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Honda Previews Details of World’s First Honda E-Clutch for Motorcycles on Website

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Official Release
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Honda E-Clutch

TOKYO, Oct 10, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Honda today released on its website information on Honda E-Clutch for motorcycles, the world’s first* automatic clutch control system for a multi-gear manual motorcycle transmission, enabling smooth starting, shifting gears and stopping without the need for the rider to operate the clutch lever.

Honda E-Clutch Preview Site: https://global.honda/en/business_and_innovation/motorcycles/Honda_E-Clutch/

The Honda E-Clutch uses electronic control technology to provide instantaneous, fine-tuned clutch control for optimum performance in situations where the driving force changes, such as starting, shifting gears, and stopping, to achieve smooth starting, shifting gears and stopping more natural than a rider’s manual clutch operation.To meet a wide range of rider demands, the clutch can be operated like a normal manual motorcycle gripping the clutch lever, even when the clutch is controlled electronically.This allows the system to be used by more riders of diverse riding experience and skills, who can concentrate on the fun of riding in more comfort.As the lightweight and compact system can be installed without major changes to existing engine layouts, Honda plans to apply Honda E-Clutch to its FUN motorcycle models over time.

*according to Honda research

Mazda Announces its Plans for Japan Mobility Show 2023

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Official Release
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Mazda will exhibit under the theme “The future created by the ‘love of cars'”

HIROSHIMA, Japan, Oct 10, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Mazda Motor Corporation has announced its planned lineup of models for the Japan Mobility Show 2023,(1) to be held at Tokyo Big Sight, in Ariake, Koto Ward, Tokyo, from October 28.

Mazda’s stand, which will be based around the theme of “The future created by the ‘love of cars’,” is designed to showMazda’s continued commitment to the creation of products that satisfy customers’ love of driving and cars. The exhibited vehicles will embody Mazda’s corporate philosophy: “enriching life-in- motion for those we serve.”

Theme of Mazda “The future created by the ‘love of cars’”

The Mazda Stand will focus on the MX-5, the well-loved Mazda icon. A variety of MX-5 models will be on show including the first-generation MX-5, an enduring symbol of Mazda’s original commitment to the joy of driving; a two-thirds scaleMX-5 model that provides a simulated driving experience for visiting children; the latest MX-5, which recently went through the biggest upgrade as the forth-generation model; and an MX-5 SeDV(2) that can be controlled using only the driver’s hands. Additionally, the new concept car designed to symbolize the exhibit theme will be unveiled as the world premiere at the show.

Mazda’s concept car unveiled at Japan Mobility Show 2023

Out of its stand, Mazda will join the show programs organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. In the motorsport area, Mazda will display “Mazda2 Bio Concept,” fueled by the next- generation bio diesel.

Mazda also will take part in “Out of KidZania, the side project of KidZania, which is a popular educational entertainment venue that lets children explore the world of adult jobs through role play. Mazda will provide visiting children with the opportunity to go through two Mazda jobs. The “sand- casting” experience is designed for elementary school children, while the “stamping operator” experience is designed for preschool children. Both experiences, which take place inside a simulated “Mazda factory,” will offer children the pleasure to be a part of automotive manufacturing.

Mazda will continue to pursue the ‘Joy of Driving’ under its core value, “Human Centric”, and aim to deliver ‘Joy of Living’ by creating moving experiences in customers’ daily lives.

(1) The Japan Mobility Show 2023 is organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association. Media access days will be held on Wednesday, October 25 (08:00-18:00) and Thursday, October 26 (08:00-13:00). A Mazda press conference is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25 (09:15-09:30). The event will be open to the general public from Saturday, October 28 through to Sunday, November 5.
(2) SeDV: Self-empowerment Driving Vehicle.

Mazda Japan Mobility Show 2023 website (available from 10:45 on October 10, 2023 – https://mazda.co.jp/experience/event/japanmobilityshow2023/

Data at the Wheel: How Police Car Computers are Shaping Data-Driven Policing

By
SM
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Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

In an era where every facet of our lives is intertwined with technology, it’s no surprise that even traditionally hands-on professions like policing are undergoing significant digital transformation. The essence of effective policing has always been rooted in information gathering, assessment, and rapid response. However, in today’s digitized world, the way officers acquire, analyze, and act upon information is evolving rapidly. With a surge in technological advancements, patrol cars are no longer just vehicles — they’re mobile command centers. Equipped with state-of-the-art digital devices, officers now have the ability to access vast databases, communicate instantaneously, and make informed decisions on the spot. This article delves into the heart of this technological revolution, understanding the profound impact of in-car computers and data-driven strategies on modern policing.

The Emergence of Data-Driven Policing

Long gone are the days when policing was purely about instincts and ground knowledge. The digital revolution is echoing in the corridors of law enforcement, highlighting the importance of leveraging data for informed decision-making. By tapping into vast reservoirs of data, departments can fine-tune their approaches, ensuring resources are optimally utilized.

  • Spotting criminal patterns: By analyzing trends, departments can preemptively address and deter potential criminal activities.
  • Smart resource deployment: Gone are the guesswork days. Data now guides patrol routes and officer deployments.
  • Seamless communication: In a dynamic environment, real-time updates are critical. Modern tools ensure officers stay updated.

The Role of In-Car Computers in Modern Policing

For officers on the beat, their patrol car is their mobile office. Equipped with advanced digital devices designed for police vehicles, their cars now serve as hubs of information. This metamorphosis is bridging the gap between fieldwork and administrative tasks, ensuring that officers are always equipped with the best tools at their disposal.

  • Instant database access: Whether checking a license plate or a person’s background, officers now have the world’s information at their fingertips.
  • Safety with tracking: Every officer’s move is traceable, ensuring they’re never truly alone during challenging situations.
  • On-the-go reporting: The administrative aspect of policing is streamlined, reducing paperwork hours.

Real-Time Data Analysis and Decision Making

Every second counts in policing. With real-time data, officers are equipped to make informed decisions rapidly. In the high-stakes world of policing, every second can be pivotal. The luxury of taking time to make decisions is often not available to officers. Hence, the ability to analyze and act upon data in real-time is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity. With the integration of advanced technologies, officers now have a clearer, instantaneous view of situations, enabling swifter and smarter decision-making. This section underscores the significance of real-time data access and its transformative impact on policing.

  • Swift background checks: A traffic stop is more than just a halt. It’s an opportunity to gather insights, ensuring every decision is well-informed.
  • Immediate crime alerts: If there’s an incident around the corner, officers get notified instantly.
  • A clear picture during emergencies: With live data, officers can navigate complex scenarios more effectively.

Enhancing Public Safety and Operational Efficiency

Every tool, every software, every piece of tech is aimed at one thing: ensuring public safety. With the rise of technology, there’s a renewed focus on preemptive measures, streamlined operations, and community engagement, the community enjoys the dividends of this digital evolution in the form of a safer environment.

  • Rapid response times: Navigational tools ensure officers are on the scene in the shortest possible time.
  • Proactive policing with crime mapping: Anticipating trouble spots means better preparedness.
  • Unified operations: Departments no longer operate in silos. They’re part of a cohesive digital ecosystem.

Challenges and Concerns

Progress, while essential, is rarely without its hurdles. The accelerated digital adoption in policing presents its own set of challenges and concerns. Balancing the conveniences of technology with potential pitfalls, privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas is crucial.

  • Balancing surveillance with privacy: In an era of data, how much surveillance is too much?
  • Training for the digital age: Every new tool requires upskilling, ensuring officers are comfortable with tech.
  • Human judgment vs. digital data: Technology aids, but human intuition and judgment should remain paramount.

The Road Ahead: Future Prospects

The digital canvas of policing is vast and constantly evolving. As we glimpse into the future, we can envision an even more integrated approach where technology and human judgment harmoniously coexist. From virtual reality training modules to AI-driven predictive analytics, the road ahead for tech-driven policing is promising and filled with possibilities.

  • AR and VR in operations and training: Virtual training scenarios can prepare officers for real-world challenges.
  • Sharper crime predictions with AI: As AI becomes smarter, its accuracy in predicting crimes will increase.
  • Building bridges with enhanced communication tools: Different departments, unified by technology, can achieve more together.

Conclusion

As we navigate the intricate web of modern-day policing, it’s evident that technology, particularly in the form of in-car computers and data-driven strategies, stands at the forefront of this evolution. These advancements are not merely about equipping officers with the latest gadgets; they’re about revolutionizing the entire paradigm of law enforcement. It’s about ensuring that officers, while on the streets or behind the wheel, are better informed, better connected, and better equipped to serve and protect communities. The symbiosis of human judgment and technological prowess has the potential to usher in an era of policing that is more efficient, transparent, and in tune with the needs and rights of the public.

However, as with any seismic shift, it’s vital to tread with caution. Balancing the undeniable benefits of this tech-driven approach with the ethical considerations and potential pitfalls is paramount. As we look to the future, the focus should remain on harnessing these tools to foster trust, enhance public safety, and bridge the gap between law enforcement and the communities they serve. In the end, it’s not just about data at the wheel, but about steering the future of policing towards a more harmonious and safer tomorrow.

How Dash Cam Reviews Can Help You Choose the Right Device for Your Car

By
SM
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Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash

Investing in a dash cam is one of the most effective ways of protecting yourself when you are on the road. Lots of people make the mistake of thinking that they can purchase dash cams without researching them first though. This post intends to tell you everything you need to know about buying one, focusing primarily on why you should read reviews. A product’s reviews can tell you everything you need to know. Be sure to read this article in its entirety so you are prepared to begin searching.

Understanding How to Use Products

When you are planning on buying a dash cam, reviews can help you to learn how to use the products that you are buying. Finding dashcam tips and tricks has never been easier with reviews. If you are planning on using reviews to help you learn about products you want to buy, make sure that you read ones posted on independent guide sites, not ones posted on manufacturers’ own websites. This is because dash cam manufacturers tend to exaggerate and post biased reviews, as do most other business owners. Why would anyone want to post negative reviews about their business on their own website after all?

Deciding Whether Products Are Worth Buying

If you are interested in buying yourself a dash cam, reviews can help you to decide whether or not a product is worth buying. Reviews will help you to get a very good idea of how good a product is and how useful it is going to be. When you are reading reviews, make sure that you read through all of them and learn to spot fake ones. Fake reviews tend to be written in bad English and are usually written in the same style. If you see lots of reviews that appear similar and are all negative, it could be a clear indication that a rival business is trying to push people away from them.

Learning About the Risks of a Product

Certain products are simply not worth buying. If you are interested in buying a new dash cam, reviews can help you to learn about a product’s risks. Some dash cams have flaws or errors. Reviews can help you to learn about whether a product is dangerous or unsafe. Again, take some time to learn about what fake reviews look like. If you learn to spot fake reviews, it will be a lot easier for you to make sure that the purchases you make are sensible ones.

Getting Alternative Product Recommendations

Sometimes, a product’s review section has lots of alternative product recommendations in it. Make sure that if you are going to buy a product that’s recommended by other clients in a product’s review section, you need to make sure that you read its reviews. Don’t just blindly buy something that has been suggested to you just because you are in a hurry to buy something.

Reviews can be great for finding out how good a product is. Make sure that you read them before spending money. Under no circumstances should you ever buy a product until you have read what past clients have to say about it.

Cadillac builds on strong foundation for 2024

By
Official Release
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Cadillac V-Series.R to carry over with two GTP cars in IMSA, one Hypercar in WEC

DETROIT (Oct. 9, 2023) — Cadillac Racing will roar into the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship seasons with the same car count as 2023.

The No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R and No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R will be on the grid for the nine-race IMSA Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) campaign that begins in January with the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

The sister No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R will contest the eight-race FIA WEC season that begins in March in Qatar as Cadillac Racing’s sole Hypercar entry. Additional Cadillac Racing entries for the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June will be announced by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.

“We’re very excited to dive into the second year of our Cadillac V-Series.R program. We are very proud of what we accomplished in the first year and we’ve learned so much racing in two series. We have a great foundation to build on,” said Laura Wontrop Klauser, GM sports car racing program manager.

“Having 2024 as a carry-over year will allow us the opportunity to focus entirely on the car and understanding it better instead of having to balance car learning with new team and new series learning as we did in 2023.”

Cadillac sits atop the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer standings and is a close second in the IMSA GTP Manufacturer Championship entering the Petit Le Mans season finale Oct. 14 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Cadillac entries have recorded two victories, five other podiums and two pole starts through eight races.

The GM luxury brand has compiled 29 wins since 2017 in IMSA and WEC prototype competition and 68 overall in North American sports car racing.

The No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R, with co-drivers Pipo Derani, Jack Aitken and Alexander Sims, leads both the IMSA GTP Driver/Team Championship and IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup GTP Driver/Team standings.

Cadillac is fourth in the WEC Manufacturers’ Championship following the Six Hours of Fuji on Sept. 10 in its maiden trip through the WEC calendar. The season concludes Nov. 4 with the Eight Hours of Bahrain at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Cadillac Racing made a resounding return to Le Mans after a 21-year absence with the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R earning a podium finish and the No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R placing fourth in the centenary race.

The Cadillac V-Series.R is Cadillac’s third-generation prototype racecar and represents the fifth generation of the brand’s storied V-Series production vehicle lineup that includes the Cadillac Escalade-V and track-capable CT4-V Blackwing and CT5-V Blackwing.

Cadillac Racing highlights

Cadillac total wins in all classes/series since 2000: 68

Cadillac total podiums in all classes/series since 2000: 221

IMSA GTP (5)

IMSA DPi (84)

FIA WEC (1)

World Challenge (126)

American Le Mans Series (5)

Cadillac Manufacturer Championships in all series: 8

IMSA DPi (2021, 2018, 2017)

Pirelli World Challenge GT (2014, 2013, 2012)

SPEED World Challenge GT (2007, 2005)

IMSA DPi Driver Championships: 2021, 2018, 2017

IMSA DPi Team Championships: 2021, 2018, 2017

IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer Champion: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Driver Championships: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017

IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Team Championships: 2018, 2017

Pirelli World Challenge GT Driver Championships: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012

SPEED World Challenge GT Driver Championship: 2005

SMT EXPANDS NHRA PARTNERSHIP, BECOMING EXCLUSIVE GRAPHICS PROVIDER WITH CUSTOMIZED PACKAGE FOR CAMPING WORLD DRAG RACING SERIES

By
Official Release
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Record viewership follows debut of SMT Creative Studio’s storytelling graphics

DURHAM, N.C., (Oct. 9, 2023) – SMT (SportsMEDIA Technology), the leading innovator in real-time sports data delivery, graphics presentation and tracking solutions, has expanded its partnership with the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series this season, delivering a customized full graphics insert package for the lightning-fast racing series that airs on Fox Sports. Combined with the fan-favorite AR graphics package that virtually displays driver information, sponsor logos billboards, and other race-related content, SMT is now the exclusive graphics partner for the NHRA.

SMT Creative Studio, the in-house design division of SMT, in collaboration from NHRA and Fox Sports, conceptualized and crafted a statistics-driven insert graphics package to capture the thrill and intensity of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series.

The variety of info-rich graphics helps viewers gauge performances in a sport where races are measured in increments of thousandths of a second. The insert package made its debut on Labor Day weekend, coinciding with one of the NHRA’s most-watched broadcast in history, as nearly 2.1 million viewers tuned in to original airings for the world’s biggest drag race, the 69th annual Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, the world’s most renowned drag strip.

In close collaboration with the NHRA, SMT Creative Studio and SMT engineers joined forces to develop data displays tailored specifically for drag racing. For example, the lower-third launch sequence graphic offers real-time insights into race timing, seamlessly synchronized with the broadcast to deliver immediate race results to viewers.

“Since our partnership with SMT began in 2016, we’ve witnessed year-over-year enhancements to the sport of drag racing as SMT introduces cutting-edge virtual and broadcast graphics. This has helped support NHRA’s ratings growth as fans embrace new storytelling enhancements,” said Steve Reintjes, NHRA Vice President of Broadcast.

“Bringing our graphics production operation in-house with SMT at the helm has allowed us to further educate our growing fanbase about the sport and the drivers. From virtual driver cards and start and finish lines to the enhanced timing and scoring graphic with RT (reaction time), ET (elapsed time), and MPH, SMT consistently raises the bar year after year.”

The new design predominantly incorporates the red, white and blue color scheme synonymous with the NHRA, prominently featuring the oval-shaped NHRA logo throughout the look. Creative Studio introduced complementary colors to the mix to highlight winners, including a clean shade of green reminiscent of the NHRA’s “Christmas Tree” starting lights.

“Our design strategy for NHRA revolved around crafting a distinctive visual identity uniquely their own,” said Jon Kaczmarski, Director, Creative & Strategy, SMT Creative Studio. “Our approach embraced tactile elements by seamlessly integrating 3D shapes and components inspired by various automotive elements and textures. These elements harmonized with a HUD-style design, enabling viewers to absorb the data while keeping their eyes on the cars, allowing us to highlight the depth of real-time data and performance metrics vital to the sport.”

SMT’s patented video overlay system, NITRO, serves as the core technology behind the virtual graphics. SMT precisely calibrates camera panheads to capture every moment, from the cars inching up to the staging lines before launch to hole-shot views. Given the incredible speed of Top Fuel dragsters covering the 1,000-foot dragstrip in 3.7 seconds at 330 mph, virtual finish lines enable viewers to witness numerous photo finishes.

“SMT and NHRA are continually exploring ways to enhance and expand our product offerings,” said Rob McCarney, Special Projects Manager, SMT. “Last year, we embarked on a comprehensive upgrade, introducing a brand-new graphics package, statistical interface, and time-and-score insertion, all of which were all launched this season to great acclaim. We take pride in contributing to the success of NHRA and promoting this high-energy, fast-paced sport.”

About SMT 

SMT is a world leader in real-time data delivery and graphics solutions for the sports industry, providing clients with cutting-edge storytelling tools to enhance live events and productions. SMT’s technology for scoring, statistics, virtual insertion, tracking analytics and messaging for broadcasts and live events has been used to enhance the world’s most prestigious events. The 37-time Emmy Award-winning company is headquartered in Durham, N.C., with divisions in Jacksonville, Fla.; Fremont, Calif.; Toronto, Canada; and Munich, Germany. 

About NHRA 

Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 21 national events featuring the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown™ and Top Fuel Harley Series. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 120 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Charlotte Roval

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. William Byron: Byron finished second at Charlotte as A.J. Allmendinger won on the Roval.

“I already had my spot in the Round Of 8 sewed up,” Byron said, “so I was out there just enjoying a leisurely Sunday drive. But things always get a lot less leisurely once I park the car for a NASCAR inspection.”

2. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin experienced late issues at Charlotte and finished 37th in the Bank Of America Roval 400.

“Finishing dead last is never good,” Hamlin said. “But I’ve just got to put this behind me and move on. I have experience in forgetting a race and moving on. Unfortunately, it’s often the last race of the season I have to forget and move on from.”

3. Tyler Reddick: Reddick started on the pole at Charlotte and won Stage 1 on his way ro a sixth-place finish. Reddick advanced to the Round Of 8.

“I almost feel unbeatable with the Air Jordan logo on my car,” Reddick said. “It’s like Michael is my co-pilot. Of course, he’s a co-pilot who won’t stop smoking cigars, won’t stop betting on things, and won’t stop criticizing Scottie Pippen.”

4. Ryan Blaney: Blaney finished 12th at Charlotte.

“I really like my chances to win the Cup championship,” Blaney said. “I don’t know if I necessarily like my car to win it, though.”

5. Chris Buescher: Buescher finished seventh at Charlotte.

“My car was primarily sponsored by Fifth Third Bank,” Buescher said. “Compared to A.J. Allmendinger’s, my engine seemed to be working at three-fifths power.”

6. Christopher Bell: Bell started second at Charlotte and finished 15th.

“Joe Gibbs Racing has three cars in the Round Of 8,” Bell said. “If my math is correct, that means one car did not make it. That would be Ty Gibbs, and it seems he was ‘grandfathered’ out.”

7. Kyle Larson: Larson finished 13th at Charlotte.

“Elimination races are always tense,” Larson said. “The tension is so thick, you can’t even cut it with a knife, but I can use a block of it to stand in to look six feet tall.”

8. Martin Truex, Jr.: Truex finished 20th and advanced to the Round Of 8, claiming the last spot by 12 points over Ross Chastain.

“Had this been on an oval course,” Truex said. “I would have worried a lot more about Chastain pulling some miracle finish and eliminating me. I think it’s much more difficult for Ross to pull a ‘Martinsville’ on a road course, but I think he probably should have given it a try.”

9. Kyle Busch: Needing a win to advance to the Round Of 8, Busch came up just short, finishing third at Charlotte.

“I’m really gonna miss racing for this sport’s biggest prize,” Busch said. “But when you put it into perspective, winning isn’t really that important. I mean, I didn’t advance to the next round. Big deal. I could very easily have been rotting in a Mexican prison.”

10. Ross Chastain: Chastain finished 10th in the Bank Of America Roval 400 and did not advance to the Round Of 8.

“With Charlotte being an elimination race,” Chastain said, “it was no surprise that tempers were flaring. Also, with it being Charlotte, I’m sure, somewhere, Ric was ‘Flairing.'”

Teammates Face Off for Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship in Road Atlanta Finale

By
Official Release
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IMSA VIR 2023

BRASELTON, Ga. (Oct. 9, 2023) – In typical Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires fashion, the championship has come down to the final two races of the season at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Two racers- Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering and Aaron Jeansonne (No. 24 JTR Motorsports Engineering) will look to emerge from the finale event with some new hardware and the $250,000 that goes to the series champion.

Mazda MX-5 Cup has never had a repeat champion, but that could end this week. Reigning champion Thomas comes into the finale leading the series standings by 290 points. That is a much more comfortable gap than last year, when his 55-point lead was eventually cut to a 10-point advantage over Connor Zilisch (No. 72 Hixon Motor Sports) for the title.

Consistency has been a key element of Thomas’ campaign to repeat as champion. He has appeared on the podium in eight of 12 races so far this season.

“MX-5 is a very competitive series and when you have 10 drivers in the field that can win any given race, it makes it difficult to consistently finish in the top five,” Thomas said. “I would say I feel more comfortable and more confident after last year in how to handle the pressures and anxiety of a championship battle.”

Making things even more interesting, Thomas’ closest challenger is his own teammate: Jeansonne. This has truly been Jeansonne’s breakout year in MX-5 Cup. He took his first two career-wins and has become a mainstay at the front of the field.

“This is my first time competing against a teammate for a championship and it has been a great experience,” Thomas said. “My relationship with Aaron [Jeansonne] has been amazing and it has continually gotten stronger since Daytona this year. We have been able to learn so much from each other throughout the year to make each other better and it is very exciting to see all the hard work that we put in be able to set us both up for the opportunity to decide the championship between us!”

“From the first drop of the green flag this year, we have worked together to get ourselves in this position and the whole team is thrilled to show up to the finale 1-2,” Jeansonne agreed “Only one of us can win the championship at the end of the day, but that’s what makes it exciting.”

Will the teammates play nice when it comes down to a championship and $250,000 prize?

Out to spoil JTR’s party is Selin Rollan (No. 87 Hixon Motor Sports). He has been in the series longer than Thomas or Jeansonne and finished third in the championship in his rookie year (2018) but has since struggled to seal the deal on a MX-5 Cup title despite his race-winning pace and race craft. Rollan is 310 points behind Thomas, which means in addition to podium finishes for himself, he’ll need Thomas and Jeansonne to have some bad luck at Road Atlanta.

Thomas, Jeansonne and Rollan are all former winners of the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout, which earned them each a scholarship to participate in a full season of MX-5 Cup. Nominees for this year’s shootout were recently announced by Mazda.

Jeansonne won his scholarship at Road Atlanta in fact.

“I love Road Atlanta,” Jeansonne said. “It’s where I won the MX-5 Cup Shootout back in 2020 to get myself into this series in the first place, so the place means a lot to me. Knowing that JTR has always been strong there gives me an extra bit of confidence as well.”

Just behind Rollan in the points is another former MX-5 Cup Champion, Gresham Wagner (No. 5 Spark Performance). Wagner had his hopes of back-to-back championships crushed at last year’s finale, when he had a mechanical DNF in the Round 13 race. He would go on to finish third in the 2022 season.

While Robert Noaker (No. 13 Robert Noaker Racing) and Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer Racing) are mathematically still capable of winning the championship, it would require most of the drivers ahead of them to score zero points.

Cicero has his eyes on another prize; the Rookie of the Year title. He has a 260-point lead over fellow rookie Thomas Annunziata (No. 10 Hixon Motor Sports) and comes into the finale with huge momentum following his first race win and a podium finish at VIRginia International Raceway.

Both drivers were part of the most recent MX-5 Cup Shootout with Cicero taking home the big prize and Annunziata in the runner-up spot. Will it finish like that in the MX-5 Cup rookie standings as well? Whomever comes out on top will take home the $80,000 Rookie of the Year prize from Mazda.

Of course, it wouldn’t be MX-5 Cup without some wildcards. First there’s multiple MX-5 Cup race winner Tyler Gonzalez (No. 35 Saito Motorsports Group) who returns to the series for the first time since St. Petersburg in March. Next we have Zilisch, the 2023 MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year who wasn’t able to do a full season but has earned two wins in his abbreviated participation.

Finally, there’s Ben Keating (No. 19 Saito Motorsports Group), a decorated sports car veteran who won his class at last year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans and has recorded multiple wins at the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring. How will Keating, who’s used to much bigger and more powerful cars, adapt to momentum-based, draft-heavy MX-5 Cup?

History has shown that all bets are off when it comes to a Mazda MX-5 Cup finale. The only sure thing is that the 2023 champions will walk away with $250,000 and a Mazda CX-50.

Don’t miss Round 13 from Road Atlanta on Thursday, October 12 at 5:45pm ET or Round 14, Friday, October 12 at 10:30am ET, both streaming live on RACER.com.

About: The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich® Tires is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

Oracle Red Bull Racing Driver Max Verstappen Wins Third Consecutive F1 Drivers’ World Championship

By
Official Release
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TOKYO, Oct 9, 2023 – (JCN Newswire) – Max Verstappen, driver for Oracle Red Bull Racing, for which Honda is a team partner, clinched his third consecutive drivers’ world championship on Saturday, October 7 local time, by earning enough points in the F1 Sprint(1) race for the Qatar Grand Prix 2023, the 18th round of the 2023 FIA(2) Formula One (F1) World Championship.

After this Sprint race, with 6 Grands Prix remaining for the season, including the Qatar Grand Prix race on Sunday local time, Verstappen clinched his title with a total of 13 Grand Prix wins, including 10 straight wins(3) that set the record for most consecutive wins in the history of F1 racing.

For the 2023 season, as a team partner, Honda has been providing technical support and cooperating in marketing activities with Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri. As part of the technical support, Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) is manufacturing and supplying all power unit (PU) components except for the ESS(4) to Red Bull Powertrains(5) and supporting the operations of the PUs throughout the season.

As this team partnership continues through the end of the 2025 season, both Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri are planning to compete in F1 during the next two seasons using machines equipped with a PU, for which Honda will provide technical support.

Comment of Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC)
“Max, congratulations on your third consecutive Drivers’ Championship! I enjoyed watching your overwhelming performance as champion throughout this season, including the unprecedented 10 straight wins. Since you captured your first drivers’ title two years ago, the best words to describe your performance have been not just ‘fast’ but ‘strong,’ and everyone agrees that winning your third consecutive title was a no doubter. Honda and HRC are proud to be able to support your third consecutive title, and HRC will continue to be dedicated to providing support to you, Max, and both the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri race teams while aiming at even greater heights in the future.”

(1) The F1 Sprint is a shorter race – approximately 100km or 62 miles – that takes place on the day before the Grand Prix. The winners are awarded about one-third of the points winners can earn in the Grand Prix.
(2) Fédération Internationale de lʼAutomobile.
(3) Ten consecutive wins from the 5th round Miami Grand Prix to the 15th round Italian Grand Prix (excluding the 6th round Emilia Romagna Grand Prix which was cancelled).
(4) Energy Storage System, the battery system that stores recovered electric energy.
(5) A Red Bull Group company that produces F1 power units. For the current version of the PUs, PBPT is responsible for producing and operating the ESS.

For more information, visit https://global.honda/en/topics/2023/4e_2023-10-09eng.html.

Solid Day for TeamSLR at VIR

By
Official Release
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Dillon Machavern Scores Fifth, Connor Mosack Rallies From 34th to Claim Sixth, Chris Liesfeld Finishes 13th, While Late Incident Derails Top-10 for Thad Moffitt

Overview:
Date: Oct. 8, 2023
Event: VIR SpeedTour (Round 12 of 13)
Series: Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli
Division: Big Machine Vodka Spiked CoolersTA2 Series
Location: Virginia International Raceway (VIR) in Alton
Layout: 3.27-mile, 17-turn road course
Format: 30 laps or 75 minutes
Weather: Sunny, low-60s
Winner: Connor Zilisch of Silver Hare Racing

TeamSLR:

● Dillon Machavern – Started 9th, Finished 5th (Running, completed 30/30 laps)
● Connor Mosack – Started 34th, Finished 6th (Running, completed 30/30 laps)
● Thad Moffitt – Started 18th, Finished 24th (Running, completed 30/30 laps)

M1 Racecars:

● Chris Liesfeld – Started 22nd, Finished 13th (Running, completed 30/30 laps)

Noteworthy:

● Connor Mosack was awarded the Cool Shirt Cool Move of the Race for his charge from 34th and last on the starting grid to today’s sixth-place finish. The fulltime TeamSLR driver in 2021 and 2022 returned for the third time this season but had to forego Saturday’s TA2 practice and qualifying sessions due to his NASCAR Xfinity Series commitment Saturday at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. He drove the No. 8 Sherry Strong/SLR-M1 Racecars entry at VIR today as a tribute to the late Sherry Pollex.

Dillon Machavern, Driver No. 17 Heritage Automotive/Unifirst/SLR-M1 Racecars Ford Mustang:

“That was a good finish today. It felt good to be in the mix. We got shuffled back a few positions on the initial restart and then had to fight our way back toward the front. It was particularly difficult to pass out there today. Once you cleared someone, you could pull away, but getting around people was the hard part. The car was strong throughout the race and we were really hoping to fight for a podium spot but just ran out of time. All in all, a good effort for this TeamSLR/M1 Racecars organization.”

Connor Mosack, Driver No. 8 Sherry Strong/SLR-M1 Racecars Entry:

“It was an honor for us today to honor the Sherry Strong Foundation and honor Sherry Pollex’s legacy in the sport of racing and in NASCAR. Just an honor for me to be able to do that in the Xfinity race yesterday and then again today. Just big thanks to my team, TeamSLR, we brought a really good car but it just took a little too long to get going. We learned some stuff, for sure, and I had a lot of fun coming from the back and just happy we could finish near the front. I just wish we had some more laps.”

Thad Moffitt, Driver No. 43 Customers Bank/Safety-Kleen/Victory Impact Chevrolet Camaro:

“We still have this top-five speed that we’ve shown lately, but it was just unfortunate circumstances today. I think all day, Dillon, Mosack and I kind of ran the same speed. Mosack was definitely the best of the three cars, and I think we probably should’ve run fifth, sixth, seventh, somewhere in there. Of course, on the last restart, we just got spun off the track. I think it was a racing deal. The restart going into one was getting kind of hairy. I knew somebody was going to get wrecked, I just didn’t think it would be me. We got over to turn four and Misha Goikhberg got a little loose and came over into me. Everybody’s on old tires, something like that is going to happen on a restart. It’s just disappointing that we drove from 18th to eighth and ended up 24th. Not to mention, we had a chance to pick up some ground in the rookie points, and we outran a bunch of cars all day that were ahead of us in the overall standings. Just a bummer of an ending to a solid weekend for us. We’ll move to COTA and try to get a podium for the last weekend.”

Chris Liesfeld, Driver No. 96 Fields Racing/M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

“It was a pretty solid day for me. Started 22nd and finished 13th, so for a guy who just shows up every now and then, I’m happy with that. The car was handling pretty well. We worked on the forward drive all weekend, trying to make improvements, and worked on myself, trying to improve as a driver. I probably had a little more left in me. Turned my fastest lap in the middle of the race, which probably should’ve happened sooner. All in all, I felt good about the weekend. I’m happy with the result.”

Next Up:

The 2023 Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series season concludes four weeks hence with the Mission Foods Austin SpeedTour Nov. 3-5 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. The weekend kicks off with a pair of 20-minute TA2 test sessions at 11:15 a.m. and 5:05 p.m. CDT Friday, Nov. 3. Official TA2 practice is set for 11:05 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, followed by qualifying at 3:10 p.m. Sunday’s 30-lap, 75-minute TA2 race begins at 9 a.m. CST with live television coverage provided by MAVTV, augmented by live-streaming video coverage by the Trans Am Series and SpeedTourTV channels on YouTube.

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s newly renamed Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers TA2 Series in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr., The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 120 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

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