Ticket Offices Open For The 2011 37th Annual Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach

Don't be left on the outside looking in. While the view from the Wells Fargo Landmark building is expansive, it does not put one directly in the action around the track. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

Ticket Offices Open For The 2011 37th Annual Toyota Grand Prix Of Long Beach

Yesterday, March 28, 2011 marks the day the ticket operations offices were opened to the public for business. Starting Monday, residents and visitors to the City of Long Beach now have an even handier place to purchase tickets to the April 15-17 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach: right in the heart of the city!

The Grand Prix downtown ticket office, located at 300 E. Seaside Way in Long Beach (near the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center box office) will be open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Adrie, Adrn Brody as he gets ready to board a Sion C and trade paint with the rest of the field participating in the 2010 Toyota Pro-Celebrity race. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

A variety of great ticket options are available for the six-race weekend, featuring the cars and stars of the IZOD IndyCar Series, such as Danica Patrick, Helio Castroneves, Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon and defending race champion Ryan Hunter-Reay. The weekend also includes: the popular Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race; the technologically advanced sports cars of the Tequila Patron American Le Mans Series at Long Beach race; Firestone Indy Lights; Team Drift Challenge and the Pirelli World Challenge Presented by Stop Tech.

Penske Racing's Will Power, the 2010 IndyCar Series runner-up, as he receives instruction from his team manager during the 36th Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

The Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race will again boast a star-studded lineup that includes film and television actor William Fichtner, musician Kevin Jonas and UFC Champion Tito Ortiz tangling with professional drivers such as Formula Drift champion Kenshiro Gushi, USAC midget car series champion Kody Swanson and TV star Frankie Muniz in a fender-to-fender, 10-lap dash for charity.

In addition to hot racing, fans can enjoy the Tecate Light Fiesta Friday Concert with two great Hispanic bands, “Moderatto” and “Fobia.” On Saturday, the Tecate Light Rock-N-Roar Concert Presented by KLOS at 6:30 p.m. features classic rockers “JOHN KAY & STEPPENWOLF.” Both concerts, held on the Convention Center outdoor stage, are free to race ticket holders.

The weekend-long Lifestyle Expo in the Convention Center – free to all ticket holders – includes the all-new aerial thrills of a Zipline ride, BMX and skateboard exhibitions, rockclimbing wall, a Family Fun Zone filled with electric car rides and computer games and the unique “Green Power Prix-View,” highlighting renewable energy sources and a host of energy tips for inside AND outside the home.

MAZDASPEED Motorsports powered, Dyson Racing's American Le Mans Series car as it enters the Shoreline Drive straightaway during the race at the Toyota Grand Prix event at Long Beach. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

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

Tickets for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach can be purchased from the Grand Prix ticket office by calling toll-free at (888) 82-SPEED, or you can select your seats online and print your tickets at home for no additional charge by visiting gplb.com. A ticket brochure – which includes circuit map, grandstand and parking locations, ticket prices and order form – can be obtained online or by calling the ticket hotline.
(ht: TGPLB)

... notes from The EDJE

2011 ALMS Racing Season Opens In Florida At Sebring This Weekend

The hours are counting down towards the opening round of the 2011 American Le Mans Series and, for Britain’s Oliver Gavin and the GM Corvette Racing team, the moment the green flag drops on Saturday morning can’t come soon enough. Image Credit: ALMS presented by Tequila Patron

2011 ALMS Racing Season Opens In Florida At Sebring This Weekend

Actually, two series in one race start out at the famed 12 hours of Sebring. Specifically, the First Round of American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón and the First Round of Intercontinental Le Mans Cup kick off with points awarded to the best finishers of 56 Entries that take to the airport concrete, pavement, and asphalt tarmac of the Sebring race circuit. 56 entrants are the most at Sebring since 2003 and continues the record-breaking momentum from 2010 when championships in all four classes came down to the final race at Road Atlanta.

A conference call press conference was held with this announcement and a link to the full audio file recorded by The EDJE for your interest.

This excerpted and edited from an email alert sent by the American Le Mans Series -

American Le Mans Series MEDIA ALERT: International Teleconference
11 a.m. to noon ET, TODAY - Wednesday, March 16, 2011!

Conference call conducted by Bob Dickinson - ALMS Vice President of Public Relations/Media Services FEATURING:

Anthony Davidson, Peugeot Sport Total
[Defending 2010 Sebring champion]

Tom Kristensen, Audi Sport Team Joest
[Eight-time Le Mans champion; six-time Sebring champion/five overall]

Oliver Gavin, Corvette Racing
[Four-time Le Mans GT1 class champion; four-time Sebring GT1 champion]

Audio file of the conference call - HERE>>.
[after verification code is entered, allow time for file to load for clear audio]

As a backdrop to this conference call, Audi hit the track for Tuesday's practice and bested all other competitors lap times and served notice that they should be included in the premier group of six or so teams that conceivably could win the race on Saturday. Audi Sport Team Joest’s R15 prototype driven by Timo Bernhard, Romain Dumas and Mike Rockenfeller posted a 1:48.450 (122.822 mph) lap in the morning session, more than a second better than the closest challenge from Peugeot. The two diesel powers are set to renew their rivalry Saturday.

The GT category remained incredibly tight with the top seven cars separated by 0.418 seconds and the top nine within a single second. AF Corse’s Ferrari F430 GT of Gianmaria Bruni, Pierre Kaffer and Giancarlo Fisichella led the way with a lap of 2:01.873 (109.294 mph) in the afternoon, just 0.17 seconds clear of Corvette Racing’s Corvette C6.R of Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen and Richard Westbrook; their car set its fastest lap in the morning.

BMW Motorsport’s trio of Bill Auberlen, Augusto Farfus and Dirk Werner had the third fastest lap at 2:02.65 (109.122 mph) with their BMW M3 GT; its best time came in the morning as well.

The first official practice session for America’s greatest sports car race is set for 10:15 a.m. ET on Thursday. Live timing and scoring is available at americanlemans.com

The 59th Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida is set for 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 19. The race will be shown live and in its entirety on ESPN3.com and americanlemans.com starting at 10:15 a.m. ET. ABC will provide coverage from 12:30 to 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 20.

Full broadcast schedule HERE>>
(ht: alms)

----

UPDATE:

Loic Duval took the checkered flag by 31.868 seconds in his Peugeot 908 HDi FAP over Highcroft Racing’s Simon Pagenaud in a classic fight that saw the top three cars finish on the lead lap. Duval, who won with Nicolas Lapierre and Olivier Panis, took a late splash of fuel to ensure he could make it to the end of the race and the first race of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. Image Credit: American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón (2011)

Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring presented by Fresh from Florida
Sebring International Raceway, Sebring, Fla.

Saturday’s race results / first-in-class highlighted in BOLD (race overview in link)

1. (5) Nicolas Lapierre, France; Loic Duval; Olivier Panis, France; Peugeot 908 HDI FAP (1, LMP1), 332.

2. (7) David Brabham, Maidenhead; Marino Franchitti, Edinburgh, Scotland; Simon Pagenaud, Montmorrillon; HPD ARX-01e (2, LMP1), 332.

3. (1) Franck Montagny, Grandvaux; Stephane Sarrazin, Ales; Pedro Lamy, Lisbon; Peugeot 908 (3, LMP1), 332.

4. (4) Allan McNish, Monte Carlo; Dindo Capello, Canelli; Tom Kristensen, Monte Carlo; Audi R15+ TDI (4, LMP1), 327.

5. (2) Mike Rockenfeller, Monte Carlo; Timo Bernhard, Dittweiler; Romain Dumas, Ales; Audi R15+ TDI (5, LMP1), 326.

6. (10) Chris Dyson, Pleasant Valley, NY; Guy Smith, Bracken, Yorkshire; Jay Cochran, Palm Beach, FL; Lola B09 86/Mazda (6, LMP1), 324.

7. (8) Neel Jani; Jeroen Bleekemolen, Monte Carlo, ; Nicolas Prost; Lola B10/60 Coupe (7, LMP1), 320.

8. (3) Alexander Wurz, Monte Carlo; Marc Gene, Barcelona; Anthony Davidson, Brackley, Northamptonshire; Peugeot 908 (8, LMP1), 315.

9. (12) Michael Guasch, Pleasant Hill, CA; Jens Petersen, Dusseldorf; Dane Cameron, Sonoma, CA; Oreca FLM09 (1, LMPC), 312.

10. (25) Dirk Mueller, Monte Carlo; Joey Hand, Sacramento, CA; Andy Priaulx; BMW M3 GT (1, GT), 312.

11. (13) Frankie Montecalvo, Highlands, NJ; Ryan Dalziel, Orlando, FL; Oreca FLM09 (2, LMPC), 312.

12. (24) Dirk Werner, Kissenbrück; Augusto Farfus; Bill Auberlen, Redondo Beach, CA; BMW M3 GT (2, GT), 312.

13. (30) Olivier Beretta, Monte Carlo; Tommy Milner, Leesburg, VA; Antonio Garcia, Barcelona; Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 (3, GT), 312.

14. (23) Oliver Gavin, Yardley Hastings; Jan Magnussen, Roskilde; Richard Westbrook, London; Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1 (4, GT), 311.

15. (22) Gianmaria Bruni, Rome; Giancarlo Fisichella , Rome; Pierre Kaffer, Salenstein; Ferrari F430 (5, GT), 311.

16. (27) Joerg Bergmeister, Langenfield; Patrick Long, Bellaire, FL; Marc Lieb, Ludwigsburg; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (6, GT), 310.

17. (52) Darren Law, Phoenix, AZ; Seth Neiman, San Francisco, CA; Marco Holzer; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (7, GT), 306.

18. (14) Gunnar Jeannette, Salt Lake City, UT; Ricardo Gonzalez, Monterrey; Rudy Junco Jr., Monterrey; Oreca FLM09 (3, LMPC), 305.

19. (36) Tracy Krohn, Houston, TX; Nic Jonsson, Buford, GA; Michele Rugulo, Italy; Ferrari F430 GT (4, GTE-AM), 302.

20. (17) Luis Diaz, Mexico City; Scott Tucker, Leawood, KS; Ryan Hunter-Reay, Boca Raton, FL; Lola Honda (5, LMP2), 300.

21. (46) Damien Faulkner, Ireland; Sebastiaan Bleekemolen, Haarlem; Tim Pappas, Boston, MA; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (1, GTC), 299.

22. (50) Duncan Ende, Los Angeles, CA; Spencer Pumpelly, Mason Neck, VA; Alain Li; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (2, GTC), 299.

23. (56) Sean Edwards; Henrique Cisneros, Miami, FL; Carlos Kauffmann, Miami, FL; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (3, GTC), 296.

24. (51) Nick Ham, Evergreen, CO; Carlos Kauffmann, Miami, FL; Sean Edwards; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (4, GTC), 295.

25. (49) Dion von Moltke, Coral Gables, FL; Jim Norman, Tampa, FL; Peter Ludwig, New Paltz, NY; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (5, GTC), 295.

26. (35) Boris Said, San Diego, CA; Andrea Robertson, Ray, MI; David Robertson, Ray, MI; Doran Ford GT/Elan (8, GT), 294.

27. (18) Christian Zugel, Holmdel, NJ; Eric Lux, Jacksonville, FL; Elton Julian, Santa Monica, CA; Oreca FLM09 (6, LMPC), 294.

28. (29) Jean-Denis Deletraz; Stephane Ortelli, Monte Carlo; Frederic Makowiecki; Ferrari F458 Italia (9, GT), 292.

29. (48) Peter Lesaffre, Rye, NH; Andrew Davis, Lilburn, GA; Bob Faieta, Tujunga, CA; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (6, GTC), 291.

30. (11) Franck Mailleux, France; Lucas Ordonez, Spain; Soheil Ayari, Aix-les-Bains; Oreca 03 Nissan (7, LMP2), 290.

31. (21) Andrea Barlesi; Frédéric Da Rocha, Paris; Patrice Lafargue, Nantes; Oak Pescarolo Judd (8, LMP2), 287.

32. (45) Craig Stanton, Long Beach, CA; Matthew Marsh, Welwyn; John Potter, Salt Lake City, UT; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (9, GTC), 282.

33. (53) Christophe Bouchut, Paris; Joao Barbosa, Portugal; Scott Tucker, Leawood, KS; Lola Honda (10, LMP2), 280.

34. (44) Leh Keen, Dublin, GA; Brian Wong, Newport Beach, CA; Bill Sweedler, Westport, CT; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (11, GTC), 279.

35. (28) Guy Cosmo, West Palm Beach, FL; Rob Bell, Northamptonshire; Ed Brown, Las Vegas, NV; Ferrari F458 Italia (10, GT), 268.

36. (26) Jaime Melo, Milan; Mika Salo, Monte Carlo; Toni Vilander, Kankaanpaa; Ferrari F458 Italia (11, GT), 266.

37. (34) Anthony Lazzaro, Atlanta, GA; Colin Braun, Ovalo, TX; David Murry, Atlanta, GA; Doran Ford GT (12, GT), 261.

38. (41) PJ Jones, Torrance, CA; Rocky Moran, Ladera Ranch, CA; Kenny Wilden, Burlington Ontario; Jaguar XKR (13, GT), 256.

39. (32) Richard Lietz, Ybbsitz; Christian Ried, Schoeneburg, Germany; Gianluca Roda, Como; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (14, GTE-AM), 252.

40. (54) Jan-Dirk Lueders, Barrington Hills, IL; Anthony Nicolosi, Palm Beach, FL; Jarrett Boon, Phoenix, AZ; Oreca FLM09 (7, LMPC), 246.

41. (42) Bryce Miller, Summit, NJ; Sascha Maassen, Lontzen; Rene Rast, Minde; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (15, GT), 231.

42. (43) Pierre Ehret, Tegernsee; Roger Wills, Timaru; Shaun Lynn; Ferrari F430 (16, GTE-AM), 226.

43. (9) Mattieu Lahaye; Guillaume Moreau; Pierre Ragues; Oak Pescarolo Judd (17, LMP1), 222.

44. (33) Bryan Sellers, Braselton, GA; Wolf Henzler, Nuertingen; Martin Ragginger, Austria; Porsche 911 GT3 RSR (18, GT), 220.

45. (19) Johnny Mowlem, London; Olivier Lombard, Poissy; Luca Moro, Amsterdam; Oreca FLM09 (8, LMPC), 203.

46. (15) Ryan Lewis, Indianapolis, IN; Henri Richard, Los Altos Hills, CA; Ken Dobson, Carmel Valley, CA; Oreca FLM09 (9, LMPC), 185.

47. (6) Greg Pickett, Crystal Bay, NV; Klaus Graf, Dornham; Lucas Luhr, Monte Carlo; AMR/ Lola Coupe B08 62 (10, LMP1), 151.

48. (16) Richard Hein; Jean-Francois Yvon, Le Mans; Jacques Nicolet; Oak Pescarolo Judd (11, LMP1), 111.

49. (47) James Sofronas, Newport Beach, CA; Jan Seyffarth, Querfurt; Bret Curtis, Valencia, CA; Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (12, GTC), 87.

50. (20) Kyle Marcelli, Barrie, ON; Tomy Drissi, Los Angeles, CA; Rusty Mitchell, Midland, TX; Oreca FLM09 (12, LMPC), 86.

51. (31) Scott Sharp, Jupiter, FL; Johannes van Overbeek, San Francisco, CA; Dominik Farnbacher, Ansbach; Ferrari F458 Italia (19, GT), 49.

52. (40) Gabriele Gardal, Milan; Patrick Bornhauser; Julien Canal, Le Mans; Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (20, GTE-AM), 37.

53. (38) Bruno Junqueira, Brazil; Oriol Servia, Beverly Hills, CA; Cristiano da Matta, Belo, Horizonte; Jaguar XKR (21, GT), 35.

54. (39) Ian James, Phoenix, AZ; Benjamin Leuenberger, Switzerland; Panoz Abruzzi (22, GT), 19.

55. (55) Nicky Pastorelli, Rijswijk; Dominik Schwager, Eisenhofen; Brett Sandberg; Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (23, GT), 10.

56. (37) Fabien Giroix, Saint-Maur; Michael Wainwright; Roland Goethe; Aston Martin Vantage (24, GTE-AM), 5.

... notes from The EDJE

Bayerische Motoren Werke 650i

                                                             

More often than not, convertibles launch after an automaker has introduced a conventional fixed-roof variant, but the 2012 BMW 6-series is a break from that tradition. Instead, the automaker debuted the 2012 650i convertible earlier this year, just in time for it to arrive in the U.S -- where 6-series convertible sales are double that of coupes -- for prime drop-top driving season.

That said, BMW isn’t leaving buyers looking for a large, premium coupe out in the cold. The automaker just released the first official photos of the new 2012 650i coupe, which is scheduled to reach U.S. showrooms by the fall of 2011.

Predictably, the new 650i coupe is a line-for-line clone of its convertible sibling below the beltline. Previewed by the 6-series Concept shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the new 6-series coupe’s exterior form is clean, sculpted, and a refreshing change from the previous model. Designers labored to lend the coupe and convertible similar rooflines, although the hardtop does receive slender C-pillars, which incorporate the brand’s distinctive Hofmeister kink.

Despite growing almost three inches in length and 1.5 inches in width, engineers labored to prevent the 650i from simultaneously gaining weight. Finalized specifications have yet to be released, but the new 6 extensively uses lightweight materials. Aluminum is used in coupe’s doors, hood, front shock towers, and a majority of the suspension components, while the front fenders, trunk lid, and outer roof skin are crafted from composite materials.

                                                                                

Although Europeans will be able to opt for a 640i model with a turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, the 6-series coupe will only be sold in North America as a 650i. The 650i cars make use of BMW’s twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8, which is rated at 400 horsepower between 5500 and 6400 rpm, and 450 pound-feet of torque from 1750 to 4500 rpm. BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment, but a six-speed manual is optional -- and, remarkably, only so on cars bound for North America. Regardless of the gearbox, expect the 650i to be quite quick: BMW says either car is capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, and is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph.

Like its four-door relative, the 5-series, the new 650i makes use of BMW’s electronically controlled dampers. Drivers are allowed to dial in ride quality from behind the wheel, selecting from settings ranging from comfort to sport. A new active roll stabilization system is optional, and counteracts lean in corners by adjusting hydraulic actuators in the front and rear anti-roll bars. BMW’s active steering system is once again available, but has been revised to incorporate rear-wheel steering. Unsurprisingly, advanced technology isn’t relegated to the chassis itself. BMW’s ubiquitous iDrive system again appears within the 650i’s cabin, but now incorporates a 10.2-inch high-definition LCD screen. Audiophiles may delight in pairing that infotainment system with a new 16-speaker sound system developed by audio specialist (and longtime Audi partner) Bang &Olufsen. An optional driver assistance package adds lane departure warning and blind spot detection systems, along with a new three-dimensional head-up display. Active cruise control is also available, as is BMW’s night vision system, but those seeking additional nocturnal vision can also opt for new adaptive LED headlamps.

Official pricing won’t be announced until closer to the 650i’s official U.S. launch date, but expect the coupe to carry a manufacturer’s suggested retail price in the low-to-mid $80,000 range -- slightly above the $79,325 asking price for a 2010 model, yet far below the $91,375 base price for a 2012 650i convertible.

McLaren MP4-12C Makes Its Southern California Debut

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

McLaren MP4-12C Makes Its Southern California Debut

I spent time over lunch, Tuesday, interviewing my new best friend, Frank Stephenson - Design Director for McLaren Automotive Limited. The silver McLaren MP4-12C was flown from London to the Orange County Art Museum to be debuted to select members of the Automotive Press. The $238,000, nearly 600 HP piece of exquisite supercar engineering is expected to go on sale sometime this summer ... so save your nickels.

In Southern California, there will be two dealerships (Newport Beach / Beverly Hills) up and running by Summer 2011.

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

The first year's production run will be for 1,000 cars worldwide with about 30%-35% expected to be bought up here in California. The car they flew out has a governor that limits the speed of the car to about 15 mph. This summer, they will have test drive capable models, in many colors, available to the right potential client.

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

What McLaren Automotive Limited had to say for itself -

Through a combination of carbon fiber expertise, innovative Formula 1-inspired technologies and development programs, and a desire to launch a range of ‘pure McLaren’ road cars, the groundbreaking new McLaren MP4-12C has redefined highperformance sports car benchmarks.

By March 2010, when the 12C was first revealed, McLaren Automotive was close to achieving its own high performance targets within the intensive testing and development program. Key segment targets included:

· highest power with fastest acceleration and braking across all typical benchmark speed and distance parameters

· lightest weight, and therefore highest power to weight ratio All within a package of more subjective, but equally important, benchmarks: comfort, practicality, drivability, and ownership costs.

To be a success, and bring innovation to the market, McLaren knew the 12C had to be the first genuine ‘no compromise’ highperformance sports car.
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Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)


Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

30 years of carbon innovation

In 1981, McLaren Racing introduced the carbon monocoque to Formula 1: it offered an unbeatable combination of strength and lightness. In 2011, McLaren Racing will compete with its 200th carbon fiber chassis.

The legendary McLaren F1 sports car was the first road car to feature a carbon chassis when it launched in 1993. With 2,153 SLRs manufactured in its seven-year production run from 2003 to 2009, it is still the largest volume car built on a carbon-fiber chassis.

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

Now, the 12C takes carbon innovation to a new level. It is based on a unique one-piece molded carbon chassis: the MonoCell. Weighing in at 165lbs, the MonoCell provides the perfect combination of occupant space, structural integrity, light weight, and relatively low construction costs. In addition, it is the ideal chassis from which to deliver groundbreaking efficiency and performance in the sports car market.

McLaren MP4-12C Performance Data (European Spec Vehicle*)

Engine Power 592 bhp @ 7000 rpm

Torque 443 ft/lbs between 3000-7000rpm

Weight Dry weight (with lightweight options) 2868 lbs
Weight Dry weight 2945 lbs
Weight DIN weight 3161 lbs
Curb weight 3279 lbs

Speed Maximum speed 205 mph

Acceleration 0-60 mph 3.2 seconds (3.0 seconds with Corsa tire option)
0-124 mph (200 kph) 9.1 seconds (8.9 seconds with Corsa tire option)
0-¼ mile (400 m) 10.9 @ 134 mph

Braking Braking 124-0 mph 403 ft
62-0 mph 100 ft
Reference Here>>

Additional Photos Here>>

All we know, for a limited production supercar designed specifically to combine F1 Season Series (8 Contractors / 12 Drivers' Championship titles), 24 Hours of Le Mans, Indianapolis 500, and Can-Am winning technology with daily road/street worthy sensibility and reliability to the retail market for under $250,000, McLaren's MP4-12C is an unparalleled accomplishment!

... notes from The EDJE

FAST FIVE !!

hey guys this is a sneak peak of  the movie Fast five ,
Universal pictures has released the top 21 cars used in the movie ...!!!
the list goes as ,
1.1963 FORD Galaxy
2.1966 FORD GT40*
3.1966 CORVETTE Grand Sport
4.1967 International Scout
5.1970 Charger

6.1970 FORD Maverick
7.1972 NISSAN Skyline
8.1972 Pantera Detomaso
9.1996 Toyota Supra
10.2002 Porsche GT3

11.2006 GMC 2500 Yukon
12.2009 NISSAN 370Z
13.2010 Dodge Challenger
14.2010 Subaru STi
15.2010 Lexus LFA
16.2010 Modified Vault Chargers
17.2011 Dodge Challenger Police Interceptor*
18.Gurkha LAPV
19.Ducati Street Racer
20.Train Heist Truck *
21.Koenigsegg CCX*


            I'm waiting to know what changes they have made to these vehicles till then we all must be patient
the line up clearly states that Fast Five is going to be a blast for all Auto Freaks!!!!
signing of ppl ....

*My favorites  

Lotus Cup USA 2011, Round 1, Day 1

Lotus Cars staging to hit the track during the first practice session in the Lotus Cup USA Round 1 challenge. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

Lotus Cup USA 2011, Round 1, Day 1

The morning began cool, but not wintry cool, and soon warmed up to a gathering crowd anticipating that something unique was about to get underway. At the Lotus Cup USA tent, four 2011 Evora's from Van Nuys, CA based Galpin Lotus Cars were lining up for the Evora Experience. The paddock area behind the tent was abuzz with the tuning activity and engine warm-ups as everyone was getting ready to take to the track. Willow Springs International Motorsports Park is just about the same latitude as Edwards Air Force Base where the B2, flying wing, stealth bomber was developed and Space Shuttles land when the weather on the East Coast isn't helping.

Lotus Cars as they sit in the paddock area getting ready for another session on the track. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

Today is the day that an official Lotus Cup Series of races get underway for the first time in North American history. This is not to say that Lotuses (or is that Loti - as in multiple Lotus Cars take over a track for an exclusive race between themselves) have never raced in North America, but this is the first time sanctioned event by the manufacturer - hence Lotus Cup USA.

Session one timing and scoring sheets. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

Out of curiosity, what do Lotus fans, drivers, and followers call themselves?

People who work for XEROX refer to themselves as XEROIDS, people who live in Los Angeles are known as Angelenos, and people who live in Buenos Aires are called "Portenas". So, what do people who associate themselves with Lotus Cars, and the motor culture of Lotus Cars call themselves? An interesting ponderance.

Galpin Evora's staged for the Evora Experience where people who are interested in purchasing or recommending the Evora to car buying friends, take an Evora out on the track and run it through its paces. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

They may have already named themselves in Europe where the sporting effort of Lotus Cup is going strong, but it is a well-known American tradition to have a quick nickname ready for something they like.

Using the examples above:

XEROID = Lotoid (nope)

Angeleno = Loteno (nix)

Manhattanite = Lotite (nada)

English = Lotish (no way)

IBMer = LOTer (uh-uh, as in a negative head nod)

Pakistani = Lotusi (gettin' closer)

Technorati / Literati / Blogerati = Loturati (WAY! - that's it).

[50 photo slideshow HERE>>]

Loturati! This is pretty good. The suffix of "rati" denotes the elite of a particular group. One could easily and honestly say, gathered around the Lotus Cup tent this first day of the first round of the first ever Lotus Cup USA, that we all found ourselves in the presence of ... Loturati.

Coming out of turn 3 and approaching turn 4 at Willow Springs International Motors ports Park.Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2011)

If day one warm-ups were any measure, the qualifications on March 6 at 8:55 AM, followed by the first race, set to start at 1:00 PM, the first round of eight scheduled in 2011, will be an unqualified success ... Loturati all!

... notes from The EDJE

Lotus Cup USA West ... Ready For Launch

Andy Kern's 2010 Isotope Green 2-Eleven with fully compliant inaugural 2011 Lotus Cup USA number plates for Round 1 at Willow Springs International Raceway. Image Credit: Andy Kern (2011)

Lotus Cup USA West ... Ready For Launch

The inaugural launch of what is hoped to become a grand club classic series of annual races (as the Lotus Cup has become in Europe) sets off from Rosamond, California at the oldest dedicated road course in Southern California ... Willow Springs International Raceway. This weekend, March 5 & 6, in conjunction with Redline Track Events, about 25 competitors will gather with their Lotus Elise, Exige, 2-Eleven and Europa race cars to begin an eight race series season that will see these very light and very fast enthusiast vehicles compete at some of the best racing venues anywhere. Welcome to the Lotus Cup USA - West Coast edition.

When the season-ending event at Las vegas Motor Speedway takes place during the first weekend of November, these Lotus car owners will have raced at such vaunted ALMS, NASCAR, and IndyCar venues as Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Firebird International Raceway at Phoenix, Miller Motorsports Park outside Salt Lake City, and, of course, Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca.

This weekend will also feature The Redline Pro Track Challenge, The Redline Pro Time Attack, and The MotoIQ Pacific Tuner Car Championship.

This excerpted and edited from Redline Track Events -

Road Racing With A Twist

The Pro Track Challenge introduces one of the most exciting twists to road racing in decades! Competitors will race “Heads-Up” in 2 lap, rolling start, wheel-to-wheel Battles, with the winner moving on and collecting the winnings; and the loser loading the car on the trailer. Over the course of an afternoon of racing, 22 separate Battles will play out in exciting “Green-White-Checker” intensity. With a winner being determined every four minutes, the Pro Track Challenge offers rapid fire action full of adrenaline, sure to keep you on the edge of your seat!
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Circuit Battles TV Show

Circuit Battles is the new television show airing on the Versus Network, chronicling the 16 teams of the Pro Track Challenge as they fight their way through the season. The first one hour show will air on Versus March 26th at 11:00 am Pacific time/2:00 pm Eastern time. Don’t miss the first “Circuit Battles”! It will be epic!
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Redline Pro Time Attack is the premiere event for Pro level time attack teams to showcase their talent, skills, products, and sponsors. Redline Pro Time Attack offers the most consistent, professionally managed and newsworthy events for the sport of Time Attack. As the longest running and most respected sanctioned time attack events in North America, Redline Pro Time Attack offers certifiable competition results, sanctioned by the most thorough and tested time attack rule set, backed by 40+ years of combined motorsport event experience.

Beginning with the 2011 season, Redline Pro Time Attack will reformat the weekend of racing activities to better showcase the top level talent and premier teams that are involved in the sport of time attack. Fans of the Redline Time Attack Series can expect to see a total of up to 45 cars competing at any given event, consisting of a wide range of vehicles, teams and drivers. The mix of vehicles will consist of both Franchise Teams and non-franchise teams.
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the MotoIQ Pacific Tuner Car Championship (MPTCC for short!), sanctioned by Redline Track Events, is set to reinvigorate road racing! With a relatively open set of rules for the two classes of competition, fan friendly aspects of the popular sport of Time Attack will finally be applied to traditional road racing.

Redline Track Events, has teamed up with Mike Kojima, founder of MotoIQ.com, to bring excitement and relevance back to circuit racing. Production based cars racing in two different classes (weight:power ratios) with bolt on performance upgrades will be a featured aspect of all 10 Rounds of the Redline Track Events 2011 season.

By following a simple formula of creating two classes, keeping the cars and the parts used relevant to the aftermarket tuner scene, featuring popular drivers and tuners, and welcoming fans and media alike, the MPTCC will quickly become the preferred destination for grass roots and semi-professional circuit racers.
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Free Ticket to Round 1 Willow Springs!

To introduce the new Pro Track Challenge racing format and to allow the maximum number of people possible to attend the filming of the first episode of “Circuit Battles”, Redline Track Events is giving away free tickets to Sunday, March 6th Round One at Willow Springs International Raceway!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be a part of the inaugural event of 2011. If you would like to attend Saturday, March 5th tickets will be available at the gate for $10.00. That makes the price of admission for a full weekend of non-stop action only $10.00!!!

Children under 12 are always free with an adult at Redline Track Events!
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The first episode of the TV show “Circuit Battles” will air on the Versus Channel March 26th at 11:00 am Pacific/2:00 pm Eastern. Be at part of history!!
Reference Here>>

While this pairing with the greater Redline Track Events makes for a broadened menu of track competition schedule of events ... seeing nothing but cars in colors with the unique character and hue of Isotope Green, Laser Blue, Chrome Orange, Carbon Grey, and Solar Yellow carrying the prestige of the Lotus car mark may just be what most purist club racers will be looking for during the inaugural Lotus Cup USA West Coast series of races at Willow Springs.

... notes from The EDJE

2011 Bertone B99

Bertone and Jaguar have joined forces again, and the result is this lovely little concept called the B99. Celebrating 99 years of existence, Bertone's B99 is meant to showcase what a Jaguar 3-Series could look like (and thankfully there's no silly black C-pillar as found on the XJ). While some may disagree with this design's placement in the lineup, one thing is certain: an X-Type this ain't.

The B99 measures 4.5 meters long, 1.35 m tall, and 1.95 m wide with a 2.8 m wheelbase. As befits all Jaguars, there's a leaper on the hood; this time, though, it uses some snazzy pedestrian safety sensors that can retract it at airbag speeds should an impaling be imminent. Think of it as dab of Rolls with your Jaguar.

There's more retraction action at the trunk end of things, too, with a speed-sensing spoiler in the trunk.

Inside are a slew of "hidden riches", as per Bertone. Examples of these little ditties include a hideaway multimedia screen, "Ebony Macasar African Wood", and air vents hidden behind the wraparound wing that floats above the dash. Suspended between the wing and the dashboard are "trumpet" gauges wrapped in aluminum. This unique style also carries over to the transmission shifter/infotainment controller which rises up from the center console.

Now, about those sexy seats; they're definitely Jaguar with their flip-down trays, but with an added touch of flair. Also, all four seats are nestled between their own floating armrests, adding an "at home in the recliner" feel to this luxury sports sedan.

Power comes from an extended range hybrid unit developed by Bertone Energy; in the B99, this system utilizes two 150 kW / 201 hp motors housed at the rear axle and a range-extending 1.4-liter, 125 kW / 168 hp gasoline engine. With their powers combined, these power units create an impressive 425 kW / 570 hp while returning a potential 700 km / 435 mile range (100 km / 62 miles in EV mode) and only emitting 30 grams of CO2 per kilometer.

Also showing up in Geneva is a 2.5 meter wide B99 GT, forecasting a potential track fighter. Not only is it wider, it also sits 100 mm lower and has 50 mm of space between its washboard stomach and the pavement. Also, it gets two more electric motors up front for an all-wheel drive system and 725 total kilowatts (972 hp). You can see most of the other mods, along the with standard B99, in the gallery below.