2014 Kia Sorento finally shows its face
2014 Kia Sorento finally shows its face originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jun 2012 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/18/2014-kia-sorento-finally-shows-its-face/
H10: Lotterer and Audi still on top
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/real-world-racing/3rdparty/h10-lotterer-and-audi-still-on-top
Apple Drops Transit Directions From Mobile Devices
WalkScore is launching a campaign to preserve transit directions as a standard feature in Apple's mobile devices.
Yesterday�Apple announced details for iOS 6, the new operating system for iPad and iPhone, and it looks like transit directions will be casualties of the company’s decision to [...]
Source: http://dc.streetsblog.org/2012/06/13/apple-drops-transit-directions-from-mobile-devices/
Z Line Designs Toyota Parker Kligerman Trevor Bayne Out! Pet Care Toyota
Bautista claims maiden pole
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/motorcycles/motogp/bautista-claims-maiden-pole
Olivier Grouillard Brian Gubby Andrй Guelfi Miguel Бngel Guerra
Sunday
This insane race car is designed to compete in F1's all-electric series
Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Technology, Specialty, Design/Style, Electric, Racing
There seems to be a certain element of sexiness missing from electric car racing. The quiet whir of a field of motors simply lacks the carnal pull of the bark and fury of a chorus of internal combustion mills thrashing their way to the podium.
And then there's design. Slaves to efficiency, electric racers typically adopt aesthetics borrowed from more from the suppository market than the race track. But the FIA's upcoming Formula E may change all that. Take the Bluebird GTL Formula E race car concept as evidence. The design looks to be heavily influenced by the latest crop of closed-cockpit Le Mans prototype racers as well as Formula One design. There may be a little Dark Knight thrown in there as well.
Details are scarce on the vehicle's drivetrain at the moment. Team Bluebird says right now, the car is mostly just a design concept penned to demonstrate the significant aerodynamic work being performed, and may be more opportunities for sponsorship in the fledgling Formula E.
This insane race car is designed to compete in F1's all-electric series originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Jun 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/17/this-insane-race-car-is-designed-to-compete-in-f1s-all-electric/
Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki
MORE THAN 1000 FANS CELEBRATE MATT HAGAN'S 2011 FUNNY CAR CHAMPIONSHIP IN HIS HOMETOWN
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/12/more_than_1000_fans_celeb.php
Peter Gethin Piercarlo Ghinzani Bruno Giacomelli Dick Gibson
Bautista claims maiden pole
Source: http://www.iracing.com/inracingnews/other-news/motorcycles/motogp/bautista-claims-maiden-pole
William Clyde Elliott Jeffrey Michael Gordon Charles Robert Hamilton IV Charles Robert Hamilton V
Rumormill: Lancia contemplating Chrysler 300-based Thema coupe?
Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Chrysler, Rumormill, Luxury, Lancia
Head overseas and you may run into a Chrysler 300 wearing a distinctly foreign badge: that of Lancia. The awkward stepchild of the Fiat group rebadges Chrysler vehicles as their own and gives them nameplates from their own back-catalog. Lancia calls its rebadged 300 the Thema, but aside from the handle, it's pretty much the same. But could Chrysler's Italian cousin prompt the development of a coupe version?
According to the latest churn of the rumormill, yes, it could. Chrysler has already used the platform for the two-door Dodge Challenger, a vehicle that isn't officially offered in Europe. When Auburn Hills wanted to offer the Dodge Magnum in Europe, it gave the low-slung power-wagon bodystyle to the 300, but with that model out of the way, why not a two-door?
The question for us, of course, is - were Lancia to go ahead with such a development - could it make it back over to the States? An Italian-designed American two-door might satisfy a market (however small) that was last filled in the late 1980s Chrysler TC by Maserati and the Pininfarina-designed Cadillac Allanté.
Lancia contemplating Chrysler 300-based Thema coupe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Jun 2012 17:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | CommentsSource: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/15/lancia-contemplating-chrysler-300-based-thema-coupe/
Dale Arnold Jarrett Jimmie Kenneth Johnson Kasey Kenneth Kahne Matthew Roy Kenseth
MORE THAN 1000 FANS CELEBRATE MATT HAGAN'S 2011 FUNNY CAR CHAMPIONSHIP IN HIS HOMETOWN
Source: http://www.motorsportsjournal.com/archives/2011/12/more_than_1000_fans_celeb.php
Emmanuel de Graffenried Lucas di Grassi Cecil Green Keith Greene