Following a successful inaugural year in 2011, the JD Classics Challenge – an all-new race series for historic Touring Cars organised by Motor Racing Legends – is set to expand to cover a broader era of history, with Touring Cars from as far back as 1966 invited to take part in the 2012 races.

The JD Classics Challenge will now welcome entries from owners of Touring Cars which ran between 1966 and 1985 inclusive, as long as they comply with the correct period regs for either the BTCC (or British Saloon Car Championship, as it used to be known) or ETCC (the European Touring Car Championship).

“We have pushed the eligibility start-date back from 1972 to 1966,” said Duncan Wiltshire of Motor Racing Legends, “to bring such iconic and much-loved models as Ford Anglias and the earlier Escorts out to play – and provide an even better spectacle for race-goers.

“When we launched the JD Classics Challenge in early 2011, owners of genuine Touring Cars showed great enthusiasm for digging their eligible race cars out of the garage, and restoring them to race-ready condition – and we’re aware of even more cars being prepared this winter. But we also heard from owners of cars from a slightly earlier era, bemoaning the lack of high-calibre racingopportunities. So we studied the racing regulations from the time, and decided to extend the eligible years back to 1966.

“We’ll also consider cars complying with other National regs, on a case-by-case basis. This will help even more Touring Cars to return to the track, and enjoy our excellent calendar of one European and three UK races next year. Not only are the races enjoyed enormously by the competitors themselves, this era of Touring Car racing is hugely popular with spectators, both for its wheel-to-wheel action and because many of us remember these actual cars from their glory days.”

As well as Motor Racing Legends’ plans to extend the eligible years, the historic race organisation is increasing the number of races from two to four, with a 2012 calendar for the JD Classics Challenge as follows:

The Dacia Lodgy Glace is the rebellious little sister of the new family road car which will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. Its name evokes notions of generous interior space and the importance of family. However, thanks to its audacious character and record of rising to the craziest sport-oriented challenges, Dacia has decided to make its third Trophée Andros campaign truly exceptional by rewriting all the rules. For the first time in the event’s history, the series will feature an MPV.

To spice up the new season, not just one but two Lodgy Glace entries will take to on the grid for every race: one will be driven by Alain Prost, who finished as runner-up in the 2010 and 2011 Trophée Andros, at the wheel of a Dacia Duster Glace. The other Lodgy Glace will be shared by his son, Nicolas Prost and Evens Stievenart, Alain Prost’s team-mate and joint winner of last winter’s Superfinal at the Stade de France, Paris. It’s a question of family and friendship at the wheel of a family car; a fitting parallel with a clear goal: victory.

The Lodgy Glace has been designed specifically for this unique racing series, which is renowned as one of the most challenging in motorsport. The technical regulations of the Trophée Andros are extremely strict, and impose restrictions on all aspects of the vehicle (chassis dimensions, gearbox, tyres), including the materials employed. Everything is done to limit the use of complex and costly technical solutions: instead, this series is all about finding simple, ingenious solutions, a measure which fits perfectly with the Dacia brand. The series also brings the car‘s reliability to the fore, combined with driver skill.

Custom-prepared by the teams at Tork Engineering (design, production, assembly) and Sodemo (engine), the Lodgy Glace benefits from the full expertise of Renault Sport Technologies (RST). Throughout the project, RST has contributed its technical and sporting expertise from the world of motorsport: it acts like a conductor, perfectly coordinating the different technical partners and disciplines (design, engineering), the Dacia brand and the drivers.

The new Lodgy Glace draws on both the proven technical solutions of its predecessor, Dacia Duster Glace, and specific developments. On the technical front, the Trophée Andros is a series where tiny details can play a decisive role. The experience gained during previous seasons has been used to conduct a thorough analysis, whose conclusions have led to improvements in suspension and engine performance.

Volkswagen has successfully started the tests with the new Polo R WRC. Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management for Technology, and the two-time World Rally Champion and Dakar winner Carlos Sainz (Spain) completed the first test kilometres in the vineyards of Veldenz near Trier, the location that normally plays host to the ADAC Rallye Deutschland, without any problems today. Prior to competing in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) from 2013 onward, Volkswagen will intensively test and continue to develop the four-wheel drive vehicle that delivers an output of about 300 HP.

‘The first test with the new Polo R WRC is a special moment and marks an important milestone in the preparations for our entry in the WRC,’ comments Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for the Development Division. ‘We’re well on schedule and are now able to start testing our concepts and developments in reality. The WRC is the top category in rally sport and a great challenge for the team, the drivers and the technology. We’re taking on this challenge and will be making efficient use of the time before we start into our first competition.’

‘The first Polo represents a preliminary stage of the subsequent rally car and during the upcoming months will serve as a test vehicle for various components such as engines, gearboxes or suspension parts. The findings obtained in these tests will be directly fed into the first thorough-bred Polo R WRC,’ explains Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. ‘Next year we’ll be running an extensive testing programme on tarmac, gravel, mud and snow in order to prepare ourselves for the 2013 season as best we can.’

On the first test day Dr Ulrich Hackenberg and Carlos Sainz, both with co-driver Timo Gottschalk (Rheinsberg, Germany) at their side, drove some 100 kilometres on the 2.8-kilometre tarmac circuit. An initial functional test was followed by tuning and set-up work on the engine and the suspension, all of which was performed without any problems. ‘I immensely enjoy being involved in the development and testing of the new Polo R WRC – and having the privilege of driving the first kilometres is naturally a great honour,’ says Carlos Sainz. ‘The car is still in an early stage but already feels very good. For the whole team, whether engineers, mechanics or drivers, it’s very important to get to know the first real car as early as possible and to test and continue to develop it.’

In parallel to the tests with the Polo R WRC, Volkswagen is continuing its trial runs in the World Rally Championship. Next week the German Sepp Wiegand with Dakar winner Timo Gottschalk as co-driver and the Dutchman Kevin Abbring with co-driver Lara Vanneste will be competing in the Great Britain Rally in Wales (10–13 November). At the fourth WRC test run this year the Volkswagen factory team is again fielding two Fabia cars of the Group’s Škoda brand in order to evaluate talents and gather valuable experiences with the team at this famous gravel rally.

Nissan will be heading to Argentina for the tenth and final round of this year’s FIA GT1 World Championship this weekend aiming for nothing less than a double-Championship victory, after emerging from September’s tricky race double-header in China with flying colours.

Michael Krumm and Lucas Luhr, in the no.23 JRM Racing Nissan GT-R, enter the race weekend at the beautiful and picturesque Lago Potrero de los Funes circuit in San Luis as leaders in the GT1 Drivers’ Championship standings, whilst JRM sit a close second in the Teams’ Championship. With an expectation that the track should be well favoured to the GT-R, and a successful trip to the Far East fresh in the memory, confidence is high amongst the driver ranks.

In the first of the Chinese races, at Ordos International Circuit in Inner Mongolia, Nissan was able to confound pre-race predictions that the GT-Rs would not be suited to the short and twisty track, as the no.22 JRM of Peter Dumbreck and Richard Westbrook claimed second place in both the Qualifying Race and the Championship Race.

A week later, at Beijing’s Goldenport Park Circuit for round nine, the GT-R’s staged a fantastic recovery after a poor Qualifying session in which Jamie Campbell-Walter and David Brabham’s no.21 Sumo Power GT was the highest ranked Nissan in eighth. During the Qualifying Race, the no.23 JRM made up 10 places to finish in fourth, and things got even better in the Championship Race when Krumm and Luhr placed third to maintain their lead in the Drivers’ standings, and the other three GT-Rs all finished within the top eight.

Originally constructed in 1987, and rebuilt in 2008, the Lago Potrero de los Funes circuit is a semi-permanent track that encircles the scenic Lake Potrero de los Funes. At 6.270km (3.896 miles), the circuit is the longest used in this year’s Championship, and also houses the most corners, with 22 – a far cry from the 2.4km (1.5 miles) and 14 turn Goldenport Park Circuit used last time out. The Argentinian track is renowned for being a fast and challenging course with numerous undulations, plenty of high speed corners and many overtaking opportunities – attributes that should, in theory, suit the Nissan GT-R.

Speaking ahead of the race, Michael Krumm, no.23 JRM Racing, said: “San Luis is an exciting track to drive, with all its elevations and incredible scenery. But the walls are hard and the track is slippery, so it’s very easy to make a mistake. We can prepare well this year, as we have data from last year, so there are no surprises coming this time round. Watching last year’s races is also very helpful, particularly the on-board videos of course.

“We’ve had a fantastic year so far, with three Championship Race victories, but nevertheless it would be nice to win another one – especially this one! I think the GT-R should be very competitive at this circuit and we will do everything to achieve our goal of the Teams’ and Drivers’ titles. Even though we are carrying 30kg of success ballast, if we get everything perfect, then we should have every chance.”

Michael’s team-mate, Lucas Luhr, added: “This will be the first time I have been to the San Luis circuit, so I have looking at a lot of on-board video from last year.

“This is the last race of the season and we are leading the Championship, so my goal is to be at the front in qualifying, race one and, of course, race two. We will do everything we possibly can to make sure we end the season as the Champions!”

Visitors at this year’s Rallyday, at Castle Combe in Wiltshire on Saturday 17 September, can enjoy the ride of their life, as passenger in a Qt Services Wildcat 500 driven by Top Gear’s former ‘Stig’, Ben Collins. However, not only will they experience a once-in-a-lifetime thrill, they will also support the Race2Recovery campaign, as it raises money for wounded and disabled British servicemen.

The Race2Recovery campaign is supporting three charities – Help for Heroes, the Royal British Legion and Combat Stress – and has set itself a challenging goal: to compete in, and finish, the 2013 Dakar Rally and in the process, raise £2m for wounded British servicemen and their families. The team will run a pair of Qt Wildcats on the event, one driven by amputee Captain Tony Harris and co-driven by Captain Matt O’Hare, while the second will be driven by Qt’s Dave Marsh and co-driven by triple amputee Corporal Tom Neathway.

The team will be familiar to fans of BBC’s Top Gear, as they featured in the last episode of the latest series, preparing to begin competition in the Britpart British Cross Country Championship and gain their necessary license to compete on the Dakar.

Their cause has also attracted the attention of several celebrities, notably TG’s former ‘Stig’ and experienced racer, Ben Collins, who became the campaign’s Patron.

Collins will be one of the drivers giving passenger rides at RallyDay, rallying’s premier fan event. Other drivers will also be giving passenger rides, including Harris, who recently claimed Race2Recovery’s first class win in the BCCC, partnered by O’Hare.

Over the last few years, the organisers of the event, which draws huge crowds every year, have been developing the off-road, rally-raid presence at the show and this year, the Race2Recovery team will feature in this.

Passenger rides with Collins are priced at £250 while rides in one of the other Wildcats are priced at £20, with all proceeds going directly to Race2Recovery’s goals.

However, it’s not only rides in off-roaders that are available to supporters of Race2Recovery. Through the organisers, the team has secured two passenger rides in state-of-the-art stage rally cars: one in the works Ford Fiesta WRC, built in the UK by M-Sport and one in the Mitsubishi Lancer EvolutionX R4, also developed in the UK by the company formed from the ex-works Mitsubishi World Rally Team, MML Sports.

The driver of the Fiesta is yet to be confirmed but at the wheel of the Lancer will be former works Mitsubishi driver, Harri Rovanpera, who claimed second overall in Mitsubishi’s last official event in the WRC.

Both the rides in the Fiesta and the Lancer will be auctioned by Race2Recovery online, with the proceeds again contributing to the campaign’s goals.

Commenting, Harris said: “Rallyday is, without doubt, the biggest rally show in the UK and it was a bit of a no-brainer that we had to attend. Ben came up with the idea of ‘selling’ passenger rides in the Qt Wildcats to raise money towards our goals.

“The Rallyday organisers were incredibly supportive of the idea and we are all delighted to be at the event. Personally, I think £250 for a ride with Ben in one of the Wildcats is great value and will help our cause enormously. But of course, we will be just as grateful to anyone who goes for a £20 ride with one of the other drivers or simply makes a donation on the day.”

Collins is also excited by the prospect of the event: “I’m looking forward to seeing the R2R Team in action again at Rallyday at Castle Combe – the last time I saw them was on BBC’s Top Gear program and we were driving down a cliff face, so it should be exciting to see what the Team come up with this time out. Supporting this remarkable charity is a huge amount of fun and I would invite as many people as possible to come and meet the Team and to feel as inspired by their adventures as I do.”

Wildcat rides with Collins are limited and must be pre-booked, by emailing Race2Recovery Team Manager Andrew Taylor at Andrew@race2recovery.co.uk. Rides in the other four Wildcats can be booked on the day, though.

Croft Circuit can confirm that its retro motor sport-themed festival, Nostalgia, will continue for a third consecutive year in 2012 after it defied bad weather to successfully run the event for a second time.

The Historic Sports Car Club, whose packed race programme forms the backbone to the event, has already requested a date for next year after again being left impressed by the North Yorkshire circuit during its recent 2011 Nostalgia weekend (6-7 August).

Heavy rain on the Saturday threatened to disrupt the event but 16 races were still run thanks to the tireless efforts of the HSCC, circuit staff and marshals.

Grahame White, the HSCC’s Chief Executive, commented: “We were hugely impressed by the enormous effort that the team at Croft put in – their co-operation plus that of the marshals and our drivers meant we still got through the whole programme which was quite amazing.

“Furthermore Croft is a very popular venue with our competitors – the circuit is a real challenge for them and there’s also a very friendly reception all weekend-long. The huge line-up of entertainment off track from classic cars and military vehicles is also superb and means nobody is ever left waiting for something to happen. It is just a hugely enjoyable weekend, in fact one of the highlights of our calendar, and we very much want to return for a third Nostalgia weekend in 2012.”

In total some 240 drivers signed on for competition during 2011’s Nostalgia weekend with more than 250 racing cars dating from the Forties through to the early Eighties in action for the crowds. In addition more than 400 classic cars plus 100 World War Two military vehicles were on display while numerous side shows themed around music, fashion and living history from the Forties-Seventies added to the value-for-money-entertainment for the public. Admission for children aged 15 and under was free all weekend.

Croft Circuit manager Tracey Morley commented: “We’ve had our fair share of rain down the years but the weather we experienced on Nostalgia weekend was extreme by anyone’s standards. I cannot praise enough our staff, marshals, the HSCC race officials and competitors, Teesside Yesteryear Motor Club, Military Vehicle Trust, the exhibitors and of course public for the terrific spirit and goodwill they displayed in what were very difficult circumstances.

“The feedback has been nothing but positive and we know all will be returning in 2012 to be part of this fabulous event again. We still have a busy schedule of events to complete in 2011 but hope to announce our 2012 Nostalgia date in the near future.”

The weekend of 2/3 July 2011 will be a momentous occasion. Records are set to be broken and history made as Don Wales and the Bluebird Electric team endeavour to break the UK Land Speed Record on the 4-mile stretch of beach at Pendine Sands, South Wales.

The speed trial, part of the preparations for an attempt in 2013 to break 500mph, has been made possible thanks to an overwhelming response from volunteers who are generously giving up their time to help marshal and assist the 30-strong Bluebird Electric team.

This is not the first time a Bluebird has set Land Speed records at Pendine. Don Wales is following in a family tradition started by his grandfather, Sir Malcolm Campbell MBE and continued by his Uncle, Donald Campbell CBE.

If the public want to witness the feat first hand, the team welcomes spectators to cheer them along and show their support at Pendine Sands. The runs will commence from 1.00pm on Saturday 2^nd July and 2.00pm on Sunday 3^rd July 2011.

In addition to the record attempt, Bluebird Electric will be raising awareness for their chosen charities; Help for Heroes, Wessex Heartbeat and The Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals

Don Wales and Bluebird Electric also extend their thanks to their sponsors Castrol, Aggreko, Ford, Goodyear, Dura, Bluestone and the Prince of Wales Hotel Pembrokeshire whose support and services have been invaluable throughout.

Supporters and enthusiasts can follow the progress of Don Wales and Bluebird and receive the latest news by signing up on the website www.bluebirdspeedrecords.com

The 2011 Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (15-17 July; www.cpop.co.uk), the UK’s biggest celebration of power and speed, will play host to one of the UK’s biggest gatherings of World Rally Championship cars this year.  Over 30 rally cars will be at the Pageant, and all will be undertaking high-speed runs on the Pageant’s brand new, purpose-built tarmac ‘Rally Stage’.  Crowds will get to see the cars reach speeds of over 100mph on the straights, and then drift in wild and spectacular fashion through the corners.

Most of the cars that will appear at the Pageant are from the legendary Group B era (1982 to 1986), which featured some of the quickest, most powerful and most technically sophisticated rally cars ever built.  The Group B cars became infamous for their extreme speeds, and for a series of major accidents – some of which were fatal – which led to the series being banned.

Alongside these Group B monsters will be multiple generations of top-flight rally cars, from those dating back to the early 1970s all the way up to the late 1990s, all putting on displays of high-octane, flame-spitting power.

The Cholmondeley Estate, Cheshire, has transformed part of its grounds into the bespoke Rally Stage which has been designed to allow large crowds to take in all of the action.  The stage consists of two straights, punctuated by challenging chicanes, with two sweeping corners allowing drivers to show off their skills.

Amongst the entrants on the Pageant’s Rally Stage will be the 1983 Audi Quattro A2, perhaps the most famous Group B car.  The Audi Quattro A2 turned the rallying world upside down when it made its debut in 1981, thanks to its then-unique four-wheel drive layout which gave it unbeatable traction on loose surfaces.  Winning the WRC in 1982 and 1984, in its ultimate guise the Audi Quattro produced a massive 650bhp.

Another famous machine attending the Pageant will be the Peugeot 205 T16 EVO.  This model dominated the latter years of Group B, when power and speed was key, winning in 1985 and 1986.  200 T16 road cars were produced with a similar turbo-charged mid-engine, four-wheel-drive setup as the rally cars, but with far less power.  Thankfully the 205 T16 EVO running at the Pageant will have no such restrictions.

In a similar vein to the Peugeot 205 T16, the Metro 6R4’s diminutive shape hides a potent 3.0-litre V6 engine with upwards of 350bhp.  Despite the 6R4 never achieving the success of some of its counterparts, it’s diminutive shape and knife-edge handling made a lasting impression on Group B, while its bespoke 3.0-litre V6 engine went on to even greater things.  It was eventually modified and used to power the Jaguar XJ220 – the world’s fastest production car between 1992 and 1994.

Other rally cars confirmed for the Pageant will include: 1982 Porsche 911 SC; 1986 Ford RS 200; 1967 Morris Mini Cooper S; 1988 Ford Sierra Cosworth;1979 Fiat X1/9 Prototipo; and the famous 1992 WRC Martini Lancia Delta Integrale Evoluzione.

James Hall, Event Director for the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, commented, “To have these Group B monsters here – on our very own rally stage – is a fantastic addition to the Pageant for 2011.  These outlandish cars are particularly welcome, as they epitomise the noise, power, speed and spectacle that make the Pageant so popular.

“With track, airborne and waterborne displays, it is just a natural step up to provide Pageant of Power visitors with the ultimate in off-road entertainment.  It’s a display they won’t be able to see anywhere else,” added Hall.

The Pageant is located in the Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire, and was created to celebrate power and performance in its many forms.  Winning the Best Tourist Event in Cheshire, and drawing in more than 50,000 visitors in 2010, the Pageant of Power has fast gained a reputation that makes early booking essential.  Ticket booking details and further event information can be found at www.cpop.co.uk or by calling the ticket hotline on 01829 772 432.

Rally Argentina was marked by several twists but finally Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena came out on top for the sixth time on the bounce.

The seven-time world champions took the lead on the last stage, after having made up the one-minute penalty they received on the first day. Despite a roll in the longest stage of the event, Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia finished on the third step of the podium. Citroën continued its series of wins in South America, which began in 2004.

The last day of Rally Argentina was an atypical one, with a stage of over 48 kilometres to be tackled as the sun rose. The crews had been up since 5am and they had a quick stop in the Villa Carlos Paz service park before battle began. They then set off for Ascochinga for the longest stage since the start of the season!

Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia, first out on the road, made a cautious start to nurse their 43.7s lead. In the final kilometre of the stage, their Citroën DS3 WRC rolled onto its roof. “A stupid mistake,” admitted Ogier at the finish. “All we had to do was to drive on to victory. I had noted an apex to be taken in a corner, and it ended in a roll. We were able to restart, but the car was damaged. In addition to the superficial damage, we no longer had power steering. The windscreen was broken and we lost our rear wing.”

Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena, in third place, quickly realised that the nature of the terrain wouldn’t allow them to get the better of Mikko Hirvonen: “There was fog and it was very damp. In these conditions there’s no sweeping. Our first split times weren’t great. We had to go ‘pedal-to-the-metal to overtake.” The winner of the last five Rally Argentinas managed to snatch second place in the overall classification at the very end of the timed sector.

In the last three stages – some 10 kilometres – Ogier tried to defend his position. Before the start of the Power Stage, he was only 3.3s in front of Loeb and 5.7s in front of Hirvonen: “It was really tough. In the last stage, I felt that I wouldn’t be able to hold the wheel. Without power steering, the car became incredibly heavy. We were totally unable to fight our corner,” summed up Sébastien.

While Loeb and Hirvonen took advantage of Ogier’s problems to overtake the Frenchman, he took the points for third place. Ogier said: “It’s a lesser evil for the team. We haven’t lost too many points in the manufacturers’ classification. On the other hand, it’s not a great result for the drivers’ title chase. I’m really very disappointed.”

Loeb was in attack mode right till the very end and took the lead from his team-mate. At the flag, he was 2.4s in front of Hirvonen: “After Friday’s penalty, I wasn’t counting on this victory. We pushed really hard to get back in contact with the frontrunners and to beat Hirvonen. Once again, the outcome was decided by a hair’s breadth. It seems that Rally Argentina is my happy hunting ground!”

Loeb congratulated his team-mate and insisted: “I understand what he must be feeling. I’ve had similar misadventures. It’s frustrating and disappointing, but these mistakes can happen. Still he managed to bring the car home to the finish, and that’s very important for the team.”

Michelin has published an electronic guide to Le Mans to celebrate the Company’s ongoing success at the prestigious 24 hour endurance race.

The guide is available, upon registration, in PDF format at: www.michelin.co.uk/lemansguide

It has been produced to give race fans a mixture of background information, statistics, interesting facts and tips. These will be useful whether heading out to La Sarthe to take in the unique atmosphere or watching the action unfold on TV.

Michelin is synonymous with the Le Mans 24 Hours having supplied the tyres that won the first race back in 1923 and more recently become its most successful tyre supplier. This year the Company is out to claim its 14^th consecutive overall victory and with all but three of the fastest Prototypes on the French rubber, there is every chance.

From 1-3 July, the Festival of Speed will be the only place in Britain to see the very latest supercars in action, as well as up close in the popular Goodwood Supercar Paddock.  The Festival of Speed has firmly established itself as the best place to see the newest, greatest and fastest supercars from around the globe. The Goodwood Supercar Run is unique in providing a dynamic environment in which the public can view new models for the first time.

Unlike a conventional motor show, the Supercar Run affords a fantastic opportunity not only to exhibit a new supercar, but also to show it in action on the Goodwood hillclimb. Last year’s Festival saw over 20 UK public debuts out of a 50-car field, and with six weeks still to go, this year’s entry is looking even stronger.

For 2011 the Supercar Run promises the very latest supercars from all around the world, with cars from as many as 11 countries anticipated.  Cars already confirmed to be making their World and/or UK dynamic debuts will include the Ferrari FF, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, Jaguar XKR-S, Pagani Huayra, GTA Spano, Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, Hennessy Venom GT, Koenigsegg Agera R, Marussia B1 and B2, Hulme CanAm Spyder, the six-wheeled Covini C6, and the production version of the McLaren MP4-12C, which made its World debut in pre-series form at the 2010 Festival of Speed.

In all, as many as 50 great supercars will be in action on the Hill, which will certainly be a feast for the senses of the expected 175,000+ visitors to the Festival of Speed and Moving Motor Show. A number of other important UK debuts will also take place in the First Glance class, FoS-TECH and in the manufacturers’ vast exhibition area at Goodwood, including the new Morgan 3 Wheeler, Alfa Romeo 4C, Peugeot EX1, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible and Infiniti Etheria concept.

Away from the Supercar Run, over a dozen other new vehicles are expected to be making their UK public debut on the Hill as part of the new Goodwood Moving Motor Show, presented by Auto Trader, details of which will be confirmed in the coming days and weeks.

The new Caddy Racer has made a strong start to the 2011 Volkswagen Racing Cup with a competitive first outing, coming away with 11^th and 14^th places in the two races at Snetterton over the weekend, 14-15 May.

A tricky qualifying session saw the number 33 RAC-liveried new Caddy Racer start Race 1 in 15^th with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK director, Simon Elliott, at the wheel.  The pairing showed strong potential throughout the race and Elliott battled hard to make up several places, crossing the line 11^th place which would be his grid spot for the second race of the weekend.

Keen to build on the positives from Race 1, Elliott made a very strong start to Race 2 and had moved up to eighth position by the first corner.  However, an incident caused by a driver further up the field saw the Caddy Racer’s progress halted and Elliott was unlucky to drop positions after taking avoiding action.  Over the remaining laps, as Elliott became more familiar with the characteristics of the new Caddy Racer, he was able to further exploit its potential and was involved in a number of close battles, posting his quickest laptime of the two races before crossing the line 14^th.

Completely new for the 2011 season, the new Caddy Racer is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine developing 270 PS, channelled through the front wheels via a six-speed Volkswagen Racing quick shift gearbox.  In addition to this, the rear axle has been uprated to the multi-link system found in the road-going Golf.

Returning for his second  season in the highly competitive Volkswagen Racing Cup, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK director, Simon Elliott explained: ‘It is great to finally be back out on track with the Volkswagen Racing Cup for what is shaping up to be a more exciting season than ever.  The new Caddy Racer feels strong already and I am really pleased with our debut performance.’

Elliott continued: ‘We were unlucky to finish just outside the top ten this weekend but we have made some strong steps forward with the Caddy Racer’s development and that will be the aim for Brands Hatch. Since it was launched at the end of last year, the new Caddy has won a number of awards, and I am hopeful that the new Caddy Racer can add to this success.’

Rounds 5 and 6 of the Volkswagen Racing Cup takes place at Brands Hatch over the weekend of 18-19 June.

The Blyton Park Driving Centre is now officially open following a successful launch on May 4 attended by 75 invited guests and hosted by the entrepreneur and enthusiast behind it, Richard Usher. The open day saw a wide range of cars take to the pristine new 1.5-mile asphalt circuit, which garnered much praise for its challenging yet safe nature.

‘I am overwhelmed by the unanimously positive response to what we have done with Blyton,’ said a delighted Usher, who has so far invested around half a million pounds rejuvenating the facility near Gainsborough in Lincolnshire. ‘I built the track so that people could come here and enjoy their cars, a pastime that’s increasingly difficult on our roads.’

Blyton will continue to host Rallycross and Supermoto meetings but Usher has no ambition to see it become a venue for circuit racing. ‘The UK already has enough race tracks. I hope the wide range of vehicles that we saw here today will reflect the range of vehicles we attract to Blyton.’

The day saw everything from Autograss buggies to rally cars to road cars to a Lola Formula One car lapping the newly laid track. The fine selection of historic rally cars included original Escorts, Mick Strafford’s unique Chevy-powered Firenza and Steve Perez’s lurid and loud Lancia Stratos. Phil Morrison of Driftworks explored the outer reaches of the asphalt in his Nissan Silvia S15, and Callum Macleod wowed the crowd when he demonstrated David Harrison’s DFV-powered Larousse Lola SC88.

The former Second World War US bomber base has been used for various forms of motorsport for around 50 years and the local Grass Track racing club still occupies a part of the site. Blyton hosted the second round of the MSA Rallycross championship on May 7, under floodlights, and it’s hoped that the new asphalt track, designed by ex-touring car ace Eugene O’Brian and journalist John Barker, will be sanctioned for Sprint meetings.

“We have invited you to join us here in Olbia to announce Volkswagen’s entry in the World Rally Championship starting in 2013.” – These were the words used by Volkswagen Management Board Member Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg as he declared Volkswagen’s entry into the most versatile of the four automobile world championships (World Rally Championship, WRC). In front of 200 journalists he unveiled the concept of the Polo R WRC, the car with which Volkswagen will compete from 2013 onwards, together with Luca de Meo, Head of Marketing of Volkswagen AG, and Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. Luca de Meo: “Almost exactly two years ago, in May 2009, the most recent model of the Polo was presented here in Sardinia. Today we are proud to show you the hottest Polo of all time – the Polo R WRC.” For Kris Nissen and his team the World Rally Championship entry marks a new commitment. “We look forward to this new challenge and are working on this project with the same passion with which we won the Dakar Rally in the past three years,” said Kris Nissen.

After three consecutive victories at the Dakar Rally, Volkswagen has set itself new aims in top-calibre sport. With three car corporations currently involved in the championship and global media coverage, the WRC offers an attractive, highly competitive environment for Volkswagen. By 2013 the Wolfsburg-based brand will develop a near-300-hp rally vehicle with a 1.6-litre TSI engine and four-wheel drive based on the Polo.

Universal technological challenge, new rules

The World Rally Championship offers the most diverse technological challenge in worldwide car racing to the manufacturers involved. Various types of ground have to be considered during the concept design of a WRC vehicle such as all manner of gravel, scree, tarmac, ice, snow and mud. The calendar this season features 13 WRC rounds on four different continents. Hence a world rally car has to function in extremely different climatic conditions, from the blazing heat of South America to the icy ride in Scandinavia.

In addition, new technical rules have come into effect in the WRC this year. For the first time, engines with a maximum displacement of 1,600 cc, direct injection and turbochargers are prescribed.

“The new Technical Regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles,” says Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division. “Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us.”

Proven squad, new aims: Volkswagen Motorsport’s factory commitment

Volkswagen will prepare and enter the Polo R WRC as a factory commitment. In doing so, the Wolfsburg-based squad can build on structures which have been established over the past few years. The World Rally Championship is a new ambitious aim for the team that has won the “Dakar” in the past three years. “We can draw on an experienced and proven squad which has done an outstanding job in top-calibre sport in the past few years,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. “Even though the WRC is new territory for us and involves learning in many areas the team already meets some important prerequisites now as it brings an unwavering professional attitude and resolve to deliver absolute perfection to this commitment.”

Volkswagen in the WRC: a success story

Volkswagen looks back on a small yet impressive rally tradition. Production-based vehicles from Wolfsburg celebrated rally racing successes in the middle end of the 1980s. The most important one: In 1986 the Swede Kenneth Eriksson and his German co-driver Peter Diekmann in the Volkswagen Golf GTI 16V claimed the world champion’s title in the newly incepted Group A. In addition, Volkswagen vigorously promoted young rally talent through the Golf Rally Cup. The fielding of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC from 2013 onwards closes the loop: Today’s WRC vehicles are still based on the philosophy of the Group A introduced back then, which enables rally sport to be conducted with vehicles based on production models.

The UK’s premier series for novice racing drivers, the Caterham Academy, will be backed by the leading weekly motor racing magazine, Autosport, for 2011.

Autosport, which has a weekly circulation of more than 31,000 readers, and a huge following on its acclaimed website, Autosport.com, has long been acknowledged as the ‘Bible’ for British motorsport fans.

The Caterham Academy is recognised as being the best value route into motorsport for rookie drivers and has created some 800 brand new racing drivers since its inception in 1995.

The affiliation with Haymarket Media Group’s Autosport magazine means readers will be kept abreast of series developments via race reports and features in print and online. Additionally, Autosport news editor, Glenn Freeman, will take part in the series to gain hands-on experience of the world of Caterham racing. For a package price of £19,450, Caterham’s unique series helps participants through the process of gaining their race licence, tutors them in car set-up and racecraft and takes them through their first season of competition.

The Autosport Caterham Academy will strap rookie racers into the seat of a legendary Caterham Seven – its underpinnings are identical in specification to the popular, Ford 1.6 powered Roadsport 125 – a car capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds. Many Academy alumni have risen through the Caterham racing ladder to GT and single-seater championships and beyond.

Autosport editor, Andy van de Burgt, said: “The Caterham Seven is one of the best-known racing cars in the world and boasts legendary status in racing circles. Anybody who’s had the pleasure to drive one can attest to its glowing performance attributes. “If it weren’t for series like the Academy, motorsport in the UK would not have the same vibrant appeal that it enjoys today so we are delighted to back the 2011 series.”

Caterham Cars Motorsport Manager, Simon Lambert, added: “Experiencing a Caterham on the race track is a fantastic thrill and we’re delighted Autopsort is taking part and backing the series this year. It perennially sells out by virtue of the extremely close fought racing it produces and the renowned Caterham support structure.”

At the halfway point of the Dakar Rally, Volkswagen holds the top two positions overall and all four Race Touareg 3s continue to set the pace over each gruelling stage. The event, which covers more than 9,600 km though South America, is currently led by the 2010 Dakar winning duo of Carlos Sainz and Lucas Cruz, with Nasser Al-Attiyah and Timo Gottschalk less than three minutes behind.

But the competition is not far behind the two leading Volkswagen factory teams. A battle between three rivals continues to dominate the action at the front of the field with X-raid BMW driver Stéphane Peterhansel leading part of the sixth leg from Iquique to Arica before suffering several punctures which dropped him down the order. The two quickest Volkswagen duos subsequently battled for a win on the 456-kilometre stage – the second-longest of the event so far.

After Peterhansel’s time loss on the latest stage, Sainz took the lead but on the final 100 kilometres Al-Attiyah temporarily converted a gap of 1m 27s into a 14-second advantage. In the end, Sainz secured his fifth stage win with the Race Touareg 3 and, after 4h 53m of driving, reached the finish just nine seconds in front of his team-mate Al-Attiyah. This result moves the Qatari driver into second place overall.

Giniel de Villiers and his co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz finished the stage in third place and the winners of the 2009 Dakar continue to rank in fourth place overall. Mark Miller and Ralph Pitchford completed the 1-2-3-4 stage result of the TDI-powered Race Touareg 3, and moved up to sixth place in the overall standings.

Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director commented: ‘The 1-2-3-4 stage win is a fantastic result. The entire Volkswagen squad did everything right today and I want to express my sincere thanks to all of them. Now the team have deserved a break, but like every year there will be a lot of work to do on the upcoming rest day. During this important service, the cars will be prepared for the second half of the rally with new parts. To be in front in the end we first have to defeat the Dakar and then our rivals.’

The latest thrilling addition to the Donington Historic Festival on 29 April to 1 May 2011 is the return of the legendary Group B rally cars. Over the weekend of the Festival, spectators will be treated to a full power demonstration of these iconic ‘too fast to race’ rally machines.

From 1972 until the 1990s, Donington was used, on and off, as a stage on the annual RAC Rally. This included the era of the stunning Group B rally cars of the 1980s, when the Group B rules allowed unlimited boost, along with low weight and high-tech materials. The result was genuinely staggering performance, so much so that in 1986 a series of fatal accidents saw the sudden withdrawal of Group B and the outrageously quick rally cars it had spawned.

At the Donington Historic Festival, a line-up of original works rally warriors will be put into action by the ‘Rallying with Group B’ club members, reviving the fire and fury of these spectacular machines. Spectators can expect to see and hear flame-spitting Audi quattros, MG Metro 6R4, Ford RS200, Lancia 037, Porsche 911 RSR, Peugeot 205 T16 – and even an example of the exotic Group B Ferrari 308 GTB. The rally cars will perform their spectacular stuff on a specially designed, all-Tarmac stage on the GP loop, with full, free spectator access.

This is just the latest attraction to complement three days of the very best in historic racing, ranging from pre-1960 Touring Cars to 1977-85 Touring Cars; from pre-War sports cars to Group C sports cars; and from pre-63 GTs to World Endurance Championship sports prototypes from 1968-71 – plus much, much more.

The first annual Donington Historic Festival will take place on the Bank Holiday weekend of 29 April to 1 May 2011. See www.doningtonhistoric.com

Leading historic race organiser, Motor Racing Legends, has launched an all-new race series for Groups 1 and 2, and Group A Touring Cars, such as raced in the British and European Touring Car Championships between 1977 and 1985.

The new series will be called the JD Classics Challenge, thanks to the help and support of the premier classic car dealership, JD Classics. As with all Motor Racing Legends’ series, the races will be for real race cars from the era, running to the correct period specification.

“We believe a lot of the genuine race cars still exist, sitting in garages, but they’re not being brought out en masse as there isn’t a series catering exclusively for them,” explains Duncan Wiltshire of Motor Racing Legends. “We hope to change all that. We’re also looking at inviting selected cars from American series – IMSA production cars from the 1977-85 period.

“In Europe, it was the era of TWR XJ-S and BMW 528, of Alfa GTV6, Audi Coupé and Ford Sierra XR4i, piloted in their day by such stars as Win Percy and Andy Rouse. Before that came the likes of Triumph Dolomite Sprint, BMW 3.0 CSL and Jaguar XJ 12C – not forgetting the evergreen Ford Capri.

“It’s a time that many of us remember clearly, and even more of us would like to see revived as a historic race series.”

The first round of the new series will be at the brand-new Donington Historic Festival, 29 April to 1 May 2011.

Following the successful debut of 1950s motorcycles racing at the Revival in 2008 – inspired by the 1951 motorcycle-only race at Goodwood – this year’s event (17-19 September) will see bikes from this golden era doing battle through the sweeping curves of the Goodwood Motor Circuit. In just over one week’s time, the Goodwood Revival will welcome back these hugely popular machines, along with a wealth of star riders to put them through their paces.

Bikes lining up on the grid will include Italian exotica such as a 1948 Gilera Satuno, and various German BMWs, tackling home-grown favourites such as the Norton Manx and Dominator, BSA Gold Star, Triumph T110 and Vincent Comet Grey Flash.

These sports bikes from yesteryear will be ridden by many top names from the past, including 500cc World Champion Wayne Gardner, eight-time TT winner Charlie Williams and Imola 200 winner Paul Smart.  They will be joined by fast men from the modern era including  James Haydon, Jeremy McWilliams and Steve Brogan to name but a few, all looking to get one over on the past masters, as will potentially ex-Formula One driver Gerhard Berger.

As before, there will be one race on Saturday and another on Sunday, with the result decided by aggregate timing.  Each owner-rider will be paired up with a mutually agreeable professional racer, and both will ride in each race, changing over in the pits around half distance.  The Le Mans-style running start will also be a feature which is certain to cause drama and excitement once again, for both spectators and competitors alike.

Entry to the Goodwood Revival is strictly by advance ticket only. 

To order advance tickets, please contact the Ticket Hotline:

Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755055

Email: bookings@goodwood.com 

Via the Online Ticket section of the Goodwood website: www.goodwood.com

Volkswagen has unveiled its new Dakar challenger, the Race Touareg 3.

Replacing the Race Touareg 2, twice winner in 2009 and 2010 of the gruelling Dakar Rally and the first diesel-powered vehicle ever to win the event, the new Race Touareg 3 promises to be faster and more efficient while retaining the immense strength and durability of the outgoing car.

Wind tunnel testing has led to changes being made to the carbon fibre and Kevlar bodywork with particular attention to improving the cooling systems around the roof of the vehicle while minimising disruption to the airflow at high speeds.  At the same time the changes have meant the Touareg has adopted a fresh look with new LED lights, a new grille, window line, rear clamshell and wheels.

Beneath the bodywork the twin-turbocharged 2.5-litre TDI engine has been optimised to allow greater economy while still producing 300 PS and 442 lbs ft of torque.  It has also been revised to cope with the severe altitude changes incurred on the Dakar with the vehicle climbing to heights of over 15,000 feet above sea level. The Race Touareg 3 can now adapt to these conditions, meaning the performance doesn’t suffer despite the thinner air encountered at such altitudes.

The 2.5-litre engine channels its drive through three limited slip differentials via a newly upgraded five-speed sequential gearbox and a ZF-Sachs three-plate ceramic clutch.

The result is the ability to accelerate to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 117 mph in nearly any conditions.

In order to maintain these speeds in extreme off-road conditions the Race Touareg 3 needs to be able to withstand the rigours passing over sand dunes, through deep mud, and across gravel and broken tarmac roads.  As a result the Race Touareg 3 is based on a high-strength steel spaceframe chassis with a pair of springs and damper units fitted to every corner in order to protect the vehicle against severe impacts.  A set of specially developed BF Goodrich 235/85 R16 tyres provide the grip while a pair of wheels and tyres are carried by the vehicle at all times.

The new Race Touareg 3 has already undergone shakedown tests comprising 10,000 kilometres of simulated special stages ahead of the 2011 Dakar Rally.  This equates to twice the length of the Rally itself and a greater distance than Formula 1 cars cover in an entire season.

MINI is making a comeback on the international rally circuit. From 2011, the brand will compete at selected rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and will go on to contest the entire season from 2012 onwards. This involvement is planned for several years.

The car charged with this task is the MINI Countryman WRC, which is being developed by Prodrive, in close cooperation with MINI, and is based on the production model. The powerful heart of the racing car is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged engine from BMW Motorsport.

The car complies with the new Super2000 regulations put in place by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), which stipulate the use of turbo engines with 1,600 cc displacement and four-wheel drive combined with an increased emphasis on road relevant technologies. The result is a significant 25 per cent reduction in overall costs. The first test drive for the MINI Countryman WRC, which will also be available to customer teams, is planned for autumn 2010.

This decision sees MINI continue its success story in the world of rallying. In the 1960s, the MINI Cooper S caused a sensation with victories at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. The company also tasted success on many occasions in the European Rally Championship. Having already demonstrated the sporty character of its models in many countries in the MINI CHALLENGE, the brand is now taking its presence in motorsport to a new level with the commitment to the WRC.

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, says: “I am delighted MINI will be represented on one of the most popular stages in international motorsport. The success enjoyed on the rally circuit has made a vital contribution to the image of the brand. MINI customers have always shown great interest in motorsport. I am convinced we will add a few more chapters to our success story in rallying. The MINI Countryman provides an excellent basis, from which to create a competitive racing car for the world championship. In Prodrive, we have a strong and experienced partner. We will work hard together over the coming months to ensure we get the project on track right from the word go.”

“This is a very exciting new motorsport programme,” said Prodrive Chairman, David Richards. “During the 1960s MINI captured the imagination of the world when the tiny car took on the might of V8 powered Fords and won what was then one of the toughest motorsport events, the 4000km Monte Carlo rally. I believe our new MINI will become a firm favourite of the latest generation of rally fans, just as it is adored by its millions of owners across the world. We already have a significant number of confirmed customer orders for the new MINI rally car with the first deliveries scheduled for the start of the 2011 season.”

This year’s exclusive Salon Privé event live from the lawns of the Hurlingham Club, London.

View gallery here.

Team BMW Motorsport has made a triumphant return and won the 2010 24-hour race at the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Five years since the manufacturer’s last victory, the no. 25 BMW M3 GT2 claimed BMW’s 19th victory at this endurance classic on Sunday. The winning car, with Jörg Müller (DE), Augusto Farfus (BR), Uwe Alzen (DE) and Pedro Lamy (PT) at the wheel, crossed the finish line first after 154 laps of the 25.378-kilometre circuit. The quartet of drivers produced a flawless performance and fought their way onto the top step of the podium despite gearbox problems in the last three hours.


An impressive fight back saw the second BMW M3 GT2, car number 26, driven by Dirk Werner (DE), Dirk Müller (DE), Andy Priaulx (GB) and Dirk Adorf (DE) race through the field to finish in seventh in front of 220,000 spectators. A crash, while swerving to avoid a collision, resulted in the four drivers losing an hour in the pits early on in the race and dropping back to 182nd. In cool, but dry conditions, car number 26 worked its way back up the field lap by lap. The drivers’ fighting spirit was ultimately rewarded.

The two private BMW Z4 GT3 cars with numbers 76 and 69, run by Schubert Motorsport and Dörr Motorsport respectively, rounded off an excellent overall result for BMW by finishing in fourth and ninth. In addition to the win, BMW teams secured ten class wins at the Nordschleife. These results have further strengthened BMW’s position as the most successful manufacturer in the history of the race. Of the 198 cars lining up for this year’s event, 63 were BMWs.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen said: “That was a fantastic return for us at the 24-hour race here on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. This win reminds me of the triumph in Le Mans in 1999. I have never known excitement like I experienced today. After some of our direct rivals fell by the wayside, our victory was also hanging by a thread. At about 12.00 the winning car developed a gearbox problem, resulting in the loss of one gear. Shortly after 13.00 other gears gradually gave up. It was a masterful performance how Jörg Müller and Uwe Alzen brought the car home in first place in this crucial phase. The tension was enormous for all of us, so the relief was all the greater when the car crossed the finish line. I must say a big thank you to every single member of the team. Everyone worked perfectly together. Thanks also to our loyal fans, who have taken us to their hearts after a five-year break and given us such great support.”

For the Schnitzer Motorsport team this is the fifth win in the “Green Hell” after previous victories in 1989, 1990, 2004 and 2005. Team Manager Charly Lamm said: “Days like this are the ultimate reason why I love my profession so much. The commitment shown by the entire team today is really unique. We had to overcome some tricky situations, but always believed in ourselves. The preparation time was tough, as we had to get the best possible package on its feet within a relatively short timeframe. We obviously succeeded. It goes without saying that I feel sorry for the rivals who did not finish the race. However, reliability is crucial in a race like this, and in that regard we were number one today.”

The fast and flawless work which Schnitzer Motorsport has demonstrated for decades played a big role in this triumph. Following Werner’s crash on the eighth lap, the mechanics changed the front-left suspension, the radiator and the rear-left shock absorber on the number 26 BMW M3 GT2. The winning car also experienced difficulties: tyre damage on lap 46 and a damaged radiator just six laps later also required unscheduled pit stops. In addition, the car developed a gearbox problem in the last three hours. However, the team and drivers stayed calm and refused to be denied victory once they had taken over at the head of the field with two hours remaining.

A fifth victory on the Nordschleife sees Pedro Lamy draw level in the all-time winners’ list with Marcel Tiemann (DE), who is the only driver to have enjoyed as much success at the 24-hour race as the Portuguese BMW driver. For Jörg Müller and Uwe Alzen this was the second victory at probably the most challenging circuit in the world. Augusto Farfus also goes into the Nordschleife history books following his first 24-hour start in a works car.

Playing a key role in helping to finalise the development of the LFA before it enters production in December, the gruelling 24h race offers Lexus and Gazoo Racing the unique opportunity to not only foster the peerless quality, durability and reliability by pushing cutting-edge technology to the extremes of mechanical endurance but also to hone the technical skills of the personnel involved in the development of future Lexus and Toyota production vehicles. 

Furthermore, by participating in the 24 Hours Endurance Race Lexus and Toyota aim to showcase their dedication through Gazoo Racing to produce more emotional cars and becoming more attractive and desirable to a wider range of customers.

This year’s race marks the third consecutive entry of the Lexus LFA and, significantly, the first participation of the car in standard production guise.

Competing in the SP8 (‘Near production’) class, the race version of the LFA does not differ substantially from the road car, particularly with regard to construction, engine and transmission. Mandatory safety equipment has been installed and other modifications such as a refined aero package including a fixed rear wing and a larger fuel tank are made to reflect the format of the 24h race and the Nürburgring circuit.

Led by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC)’s master test driver Hiromu Naruse, the Gazoo Racing team will make its fourth appearance at the Nürburging 24h race. It is a team comprised of engineers and technicians from TMC, and, whilst they’ve regularly come together over recent months to support the LFA in the build-up to the 24h race, their ‘day-jobs’ are within the TMC engineering community. This kind of virtual organisation ensures that the collective learning is transmitted directly back into the core of the engineering activity.

The driver line-up includes four Japanese and three German pilots with outstanding endurance and GT racing credentials, including three champions from the Japanese Super GT series.

As part of the preparation of the cars and the drivers, Gazoo Racing entered the first three VLN races of 2010. Consistently finishing in leading positions in its SP8 class, the LFA has also demonstrated its competitiveness against track-prepared specialist racing cars, with a best finish of 17^th overall in VLN2.

Gazoo Racing team for 38^th 24 Hours Nürburgring

Gazoo Racing drivers for 38^th 24 Hours Nürburgring

Specifications of Lexus LFA for 38^th 24 Hours Nürburgring

Jason Plato achieved the first ever victory for the Silverline Chevrolet team in Round 5 of the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Rockingham.

The Oxford-based driver came home ahead of the pack in Round Five of the series after a stunning start that saw him pass both Hondas on the opening straight, driving a very clean and technical race to earn him his 54th BTCC victory, and the Chevrolet Cruze its first.

Plato fought off pressure from Rob Collard’s BMW to cross the line just fractions of a second ahead of the 2009 champion, in the second of three races that saw him take the outright lead in the overall driver’s championship.

The victory followed an impressive first race, where Plato climbed his way up to third from fifth on the grid on a very tricky surface. With a wet track drying out, he chose to run on slick tyres front and rear, which cost him time in the early part of the race, but more than compensated later on, as drivers who had elected to run slicks at the front and wets at the rear fell victim to premature tyre wear.

Later on, the BTCC’s lottery-style reverse grid led to Plato starting 9th on the grid in the third race, with team-mate Alex MacDowall starting from 12th.

The youngest driver on the grid had a frustrating afternoon. Having qualified an impressive third for the first race, a mixture of slick and wet tyres led to a fall down the rankings for the 19-year old in the first race, while two finishes outside the top 10 meant he was on the sixth row for the final race. Things went from bad to worse after he span out on the second lap of Round Six, sustaining damage to the rear of the car.

The third race of the day was better for Plato – despite being forced to start on the fifth row, Jason climbed three places to finish sixth overall, adding a credible 6 points to his total, bringing his tally for the day to 33.

Plato now leads Matt Neal by 17 points in the championship, with the Silverline Chevrolet team leading Honda in the manufacturers/constructors standings with 118 points to 100.

“There’s still plenty of scope for us to get even more out of the car,” said the championship leader. “We proved today that our car is capable of winning races, and the changes we made between the first and second races saw us improve the car considerably – but I think we’ll be even faster as the season progresses.”

The Silverline Chevrolet Team will have little time to rest ahead of the next round of the championship, as the BTCC heads to Brands Hatch on Sunday May 2nd. For more information on the Silverline Chevrolet BTCC team, or to chart its progress through the season, visit www.chevroletbtcc.co.uk

Manufacturers/Constructors Standings after Round 6

Driver Standings after Round 6

The new Silverline Chevrolet racing team enjoyed a promising start to the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship at Thruxton, amassing 74 points to leave the team first overall in the manufacturers’ standings.

And thanks to a solid day’s work, Jason Plato finished the day in second place in the overall drivers’ championship, having set out to lay a firm foundation for his championship campaign.

“I set myself a target of 30 points and came away with 31,” said the Oxfordshire-based former champion. “Our championship campaign starts in earnest at Rockingham – there, we’ll be really going for it.”

In the first of three races, Plato finished second to bring home 12 points, from starting fifth on the grid.

Jason made an early pass on Andrew Jordan in the Pirtek Racing Vauxhall, taking fourth place and defending fiercely to keep Onslow-Cole’s Aon Ford at bay as the pair raced door-to-door through the chicane. With both Hondas suffering tyre problems, the door was opened for Plato to charge through to a solid second place. The grid’s youngest driver, 19-year old Alex MacDowall, came home a strong seventh overall.

Speaking to ITV after the race, Jason commented: “It’s always tough here, and this is the Vauxhall hunting ground. We played it conservative with the tyres, because it is hard here on them.  The game plan for us was to finish strongly.  Second place is a lot of points; it’s a good start to our campaign.” 

In the second race, Plato came home fourth after a minor altercation with Matt Neal’s Honda at Club two laps from the finish, while MacDowall improved on his first race performance to come home in sixth.

“Matt had such a good run, so I knew he’d have a go,” said Jason. “I thought, I’d let him come round the outside of me and I’d hold him out as long as I could, so he wouldn’t be able to get up the inside. But it didn’t quite work.  As we got onto the brakes, I lost the rear of my car, so it sent me in to him and it was game over.  I was trying to be crafty but it was a bit of a mistake from me.  It would have been nice for a second, but we’ll take fourth.  My championship campaign begins at Rockingham.”

The draw for grid positions in race three saw MacDowall start from fourth position, with Plato a row behind in sixth.

But a slow start from MacDowall saw him drop down to 14^th, working his way back up to ninth as the race went on to secure a points finish.

The gap was left open for Plato to secure his second podium position of the day, taking advantage of a collision between Matt Neal and Rob Collard to move up to third overall, after fighting off a tough challenge from Fabrizio Giovanardi and Gordon Shedden.

“Thruxton was primarily about turning in a solid points performance,” said Jason. “It’s a hard circuit, it really takes its toll on tyres and BTCC cars are heavy things – my aim was to make the car last and get some decent points on the board ahead of Rockingham and Brands, where we’ll really go for it.”

For Alex MacDowall, Thruxton was a great opportunity to familiarise himself with the Cruze ahead of the rest of the season.

“It was a little daunting at first,” said the Carlisle-based youngster, “I was thinking I’m on a grid surrounded by BTCC drivers, and they’re not renowned for being gentle, but after the first two races I really settled in.

“The car is great – it has a lot of straight line speed, and I’m sure that with the RML team behind us, as well as Chevrolet and Silverline, we can get plenty more out of it as the season progresses.”

The newest manufacturer-backed team in the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship has shown off its cars in full livery for the first time, at the same time setting a benchmark time in testing.

Driven by Jason Plato, the first distinctive blue Silverline Chevrolet Cruze was the fastest car in testing by two-tenths of a second, giving the team high hopes for the 2010 season.

“We made really good progress with the car,” said Plato. “Starting where we left off after testing at Oulton Park, we validated a number of changes we had made to the set-up and also found a few that didn’t work – just what a testing session is for.

“It was great to get even more familiar with the Cruze, and after setting the fastest time of the day we’re all geared up for when we get to Thruxton – we’re after big points.”

Plato’s team mate Alex MacDowall, the youngest driver in the series, was also pleased with the car.

“It feels quick and I’m getting increasingly confident with it,” said the Carlisle-based 19-year old. “I was a couple of tenths off the pace in testing, but we were trying out various set ups with the car and I know I could get it to go a lot quicker.”

The first race of the season takes place at Thruxton, Hants, on Sunday April 4th. Or if you can’t wait to see the Cruze BTCC car in action, visit www.chevroletbtcc.co.uk

With a fine motorsport heritage behind it, Chevrolet is one of the most evocative names on any starting grid.

And in 2010, motorsport fans in the UK will get the chance to see an official Chevrolet team in action, with two manufacturer-backed Cruzes entering the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

Two Silverline Chevrolet Cruzes will appear on the grid for the 2010 season, expected to be one of the closest and most exciting in the series history. The cars will be prepared by the Wellingborough-based RML team, which also looks after Chevrolet’s WTCC Cruzes.

“The Cruze has already shown itself to be a superb racing car in the World Touring Car Championship,” said Chevrolet Managing Director, Mark Terry. “So the decision to enter it in the most high profile series in the UK was made much easier. We’re looking forward to an exciting season, and one that will raise the profile of both the Chevrolet brand, and the style and dynamic appeal of the Cruze – a car that has already proven to be a success both on and off the track.”

As far as drivers are concerned, the Silverline Chevrolet team sports an exciting mixture of both youth and experience, with former BTCC champion and 2009 runner-up, Jason Plato, driving the first car, and 19-year old Alex MacDowall driving the second. It’s the Carlisle-based teenager’s first season in BTCC, having previously competed in the top rankings of the Renault Clio Cup.

Plato has already driven a Chevrolet in the BTCC through 2009, a privately entered Lacetti sponsored by Silverline Tools, which continues to be a major team sponsor alongside Chevrolet UK.

“I always had confidence that teaming up with RML and Chevrolet would mean wins, The Lacetti of 2009 was a formidable piece of kit,” said Plato, 42. “Now in 2010 we have manufacturer support from Chevrolet and a very exciting new car in the Cruze. We are very motivated to make this our year, the opposition had better be ready –Roll on Thruxton!”

The first race in the 2010 BTCC season – and Chevrolet’s debut as an official manufacturer-backed team – takes place on Easter Sunday, April 4, at Thruxton, Hants. Fans can follow the progress of the Chevrolet team at a dedicated website –www.chevroletbtcc.co.uk

Automotive glazing services company, Auto Windscreens has confirmed its second season as a sponsor in the UK’s leading Motorsport series; The 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

Auto Windscreens has thrown its support behind Team Aon, which will be running drivers Tom Chilton (25) and Tom Onslow-Cole (23). Each driver will run an LPG-powered Ford Focus ST – the first ever LPG cars in the 30 race BTCC.

Commenting on the sponsorship deal, Nigel Davies, Auto Windscreens’ Sales and Marketing Director, said: “We are proud to be back as a sponsor in the 2010 BTCC. Being the only LPG cars on the grid this season, all eyes will be on the Team Aon drivers. Chilton and Onslow-Cole have both youth and ambition on their side and I am confident they will not disappoint in the 2010 season.”

Team Aon Team Principal Mike Earle added: “We are looking forward to a competitive season with new Calor powered Ford Focus and we are delighted to welcome Auto Windscreens on-board for an exciting new partnership for a thrilling new season of racing.” 

Chilton, who has recently been signed as The Sun’s online columnist, took pole position at the final meeting of the 2009 BTCC, held at Brands Hatch, and in doing so he became the first Ford driver to do so for over nine years.

Chilton is also credited with being the youngest ever competitor in the BTCC. Chilton is also the youngest ever driver to win a race in the BTCC and youngest ever podium finisher back in 2004.

The 2010 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship starts at Thruxton, Hampshire, on Sunday 4^th April.

Audi will fight for victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 12/13 with an evolution of the R15 TDI diesel race sports car. An extensive testing program with the revised LMP1 vehicle has just begun in the United States.

“From Audi’s perspective, the LMP1 is the better alternative to Formula 1 because this motorsport category features technologies and developments which are relevant to production vehicles,” explains Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “At Le Mans, efficiency is of paramount importance – and today, more than ever before, it is a key deliverable of production vehicles as well and it is one of Audi’s special strengths.”

Therefore, efficiency was a focal point during the R15 TDI evolution project – particularly in the complex area of aerodynamics. “This year, the Le Mans regulations prescribe air restrictors with a smaller diameter and reduced supercharging pressure for diesel-powered vehicles,” says Dr. Martin Mühlmeier, Head of Technology at Audi Sport. “Due to the reduction of engine power as a result of the regulations we have tried to make the car’s aerodynamics even more efficient than before and to improve the Cd value and downforce parameters.”

A late change in regulations that was announced only in November made the work of the engineers more difficult and forced Audi to completely modify the front section of the R15 TDI. Consequently, the diesel race sports car that is internally designated as “R15 plus” now has a new, distinctive face featuring a split nose.

The entire shape of the R15 TDI’s body has been revised for maximum efficiency. The same is true for the modified cooling and fuel tank system. The V10 TDI engine has been optimized for the smaller air restrictors and reduced supercharging pressure. “Our objective was to keep power loss to a minimum despite the limitations imposed by the regulations,” explains Ulrich Baretzky, Head of Engine Technology at Audi Sport. “We managed to do that through a lot of detailed work.” The 5.5-liter power plant continues to deliver more than 440 kW.

“After Le Mans 2009, our specifications for the R15 plus listed about 20 key items,” says Dr. Martin Mühlmeier. “Efficiency and reliability were at the top of the list but we also looked at details like improved night time lighting of the track. We were able to meet this wish of the drivers with a new headlight concept.”

The evolution version of the Audi R15 TDI completed its roll out on the Audi test track at Neustadt (Germany) on March 3. The vehicle was subsequently flown to the United States for two weeks of in-depth testing. Before the race at Le Mans in June, Audi Sport Team Joest will complete an extensive testing program on various European race tracks and test races at the 8 Hours of Le Castellet (France) on April 11 and at the 1000-kilometer race at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) on May 9.

A new partner has now joined the project: the logo of the renowned watchmaker TAG Heuer will be featured on the Audi R15 TDI. Some of the brand’s fame stems from U.S. actor Steve McQueen wearing a TAG Heuer watch in the movie “Le Mans”.