Autoblog

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The Redline Time Attack series has been growing steadily since its inception a few years ago. The events follow a format similar to the qualifying portion of a typical race -- essentially fastest time wins. Redline events have been the stage for several exciting top lap time battles, such as one between James Sofronas (of SCCA Speed World Challenge fame) piloting his GMG Porsche GT3 against XS Engineering with their R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R (of Speed's Street Tuner Challenge fame). Recently we caught up with the Redline Time Attack series at California Autoclub Speedway to see what sort of competition Southern California could stir up. On top of the normal schedule, the event featured the first Live Sockets Circuit Battle competition. Circuit Battle differed from Time Attack in that it paired two cars together for a lead and chase race over 3 laps for best average time. Hit the jump to find out some of the results and check out all the photos in the gallery below.

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Need a new car? If you're the Saturn Astra is on your shopping list, be wary of saliva spots... and while you're at it, pucker up. GM is running a Saturn "Kiss My Astra" contest, in which entrants are directed to capture their adventures in Saturn smooching on camera and upload them to the I M Saturn website. There, the online community of Saturn fans (we know, we were surprised, too) will judge the photos and declare a winner in September. The prize is a Saturn Astra XR. You're free to make out with any Astra you like, even your neighbor's, though you might officially become the neighborhood weirdo if people catch you locking lips with their ride. GM's Bob Lutz demonstrates his man-car love technique in the enclosed galery. Somebody turn a hose on this guy.


[Source: Inside Line]

For 20 years, a mass of automotive enthusiasts has descended upon Atlanta Motor Speedway for the NOPI Nationals Motorsports Supershow. NOPI, a Georgia-based aftermarket parts and accessories dealer, built a loyal following with their Nationals Supershow, attracting upwards of 90,000 attendees each year. Through the success of their car and trucks shows the company also took on the task of running a nationwide drag race and drifting series more, but this year NOPI won't be filling Atlanta Speedway's infield for the 21st year this September, as the Nationals Motorsport Supershow has been canceled. In fact, all remaining 2008 NOPI events from car shows to drag racing and drifting, have been called off.

According to NOPI, the rationale behind the decision is due to the tough times currently being endured by the automotive industry. With vehicle sales in the dumpster, one can only image that accessory purchases are also being cut from most consumers' budgets. Compounded with the rising fuel prices and reduced event attendance, finishing out the event schedule did not make economic sense for NOPI. It is sad to hear of such a staple event forced to shutter. Hopefully NOPI can weather the storm and bring back the debauchery another season.

[Source: NOPI]

Their plate may be filled with churning out Tesla Roadsters and developing the Model S sedan, but Tesla Motors can't seem to get a break from the lawsuits. First there was the tiff with transmission supplier Magna, followed by potential development partner Fisker, and now Tesla is facing a class action (it's not a class action lawsuit until a judge deems it so) lawsuit from former Director of Public Relations, David Vespremi. Vespremi ended up on the cutting room floor during the tornado that swept through the company ranks at the end of 2007 was let go prior to the layoffs in January of this year. Vespremi is trying to connect his firing to the layoffs, but according to Tesla's Darryl Siry, that's not the case -- his termination was a separate matter. The details of the lawsuit allege that Tesla Motors did not practice good faith or fair dealing, violated labor codes with unpaid wages and waiting periods, and utilized unfair business practices. The document also listed libel and slander due to the harsh words spoken from the mouths of executives to the media when referencing the former employees. Thanks for the tip Jan!

UPDATE: Darryl Siry of Tesla wanted to clear a few things up with the story. To begin with, a judge must certify a lawsuit as class action before it can be deemed as such. That hasn't happened yet. Additionally, the part of the lawsuit filed by David Vespremi that asks for class action status has nothing to do with libel, slander, or defamation. The only part of Vespremi's lawsuit that could be classified as "class" has to do with Tesla's arbitration and non-conciliation clause in his employment agreement.

[Source: San Mateo Court]

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For those readers sweltering in the summer heat, we have some winter-inspired news to cool you off. Back in February, Ferrari revealed that its engineering group would team with the Italian Olympic Committee to develop advanced equipment designs for Olympic sports, one such event being the bobsled. Apparently at about the same time, another automaker was also knee-deep in its own bobsled adventure. Group Lotus was commissioned by the Royal Air Force (RAF) to make some repairs on a sled the team intended to use for the 2008 Inter-Services Ice Championships. In general disrepair with significant nose damage and body cracks, the bobsled required complete refurbishment before it would be deemed competition-worthy. The RAF team approached Lotus based on the group's experience working with composite materials. The combination of RAF's aerospace engineering knowledge teamed with Lotus's roadgoing experience was sure to create one mean sleigh.

The 70 hours of engineering time dedicated to the sled's makeover saw it achieve speeds approaching 85 mph, sending the RAF team to third place at the Inter-Services Ice Championships with Sergeant Michelle Coy at the helm and Junior Technician Caroline Gray at the brakes. Although there weren't reports on the number of competitive entries, a podium finish for the new development team sounds respectable to us.


[Source: Gizmag.com]

For some time now, rumors have been flying around the NASCAR pits about Tony Stewart's future with Joe Gibbs Racing. Many speculators felt certain that Stewart would break out of his Gibbs Racing contract for a chance at part ownership of the Haas/CNC team. However, both sides assured that any resolution would not be reported before season end. Not quite. possibly tiring of incessant media questioning, the official details have now been made public. Joe Gibbs Racing will in fact be releasing Tony Stewart from his contract a year early. As expected Stewart will take on a part ownership role with HAAS/CNC, set to become Stewart Haas Racing.

The deal leaves no burned bridges between Stewart and his ten-year home though, as both parties stand to gain plenty. After all, it's rumored that Stewart's move will award him the largest salary in NASCAR. Not to mention that Joe Gibbs Racing has a stable of eager up and coming drivers willing to jump in the empty seat. Part of the deal also assures that all of the Home Depot car's talented crew stay a part of Joe Gibbs Racing. Stewart's new role as owner sees him moving from Home Depot sponsorship to the more fitting corporate image of Office Depot.

[Source: ESPN, Image: Geoff Burke/Getty]

Professional drifting series, Formula D, is trying to quickly win over fans and competitors in order to become one of the top forms of motorsport in the United States. As folks have learned in the markets this past year, though, rapid growth does not come without some giant bumps in the road. It looks like Formula D has now slid into a wall with a few of its teams. Confusion surrounding the series rule book has come to a head in discussions at Drifting.com. The rules state that any change to a vehicle's OEM suspension design must be approved by Formula D. Of course, a visual inspection of every car lined up for a run at a Formula D event proves that no one is utilizing 100% OEM suspension components. Aftermarket coilovers, adjustable control arms and urethane bushings are all-too-,common modifications seen throughout the pits. Therefore, there must be a list available to competitors outlining the approved components for all competing vehicles. No such list is available, however. That means teams have no method of verifying that other competitors are following the rules, other than the fact an entry passed Formula D's own tech inspection. Current discussion is making a case for the use of vehicle technical sheets as found in series such as SCCA Speed World Challenge to list all allowable modifications for approved competition vehicles.

One particular team lies behind the call for rule revisions, while other concerned competitors back up their request for clarification. The vocal team is the group behind the Super Autobacs Nissan Skyline, which was recently deemed ineligible for competition by Formula D. The series organizers claim the Skyline features illegal front suspension modifications by using the OEM parts off a Nissan Laurel. However, the RWD Scion tC campaigning in the series is eligible despite also using suspension parts from another Toyota vehicle that shares the same chassis. The rules become particularly unclear when other vehicles are allowed to run with obviously altered suspension setups. 350Zs have altered the mounting points of their rear axles and Chevrolet Corvettes have converted from leaf springs to coilovers. Hopefully, Formula D can learn from this tussle and develop a fair and documented method of approving vehicle,s rather than leaving everyone in the dark. Thanks for the tip MrCoolGuy!

[Source: Drifting.com]

Come September 1, 2009, Canadian bumper standards will finally adhere to those in Europe and the United States, despite IIHS disagreeing on the matter. Canada's current standards have very strict low speed impact requirements. These damage protection standards often lead manufacturers to tack ugly padding on their bumpers. The unique standards can also be used as an excuse to keep many vehicles out of the Canadian market altogether. The costs necessary for manufacturers to meet and verify these tough regulations only up the price for the maple leaf market over the rest of North America. The adoption of a consistent standard should diminish the confusion felt by automotive consumers and allow them access to the cars they desire. It might also add more cushion for careless pedestrians who manage to get tagged by slow moving vehicles. Thanks for the tips everyone.

[Source: Canada Gazette]

It is never pleasant to report auto-related tragedies. Thats why it's particularly saddening to report the death of NHRA driver Scott Kalitta, who suffered a horrific crash during Funny Car qualifying at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ on Saturday. Witnesses pegged his speed to be in the range of 300 mph when his engine exploded, engulfing the car in flames. Kalitta was the '94 and '95 Top Fuel champion and his presence will certainly be missed in the NHRA. He is survived by his wife and two sons. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Kalitta's family and friends. Thanks to all who sent tips.

[Source: The Star-Ledger]

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Four years after it first hit showrooms, the Scion tC will finally make a showing in a professional road racing series. And no, factory optioned and equipped vehicles being tossed around Long Beach by B-list celebrities cannot be considered professional. A tC has already been heavily modified to compete in the Formula Drift series, but the peppy compact's road race profile, outside the annual celebrity race of course, has been relatively low. This weekend though, Toyota's sporty little coupe will be moving up from amateur abuse to make its big time debut in Grand-Am's KONI Challenge Series. This week's race will take place at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH and the tC will be part of the ST (Sport Touring) class.

The Scion's venture into the KONI series is being fueled by communications firm Jackson-Dawson, TRD and BGB Motorsports. Driver and team manager Dan (pronounced Don) Gardner has taken his Scion's setup through the NASA club ranks to prove its worth. Having already tackled that territory, moving onto a production-based national series is the next logical step for the team. In the KONI Challenge ST class, Dan and his tC will face formidable foes such as Mazda RX8s, BMW 330s and Acura TSXs. While Toyota may be competitive on the ovals, hopefully this one can do better on the curves than the company's F1 effort. Check out the gallery below for snap shots of the Jackson-Dawson Scion tC and hit the jump for the full press release.


[Photos: Brian Reynolds - CaliPhotography.com]