Jim Hall would be proud! How to turn your M3 into a Chaparral

I'm not sure what series still allows for movable aerodynamic devices, but if you happen to compete in a series that does I'd recommend checking out this wing from Aeromotions. It adjusts wing angle for both left and right sections of the wing depending on g-load and speed. If the results are accurate it could shave seconds off your lap times. In this video the difference between no wing and the active wing is more than 2 seconds faster for the active wing.

If you ever wanted to drive a Chaparral or just want to go faster, you may want to give Aeromotions a serious look.

NASCAR returns to Road America - NASCAR meet Right turns and cheese.

For the first time since 1956 it looks like the no-wiper, solid-axle and carburetor gang will be holding a national-series race at Road America. Thanks to AutoJava for the tip.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 21, 2009) – NASCAR announced today that it will continue its 17-year streak of racing on a national-series level in Wisconsin with the addition of the historic Road America course to its 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule.

The Road America 200 at the 4.048-mile, 14-turn track located in Elkhart Lake, Wis., replaces the event previously scheduled at the Milwaukee Mile and will be run on Saturday, June 19. “We’re excited to be staying in Wisconsin and racing in front of the passionate fans there at a historic venue that’s new to our NASCAR Nationwide Series,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s vice president of racing operations.

While Road America is new to the NASCAR Nationwide Series, it’s not the first time NASCAR has raced there. On Aug. 12, 1956, Tim Flock won the only other NASCAR national series race, in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, at the then one-year-old track. In 2001, current NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver – and Eau Claire, Wis. native – Paul Menard won there in the former NASCAR Re/Max Challenge Series.

“It’s a really great race track,” Menard said. “It’s in a very picturesque setting in the Wisconsin countryside. It has every kind of corner you can imagine. When I was a kid, my dad would take me to Road America. The fans love it there.

“By the second practice, I’m sure everyone will be up to speed because the drivers are so good in the Nationwide Series. Braking will be the hardest aspect. Strategy will play a big part in this race. I’m really excited about (the series) running there.”

Road America will be the third road course on the 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series schedule. The series also will race at Watkins Glen International and at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. As recently as the 2007-08 seasons, the NASCAR Nationwide Series also had three road courses on its schedule, racing at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City in addition to The Glen and Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
“Road America is a very unique track that will provide great racing and will test driver skill and ability on what is a very large course,” said Joe Balash, director of the NASCAR Nationwide Series. “And yes, we’ll be prepared to race in the rain if necessary,” he said, in reference to the series’ last two races in wet weather in Montreal. The 2008 event was the first NASCAR national series points race contested in the rain.

Merry Christmas from the Scuderia

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Everyone!

The Michael is Back - Schumacher to return to F1 in 2010

So it's official, Michael Schumacher will drive for Mercedes F1 in 2010. He's the interview right from the horse's mouth.

It doesn't SUCK - Block vs. Pastrana - Game of SUCK highlights

These two deserve an award for creative use of paintballs in a short film. Brilliant!

(via DC Shoes)

VIR Summer Slam - NASA GTS4 - Bryan Watts

Some great action from NASA Summer Slam at VIR, these are taken from the great Bryan Watts' GTS4 BMW M3. Some great action and great driving Bryan and Derek Schwartz. Enjoy!

(via Bryan Watts and Vimeo)

Part 1 of the GTS4 Sunday sprint race. Derek Schwarz (#815 white Porsche) and I traded positions 4 times, hanging out on each others bumpers for most of the race. A last lap pass at the end of the back straight into the top of roller coaster decided the winner.

It is interesting to see the differences between Derek's lighter car and our heavier, more powerful car (313 rwhp and 2760 in GTS4 trim). Derek seemed to have an advantage out of the hole and in braking while our car seemed better at the end of the straights and in the high speed corners. This was also the first weekend I've run R-comps on our car in 9 years...the "slicks" setup resulted in some interesting oversteer as the race went on.

2009 VIR Summer Slam - NASA GTS4 - Sunday Sprint Part 1 from Bryan Watts on Vimeo.

Part 2 of the GTS4 Sunday sprint race. Derek Schwarz (#815 white Porsche) and I traded positions 4 times, hanging out on each others bumpers for most of the race. A last lap pass at the end of the back straight into the top of roller coaster decided the winner.

It is interesting to see the differences between Derek's lighter car and our heavier, more powerful car (313 rwhp and 2760 in GTS4 trim). Derek seemed to have an advantage out of the hole and in braking while our car seemed better at the end of the straights and in the high speed corners. This was also the first weekend I've run R-comps on our car in 9 years...the "slicks" setup resulted in some interesting oversteer as the race went on.

2009 VIR Summer Slam - NASA GTS4 - Sunday Sprint Part 2 from Bryan Watts on Vimeo.

Car Porn Deluxe-" Sturm und Drang"edition - Clash Productions Promo

Another genius effort at capturing motor racing from the folks at Clash Productions. As per always, a gorgeous views and terrific sounds. Enjoy!

TITAN MOVIE 6MIN Preview - NURBURGRING from Clashproduction on Vimeo.

It's not just the sexy name that confuses me...

So, I give you the BMW Z4 sDrive35is, (remember when you could just say M Roadster?) , possible the most confused car, in both name and part list, available for sale today. Say it out loud, Z4 sDrive35is, it makes the Qvale Mangusta sound sexy.

If you can look past the name,(good luck) then, try to reconcile it's non M-badged flanks with the high number of M-badged parts, although remember this is not an M-car, nor is there to be an M-version of the Z4. More power under the hood, twin-clutch drive, and a sexy convertible top, but for some reason I'm still just not feeling it. What are your thoughts?