Global Rallycross Race Recap: Atlanta

If you think you’ve heard this one before, you may be right—for the second race in a row, Toomas Heikkinen, Tanner Foust, and Sverre Isachsen comprised the podium in Saturday’s Sylvania SilverStar zXe Global Rallycross at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Heikkinen swept both heat 1A and 2A, earning two bonus points, while Scott Speed earned the second transfer spot from 2A. Ken Block swept heats 1B and 2B as well, taking Steve Arpin with him into the final. Tanner Foust earned a front row spot by winning 2C, while 1C winner Brian Deegan also transferred. In the last chance qualifier, Dave Mirra passed Timur Timerzyanov to take the victory, while Sverre Isachsen earned the final transfer spot.

On main event, Heikkinen’s quick start may have been overshadowed by Block’s failure to launch, a mechanical problem that relegated him to one lap completed. From there, Foust attempted to chase down his OlsbergsMSE teammate to no avail, as Heikkinen’s pure pace and a flat tire kept the defending series champion at bay.

Deegan seemed like a lock for third place until a late mechanical failure sent him off, yielding the final podium spot to Isachsen. A persistent Mirra, in his first final of the year, held on for fourth, with Timerzyanov in fifth. The cars that failed to finish belonged to Deegan, Speed, Block, and Arpin.

– I think the pressure is gone right now. We have a long holiday after this one, and I think I’ll just go home and relax and test. The team has done good work, and that’s why I’m here. Without Andreas Eriksson, this is not possible. I want to win every race!, commented Heikkinen.

RESULTS: The results from Saturday’s Sylvania SilverStar zXe Global Rallycross at Atlanta Motor Speedway:

1. Toomas Heikkinen, #57 OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta ST
2. Tanner Foust, #34 OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta ST
3. Sverre Isachsen, #11 Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team WRX STI
4. Dave Mirra, #40 Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team WRX STI
5. Timur Timerzyanov, #199 Pastrana Racing Dodge Dart
6. Brian Deegan, #38 OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta ST
7. Scott Speed, #77 OMSE2 Ford Fiesta
8. Ken Block, #43 Hoonigan Racing Division Ford Fiesta ST
9. Steve Arpin, #32 OMSE2 Ford Fiesta
10. Henning Solberg, #99 Pastrana Racing Dodge Dart
11. Patrik Sandell, #18 OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta ST
12. Bucky Lasek, #81 Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team WRX STI

DRIVER POINTS:

1. Toomas Heikkinen, 139
2. Tanner Foust, 96
3. Brian Deegan, 84
4. Ken Block, 80
5. Patrik Sandell, 75
6. Sverre Isachsen, 65
7. Scott Speed, 63
8. Liam Doran, 59
9. Steve Arpin, 58
10. Bucky Lasek, 35
11. Timur Timerzyanov, 34
12. Travis Pastrana, 32
13. Dave Mirra, 31
14. Mattias Ekstrom, 26
15. Anton Marklund, 26
16. Bryce Menzies, 21
17. Townsend Bell, 16
18. Guilherme Spinelli, 14
19. Nelson Piquet Jr., 13
20. Rhys Millen, 13
21. Buddy Rice, 7
22. Henning Solberg, 7
23. Mauricio Neves, 5
24. Stephan Verdier, 5
25. Edu Marques, 3
26. David Sterckx, 1

MANUFACTURER POINTS:

1. Ford, 264
2. Subaru, 109
3. Dodge, 94

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Double win for Jaguar at AvD Oldtimer GP at the Nürburgring

Jaguar Heritage Racing is celebrating a double win at this weekend’s AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, with Alex Buncombe successfully campaigning both the C-type and E-type on the Grand Prix circuit.

Saturday’s Gentleman Drivers Race, featuring period GT race cars built before 1965, saw Alex beat off stiff competition in a very close 50-minute race.  Despite Alex qualifying in pole position, he saw his advantage snatched away as he got stuck behind other entrants on the grid and ultimately had to start from the pits. He soon got back to the front of the pack and went on to win in the race-proven 1961 E-type, which carries the registration: ‘1196 WK’.  

Jaguar Heritage Racing’s second victory of the weekend came on Sunday in the Two Seater GT race (1960/1961 with Le Mans start), which Alex won in a C-type once owned by Formula One legend Juan Manuel Fangio.

– What a fantastic weekend for Jaguar, and for me personally.  I won the E-type Challenge race here in 2012, so to come back this year and win again is extremely satisfying, especially in the circumstances where I lost my pole advantage to congestion on the grid.  The victory in the C-type was equally as sweet, and I feel very privileged to be part of this great Jaguar Heritage Racing team in such significant historic race cars, commented Buncombe.

The Jaguar Heritage Racing team also entered a Mk II, which raced on the Friday in the AvD Historic Marathon on the Nordschleife, finishing third in class after 210 minutes of racing.

– It was my first time racing on the Nordschleife, so I’m very pleased with our performance on Friday, told Le Mans 24 Hours winner Andy Wallace.

– The opportunity to race on this historic circuit in such a beautifully prepared Jaguar Mk II was fantastic and I enjoyed every minute.  The rest of the weekend belonged to Alex, and all credit to him for some really fantastic finishes.  Jaguar race cars have a very special place in my heart, and I feel very privileged to continue racing these legendary vehicles – they never fail to astound, and that goes for drivers and spectators alike, continued Wallace.

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Audi driver Rockenfeller at Nürburgring as DTM leader

Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM #19 (Audi Sport Team Phoenix)

Round seven at the Nürburgring (August 16 to 18) marks the beginning of the hot phase in the battle for the DTM title. 100 points are yet to be awarded and Audi driver Mike Rockenfeller is travelling to the Eifel with a 27-point advantage. ‘Rocky’ grew up in a place just half an hour away from the ‘Ring’ – accordingly, he and Audi Sport Team Phoenix, with its home base at the Nürburgring, are looking forward to the event with particularly eager anticipation.
 
From the adventure in Moscow the DTM is now moving on to the Eifel. The race at the Nürburgring ranks among the classic events on the calendar. The DTM has seen numerous gripping races there, exotic premieres like a night-time qualifying session, plus six Audi victories in total since the comeback in 2000. The proximity to the famous Nordschleife and the enthusiasm of the fans make the round in the Eifel a highlight of the season again and again. 
 
This is particularly true for the Audi drivers Mike Rockenfeller and Timo Scheider, who grew up near the circuit and for whom the Nürburgring is thus their home track. ‘Rocky’ has the chance of making another pinpoint landing in the battle for the title in front of many friends and fans. Following his second victory of the season in Moscow, the Audi driver is traveling to his home round with an advantage of 27 points over the reigning Champion Bruno Spengler. Audi Sport Team Phoenix, which fields the Audi RS 5 DTM cars of Rockenfeller and Miguel Molina, only has to cross a road to get from its base in Meuspath to the paddock. 
 
This year, the DTM is again using the 3.629-kilometre short configuration of the Grand Prix circuit on 49 laps. The circuit offers two sections – the start-finish straight in front of the first turn and the back-straight in front of the chicane – in which the Drag Reduction System (DRS) effectively supports overtaking manoeuvres. This promises a thrilling race Sunday.
 
Tickets for all DTM races of the 2013 season are available at www.audi-motorsport.com/dtm. Fans in many countries of the world can watch qualifying and the race live on the DTM’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/dtmint live. A total of 39 TV channels air live DTM coverage in 141 countries. 
 
In Germany, ARD will broadcast live on “Das Erste:” Qualifying on Saturday (August 17) starting at 14:30, the race on Sunday (August 18) starting at 13:15.

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New driver lineup for Pastrana Racing at Atlanta

Fans of Pastrana Racing who are used to seeing Travis Pastrana and Bryce Menzies in the team’s two Dodge Darts will have to get used to a wholly different lineup in Saturday’s race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Timur Timerzyanov, who has been Pastrana’s fill-in at races in Munich and Bristol, will return to the #199 car. Timerzyanov has made it to the main event twice in four starts this year, ranking 14^th in points with a total of 22. (He also raced at X Games Los Angeles with Marklund Motorsport as a teammate to Anton Marklund.)

But with Menzies unavailable for this weekend’s race, the team had to bring in a fresh face for the #99 team: Henning Solberg, the five-time Norwegian Rally champion and a veteran of over 100 World Rally Championship starts.

After debuting in WRC in 1998, Solberg shifted his focus to the series in 2004. He spent some of his best seasons in M-Sport Fords prepared by Ian Davies, who will be his crew chief. Together, they finished sixth in both the 2007 and 2009 WRC standings. Solberg’s WRC totals include six podium finishes, 31 stage victories, and 230 points.

Solberg’s transition to rallycross has been a return to his roots of sorts. He began his career in Norwegian bilcross, an entry-level version of the sport, before switching to stage rally in the mid-1990s. Earlier this year, he made his return to the sport by driving two races in Europe for Per Eklund, running the same Saab 9-3 that Andy Scott and Samuel Hubinette drove in Global Rallycross last season.

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Jaguar demonstrates its glorious past in Nürnburgring

Jaguar will have an exciting presence at the 2013 AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring (9-11 August), demonstrating not only its glorious motor racing past, but also showcasing innovation through technology and design with one of five C-X75 prototype hybrid supercars cars on static display in the main paddock area on site. 

The Nürburgring has witnessed many Jaguar race victories over the years, most recently Jaguar Heritage Racing taking the chequered flag in the E-type Challenge race at last year’s Oldtimer Grand Prix.  In 2013, Jaguar Heritage Racing driver Alex Buncombe achieved four victories in European classic races whilst driving a C-type once owned by Formula One legend Juan Manuel Fangio.

At the Oldtimer race, Alex will team up with Jaguar’s 1988 Le Mans 24 hour race winner Andy Wallace and German journalist and racing driver Roland Löwisch. This new team of drivers will compete in a Jaguar MK II in the AvD Tourenwagen Trophäe on the challenging Nordschleife, which was a gruelling endurance race for high performance saloon cars of the 1950s and 60s.

Visitors to the Jaguar hospitality zone within the paddock area at the Nürburgring will have the opportunity to view the innovative Jaguar C-X75 up close. The Jaguar C-X75 is a state-of-the-art hybrid supercar with the efficiency of a low-emissions city car. It can emit less than 89g/km of CO₂ and has a pure electric vehicle range of 60km. The C-X75 can hit 100mph from standstill in less than six seconds and has a top speed of 220mph.Its 502bhp, 1.6-litre turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine is one of the world's highest specific power output powerplants at 313bhp per litre. The C-X75's two electric motors add a further 390bhp, for a combined output in excess of 850bhp.

Although the decision was taken in 2012 that, as a result of the global economic climate, the C-X75 would not enter full production, it was clear that it was a powerful showcase for Jaguar's world-leading expertise in lightweight vehicle construction and the ideal test-bed for the company's innovative research into high-performance, low-emission powertrains.

The great achievements in the development of C-X75 prototypes - including cutting-edge hybrid technologies, carbon composite materials and advanced design solutions pioneered in association with Williams Advanced Engineering - will be utilised in other areas of research and development, innovative future products and next-generation engineering for the Jaguar and Land Rover brands.

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Wilkins chasing PWC championship with second victory

Kia Racing remained in the hunt for the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) championship this past weekend, taking to the track at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for Rounds 11 and 12 of the series. Amid a field of Mustangs, Camaros, Porsches and Aston Martins, Kia Racing’s Mark Wilkins, pilot of the No. 38 B.R.A.K.E.S. Optima turbo, took the win in Round 11, his second victory of the season and his sixth podium this year. Taking advantage of Mid-Ohio’s fast, open circuit and cool ambient temperatures, both of which suit the Optima turbo’s power and aerodynamic shape, Wilkins and Kia closed in on the lead for the GTS Driver and Manufacturer championship point standings this weekend after scoring the win Saturday and a fourth-place finish on Sunday -- Wilkins’ tenth-straight top-five result dating back to the Long Beach, Calif., race in April.  The PWC title fight moves to Sonoma Raceway for Round 13 on August 25.

“Every win, every top-five finish brings us closer to the championship, and Mid-Ohio was just another piece of that puzzle. We were confident that this track would lend itself to the strengths of our Optima turbo, and that’s exactly what happened,” said Wilkins. “A first-place finish is always something to celebrate, but the work is far from done. Being so close to the top means the entire Kia Racing team will now have to dial up our efforts on all fronts, on and off the track, to be ready for a final push towards a championship in these last two races at Sonoma and Houston.”

Teammate Nic Jönsson, driver of the No. 36 DonorsChoose.org Optima turbo, also had a strong run at Mid-Ohio.  Having captured the pole for Round 11 on Friday – setting a GTS lap record in the process – Jönsson then clocked the fastest lap of the race Saturday, leading the field for most of the 50-minute contest until a damaged CV joint brought his race to a premature end. Jönsson was credited with 15^th place and currently sits 10^th in the Driver Championship standings.

“The priority is to help Mark win the Driver Championship while accumulating as many points as we can for Kia in the Manufacturer Championship. Both goals are well within reach,” said Jönsson. “The team’s objectives should always come before individual ambitions. It’s all about the greater good. That’s how Kinetic operates and that’s the reason for our success so far this season. Now, it’s time to capitalize on our opportunity.”

The Pirelli World Challenge series next heads to Sonoma Raceway on August 25 for Round 13 before finishing the 14-round season on the streets of Houston on October 6.

Televised coverage of Rounds 11 and 12 from Mid-Ohio is scheduled to air Sunday, August 18, at 2 p.m. ET on the NBC Sports Network (dates and times subject to change).  Race fans can always tune in online for live race coverage at www.world-challengetv.com

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Double Victory for Gelznis at Snetterton

Butcher, Gelzinis and Stoneman on the Podium at Snetterton.

Lithuanian racer Jonas Gelzinis highlighted the cosmopolitan nature of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB with a double victory at Snetterton, Norfolk, at the weekend, and his success – coming on the back of a triumph in the last round at Croft - also continues the tradition of the Championship as a proving ground for young, GT racing talent. The colourful grid of powerful, 450 hp, rear-engined Porsche 911 GT3 Cup race cars once again put on a great show in support of the British Touring Car Championship. As a consequence of his two wins, Gelzinis now ties with reigning Champion Michael Meadows at the top of the title chase.

Round 11

Gelzinis won round 11 in a race that started in dramatic style when poleman Michael Meadows was penalised for a false start. Meadows (Reading) recovered from a drive-through penalty to finish fifth as Dean Stoneman (Southampton), Rory Butcher (Kirkcaldy) and Dan Lloyd (Huddersfield) ran close in the battle for second.

In Pro-Am1, Victor Jimenez (Spain) scored a resounding win after his team mate Dan De Zille (Jersey) was sidelined at the start with driveshaft failure.

Meadows lead from the start, but knew that he’d made a false start after his clutch dragged on the line. He was awarded a drive-through and that cost him 15 secs in total as he rejoined down in eighth. He ultimately fought back to finish fifth.

Meanwhile, Gelzinis (Lithuania) was controlling the race from the front and was able to respond when Stoneman closed the gap a little after working his way ahead of Butcher. Lloyd then spent many laps tracking Butcher, but that was how they stayed to the flag as Gelzinis took his second win of the season to pull level with Meadows on points.

Despite a spin, Jimenez always headed Pro-Am1 as Keith Webster (Hook) made a fine return to the championship to take second from George Brewster (Edinburgh). As Brewster struggled home without a front splitter after an off, Will Goff (Dereham) had an excellent race among the Pro-Am1 runners to claim Pro-Am2 spoils.

Jonas Gelzinis (Juta Racing) first overall:

“That is an important result. I saw that Meadows was moving at the start and I was expecting he would be penalised. I always had a bit in hand, and I was watching my mirrors and controlling the pace.”

Dean Stoneman (Redline Racing) second overall:

“It’s good to be back on the podium and do the best job I can after a tough last round. I’m very pleased with that, but I was struggling a bit with understeer.”

Rory Butcher (Celtic Speed) third overall:

“They were just a bit quicker than me, but it was just good to finish and get some points. Dan pushed me in the middle of the race, but I was able to pull a bit of a gap later in the race.”

Victor Jimenez (Redline Racing) first in Pro-Am1:

“I’m very happy with the result. But I had a spin during the race and I had quite a lot of oversteer.”

Keith Webster (Redline Racing) second in Pro-Am1:

“That was a good race: I really enjoyed it and I wanted to keep second. I had to pace myself and even when Victor spun I wasn’t close enough to him to take advantage.”

Will Goff (Goff Racing) first in Pro-Am2:

“That was very good. I was trying to keep with Keith Webster: that was my aim. I just made a few mistakes at the end of the race.”

Round 11 results:

Pro category: 1 Jonas Gelzinis; 2 Dean Stoneman; 2 Rory Butcher.
Pro-Am1 category: 1 Victor Jimenez; 2 Keith Webster; 3 George Brewster.
Pro-Am2 category: 1 Will Goff.

Round 12

Gelzinis continued his strong form to win round 12 to remain level with Meadows at the head of the Championship standings. Gelzinis burst ahead off the start line and when Meadows flat-spotted a tyre under braking on the opening lap he had to concentrate on fending off Butcher behind, rather than attacking Gelzinis in front.

Gelzinis got the perfect start to grab the lead from Meadows and controlled the race superbly from the front. The Lithuanian duly earned the ‘Driver of the Weekend award’ and Juta Racing won the Drift ‘Team of the Weekend’ prize.

With Meadows in trouble with his tyres, he came under intense pressure from Butcher with Stoneman in hot pursuit. Butcher attacked Meadows relentlessly, but not could find a gap in his defences. With Lloyd retiring following a high-speed spin on the first lap, De Zille stormed to fifth overall and a fine Pro-Am1 victory.

Jimenez ran second in Pro-Am1 and had a mighty contest with James Birch (London) while Webster was a strong third in Pro-Am1. Goff completed a strong weekend by winning Pro-Am2 for the second time.

Jonas Gelzinis (Juta Racing) first overall:

“It’s fantastic. That is three wins in a row, which makes me feel very positive looking forward because Snetterton was not my favourite track.”

Michael Meadows (Samsung Smart Motorsport) second overall:

“That was another dodgy start: we changed the clutch after the first race and maybe I was thinking about it too much. Then I flat-spotted a tyre into the hairpin on the first lap and it was a real struggle after that. We’ve been so fast this weekend, but a couple of little mistakes have cost us.”

Rory Butcher (Celtic Speed) third overall:

“I just had to keep pushing. Michael’s pace was really down at the start. The last few laps were good fun: the team has been superb and the car has been spot on all weekend.”

Dan De Zille (Redline Racing) first in Pro-Am1:

“It’s what we knew we could do before the driveshaft failed at the start of the first race. It was good to be in control of the class: then I saw Dan Lloyd coming back, but I didn’t fight against him.”

Victor Jimenez (Redline Racing) second in Pro-Am1:

“I had a very strong fight with James Birch. It was impossible to overtake, but it was a very good fight and I got more experience.”

Keith Webster (Redline Racing) third in Pro-Am1:

“I’m really pleased with that. I had consistent pace and I could see them ahead as they tripped each other up. That was proper racing.”

Will Goff (Goff Racing) first in Pro-Am2:

“I got a better start this time and had a tussle with George Brewster. I got the jump on him at the start and then he spun at Williams bend.”

Round 12 results:

Pro category: 1 Jonas Gelzinis; 2 Michael Meadows; 3 Rory Butcher.
Pro-Am1 category: 1 Dan De Zille; 2 Victor Jimenez; 3 Keith Webster.
Pro-Am2 category: 1 Will Goff.

The Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship moves to the Knockhill circuit, in Fife, Scotland, for the next two rounds on 24 – 25 August.

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World of Speed plans motorsport exposition in Oregon

World of Speed, a nonprofit experiential motor sports exposition, has purchased an 80,000 square foot building in Wilsonville, Ore., as the permanent home for an auto racing and performance car tourism destination and an auto industry educational program.

“We’ve been looking for a home for nearly a year,” said Tony Thacker, executive director, World of Speed. “Our vision is to showcase our amazing car collection in a destination tourist attraction that supports the visitor industry, and inspires young people to explore career opportunities in the auto industry in a fun and exciting environment.”

World of Speed plans to occupy the former location of Town and Country Jeep Dodge in Wilsonville, which will be organized to accommodate more than 100 vehicles, a workshop area, and space to accommodate educational activities. Melvin Mark Brokerage Company represented World of Speed in its purchase of the building.

Wilsonville Mayor Tim Knapp, an avid show-car fan who also restores older vehicles, said, “World of Speed has the potential to be an exciting new asset not just to Wilsonville, but also for the entire Portland region and state. This attraction can be a real draw for visitors from across the country and even internationally that complements the City’s tourism strategy now under development. The Wilsonville community looks forward to hosting World of Speed.”

World of Speed’s collection is comprised of race and performance cars from various venues including NASCAR, land speed racing, drag racing, open wheel, sports cars and motorcycles. The collection includes classic American muscle cars as well as racecars with a Pacific Northwest connection.

Through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, World of Speed will offer visitors a behind-the-scenes view of the world of racing. Recently, Ford Motor Company donated a Mustang that will be reconfigured into a hands-on display to showcase how a car is constructed, what materials are used and how materials are recycled. A real Indy car will function as a simulator for fans of all ages, while a car formerly raced by Danica Patrick should appeal to female visitors.

Several historic racecars are in the collection including Mickey Thompson’s famous record-breaking Assault, Herm Petersen’s Northwest Terror, and the Gaines Markley/Rob Bruins National Hot Rod Association Top Fuel Championship Car from 1979. World of Speed is also undertaking restoration responsibilities for any need that arises.

Programming and activities will expose young people to the opportunities available in the auto industry, and to help educate them to enter the workforce or advance to specialized education. A curriculum will be developed under the supervision of Mr. Thacker.

The auto industry touches nearly two million people in jobs ranging from design, assembly and repair of vehicles. According to Thacker, that figure doesn’t include the performance aftermarket and racing industry that is estimated to be $30 billion by the Specialty Equipment Market Association. A typical professional NASCAR team might employ up to 140 people including cooks, marketers and race mechanics.

“This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to showcase this sport,” said Thacker. “Vocational educational has all but disappeared from our schools at a time when the auto industry needs designers, engineers and mechanics more than ever. Oregon is the perfect location to attract and inspire young people to explore the array of promising careers in a very dynamic and popular industry. We are proud to offer this opportunity and to greet our new visitors.”

Plans for redevelopment are underway. The World of Speed is expected to open in the fall of 2014.

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Heikkinen victorious at Global Rallycross X Games L.A.

After becoming the first Global Rallycross driver to win three consecutive events at Bristol, Toomas Heikkinen did one better at X Games Los Angeles by winning his fourth straight main event. Tanner Foust and Sverre Isachsen completed the podium.

HEAT RECAPS: Isachsen, Liam Doran, Heikkinen, and Ken Block won the four heat races, while Brian Deegan, Patrik Sandell, Travis Pastrana, and Foust advanced by finishing in second. Rhys Millen and Scott Speed managed to advance via the last chance qualifier, which shrunk from 10 cars to five after a major incident at the start involving Anton Marklund and David Sterckx.

MAIN EVENT RECAP: Sverre Isachsen led the field into the first corner, but received a stop-and-go penalty for jumping the start and thus yielded the lead on the second lap. From there, Heikkinen inherited the lead and paced the field for the duration, pulling away from Foust a win of over four seconds.

Only two cars—those of Scott Speed and Liam Doran—failed to finish the race, while Ken Block completed the race with a blown tire and Brian Deegan and Patrik Sandell finished with significant front-end damage. Travis Pastrana held fourth place for most of the final before Rhys Millen made his way past in the late stages of the main event.

RESULTS: The results of Sunday’s Global Rallycross event at X Games Los Angeles:

1. Toomas Heikkinen, #57 OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta ST
2. Tanner Foust, #34 OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta ST
3. Sverre Isachsen, #11 Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team WRX STI
4. Rhys Millen, #67 Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Veloster
5. Travis Pastrana, #199 Pastrana Racing Dodge Dart
6. Ken Block, #43 Hoonigan Racing Division Ford Fiesta ST
7. Brian Deegan, #38 OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta ST
8. Patrik Sandell, #18 OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta ST
9. Scott Speed, #77 OMSE2 Ford Fiesta

10.Liam Doran, #33 LD Motorsports MINI Countryman

11.Bucky Lasek, #81 Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team WRX STI

12.Stephan Verdier, #12 Verdier Racing Subaru WRX STI

1. Bryce Menzies, #99 Pastrana Racing Dodge Dart

14.Steve Arpin, #32 OMSE2 Ford Fiesta

15.Dave Mirra, #40 Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team WRX STI

1. David Sterckx, #14 Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Veloster

17.Anton Marklund, #92 Marklund Motorsport Volkswagen Polo

18.Timur Timerzyanov, #29 Marklund Motorsport Volkswagen Polo

QUOTES: A collection of quotes from Sunday’s Global Rallycross event at X Games Los Angeles:

Toomas Heikkinen, Driver, #57 OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta ST: It’s cool! It’s cool to have a lot of points. Still we’re leading, and now we have a little bit less pressure, but the next race is in six days, and we have work to do. I think the gap opened a little bit, because Tanner didn’t win his heat and I got the one extra point, plus three points more in the final. (Since last year) I just made my own work, what I had to do. I exercised at home and the gym to get myself ready for this season. Everything is good right now, and I’m not doing anything else than smiling.

Tanner Foust, Driver, #34 OlsbergsMSE Ford Fiesta ST: It was a pretty productive weekend. It would have been nice to double gold, obviously, but I can’t complain, especially where I started in the final. It was not a good spot—I was outside of the second row, and I just watched the mayhem happen. I was thinking “oh, 10^thplace, okay,” and then all of a sudden, Ken spins, tires are flying everywhere, so I just took the outside line and ended up, I thought, in third, but I guess it was second. And I just followed Topi’s dust.

Sverre Isachsen, Driver, #11 Subaru PUMA Rallycross Team WRX STI: It was awesome! I had a good start. They said it was a jump start, but anyway, we sat in the penalty box, took our punishment, and then went back in the race. It was a perfect race the whole way. Third place today is like winning for us at Subaru. Of course we’ll go for it in Atlanta as well. We’re taking the car small steps at a time and hopefully can try to get to the top.

Rhys Millen, Driver, #67 Rhys Millen Racing Hyundai Veloster: I’m really, really happy—to not have driven the car for eight months, to do a shake down for literally a couple of hours, fly out of town and fly back in, (then) to win the LCQ and finish fourth from the back of the row. It’s just a testament to how strong and reliable that car is, and for me how much fun it is to drive.

Travis Pastrana, Driver, #199 Pastrana Racing Dodge Dart: Irwindale is awesome! We had our first NASCAR race out here, with the East-West shootout, and had a sixth there. (We were) fifth, so maybe if we keep coming back we’ll keep moving up the ladder! The guys worked real hard on the Discount Tire Dodge Dart. We avoided some carnage on the first lap, but we had an overheating issue. We’re working with a lot of stuff—we’ve just got to test, go with Bryce (Menzies). Every race we’ve struggled a bit to get going, but we’ve always been close at the end.

FAST FACTS: A collection of facts from Sunday’s Global Rallycross event at X Games Los Angeles:

• This is Toomas Heikkinen’s fourth career Global Rallycross victory, and his fourth in a row. He is the first driver in Global Rallycross history to win four consecutive main events. He is also the first driver in GRC history to score six consecutive podium finishes, and his 117 points through six races is an all-time record.
• Ford clinched the 2013 Global Rallycross Manufacturer’s Championship by scoring 38 points. With 224 points, they have mathematically eliminated Subaru (81 points) and Dodge (75 points) from winning the title.
• Tanner Foust scored his best finish of the year by placing second. It was his first podium finish since the second X Games Munich race and the 12^th podium finish of his Global Rallycross career. He was also the only driver to score two X Games medals in Los Angeles, taking gold in Saturday’s gymkhana event.
• Sverre Isachsen scored the second podium finish of his Global Rallycross career by finishing third. It equaled a career best set at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway in September 2012. He also scored his second heat victory of the 2013 season and second consecutive heat victory at X Games Los Angeles.
• Rhys Millen finished fourth in his first race of the 2013 season. Millen has finished in the top six in each of his past eight Global Rallycross starts.
• Travis Pastrana finished a season-high fifth at X Games Los Angeles. In three starts this season, Pastrana has not failed to make it to a main event, and has finished seventh or better each time.
• Anton Marklund was taken away from his vehicle by ambulance after an incident in the last chance qualifier. He noted a loss of breath and pain in his left leg in the immediate aftermath, but suffered no serious injuries and returned to the paddock for the post-race autograph session.

DRIVER POINTS:

1. Toomas Heikkinen, 117
2. Tanner Foust, 78
3. Brian Deegan, 72
4. Ken Block, 70
5. Patrik Sandell, 69
6. Liam Doran, 59
7. Scott Speed, 53
8. Steve Arpin, 50
9. Sverre Isachsen, 50
10. Travis Pastrana, 32
11. Bucky Lasek, 30
12. Mattias Ekstrom, 26
13. Anton Marklund, 26
14. Timur Timerzyanov, 22
15. Bryce Menzies, 21
16. Dave Mirra, 18
17. Townsend Bell, 16
18. Guilherme Spinelli, 14
19. Nelson Piquet Jr., 13
20. Rhys Millen, 13
21. Buddy Rice, 7
22. Stephan Verdier, 5
23. Mauricio Neves, 5
24. Eduardo Marques, 3
25. David Sterckx, 1

MANUFACTURER POINTS:

1. Ford, 224
2. Subaru, 81
3. Dodge, 75

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Acura NSX prototype on track

A prototype Acura NSX has lapped the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, just prior to the running of the Honda Indy 200, exciting fans in the state where the NSX is being developed and will be produced, and showcasing the steady progress being made toward the planned 2015 launch of Acura's next-generation, mid-engine supercar.

The Acura NSX prototype lapped the 2.4-mile winding road course, driven by a member of the Ohio-based engineering development team. The NSX prototype sported custom graphics that speak to Acura's intention to go racing with the new NSX.

"With leadership from our R&D and manufacturing teams here in Ohio, we are developing a next generation sports car that will be equally at home on the street and on the race track, so it is natural for us to showcase the prototype vehicle here at Mid-Ohio," said Ted Klaus, chief engineer of Honda R&D Americas, Inc. "It is exciting for us to see the prototype running on the track, reflecting the great progress we're making toward the 2015 global launch of the NSX, as we engineer a new sports-car experience for customers around the world."

Targeting next-generation supercar dynamic capabilities with advanced environmental performance, Acura announced in 2012 that the Acura NSX will be powered by a mid-mounted, direct-injected V-6 engine mated to Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive) system.

Acura's Sport Hybrid SH-AWD is an all-new, three-motor high-performance hybrid system that combines torque vectoring all-wheel drive with advanced hybrid efficiency through the use of three electric motors – one motor integrated with the V-6 engine and its all-new dual-clutch transmission (DCT) driving the rear wheels, and two independent motors driving the front wheels. The system enables instant delivery of negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering to achieve a new level of driving performance unparalleled by current AWD systems.

Global development of the NSX is being led by engineers at Honda R&D Americas, Inc., in Raymond, Ohio. The next-generation Acura sports car will be produced in nearby Marysville, Ohio, using domestic and globally sourced parts, at the newly established, state-of-the-art Performance Manufacturing Center, now under construction.

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Korea's first Ferrari Challenge event

Korea hosted the fourth race of the 2013 Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific, marking the first time this two-day event has been held in the country and it was deemed a huge success by competitors and fans alike.

In Race 1 on Aug 3rd, Philipp Prette took to the top step of the podium in Trofeo Pirelli. Pasin Lathouras and Alain Li took the 2nd and 3rd place respectively. In Coppa Shell, Gregory Teo took first place.

The following day, in Race 2, Pasin Lathouras, who took the 2nd place in Race 1 took 1st place and Alain Li held 2nd place. Meanwhile, Paul Van Loenhout lifted the trophy in Coppa Shell. In the International Class, Max Blancardi swept to a win in both races.

Local driver Tack Sung Kim, who just upgraded his class from the Coppa Shell to the Trofeo Pirelli class this year after the three wins in the Coppa Shell Class, showed advanced driving technique and hold the 5th and 6th place in Race 1 and 2 respectively. Korean celebrity, Jung Hoon (Jeff) Youn in Coppa Shell Class ranked in the 5th place in Race 1 though unfortunately after a minor accident could only manage 13th place in Race 2.

“We expect that [domestic] fan interest will increase, as this is the first time a formal Ferrari racing event has been held in Korea,” said a spokesperson for FMK Corp. “We are hoping that this will be an opportunity to share with more of the general public the racing legacy and culture that only the Ferrari brand possesses.”

The 2013 Ferrari Challenge wraps up in November in Mugello, Italy with the Finali Mondiali, an event that is both the dream of every Ferrari owner and the world’s largest Ferrari festival.

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Can BMW Team RLL repeat past success with Z4 GTE?

Following disappointing fifth and sixth place finishes at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park three weeks ago, BMW Team RLL heads to Road America, in Elkhart Lake, Wis., the site of three BMW Team RLL victories in the past four American Le Mans Series seasons.

The 4.048-mile, 14-turn circuit is Bobby Rahal’s favorite track in North America and BMW Team RLL raced the BMW M3 GT to the top step of the podium in 2009, 2010 and 2012. In 2009, Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand drove to the program’s first victory at Road America from program’s first pole. The next year, Hand and Dirk Müller repeated as winners. In 2011, the second and third steps of the podium were reached. Last year, Auberlen and Jörg Müller roared back with the victory.

The first five rounds of the 2013 American Le Mans Series have seen the new BMW Z4 GTE race to the GT class victory at both Long Beach and Lime Rock Park. BMW stands second in GT Class Manufacturer points and Dirk Müller has a five point lead in the GT Driver standings. John Edwards will substitute for Joey Hand in the No. 56 Z4 GTE this weekend as Hand enjoys a week off following an excellent seventh place finish at the inaugural DTM race in Moscow, Russia on August 4th.

Bill Auberlen, co-driving the No. 55 Z4 GTE with Maxime Martin, will celebrate his 500th professional start at Road America as the BMW ace continues to add to one of the most impressive racing resumes in the world.

Auberlen, Edwards and Martin will also compete in the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series that will share the bill with the ALMS at Road America. Auberlen and Edwards will also race in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Series. The two series will merge to become United Sports Car Racing in 2014.

 “We obviously have had good success in the four years at Elkhart Lake,” said Bobby Rahal, Team Principal. “I think the fast sweeping corners have always played to one of the strengths of a BMW. Getting through all the circuit’s fast corners; Turns 1, 3, 7, the Carousel, Turns 12, 13 and 14 has been a major reason for our success. This year the Z4 GTE has shown that it is also a very good handling car. We have been at a deficit on top speed but have been at a deficit on top speed years before with the M3 GT, especially 2009 and 2010, and yet we still won there so it will be interesting to see how we fare.”

Bill Auberlen, driver No. 55 Z4 GTE – “Road America one of my favorite tracks in the world and I will get to race it three times this weekend – ALMS GT, Rolex GT and CTSCC GS.  That will be a unique experience for me and my expectation is three first place finishes! 500 professional race starts is a record I will be extremely proud of.”

Maxime Martin, driver No. 55 Z4 GTE –“I’m really excited to discover this classic track. I think it is one of the longest of the year so it will not be easy to learn. As always, I will have the experience of Bill to help me.” 

John Edwards, driver No. 56 Z4 GTE – "The last race I ran with BMW Team RLL was at Lime Rock a month ago, but it feels like 6 months! We knew that Lime Rock would suit us, and we capitalized on that with a win. Unfortunately we've been expecting both Mosport and Road America to be tougher tracks for us, so although we're always competing for a win, we know that the competition will be as tough at Road America as they were at Mosport. My biggest goal is doing what I can to help Dirk maintain the lead in the championship. We will be racing hard to win, but I know we will all have our eye on the big picture with the championship as we enter the second half of the season." 

Dirk Müller, driver No. 56 Z4 GTE – “We are now starting the second half of the season and I am still leading the championship which feels great! Road America is one of my favorite race tracks in the world and I am thrilled to come back with our new BMW Z 4 GTE. The track should suit us a bit better than Mosport. John is back to help us out and its going to be a big weekend full of great racing.”

Qualifying and live streaming of the race can be found on ESPN3.com. Follow BMW Team RLL on Twitter at @BMWUSARacing for “from-the-pit-box” updates all weekend. The Orion Energy Systems 245 is scheduled to be broadcast on ABC television at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 11th. ALMS.com will stream in-car footage throughout the race and the full live feed for international views. More information on the program can be found at www.bmwusa.com and www.alms.com.

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Rockenfeller and Ekström drove to 1-2 victory in first ever Russian DTM race

Historic success for Audi: At the first Russian DTM race in history, Mike Rockenfeller (Audi Sport Team Phoenix) and Mattias Ekström (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline) caused a one-two Audi victory in front of an impressive crowd of 45,000 spectators (throughout the weekend). Rockenfeller, on clinching his second success of the season, managed to extend his lead in the overall standings to 27 points.
 
A perfect day for Audi at Moscow Raceway: On the new DTM race track around 80 kilometers north-west of Moscow, Mike Rockenfeller in the Schaeffler Audi RS 5 DTM and Mattias Ekström in the Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM commandingly set the pace right from the start. After 74 laps, the two Audi drivers had more than a ten-second advantage over the BMW of Augusto Farfus, who just barely managed to save third place on crossing the finish line ahead of Adrien Tambay in another Audi RS 5 DTM.
 
“Obviously, this was a really big step in the Championship today,” said a jubilant Mike Rockenfeller after the race. “It’s great having won here at the DTM’s premiere in Russia. It was a similarly perfect race as at Brands Hatch: starting from the pole position and finishing in first place. My Audi RS 5 DTM was fantastic and Team Phoenix did a superb job. At the Norisring, I was too slow but here everything fit together.”
 
Rockenfeller started on softer option tires and, running at the front of the field, set consistently fast times for 45 laps before switching to the standard tires. At the beginning of the race, Ekström, who was running on the harder tires, managed to keep the BMW of Augusto Farfus, who had started on option tires as well, at bay. The Swede thus laid the foundation for the historic Audi one-two victory.
 
Five Audi RS 5 DTM cars in total finished at the DTM’s Russian premiere in the points, including all four cars of Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline. A strong race was driven as well by youngster Adrien Tambay, who in the Audi ultra RS 5 DTM pushed forward from position twelve on the grid to fourth place, drove the fastest race lap and scored his first points this year. Jamie Green in the Red Bull Audi RS 5 DTM only lost fifth place to Mercedes driver Gary Paffett shortly before the end. Timo Scheider (AUTO TEST Audi RS 5 DTM) from 14th on the grid advanced to ninth place and thus finished in the points as well.
 
Filipe Albuquerque in the Audi Financial Services Audi RS 5 DTM of Audi Sport Team Rosberg in position 13 missed a top-ten result by just three seconds. His team-mate Edoardo Mortara was hit by a rival on the starting lap and dropped to the end of the field. After 31 laps, he parked his damaged Playboy Audi RS 5 DTM in the pits.
 
The race of Miguel Molina (Audi RS 5 DTM), who after an unfortunate collision with title defender Bruno Spengler was forced to retire on the sixth lap, ended early as well.
 
Still, for Dieter Gass, Head of DTM at Audi Sport, the DTM’s premiere in Russia could “hardly have gone any better”: “A one-two victory, five of our cars in the points and now a clear lead of the standings for Mike Rockenfeller, who just like Mattias Ekström drove an absolutely perfect race despite the fact that both drivers repeatedly encountered traffic. The race took place in front of a great crowd and the Audi RS 5 DTM was clearly the strongest car here at Moscow Raceway, and superb teamwork played a role as well in our having achieved a brilliant result for Audi.”

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