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Keith Andrews Elio de Angelis Marco Apicella Mбrio de Araъjo Cabral
Monday
Track Position Could Be Key At Daytona
While you are taking a breather from the non-stop Danica coverage, consider this: this year’s Sprint Unlimited had 17 less lead changes than last year’s Bud Shootout. Granted the 2012 Shootout was seven laps longer, but it also wasn’t broken up into segments which kept the field together. Combine the number of lead changes with [...]
2014 Moto3 Championship Standings After Round 2, Austin, United States
Championship standings for round 2, 2014
Eugenio Castellotti Johnny Cecotto Andrea de Cesaris Francois Cevert
Sunday
Dogecoin raises enough money to sponsor Josh Wise at Talladega
Dogecoin has done it again.
After sending an Indian luger and the Jamaican bobsled team to the Olympics, the Dogecoin community has raised enough money to sponsor the No. 98 of Josh Wise for the May 4 race at Talladega.
Dogecoin is a virtual currency built upon a dog meme -- each Dogecoin is worth less than a cent -- and the group raised the $55,000 necessary for the wrap on Wise's Phil Parsons Racing car.
The team confirmed the sponsorship would happen to the Sporting News Tuesday night.
Now that the fundraising has been done, the Dogecoiners (is that a term? Note: we've been told it's not. They're shibes.) are embarking on the hardest part of the job; picking a paint scheme. Entries are being accepted for what Wise's car will look like, and we hope the most absurd paint scheme is picked. If Kyle Busch can drive a pink car with hearts on it, we can have a random internet meme car, right?
And since the Dogecoin folks picked the No. 98, does that mean Phil Parsons Racing is the NASCAR equivalent of the Jamaican bobsled team? Well, we don't think anyone will make a movie about a NASCAR team owner (and television analyst) who has primarily had his cars start and park throughout his ownership career, but who knows.
On most tracks, the No. 98 would have equivalent chances of winning as the Jamaican bobsled team does. But since it's Talladega, it could be the team's best shot at a win. Just look at the Front Row Motorsports guys last year when David Gilliland pushed David Ragan to the win.
This year, the No. 98 has qualified for four of the season's first five races and has a season-high finish of 23rd at Bristol.
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Saturday
Bob Bell on the move?
The Mercedes AMG Formula One Team today announced that Bob Bell is to leave his position as Technical Director. Bob resigned his position in December 2013 and will leave the team at the end of November 2014, with the intention of pursuing new challenges outside the company. He has held the position of Technical Director […]
Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2014/04/14/bob-bell-on-the-move/
Skip Barber Paolo Barilla Rubens Barrichello Michael Bartels
Friday
Thursday
Suzuki Press Release: MotoGP Test Concludes At Austin, De Puniet Posts 2'05.9
Suzuki wrapped up their test at Austin on Wednesday, with Randy De Puniet concluding with a best lap of 2'05.85. Below is the press release they issued after the test:
SUZUKI MOTOGP CONCLUDES AUSTIN TEST
Team Suzuki Press Office – April 17.
The Suzuki MotoGP Test Team has concluded its Circuit of the Americas test at Austin in Texas after finding new direction and improvements to take to its next test in Argentina at the end of the month.
Test riders Randy De Puniet and Nobuatsu Aoki were again joined on-track by former World Champion Kevin Schwantz and shared the test with the Yoshimura Suzuki AMA Superbike team as track temperatures climbed to 39 degrees; slightly higher than the previous day, but not as high as the previous weekend’s MotoGP second round.
De Puniet completed a total of 62 laps of the 5,315m circuit with a best lap-time of 2’05.85; just-over half-a-second quicker than his previous day’s best time.
Year:
2014 
Luki Botha JeanChristophe Boullion Sebastien Bourdais Thierry Boutsen
Wednesday
Haas thanks FIA after F1 entry confirmation
Gene Haas has now been formally granted a future F1 entry by the FIA, following confirmation by Bernie Ecclestone last weekend that the American had been successful in his bid. Haas is set to forge a partnership with Ferrari. The … Continue reading 
Source: http://adamcooperf1.com/2014/04/11/haas-thanks-fia-after-f1-entry-confirmation/
Infiniti QX80
Luxury manufacturer Infiniti has just announced it will be introducing two updates for the 2015 model year at the New York Auto Show this week, including a revised version of the QX80 full-size SUV, which remained unchanged for 2014.
With only a few days left until the big event begins, the manufacturer wasn’t too keen on sharing many details, but did say that the QX80 will gain modifications inside and out. However, you shouldn’t hold your breath for something big, as a brand-new model is probably being designed as we speak.
The more important news is that Infiniti is rolling out a new, ultra-luxurious version of the current QX80 in New York. The range-topping model will be sold as the QX80 Limited and, from what the company is telling us, it will be offered with special exterior and interior appointments.
These will include a "dark-accent trim" on the outside, special leather for the seats and high-grade, soft-touch materials. Additionally, the cabin will be fitted with a unique open-pore wood trim.
Stay tuned to TopSpeed for more details on the 2015 Infiniti QX80.
Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Infiniti QX80.
Infiniti QX80 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 14 April 2014 18:00 EST.
Source: http://feeds.topspeed.com/~r/topspeed/~3/SgMB-JlPVnw/2015-infiniti-qx80-ar163155.html
Andrea de Cesaris Francois Cevert Eugene Chaboud Jay Chamberlain
Tuesday
Takuma Sato: The Best & Worst (Video)
Arguably the best Asian driver of the modern era, Takuma Sato was loved up and down the grid. The eccentric Japanese racer?s all-or-nothing style produced some entertaining moments, a real achievement in a sport where the lesser teams can often be forgotten. The former Super Aguri, BAR and Jordan star mixed breakneck overtakes with spectacular [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Formula1Fancast/~3/B89GPNMIGaU/takuma-sato-the-best-worst-video-4
Eugenio Castellotti Johnny Cecotto Andrea de Cesaris Francois Cevert
Monday
Lexus NX
After Toyota North America filled trademarks for two new models — the NX 200t and NX 300h — it was not hard to figure out that these were upcoming Lexus models. The fact that they were SUVs was made simply by the "X" in their names. It was also not very difficult to understand that one trademark — the NX 200t — will be the turbocharged gasoline version, while the other one — the NX 300h — will be a hybrid model. The NX 200t will be powered by the company’s new 2.0-liter, turbocharged AR engine set to launch in 2014, while the 300h will likely get the same hybrid powertrain as in the Lexus ES 300h: a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle hybrid engine.
The new Lexus NX will be placed under the company’s current RX and will most likely debut on the market sometime in 2015.
Updated 4/11/2014: Lexus has officially confirmed that the NX line will debut at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on April 20th. The lineup will include the base NX 200, the turbocharged NX 200t and the hybrid NX 300h. Details are still limited, but we detailed as much as we could, plugs a look at the concepts that previewed the NX, after the jump.
Lexus NX originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 11 April 2014 11:28 EST.
Source: http://feeds.topspeed.com/~r/topspeed/~3/FgNRErSvQtw/2015-lexus-nx-ar137386.html
Sunday
2014 COTA MotoGP FP3 Result: Bradl Second Fastest
The desperate search for new headlines continues...
Marc Marquez didn't set the fastest-ever lap at Austin's Circuit of the Americas Saturday during the third qualifying practice; His fast lap of 2'03.046 fell four-hundredths of a second shy of his own lap record from last year. Even so, the reigning world champion ended the third free practice seven-tenths clear of the pack in the session that sets the table for the two MotoGP qualifying practices later in the day.
Stefan Bradl managed the second-best time, just eclipsing Honda factory rider Dani Pedrosa (3rd). Andrea Dovizioso continued his strong practice showing with a fourth-fastest time on his Ducati, nearly nine-tenths of a second behind the leader.
Bradley Smith rebounded from his struggles in FP2 -- where he was 10th fastest -- to grab the fifth spot. Smith was the final rider to finish within a second of Marquez and even topped the sheets in one of the four lap sectors.
But what's good for Smith is worrisome for Yamaha. Not only did rival Honda grab the top three times, Smith, in fifth, is the top Yamaha. Factory rider Jorge Lorenzo, who started strong in FP3, faded late to seventh, finishing just behind Andrea Iannone's Ducati (6th).
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/MotoGPMatters/~3/QvIGwRajrnU/2014_cota_motogp_fp3_result.html
Saturday
Video: Nintendo Announces Mario Kart 8 Hits Shelves on May 30
For millions of my generation, Mario Kart was our first introduction to driving. Things have come quite a long way since the original incarnation of this wild racing franchise bowed on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992.
I was 6 years old, and I was mesmerized by the drifting, weapons and bright animation. It was a far cry from modern games, like Need for Speed, but Mario Kart was one my first steps on the road to becoming a gear head.
Nintendo is continuing the magic of my childhood with the all-new Mario Kart 8. This latest version of the crazy cart racer hits store shelves on the May 30th, 2014 and brings with it all the excitement, mayhem and characters players have come to expect.
As you can see in the video above, Nintendo has added tons of new tracks weapons and gadgets to wreak havoc on your friends with. This latest video also gives us the best look we have had yet at the return of the Rainbow Road course.
Some of the other confirmed additions for the new title include the return of motorbikes and a new buggy class of vehicle. Anti-gravity racing is a new big feature for the game as well.
The game will be available for the Nintendo Wii U system exclusively.
Video: Nintendo Announces Mario Kart 8 Hits Shelves on May 30 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 12 April 2014 12:00 EST.
Colin Davis Jimmy Daywalt JeanDenis Deletraz Patrick Depailler
Friday
Thursday
Wednesday
Kyle Busch seizes lead on final lap of GWC restart to win second straight at Auto Club Speedway
After climbing from his car in victory lane, Kyle Busch was quick to break out a Days of Thunder reference.
Yeah, it was a wild final two laps at Auto Club Speedway. After a spate of tire issues jumbled up the field as the race's final long green flag run wound down, Busch took the lead off turn two on the final lap of a green-white-checker restart and held off Kyle Larson for the win.
It's Busch's second straight Cup win at Auto Club Speedway. On Saturday, Larson beat Busch for the victory in the Nationwide Series race.
"What do you expect when you get a green-white-checker finish and everyone's got to come down pit road and put four tires on?" Busch asked before channeling Harry Hogge, Robert Duvall's character in the 1990 film. "That's a 'Days of Thunder' thing right there. It's - 'What do you mean? there's two laps to go, everybody's going to pit, Cole.'"
After Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski, Marcos Ambrose and finally Clint Bowyer had tire issues in the final 10 laps of the race, the caution flag flew for Bowyer's spin as then-leader Jeff Gordon had two laps to go until the scheduled end of the race.
The race then became about tire strategy. While Landon Cassill stayed out in a Hail Mary attempt for his low-budget team to snatch an improbable win or top 10, everyone else hit pit road. Kurt Busch, Tony Stewart and Paul Menard took two tires. Everyone else, including Busch, took four.
Stewart and Kurt Busch battled for the lead through turn two that final lap and when Stewart slid high, that opened the door for Kyle Busch, who came through the middle with Larson right behind him. Larson made a dive into turn three for a way around Kyle Busch, but unlike Saturday's race, he wasn't able to power ahead of him for the win.
Because of the finish and the overall quality of racing at Auto Club Speedway last year, when Busch powered past Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin as the latter two drivers crashed off of turn four on the final lap, the standards for Sunday's race at ACS were very high. And typically, the NASCAR hype machine tends to devour anything and everything in its path, leaving little to live up to the lofty expectations that are created.
And you know what? The race lived up to them, even if there wouldn't have been a final two-lap wild dash. Yes, many teams had tire issues, but it's the same tire that produced such dramatic racing last year. There was still plenty of passing and multi-groove racing as drivers with good cars were able to cut their way through the field if necessary.
After finishing 10th, Carl Edwards is the new points leader by a single point over Dale Earnhardt Jr. Gordon is third, two points behind Edwards.
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Tuesday
After missing Fontana, Denny Hamlin is confident and angry about perceived doubts of his character
Denny Hamlin used his media availabilty Friday at Martinsville to dispute any rumors spreading about his absence from Sunday's race at Auto Club Speedway.
Hamlin missed the race after the team says doctors found a piece of metal in his eye on Sunday morning. He felt an irritation in his eye on Saturday and went to the hospital before Sunday's race after doctors at the ACS infield care center couldn't find anything in his eye.
"People who thing negatively of me or think that we side-stepped some sort of drug test or something is ridiculous," Hamlin said. "I?m in one of the top-three cars in NASCAR, I would have to be an absolute moron ? moron to risk that.� I have a daughter that I have to provide for a really long time. For people to question who I am inside and outside the race car, I?ve never done anything to even put that in question. I go to Bobcats games, I got out and hang out with friends out in public -- I don?t stay tucked in my motorhome, I don?t stay tucked into my house, it?s not what I like to do. Because I?m out there a little bit more people think I got out and I party.� I got a wakeup call because I don?t drink at all hardly, ever.� I?ve never done drugs, ever.� I?m as clean as they come. I don?t know why people question who I am outside the race track.� I worked too hard to get here for one to throw it all away. If anyone has any questions about that, they can ask me directly."
Earlier in the week, Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he was worried about the perception for NASCAR and for Hamlin because there hadn't been a public timeline of what happened over the weekend. The following day, Joe Gibbs Racing released a statement saying Hamlin was cleared to race at Martinsville and what transpired at California.
Unless we've missed something, we're not sure where the rumors Hamlin referenced Friday came from. But he apparently felt them serious enough to address.
"People who assume, people like that. I?ll tell you, but it bothers me that my character is questioned. People think that there?s some kind of conspiracy because like I said, I worked too hard to get here and it?s what I?ve wanted to do since I was five years old. There?s not one thing in the world that I would do to switch positions with anyone in the world because I just feel that lucky. I?m done justifying and defending myself on those things ? I?m not going to let those people drag me down. It?s just frustrating ? just because I?m out there a little bit more in the public that bugs me because I?m a human being and I like doing fun things.� If people think I have to go out and I have to drink to have fun, they?re wrong and they haven?t hung out with me because I don?t. It just bothers me because there?s people that like to make rumors and of course within our NASCAR community rumors become truth when enough people say it.� I?m done.?
Well, no, he wasn't done. He had one more comment before he left the media center. We're not going to say it was a Ruthian call of his shot, but Martinsville is one of his best tracks. And Hamlin obviously likes his chances.
?I?m going to win (the race) this weekend, I promise,? Hamlin said.
�
�
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Mike Beuttler Birabongse Bhanubandh Lucien Bianchi Gino Bianco
Monday
Iowa Rain Out Causes Pit Crew Problems
On a normal NASCAR weekend when the Truck Series and/or Nationwide Series run companion to the Cup cars, there are a lot of pit crew members who double or triple dip. Crew members make some extra cash and get more reps, and the teams get top talent pitting their cars. But this last weekend presented [...] 
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Sunday
Ecclestone says two new F1 team entries will be accepted
Bernie Ecclestone says that two future F1 entries have been accepted – although he didn’t specify when they would join the World Championship. The two teams in the frame in recent weeks are from the USA and Romania. The Gene … Continue reading 
Source: http://adamcooperf1.com/2014/04/06/ecclestone-says-two-new-f1-team-entries-have-been-accepted/
Saturday
F1 WAG: Paola Ruiz
Esteban Gutierrez nearly lost his place in F1 for the 2014 season, but we are glad he didn’t. Not just because he’s a talented racer, but because he brings the lovely Paola Ruiz with him on race weekends. The gorgeous brunette really is one of the more attractive prospects at Sauber this season, and here [...]
Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Formula1Fancast/~3/U4rmk3uZn_w/f1-wag-paola-ruiz
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