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Spanish Armada win Rally of Nations

Corona Rally Mexico — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 07:24:42 +0000

Today’s final two stages saw the Spanish team confirm the lead it had built up over the three days of the Rally Corona México, Rally of Nations, to be finally proclaimed winners. Xevi Pons and Dani Solà were victorious in ten of the rally’s eighteen stages, accumulating a total of 1,067.5 points, followed in second place by Austrians Manfred Stohl and Andreas Aigner, who together won on four occasions. At the close of the competition, 128 points separated the two countries. The last place on the podium was taken by France, led by Didier Auriol, who, with the help of Brice Tirabassi, managed the fastest time on only one of the stages. Spain,
therefore, takes away the 50,000-dollar first prize.

Austrian driver Stohl has no reason to feel defeated, however, his being the fastest individual driver with a winning total time of 2’57:28.7 for the 18 stages, just 14.4 seconds faster than his fellow countryman Aigner. Stohl, meanwhile, walks away with 15,000 dollars for being the fastest driver on each day of the competition.

The final order of the first ten places remained unchanged from yesterday, the drivers setting out today to hold on to their positions, though still putting on quite a show for the hundreds of fans who gathered on the Guanajuato sierra, and at León’s racetrack, where the Scotiabank Super Special stage took place. The prize-giving and closing ceremony took place, as it does
every year, at the Foro del Lago, where fans came to say goodbye to the competitors.

This first edition of the Rally of Nations was enjoyed by all those who took part, all of whom expressed their admiration for this new format, one which will undoubtedly draw many more competitors in the future. The first edition of this event confirms the enormous popularity of the state of Guanajuato’s roads as a venue for rallies, it having brought together major names
from the rallying world, as can be seen from its line-up.

Rally of Nations’ unofficial positions

Pos.	Team	Drivers	Points
1	Spain	Pons/Solà	1067.5
2	Austria	Stohl/Aigner	939.5
3	France	Tirabassi/Auriol	712
4	Germany	Gassner Jr./Wallenmein	542.5
5	Sweden	Sandell/Andersson	422.5
6	Mexico 2	Triviño/Salgado	320
7	Finland	Gardemeister/Rovanpera	240
8	USA 2	Johnson/Bartram	191.5
9	Mexico 1	Ordóñez/Cortes	127
10	Peru	Tijero/Pestana	38

Unofficial positions

Pos	Crew	Team	Time
1	Stohl/Minor	Austria	2’57:28.7
2	Aigner/Weissengruben	Austria	+14.4
3	Auriol/Giraudet	France	+1:45.9
4	Pons/Haro	Spain	+2:14.6
5	Wallenwein/Kopczyk	Germany	+7:35.3
6	Gassner Jr./Wustenhagen	Germany	+10:11.7
7	Solà/Sánchez	Spain	+11:34.2
8	Triviño/Salom	Mexico 2	+16:09.9
9	Johnson/Beavis	USA 2	+21:25.1
10	Ordóñez/Pimentel	Mexico 1	24:38.2

Targa Racing

Editor — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 09:51:08 +0000

The world of auto racing certainly has something for everyone. While most people focus on mainstream auto racing, there are those who prefer to look for a more exclusive avenue of the sport. If you’re one of those people, you may well find that Targa Racing is for you.

Targa Racing is not a terribly new concept. It got its start at the Targa Florio, a motor racing event that used to take place regularly on the island of Sicily. When this event was finally brought to an end, the concept of tarmac-based road rally racing did not end with it. Instead it continued to spread, so that today it is an internationally recognized avenue of auto racing that enjoys great support from both drivers and fans.

The basic competition concept evident in Targa Racing has been carefully drawn up over the years by borrowing certain rules and guidelines from other events. The end result is that it is now based on the best aspects of the Mille Miglia, the Tour de Corse and the Coupe des Alpes. Competition is fierce and the rally is run regularly at various locations across the globe. Many are surprised to find that even the island state of Tasmania in Australia has been hosting an annual Targa Racing event since 1992. It is known as Targa Tasmania. Other popular editions of the rally include Targa Newfoundland, which is based in Canada, Targa New Zealand and Targa West which is run in Western Australia. There are also considerably more events, though smaller than those already mentioned.

Targa Newfoundland is a particularly popular edition of the sport. It has already been running for more than seven years and remains the first and only event of this nature to be held in North America. The 2200 km course that faces competitors each September provides the perfect opportunity to push automotive limits and drive your heart out. Though the course winds through beautiful open roads, past the glittering Atlantic Ocean and through beautiful countryside, competitors usually do not have a moment to stop and take it all in. Cars are raced at incredible speeds during this world-class event and the majority of roads used for the race are closed to the general public during the event for safety reasons. If you would like to enter the world of Targa Racing, Targa Newfoundland would be the perfect place to start.

Mont Blanc Rally 2009

Editor — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 09:39:29 +0000

When travelling around the Joux Plane passes or Morzine region between the 3rd and 5th of September 2009, visitors will be probably run into the participants of the Mont Blanc Rally, which is being hosted for the 61st time this year. Travelling though the mountainous regions and narrow roads, drivers put their own skills and abilities to the test, and with both day and night races, the Mont Blanc Rally is a wonderful and exciting event for spectators.

Won by Danny Snobeck last year, auto racing enthusiasts are encouraged to attend this event and enjoy the thrill and festivities of the Mont Blanc Rally.

Date: 3-5 September 2009
Venue: Various Locations
City: Morzine
Country: France

Rally of Nations 2009 gets underway with ceremonial Start in Guanajuato

Corona Rally Mexico — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 07:28:30 +0000

The Corona Rally México in it’s edition Rally of Nations 2009 got off to a colorful start in the city of Guanajuato, to the sound of mariachis, and folk music that set many a foot tapping, together with many other expressions of Mexican culture. Guanajuato, a World Heritage town, threw quite a bash to welcome the 45 crews who will be fighting for first place tomorrow, when the race is on.

The main ceremonial start for this edition took place in front of both the Juárez Theatre and the Alhóndiga de Granaditas, where more than 30,000 people gathered to give rally participants a typically warm Mexican welcome, and to wish them good luck in the race.

The icing on the cake was an appearance by 2003 WRC champion, the Norwegian Petter Solberg, who rode in on a motorcycle to surprise the crowd, getting the Mexican feeling.

The first crew to get on the podium to receive the applause of the audience was that made up of one of the legends in world rally events, the Frenchman Didier Auriol, together with Denis Giraudet, who has been his co-driver during a great part of his history in the sport.

They were the first major names to drive onto the podium in front of the Juarez Theatre, followed by international figures such as the Finns, Harri Rovanperä and Toni Gardemeister; the Spaniards Dani Sola and Xavi Pons; the Swede Per-Gunar Andersson; the Austrian Manfred Stohl and his female co-driver Ilka Minor, as well as promising newcomer, Andreas Aigner. The Mexican teams were well represented by the current champion in Production Car group, Rodrigo Ordoñez, as well as Ricardo Triviño a driver who has competed in several world championships.

Petter Solberg returns to Mexico

Corona Rally Mexico — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 07:56:22 +0000

Norwegian driver, Petter Solberg, has confirmed his presence in Guanajuato, at the Corona Rally Mexico, Rally of Nations edition. The 2003 world champion and current WRC driver will be arriving in Mexico City next Wednesday, later heading for León, Guanajuato, where he’ll be providing an alternative attraction and mixing with the other drivers and fans, his being unable to compete against the other major figures that will be there due to his packed schedule.

His arrival in the city of León is scheduled for the morning of Thursday, July 9^th, and he will be attending the Shakedown, where he will probably spend at least some time behind the wheel, though not for the same reason as the competitors, but simply to offer the special guests the experience of riding shotgun with a former world champion, something that would not have happened had he been in competition.

After the Shakedown, he will be at the Poliforum, where he will be signing autographs for the public in general. The Mexican audience still recalls his 2005 victory at this very same venue, where, following his win, he celebrated, Mexican-style, in a traditional charro hat.

We can also confirm that the Norwegian driver will be present at the Start Ceremony, but this time aboard the “0” car. So, given his charisma and the special empathy he has with the Mexican fans, it’ll be quite a show. This time the start line will be in front of the Juarez Theater, with a second show in front of the Alhóndiga de Granaditas.

During the competition, there will also be driving experiences during the Scotiabank Super Special Stage, autograph signings and interviews with the media.

“I’m very excited about going back to Mexico; its rally is very well organized and the legs are really good.” The people are among the best. I remember very well all their support when I won in 2005. It was fantastic and something that I will never forget”, declared Solberg.

With this confirmation, Petter Solberg joins the contingent of world personalities at the Corona Rally Mexico, and, although he won’t be competing, he has praised the organization of this event.

The Super Special Scotiabank and Coca-Cola Street Stage

Corona Rally Mexico — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:53:47 +0000

To add to the fantastic quality and spectacle that is guaranteed by all the drivers who have confirmed their participation in the Corona Rally Mexico, Rally of Nations edition, the Organizing Committee has introduced speed stages that will surely be a great attraction for the audience, and which include the Super Special Scotiabank Stage in the competition’s itinerary, to take place at León’s race circuit, the Autódromo, as it has done during previous editions of WRC. In addition, a road race stage, the Coca-Cola Street Stage, is to take place for the first time in the city of León.

Once again, León’s race circuit will be the setting for a display of rallying at its highest level, where this coming July 10^th, 11^th and 12^th, the venue will host speed stages involving head-to-head races, in which two cars will start out at the same time, competing to their maximum capacities against each other and against the clock, given that this stage is an integral part of the rally.

Under the name “Super Special Scotiabank Stage”, this phase of the rally will be played out over a 2.21 km route. On Friday 10 and Saturday 11, this route will run twice, starting at 3:00 p.m. on both days. On Sunday, July 12^th, there will be only one run, starting at 10:00 a.m., so the Organizing Committee suggests the audience should arrive early because of the various side events that will be taking place.

Entrance to the race circuit costs 80 pesos in the general area, 150 pesos in the stands overlooking the straight, and 300 pesos in the marquee area. Tickets can be bought on the day at the ticket offices or beforehand via the web site, at www.rallydelasnaciones.com, where you can buy and print an e-ticket, which will be good for access, without any need to change it for a pre-printed ticket.

As for the Coca-Cola Street Stage, this will, without a doubt, be quite a novelty, since it is the first time that the Organizing Committee has tried such a thing. The stage consists of a 1.87-km route along the street that divides the Explora Park and Poliforum facilities and the Nou Camp Soccer Stadium.

In this stage, cars will set off one by one, in a race against the clock to be held on Friday, July 10th and Saturday 11^th only. On Friday, things will start at around 10:30 a.m., and on Saturday, under the name “Powerade Street Stage”, at approximately 10:50 a.m. It is important to mention that this event will be free of charge.

Safety measures will be very strict and there will be public areas available, though with limited capacity, as well as special areas to accommodate authorized photographers, cameramen and journalists.

Renault

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:50:11 +0000

Though the Renault F1 team is based in Enstone, Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom, the vehicle manufacturer hails from Boulogne-Billancourt France. Renault has long been involved in the production of cars, vans, buses, tractors and trucks and they are a popular vehicle manufacturer on a worldwide scale. The company also has a reputation for coming up with several revolutionary designs which have influenced the development of cars in general, as well as having excellent security technology and enjoying great success in the field of motor racing. In the United States Renault is commonly mispronounced and spelled as “Renalt”. However, after extensive marketing efforts, the original French spelling of the word has made a massive comeback in that country.

Renault has long been involved in motorsport in general as most manufacturers recognise the immense value of this avenue of sport as an effective marketing tool. However, they only started to become more dedicated to motorsport in general in the late 70s and early 80s when they made the decision to establish a dedicated motorsport division. This division was called Renault Sport and it has enjoyed immense success both in Rally Racing and Formula One. It is interesting to note that their initial 1977 entry into the world of Formula One was seen by many in the racing fraternity to be a big joke. This was mainly due to the fact that Renault’s designs were somewhat unconventional and featured such curiosities as a turbocharger. However, they soon won respect by achieving notable finishes and finally, after just two years, the Renault F1 Team won their first race. Despite early ridicule every one of the front-running Formula One teams were making use of turbochargers by the early 80s.

Renaults true Formula One Success came when the manufacturer made the decision to take over the Benetton F1 team in 2001. With top F1 driver Fernando Alonso behind the wheel initially, Renault soon enjoyed massive success. In 2005 Renault won both the Constructors and Drivers titles. Recently there has been some curiosity regarding the appointment of Carlos Ghosn as Renault’s CEO since there was a general consensus that he would not be very committed to the Formula One Team. However, Ghosn laid fears to rest in 2006 after announcing that the team would continue to participate in Formula One until at least 2012. This means that fans will continue to enjoy the innovative design and engineering that have become Renault trademarks.

McLaren and Virgin Racing Partnership

Off Road

Editor — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:50:11 +0000

Off road vehicles and the sport of ‘off roading’ have a large and enthusiastic following across the country and, in fact, around the world. It’s a variation on the old ‘my car’s faster than yours!’ jibe, only in this case it’s ‘my car can go where your car can’t!’ Combine this competitiveness with the typical American love of the outdoors and our country’s astounding natural beauty and you have the sport – and accompanying lifestyle – of off-roading.

True off road vehicles are much more than mere SUVs. These beasts have to survive anything the wilderness can throw at them. Boulders, rivers, mud, sand or snow – a good off road vehicle will eat ‘em all for breakfast and keep on rolling over hill and dale. When official competition between off road vehicles takes place, it’s usually either Rally Racing, Desert Racing or the relatively new sport of Rockcrawling. The latter is a sight to see, as spindly vehicles, with some slight resemblance to Jeeps, crawl over incredibly rough courses made up of huge boulders and wind-carved rock formations with the agility of overgrown spiders!

Now, your standard off-the-rack SUV or Hummer isn’t any slouch when it comes to mild off-roading, even though precious few sold in urban areas really get tossed about in conditions displayed in their television commercials. Off-roading is as much about image as it is about exploring the wild, less-travelled terrain where pavements are non-existent. When you’re an off-roader, it’s all good!

Enthralling Racing at the Olympus International Rally

Editor — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 08:31:13 +0000

The United States held its first Rally Championship in 1973, and the Olympus International Rally was a part of this historical moment. Sponsored by Toyota, it later became an important stage during the World Rally Championships from 1985 to 1988 and was again included in the United States Rally Championship in 2006. From 2007 it was added to the Rally America National Championship and it has many legendary rally drivers associated with it.

One of America’s well known rally racing champions, John Buffum, has raced at the Olympus International Rally many times, taking home four wins. Another driver who also has four Olympus wins to his name is the New Zealand Rally Champion, Rod Millen and in 1985, Hannu Mikkola won the World Rally Prototype here. Other famous rally drivers include Juha Kankkunen, Miki Biasion, John Nagel, Markku Alen, Alex Fiorio, Ilkka Kivimaki and Arne Hertz.

This year the Olympus International Rally will form part of the Rally America National Championship, and takes place between the 18th of April 2008 and the 20th of April 2008. Here, drivers will be putting their navigational and driving skills to the ultimate test, as racing at Olympus is known to be a challenging event. The rugged rally terrain of this course in the Washington State will not only see drivers battle against each other but they will be tested on every turn by unpredictable weather conditions and the vast variety of road surfaces they will have to face.

It is a course that provides excitement and thrilling racing for the participants and the spectators, as every bump or turn in the road can have an overwhelming effect on the race. The Olympus International Rally is a serious race for teams, as it is a fight for points and a place at the X Games 13. Spectators will be able to see eleven great vehicle manufactures represented at the rally, including Ford, Subaru, Volkswagen, Dodge and Mitsubishi.

For rally racing at its best, and to catch a glimpse of favorite teams and drivers, supporters and racing enthusiasts should ensure that they don’t miss out on the action and exhilaration of this rough rally spectacular. The Olympus International Rally is an event worth supporting.

The Monte Carlo Rally – Auto Racing

Editor — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:07:50 +0000

The Monte Carlo Rally has been called the Granddaddy of Motor Rallying, and for good reason: it was one of, if not THE, first motor rally. First run in 1911, the Monte Carlo Rally was for a time the only motor sports race of its kind but through its enduring popularity has spawned the sport of motor rallying that spans the globe today.

The relationship was formalized in 1973 when the Monte Carlo Rally was made the inaugural race of the FIA World Rally Championship season. The original reason for the race was not strictly for competition, but for testing the cars of the day under a wide variety of road conditions.

The legendary Monte Carlo Rally circuit provides drivers with one challenge after another as their reflexes are continually being tested. Run in January to take advantage of the weather, some portions of the course are especially icy. Uniquely among professional racing, spectators are allowed to throw snow onto the course, leading on more than one occasion to drivers spinning out and damaging their vehicles.

Through the first 30 years of the rally, cars that even in their day were relatively unknown won races. Makes like Berliet, Metallurgique, and Autocarrier competed with enduring racing names like Lancia, Citroen and Bugatti. Strange as it may seem, Studebaker and Buick each finished third in the 1930 and 1938 races respectively. Even into the 1960s, cars such as the Ford Falcon and the Citroen ID were very competitive.

The Saab 96 won the 1962 and 1963 editions of the Monte Carlo Rally, while the Mini Cooper S (similar to the tiny boxy cars featured in the 1969 film “The Italian Job”) won in 1964, 1965 and 1967.

These days, cars claiming the checkered flag include the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, Subaru Impreza, Citroën Xsara and the 2006 winner, the Ford Focus RS WRC driven by the team of Marcus Grönholm and Timo Rautiainen.