Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Sanctioned 2022 Edition of Premier Event at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca that Garnered the Prestigious Historic Motoring Awards Event of the Year Honor
LONDON (November 18, 2022) — The Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion – which was sanctioned for the second-straight year in 2022 by Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) – received the prestigious international recognition of Motorsport Event of the Year from the Historic Motoring Awards, presented by Octane, earlier this week in London. Judges selected the Rolex Reunion from an impressive list of international motoring events citing its adherence to presenting only authentic historic race cars and in attracting the best of the best to kick-off the yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
“This prestigious award belongs to every person of the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca team, Advisory Council members, the experts from Historic Sportscar Racing, and the County of Monterey for the shared vision of maintaining adherence to being the best,” said Barry Toepke, Director of Heritage Events and Public Relations of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, who accepted the honor. “And equally important, the recognition goes to the participants who enjoy sharing their historic race cars at speed and spending time with the tens of thousands of appreciative fans who visit to see motorsports history come to life on the track and in the paddock.”
After debuting at the Rolex Reunion and Pre-Reunion in 2021 to begin a multi-year partnership, HSR continued this year in providing its expertise and vast collective experience in race event operations, full technical scrutineering, competitor and participant registration and vetting entries for the blockbuster Monterey events that are generally regarded as the premier historic and vintage motorsports events in North America.
The Event of the Year honor furthers the recognition that Monterey Car Week truly is an international gathering of enthusiasts, sponsors, journalists and like-minded businesses that are active in the automotive and collector car fields. The County of Monterey, owners of both the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, experienced a strong resurgence this year as visitors flocked to Monterey to enjoy such internationally popular events like the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Pebble Beach Concours d ’Elegance, and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.
Established in the mid-1970s, HSR is led by HSR President David Hinton, who was a majority owner for the last 10 years and guided HSR’s sale to IMSA early in 2022. Hinton remains at the helm as president and continues to steer the organization through one of its biggest periods of growth in the more than 40-year history of HSR.
About HSR: Now an International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the race cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter and Instagram at @HSR_race. A dedicated website for the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona presented by IMSA is available at www.Classic24hour.com.
PORTIMAO, Portugal (November 18, 2022) – Star Spangled Racing’s Tiger Tari made the most of his first international racing event during his first season of professional racing, earning a podium during the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Grand Finals at Portimao in early November.
The four-race weekend, which included a pair of races to cap the U.S.-based season and a doubleheader with Lamborghini Super Trofeo competitors from across the globe, came at the end of Star Spangled Racing’s first season of partnership with NTE Sport during the IMSA season. That pairing began with the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona and expanded when Tari got behind the wheel for the first time as a professional during the midpoint of the Super Trofeo season.
Tari made the jump from team owner and amateur driver, focusing mostly on SCCA, World Racing League and American Endurance Racing competition, to the professional ranks during the Road America rounds in the LB Cup class for inexperienced racers in the Star Spangled Racing No. 118 Property Restoration Software/Home Repair Network Lamborghini Huracan EVO Super Trofeo. After being collected by a rival in Saturday’s race and a part failure on Sunday ended both races early, Tari moved to Virginia International Raceway for the last domestic doubleheader of the season.
Tari’s focus at VIR was on finishing the race first, and a result second. That focus led him to his first career podium, a third-place finish in class.
With the momentum in hand, it was off to a brand-new track for Tari. Tari, a first-generation Turkish-American, started race one in fourth position in the LB Cup class, and despite a damp track held serve the entire distance – narrowly missing a podium. Race two, later in the afternoon, told a different story.
Starting second, one position behind NTE Sport teammate and friend Fred Roberts, Tari battled around the same Portimao circuit that hosted Formula One in 2020 and 2021. At the checkered flag, Tari held his second position and earned his second career podium, just behind Roberts.
“When I arrived in Portugal, I told the team I wanted to accomplish two things here,” Tari said. “I wanted to run in P5 or better, and I wanted to take at least one piece of hardware back. I was talking to Fred, and I said ‘wouldn’t that be awesome if we podiumed together, line one and two?’ Guess what we did the second race?
“I could have done much better in the first race. It was a little bit of inexperience. I spun the car and lost about 25 seconds there, and I stalled the car two times coming out of the pits. The guy that made the podium, who I was faster than, ended up on the podium the first day. Finally the second day I ended up on the podium in P2.”
The final day of the event featured two races against Lamborghini Super Trofeo racers from around the world.In race one, Tari steered clear of a number of on-track incidents and scored an impressive fifth-place finish in LB Cup competition. He was running in the same position in race two, looking for improvement, when a broken axle ended his successful overseas trip early.
That podium was a product of preparation that began in those early rounds. On Friday at VIR, Tari was already mentally preparing for success. He spent the day intentionally wearing a Pirelli podium cap, a wardrobe choice noticed by successful pro Marco Holzer. Holzer was on site to drive the IMSA WeatherTech Championship GT Daytona Lamborghini Huracan for the NTE Sport and Start Spangled Racing collaboration.
“Marco said, ‘Tiger, I just got here and you’ve already podiumed,’” Tari said later. “I said, ‘this hat was given to me at a Porsche event years ago, but it’s similar to what I get here. Believe it or not, I’m preparing myself to get on the podium by wearing it, because I’m thinking like a winner.’ He laughed at me, but I was very serious. I was putting myself in the mindset.
“Once you see you can do it, it becomes possible every time.”
Star Spangled Racing’s collaboration with NTE Sport paid off, not only with a prepped race car but with coaching from the team’s professional drivers.
“I can’t thank Paul and all the guys at NTE enough,” Tari said. “Even before we got to Portugal, Glen McGee was instrumental in helping me on the simulator prepare for a brand new track. On site, Jaden Conwright got me up to speed quickly and helped me to improve throughout the weekend. That’s what makes the sports car paddock so great, even back at VIR I talked to Andy Lally, who just out of kindness gave me some advice to help finish the race without thinking about the end result, and it led to a podium. It’s a team effort to have any success at all.”
With the season in the books, Tari has already turned his attention toward a full-season effort in Lamborghini Super Trofeo in 2023. Those plans will be announced in the coming months in advance of the green flag.
About Star Spangled Racing:
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Star Spangled Racing was established in 2020 by first-generation American Tiger Tari. Star Spangled Racing accelerated quickly, moving from club and endurance events into professional racing just two years later with a Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Evo in the 2022 IMSA WeatherTech Championship GT Daytona (GTD) class in a partnership with NTE Sport. Tari extended his driving career by finishing the season in the LB Cup class of Lamborghini Super Trofeo during the 2022 season. More information can be found at www.starspangledracing.com.
Toledo, OH (11-18-2022) – For the first time since June 2000, the ARCA Menards Series platform will race at the tight, banked quarter-mile Flat Rock Speedway when the ARCA Menards Series East takes to the track on May 20, 2023.
The ARCA Menards Series raced at the track, affectionately known as The Level Pebble, 56 times from 1953 through 2000. The track’s first races were a pair of 250-lap events, run on the same day, both won by Julian Petty, his only two series victories. Other winners at Flat Rock Speedway over the years include Bob Hunter, Bill Lutz, Les Snow, Iggy Katona, Bobby Watson, Andy Hampton, Ramo Stott, Ron Hutcherson, A. Arnold, Moose Myers, Bill Green, Bill Kimmel, Jim Cushman, Marvin Smith, Bob Dotter, Lee Raymond, Bobby Jacks, Bill Venturini, Ed Hage, Bob Keselowski, Tracy Leslie, Dave Weltmeyer, Grant Adcox, Bobby Bowsher, Harold Fair, Jeremy Mayfield, Gary Bradberry, Andy Hillenburg, Joe Ruttman, Tim Steele, Frank Kimmel, and Bill Baird. Kimmel won the final race in 2000.
The race will mark the second time the series, formerly the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and rebranded under the ARCA sanction prior to the 2020 season, has raced in the state of Michigan. The series raced at Berlin Raceway in 2017 with former ARCA Menards Series West champion Todd Gilliland, and former ARCA Menards Series winner at nearby Toledo Speedway, taking the victory.
The race is scheduled for 150 laps to be run straight through with no break or competition cautions. Teams will be permitted to pit for adjustments and emergency service on the infield intersection used for the weekly Figure-8 division at the track.
Flat Rock Speedway’s weekly ARCA-sanctioned DTS Drivetrain Specialists Street Stock and the famed “Motor City Mad Men” of the Figure-8 division will also be in action.
The eight race ARCA Menards Series East calendar will start on March 25 at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida and conclude on September 14 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The entire ARCA Menards Series East schedule, as well as the schedule for the ARCA Menards Series West, will be released in the coming days.
World’s most affordable premium electric bike, at £999, is ready for Black Friday 2022, offering a massive discount of £290.
Earley, United Kingdom / November 20, 2022 – GIN X is pleased to announce the official start of its hugely popular Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale. E-bike brand reveals its Black Friday deal where you can get your GIN X for £999 along with FREE anti-theft alarm, mobile phone holder, padded saddle, and a water bottle holder.
A penny saved is a penny earned. The Black Friday Sale is truly a once-in-a-year opportunity to save money on purchasing a premium e-bike until Nov. 27. A regular price of GIN X with cargo rack and pannier bag is £1090 and accessories are worth ~£200 (anti theft alarm £69.99, padded saddle £79.99, mobile phone holder £29.99, water bottle holder £19.00).
With GIN X Black Friday deal you get all for 999£, which is £291 less than regular price of an e-bike with accessories.
GIN X was released on July 28th, 2022 and got an immense response of more than 1000 satisfied customers. GIN is making its presence in 10+ countries and is trusted by customers across the globe.
About GIN X e-bike
GIN X is the world’s most affordable eBike in the premium category at just 999£. It has all the technical advantages over its rivals in the mid drive e bike market at a fraction of a cost. Bafang brushless motor, Hydraulic brakes, Shimano Altus derailleur, and 615 Wh Tesla grade battery are just few to name. GIN has ensured that the frame suits both the riders – daily office goers as well as weekly mountain hiking! GIN X uses 2.1 CST premium tires that are perfect for all-terrain riding.
How GIN X compares to a high end e-bike that would cost £1599 or more in the UK
A high end e-bike, costing £1599 or more, usually rides upto 45-60 miles. GIN X can handle 75+ miles per charge (which is +49% more) and needs 4 hours to be recharged (+28% faster). It has achieved this by using powerful 615WH Tesla grade batteries. Few notable features of GIN X are:
UK/EU street legal 250W brushless BAFANG motor
615WH Tesla grade powerful battery
Shimano Altus derailleur
Integrated lights, kickstand and fenders
2.1” tires for both city riding and hill climbing (off road experience)
Hydraulic brakes by ZOOM and powerful lockout suspensions
4” long HD display monitor
Walk mode and thumb throttle (limited to UK speed limit)
The Bobby Labonte Foundation’s annual bike build and giveaway benefits 60 kids
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – (November 18, 2022) – The Bobby Labonte Foundation, founded by NASCAR Champion and Hall of Fame race car driver Bobby Labonte, teamed up with Herbalife Nutrition to build and donate 60 kids’ bikes at the YWCA of Winston-Salem, N.C. on Thursday as part of the foundation’s annual charitable efforts. The surprise giveaway, which benefited children enrolled at the YWCA’s Best Choice Learning Center, also included helmets and bike safety lessons provided by Brenner Children’s Hospital.
The Bobby Labonte Foundation and Herbalife also surprised center representatives with two oversized checks for $10,000 each. The Best Choice Learning Center focuses on education and income equality, providing K-8 academic enrichment and need-based scholarships along with nutrition education, healthy snacks and hot meals.
“My foundation works in partnership with the local community and community organizations to empower parents, families and children to build a strong foundation for their futures. Encouraging kids to live a healthy lifestyle is one way to do that,” said Bobby Labonte. “We are so grateful for partners like Herbalife who help make our efforts possible. They were excited to pitch in to support the Best Choice Learning Center too, which is an invaluable resource for so many families in our community.”
The bikes were built by employees at Herbalife’s Winston-Salem facility the day before with guidance from bike mechanics at Paul’s Cycling and Fitness.
“Herbalife, a company focused on nutrition, health and wellness, was excited to be part of the bike build and giveaway. Witnessing the childrens’ reactions when they were surprised with a new bike was priceless for our team,” said Gene Corbett, vice president of human resources at Herbalife Nutrition. “We value our long-term partnership with the Best Choice Learning Center and look forward to continuing to support their mission to educate and advocate for children in need in Winston-Salem. Herbalife also wants to thank the Bobby Labonte Foundation for their partnership. As we have seen through this event, we were able to make a significant impact on both the center itself and the children they serve.”
Before the children received their bikes, Labonte and his wife, Kristin, a former national champion cyclist, encouraged them to stay healthy by being active and to always wear helmets when riding. Hayluri Beckles, Pediatric Trauma Prevention Coordinator at Brenner Children’s Hospital and Safe Kids Northwest Piedmont Coordinator, showed them how to ride their bikes safely before the children were fitted with new helmets of their own.
“Today has been an awesome day for the Best Choice Learning Center,” said Marilyn Odom, vice president of youth services at YWCA of Winston-Salem. “We are so appreciative of the Bobby Labonte Foundation and Herbalife’s donations of bikes and helmets, plus the $20,000 financial gift. These funds will enable us to continue to help children, while the bikes will help them stay active. We’ve also learned the importance of bike safety, and we are so happy about all of it.”
Hundreds of children in the Triad have received bikes from the Bobby Labonte Foundation over the years. To find out more about the Bobby Labonte Foundation, visit bobbylabontefoundation.org.
About Bobby Labonte Foundation The Bobby Labonte Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by NASCAR champion, Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductee and businessman Bobby Labonte in 2003. The Bobby Labonte Foundation vision is a cohesive community in which parents and families are empowered to fulfill children’s needs and together find joy, love and happiness. The Bobby Labonte Foundation works in partnership with the local community and community organizations to empower parents, families and children to build a strong foundation for children’s futures. For more information, visit www.bobbylabontefoundation.org or follow the Bobby Labonte Foundation on Facebook.
New value SUV features both beautiful design and driving at the will of the driver –
TOKYO, Nov 18, 2022 – (JCN Newswire) – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will begin sales of the all-new SUV, the ZR-V, on April 21, 2023, at dealerships across Japan.
The ZR-V was developed as a model which combines “practicality,” the core value of an SUV, “reliability” based on the latest safety features and passive safety performance, distinctive “design” with a strong presence and exhilarating and comfortable “driving experience,” all on a high level.
The development concept of ZR-V – Unleash Your Potential – represents Honda’s desire to enable its customers to drive their vehicle “at the will of the driver,” providing a greater sense of confidence and helping liberate them to unleash their unique personality to try something new.
Packaging
By reducing the height difference from the heel point to the hip point, a sedan-like driving position was achieved, enhancing a sense of oneness between driver and vehicle.
Exhilarating visibility, which contributes to the ease of driving, was while focusing on three key points regarding the driver’s gaze/eye movement: “not to distract the flow,” “not to interrupt the flow” and “to make it easier to grasp changes in vehicle behavior.” Based on this approach, the basic design lines which enable the driver to more easily grasp the movement direction and overall orientation of the vehicle were applied both inside and outside the vehicle. A number of packaging technologies, including the use of these basic design lines, made the ZR-V easy to drive.
All-new ZR-V offers a variety of storage spaces, which feature both beautiful design and excellent user-friendliness, ensuring utility that accommodates various customer needs. The floor of the cargo area was designed as flat as possible, and a corrugated geometric pattern created through digital modeling design(1) was adopted on the sides for the first time for any Honda vehicle in Japan, achieving uniformity in design quality and functionality that make scratches less noticeable. Moreover, the power tailgate is standard equipment for all types of ZR-V.
Design
The exterior design features flowing proportions characterized by large, smooth surfaces that flow from front to rear.
The design of the front-fascia features a vertical grille, designed in concert with surrounding areas, and sharp-looking, wide-set headlights that flow horizontally. These features create a highly sophisticated expression, yet with stature and a strong presence.
The rear of the body is shaped to emphasize the vehicle’s wide tread by adding volume around the bottom of the body, with a smooth, upswept look.
The interior features an instrument panel that stretches out horizontally in a linear fashion. Moreover, the interior design features a functional and precise finish on all parts to accentuate the beauty of the form, creating a high-quality interior space. In addition, a high-deck center console between the driver and front passenger seats offers the right amount of “personal feeling” for both driver and front passenger.
Dynamics
As the value customers feel the most in this vehicle, the development team put the highest priority on providing a “greater sense of confidence and helping liberating customers” to enjoy by driving this vehicle “at the will of the driver.” To this end, the team strived to realize a driving experience with a sense of unity, as if the driver’s intentions are directly translated into vehicle behavior. Unnecessary vehicle movements and noises were thoroughly suppressed, and a high level and constant ground contact was secured to offer greater peace of mind for all occupants.
Powertrain
The hybrid model of the all-new ZR-V will be the first Honda SUV to be equipped with the Sport e:HEV(2) that combines a 2.0-liter direct injection engine that debuted on the Civic e:HEV and the advanced 2-motor hybrid system (e-CVT). By advancing both the hardware and control software, the new e:HEV further improved fuel economy, low emission performance and quietness compared to the previous version of e:HEV, while also realizing powerful acceleration comparable to a V6 3.0-liter engine, which is only possible with a motor-driven powertrain. The all-new ZR-V e:HEV will offer a high-quality, exhilarating driving experience in various driving situations including driving on city and suburban roads, highways and winding roads.
The Real-time AWD is available on all types, including both hybrid and gasoline variations. By optimizing distribution of front and rear driving force, the tires firmly grip the road surface, enabling the driver to feel great peace of mind even while driving on slippery surfaces such as snowy roads. Moreover, the increase in rear-wheel driving force enables the driver to start and accelerate with confidence even on snowy hills.
The driver can choose from four drive modes according to the driving situation: SPORT mode(3), NORMAL mode, ECON mode and SNOW mode. The ZR-V will be the first Honda SUV in Japan to feature SNOW mode, which suppresses the amount of driving force transmitted in response to depressing the accelerator pedal and supports the driver to achieve a smooth start and acceleration even on slippery road surfaces such as snowy roads.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Honda SENSING
All ZR-V models are equipped with the latest features of the Honda SENSING(4) safety and driver-assistive system. The front wide-view camera system features a wide-angle camera with an effective horizontal viewing angle of approximately 100 degrees and a high-speed image processing chip to enhance the detection accuracy of objects for Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) and other applications. The sonar sensors mounted in four locations on both the front and rear bumpers detect objects such as exterior walls of buildings and glass at close range with a high level of accuracy, contributing to the suppression of false starts due mostly to the driver hitting the accelerator by mistake, as well as avoiding collisions. In addition, radar built into the rear bumper detects vehicles approaching from behind within 25 meters, and the system alerts the driver of the presence of a vehicle diagonally behind with indicators in the door mirror. This Blind Spot Information is a standard feature of Honda SENSING for the ZR-V.
List of Honda SENSING functions available for ZR-V (qualifies as the “Safety Sports Car S” defined by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.) 1) Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) 2) Collision Mitigation Throttle Control(5) 3) Rear Collision Mitigation Throttle Control(5) 4) Low Speed Brake Function (Low speed CMBS) 5) Pedestrian Collision Mitigation Steering System 6) Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) System 7) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow 8) Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) 9) Traffic Jam Assist 10) Lead Car Departure Notification System 11) Traffic Sign Recognition 12) Adaptive Driving Beam(6) 13) Auto High Beam Headlights (available for Grade X) 14) Blind Spot Information System 15) Parking Sensor System 16) Backing Out Support(6)
Hill Descent Control (HDC) When driving down slippery hills or rough and steep roads, the hill descent control function can automatically maintain a constant pre-set speed, enabling the driver to concentrate on steering.
Enhanced Features
BOSE Premium Sound system(7) The audio system equipped with 12 speakers was developed jointly with BOSE to be best suited to the cabin environment of the ZR-V. The surround sound with realistic sensations and a comfortable listening experience less likely to be affected by changes in driving conditions, enables all occupants to enjoy the realistic sound experience as if they are inside a concert hall.
(1) A new design method that uses computer numerical processing to create 3D (three-dimensional) designs with smooth geometric patterns that resemble waveforms found in the natural world. (2) e:HEV is a global communication name for Honda’s high-efficiency 2-motor hybrid system with outstanding fuel economy, which is the core of Honda’s electrification technologies. The e: represents Honda’s desire to ‘energize’ people and bring about a smile and exuberance by using ‘electricity’ as the ‘energy’. (3) Available for all types except for Grade X of gasoline variation. (4) Honda SENSING functions are intended to assist the driver: therefore, there is a limit to the capabilities (e.g. recognition capability and control capability) of individual functions of Honda SENSING. Please do not overestimate the capabilities of each Honda SENSING function and drive safely while paying constant attention to your surroundings. For more information about Honda SENSING, please visit, Honda website: https://www.honda.co.jp/hondasensing/ (5) Collision Mitigation Throttle Control, Rear Collision Mitigation Throttle Control and Low Speed Brake Function (Low speed CMBS) are collectively called “Low Speed Braking Control.” (6) Available only for certain types of the all-new ZR-V. (7) Standard equipment of Grade e:HEV Z and Z of ZR-V.
For more information, visit https://global.honda/newsroom/news/2022/4221117eng-zr-v.html.
TOKYO, Nov 18, 2022 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, which receives technical support from Mitsubishi Motors, will participate in the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) 2022 to be held from November 21st with three Triton rally cars (Group T1 prototype cross-country vehicles).
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart
On the first day of the competition, the team will drive a special stage (SS) in Buriram, northeastern Thailand, followed by a ceremonial start, and then will enter a full-scale stage in Thailand from the 22nd, before reaching the goal in Siem Reap, northwestern Cambodia, on the 26th.
On November 9th, prior to the opening of the AXCR, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart carried out a shakedown of the Triton rally cars that will compete in the AXCR, on the proving ground of Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (MMTh) in Si Racha, Chonburi, Thailand. In previous years, the rally had been run in August during the rainy season, which created challenging routes of mud-clogged roads and river crossings, but this year, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the rally start back to the drier month of November. As a result, in addition to the tough routes, the team is anticipating dry, off-road trails and new challenges including steep gradients.
To prepare for these challenges, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart subjected the Triton rally cars to a total of 1,900 kilometers of endurance testing. After checking the reliability and durability of the rally cars while making final engine and chassis adjustments to deliver both powerful performance and ease of handling, the team was able to confirm that the cars are ready for the rally.
In Leg 0, a total of 56 machines – 21 vehicles in the motorcycle category, 2 in the sidecar category, 32 in the car category, and 1 in the truck category – will run in an opening SS in the city and then participate in the ceremonial start to be held at the Chang Arena. The rally proper begins on the 22nd with Leg 1, and will be competed over courses in the area around Buriram, until Leg 3 on the 24th. Leg 4 on the 25th takes the rally close to the Thailand and Cambodian border before crossing into Cambodia for the final Leg 5 on the 26th, to the finish line near the World Heritage site of Angkor Wat.
Hiroshi Nagaoka, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors, commented: “The accomplished engineers of our development team, who had supported the team in winning numerous victories in the World Rally Championship and Dakar Rally, passed down the technology to our mid-career and younger generations and prepared the rally cars for the grueling AXCR. Under the leadership of team director Hiroshi Masuoka, who has won the Dakar Rally two times in a row, I am confident that the team will come together to deliver a strong performance with Mitsubishi Motors-ness. Please look forward to a great showing from Team Mitsubishi Ralliart.”
Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, commented: “To lead the team to victory as team director, I have drawn on my rallying know-how and experience, built the team organization, and worked to hone our cars. The Triton rally cars have improved with every running, and they are now faster, stronger, and tougher. We have a great service organization in place to support the team, allowing the drivers to apply 100 percent of their own potential. The whole team is ready for this tough challenge.”
Daily reports on AXCR special website
Starting on November 21st, the first day of the rally, and continuing to the last leg on November 26th, Mitsubishi Motors will post daily reports on the company’s AXCR special website. www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/innovation/motorsports/axcr2022/
Exhibition of Triton rally car replica in Japan
At the JAF Motorsport Japan 2022 to be held on November 19th and 20th in Odaiba, Tokyo, a Triton rally car AXCR 2022 replica will be on display for the first time in Japan.
Mitsubishi Motors will also display the same car at the company’s headquarter showroom in Tamachi, Tokyo, from November 21st, the first day of the AXCR 2022.
About Mitsubishi Motors
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) –a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan–, is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 30,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, mainland China, the Philippines, Viet Nam and Russia. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification–launched the i-MiEV –the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV –the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. The company announced a three-year business plan in July 2020 to introduce more competitive and cutting-edge models, including the Eclipse Cross (PHEV model), the all-new Outlander and the all-new Triton/L200.
Bobby Michnowicz won the Western States Lightning Sprint Car championship for the sixth time in three years. Windy Michnowicz photo.
(Torrance, CA, November 17, 2022) California Lightning Sprint Car Series legend Bobby Michnowicz celebrated his 59th birthday with a come-from-behind victory in the “6th Annual Western States Lightning Sprints Championship” at Scott Schweitzer’s Bakersfield Speedway. The victory was Michnowicz’s second in a row and fifth of the season. Joining the veteran in victory circle after his triumph in the 25-lap race was David Gasper, who sewed up both the season CLS championship and the title in the “Civil War Series,” and new BCRA champion Matt Land.
Between the CLS and the Bay Cities Racing Association, 23 cars turned out for the final points-paying races in each club’s respective season, and the last round of the “Civil War Series”. At last year’s Western States Championship, San Diego’s AJ Bender turned in the fastest qualifying time of the cars on hand and he later went on to win the main event. Tuesday’s race saw Bender, in Mike Schweitzer’s number 41, get off to the same start when he turned in the quickest qualifying time of the night with a 13.875 in BR Motorsports Time Trials. Eric Greco of Palmdale, who was hoping to chase down Gasper, the defending champion in both the CLS and “Civil War,” was second quickest at 13.927. Seventeen-year-old Gasper logged in the third fastest lap at 14.159. Michnowicz, who lives in Oak Hills, had the 7th-best lap in qualifying at 14.366. That meant if all six of the cars who qualified faster than him finished amongst the first four spots in their heat races, the best the five-time series champion could start in the main event would be 7th. Fortunately for him, things did not turn out that way.
Michnowicz, who started in the second row in Extreme Muffler heat #1, took the lead in the second half of the race, and ran off for a convincing victory. Bakersfield youngster Leland Day placed second with 2022 BCRA champion Matt Land of Elk Grove finishing third. More important than the win for Michnowicz was the fact that Bender finished seventh and out of the invert spots. That ensured Michnowicz of at least starting on the pole of the dash. The dash would set the first three rows for the main. For the moment, Michnowicz was on the pole, but his exact starting spot in the dash would be determined by the final two heat races.
The second eight-lap heat race, which was sponsored by Yoshimura R&D, went to San Diego State University graduate Cody Nye of Camarillo. BCRA’s Harlee Aguilera of Orangevale placed second. Bermuda Dunes driver Ken Coulston, who was only making his second CLS start of the year and his first since April 16th, place third with Greco fourth. Glendora 18-year-old Will Browne, who was the fifth fast qualifier, placed sixth in the heat and that moved Michnowicz to the outside of the front row of the dash. That is exactly where he wanted to be.
In the Saldana Race Products Colleen’s Choice third heat race, 2021 POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series Champion Grant Sexton smoked the field and won the race by nearly a half lap. However, coming out of turn 4 the final time, the teen star who won the CWS opener at Bakersfield on March 25th, slowed dramatically and coasted across the line for the win over “Rockstar” Jon Robertson of Torrance and Colorado Rapids, Colorado racer Chris Crowder. Unfortunately, that heat win was Sexton’s one and only hurrah of the night as he blew the engine.
For the six-lap dash, Coulston was on the pole and Michnowicz was on the outside. Crowder and Lakewood’s Aiden Lange made up the second row and Gasper and Greco were in row three. In reality, the race was over as soon as it started as Michnowicz leaped into the lead and never looked back. Much to the horror of the competition, that meant he was starting on the pole for the main event. Lange, who was only contesting his third race of the year, was on the outside of the front row. Coulston was on the inside of row two with Greco alongside. Gasper and Crowder started in row three.
As was expected as soon as the green light sent the field on its way, Michnowicz raced into the lead. What was not expected was an almost immediate red flag when Robertson dumped his #42 in turn two. The driver emerged from the crash uninjured, but his car was too damaged to carry on.
To sew up his second straight CLS championship, all Gasper had to do was beat one driver in the main event. When Robertson flipped on the first circuit, that clinched the title for Gasper.
Michnowicz flew back into the lead on the restart over Lange, Crowder, and Greco. The veteran driver had increased his advantage to over five car lengths when a yellow flag flew on lap three as defending race winner Bender’s car went up in a massive plume of white smoke. He stopped by the start-finish line where a small fire broke out. He was done for the night, but if there was any ease of mind to the deal, the crew was happy to see that he did “not window the case” and figured it was a cracked piston or broken ring.
Action resumed with Michnowicz, Lange, Crowder, and Greco making up the top five. Michnowicz quickly put some distance between himself and the competition. Land, who was running in the top 10, left the action when he threw a chain on the fifth circuit.
While Michnowicz was advancing his lead, Crowder slipped into second by getting past Lange on the 10th circuit. One lap later, Michnowicz hit the lap traffic but he only passed one car before the yellow waved again on the 12th go around. This time it came as Coulston, who had been in sixth, rolled to a stop in turn four. That stop wiped out the race-long leader’s advantage, and things were about to get very exciting.
The race restarted with 14 laps remaining. Michnowicz was at the point with Crowder, Lang, Greco, and Gasper in tow. A funny thing happened this time, though. Crowder was not letting Michnowicz get away. He stayed close to the race-long leader and on lap 20, he went to the outside and took the top spot away as they exited turn two. Michnowicz dove to the bottom and pulled even with Crowder going into three, but the new leader had a better drive off four and stayed in the top spot. It went like that for three straight laps before Michnowicz, who stayed dedicated to the bottom, stole the lead back coming off turn four with just two laps to go. Crowder had a look at the outside coming off two on lap 24, but Michnowicz thwarted the effort. From there on, he kept the T Shirts By Timeless/Fabozzi Metalworks/Pflum & Wagner/Super Shox/Outlaw Wings/Kaiser Wheels/Fast Time Studios/Bondio Fabrication #21K in the front and won by two car lengths. It was Michnowicz’s fifth win of 2022. It was also his third in the six-year history of the “Western States Lightning Sprints Championship.” Crowder held on for second with Lange, who had a great run, third. Greco and Gasper, who got stuck behind a lapped car on the final restart, finished fourth and fifth respectively. Yucca Valley’s Seth Dyer was the “Speed Mart/Advanced Racing Suspension/Hepfner Racing Hard Charger.”
All of the extra lap money ended up being split by three drivers. Michnowicz pocketed an extra $595.00. Crowder received an extra $360.00 and Lange collected $295.00.
“That was a good race. I knew if I could stick with it, I could probably get back by him. Chris did a good job and he is a good dude. I really like him, but I did not want him to win tonight,” Michnowicz laughed after the race. “I really like this place. I started racing here in about 1980 or 81 in TQs. I ran sprint, wing sprint cars, focus midgets, midgets, and lightning sprint cars here. It has been very good to me and it is one of my favorite tracks to race at.”
“It is a fun place and I love coming here,” Crowder said afterward. “I have been here three times and finished second in all three. I thought tonight was the night. Apparently not. Bobby is a great friend of mine; I really like him. I love racing with him.”
“Bring home the hardware, that is what it is all about,” Gasper, the now two-time CLS and Civil War Series champ said. “Also making my sponsors proud and putting on a show for the fans. I could not have been out here without my mom and dad. Without them, none of this would have been possible. Kittle Motorsports, Valley Precision Products, Rattlesnake Ridge, Certified Construction, B2 Designs, Carol Plumbing, Capital Label Company, Martin Roofing. If I forgot anyone, I am so sorry. My guys Rowdy, Dwayne, and Harrison, they stuck behind me the whole way through.”
“First I have to thank John Taylor,” newly crowned BCRA champion Land told the appreciative crowd after the race. “He had this car hooked up all year long. It was because of his expertise and his help that we are even able to be here. We were consistent and able to keep it on four wheels throughout the season. Tonight may have not been the showing of that. The car was good and we had it hooked up. John had the car dialed in. Unfortunately, we had a little problem and lost our chain. That ended our night. We were definitely going to try and go hunt for the win tonight.”
When the final checker ended the race, Gasper had a 95-point advantage over second-place Greco. Nigh ended up third. Michnowicz, whose five wins on the year were only second to Gasper’s seven, ended up fourth with Jeff Dyer fifth. Speir sewed up the “Rookie of the Year” award when he ended up sixth in the standings, 25-points ahead of fellow rookie Browne.
Thursday’s race also saw Gasper win his second straight Civil War Series title. Like the regular season standings, Greco was second, 57-points behind the champion. The CLS swept the top five positions in the five-race series with Michnowicz third, Browne fourth and Nigh fifth. BCRA drivers took four of the five spots between sixth and 10th.
While the point season is done, three non-point races remain on the schedule at the Hangtown 100 at the Placerville Speedway this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Gates will open each day at 3:00 p.m. with racing at 6:00. Advance tickets for Placerville are available at https://www.eventsprout.com/event/hangtown-2022. Fans can find the track at 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville. The website is https://www.placervillespeedway.com/ and the track phone is (530) 344-7592.
In addition to its regular sponsors, the CLS would like to thank the following for donating extra lap and contingency money to the Bakersfield purse. Dyer Motorsports, Dave Gasper, Kittle Motorsports, Mike Schweitzer, CLS & BCRA officials, Susie & Don Nelson, P.J. Benedetti, Area 49, Savage Racing, T Shirts By Timeless, Stock Parts Racing and Dick Hindman.
Six Lap Dash: 1. Michnowicz; 2. Lange; 3. Coulston; 4. Greco; 5. Gasper; 6. Crowder
Western States Lightning Sprints Championship Main Event (with starting spots and distances back):
1. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA (1st)
2. Chris Crowder, Colorado Springs CO, (6th) … 0.310
3. Aiden Lange, Lakewood, CA (2nd) 2.972
4. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA (4th) … 3.615
5. David Gasper, Santa Barbara, CA (5th) … 6.651
6. Will Browne, Glendora, CA (12th) … 8.270
7. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA (7th) … 9.517
8. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA (15th) … 10.957
9. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA (19th) … 14.257
10. Harlee Aguilera, Orangevale, CA (8th) … 1 Lap
11. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA (16th) … 1 Lap
12. Leland Day, Bakersfield, CA (9th) … 2 Laps
13. Scotty Kinney, Citrus Heights, CA (17th) … 13 Laps
14. Ken Coulston, Bermuda Dunes, CA (3rd) … 14 Laps
15. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA (14th) … 15 Laps
16. Matt Land, Elk Grove, CA (11th) … 20 Laps
17. A.J. Bender, San Diego, CA (13th) … 23 Laps
18. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA (18th) … 23 Laos
19. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA (10th) …. 25 Laps
DNS Thomas Meseraull, San Jose, CA
DNS Grant Sexton, Lakeside, CA
DNS Greg Dennett, Livermore, CA
DNS Jacob Magallanes, Pasadena, CA
California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings
1. David Gasper – 2184
2. Eric Greco – 2089
3. Cody Nigh – 1913
4. Bobby Michnowicz – 1886
4. Jeff Dyer – 1777
6. Connor Speir – 1548
7. Will Browne – 1523
8. Jon Robertson – 1246
9. Pat Kelley – 1162
10. Dominic Del Monte – 784
Civil War Series Point Standings
1. David Gasper – CLS – 629
2. Eric Greco – CLS – 572
3. Bobby Michnowicz – CLS – 568
4. Will Browne – CLS – 526
5. Cody Nigh – CLS – 486
6. Harlee Aguilera – BCRA – 415
7. Greg Dennett – BCRA – 403
8. Connor Speir – CLS – 392
9. Matt Land – BCRA – 388
10. Dakota Albright – BCRA – 358
The following companies have become marketing partners with the CLS in 2022. They have offered up more than $13,000.00 in contingencies that will be awarded on top of the regular racing purses and they will be paid out throughout the year. Yoshimura R&D, Hoosier Tires West, T-Shirts By Timeless, Extreme Mufflers, Saldana Racing Products, Rod End Supply, Speed Mart, Cold Fire West, West Evens Motorsports, RC Fuel Injection, Jake Swanson Shock Technology, Advanced Racing Suspensions, CSI Shocks, Eibach Springs, Triple X Race Components, King Racing Products, Hyper Racing Products, Rebel Gears, Vahlco Wheels, Wilwood Disk Brakes, Fuel Safe Systems, MPI, Circle Track Performance, E-Z UP, Hepfner Racing, Smith Titanium, and Hoosier Speed.
If you or your company would like to become a partner of the longtime racing organization, contact Jon Robertson via email at mailto:jon.robertson@sbcglobal.net or by calling (310) 367-9050.
2022 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule
March 25 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – Grant Sexton
April 2 Merced Speedway Non-Wing –– Civil War #1 – David Gasper
April 16 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – A.J. Bender
April 30 Ventura Raceway Winged (Make Up Main) David Gasper
April 30 Ventura Raceway Winged – Bobby Michnowicz
May 14 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – A.J. Bender
May 21 Ventura Raceway Winged – Eric Greco
June 11 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – David Gasper
June 25 Ventura Raceway Winged – David Gasper
July 9 Ventura Raceway Winged – David Gasper
July 23 Ventura Raceway Winged – Dave Gasper
August 6 *Santa Maria Raceway Winged – Brent Sexton
August 26 Silver Dollar Speedway Winged – Civil War #2 – Connor Spier
August 27 Placerville Speedway Winged – Civil War #3 – Bobby Michnowicz
Sept. 10 Lemoore Raceway Winged – Bobby Michnowicz
Sept. 24 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – Civil War #4 – David Gasper
October 8 Mohave Valley Raceway Winged – With SWLS – Brent Sexton
October 29 Ventura Raceway Winged – Bobby Michnowicz
Nov. 15 Bakersfield Speedway Winged – With USAC Midgets – Civil War #5 – Bobby Michnowicz
Nov. 17 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing – With USAC Midgets – No Points
Nov. 18 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing – With USAC Midgets – No Points
Nov. 19 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing – With USAC Midgets – No Points
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