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2023 ISDE, DAY TWO: TEAM USA LEADS THE WAY

The second day of the 97th running of the ISDE in Argentina saw Team USA extend its lead. Dante Oliveira, Taylor Robert, Cole Martinez, and Johnny Girroir have consistently performed well in each test, keeping their team at the top of the standings. The standout performers in the individual competition are Josep Garcia from Spain and Andrea Verona from Italy, who have won every test between them. In the team competition, Great Britain is Team USA’s closest rival. In the Junior Trophy competition for younger riders, the U.S. moved up to second place, while the American Women’s team took first place.

WORLD TROPHY TEAM (WT)
Dante Oliveira from FMF KTM Factory Racing was the top performer for Team USA’s World Trophy effort. He finished third overall and second in the E2 class on his 450 XC-F, repeating his performance from the previous day. Taylor Robert, Oliveira’s teammate, finished fifth overall on Day 2 and moved up to fourth in the individual classification. Johnny Girroir also had a strong performance, securing eighth place on his 350 XC-F and placing within the top 10. Together with Cole Martinez on a Honda, they now hold a +5:02.26 advantage with four days remaining.

Dante Oliveira: “Today was a better day for the team and for myself. I felt more comfortable as the terrain got rougher, and I warmed up to the bike. I started well and closed the gap a little bit between the top two. I’m happy with that and will keep pushing to get closer to them. As a team, we’re doing great, so we need to stay strong, keep the bikes in good condition, and take care of ourselves.”

Taylor Robert

Taylor Robert: “It was another good day for Team USA and myself. We have a really solid group of guys, and everyone is riding really well. We may not be winning individually, but having four guys in the top 10 is just amazing for us. I’ve always hoped for that, and we’ve achieved it two days in a row now. Everyone is riding consistently and avoiding major mistakes. I think everyone is having a good time. We’ve overcome the challenges of the first two tough days and are looking forward to new special tests and transfers tomorrow.”

Johnny Girroir

Johnny Girroir: “It was a good day. Actually, it’s been a good couple of days. We’re riding well, consistently, and avoiding many mistakes. It’s a good way to start the week before new transfers and tests tomorrow. We’ll smooth things out a bit, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the week.”

JUNIOR WORLD TROPHY TEAM (JWT)
Mateo Oliveira maintained consistency in the Junior World Trophy division, securing the fourth position on Day 2 and maintaining the same position overall in the category. Grant Davis, riding a KTM 250 XC-F, moved into the top 10 overall with an eighth-place finish, while Kai Aiello on a Husqvarna finished directly behind him in ninth.

Mateo Oliveira

Mateo Oliveira: “Today was much easier than day one. They eliminated some transfers and put us on roads, which allowed me to push harder in the special tests. I performed well in the first test. Tomorrow, we’ll have some fresh tracks, and I just have to keep pushing. I feel very comfortable on the bike now after two days of getting used to it, so I’m excited. Three more challenging days are ahead, and I’m looking forward to keeping up the momentum.”

Grant Davis

Grant Davis: “Today was definitely easier than day one. The transfers were cut, and I think the weather wasn’t as hot with less wind. I also felt more comfortable with the dirt. I rode better, improved my timing, and I’m closing the gap. It’s better than yesterday.”

WOMEN’S WORLD TROPHY TEAM (WWT)
The United States Women’s World Trophy Team is now leading the overall standings after Day 2. Brandy Richards, supported by KTM, secured the top position in the WWT for the second consecutive day. Rachel Gutish on a GASGAS finished second, and Korie Steede on a KTM took fourth place on the day. The U.S. team now holds a +4:26.10 advantage in the Team classification.

Brandy Richards

Brandy Richards: “It was a great day today! The transfers were much better, and the tests were in good shape. They were not super-rough but still challenging. It was also not as hot as yesterday, so it was a much better day. I’m looking forward to some new transfers tomorrow.”

World Trophy Classification (After Day 2 of 6)
1. USA, 5:48:43.29
2. Great Britain, +5:02.26
3. France, +6:47.38
4. Spain, +9:00.12
5. Italy, +10:14.11

Junior World Trophy Classification (After Day 2 of 6)
1. Sweden, 4:26:28.78
2. USA, +7:10.30
3. France, +7:16.25
4. Great Britain, +20:19.67
5. Argentina, +24:30.50

Women’s World Trophy Classification (After Day 2 of 6)
1. USA, 5:04:53.47
2. Australia, +4:26.10
3. FIM LA, +1:00:21.07
4. France, +2:36:04.50
5. Argentina, +4:46:15.62

Motorsport

Chevy Camaro That Could Have Been Teased By GM Design

Brian Malczewski, a lead exterior designer at General Motors, recently shared a rendering from 2018 on the General Motors Design Instagram page. The rendering showcases a Chevy-branded sports coupe with a striking resemblance to the Camaro.

In his post, Malczewski mentioned the intriguing sketch from 2018 and wondered what it was for.

While the rendering bears similarities to the Camaro with its long nose, broad fenders, small passenger compartment, and short rear deck, it does not represent the latest sixth-gen model released in 2016. The purpose behind this rendering remains a mystery.

Malczewski has also contributed to the design of the sixth-gen Camaro. He shared another rendering on his Instagram page that closely resembles the production model, except for the exaggerated size of the fenders.

The current generation of the Camaro is nearing its retirement, with the 2024 model year being its last. The assembly of the vehicle will conclude in January 2024.

To bid farewell to the sixth-gen model, Chevrolet introduced the Camaro Collector’s Edition. This edition is available for the LT/RS, LT1, SS, and ZL1 trims and offers unique features such as Panther Black paint, a revised body kit, and a panther emblem on the steering wheel.

The ZL1 Collector’s Edition is limited to only 350 units and features a matte-finish Panther Black paint. Customers who purchase this edition will also receive a Shinola Canfield Sport watch with a serial number corresponding to the car’s steering wheel.

While the Camaro’s future remains uncertain, Chevrolet Global Vice President Scott Bell stated that the end of the current generation does not mean the end of the Camaro’s story. The Camaro name may continue in some form, although no official details have been released regarding its return.

For more information and discussions about the Camaro, you can watch the episode of “Rambling About Cars” below:

BMW

Exciting Final Day at the 34th BMW International Open: Joost Luiten in the Lead with a Pack of Competitors Close Behind

On “Moving Day,” Joost Luiten from the Netherlands takes the lead at -14. Max Schmitt is the top German player at -8. The third round witnesses the tournament’s 50th eagle hit by Jamie Donaldson, and the tee times for the final round are set.

The leaderboard is dominated by Joost Luiten and Daan Huizing, both from the Netherlands. Luiten leads at -14, followed by Huizing at -11. Edoardo Molinari from Italy, Thriston Lawrence from South Africa, and Daniel Hillier from New Zealand are tied for third at -10. Luiten secured the lead with an impressive round of -7, the lowest of the tournament. Huizing, Molinari, Lawrence, Max Kieffer from Germany, and Matthieu Pavon from France, all at -7, sit at ninth place with just one shot more than Luiten’s round on Saturday.

Luiten, at 37 years old, showcased his skill in front of the 14,000 spectators at Golfclub München Eichenried. He did not drop a single shot on Saturday and heads into the final day with a three-shot lead, aiming for his first title since 2018. Luiten expressed his excitement for events like the BMW International Open, stating the need for such tournaments in Europe. He remains focused and aims to deliver shots similar to those on Saturday.

Max Schmitt is the highest-ranked German player at -8, tied in sixth place with Sami Välimäki from Finland and Rikuya Hoshino from Japan. With one round to go, the 25-year-old remains a contender for his first title on the DP World Tour. Schmitt expressed his joy at being part of the special BMW International Open, especially since his first participation as an amateur. He plans to stick to his “passive aggressive” strategy and concentrate on his own game on the final day.

Max Kieffer climbed up the leaderboard with an excellent round, landing him in a tie for ninth place at -7. He harbors the dream of becoming the second German winner of the BMW International Open, after Martin Kaymer’s victory in 2008. However, Marcel Siem’s third round did not fare well, as he experienced a triple bogey on the 18th after finding the water twice.

In the morning, Connor Syme achieved the third hole-in-one of the tournament on the second hole. This adds to the aces achieved by Takumi Kanaya and Joost Luiten in the previous rounds. Three out of the four par 3 holes on the Championship Course have witnessed a hole-in-one, leaving only the 17th where the first fully-electric BMW i5 is up for grabs for the first player to ace it.

Jamie Donaldson from Wales recorded the 50th eagle of the tournament in today’s round. Each eagle hit results in a donation of 1,000 Euro to the “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben” organizations as a gesture of recognition for their partnership with the BMW Group in promoting fair opportunities and educational equality.

The final round of the BMW International Open starts at 07:15 on Sunday at Golfclub München Eichenried. The PDF document containing the tee times provides an overview of all the groups and their schedule.

For the latest scores, more information about the BMW International Open, and a livestream, visit www.bmw-golfsport.com.

Motorsport

New BFGoodrich T/A Pursuit Tire Is Designed Specifically For Police Cars

Law enforcement vehicles have tough lives. While they may spend a lot of time idle, they are often called upon for high-speed pursuits, navigating various terrains, making sharp turns, and performing sudden stops. The tire of the vehicle suffers the most in these situations. Luckily, BFGoodrich has introduced a specially designed, all-season tire that can withstand this kind of punishment.

According to a recent press release by the company, this new tire is one of the best pursuit tires for wet-braking on the market. It can stop up to 21 feet shorter compared to other brands. Kim Kegler, the Brand Director of BFGoodrich Tires, said, “The BFGoodrich Elite-Force T/A tire can respond to emergencies in any condition, whether it’s driving downpours or rough gravel roads. We developed a tire that can handle severe conditions and meet any and every call.”

In creating this tire, BFGoodrich incorporated feedback from law enforcement officers in its design and testing process for the Elite-Force T/A. Major Jason Ramey from the Edgefield County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina provided input, stating, “Wet-traction handling is the most important to me, especially in high-speed situations.”

Aside from its superior wet performance, the BFGoodrich pursuit tires are designed to be 35 percent stronger with a revamped tread pattern for enhanced durability and longer wear life. They are available in various sizes to fit different law enforcement vehicles, whether sedans like the Dodge Charger, SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, or Ford Explorer. Additionally, these tires come with a badge-inspired design on the sidewall or a traditional sidewall for undercover work.

On the internet, you will find numerous videos featuring high-speed chases or other incidents where law enforcement vehicles are pushed to their limits. Recently, we covered a high-speed chase in Arkansas and a wild school bus chase that ended in a cornfield. These situations highlight the importance of purpose-built tires that can withstand heavy abuse.

BMW

Spectacular Start to the 34th BMW International Open

+++ Molinari, Saddier, and Hoshino leading after the first round +++ Three German players close behind +++ Takumi Kanaya (JPN) hits a hole-in-one +++ Pros raise 22,000 Euro for “Eagles for Education” on Thursday +++ Evening play interrupted by storms


 Munich. The BMW International Open 2023 got off to an impressive start. In the morning, Takumi Kanaya from Japan stunned the crowd by hitting a hole-in-one with a 9-iron from 155 meters at the 12th hole. The tournament also featured excellent scores and a competitive leaderboard filled with talented German players, promising an exciting competition until Sunday.

Kanaya, who won this year’s BMW Japan Golf Championship, not only made the shot of the day but also claimed the first eagle of the tournament. In recognition of the eagles scored, the BMW Group pledged to donate 1,000 Euro to the “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben” organizations. These charitable donations support fair opportunities and educational equality, and on Thursday, the pros managed to record 22 eagles while contributing to a good cause.

At the top of the leaderboard is Edoardo Molinari, one of the European Ryder Cup team’s vice-captains who are competing alongside captain Luke Donald (ENG, -3, T35). Molinari, along with Adrien Saddier from France and Japanese golfer Rikuya Hoshino, secured a share of the lead with a score of 66 strokes (-6).

Molinari expressed satisfaction with his opening round but acknowledged room for improvement in putting. He praised his driving and iron play, aiming to enhance his putting skills and balance aggressiveness and strategy on the challenging pin positions.

A group of German players, including Thomas Rosenmüller, Marc Hammer, and Max Kieffer, is just one shot behind the leaders with a score of five under par. Rosenmüller, playing at his home club, started strong with a round of 67, while Hammer and Kieffer also made an impressive start with four consecutive birdies.

Kieffer particularly expressed his love for the BMW International Open, describing it as his favorite tournament due to its historical significance, special atmosphere, and wonderful crowd. Despite the pressure, he managed to cope well and hoped to maintain momentum for the upcoming rounds.

Notably absent from the leaderboard is the top-placed German player, Yannik Paul, who had a good chance but had to withdraw due to back problems. Additionally, Thomas Bjørn, the two-time BMW International Open winner, couldn’t participate this year as he battles a painful shoulder condition.

Defending champion Haotong Li faced a challenging day, finishing well behind after a double bogey at the first hole and another at the sixth. To make it to the weekend, Li will need an exceptional performance in tomorrow’s round.

The second round of the BMW International Open will commence on Friday morning at 7:30 at the Golfclub München Eichenried. Players who were unable to finish their first rounds on Thursday evening will have the opportunity to catch up on Friday starting from 8:00. For an overview of all tee times and groups, refer to the “Tee times” PDF document.

Visit www.bmw-golfsport.com for the latest scores, more information about the BMW International Open, and a livestream of the event.

Access the latest pictures from the 34th BMW International Open at the Golfclub München Eichenried below or at any time via www.press.bmwgroup.com.