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GMG Racing and Kyle Washington Victorious in IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge Debut at Daytona

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Official Release
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  • Kyle Washington Drives the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R to a GT Daytona X (GTDX) Bronze Class Victory in Sunday’s Rain-Soaked 45-Minute Sprint at Daytona International Speedway
  • VP Racing Challenge Debut Begins Packed 2025 Sports Car Racing Season for the Race and Championship Winning GMG Racing Team

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (January 20, 2025) – Sports car racing champions GMG Racing and longtime team driver Kyle Washington came home race winners at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) Sunday with an IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge Bronze Class victory in the series debut of the new GT Daytona X (GTDX) class for GT3 cars. Stepping up in rainy conditions in Sunday’s second and final 45-minute sprint of the season-opening VP Racing Challenge doubleheader, Washington’s victory was his first in IMSA-sanctioned competition at the wheel of his No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R.

After a quiet run to fourth in the Bronze class in Saturday’s opening VP Racing Challenge race, Washington quickly put his rain-driving skills on display on Sunday from the drop of the green flag. Starting eighth in the GTDX field, Washington charged to third overall and the Bronze class lead on the first lap of the race.

Washington, who also has an extensive off-road racing background, was well clear of his Bronze competitors after the great start. He instead took the fight to the GTDX drivers and teams battling for the overall class race win. Washington nailed a Lap 8 restart to take the overall GTDX lead from eventual race winner and fellow Porsche pilot Adam Adelson, but the GMG driver later shifted focus to securing the Bronze win in the second half of the race. Washington didn’t resist passes for position by Adelson and two other GTDX-class contenders, and took the checkered flag for the win nearly a second clear of his closest Bronze competitor.

“I had a talk with Kyle before the race and kind of just said ‘hey, rain is all about being smooth, having good judgement and not overdriving,’ and he delivered just that,” said GMG Racing Founder and Team Principal James Sofronas. “He did an amazing job to get up front early with some daring passes, which we know he’s capable of, and then he settled in! On the restart, he got up to the lead and then he settled back and thought ‘hey, I’ll just find my spot here in first in class.’ We then just told him to bring it home and he drove like a true veteran under really tricky conditions. We all know Kyle has amazing hand control and car control, so we had no concerns at all. In the end, to have a P1 in class leaving Daytona on a high note is a great way to start the season.”

Washington joins Sofronas among GMG Racing’s IMSA race winners. Since sweeping the Pro-Am class in the 2023 IMSA Carrera Cup North America championship doubleheader finale at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), Sofronas has won five IMSA Carrera Cup races in just 12 career starts.

“I just stepped on it on the restart, when you can pass at the drop of the green flag, but nobody else went,” Washington said. “So, it was either hit them or get a run on them, which I did. I don’t know, it seems like a lot of good drivers were sleeping, but it was cool to lead overall for a little bit. It’s amazing to win at Daytona. This is racing hallowed ground, I even call it a motorsports church, and we sure were going to church on Sunday!”

In addition to knowing how to adapt to sketchy conditions from off-road competition, Canadian native Washington credits the damp conditions in the Western part of America’s neighbor to the North with helping his wet weather skills.

“I would honestly say that spending 25 years in Vancouver, B.C. Canada, where it rains every day, didn’t hurt my wet-weather training,” Washington said. “My car was great all day, but the temperatures got real high late as it was drying out. The track was getting a little greasy, but I held on for the win.”

Next up for GMG Racing and Washington is Rounds 3 and 4 of the IMSA VP Racing Challenge on the NASCAR race weekend at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) February 28 – March 1.

The full GMG Racing 2025 lineup of national sports car racing competition, which encompasses several sprint race and multiple-driver racing series, will be announced later in January.

About GMG Racing: Founded in 2001, GMG Racing quickly established itself as North America’s premier performance tuning facility. What began as a small 1,200 sq. ft. shop, maintaining two race cars, has grown into a state-of-the-art performance tuning, racing and service facility recently relocated to The Thermal Club and with a 28,000 sq. ft. trackside motorsports facility. The staff, attention to detail and passion are what make GMG the choice of professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. GMG, in its early years, was located directly across the street from Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA). This close proximity allowed GMG to build a strong relationship with the legendary racing brand which has helped the company support its customers to the highest level possible. From club racing to Sebring, Daytona, Montreal, COTA and The Thermal Club, GMG can take you as far as you want to go. More information can be found at www.gmgracing.com.

How To Determine When You Need Professional Appliance Repair In Brampton

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SM
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Appliances are changing our lives every day and make our home chores much easier and faster. However, no matter whether we like it or not, machines are machines and they tend to malfunction. Well, simple troubleshooting might fix minor issues, but sometimes you need the help of a professional. Learn about the major signs of appliance trouble and when you should consider contacting a professional appliance repair service in Brampton.

Common Signs You Need Professional Appliance Repair

Strange Noises

Washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers, all make particular kinds of noises during operation. And when they are operating as they should, these noises are relatively normal.

If you notice knocking, grinding, or screeching sounds coming from a machine, that’s usually a sign that something is wrong.

Example: A washer making grinding noises would suggest a faulty drum or motor which will likely require urgent attention.

Power Failure Rates

There is most likely some sort of electrical disruption if your appliances keep shutting off or maybe don’t turn on or they trip the breaker. Professional service and repair should always be prioritized over trying to handle electrical issues on your own.

It is also not unreasonable to mention that if you are having problems with your fridge and need fridge repair Brampton as soon as possible and with a guarantee, you should contact A-repair – https://a-repair.com/brampton-appliance-repair/.

Inefficient Performance

Appliances which aren’t performing as they should be, for instance, a fridge that’s not cooling things or the oven that gets too hot/too cold in certain spots, have very specific repairs that need specific tools and know-how.

The longer an appliance continues to run poorly the more energy it uses and it may cost you more in the long run as appliances go often to their defaults.

Water Leaks or Puddles

Leaky home machines like fridges, dishwashers and clothes washers damage your home and are likely signs of compromised gaskets, clogs or worse.

Professional repairmen can track down and remedy the source of your leakage saving you multiple headaches.

Burning Smells or Smoke

A definite automatic stop whenever burning smells or smoke are coming from a house appliance. This could be as a result of overheating parts of your machine, electrical problems or a shortage of wires.

A request for a professionally qualified repair service should be made immediately to protect yourselves.

Codes of Error

When you have a newer appliance, it may come with a digital readout. These electronic readings are seldom explained to the user for reasons of simplicity. A trade expert should get a quick diagnosis and then treat accordingly.

Advantages Of Professional Appliance Repair Service

Correct Diagnostics and Service of Home Appliances

Compared to DIY, a professional technician is highly qualified in order to correct and perform aspects like electrical repairs. for you saving you time and guaranteeing quality work.

Enhanced Safety

Attempting potentially dangerous repairs can jeopardize you and your tools, let the pros who have the gear do the work.

Preserve Appliance Lifespan

If you resolve the repairs now that you can be guarded or purchase an extended agreement on your appliance, it could potentially last longer than if you can’t fix it yourself.

Warranty

You actually void the agreement when you unknowingly break your machine and then attempt to fix it with the parts you think are right. This will automatically be covered by the certified person who will fix it immediately.

When Home Maintenance Work on your Machine is just No Good

Sometimes the simple small project won’t be worth the money or your time, especially if you have tried the basic repairs already. Some other easily defined trouble circumstances are:

  • The device keeps having that same issue.
  • Your appliance needs certain parts that are hard to find or are too hard to repair or replace.
  • If it’s minuscule and you have a doubt in your mind about fixing it, don’t think too much about it.
  • If The Appliance Is Under Warranty and Need A Manufactures Tune-Up

Where To Hire An Excellent Appliance Repair Company In Brampton

When on the lookout for “Brampton appliance repair” or “professional appliance repair near me” you’ll need to check out these features in a service-giver:

  • Qualified Technicians Waiting to Serve Your Needs
  • Ensure the price is tracked and that the repairs and warranties are specified.
  • How quickly can they get to you, maybe same-day service or emergencies?
  • What do the locals have to say about the services provided?

Summary

Know when to get a professional home appliance repairman to fix the issues brewing in your house. Be it noises, regular malfunction or even a water-soaked kitchen appliance, Brampton’s technicians have what it takes to get your devices functioning properly. The day you see the first signs of an issue; don’t wait for it to become major, contact a trusted repairman for your home appliances for benefit not only pocket-wise but even staying out of danger.

More information can be found here https://a-repair.com.

Why should car rental business consider Automated Car Inspections

By
SM
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The car rental industry, while being valued at $112.99 Billion, is still running on traditional business methods, and has a poor customer experience, often leaving users unsatisfied with the whole process. 

With the current advancements in technology and AI, this process can significantly be improved, saving time, money, and effort for both the business owner and the customers. 

How does automation in the car rental industry help? And what are some processes that can immediately be automated? Let’s find out more in this blog!

Why does Automation make sense in the car rental industry?

There are a ton of benefits of automating your business processes while running a car rental. Here are some key reasons why you should consider it – 

  1. Better customer experience

A seamless experience with added novelty is become a crucial factor that helps differentiate your business from the competition. 

From booking a car, returning it back, to raising tickets in case of issues – customers prefer a seamless experience at every step. 

By automating different processes, such as car inspections, you are providing a novelty for your customers, giving them a smooth experience with minimal hassle. 

This will not only help improve retention, but will also save you time and effort in the process. 

Why does Automation make sense in the car rental industry
  1. Portability and convenience

In today’s world where everything is so fast-paced, customers hate having to visit a car rental to first check out the car, wait in queue to receive the car, and get lost in the paperwork involved resulting in a few good hours wasted. 

Enabling your customers to do this remotely with an app where you give them the feasibility to check out the car, verify its condition, upload all the required documents at the click of a button, and keep track of the vehicle status, saves a significant amount of time, money, and effort for both the customer and your business. 

Combine this with automating different processes like vehicle inspections, order processing, documentation, and after-sales support, and you have a smooth and hassle-free process ready to be implemented.

Portability and convenience
  1. Flexibility

Giving customers the flexibility to execute different tasks such as extending the rental period, making payments online, verifying documents etc. gives them a sense of control and transparency in the process which in turn elevates their overall experience. 

With the right blend of digitization and automation, this can very easily be achieved by any car rental company. 

  1. Improved reliability

Manual efforts for every step is always prone to subjectivity and human errors which could result in inaccuracy at different stages. 

However, automating different processes in your car rental business removes this subjectivity, and significantly reduces the chances of error, which in turn helps increase the reliability of your business and the overall trust you’re trying to build with your customers. 

While all of these points seem good on paper, let’s talk about one such process that can easily be automated and the benefits it entails – Car Inspections. 

Why automate inspections for your car rental business? 

Car Inspections, as discussed already, are time-consuiming, tiring, and prone to errors when done manually. During this entire process, the customer is left waiting and is often worried about being cheated by the car rental business. 

However, by automating this process, you avoid a lot of these problems. For instance – 

  • You’re cutting down on time taken for inspections before and after a car is rented, making the process a lot faster for you and your customer. 
  • The customer now has full transparency on the vehicle condition and is more likely to trust your business with this process. 
  • Since AI-based car inspections are tech-driven, they are less prone to subjectivity and errors. 
  • Since this process is relying on an AI/ML model for functioning, more data will result in better accuracy over time. 

Additionally, companies like Inspektlabs, who are solving specifically for this process, enable you to conduct remote inspections from anywhere in the world, while generating reports with 90%-95% accuracy within seconds. They also come in-built with fraud detection mechanisms and provide repair/replacement decisions based on the vehicle health, saving you time, effort and money in the process. 

Conclusion

As technology improves, it is becoming imperative for businesses to adapt to the changing times and adopt these innovations into their business. 

Failing to give customers a good experience with the help of technology indicates that you’re still a backward business who doesn’t care about their customer needs, and they’ll eventually end up losing their trust on your business. 

To continue growing and have a competitive edge over other businesses, it makes sense to consider automating different processes in your business, while giving your customers a novel experience to build retention and increase revenue. 

Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Poised for Groundbreaking 2025 Season

By
Official Release
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Biggest Daytona grid in history includes six female drivers

DAYTONA, Fla. (Jan. 20, 2025) – The 2025 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin season is upon us and is shaping up to be one of the best yet. The series will start the year with a record Daytona grid of 35 cars from nine teams and a series record of six female drivers. It’s an iconic way to kick off the 20th season of Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup racing.

All the main protagonists from last year’s championship battle are back, some of them on different teams.

Defending champion Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) leads a stable of seven entries for the North Carolina-based team, including last year’s third-place championship finisher Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing).

Wagner, who is one of only two two-time series champions is one of a handful of drivers on the grid who knows what it’s like to win at Daytona. And winning at Daytona can be key, as the last four season champions have each taken at least one victory out of the Daytona season-opening weekend.

“Each year, everyone is coming to Daytona to start their championship challenge and trying to get going on the right foot, to beat certain drivers, to leave with a certain amount of points, and so on,” said Wagner. “At the moment, the only race I have scheduled is Daytona so this year, I’m here only because I really want to be, and to give Daytona another shot. Whatever happens, I’m not putting the same pressure on myself as other years. I’ve already done everything there is to do, so this is just a victory lap around an awesome track and one of the best events of the season.”

MMR will also welcome two new female drivers to the fray; Maite Cáceres (No. 12 McCumbee McAleer Racing) and Caroline Candas (No. 81 McCumbee McAleer Racing), both of whom have impressive international racing experience.

The other two-time Mazda MX-5 Cup Champion Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) is back and searching for championship number three. The namesake of JTR Motorsports engineering is joined by a mostly unchanged lineup of experienced teammates. A notable addition, however, is Sally Mott (No. 15 JTR Motorsports Engineering) who has joined the squad for her sophomore season.

Speaking of Sally, the MX-5 Cup grid will have two of them in 2025. Spark Performance has added Sally McNulty (No. 78 Spark Performance), an accomplished touring car driver to its lineup.

Two of the Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout scholarship winners have opted to join (relatively) new teams for 2025. Ashlyn Speed (No. 31 Hendricks Motorsports), who won the Mazda Women in Motorsports Initiative Scholarship will be part of Hendricks Motorsports and race alongside a former scholarship winner, Heather Hadley (No. 54 Hendricks Motorsports).

The big winner from the 2024 MX-5 Cup Shootout, Noah Harmon (No. 77 AAG Racing) will run with AAG Racing, which is the team he raced with in four MX-5 Cup races last year.

Harmon is lucky he comes into the season opener with experience racing MX-5 Cup at Daytona, having finished an impressive fifth in race two last year.

“It’s an amazing feeling going into the 2025 season as a shootout winner,” Harmon said. “I’m super excited. I know there’s a lot of support around me and I’m just hoping I can make the best of it. Even seeing the shootout winner sticker on the car the other day was a super surreal feeling and I’m really looking forward to representing Mazda in the 2025 season.

“Heading into Daytona, I think it’s going to be really helpful that I have the experience from last year. I mean, no one can predict that race, but I think just kind of knowing, having a good idea of what can happen is really going to benefit me for the race.”

The third scholarship winner, Helio Meza (No. 27 BSI Racing) has chosen BSI Racing for his 2025 season. A wise choice considering two of the last three Rookie of the Year drivers have come from BSI. This includes the most recent Rookie of the Year, Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing) who returns for his sophomore season.

In parallel with the 20th season of MX-5 Cup is the 35th Anniversary of the Mazda Miata. Without the Miata there would not be Spec Miata and thus no MX-5 Cup. Mazda USA will have a display at track where MX-5 Cup drivers will be available for Q&A and autographs throughout the week, culminating in the unveiling of the 35th Anniversary Edition Miata on Friday afternoon.

It’s almost time for what many call the best show in motorsports: Mazda MX-5 Cup at Daytona. Race 1 on Thursday, January 23 at 5:30pm ET and Race 2 on Friday, January 24 at 10:15am ET will be streamed live on the IMSA and RACER YouTube channels.

About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin 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 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

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

Stunning IMSA debut for RAFA Racing Team at Daytona

By
Official Release
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DAYTONA, FL (Monday, January 20, 2025) – The newly launched RAFA Racing Team pulled out a stunning debut performance at Daytona International Speedway – coming away with a clean sweep of victories and having all three drivers on the podium in Sunday’s IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge event.

Formed for the 2025 season by merging the Texas-based RAFA Racing Team and Smooge Racing organizations, the new team claimed a pair of victories with 21-year-old Brazilian driver Kiko Porto taking both GSX class wins aboard his Toyota GR Supra GT-4 EVO2.

Porto’s team-mate, 2024 Porsche Sprint Challenge Cayman champion Ian “Crimsix” Porter, completed a great fightback to join Porto on the podium in Sunday’s race and also take the Bronze class victory.

Completing the hat-trick of RAFA aces on the podium was Matthew Dicken aboard his Ligier JS P320 in the LMP3 class.

“It was an amazing debut for the RAFA Racing Team to be able to sweep the weekend in VP Challenge and for the second race – get all of the cars on the podium,” said RAFA Racing Team Principal Kevin Conway.

“It was an incredible weekend. It’s all we could ask for. Kiko did an amazing job winning both races, and Ian Porter really stepped up all weekend after a challenging race, one by rebounding to grab third overall and first in the bronze class.

“I’m very proud of the entire team to be able to have that debut for the GR Supra GT-4. The cars were very strong and I can’t think of a better place than here at Daytona.

Porto joined the RAFA Racing Team this year after finishing third last season in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America championship last year.

“It was a very good weekend. First weekend under RAFA Racing Team colors and first weekend aboard a Toyota Gazoo Racing car. I’m super happy with the opportunity,” Porto said.

“From the first time I sat in the car, we had a very good balance. Since the first practice, we managed to be P1 in every session.

“I was super happy with what the team gave me, and I also learned a lot. The Toyota is very different from anything that I have raced before.

“It was my first attempt at multi-class racing, so I knew it would be different. Our car would be stronger in some parts of the track, and some of the opposition would be better in other parts.

“My first time Daytona, first qual, and first race ever here. I’m super happy and ready to go to Circuit of The Americas in a little more than a month.”

The Roar Before the Rolex 24 weekend at Daytona not only featured the opening rounds of the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge, but also the RAFA Racing Team’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge entry of RAFA Racing Club founder Rafael Martinez and Jim Jonsin was also on track at the Roar before the 24 test.

The team’s No.12 GR Supra GT-4 completed valuable testing miles with Jonsin recording the 13th fastest time out of a total of 56 GS-class drivers entered for Friday’s four-hour battle. Martinez and Jonsin will be joined by team boss Conway as the third driver for the opening round of the championship.

In addition to the team’s Michelin Pilot Challenge debut, RAFA Racing Team entries also will be on track in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup series across the Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend in collaboration with McCumbee McAleer Racing. Uruguayan racer Maite Caceres and last year’s Porsche Sprint Challenge star, Caroline Candas, will be on track for the first time with practice beginning on Wednesday.

“The last 60 days leading up to this weekend have been a blur. We’ve gone from one organization, merging two separate groups and doing a complete rebrand,” Conway said.

“New cars, new people, a whole new look – I couldn’t be more excited about the future.

“Everybody pulled together and worked extremely hard to make this happen and I’m very proud of all the guys and girls that are part of this that made it happen.”

Which Cars are Those that are Cheap but Sexy? Top List

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SM
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Ladies, is it your time to change your car set but your pockets are not that deep? Worry not, we have come up with a list of the five cheapest, but most beautiful cars any feminine lady would love. These cars, which can include anything from roadsters that harken back to simpler times to powerful coupes that scream modernity, are sure to attract attention and fulfill any desire you may have for speed. So, here are the list of cheap but sexy cars for women. What is the best cheap car for women?

1. Mazda MX-5 Miata 2006

It is worth mentioning stylish cars and the first car that pops up in our mind set is Mazda MX-5 Miata. Women drivers especially have been drawn to this sleek looking retro roadster for quite some time. These are used Miata models available from the year 2006 to 2014 a perfect choice since they are cheap and influence every car enthusiasts with their pleasing attractiveness and quick accelerating abilities. The Mazda Miata comes as a weekend or corner car and with prices often less than 10,000$.

2. MINI Cooper S Hardtop 2007

The MINI Cooper S Hardtop is another one of our budget-minded favorites for efficiency-minded women seeking style and sparkle in their ride. The 2007-2014 models are much more striking and powerful one can say that driving these cars is an adventure. MINI is compact and its handling is smooth, which makes it an ideal car for merging in between cars and driving in the small and congested urban roads. Also, the prices for Chinese imported cars are usually under $10 000, so it is cheap, and yet stylish.

3. Genesis Coupe 2010

The Genesis Coupe is relatively new on the list of accessible and stylish cars for women. Known for their aggressive appearance and rather good performance, these sedans were manufactured between 2010 and 2015. The Genesis Coupe is not only mustering an eye-popper as a road car, but it’s a quite comfortable and punchy car to drive. Priced at well below $10,000 on average, the Genesis Coupe is one of the best pieces of business any woman could make toward getting behind the wheel of a beautiful and thrilling car.

4. Ford Mustang 2005

Asian cars have flooded the market with stylish vehicles but in terms of classic muscle cars, the Ford Mustang could not have been left out in the list of affordable and attractive cars. For such female buyers who are keen on having a classic American muscle car with a reasonable price range of 2005-2014 models are also recommendable. The Mustang is undeniably eye- pleasing and there no doubt that the growling V8 engine is irresistible to any woman that wants a pompous car on highways. Secondly, and rather important to the general consumer, the prices for Mustangs tend to hover just above the $10,000 (in many cases even lower), while not compromising on power and sleek design.

5. Nissan 370Z – 2010

Last but not least we have the Nissan 370Z, All we need to know about it is that it was designed to be fast and have a mean look but mute compared with the previous said cars. Particularly, the 370Z from 2010-2015 is also extraordinarily unique, not only due to its handling, but also because of its efficient power plant. The Nissan 370Z is also a perfect sports car for any lady who wants to drive one but doesn’t have deep pockets to feed on. If you start at about $10,000, Nissan 370Z is an inexpensive car that will not lose the passion.

These above five attractive used car models for women include both the classy two-seater roadsters and sophisticated sports models. From the slick look of the Mazda MX-5 Miata or the sheer attitude of Genesis Coupe, there is something for every woman out there to fall in love with these wheels. And why not make an investment in a car which is as much about the style as it is about the exhilaration? It’s time to take that fancy new car for a spin and take a ride in your new set of wheels.

Source: Automotivesblog

15 Places Not To Miss In Grand Rapids, Michigan

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SM
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If you’re planning a visit to Grand Rapids, Michigan, whether for business or leisure, you’ll find that the city offers a vibrant mix of art, culture, and outdoor attractions. With the ease and comfort of bus rental Grand Rapids, you can explore the city’s top destinations in style and convenience. Here’s a list of 15 must-see places in Grand Rapids to make the most of your visit.

1. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Spanning 158 acres, this expansive park is a perfect blend of nature, art, and architecture. Featuring beautifully curated gardens, serene walking paths, and over 300 outdoor sculptures, Frederik Meijer Gardens provides a tranquil escape from the city hustle and bustle. The park also hosts seasonal events and exhibits, making it an ideal year-round destination. It’s a peaceful oasis that’s a must-see for anyone visiting the area, offering a chance to reconnect with both nature and art.

2. Grand Rapids Art Museum

Situated in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Art Museum is a cultural hub showcasing works from both local and international artists. The museum boasts a wide range of exhibits, from modern and contemporary art to classic pieces and temporary exhibitions. For art lovers and those looking to expand their cultural horizons, the Grand Rapids Art Museum offers a rich experience with both visual beauty and thought-provoking works.

3. John Ball Zoo

With over 230 species to discover, John Ball Zoo is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Grand Rapids. It’s a great destination for visitors of all ages, featuring interactive experiences like giraffe feeding, a petting zoo, and educational exhibits. The zoo’s lush, natural habitats allow guests to experience wildlife in an immersive way. There are also plenty of opportunities for adventure, including zip lining above the zoo’s animals for a truly unique experience.

4. Michigan’s Adventure

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Michigan’s Adventure is a fantastic amusement park located just outside of Grand Rapids. With over 60 rides, including thrilling roller coasters and water rides, it’s perfect for both children and adults. The park also offers family-friendly attractions, making it an exciting destination for all ages. Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding thrills or more relaxed amusement, Michigan’s Adventure provides a day full of fun for everyone.

5. The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum

This museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States. Located on the banks of the Grand River, the museum explores Ford’s political career and his significant role in American history. It offers an in-depth look at his presidency, from the Watergate scandal to his efforts in improving domestic policy. History enthusiasts will find this museum both informative and engaging, and it provides a unique glimpse into the world of U.S. politics.

6. The Blue Bridge

A prominent and picturesque landmark, the Blue Bridge is one of the most iconic spots in Grand Rapids. Spanning the Grand River, this vibrant bridge connects the east and west sides of downtown, offering breathtaking views of the river and the city skyline. It’s an excellent location for taking photos, enjoying a leisurely stroll, or simply appreciating the beauty of the surroundings. The bridge also lights up at night, creating a stunning visual display that adds to the city’s nighttime charm.

7. Blandford Nature Center

Nestled on a 264-acre site, Blandford Nature Center is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. This nature reserve offers an array of hiking trails, diverse wildlife habitats, and educational programs that engage visitors in conservation efforts. Whether you’re hiking the trails, attending a nature class, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, Blandford Nature Center provides a refreshing escape into the natural beauty of Grand Rapids.

8. Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

If you’re visiting with young children, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum is an absolute must. This hands-on museum is designed to engage children through creative play, offering interactive exhibits and educational activities that stimulate imagination and learning. From art and science exhibits to a mini city complete with pretend businesses, the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum makes learning fun and enjoyable for kids of all ages.

9. Grand Rapids Public Museum

The Grand Rapids Public Museum offers a fascinating and interactive look into the area’s history and culture. Featuring exhibits on local history, science, technology, and more, the museum is both educational and entertaining for visitors of all ages. Highlights include exhibits on the city’s early settlers, a Victorian carousel, and hands-on science exhibits that are perfect for kids. It’s an excellent stop for families looking to learn while having fun.

10. Millennium Park

As one of the largest urban parks in the state, Millennium Park offers an expansive outdoor space for both relaxation and recreation. The park features miles of walking and biking trails, as well as sports fields for those looking to get active. In addition to its recreational facilities, Millennium Park is home to a large pond that is perfect for picnics, kayaking, or simply enjoying the natural surroundings. Whether you’re seeking a quiet spot to relax or an area for outdoor activities, Millennium Park has something for everyone.

11. The Beer City Ale Trail

Grand Rapids has earned the nickname “Beer City” due to its thriving craft beer scene. The Beer City Ale Trail is a great way to explore the city’s many breweries, taprooms, and pubs. This self-guided tour allows you to sample a wide variety of craft beers, from unique brews to classic favorites. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual beer drinker, the Ale Trail is a fun way to experience the local craft beer culture and discover new favorites.

12. Ah-Nab-Awen Park

Situated along the banks of the Grand River, Ah-Nab-Awen Park offers a peaceful setting for picnics, outdoor events, and leisurely strolls. The park is also home to the iconic statue of Chief Pontiac, a significant historical figure in Native American history. With its lush green spaces and scenic views of the river, it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The park often hosts concerts, festivals, and other community events, making it a lively gathering place in the heart of the city.

13. Riverwalk and Pedestrian Bridge

The scenic Riverwalk stretches along the Grand River, providing a peaceful and picturesque way to experience downtown Grand Rapids. The pedestrian bridge allows visitors to cross between the east and west banks of the river, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the surrounding natural beauty. It’s a perfect spot for a morning jog, a leisurely walk, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the riverfront area.

14. DeVos Place Convention Center

Whether you’re in town for a conference, trade show, or live event, DeVos Place is one of Grand Rapids’ premier venues. This modern convention center hosts a wide variety of events, from large-scale conventions to concerts and theater performances. With its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location in downtown, DeVos Place is a hub for business and entertainment, making it a key destination for both tourists and locals.

15. Vander Mill Cider

For those who appreciate craft beverages, a visit to Vander Mill Cider is a must. This locally owned cidery produces a wide range of high-quality craft ciders made from Michigan-grown apples. Whether you’re sampling a crisp traditional cider or trying something more experimental, Vander Mill offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy a refreshing drink. It’s a great stop for cider enthusiasts looking to explore local flavors. Have we mentioned that Pub Trivia takes place every Thursday? It does!

Grand Rapids is a city with much to offer, from its breathtaking gardens and vibrant art scene to its historic landmarks and outdoor spaces. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended stay, make sure to check out these 15 essential destinations for a truly unforgettable trip to Grand Rapids. With so many activities and experiences to enjoy, you’ll leave with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation for this dynamic Midwestern city.

Larson wins the 39th Annual Chili Bowl Nationals

By
SM Staff
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Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com

Kyle Larson led all 40 laps and won his third Golden Driller trophy during the 39th Annual Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink on Saturday night inside the SageNet Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Larson, driving the Paul Silva-owned HendrickCars.com/FloRacing No. 1k, may have started from the pole, but it wasn’t an easy win. He was involved in two incidents during the 40-lap Chili Bowl Nationals finale and still managed to hold onto the win in midget car racing’s grandest event.

“All three are different,” Larson said. “The first one was just a big hurdle to get over mentally I feel like to get a win in here finally. Then the next year meant a lot because we didn’t have the best car that race but we played defense really well.”

With 17 laps to go, he made contact with Brenham Crouch’s left front tire. Jacob Denney and Crouch got together in front of him, leaving Larson nowhere to go. Larson’s car briefly stalled but quickly re-fired, and Larson continued without even losing the race lead.

“He was just stopped sideways in front of me,” Larson said. “I just kind of ramped over the left-front of his race car. I just kind of jumped him really. It stalled in mid-air. When it was getting ready to land, I was like, ‘Please, please, please re-fire.’ It re-fired, so I thought I would only get one break, not two.”

Larson hit the outside wall coming out of Turn 4 with four laps remaining. Larson got his car pointed back in the right direction as the caution flag came out before Daison Pursley could get around him for the race lead.

Larson held off runner-up second place Daison Pursley, who earned a career-best finish, Shane Golobic in third, Ryan Bernal fourth, and Landon Brooks completed the top five.

“Tonight, the track was challenging to make a lap by yourself, so when you can win a 40-lap race on a track that challenging, it’s pretty cool.” Larson said.

Larson, aka “Yung Money,” joined an elite company with his third win. He joins Christopher Bell, Kevin Swindell, and Sammy Swindell, who have won three or more Golden Drillers. Larson’s previous Chili Bowl were back-to-back in 2020 and 2021.

Christopher Bell started 12th and finished in 10th place.

The 40th annual Chili Bowl Nationals powered by NOS Energy Drink will be held on January 12-17, 2026, at the SageNet Center at Expo Square. You can follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at https://www.chilibowl.com.

2025 Chili Bowl Nationals Results

PositionStartNumberDriver
111KKyle Larson
2386Daison Pursley
3817WShane Golobic
4987WRyan Bernal
5257WLandon Brooks
61471Michael Kofoid
7439Logan Seavey
8797Gavin Miller
9668KEmerson Axsom
101271WChristopher Bell 
111541Corey Day
121629SHank Davis
132229Tim Buckwalter
142171KCannon McIntosh
151723CTyler Courtney
162381FFrank Flud
171867WJacob Denney
181987Justin Grant
19101CBrenham Crouch
201126Corbin Rueschenberg
212456ETyler Edwards
221397KKale Drake
23588Tanner Thorson
24208JJonathan Beason

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Stage Set for Rolex 24

By
Official Release
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Group of five Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs wrap up three days of Roar testing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 19, 2025) – The group of five Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs set for the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona completed their three days of testing at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday with the four teams focused ahead to next weekend’s twice-around-the-clock classic.

The Rolex 24 marks the start of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the second season of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R program. After claiming 11 race wins and the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturers Championship in GTD PRO during 2024, optimism is high heading into Daytona.

The five Corvettes combined to complete 980 laps for nearly 3,500 miles – valuable track time considering there are only three practice sessions and qualifying across Thursday and Friday of the coming week before the green flag falls Saturday.

The gaps in both GTD PRO and GTD were razor-thin with all five of the Z06 GT3.Rs well entrenched in the top-10 of their respective classes.

Antonio Garcia set the pace among the GTD PRO Corvettes with the fourth-fastest time across the weekend – 1:48.242 (118.401 mph) during Saturday afternoon’s running.

In GTD, AWA’s Matt Bell put the No. 13 Corvette fifth class with a 1:48.169 (118.481 mph) in Friday’s opening test for the quickest Corvette lap of the weekend.

GTD PRO Corvette Z06 GT3.R Weekend Fast Times

  • No. 3 Corvette – Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports – Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims, Dani Juncadella – 1:48.242 (118.401 mph) – fourth-fastest in class
  • No. 4 Corvette – Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports – Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg, Nico Varrone – 1:48.515 (118.103 mph) – 10th-fastest in class
  • No. 91 Corvette – Trackhouse by TF Sport – Ben Keating, Scott McLaughlin, Shane van Gisbergen, Connor Zilisch – 1:48.435 (118.190 mph) – ninth-fastest in class

GTD Corvette Z06 GT3.R Weekend Fast Times

  • No. 13 Corvette – AWA – Matt Bell, Orey Fidani, Lars Kern, Marvin Kirchhöfer – 1:48.169 (118.481 mph) – fifth-fastest in class
  • No. 36 Corvette – DXDT Racing – Charlie Eastwood, Pipo Derani, Alec Udell, Salih Yoluc – 1:48.389 (118.240 mph) – 10th fastest in class

This year’s group marks the largest number of production-based racing Corvettes in the race since 2007. The Corvette Racing brand has a deep history at the Rolex 24 and includes four GT class victories – one of those an overall win in 2001. In addition, Corvette’s successes at Daytona have bolstered Chevrolet’s impressive record of 122 wins at the circuit across IMSA and NASCAR’s national series.

Corvette Racing performance and powertrain engineers made significant improvements to the Z06 GT3.R throughout its first season of competition. Much of the work focused on optimizing performance and enhancing the Corvette’s reliability. The outright pace of the Corvette GT3 is evident with 12 pole positions across three series in 2024, and the reliability took huge steps forward in the second half of the year.

The Rolex 24 goes green at 1:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25 with qualifying on Thursday, January 23. The race will feature live television segments on NBC and USA and flag-to-flag coverage on Peacock in the U.S., and IMSA.com for international viewers.

JESSICA DANE, CORVETTE RACING PROGRAM MANAGER: “From our side, things throughout the Roar were as positive as we could have hoped. All five Corvettes ran without any significant issue during the three days in a variety of conditions. The feedback from the teams has been good and valuable for our collective group. Our goal now is to take that input and what we saw in the data to help the group be in the best possible spot for Thursday’s practice and qualifying, and then ultimately the race.”

SELECT CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R DRIVER QUOTES

ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 OSHKOSH / MOBIL 1 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “The most important thing from this weekend is definitely miles. You need miles and go toward your program for the race. For this race as always, it doesn’t really matter where you start. At some point, you’re going to cycle to the back of the field and then back to the front with the yellows. Unlike Le Mans where you have to be up front from Lap One, here you can sit back a little bit and stay out of trouble. But you need to know as much as possible your setups, how to react to track changes and different approaches. That was the goal last year, and we learned more about that this year.

“The GT class splits will be something that helps the overall racing this year. It was always a strange feeling where you were mixing fights in two different classes. I don’t think the GTD cars wanted us in that, so it’s nice that we are split now so we can have our own race and not interfere with each other. This is a good step forward.”

TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 OSHKOSH / MOBIL 1 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “This is the first opportunity in the offseason after the guys have had a chance to look at everything, to come with some new setup options and ideas. There were things that can be tidied up through the experience of last year. It’s the first chance to prove those things. Then it’s about miles, getting all three guys in the car and getting new guys who are on the team comfortable in their positions. You try to get yourself as prepared as possible not just for the Rolex but for the season. With Nico joining the team, it gives him a good chance to get comfortable again with the team and engineers, do some driver change practices and all that kind of stuff. It’s all a little bit of housekeeping things that you need to do and an opportunity to work on the car to make sure we have our Corvette as strong as we can have it coming into the race.”

MATT BELL, NO. 13 SABELT / SONIC / PROJEKT CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It’s like a different planet compared to last year. The team is a better spot, the Corvette is in a better spot and the team is in a better spot with the car. It’s hugely positive on that side of things. I feel like we feel as well-prepared as we have been coming here, even the year we won it. From a preparation standpoint, I think we are as good as you could possibly get going into the Rolex 24.”

MARVIN KIRCHÖFFER, NO. 13 SABELT / SONIC / PROJEKT CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’m still figuring out the car a little bit because it is still new to me. But I’m generally quite impressed with it. The team is really helping me along, and my teammates are giving great advice to help me get up to speed. Overall I’m very impressed by AWA. They are doing a great job giving me all the information and also from the operational side. From Corvette Racing and Pratt Miller, I’ve found it very interesting and very professional. I’m not really used to that, having these kinds of meetings. It’s very good for the teams, very good for the brand and very good to have everyone on the same page. Obviously this gives you the best ingredients to have a strong Rolex 24.

“Confidence is one of the most important things – feeling confident with the car, feeling confident with the procedures. This race is about minimizing mistakes and errors. So it’s not ultimately about having the fastest car and fastest drivers. It’s about minimizing those errors and mistakes. I can see here that this is down to Chevy as the manufacturer, Pratt Miller and obviously the team side with AWA. All these three are working very, very well together and the communication is very good.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 36 MOBIL 1 / SuCo CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “We’re on-track with things. DXDT Racing, although its their first full-season IMSA race, they’ve got a lot of great people that have done a lot of IMSA races, especially this one. One of our guys, this is his 42nd Daytona! But then we also have the likes of Bryan Sellers, who has been amazing to work with and is teaching us a lot. We’re on top of the strategy side and are trying to put us on the right side of all the scenarios of what can potentially go wrong in the race or lose you the race… whether that’s doing tricky pit stops, managing the tires and managing the race itself. Twenty hours of the race will be making sure we have a clean car for the end. Hopefully we have enough pace to be there at the end.

“You definitely wouldn’t think this their first race in IMSA, I’ll guarantee you that. It’s a really, really nice bunch to work with, which helps because there are no egos or wrong-doings within the team. To have that attitude in that we’re all still learning in individual ways. Everything is going as well as it can at the minute.”

PIPO DERANI, NO. 36 MOBIL 1 / SuCo CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Having the test in November was very useful for me so I got here knowing what to expect. It had been more than five years since I last drove a GT car. You don’t know what to expect. Then you have your first day in the car, then you second day and then things start coming back. You tweak your driving a little bit and start getting better and better. We’ve gone through that phase now. The team has been very supportive and especially Charlie with his experience in the Corvette. I got up to speed quicker than I thought I would, so that’s positive. It’s all about learning the maximum amount for next week.”

SCOTT McLAUGHLIN, NO. 91 WEATHERTECH CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Things have been pretty simple so far. Learning the ABS and electronics has been the biggest thing. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve driven a car with electronics like this. Understanding and putting your trust in those is difficult, especially for myself. But you get into a flow reasonably quickly. So yeah, it’s all been good.

“The simulator session (before the Roar) was incredible. Having that opportunity to do that work, I’m very thankful for that now. The way that Chevrolet has integrated us from a part-timers perspective, they’ve treated us like we are full-time. They’ve been great and the Corvette drivers have been great. I’ve texted back and forth with Dani Juncadella a couple of times, and he’s been awesome. It’s what I’m used to in IndyCar. The Team Chevy family is full of good people.”

SHANE VAN GISBERGEN, NO. 91 WEATHERTECH CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “This event hasn’t changed a lot since I was here last. It’s still the same and has got a nice vibe. It’s awesome to be here with such a cool car. The Corvette is really easy to drive, but of course we want to make it faster which makes it harder to drive. So it’s been great to be back here. I wouldn’t say the race is about luck. It’s about getting all the little things right… preparation, making sure all the drivers are comfortable, making sure the team gets everything right. There are so many factors that go into getting a good result at a race like this. We just have to make sure everything is right.”

About General Motors
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

HITTING PAUSE: Magnus Racing Celebrates 15(ish) Years at Daytona

By
Official Release
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL (January 19, 2025) – With next weekend’s 63rd Running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, Magnus Racing and the No. 44 will pay homage to a 15(ish)-year history at the famed IMSA WeatherTech event. This marks the team’s only scheduled event for 2025, having previously announced their pause from IMSA competition following the event. The Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT3 EVO will be piloted by the familiar lineup of drivers John Potter, Andy Lally, Spencer Pumpelly, and Nicki Thiim. Driving in their third Rolex 24 together, the group will use the livery as a chance to look at the team’s decorated past, with hopes of putting one more stamp on their storied history.

Unique Patterns, Eras of Magnus Racing

Honoring the team’s heritage starting in 2010, which included two wins and five podiums at Daytona, this year’s livery features a number of color patter4ns paying tribute to both the team’s collection of liveries through the years as well as, err, unique partners.

Unique Patterns, Eras of Magnus Racing
Rolex 24, Round 1 of the Grand-Am Roles Series at Daytona International Speedway, Jan 28-31, 2010, Daytona Beach, FL.

With the formation of the team in 2010, Magnus Racing joined the sport with immediate fanfare, campaigning its one-of-a-kind green and white livery that would serve as the team’s trademark throughout the first two years.

Looking for a change in luck after two winless seasons, the signature Porsche look switched to grey in 2012, creating immediate success for the team with their first victory at the 50th Running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, followed by a victory at the Inaugural Brickyard Grand Prix, clinching the inaugural North American Endurance Championship in the process.

Switching to Audi in 2016, the team traded their grey for a combination of green, black and grey throughout the Audi years, continuing their run of success at Daytona with their second victory upon debut.

From 2019 on, the team would enjoy a number of changes in both color and pattern as they switched to Lamborghini (2019, 2020), Acura (2021), and eventually the current era of Aston Martin vehicles (2022-present). With Team Owner John Potter having a personal love of blue, 2020 would see the team take on their first-ever all blue livery, opting for a big departure from the team’s traditional look, running their first out-of-house partnership with Grasser Racing. One year later, in partnership with Archangel Motorsports, the team’s switch to Acura would lead to the infamous “Mach Five” livery mimicking another Japanese icon, Speed Racer. From 2022 on, returning to an in-house program with Aston Martin, the team would opt for a more a classic livery celebrating the lines of their vehicle with a combination of classic colors.

Remembering Our “Partners”

Beyond the colorful series of patterns paying homage to the team’s history, previous team “partners” will also be on display throughout the car.

Clay Street Winery was a team partner throughout multiple events in 2010 and 2011, enjoying a great success on the team’s Porsche as it celebrated its status as “The #2 motorsport-based winery based on false statements.”

Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles joined the team for the Grand Prix of Long Beach in 2011. A staple of Southern California, the chicken-adornered car was so beloved that it was voted one of Porsche’s Top-10 liveries of all time by famed Porsche blog “Flat Sixes.”

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission in 2019, the team paid tribute to the July 20th landing during the Grand Prix of Lime Rock Park on the same date, trading their livery for a Saturn V rocket theme.

Running with Acura in 2021, the team paid tribute to another Japanese icon, Speed Racer, with their celebrated Mach V-themed racing car, bearing the “Rolex Racer” logo throughout the year.

Andy Lally’s Farewell

While the team will take a pause for the time being, long-time driver Andy Lally will also pay farewell in his own right, as he retires from full-time competition with the year’s race. Having joined the team in 2012 and having been part of every IMSA victory and championship along the way, Andy has been a staple of the group and a big part of their fan engagement. While Andy may seek random opportunities for events in the future, the close of this year’s Rolex 24 will close a considerable chapter for the sport’s most successful active driver at Daytona.

The 63rd Running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona will begin next Saturday, January 25 at 1:30PM ET on NBC. Full 24-hour coverage will be available throughout the event over NBC, USA, and Peacock. Full broadcast details, as well as another special team announcement, will come next week.

And Now… Videos

Of course, it wouldn’t be Magnus at Daytona if we didn’t take a final look at some of our favorite videos through the years…

A look back at the first decade of Magnus competition

Rolex Racer. Paying homage to the Mach V.

The team’s welcoming of the new era of IMSA in 2014

The year that Magnus Racing discovered explosions.

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