[h=2]RALLYCROSS: Loeb claims first win in Latvia[/h]



RACER Staff
by Nine-time World Rally champion Sebastien Loeb claimed his first World Rallycross victory by winning the final in Latvia.
The Peugeot driver led home home championship Mattias Ekstrom by 2.3 seconds at the Riga circuit.
After winning semi-final one ahead of Johan Kristoffersson with a clever joker-lap strategy, Loeb took the lead of the final at the first corner as Russian Timur Timerzyanov crashed out while trying a move on the outside.
Ekstrom assumed second in his Audi S1, and maintained that comfortably to the flag as a trio of drivers squabbled over third.
Kristoffersson passed Bakkerud over the first loose-surface jump but ran deep into the following corner, losing out to both Bakkerud and Timmy Hansen, who had taken his joker on lap one.
Bakkerud did not have the pace in the final that he had carried through the qualifying stages and delayed Hansen before taking his joker on lap three, promoting Loeb's Peugeot teammate to the podium.
Bakkerud finished fourth, with fifth place for Kristoffersson moving him to second in the points table ahead of Petter Solberg.
The two-time World Rallycross champion had his worst-ever World RX event.
He was disqualified from the second heat after contact with Mattias Ekstrom and crashed into a tire wall in the third with his visibility hampered by a misted windscreen in wet conditions.
He was eventually classified 17th for the event and didn't score a single point.
It means Ekstrom is now 27 points clear of Kristoffersson at the head of the table with two rounds remaining.

 

[h=2]WRC: Evans's chance of 2017 seat fading[/h] Wednesday, 19 October 2016


RACER staff

Elfyn Evans's hopes of a full-time return to the World Rally Championship in 2017 appear to be fading, and he is set to miss Rally GB, too.
Formal confirmation that Evans will not take up the GB entry he earned for winning the British Rally Championship is yet to be received, but sources close to M-Sport said he will not compete in Wales.
Evans had pushed to enter the event in a Ford Fiesta RS WRC, but the lack of car availability has made that impossible. He admitted earlier this month that he would only compete if there was a realistic chance of it leading to a WRC deal next season.
"It's looking more unlikely," said Evans, who also leads WRC2 but has completed all his scoring rounds while rivals have events remaining, of his GB entry. "It would be a shame to miss it, but doing it meant doing it under the right circumstances.
"I think I've shown what I'm capable of and what the [R5] car's capable of. But now the time has come for me to step back up to a World Rally Car. That's the only option.
"I don't really think that you can say this season has done me any favors. I know I'm a lot faster than some of the drivers who already have seats in the WRC.
"I've still got options for next year, there's still some talking going on, so there's still a chance that you're going to see me next year. But, right now, there's nothing confirmed."
With Citroen and Hyundai now full, the only remaining 2017 WRC possibilities are M-Sport and Toyota. M-Sport would be the obvious choice for Evans but team principal Malcolm Wilson would not be drawn on who might join Eric Camilli next year and Ott Tanak is highly likely to return to the main team from the satellite DMACK operation (below).

A source close to M-Sport said: "Of course Ott's back in the team next season. There's been a lot of nonsense about Ott going to Toyota or another place, but that's not going to happen.
"Have you seen how much testing Ott is doing with the new car? Malcolm wouldn't have him in that car for so long if he wasn't going to be using him next season. Ott will be back and he'll be winning with us next season."
Current M-Sport driver Mads Ostberg is also optimistic of remaining in the WRC for most 2017 rounds. His father Morten told Autosport: "We actually have three options, but we have discounted one of those already.
"I can't tell you details about the offers, but what I can tell you right now is that Mads will be back in the championship again next year."
One possibility for Ostberg would be a return to running as a private team under the Adapta name, most likely within the M-Sport umbrella.

 

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Nov 19 at 7:30 AM to Nov 20 at 4 PM
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Details
North Florida Jeep Invasion at The FIRM
Use Hastag - #JeepAtTheFIRM

430 Acres of TRAILS, OBSTACLES, MUD, HILLS, and CAMPING!

Join in on the Show N' Shine! Bring your own grill!
There is fun for the whole family!

This is a 2 Day Event! There will be onsite camping and a night ride through the trails!

On 430 Acres:
- Obstacles from novice to advanced
- Several mud holes, Mild to Wild!
- Two Day = Onsite Camping
- SHOW N' SHINE = Pick your favorite!
- Bring your own grill!
- Campers are welcome but must be self-sufficient
- NO ALCOHOL!
- NO PETS!
- NO ATVs/UTVs

We are allowing side by sides! Trail riding only with a 20 mph speed limit!

$79.00 for TWO days per Jeep (includes 2 passengers)!
$49.00 for ONE day per Jeep (includes 2 passengers)!
$10.00 for TWO days per passenger/spectator!
Children 10 and under are FREE!

$10 primitive camping
$100 for a vendor space for the weekend. Call us for more info. (352)473-2999

Group Pricing:
Pack of 10 Jeep tickets (2 Days)- $649
Pack of 10 Jeep tickets (1 Day)- $429

Limited Capacity so Register Now at GoRally.com!

 

Come to The FIRM for our Track Attack on November 19th and 20th.

Sunday Session IS A GO! Register NOW for SUNDAY!
Please call our office at 352-473-2999 for more information.

PRE-REGISTERED PRICING
Full Day: $199
Half Day: $125

DAY OF PRICING
Full Day: $249
Half Day: $150

Half Day Track Passes are for a 1-4pm session only!
Half Day Track Pass holders must arrive at 12pm for vehicle tech and a driver's meeting.

Bring your car, a SA2010 or newer helmet, and $199 or $125.

We want to pay you $50 to refer a friend to an Open Track Day , that's right, you get $50 bucks off a Track Day, and we will give them 50% off!! first time ONLY. If they have been here before they won't qualify. Please contact our staff to redeem your incentive. 352 473 2999

We also allow passengers - $25
Guests & Crew are $10 each

Want to maximize your driving potential?
Ask one of our on-site instructors for an on track 20 minute session only $75.

On-line registration ends at 11PM the night before the event after which you will have to register at the event. If you are new to MotorsportReg.com, you only have to create your account once. Once your account is created, you can register for future events both here at the FIRM or at many other driving, racing and riding groups with a click of a few buttons.


Open Track Day Schedule:
7:30am gates open*
8:00am – 8:30 vehicle tech
8:30 mandatory drivers meeting
9:00 – 11:55am track open.
noon until 1:00pm track closed for lunch
1:00 pm – 4:00 track open
5:00pm gates closed

 

[h=2]GRC: Red Bull to add electric series in 2018[/h] Red Bull Global Rallycross / Image by Chris Tedesco

Red Bull Global Rallycross will continue to position itself at the forefront of motorsport technology with the creation of an all-electric vehicle series for the 2018 season. Electric vehicles will be added to Red Bull GRC race weekends as a distinct, standalone series, joining the Supercar and GRC Lites classes in the series' race program. Red Bull GRC, in conjunction with USAC (United States Auto Club), will serve as the governing body for the new series.


"Red Bull Global Rallycross is pleased to add to our rallycross platform an electric series," said Red Bull GRC CEO Colin Dyne. "The 2018 season will be a landmark year for us as we welcome electric vehicles to the grid for the first time. The electric car is one of the hottest topics in the automotive industry, and manufacturers across the globe have recognized its immense potential. We want to embrace this technology by welcoming it into our series as we continue to grow and expand.
"Our current platform is the most enticing in motorsports right now to a young, millennial audience. Our small displacement, high-horsepower, turbocharged engines allow our manufacturers to showcase the performance capabilities of their current millennial-focused offerings, and provide a glimpse into the exciting future of the automotive industry. This electric series will add a new dynamic that will never replace the current formula, but will be an important part of our expansion."
Having just wrapped up its sixth season, Red Bull GRC has consistently been responsible for major announcements that have accelerated the growth of the sport of rallycross. The Supercar class now features four manufacturer partners: Ford, Subaru, Honda, and Volkswagen. In 2015, Red Bull GRC also became the first racing series to compete on an active United States military installation.

 

[h=2]WTCC Lada to exit at end of 2016[/h]

 

[h=2]Want to drive a Porsche at the Mexico 1000?[/h] Thursday, 03 November 2016


Press release

The team at Rothsport Racing is proud to announce participation in the 2017 NORRA MEXICAN 1000.


This stage rally format event is being held on the Baja Peninsula April 21-28, 2017 and is open to various vintage off-road vehicles. They have collaborated with Richard Tuthill, of the very successful Tuthill Porsche Rally Team and will be preparing five air-cooled 911-based cars using Tuthill's proven technology and components, along with Rothsport's winning preparation and build quality.
This is an amazing opportunity for any driver who loves to vintage race. The unique and beautiful setting of the Baja Peninsula and the stage race format bring a whole new level of adventure and drive time. Referred to as "The Happiest Race on Earth," the Mexican 1000 is described as a 'mobile vintage car show' where every new day brings an adventure along a different portion of the Baja Peninsula and associated cultural experiences. Further, 2017 marks the 50th Anniversary of the race and so it is certain to be extra special and Rothsport Racing will support you through the entire process of car build, transport and race support.
Porsche is of course not new to off road rally racing with campaigns dating back to the mid 1950s. Hans Hermann won the La Carrera Panamericna in a 550 Spyder and in 1968 Vic Elford and David Stone's 911T brought Porsche it's first overall World Rally Championship at the Monte Carlo Rally. There were notable efforts in the epic 1978 East African Safari as well as victories in the Pharaoh Rally in Egypt and the Paris Dakar Rally in the 959 Group B supercar. More recently, Jeff Zwart has achieved five class wins in various 911 models at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb.
The NORRA MEXICAN 1000 is a stage race that crisscrosses over 1000 miles of the beautiful Baja Peninsula and consists of 'special stages' (unlimited speed times on the dirt) linked together with controlled speed sections of highway. While the racing is competitive, the camaraderie among drivers and teams is strong and more than just a race, this is also an incredible adventure through the terrain as well as an opportunity to gather with like-minded vintage racing aficionados each night in a different colorful town along the route.
For the 2017 Mexican 1000 Rothsport will provide a fully supported race experience including:
- Ground up custom air-cooled Porsche 911 build with off-road race prep utilizing Tuthill Racing components
- Vehicle transport to and from Mexico, as well as support on the ground with our air-cooled 1974 Pinzgauer 712 6 wheel drive high mobility vehicle
- On site mechanical support
Space is very limited, so if you are interested in joining the campaign for the 50th anniversary run of the NORRA MEXICAN 1000, contact Rothsport Racing at info@rothsport.com for more information.

 

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Come to The FIRM for our RallyX Test N' Tune!

RallyX open test n' tune! ALL FUN RUNS!
Test n' tune format will follow our regular RallyX events however, we will not be timing runs. This is meant to be a test n' tune seesion that can be utilized for that purpose or for fun! Unlimited Runs!

The Course will still follow closely to our normal 80/20 RallyX course layouts.

Gates open: 7:30am
Vehicle Tech Inspection: 8:00am
Driver's Meeting: 8:45am
Course goes hot: 9:00am
Lunch: 12:00pm
End Lunch: 1:00pm
Course goes hot: 1:00pm-4:00pm

On-line registration ends at 11PM the night before the event after which you will have to register at the event.

 

[h=2]WRC: VW orders drivers to bow out with a win[/h] Thursday, 17 November 2016


RACER Staff



Volkswagen team principal Sven Smeets has told his drivers to win Rally Australia and end the firm's time in the World Rally Championship on a high.


After four utterly dominant years, VW will depart the WRC at the end of this week's Coffs Harbour event. Team principal Sven Smeets said the squad was trying to put emotion aside.
"There's only one directive to the drivers and that's to win this one," he told Autosport. "Of course I had to tell them there can only be one winner, but yes, the objective is to win it and go out on a high.


"That's nothing special though, that was our target on every event. It is emotional here, but we are focused on what we are doing."
Sebastien Ogier followed those instructions at Thursday morning's shakedown stage and was fastest ahead of teammate Andreas Mikkelsen. But Ogier admits that running first on the road initially gives him little hope of equaling Juha Kankkunen's tally of four wins in Australia.
The rally's move to a late spring date has meant drier, hotter weather, making the New South Wales gravel roads looser than ever.

"It's going to be really difficult," Ogier told Autosport. "You know I'm going to tell you that - but you can see from the confirmation we got at shakedown this morning. It's getting quicker all the time.
"There will be an incredible cleaning effect. We have calculated that every car that passes [behind Ogier] is getting 0.2 seconds per kilometer faster than us. It's similar to Sardinia, which means it's pretty much the worst we will see this season. It will be no surprise that it's going to be pretty impossible for me, but we will try."
Mikkelsen believes VW's other driver Jari-Matti Latvala will be a strong favourite.
The Finn starts from sixth on the road, three cars behind Mikkelsen.
"I think Jari-Matti has this one in the bag," said Mikkelsen, who will start Australia hoping to reclaim second place in the championship standings from Thierry Neuville.
"Winning this rally is not going to be easy from where we are on the road. But we are one car behind Thierry and he's the target in the championship. He's 14 points ahead of us and we need those back."
DMACK Ford driver Ott Tanak was first non-VW at shakedown, 0.7s down on Mikkelsen and 0.8s off Ogier's benchmark.
Tanak starts eighth on the road and knows his position is probably the best of the leading World Rally Cars.
"Road cleaning will give us a big benefit and we have to use it," said the Estonian. Asked if he thought his DMACK tires would cope with the heat, hard surface and long stages, he replied: "They're as black and as round as the others. Why not?"

 

[h=1]Happy Thanksgiving![/h] [TABLE="class: yiv2324182545mcnTextBlock, width: 100%"]
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[TD="class: yiv2324182545mcnTextContent, align: left"] We would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! We hope that everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday weekend! If you are looking for something to do this weekend, you can find us at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL for the Central Florida International Auto Show, Thursday-Sunday!
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[TD="class: yiv2324182545mcnTextContent, align: left"] Black Friday is just days away! Here is a just to have an experience of a lifetime at the best motorsports facility in the Southeast!

Receive a FREE Swag Bag with a purchase of either of our Black Friday Deals!

Rally Ride Along Experience - $49 ($30 OFF!)
Go for a ride in a rally car with a professional rally driver through our 14 miles of reconfigurable rally stages!

Half Day Track Attack (Open Track) - $99 ($26 OFF!)
Receive a half day track attack session for EITHER the morning or afternoon for our December 10th-11th track days! Sunday session is a GO so feel free to register for Saturday or Sunday that weekend!

(FREE Swag Bag is included with either purchase!)

Call us at (352)473-2999 or go to GoRally.com to sign up!
Registration opens at 12am Friday morning!
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[TD="class: yiv2324182545mcnButtonContent"] Sign Up Here Starting at 12am Black Friday Morning! [/TD]
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