Corvette Action Center - Autocrossing and Motorsports http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/ For the discussion of Corvette autocrossing and road racing. en Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:34:28 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/images/misc/rss.png Corvette Action Center - Autocrossing and Motorsports http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/ Johnson cites bad luck in recent slump, confident about Chase http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123753.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 23:44:26 GMT Image: http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1625/13393293.png ...


:lou

SI ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports 6 Shooter http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123753.html Baltimore Corvette fans-see Johnny O today http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123745.html Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:10:03 GMT Attn: NE Corvette Fans, especially all of you in Baltimore! Come out and see Johnny O'Connell today!

ALMS is making a press announcement today at noon in Baltimore announcing a new event. Johnny O’Connell will be present as the press conference as a Series ambassador. If possible, we’d like to invite as many Corvette owners as possible. Yes, this is only a few hours notice but you know how the best ideas come at the last hour!

Here is the location:
200 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202

Time:
12:00 PM EST TODAY !!!

What:
Press Announcement for new event ALMS in Baltimore.

Who:
Johnny O’Connell is present


I’d like to personally invite any Corvette owner (with their cars) to come to the event. .

Thanks!

Michael Morgan,
Marketing Manager
American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patrón
 ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports cor123 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123745.html Said Heads R Happy: Boris gets his win... http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123719.html Tue, 31 Aug 2010 01:20:00 GMT Image: http://www.racintoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Said-heads1.jpg MONTREAL – Boris...

MONTREAL – Boris Said has made a living helping NASCAR drivers master road courses with the expertise he's accumulated racing around the world. With his 48th birthday looming in three weeks, he finally helped himself.

Said came back from an early spin and won the Nationwide race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Sunday, edging Max Papis by a nose on a green-white-checkered finish to win the crash-filled event.

"I can't believe it!" Said shouted over the radio of his 09 Ford to team owner Robby Benton. "I'm going to keep trying until I win a Cup race."

www.thatsracin.com ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports 6 Shooter http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123719.html NASCAR learned from tragedy to make racing safer http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123706.html Sun, 29 Aug 2010 23:31:30 GMT Image: http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/1065/38682937.png ...

SI.com ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports 6 Shooter http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123706.html <![CDATA[Corvette Racing Memories: Mosport's 50th Anniversary]]> http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123660.html Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:42:26 GMT Corvette Racing Memories: Mosport's 50th Anniversary

Corvette Racing Returns to Scene of First GT Victory for ALMS Grand Prix of Canada

Bowmanville, Ont., Aug. 25, 2010 – In a season that has seen the celebration of Corvette's 50th anniversary at Le Mans, another mainstay of North American motorsports, Mosport International Raceway, is also celebrating its golden anniversary. Chevrolet and Corvette have been linked with Mosport, the site of Sunday's Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Canada, for five decades.

Corvette Racing drivers Jan Magnussen and Johnny O'Connell scored Corvette Racing's first victory in the American Le Mans Series GT2 division (now GT) one year ago at Mosport. With second- and third-place finishes in the last two rounds of the 2010 ALMS, the team is on track to return to the winner's circle.

When construction of the 2.459-mile Mosport circuit in began in 1960, the builders carved a fast, flowing circuit through the Canadian countryside. The result was a daunting combination of high-speed corners and soaring straights that commands the respect of drivers.

"Mosport is a real old-school race track, and it's a good challenge to be fast there," said Magnussen, who teamed with O'Connell to score the pair's third straight victory at Mosport after back-to-back GT1 wins in 2007 and 2008. "Last year Johnny and I got the first GT2 win for Corvette, and it would be fantastic to repeat and score the first win of this season. We're closing in on the competition, and a win is in the cards."

The final 30 minutes of last year's race featured a spellbinding wheel-to-wheel duel between Magnussen in the No. 3 Compuware Corvette C6.R and Pierre Kaffer in the Risi Competizione Ferrari that presaged this season's ultra-competitive GT battle. Magnussen withstood the pressure and took the win with a .331-second margin of victory. Oliver Gavin and Olivier Beretta finished third in the sister No. 4 Compuware Corvette C6.R after being forced off the track by a prototype while leading the GT2 class.

"Mosport is a throwback to the old days when race tracks could be dangerous, and every lap at Mosport is daunting," said O'Connell. "When a driver goes flat-out through Turn 8, he's defying all of Newton's laws. The Canadian fans are awesome, and every race there is just spectacular."

O'Connell and Magnussen first teamed up for a Mosport win in 1999, when they captured the overall victory in a Panoz LMP1.

"I first raced there in 1989 in a 24-hour Showroom Stock race," O'Connell recalled. "I fell in love with the track. It was cold, dark and rainy – typical Mosport. I had more fun doing that race. That first win with Jan in the Panoz was really significant for us, and it was the first victory for Don Panoz."

Corvette's racing heritage at Mosport reaches back to the track's early days, when Chevy engines thundered in the Can-Am and Formula 5000 series. The track hosted the SCCA Trans-Am series beginning in 1976, and Canadian Eppie Wietzes won the Trans Am title in 1981 in a Corvette. In recent years, the Corvette Racing team has competed 10 times at Mosport, tallying eight victories. O'Connell and long-time teammate Ron Fellows won three straight in GTS in 2001-03, while Gavin and Beretta were victorious in 2005-06 in the renamed GT1 category. But it's the one that got away that stands out in Fellows' memory.

"Corvette Racing's first ALMS race at Mosport was in 2000, but the team initially didn't plan to run there," Fellows recalled. "I begged Joe Negri, who was in charge of road racing at GM Racing, to let us go. I told Joe that I'd guarantee a win – nothing like going out on a limb!

"Andy Pilgrim and I had it covered until the last two corners of the race," Fellows said. "It was a wet race, and our car was very fast on rain tires. But the track was drying, our rain tires were going away, and the Viper of Olivier Beretta and Karl Wendlinger was gaining on us. I think Wendlinger passed Andy on the last lap in Turn 8. That was that. Driving home, I got the call from Joe. All he said was, 'Hey, I thought you guaranteed us a win!'"

Fellows, known as the Mayor of Mosport for his mastery of the track, notched his most recent victory there in May, winning an SCCA World Challenge race in the Cragar Wheels Corvette after a frantic transcontinental dash from California.

"Having grown up at Mosport, it was important to me to race there in the track's 50th anniversary, and to get a win was special," Fellows said. "My memories of Mosport go back to 1969 when I got my first exposure to car racing at the Canadian Grand Prix as a kid. My first Trans-Am win was there, and I clinched my first championship there. In 2007, Corvette Racing entered a third Corvette in white Ron Fellows special edition livery for me and Andy, and that was very cool.

"Mosport is a track that has really suited Corvette over the years with its high-speed corners," the Canadian ace explained. "It's a driver's track, it's a place you need to give a lot of respect to, and there is no forgiveness. If you make a mistake there, it's going to be a big hit. There's nothing wrong with that kind of race track in my mind."

Fellows' archrival in 2000, Olivier Beretta, has been a member of the Corvette Racing squad since 2004. "Not only do I have many good memories from Mosport, I like the track because it is quite old-fashioned and fast," Beretta said. "The track is awesome, but you must have a fantastic car, otherwise you have no confidence. It is the only ALMS race in Canada, so I can speak in French with many of the fans."

Corvette Racing's next event is the Mobil 1 presents the Grand Prix of Mosport at Mosport International Raceway in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. The two-hour, 45-minute race will start at 3:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 29. The race will be televised tape-delayed on SPEED from 4 – 7 p.m. ET. Live radio coverage will be available on American Le Mans Radio, Sirius Channel 127, and XM Channel 242.

Note: Corvette Racing press releases, high-resolution images, and media kit can be downloaded from the Team Chevy media website: News

About Chevrolet: Chevrolet is a global automotive brand, with annual sales of about 3.5 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. In the U.S., the Chevrolet portfolio includes: iconic performance cars, such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long lasting pickups and SUVs, such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers, such as Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including the Cruze Eco and Volt, both arriving in late 2010. Cruze Eco will offer up to 40 mpg highway while the Chevrolet Volt will offer up to 40 miles of electric, gas-free driving and an additional 300 miles of extended range (based on GM testing; official EPA estimates not yet available). Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security, and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response, and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models, fuel solutions, and OnStar availability can be found at 2010 Cars, SUVs, Trucks, Crossovers & Vans | Chevrolet.

CONTACT: Rick Voegelin
Chevy Racing Communications
831-761-2201
rickvoegelin@compuserve.com ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports Rob http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123660.html First Ride http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123631.html Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:35:21 GMT I got my first ride along at an autocross event on Saturday. Another club sponsored the event but... I got my first ride along at an autocross event on Saturday. Another club sponsored the event but we had several folks from our club race. I worked the staging all day (and have the sunburn to prove it)! Anyway the last event one of our club members asked if I wanted to ride along. He was using his C5 since he broke his dedicated C4 earlier in the day (no brakes). All I got to say is it was a blast! I'm still a chicken about doing it myself. I'm afraid I'd look like some old lady driving to Walmart if I did it. But I can see where it would be addictive.

Ron
"Baldie88" ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports Baldie88 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123631.html Rowdy sweeps Bristol: What can ya say, the boy can drive a race car... http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123612.html Sun, 22 Aug 2010 12:18:32 GMT Image: http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/6529/buschwacker.png ...

SI.com ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports 6 Shooter http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123612.html ALMS Race Wisconsin http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123611.html Sun, 22 Aug 2010 04:40:34 GMT We need a win. The WI course is a good one for the Vettes with some long straight high speed... We need a win. The WI course is a good one for the Vettes with some long straight high speed sections. The Vettes use the course to prepare for LeMans and they know they course. I am hoping that both of the 3 and 4 cars finish in the top four with one in front. Sure don't want to see anymore dumb mistakes (like pumping each other in the pit, bouncing the air hose off the wall into the car, or overheating problems. ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports O Vette http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123611.html Almirola signs with JR Motosports http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123584.html Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:38:35 GMT Aric Almirola, a strong contender for this season's NASCAR Camping World Truck series championship, is moving up in 2011.

Almirola signed a multi-year deal to drive JR Motorsports' No. 88 Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series fulltime beginning next season.

The 26-year-old Tampa native has 32 career Nationwide starts, including one for JR Motorsports in which he finished third at O’Reilly Raceway Park in Clermont, Ind., in July.

Almirola could drive the No. 88 in select races later this season as well while he continues with his fulltime ride in the Truck Series with Billy Ballew Motorsports.

"We raced at ORP together a month ago and had a really good run. There is no reason why we cannot compete like that every race, and there is no reason why we shouldn’t be running for a championship," Almirola said. "I would expect nothing less.”

JRM co-owner Kelley Earnhardt said she was glad the organization took its time to find the right driver.

“He brings a lot to the table for us, as well as our sponsors," she said of Almirola. "He is someone they can build their brands around, and he has the talent to take them to the Winner’s Circle.”

In 15 Truck races this season, Almirola has two wins (Dover, Del., and Michigan) and has finished in the top-10 in all but four events. He is second in the series standings behind leader Todd Bodine.

thatsracin.com ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports 6 Shooter http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123584.html How about a 72-race slate? http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123583.html Fri, 20 Aug 2010 10:34:05 GMT NASCAR's just gotten around to releasing its 2011 national series schedules -- but forget about that for a minute. I'm here to propose a design that will save the Sprint Cup Series, which appears to be lodged in a malaise that's affected both attendance and TV viewership.

Let's start with a 72-race schedule.

Now that got your attention, didn't it? But it's really pretty simple, wouldn't involve changing much with the schedule that's in place for 2011; and it could be implemented, either fully or in part, for 2012.

And the best part is, it would be an extremely attractive proposition for everyone: The fans, primarily, because they're floating this boat; the competitors, because without them there is no sport; the track operators, because a healthy sport keeps them at the same fiscal level; the media, because covering it drives their business models; and NASCAR -- because the success of all of the above puts money in its pockets, which ostensibly would keep everyone happy.

The crux of it would be this -- and this came after sitting through the 50-lap Camping World Truck Series event at Pocono Raceway. Not coincidentally, the first appearance of the Truck Series at Pocono, with a wham-bam action-packed format, brought with it the best Saturday crowd a number of veteran Pocono observers had seen in years.

Moving forward, each Cup weekend on the schedule would consist of two complete races that each would award full points -- thus, a 72-race schedule if you used the whole current 36-race schedule as a model.

But wait a minute. There are a few events that would be considered sacred and untouchable -- but not many of them, no matter what anyone thinks of "500 miles" being the stuff of which legends are made. Honestly, so many legends have been thrown aside or trampled you hardly know what constitutes one anymore.

NASCAR.com ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports 6 Shooter http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123583.html <![CDATA[Le Mans 50th Anniversary Video -->]]> http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123581.html Fri, 20 Aug 2010 02:37:52 GMT Michael Brown Productions recently uploaded this trailer regarding a documentary of the 50th... Michael Brown Productions recently uploaded this trailer regarding a documentary of the 50th Anniversary of Le Mans. I feel he did a wonderful job and would love to hear your thoughts on his and his teams efforts: YouTube - 1960 #3 Le Mans Corvette Historic Return Documentary Trailer.

Life is good,

Lance ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports racelance http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123581.html <![CDATA[Pictures of Jack Roush's crash]]> http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123549.html Tue, 17 Aug 2010 21:22:18 GMT Got these from a friend of mine. The one of Jack getting out of his plane is a little hard to look... Got these from a friend of mine. The one of Jack getting out of his plane is a little hard to look at.

Ron
"Baldie88"


Attachment 953Attachment 952Attachment 951Attachment 946Attachment 947Attachment 948Attachment 949Attachment 950
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]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports Baldie88 http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123549.html Corvette Track Days, September 25-26, 2010. Registration is OPEN! http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123508.html Sat, 14 Aug 2010 03:34:35 GMT Corvette Track Days (http://www.racespringmountain.com/corvette-track-days) on September 25-26,... Corvette Track Days on September 25-26, 2010 at Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch is open for Registration.

For just $300.00, you will enjoy:
  • 2 full days of driving your Vette on our track!
  • Continental Breakfast
  • Gourmet dinner Saturday night at the Pahrump Nugget
  • Commemorative Shirt

The Pahrump Nugget will be catering lunch. You can purchase lunch tickets for $15 per day. Be sure to purchase lunch tickets when you register. Lunch will not be available to purchase the day of the event.

We will be running the 2.2 mile Road Course (video) which is designed specifically to showcase the Corvette's impressive performance. It features sweeping corners, tight esses, elevation changes and fast straights that are sure to thrill even the most experienced driver.

We are limiting participation to just 80 drivers so register early to reserver your spot.

Dyno testing will also be available on request.

This years charity raffle will benefit: Corvettes Conquer Cancer.

We are have a block of rooms on hold at the Pahrump Nugget and Pahrump Best Western so be sure to make your reservations soon.

You can download the Registration Form and email to Lindsay: lindsay@springmountainmotorsports.com.

Or Mail or Fax to:

Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch
3601 S. Hwy. 160
Pahrump, NV 89048
FAX: 775-727-6366

You can contact Lindsay or Brandie via phone at 800-391-6891.

We'll see you at the track!



]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports SpringMountain http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123508.html <![CDATA[Kentucky Speedway lands July night race in NASCAR's 2011 Sprint Cup Schedule...]]> http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123479.html Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:49:37 GMT Sparta, KY - What appears to be a significant shakeup in next season's NASCAR schedule took further shape Tuesday when Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith made official the news that Kentucky Speedway had landed a Sprint Cup race in July 2011.

While the announcement of a 400-mile race on July 9 (a Saturday night) wasn't a surprise, it attracted a throng of politicians, community leaders and fans to a news conference in a stuffy tent behind the grandstand of the 1.5-mile track.

But the news was another piece falling into place in the changed landscape of the 2011 schedule, which is expected to be announced officially next week:

The Kentucky race will replace the March race in Atlanta (another SMI track), which will continue to have a race on Labor Day weekend.

Kansas Speedway gained a race, at the expense of Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., which now will have just one race.

Chicagoland Speedway will be the first race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, moving New Hampshire back a few weeks.

The changes are a result of lagging attendance at Atlanta and California....

thatsracin.com ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports 6 Shooter http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123479.html <![CDATA[Winners and losers in Kahne's move to Red Bull Racing in 2011]]> http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123478.html Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:37:42 GMT Image: http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/9271/23659049.png ...

SI.com ]]> Autocrossing and Motorsports 6 Shooter http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/thread123478.html