This interplay turned out significantly better. The Jeep proprietor walked out of the shop and at first was a bit confused when he noticed her placing a rubber duck on his Jeep, however learn the word and liked it. “The guy had the biggest smile and he just cracked up laughing,” she informed Elmore Autauga News. That night time #DuckDuckJeep was born after Parliament posted the image on Instagram and shortly acquired a pair thousand followers. Many have since adopted swimsuit, and it is taken off with the Jeep fanatic neighborhood within the U.S. and different international locations. If you need to take part on this custom, simply be sure that the automobile you are leaving the duck on just isn’t actually a Wrangler Clone.
The guidelines concerned within the rubber duck Jeep motion aren’t precisely that difficult: one merely locations a rubber duck someplace on a Jeep with the intention to deliver a smile to the proprietor for no matter purpose. “For me, it was an act of kindness, a healing of sorts, as well as recognition of and greeting to a fellow Jeep owner,” Parliament told Motor Trend. “But it can just be that you like their Jeep, or it’s the same Jeep you have, or maybe a classic Jeep you would like to own one day. You don’t really need a reason for Jeep ducking other than to connect, bring a smile to someone’s face, and have fun.”
Last week, information broke that Formula One proprietor Liberty Media was reportedly deep into acquisition talks to carry MotoGP rights-holder Dorna into the fold. Now, only a few days later, Liberty Media has introduced that it has acquired an 86% stake for $4.5 billion, giving controlling curiosity within the sequence.
According to Liberty Media’s Greg Maffei, the group’s President and CEO, “We are thrilled to expand our portfolio of leading live sports and entertainment assets with the acquisition of MotoGP. MotoGP is a global league with a loyal, enthusiastic fan base, captivating racing and a highly cash flow generative financial profile.”
He added, “Carmelo and his management team have built a great sporting spectacle that we can expand to a wider global audience. The business has significant upside, and we intend to grow the sport for MotoGP fans, teams, commercial partners and our shareholders.”
MotoGP’s present administration will retain 14%.
Although MotoGP is each the highest degree of worldwide motorbike racing and undoubtedly the shiniest gem in Dorna’s crown, it is also value noting that the deal will see Liberty Media take management of all of these different motorbike racing sequence, too, together with; MotoGP, World Superbike (WSBK), FIM Enel MotoE World Championship, FINetwork FIM JuniorGP, Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup, R&G British Talent Cup, Northern Talent Cup, FIM MiniGP World Series, and the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup.
So let’s get into who Liberty Media is and what this may maintain for the way forward for motorbike racing all over the world.
Who Or What Is Liberty Media?
For these unfamiliar, Liberty Media owns quite a lot of different media, communications, and leisure pursuits moreover Formula One. A fast session of its present asset checklist, which is correct as of January 31, 2024, consists of the next holdings:
Holding
How Much Does LM Own?
Formula One
100%
F1 Arcade (full-motion racing simulators)
21 p.c
LV Diamond Property LLC (owns the roughly 40 acres in Las Vegas the place the F1 Las Vegas GP paddock sits)
100%
Meyer Shank Racing (American racing group presently competing within the NTT IndyCar sequence and the WeatherTech SportsAutomotive Championship)
30 p.c
QuintEvents, LLC (sports activities and leisure ticket and hospitality package deal supplier)
100%
Associated Partners, L.P. (investments)
33 p.c
Drone Racing League, Inc
3 p.c
Green Energy Investments
numerous
Griffin Gaming Fund (gaming-focused VC fund)
3 p.c
Inrix, Inc (transportation analytics software program agency)
4 p.c
Kroenke Arena Company, LLC (owns Denver, Colorado’s Ball Arena and likewise “includes a 7 percent profits interest based on the value of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche professional sports teams.”)
7 p.c
Liberty Technology Venture Capital, LLC (funding fund centered on Israeli know-how firms)
80 p.c
Live Nation Entertainment Inc. (self-reported because the “largest live entertainment company in the world, consisting of three segments: concerts, sponsorship, and advertising and ticketing.”)
30 p.c
Overtime Sports, Inc (sports activities media firm)
5 p.c
Tastemade, Inc (meals, journey, and way of life digital media firm)
6 p.c
SiriusXM Holdings Inc (satellite tv for pc radio firm offering subscription providers)
83 p.c
Liberty Global is presently chaired by billionaire John Malone, who as not too long ago as November 2023 spoke to the Hollywood Reporter in regards to the rising risk of huge tech firms accruing media pursuits (assume Amazon buying the rights to Thursday Night Football, for instance).
Malone went on to opine that Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav was doing “a great job”, and THR famous at the moment that Malone can also be a shareholder in Warner Bros. Discovery.
As you could recall, Warner Bros. Discovery merged with HBO Max again in 2022, ultimately occurring to type the Max streaming service which additionally recently obtained exclusive live streaming rights for the MotoGP world championship in the US in 2024. It’s how I watch MotoGP, and it is how numerous different US-based followers will probably be having fun with the present season, as properly.
What About The European Commission’s Strong Antitrust Tendencies?
Both F1 and MotoGP have been right here earlier than. Back in 2006, personal fairness agency CVC Capital Partners briefly owned each top-level motorsport sequence. However, EU competitors regulators at the moment took a dim view of the matter and compelled the agency to promote MotoGP. Later, CVC could be the agency to promote F1 on to Liberty Media within the first place in 2017, in a deal value $8 billion on the time (which might be over $10 billion in 2024 cash).
That was 2006, although. This is 2024, and it is not clear how the scenario, regulators, or different environmental elements may need modified between then and now. Although it is not sports-related, we will say that it is clear EU regulators aren’t afraid to go after mega firms that it believes do not adjust to its present antitrust guidelines.
For additional proof, simply take a look at the continuing European Commission investigations into Apple, Meta, and Google.
Taking All Currently Known Factors Into Consideration, What Does RideApart Think?
Get a bunch of like-minded followers collectively in a single place, regardless of the circumstance, and they are going to have ideas starting from issues like “imagine a world where MotoGP is a support series for F1; doubleheaders, even” (Jonathon Klein) to “no one would be able to afford tickets” (Janaki Jitchotvisut) and “I think the fans would hate it” (Robbie Bacon).
Executive Editor Jonathon Klein additionally had these ideas, “I’m conflicted. I’m a big Formula 1 fan and the way that Liberty Media, in conjunction with Netflix, has reinvigorated the sport has been nothing short of wild to witness. If the company can do that with MotoGP, I’m here for it. But at the same time, I’ve essentially been priced out of seeing most races as Liberty Media has imposed higher and higher ticket prices.”
He added, “I’m also concerned that the level of grift and corruption we’ve seen in recent years within Formula 1 in relation to championship winners and losers, where the sport goes to race, among other aspects within the paddock could spread to MotoGP. The influx of cash to a sport can go either way, but the current leadership of Liberty Media doesn’t seem to care, rather embraces, the grift that was always present in F1. I’d hate to see that come to MotoGP in the same way it came to F1. But I’d like to be optimistic and see greater things for a sport I love and more people to enjoy it.”
Now that the deal is completed, how do you count on it to have an effect on you as a racing fan of any of the sequence concerned? Let us know within the feedback!
Don’t be too arduous on the proprietor of this 1995 Toyota Supra turbo. He purchased it in 2001 and loved driving it for roughly 10 years earlier than his household started to develop. According to this new WD Detailing video, it was parked within the yard round 2011, and that is the place it stayed till lately, when the proprietor determined to offer it some much-needed love.
The video opens with the crimson Supra sunk into the grime, surrounded by trash luggage scattered all through the yard. Moss is clearly seen on the Mk4’s beefy bottom, and caked-on grime covers the sports activities automobile’s rocker panels. The grime seems like mud splatter, probably from heavy rains turning the bottom right into a muddy soup over time. The glass is filthy, the inside is moldy, and there is vital clearcoat harm on the Supra’s iconic wing. An inspection sticker on the windshield is dated 2011, supporting the declare that it has been parked for nicely over a decade.
Once again on the store, extra proof of this Supra’s prolonged slumber is revealed. The brake rotors appear like rusted pizza pans, and the calipers are too corroded to be restored with a easy cleansing. Gobs of leaves are pulled from the underbody cowl on the entrance, and two mouse nests are faraway from the cargo space on the again. More rodent leftovers are pulled from behind the hood insulation, which seems all however destroyed by critters. A very creepy second comes when the fuel door is opened, revealing a cluster of reside ants. Apparently, there was a small colony taking refuge across the filler neck. Yikes.
Of course, those that’ve seen WD Detailing movies understand how this story ends. After a number of passes with varied cleaners and polishes, the outdated Toyota seems fairly darn good. Sadly it would not look nice—years of neglect broken parts of the paint, and among the inside plastics are pale. There’s harm to the leather-based seats, and a few stains within the carpet simply will not come out. They attempt to begin the 2JZ, however the engine would not like outdated fuel. It turns over cleanly, however would not come near firing up.
Still, it is left in much better situation than it was, and it is a good place to begin for the proprietor to both do a full restoration, or just repair the mechanicals and get it again on the highway. Considering these Supras are actually price critical money, hopefully he will not return it to the yard whereas he decides his subsequent steps.
Hot on the heels of McLaren getting a brand new proprietor, the supercar maker is able to preview its future design language. The lone teaser picture alongside a slate of cool sketches makes it seem as if the brand new seems to be will not stray removed from the corporate’s present styling, with the automaker taking inspiration for the brand new design philosophy from almost each facet of its previous—together with Formula 1, Can-Am racing, and naturally, the enduring F1 street automotive.
The faces of future McLaren fashions will proceed to function a low nostril and two distinct symmetrical components. The new 750S is a good instance of this with its built-in headlight/air consumption unit, however the firm would not particularly say how that’ll look on its next-gen fashions.
The facet profile within the design teaser seems to be sharper and extra outlined than the 750S within the sketches. The downward kink into the door is deeper, making a extra pronounced entrance fender bulge, whereas the roof is flatter, extra easily flowing into the rear deck.
The lengthy rear overhang will cowl an open and uncovered again finish that is prevalent on its present lineup of automobiles, which helps dissipate warmth. Future McLaren fashions will intensify their width and decrease journey peak with horizontal-oriented design components—assume diffusers and different aero bits.
The automaker may also apply its new design philosophy to its cabins. They’ll function “wrap-around” cockpits with out compromising the sensation of spaciousness that integrates concave surfaces into the inside.
Last week, Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, took complete ownership of McLaren Group, which can assist the automaker put money into new merchandise and applied sciences. McLaren has confronted some monetary points over the previous few years, however new management helps to right course.
Its new hypercar might launch later this yr, which can reportedly crank out over 1,000 horsepower from a plug-in hybrid V8. It’ll seemingly be carrying this new design language.
It’s official—McLaren Group has a brand new proprietor. Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, has taken full possession of the automaker, expanding its stake from 60 percent to 100.
There are few clear particulars about what this might imply for McLaren Automotive. The group’s govt chairman, Paul Walsh, mentioned the transfer “will further enable us to focus on delivering our long-term business plan.” That will embrace investing in new merchandise and applied sciences.
A Ferrari proprietor has sued the automaker in US District Court for failing to restore a brake defect correctly. The lawsuit alleges that the automaker may solely present “an interim” repair for the issue that now leaves house owners to drive unsafe vehicles.
Iliya Nechev purchased his 2010 458 Italia in 2020 and says he skilled brake points from day one. The lawsuit describes one incident the place Nechev tried to navigate a 90-degree flip whereas driving downhill, however the automobile wouldn’t decelerate when he pressed the brakes. A Ferrari seller informed him that that was “normal,” in response to the submitting.
Ferrari initially issued a voluntary recall in October 2021 for the 458 Italia, 458 Speciale (pictured above), 458 Speciale Aperta, 458 Spider, 488 GTB, and 488 Spider. The firm found that brake fluid may leak out of the system and trigger a partial or full lack of braking energy, however on the time, Ferrari did not know the cause of the problem.
The firm issued a second recall in mid-2022 for a lack of brake perform that affected more than 23,000 cars relationship again to the 2005 mannequin 12 months. Ferrari had found that the fluid reservoir cap on the affected autos won’t have been correctly venting. This may trigger a vacuum contained in the reservoir, resulting in a leak.
Ferrari fastened the problem with a brand new reservoir cap and up to date software program. The recall affected all the things from the 612 Scaglietti to the Roma however didn’t embody the 458 or 488 lineups from the sooner recall.
Nechev’s lawsuit alleges Ferrari may have solely fastened the problem by changing the grasp cylinder. It additionally says Ferrari failed to tell prospects concerning the extent of the brake defect.
A Ferrari spokesperson gave the next assertion to Motor1 when reached for remark:
“The safety and well-being of our clients is our highest priority. We operate according to stringent safety and security guidelines to ensure that our vehicles always respect homologation specifications.”
This E30-generation BMW 3 Series coupe was left deserted by its earlier proprietor within the storage of a Pennsylvania home. It sat untouched for 14 years as the home slowly started to collapse on itself, resulting in a buildup of particles on the surface of the automobile and infestation inside. Thankfully the automobile was saved from demise due to the parents at WD Detailing, who recovered the automobile and detailed it to perfection.
Before WD Detailing may carry this E30 to its residence base and get to cleansing, the workforce needed to extract the automobile — one thing simpler mentioned than performed contemplating how lengthy it has been sitting. After getting the storage door out of the way in which the workforce decides to tug the automobile out with a rope connected to one of many automobile’s rear management arms. But as a result of the arm is so rusty, it merely snaps, leaving the rear left wheel dealing with the improper course.
What follows is a number of painful hours of sluggish, cautious extraction to get the BMW into WD Detailing’s trailer. But as soon as it is again on the warehouse, the cleansing can lastly start. And there’s numerous cleansing to do. The paint is in tough form, having misplaced a great deal of its clear coat. There’s a big quantity of residence ceiling insulation sitting on the hood, and the inside is coated in rat urine and feces.
A very good element cures most of this E30’s beauty issues. Cleaning provides and high-pressure water clear the mud and mildew from the outside, whereas loads of degreaser and scrubbing get the carpets wanting wholesome(ish). The seat cushions exhibit essentially the most drastic change, going from a gross yellow-ish colour to a near-factory gentle beige. It’s all very satisfying to look at.
Sadly this E30’s destiny was sealed lengthy earlier than it acquired this world-class detailing. According to the WD Detailing people, the automobile going to be parted out reasonably than revived and put again on the highway. While we’re unhappy to see a traditional automobile chunk the mud, we’re glad that its components are capable of preserve others on the highway.
Someone’s new 12 months is not off to a great begin. We aren’t simply speaking in regards to the proprietor of this sixth-gen Ford Mustang, seen right here with its bottom protruding of a home in Indianapolis, Indiana. Presumably, any person lives there, and now there is a gaping gap within the wall roughly three toes up from the bottom. And sure, the truth that the home is on Shelby Street is not misplaced on us.
This crash occurred on January 5 at roughly 1:00 pm native time, based on the Indianapolis Fire Department. Responding firefighters discovered the motive force nonetheless inside upon arrival. Photos present the automotive neatly wedged within the facet of the home, albeit just a few toes within the air.
According to a Facebook submit by the fireplace division, the Mustang was the one automotive concerned. The driver was capable of exit below his personal energy, and went to the hospital for analysis. There was no point out of anybody being within the constructing, so regardless of the vehicular carnage, there seem like no notable accidents. The division says it would not understand how the crash occurred, and that Indianapolis police are investigating.
Indianapolis Metro Police Department was not capable of present any further info when reached by Motor1. A name to the Indianapolis Fire Department referred us again to the police, so we’re left with what we see within the pictures.
Scuff marks on the embankment clearly present the Mustang’s path, nevertheless it will need to have been going fairly shortly to finish up via the wall. And although it is off the bottom, we suspect that might be the results of hitting one thing fairly darned stable inside. The view from the again reveals the horse automotive sitting on some sort of platform, seemingly the ground of the home. We can even see from this angle that it is a GT. But the true thriller is all of the injury on the correct rear quarter panel. It wasn’t attributable to the home, and the highway signal we see on a Google Maps screenshot of the realm remains to be in place. We have many unanswered questions.
If we get extra info on how this occurred we’ll leap in with an replace. But with regulation enforcement in Indianapolis at present mum on the topic, we aren’t optimistic. At least there have been no main accidents on this melee, however we suspect the Mustang might be down for the rely.
Ford is searching for a brand new proprietor for its Saarlouis manufacturing facility, and Dacia retains the brand new Duster comparatively reasonably priced.
This is AM Drive, Motor1’s day by day have a look at the information you want earlier than you get in your automobile.
For Sale: Ford Saarlouis Factory Where The Focus Is Built
Ford killed the Fiesta in 2023 and it will discontinue one other iconic automobile in 2025 when the final Focus will roll off the meeting line. While the Cologne manufacturing facility the place the Fiesta was made is being changed into an electrical manufacturing hub, the long run is unsure for the Saarlouis manufacturing facility the place the Focus calls house.
The meeting plant positioned within the German state of Saarland completely produces the Focus, making it crucial to discover a new companion to maintain operations past 2025. According to studies from the DPA information company, there’s a glimmer of hope as an investor within the automotive trade is allegedly desirous about taking on as soon as the present contract expires.
America sadly by no means received the final-generation Fiesta, nor the Focus. The Blue Oval gave each the ST scorching hatch therapy, plus a Focus ST wagon. Ford even launched a diesel Focus ST.
McLaren might quickly have a brand new proprietor. A brand new report says that an announcement might come as quickly as this week revealing Bahrain’s sovereign wealth fund, Mumtalakat Holding Company, will take full management of McLaren Group. The fund, wholly owned by the federal government, is reportedly negotiating a buyout with the remaining shareholders.
This time final yr, Mumtalakat had a virtually 60 p.c stake within the firm and expanded its management earlier in 2023. The fund and different traders have been an important supply of money for McLaren in recent times, serving to to maintain the operation operating as the corporate confronted quite a few manufacturing hurdles.
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