Tag Archives: motorsports

Pratt Miller Motorsports on Tuesday shared images of the Corvette race car that will compete in the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar championship, giving us our first look at the iconic yellow livery that will once again grace race tracks across America next year.

Although this Z06 GT3.R may appear similar to the Corvette from the 2023 season, significant changes have been made behind the scenes. The Corvette Racing factory program ended at the end of the season and will be replaced by a Pratt Miller-run program from 2024 onwards. The Z06 GT3.R will still compete in GTD Pro, and it will have a similar group of four full-time drivers: Nicky Catsburg, Antonio Garcia, Tommy Milner, and Alexander Sims.

The team, named Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports, will still receive factory support, though it is likely that discussions between the team and Chevy will be reduced compared to previous years. It is uncertain what impact this will have on the relationship between the road and race cars as the season progresses. Like before, the Z06 GT3.R will feature a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-plane-crank V-8 derived from the Z06 road car.

Mark Stielow, GM Motorsports Engineering Competition director, said earlier this year, “The Corvette Z06 GT3.R breaks new ground for Chevrolet and the Corvette Racing program. This customer-focused race car leverages learnings from throughout Corvette Racing’s lengthy and successful history, plus the expertise of our Corvette production design, engineering and powertrain teams.”

The new Z06 GT3.R will make its racing debut at the 2024 Rolex 24 At Daytona, IMSA’s season-opening event.

Motorsport

Motorsport Network Appoints Mike Spinelli, Travis Okulski As Group Editorial Leaders

November 2, 2023 Prafful Singh

NEW YORK, Nov. 1, 2023 – Motorsport Network, the leading independent global motorsports and automotive digital media platform, today announced the hiring of Mike Spinelli as Head of Content and Travis Okulski as Editorial Director, Automotive.

Spinelli will work on brand extensions across Motorsport Network‘s portfolio, including Motorsport.com and Autosport, while Okulski will focus on Motor1, InsideEVs, and RideApart. Both hires are part of GMF Capital’s recent acquisition and investment in Motorsport Network to expand the presence and scope of these titles.

Mike Spinelli

Spinelli brings more than two decades of automotive and motorsports media experience to the role. He was the founding editor of Jalopnik, Editor-in-Chief of 0-60 magazine, and co-founder of the /DRIVE YouTube channel, as well as a writer, producer, and host of automotive videos on YouTube and cable TV, including the show /DRIVE on NBC Sports. Most recently, he was a writer and story editor for the IMSA GTP docuseries, Win the Weekend.

“I’m truly energized by the entire Motorsport Network team,” Spinelli said. “We have a once-in-a-career opportunity to revitalize the mission of motorsports and automotive media while sharing our access, knowledge, and obsessions with a dynamic and expanding community of fans and enthusiasts. It’s a thrilling time to cover this particular surface area of sports and technology.”

Travis Okulski

Okulski has spent the last decade in automotive media. He started Business Insider’s automotive coverage and had stints as Editor-in-Chief at both Jalopnik and Road & Track, where he oversaw a total revamp of America’s longest-running sports car magazine. Most recently, he was Road & Track’s Editor-at-Large, focusing on print and web feature stories.

“I’m stoked for the opportunity to join Motorsport Network and lead such highly regarded titles,” said Okulski. “I’m looking forward to growing and developing these brands into must-read destinations for longtime and brand new car enthusiasts alike as well as creating valuable resources for car shoppers.”

About Motorsport Network:
With more than 40 million monthly users and an active social media community of more than 15 million followers, Motorsport Network is the world’s largest independent motorsports and automotive media platform. Its nearly 50 digital flagships include prominent automotive brands Motor1.com, InsideEVs, and RideApart, as well as leading racing portals such as Motorsport.com, Autosport, Motorsport-Total, and GPOne.

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KTM Welcomes Chase Sexton, the Newest Supercross Star, to its Motorsports Headquarters

October 22, 2023 David

KTM’s motorsports headquarters in Austria recently hosted Chase Sexton, the reigning 450 Supercross Champion. On his visit, Sexton was given a tour of KTM’s racing HQ in Munderfing.

During his visit, Sexton not only got to see the ins and outs of the motorsports HQ but also met the technical team and staff responsible for creating the KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION. This bike will be used by Sexton in the upcoming 2024 AMA 450SX racing series, the AMA Pro Motocross 450 Class championship, and the SuperMotocross contest, which combines both indoor and outdoor disciplines.

As one of the bright stars in the racing scene in the United States, Sexton is now part of the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team. His impressive performance in the 2023 Super Cross season earned him the championship title. Before his packed schedule begins, Sexton had the opportunity to fully experience the KTM culture in Austria by touring the 9,500 square-meter (about 102,257 square-foot) motorsport building of Red Bull KTM.

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The motorsports HQ is where KTM builds, stores, and prepares all their Motocross, Enduro, Rally, and MotoGP bikes for their racers. Sexton joins a roster of almost 70 riders and will have access to the brand’s fleet of support vehicles and accompanying equipment.

In addition to viewing the historical displays and FIM world titles earned by Red Bull KTM over the years, Sexton also had the chance to test the KTM X-BOW GT-XR with Hubert Trunkenpolz, Member of the Board. He also witnessed the production of the 2024 KTM 450 SX-F on the factory floor, the same bike he will ride next year with Team Orange.

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When asked about his factory tour experience, Sexton expressed, “It was very cool! It’s been special to come here and meet everybody, see how the heart of the KTM racing program and also where my race bike is born. Then in the Motohall learning all the history and the racing story of KTM is very motivating; it makes me want to get on the bike and ride right now. KTM is a very successful, winning manufacturer, and my plan is to get them back on top and keep that momentum going. At the factory, I had never really seen anything like the assembly lines before and the variety of motorcycles being built and how fast they are done by hand. I won’t forget this day.”

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Connectivity Will Be a Key Selling Point for Lamborghini, According to CMO

September 7, 2023 David

Lamborghini recently showcased its vision for the future at the Quail, A Motorsports Gathering event by unveiling the Lanzador, a concept car that represents what a high-riding, two-door, four-seater, all-electric GT from the brand could look like. While the reception was mixed, with some confusion and apprehension about the choice of a fully electric powertrain, Lamborghini aims to change attitudes over time. Federico Foschini, Lamborghini’s Chief Marketing and Sales Officer, believes that the company wouldn’t introduce an electric vehicle that couldn’t live up to the brand’s DNA.

The Lanzador is expected to launch as a production model by 2028, making Lamborghini one of the first supercar manufacturers to enter the EV market ahead of competitors like Ferrari, McLaren, Maserati, and Aston Martin. However, there are Lamborghini owners who are opposed to the idea of an electric Lamborghini, as seen in their comments on Instagram.

According to Foschini, Lamborghini’s first fully electric vehicle will combine the elegance and performance of a sporty GT with the comfort and safety of a high-positioned car. Megatrends like electrification and digitalization will play important roles, with connectivity, artificial intelligence, and data management becoming significant factors. While Lamborghinis are generally seen as dream cars, the company recognizes that some customers use them as daily drivers, which influenced the design of the Lanzador to offer more usability.

The target customers for the electric Lamborghini include those who already own an SUV and want a GT, as well as GT owners from other brands. The car is expected to cater to tech-savvy individuals, businessmen, and entrepreneurs who prioritize innovation, technology, and connectivity. Lamborghini’s customer base is relatively young, aged between 40 and 45, and is known for being oriented towards digitalization. Feedback on the Lanzador has been positive, with enthusiasm from attendees and dealers who see it as a step in the right direction for the brand.

Lamborghini recognizes the importance of connectivity in its future vehicles. Foschini acknowledges that the younger generation, who have grown up surrounded by entertainment and connectivity, will expect these features in their cars. Lamborghini cannot ignore this change and needs to provide the basic connectivity features to attract new customers. Foschini emphasizes that while Lamborghini’s DNA is rooted in emotion, performance, and design, connectivity is becoming a fundamental aspect of the car, and not offering it can potentially deter customers.

In conclusion, Lamborghini’s CMO believes that connectivity will become a significant selling point for the brand alongside its performance. The company aims to meet the needs of future customers by embracing technology and providing the connectivity features that are integral to their lives.

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1956 Ferrari Superamerica “Superfast” Wins Best of Show at 2023 The Quail

August 22, 2023 David

The 1956 Ferrari Superamerica “Superfast” took home the prestigious “Best of Show” title at the 2023 The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering. This exclusive event, held at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in Carmel, California, is part of the renowned Monterey Car Week and is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

This particular Ferrari, owned by Anne Brockinton Lee, stood out among more than 200 entries and was inducted into the Rolex Circle of Champions. What makes it unique is its recent multi-year restoration, featuring a one-of-one chassis and a futuristic tail fin design.

Under the hood, the Ferrari Superamerica boasts a 4.9-liter Lampredi V12 engine with twin ignition and 24 spark plugs. This engine is believed to have been used in the development of Ferrari’s long-distance racing 410 Sports, making it a significant piece of automotive history. It is also one of only four special-bodied prototypes for the 410 Superamerica and the only one designed by Pininfarina, adding to its exclusivity.

In addition to the Ferrari Superamerica, other notable winners at the 2023 The Quail event included a 1949 Lancia Aprilia Supergioello winning the Spirit of The Quail award, a 1962 Lancia Appia Convertible Vignale receiving the Hagerty Drivers Foundation & Preservation Award, and a 1953 Delahaye 135MS CL Spéciale Faget-Varnet taking home The Art of Bespoke Award. If you’re interested in exploring more Ferrari models for sale, you can visit duPont REGISTRY.

Motorsport

Bentley Continental GT Speed Revealed With Classic Styling Cues, And It’s The Only One

August 22, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, played host to the debut of a unique Bentley Continental GT Speed, designed to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the nameplate. This one-off creation was crafted by Bentley’s Mulliner personalization division and showcases similar styling elements as the original Continental GT from 2003. It has since been sold to a collector based in the United States.

Painted in an elegant Cypress Green color, the distinctive Continental GT Speed boasts an interior adorned with Saddle brown leather and Burr Walnut wood veneer trim, featuring both open pore and high gloss finishes. The cabin is also punctuated with subtle touches of the Special Green color, including contrast stitching. Notably, the treadplates bear the inscription “20 years of the Continental GT by Bentley Mulliner.”

Motorsport

Rimac Focusing on Reducing Weight in Future Cars and Exploring Track Specials

August 19, 2023 Prafful Singh

Rimac Automobili, fresh off its record-breaking performance at the Nurburgring with the Nevera, is looking for ways to further improve its performance. One area of focus is reducing weight in its future electric supercars, especially if Rimac wants to enter the racing scene.

During a celebration of the Nevera Time Attack special edition at The Quail, Chief Technology Officer Emilio Scervo discussed the possibility of a track version of the Nevera. He stated that the company should focus on making it lighter and explore other tweaks to enhance its stiffness and driver connection.

While Scervo did not confirm the development of track-only sports cars like the Maserati MCXtrema, he acknowledged the potential areas for improvement in the Nevera. Lighter-weight electrical components and a battery that resists range degradation during full-acceleration moments could contribute to reducing the car’s weight further.

The current weight of the Nevera is 5,071 pounds, but despite its heft, it remains one of the fastest vehicles available. A test drive during last year’s Monterey Car Week demonstrated the car’s incredible acceleration, reaching 60 mph in just 1.9 seconds. The Nevera also impressed with its exceptional grip and responsive handling, enabling higher cornering speeds than initially expected.

The Nevera’s performance at the Nurburgring validated its capabilities, setting a new lap record for production EVs. It completed a lap in 7 minutes and 5.298 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by the Tesla Model S Plaid with the Track package. Scervo’s comments suggest that there is still potential for even greater performance from the Nevera.

Motorsport

Bugatti Chiron Golden Era Gets Genuine Gold Badging For The First Time

August 19, 2023 Prafful Singh

The Bugatti Chiron Golden Era has been unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, marking the public debut of this special edition model. We spoke with Frank Heyl, the Director of Design at Bugatti, to learn more about the project. Created by Bugatti’s Sur Mesure customization division, the Golden Era pays homage to the company’s most iconic cars, with hand-drawn sketches directly on the paint.

The color scheme of the Chiron Golden Era features a custom gold shade called Doré, which gradually fades from the front end’s Nocturne Black. However, the most striking detail on the Golden Era is not its two-tone bodywork and eye-catching sketches, but rather the genuine gold accents.

According to Heyl, “This is the first time it’s got an actual gold emblem.” This includes the leaf on the red enamel grille badge, the Chiron Super Sport script on the sides, and even the gold-plated stylized EB logo on the rear deck.

With these luxurious gold accents, the Bugatti Chiron Golden Era showcases a level of elegance and exclusivity never seen before in the modern era of Bugatti vehicles.

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600cc Two-Stroke Engine by Panthera Motorsports: Based off Honda CR500 Platform

August 5, 2023 David

Panthera Motorsports, based in Canada, has announced the development of a 600cc complete engine that is based on the Honda CR500 platform. This engine will come with options for an electric starter and a hydraulic clutch. The PM09 engine by Panthera Motorsports will be available in three options: complete engine, top-end only, and bottom-end only. The company claims that the OEM Honda cylinder will fit on the Panthera Motorsports bottom-end, and their top-end will work with the OEM Honda bottom-end. The complete engine will cost around $7,800 USD, the complete bottom-end is priced at $3,800.00 USD to $4,200.00 USD, and the complete top-end is priced at $1,900.00 USD to $2,500.00 USD. More information and images can be found on Panthera Motorsports’ website.

Customers interested in the PM09 engine package can make a down payment to secure their spot in line and guarantee the manufacture of all the necessary components for their engine. The payment ensures a fixed price, regardless of any potential increase in production costs. Vehicle fitment and requirement information will be collected closer to the completion date. The package will include a complete engine with both kick start and electric start, an EFI throttle body or an oversized carburetor, an ECU and complete wiring, and a complete exhaust.

The engine specifications include a bore and stroke of 95mm x 84.5mm, a connecting rod length of 160mm, a primary ratio of 2.25, and transmission ratios of 1.75, 1.39, 1.09, 0.87, and 0.72. The exhaust configuration consists of one main port and two sub ports, and there are seven transfer ports. The engine also features a triple port, servo-controlled power valve system and an electric starter. The weight of the engine is 70 lbs. The cost of the engine ranges from $3,900.00 USD to $7,800.00 USD.

The complete bottom-end engine block is specifically designed for the Panthera PM09 600CC engine and is compatible with the Honda CR500 chassis and cylinder bolt patterns. It provides a solid base for the CR500 engine when combined with the Panthera cylinder. This fully assembled engine base comes with a counter balancer shaft and an electric starter. It offers 70% less vibration than a CR500 and is equipped with a high-capacity clutch that has 80% more torque capacity than the OEM Honda clutch. The clutch actuator options include a hydraulic slave and a cable actuator. The transmission features a primary ratio of 2.25 to reduce loads on the clutch and transmission and allows for the use of a smaller front sprocket. Two transmission ratios are available: standard ratio and HRC ratio. The complete bottom-end engine block costs between $3,800.00 USD and $4,200.00 USD.

The complete top-end cylinder kit is a direct bolt-in replacement for the CR500 engine base. It features a modern design with 2-stroke technology, a bore size of 95mm, and a forged 95mm piston. The optional servo-controlled power valve blocks all three exhaust ports and provides a powerband twice as large as the original CR500. A control module is included, which only requires the spark ignition signal and a 12V supply. The cylinder kit weighs 10 lbs and has dimensions of 11 x 11 x 10 inches. The cost of the complete top-end ranges from $1,900.00 USD to $2,500.00 USD.

For more information on the Panthera Motorsports PM09 engine, visit their website. There is also a video available for a complete overview of the engine.

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These Are The Best Luxury Essentials For An Aston Martin F1 Fan

July 29, 2023 David

For those of us with a passion for motorsports and car collecting, we know there’s an inherent allure to every vehicle. However, some brands, like Aston Martin, have gained special recognition and adoration due to their remarkable motorsports legacy. Aston Martin’s success, rooted in its past, present, and future, is backed by a dedicated community of enthusiasts and owners, many of whom found their love for the brand through racing.

Want to bring a hint of Aston Martin F1 spirit into your everyday life? We’ve carefully handpicked an array of luxury goods and accessories that embody this legendary brand. From race-day-ready t-shirts to luxurious high-end extras, our selection caters to all Aston Martin enthusiasts, seamlessly complementing their car-centric lifestyle. Enhance your Aston Martin F1 journey today and dive into the extensive collection of Aston Martin F1 gear available. Shop our specially curated list of featured Aston Martin F1 products through the links below!

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