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BMW

Victory and podiums for the BMW M 1000 RR in WorldSBK and FIM EWC: Successful Super Weekend for BMW Motorrad Motorsport at Assen and Le Mans.

April 22, 2024 Prafful Singh Leave a comment

Assen / Le Mans. Two World Championship occasions with the BMW M 1000 RR in a single weekend – and far celebration at BMW Motorrad Motorsport on a very ‘Super Weekend’. At the third spherical of the 2024 FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK) at Assen (NED), Toprak Razgatlioglu (TUR) and the ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team celebrated a sensational victory within the second primary race on Sunday after ending second on Saturday. In the FIM Endurance World Championship, the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team began the 2024 season with a second-place end on the Le Mans (FRA) 24 Heures Motos.

WorldSBK at Assen.

At the WorldSBK occasion at Assen, Razgatlioglu was heading in the right direction for victory within the first primary race on Saturday. In extraordinarily changeable circumstances, ranging from third place, he was on his solution to taking the lead when the race was red-flagged, thus ending second on the rostrum. A difficult Superpole race on Sunday morning didn’t deter him. Razgatlioglu completed ninth and needed to begin the second race within the afternoon from that place. However, ‘El Turco’ charged by way of the sector and took the lead for the primary time on the eighth lap. In the ultimate levels, he secured the highest spot definitively, thus incomes Razgatlioglu his third victory with the BMW M 1000 RR following the successes at Barcelona (ESP). After Assen, he’s in second place within the championship standings.

Razgatlioglu’s teammate Michael van der Mark (NED) additionally fought for podium positions at his Assen dwelling race. Starting from thirteenth place, he completed seventh within the shortened first race. In the Superpole race, he was the most effective BMW rider, ending eighth. In the second primary race, van der Mark was among the many contenders within the main group earlier than ending sixth. Due to a penalty, he was categorised as ninth. In the Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team, Scott Redding (GBR) secured two top-ten finishes, eighth in race one and tenth within the Superpole race. The finest consequence for his teammate Garrett Gerloff (USA) was eleventh place within the Superpole race, adopted by twelfth place in race two.

FIM EWC at Le Mans.

The well-known 24 Heures Motos at Le Mans marked the opening spherical of the 2024 FIM EWC. The BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, led by Team Manager Werner Daemen (BEL), made a powerful begin to the brand new season with the #37 BMW M 1000 RR. The three common riders, Markus Reiterberger (GER), Ilya Mikhalchik (UKR), and Sylvain Guintoli (FRA), secured second place on the rostrum. The trio began the twice-around-the-clock marathon from fifth place. With flawless performances from the riders and the crew’s glorious work within the pit, the #37 shortly climbed into the rostrum positions and was already in second place on Saturday after just a few hours of racing. The crew maintained this place till the end on Sunday afternoon.

In the FIM EWC Superstock class, the Tecmas-MRP-BMW Racing Team fought for its second Le Mans victory with the #9 BMW M 1000 RR. Starting from second place in school, Kenny Foray (FRA), Jan Bühn (GER), Loïc Arbel (FRA), and Hannes Soomer (EST) had been briefly within the lead. After a crash in the course of the evening, they labored their manner again as much as fourth place in school, nevertheless attributable to a technical subject, the #9 bike retired prematurely.

Reactions after the race weekend.

Marc Bongers, BMW Motorrad Motorsport Director: “I’m extraordinarily glad – it has been an excellent weekend. Of course, I may solely partly observe Le Mans from Assen, however I watched it till 1 a.m. on Saturday evening and from 6 a.m. on Sunday morning. It’s nice that the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team secured P2 there. We had been additionally a bit fortunate with points at different groups, however that’s additionally a part of a 24-hour race. After ending third final 12 months and second this 12 months, you possibly can think about what the purpose is for subsequent 12 months. It has been a fantastic begin to the FIM EWC 2024.

Here at Assen, it was my dwelling race and a mega occasion for me personally. The many followers, together with the numerous Turkish followers, created a improbable environment. On Saturday, we had been disillusioned to not have a win within the first primary race as a result of we had been very shut nevertheless it confirmed that now we have the tempo to make it. The Superpole Race was barely disappointing; all 4 BMWs had tyre points, leading to positions eight to eleven, however we made up for it within the second primary race. It was a fantastic battle on the entrance with seven or eight bikes inside a second, and Toprak and Mickey proper in the course of it. In the tip, we celebrated one other victory with Toprak and at the moment are additionally within the prime group of the championship. Mickey’s sixth place was sturdy too, although he was sadly moved again. We noticed that the bike has the efficiency, not solely with Toprak, although he squeezes out that further bit. We take these constructive boosts with us.”

Toprak Razgatlioglu, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP: 3 / R01: 2 / SP Race: 9 / R02: 1): “I am very happy. We did a very good job this weekend, especially in race two. It was not easy to take the win but in every lap I pushed hard. Everyone was working so hard this weekend and we finally won in race two. It was my first victory at Assen in the Superbike class, and also the first win here for BMW so I am very happy. It was not really important that I started from P9 because if you are really fast this is not a problem. The only problem was that after the first corner, Alex Lowes almost crashed and I closed the gas. After that, I tried to pass all the riders step by step. I felt confident and especially after ten laps I had very good pace. When the rain came, I just closed the gas because I did not want to take a risk. I just followed Alvaro Bautista who is more experienced than me. Then I started to push again. I wanted to win this weekend and I did.”

Michael van der Mark, ROKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK Team (SP: 13 / R01: 7 / SP Race: 8 / R02: 9): “I think we should be quite happy with the results this weekend. This morning in the Superpole race, the goal was to be in the top nine and we managed to do it so we had a better start position for race two. I then had a good start and gained some places straight away. I had good pace and the top group was just in front of me. At some point it started raining again in the middle sector. We had some really nice battles and it was great to fight with the guys in front. I struggled a bit at the end of the race with the riding style and fell back a bit into my old habit. I tried to push too hard to follow the guys. Then at the end I got a time penalty. It was a shame to lose P6 but it is what it is. If you look back on the weekend we showed that we are strong. It was also fantastic to see Toprak taking another win today so I am pretty sure that soon we will have two BMWs on the podium.”

Scott Redding, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team (SP: 15 / R01: 8 / SP Race: 10 / R02: DNF): “The warm up was very cold, but the Superpole Race was pretty good. I managed to find a better feeling again from yesterday which was the goal. It was a lot to play for with the tyres. Everyone went more or less with the same tyre, but it was dropping a lot. We could see that with the lap times and the performance of everyone but I actually felt quite good. The changes we made from yesterday to today were positive so going into race two I had a bit more confidence. I felt ready for the race. My start was ok, but I was stuck a little bit with two guys, struggling to pass them but then while braking into the last corner I lost the front, which I was a bit upset about because I felt I had good pace today for another top-ten or maybe even more. I’m just upset with that. I want to apologize to the team, they’ve been great. We’ll come back for Misano and try again.”

Garrett Gerloff, Bonovo motion BMW Racing Team (SP: 17 / R01: 16 / SP Race: 11 / R02: 12): “Today was better than yesterday. It was nice to just be higher up the order but I’m still so far back it’s getting frustrating. I’m trying different solutions to the things we’re struggling with, but it hasn’t been very clear. I’m pushing but it’s not coming yet. We just have to keep working and see if we can make some improvements for the next race.”

Werner Daemen, Team Manager BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team: “I am very proud that we finished in second place. All three riders made a tremendous job. Nobody crashed, we had some difficulties in the night when it was very cold but all three riders coped with the conditions and I am very proud of them. They went for it over the entire week, worked together well and we had a very good atmosphere in the team. We showed that we are a strong team and I think that the second place is just the start of a fantastic season. I am hundred percent sure that we can fight for the victory in Spa, Suzuka and Le Castellet.”

Sylvain Guintoli, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team (2nd place 24 Heures Motos): “It was a good weekend. In the end we finished second and we have to be happy with that. We’ve learned a lot and it has been my first experience with the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team with Markus and Ilya. It has been a good experience. It’s a bit of a shame that we didn’t win because we wanted to bring it home but I’m sure that all the experience gained during this weekend and this race, which was pretty tough, will help us to get better in the future. It’s a good base to build on for the rest of the season.”

Markus Reiterberger, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team (2nd place 24 Heures Motos): “We are very satisfied with the second place. Of course, we would have liked to win, but in such a tough, long race, with so much happening, so many crashes and mistakes, we did quite well. We had good pace, and especially at night, we were very fast when it was really cold. It was a real challenge due to the cold and tricky conditions. Thanks to the team and my teammates who gave it their all. I believe we have shown that we can be contenders in the World Championship. We also know where we need to make adjustments to get even better. Overall, it was a successful weekend with the second place at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Ilya Mikhalchik, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team (2nd place Heures Motos): “I am really happy about the result. It has been a very difficult race, especially in the night stints when it was almost zero degrees outside. It was a bit cold to ride the bike and the conditions were tricky but even then our bike performances really well, the tyres were working well and everything was okay. We were fighting for the podium places and in the end we got P2 so for sure we are happy. Thanks to the entire crew who worked through all the night and especially thanks to my team-mates who were really fast and did their best in all the stints, no matter what the conditions were.”

NewsNew

RICK SIEMAN CELEBRATION OF LIFE

February 7, 2024 David

Legends and Heroes Moto Museum will probably be internet hosting a Celebration of Life for business icon Rick Sieman (aka Super Hunky) on Friday February ninth, at 2 p.m. within the Legends and Heroes Moto Museum show previous to the Supercross at St. Farm Stadium, Glendale Arizona. Everyone is welcome.

Rick Sieman’s household, buddies, and followers are flying or driving in to attend. His daughter Cindy, Vic Krause, Tom Webb, David Bailey, and some others will probably be talking about Rick’s passing in addition to his contribution to the business.
Supercross Glendale February tenth. Rick Sieman will probably be posthumously inducted into the Legends and Heroes Hall of Fame earlier than racing begins. Rick’s kids will probably be on stage with Broc Glover and Frank Vrettas for the tribute.
For additional data, please contact:
Michael Lewis [email protected]

ToyotaUk

8 Ways Toyota’s Plants are Manufacturing Strong Communities

October 7, 2023 David

Manufacturing Month is a national celebration of the manufacturing industry to inspire the next generation of innovators while building communities where our plants are located. Toyota’s manufacturing plants and employees are driving a clear path to a better future – on and off the road.

Decades and Billions in Investments

Toyota has been part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for over 65 years and has made a significant direct investment of $38.58 billion in the country. There are nearly 1,500 dealerships and more than 184,000 people working across the country.

Nine and Growing

There are currently nine Toyota manufacturing plants in the U.S., and by the end of 2025, there will be a 10th plant in North Carolina dedicated to battery manufacturing. This new plant aligns with Toyota’s vision to reduce carbon emissions through hybrid and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The total investment in Toyota North Carolina is $5.9 billion.

On the Road

Toyota’s employees have played a crucial role in designing, engineering, and assembling nearly 45 million Toyota and Lexus cars and trucks in North America.

Electrified

Toyota leads the industry with the highest number of electrified vehicles on the road. They currently offer 26 electrified options, and they have announced plans to manufacture an all-new, three-row battery electric SUV in Kentucky starting in 2025. This SUV will be powered by batteries produced in North Carolina.

Investing in the Future

Since 2021, Toyota has committed $10.1 billion in new investments to support electrification efforts in its U.S. manufacturing operations.

Community Focused

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has invested millions to create innovative educational programs in historically underserved and diverse communities near its operating sites. This initiative aims to close educational gaps for all students by offering hands-on STEM programming. Huntsville, Alabama, is the fifth site to launch Driving Possibilities programming.

STEM-Based Learning

To inspire the next generation in STEM-based fields, Toyota has launched a virtual education resources page at TourToyota.com. This page offers an immersive experience where visitors can virtually tour nine of Toyota’s U.S. manufacturing facilities. It also provides free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners.

In addition, Toyota has Experience Centers at its vehicle plants across the U.S. These centers offer visitors a chance to understand advanced manufacturing through visual and hands-on displays.

Respect for the Planet

To demonstrate respect for the planet, Toyota manufacturing plants actively contribute to environmental sustainability. For example, Toyota West Virginia has “lambscaping” sheep that maintain its solar area, and Toyota Mississippi uses bobwhite quail and wood duck to measure the health of the ecosystem. Toyota also focuses on water conservation, reducing packaging and waste, and protecting biodiversity in its products, services, and operations, all with the goal of building a more sustainable future.

Featured

Luxury Lease Partners x duPont REGISTRY VIP Section At Preserve Concours 2023

August 11, 2023 David

Monterey Car Week is a thrilling event that celebrates everything related to cars. It brings together car enthusiasts, collectors, and industry experts for a week-long extravaganza in the beautiful Monterey Peninsula in California. The week is packed with rare car viewings, auctions, parties, and races. The highlight of the event is the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. One of the exclusive events during Monterey Car Week is the Preserve Concours & Cocktails, presented by Luxury Rally Club and the Santa Lucia Preserve on their stunning 20,000-acre private nature sanctuary. Luxury Lease Partners and duPont REGISTRY are proud to host a private VIP section for attendees to celebrate automotive excellence.

2023 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival Was A Huge Success

July 26, 2023 David

From July 13 to 16, 2023, Harley-Davidson held its Homecoming Festival in celebration of the brand’s 120th anniversary. Throughout the course of the weekend, motorcycle enthusiasts – both Harley owners and enthusiasts of all brands and types – flocked to Veterans Park in Milwaukee to celebrate the joy of life on two wheels. Needless to say, the event was a huge success, with Harley-Davidson stating that it delivered “record-breaking attendance.”

Indeed, thousands upon thousands of passionate individuals flocked to the event, and enjoyed tons of activities including motorcycle showcases, food and drink stalls, and live music from the likes of Green Day and the Foo Fighters. There were also demo rides, stunt shows, and many other attractions making the event a family friendly affair. In total, there were more than 130,000 individuals in attendance, as well as 73,000 motorcycles that lined the grounds of the Harley-Davidson museum and Sixth Street.

To provide a spectacular culmination to the Homecoming Festival, event organizers set up a motorcycle parade that made its way through Wisconsin Avenue. The spectacle featured close to 7,000 motorcycles. Simultaneously, events commemorating the Bar and Shield’s 120th anniversary were held in six additional Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson dealerships. This meant that individuals looking for even more fun could head over to Greenfield, Milwaukee, Thiensville, Kenosha, West Bend and Oconomowoc dealerships.

Coinciding with the merriment of the Homecoming Festival, Harley-Davidson also launched the new 2023 CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models. The two newest models in Harley’s Custom Vehicle Operations department dazzled audiences with their high-end features and advanced technology geared towards rider comfort and long-distance touring.

With the massive success of the 2023 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival, the MoCo has already announced the schedule for the 2024 Homecoming Festival. Mark your calendars for July 25 to 28, 2024 for yet another exciting event. For more details and information, please visit Harley-Davidson’s official website, or get in touch with your nearest Harley dealer.

Motorsport

Unique Mazda RX-8 Convertible Goes On Display In Japan

July 26, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Mazda RX-8, which went into production in 2003, is currently being celebrated by the company for its 20th anniversary. As part of the festivities, Mazda has put on display a unique RX-8 convertible at the Mazda Brand Space Osaka in Japan. Interestingly, Mazda never sold an RX-8 convertible to the public.

It is unclear how the roof of this special RX-8 fits onto the car. What is noticeable is the presence of a large roll bar in the area where the B-pillar would normally be. The photos suggest that this bar is taller than the windshield. There are also small nacelles located behind the rear seats. Inside the cabin, there is a combination of red and black leather upholstery.

The announcement for the display states that visitors must seek permission to open the doors or sit inside the RX-8 convertible. This suggests that it may be possible to get up close to this unique car, with permission from the staff present.

The RX-8 convertible made its debut in 2008 during a Mazda corporate event. At the event, senior employees were seen standing in the convertible as part of a parade showcasing the automaker’s various models.

Featured

Hublot Unveils Three New Big Bang UNICO Watches For Summer

June 24, 2023 David

Hublot recently hosted an extravagant celebration at the illustrious Villa Cap Estel. The event served as the enchanting platform for the exclusive “Hublot Loves Summer” experience, solidifying the brand’s reputation for elegance and sophistication. A highlight of the day was the unveiling of the breathtaking Big Bang Unico Azur timepiece, Hublot’s latest special edition luxury watch inspired by the serene colors of the Mediterranean. Limited to a mere fifty pieces, this exquisite timepiece will only be available at Hublot’s French Riviera boutiques, located in the opulent cities of Monaco and St Tropez. The Big Bang Unico Azur paints a watchmaking masterpiece, immersing its wearer in deep azure hues.

Encased in high-tech blue ceramic, the watch features luminescent hands and hour markers that crisscross, mimicking the rhythmic wake of a vessel at sea. Powering this masterpiece is the HUB128 Unico self-winding chronograph movement. Finally, the Big Bang Unico Azur comes with two strap options, one of Hublot’s signature natural rubber and an elegant white calfskin leather, allowing the wearer to customize their luxury timepiece experience. In addition to the Big Bang Unico Azur, Hublot unveiled a special Big Bang Unico Sky Blue inspired by a cloudless sky on a hot summer day. The all-new luxury Big Bang Unico timepieces from the Hublot Loves Summer Collection are currently available, starting at $23,800.

FiatUk

100 Years of Lingotto: the design marker for the future of the FIAT Brand

June 8, 2023 Prafful Singh

In the 100^th anniversary celebration video “Shaping the Future”, Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO, anticipates a vision for future FIAT models.
FIAT’s future cars will be inspired by signature aspects of the Lingotto and of the world-famous rooftop track: including its characteristic lightness, optimization of space, and the intensity of its façade.
The video features a conversation between Olivier Francois and Ginevra Elkann, President of the Pinacoteca Agnelli, about the Lingotto centenary: starting from its birth and projecting the Lingotto into the brand’s future.

Today, FIAT celebrates the 100^th anniversary of the iconic Lingotto: a century has gone by since the fundamental production facility was officially opened on May 22^nd, 1923, immediately establishing the location as a major Italian industrial centre. The famous building now has a new life and purpose but continues to be an engine of new ideas and inspiration.

For FIAT, Lingotto is a place where heritage meets the future. In its early days, its iconic structure and features were a manifesto that truly launched FIAT into the 20^th century. Today it is again a manifesto of the brand’s renewed vision in the 21^st.

In the celebration video “Shaping the Future” Olivier Francois, FIAT CEO and Stellantis Global CMO, takes the opportunity to anticipate some details of the cars that will begin to appear on the market from 2024. The “Lingotto inspired” theme also makes FIAT’s goal explicit: to inspire change and make a sustainable future accessible to all. Olivier Francois said: “At FIAT we think that the Lingotto and the track are such a landmark that they deserve to become ‘design markers’. Their characteristics have inspired FIAT designers to trace the lines of the future FIAT models, from the incredible roof track, to the ramp – a revolution in the 1920s – which is like a manifesto of our traditional lightness: less material, more space, that’s our vision of interior design moving forward. The oval shape of “La Pista 500” inspires several new interior product marker, while the façade, with the lightness of its windows, will also become a distinctive signature of the future models. I look forward to launching those ‘Lingotto inspired’ models a year from now.”

Ginevra Elkann, President of Pinacoteca Agnelli said: “Today is a special day: the Lingotto was officially opened by my great grandfather, exactly 100 years ago. It was a very proud moment: a huge step forward for FIAT, and for the Italian industry in general. Corbusier called it “one of the most impressive sights industry has ever offered”. The Lingotto has been an icon of Italian production, of renewal and transformation and, still today, it’s an engine for new ideas. In the 80s we were in search of a new purpose, so my grandfather decided to turn it into what you see today: shops, offices, hotels, and culture fulfilled by the artistic mission of Pinacoteca Agnelli. Recently relaunched through a new ambitious programme of exhibitions and events, the Pinacoteca has become a new destination for a diverse and young public. Thanks to the hanging garden on La Pista 500 with its spectacular art installations, to Casa 500 and its FIATCafé500, Pinacoteca Agnelli is today one of the most visited museums in the city.

The Lingotto building found its new vocation during the 80s when it was inaugurated to the city of Turin and the collection of Giovanni and Marella Agnelli became its symbolic core. Today the opening of La Pista 500 reconnects the public with the original identity of this special site, merging the past with new, fresh, and vital roots.

La Pista 500 is the largest hanging garden in Europe and Casa 500 – welcoming visitors interested in the FIAT icon, art, architecture, and nature – is not just a museum: it’s the beginning of a journey into the future.

As the original, symbolic home of FIAT for a century, the Lingotto is constantly evolving and adapting itself over time, like the FIAT Brand. Innovation, attention to detail and lightness remain at the core of the brand’s future plans, with a strong prioritization of customers’ real needs in an era of continuous change.

Turin, May 22^nd, 2023

Automoto Hub