Tag Archives: race

BMW

24h Spa-Francorchamps: Philipp Eng, Marco Wittmann, and Nick Yelloly win for ROWE Racing in the BMW M4 GT3.

ROWE Racing secured their third victory at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps with a thrilling race. After completing 537 laps, Philipp Eng, Marco Wittmann, and Nick Yelloly drove the #98 BMW M4 GT3 to victory, giving BMW their 25th overall win in the event. Eng claimed his third Spa triumph for BMW, while Wittmann celebrated his first 24-hour race win and Yelloly added to his endurance victory from the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2020.

The BMW M4 GT3 teams had to make up ground after heavy rain during qualifying forced them to miss out on Super Pole. The BMW M Team WRT and the #998 BMW M4 GT3 of ROWE Racing made impressive progress early on, battling for top positions. The eventual winners faced setbacks but made an impressive comeback, ultimately taking the lead during the night and securing the victory.

The #46 BMW M4 GT3 from BMW M Team WRT finished in sixth place, having shown strong speed throughout the race but receiving time penalties. The #30 BMW M4 GT3 from the WRT team secured second place in the Gold Cup category. The #31 BMW M4 GT3 finished 25th overall.

A collision between the #998 BMW M4 GT3 from ROWE Racing and the #32 BMW M4 GT3 from BMW M Team WRT resulted in heavy damage to both vehicles. Fortunately, both drivers remained unharmed, but repairs to the barriers led to a two-hour yellow period.

Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, praised the team’s performance and the victory for the BMW M4 GT3. Hans-Peter Naundorf, Team Principal of ROWE Racing, highlighted the difficulty of the race and the consistency of the team’s performance. Winning this significant race in the second year of the BMW M4 GT3 project was a significant achievement. Philipp Eng, Marco Wittmann, and Nick Yelloly expressed their joy and gratitude for the victory, with Wittmann celebrating his long-awaited first 24-hour race win.

Valentino Rossi, who drove the #46 BMW M4 GT3, expressed his happiness with the race and the team’s improvement from the previous year. Charles Weerts, driver of the #32 BMW M4 GT3, expressed disappointment and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the accident. Neil Verhagen, driver of the #998 BMW M4 GT3, expressed relief that both drivers were unharmed but expressed frustration at the loss of two cars with a chance of winning.

Motorsport

Maserati GT2: A Race Car with Power and Style

The Maserati GT2, a stunning race car, is set to make its grand entrance at the 24 Hours of Spa in Belgium. This new single-seater machine has been specifically designed to meet GT2 regulations and takes heavy inspiration from the road-going MC20 supercar. Its debut will take place during the final rounds of the Fanatec GT European Series, with plans for a full racing season in 2024.

Similar to its street-legal counterpart, the GT2 is powered by Maserati’s in-house Nettuno V6 engine. Starting next year, Maserati will no longer rely on Ferrari engines, as their current agreement comes to an end. Under the hood of the GT2 lies a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 engine, producing a robust 621 horsepower (463 kilowatts) at 7,500 RPM, along with a peak torque of 730 Newton-meters (538 pound-feet) attainable at 3,000 RPM. If these figures sound familiar, it’s because they match those of the MC20 supercar.


Motorsport

Ford Mustang GT4 Race Car Debuts With Aggressive Body Design

Ford has officially introduced the Mustang GT4 as a racing car designed for competitors who want a step below the recently unveiled GT3. This new model is specifically built for the SRO GT4 category.

The Mustang GT4 is based on the Dark Horse model and is manufactured by Multimatic. Ford Performance will provide the powerful Coyote-based 5.0-liter V8 engines for these race cars. The vehicle will also feature components such as Multimatic DSSV dampers and a Holinger dog-ring gearbox.


NewsNew

BEN KELLEY WINS SNOWSHOE GNCC

Yamaha Racing Snowshoe: Motorcycle Race Report
Kelley Returns to The Top in West Virginia

The Grand National Cross Country Series presented by Specialized, an AMA National Championship, (GNCC Racing) concluded its ninth round of racing, Yamaha Racing Snowshoe, on Sunday, June 25, atop Cheat Mountain in Snowshoe, West Virginia. Some sunshine made an appearance after rainy conditions were presented to the area throughout the week, it was clear that the tradition of the old Blackwater 100, known as “America’s Toughest Race,” was still alive.

As row one took off, the Snowshoe GNCC event pays tribute to the Blackwater heritage as the race starts “in town” with riders lined up in groups of five or seven on the main road. They start live-engine ever 10 seconds, and are time adjusted based off of what row they begin on. The early lead would go to AmPro Yamaha’s Ricky Russell as they came through on lap one.

Ben Kelley (FMF/KTM Factory Racing) earned his second win of the season at round nine in West Virginia. Photo:Mack Faint

However, as they came through on lap two it would be Rocky Mountain/Tely Energy/KTM’s Steward Baylor leading the way. Not far behind them FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Ben Kelley was making the necessary moves towards the front of the pack, and he would move into the lead position by the time they came around to the finish line on lap three. Kelley would continue to hold the lead and push forward for the next two laps. When the checkered flag came out, Kelley would come through with over a minute lead to earn his second win of the season.

Magna1 Motorsports/Husqvarna’s Jordan Ashburn would have a consistent race at Snowshoe as he held the number two position for the majority of the race. Ashburn would battle for the lead but would be unable to make a pass stick. He would hold onto second overall at round nine. FMF/KTM Factory Racing’s Jonathan Girroir would also have a good race as he continued to battle in the third overall position for the duration of the race. Girroir would come through to round out the podium before summer break.

After briefly holding the lead, Baylor would have to make a long pit stop to have a rear tire changed. He could get back out on the track and continue to charge, making his way up to fourth overall for the day. Baylor Jr. now sits tied in the points standings for the National Championship. Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Grant Baylor would round out the top five overall finishers on the day as he worked his way up from seventh.

Jordan Ashburn (Magna1 Motorsports/Husqvarna) battled throughout the race to finish second overall at Snowshoe. Photo: Ken Hill

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Craig DeLong, who is now tied with Baylor in the points standings for first, did not have the race he hoped for at Snowshoe as he came through sixth in XC1 and 11th overall on the day. His teammate, Trevor Bollinger would come through in seventh with a 15th overall finishing position.

Battling back after running outside the top 10 for the majority of the day was Babbitt’s Online/Monster Energy/Kawasaki Team Green’s Josh Strang. As he came through to the finish, he would cross the line eighth in the XC1 Open Pro class. GASGAS/FXR Moto/Scott Goggle’s Layne Michael would come through behind Strang to earn ninth in the class, while Enduro Engineering/GASGAS’ Joshua Toth made an appearance at the GNCC event to round out the top 10 in XC1. Unfortunately for Russell he would only be able to complete three laps before having to retire from the race.

Johnny Girroir continues his rise up the ‘fast guy’ food chain with a strong third at the tough Snowshoe GNCC. Photo Mack Faint

AmPro Yamaha’s Liam Draper earned his second-straight XC2 250 Pro class win of the season atop Snowshoe Mountain Resort. However, Draper would battle throughout the day with Phoenix Racing Honda’s Ruy Barbosa as they swapped the lead position for a brief period. Draper would soon regain the lead and come through to earn the win, while Barbosa would hold onto second in the class when the checkered flag flew. FMF/RPM KTM Racing’s Angus Riordan would find himself in podium contention once again after working his way up from a seventh place start to the day. Riordan would make the pass for third on the last lap and hold onto until he reached the checkered flag.

Liam Draper (AmPro Yamaha) earned his second XC2 250 Pro class win at the Yamaha Racing Snowshoe GNCC. Photo: Mack Faint

In the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class it was Bonecutter Off-Road/Steel City Mens Clinic/XC Gear’s Thorn Devlin returning to the GNCC races and earning the class win after leading all five laps of the race. Carolina XC/Moose Racing/KTM’s Zack Hayes would work his way up to second in the class after a fourth place start to the day. Osburn Off-Road/JDP Suspension/Bell Helmet’s Jayce Knopp would steadily work his way up through the pack and round out the FMF XC3 podium with a third place finish on the day.

Thorn Devlin earned the FMF XC3 125 Pro-Am class win. Photo: Ken Hill

Earning the Snowshoe GNCC Top Amateur Honors was Nicholas Defeo of the 4-Stroke A Lites class as he earned the class win and came through 14th overall on the day. Cooper Jones would come through to earn second Top Amateur as he earned the 250 A class win and finished 18th overall. Michael Delosa finished second in the 250 A class and 22nd overall, earning himself the final spot atop the Top Amateur podium.

Rachael Archer (AmPro Yamaha) earned another WXC and overall morning win at Snowshoe. Photo: Ken Hill

As the morning race got underway and the WXC racers took off it was AmPro Yamaha’s Rachael Archer getting out front early in the race. Archer would continue to push and place a gap out front as the race wore on. As the checkered flag flew Archer would come through to earn her sixth win of the season.

GASGAS/Over and Out/RG Factory Racing’s Rachel Gutish would hold onto second for the duration of the race, even after a slight mechanical issue would set her back from making a push to battle for the lead. Raines Riding University/Yamaha Racing’s Prestin Raines would swap the third place position multiple times with Trail Jesters KTM Racing’s Korie Steede. However, Raines would hold on to earn her second podium of the season with a third in the WXC class.

Gary Fridley of the Super Senior A class would come through to earn second overall in the race behind Archer, and Tucker Kenreigh would earn third overall and first in the 150 B Schoolboy (12-17) class.

Ryan Amancio earned the Bike Youth overall win in the muddy conditions. Photo: Ken Hill

In the Youth Race it was Ryan Amancio coming away with the overall win at Snowshoe, followed by James Jenkins and Canyon Richards rounding out the top three overall finishers. All three also completed the YXC1 Super Mini Sr. (14-15) class podium.

Doc Smith would come through to earn the YXC2 Super Mini Jr. (12-13) class win, while Ethan Harwell and Brayden Baisley rounded out the YXC2 top three finishers. Ryder Sigety claimed the 85 Big Wheel (11-15) class win, Ryder Reick earned the 85 (12-13) class win, Brody Boland would earn the 85 (7-11) class win, Tucker Aldrich brought home the 65 (10-11) class win, Jace Mitchell claimed the 65 (9) class win and Tripp Lewis earned the 65 (7-8) class win. Addison Harris clinched the Girls Super Mini (12-16) class win, Sahara Robinson would earn the Girls 85 (7-13) class win, Aubrey Tsakanikas would take home the Girls 65 (7-11) class win while Peyton Robinson earned the Trail Rider (7-15) class win.

Ben Kelley (center), Jordan Ashburn (left) and Jonathan Girroir (right) rounded out the top three overall finishers at the Yamaha Racing Snowshoe GNCC. Photo: Ken Hill

Yamaha Racing Snowshoe Results and Points Standings
Snowshoe, West Virginia
Round 9 of 12
Sunday, June 25, 2023

XC1 Pro Event Results:

  1. Ben Kelley (KTM)
  2. Jordan Ashburn (HQV)
  3. Jonathan Girroir (KTM)
  4. Steward Baylor (KTM)
  5. Grant Baylor (KAW)
  6. Craig Delong (HQV)
  7. Trevor Bollinger (HQV)
  8. Josh Strang (KAW)
  9. Layne Michael (GAS)
  10. Joshua Toth (GAS)

*Overall National Championship Standings:

  1. Steward Baylor (178)
  2. Craig Delong (178)
  3. Ben Kelley (174)
  4. Jordan Ashburn (153)
  5. Grant Baylor (130)
  6. Jonathan Girroir (124)
  7. Ricky Russell (113)
  8. Josh Strang (109)
  9. Ruy Barbosa (104)
  10. Angus Riordan (98)

*Indicates that the Overall National Championship Standings will determine the 2023 National Champion.

XC2 250 Pro Event Results:

  1. Liam Draper (YAM)
  2. Ruy Barbosa (HON)
  3. Angus Riordan (KTM)
  4. Grant Davis (KTM)
  5. Cody Barnes (HON)
  6. Michael Witkowski (HON)
  7. Jesse Ansley (KTM)
  8. Evan Smith (BET)
  9. Jack Edmondson (KTM)
  10. Jonathan Johnson (BET)

XC2 250 Pro Series Standings:

  1. Liam Draper (194)
  2. Ruy Barbosa (191)
  3. Angus Riordan (177)
  4. Cody Barnes (176)
  5. Ryder Lafferty (145)
  6. Michael Witkowski (139)
  7. Mason Semmens (131)
  8. Evan Smith (123)
  9. Jonathan Johnson (107)
  10. Jesse Ansley (97)
News

The KTM 450 SMR Is Ready To Rule The Race-Track In 2024

Supermotos are probably one of the greatest things the human race ever invented. Take an incredibly fun-to-ride motocross bike and put some road tires on it, so you can ride it on the street. Even better, put some slick racing tires on it and race these pieces of motorcycle art around a small track. Since 2003, and AMA’s first-ever Supermoto Championship, their popularity only grew. So if you are looking for your next bike, besides buying a superbike or a supernaked, why not give a supermoto a chance? And when it comes to supermoto bikes, one name sure stands out, those three magical letters… KTM!

Related: Husqvarna And KTM All Set To Dominate The Dual Sport Segment

The KTM 450 SMR – Built To Dominate The Race-Track

KTM 450 SMR 2024 in orange
KTM
Photo of a KTM 450 SMR doing a wheelie on a race-track

One of the best things, besides Arnold of course, that has ever come out of Austria. The KTM’s supermoto line, and the 450 SMR that was imagined as the ultimate track-day weapon. Without a doubt, this machine is just way too tempting to be overlooked, and for 2024, it’s getting even more addictive.

There are plenty of upgrades for the new 450 SMR, so let’s start with everyone’s favorite part. The engine. It is a one-cylinder four-stroke 449.9 cc engine that makes an impressive 63 horsepower. KTM swears that its new single-overhead-camshaft engine continues to be one of the most insane and perfectly executed mechanical gems. Going down the same line as their motocross and hard-enduro/dual-sport line-up, the 450 SMR’s engine was lightened (now weighs only 59 lbs) and pushed towards the center of the bike for better handling and anti-squat behavior.

How did they get a lightweight engine capable of pushing 63 horsepower? With the new cylinder head. Shorter and lighter with a more compact profile. Next was the new ultra-light crankshaft to offer more performance, better response when you twist the throttle, and to keep any pesky vibrations to a minimum. The housing for the crankshaft was made through a high-pressure die-cast process to get thinner and more durable walls. The slipper clutch is from Suter Racing and offers rear stability when you slam on the brakes in the middle of an apex.

Related: Here’s Why Supermotos Are So Much Fun

Making The 450 SMR Ultra-Light

KTM 450 SMR for 2024
KTM
KTM 450 SMR 2024 doing a burnout

The light-weight exhaust is a compact two-piece header that can easily be removed without messing around with the rear shocks. But, things get even better at the exhaust department. You can also order, from the KTM’s power parts list, an Akrapovič ‘Evolution Line’ exhaust. Made from light-weight, high-grade titanium, and 1,9lbs lighter than the stock one.

The frame was made to provide flexibility while keeping it solid length-wise. The sub-frame was made from reinforced aluminum and polyamide for increased durability and flexibility. The swing-arm was also made to be as light as possible, therefore aluminum was used to make it.

The suspension on the 450 SMR is top-of-the-line, specifically made for supermoto bikes. The front fork is a 48 mm air-sprung WP XACT that uses AER technology (basically a capsuled air spring and a pressurized oil chamber). It is easily adjustable through a single air-pressure valve. The rear shock is also WP XACT, and can be easily tuned without the need for tools. Wheels are light-weight Alpina, 16.5 at the front and 17 inches at the rear, and they come dressed in Metzeler’s Racetec K1 supermoto tires. To stop this bad boy is a job for Brembo brakes. A four-piston radially mounted caliper with a 310 mm disc at the front and a one-piston caliper with a 220 mm disc at the rear.

The high-tech stuff is also quite interesting. You get to choose between two engine maps. The first map gives you easily controllable, tamed power delivery. The second map will give you more of a no-holds-barred, anything-goes approach to power output (you were warned). Another cool feature is the easily de/activated quick-shifter that allows you to shift into higher gears without squeezing the clutch, but only from second to fifth gear. To keep you safe when things get slippery is what the traction control is for. If the revs jump too fast, the onboard computer sees that as a loss of grip and cuts down the power to the rear wheel. What kind of street rocket would the 450 SMR be without the launch control? Just press the traction control and quick-shifter button together for this to activate. All of these nice-to-have gadgets come with a base price of $11,999.

The Blue And White Option

Husqvarna FS 450 2024
Husqvarna 
A studio photo of a Husqvarna FS 450 for 2024 

The biggest competitor to KTM for the wildest bike is, who else but the KTM-owned Husqvarna. Both of their line-ups for 2024 seem to be aiming at each other’s throats. In the world of off-road bikes, this is the best news someone can hope for. Husqvarna’s FS 450 for 2024 seems more than upgraded and ready to take on the KTM’s 450 SMR.

Although the spec sheet reads the same, a keen motorcycle fan knows that the bike, and the company that makes it, is more than just a list of parts. Husqvarna and KTM do not make the same motorcycles. They are however, in this case, equally priced.

NewsNew

Trystan Hart Secures 2023 U.S. Hard Enduro Championship with Silver Kings Victory

Trystan Hart: “The race went really well here in Idaho, not a lot of drama for me – I caught the guys early on and then Cody [Webb] and I battled for a bit before he had a huge high-side down the hill. The track got harder and harder closer to the finish and I was just coasting on the trails, which I don’t normally do, but I was conserving energy in case there were any more surprises. It was a good race, I was so nervous bringing it home!”

Trystan Hart from FMF KTM Factory Racing has successfully defended his AMA U.S. Hard Enduro Championship title by winning the Silver Kings Hard Enduro race. This year, Hart has maintained his winning form from last season and continued his perfect record in Round 6 at the Silver Mountain Ski Resort, also securing the AMA West Extreme Regional Championship.

Hart took the lead during the early stages of the Main Event, finishing with a total time of 2:52:36 and securing a winning margin of 40 seconds. This victory marks his third consecutive crown in the series.

Ryder LeBlond: “It was a gnarly day on the mountain here at the Silver Kings Hard Enduro. This was definitely a real hard enduro – probably one of the toughest ones I’ve done in the United States so far, it was just a long, brutal beat down. We had some good battles all day, which was fun, and at the end there I was able to break away from the group and grab P2 for the day, which is awesome.”

Ryder LeBlond from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing finished in second place, with Cody Webb from Sherco taking the final spot on the podium. Despite a detour that cost him significant time, Colton Haaker put on a solid performance and secured fourth place at the Silver Kings event.

Colton Haaker: “Super steep, super long, and I got some cramps. I had a great time, just had a small mishap at the first checkpoint where I went down the silver route for about 20 minutes and had to double-back to hit the gold run. I was in the lead, then that put me back to 15th, charged through the race, and pulled it in for a fourth-place finish. All in all, great day, and the bike was awesome.”

1.) Trystan Hart

2.) Ryder LeBlond

3.) Cody Webb

4.) Colton Haaker

BMW

UPDATE: BMW M Hybrid V8 celebrates historic first victory at IMSA race in Watkins Glen.

Watkins Glen. The BMW M Team RLL has secured the win in the 6-hour race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Watkins Glen in the USA. Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly finished in second place but were later awarded first place due to a technical violation by the first-place Porsche. This marks the first-ever victory for the BMW M Hybrid V8, with the last BMW prototype win in North America dating back to 1999 at Sebring with the BMW V12 LMR.

Reactions to the victory:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Wow! This is a historic day for BMW M Motorsport and a significant milestone for our LMDh project. Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in this program. While we would have preferred to win on the track, this success is a well-deserved reward for the hard work put in by our team. I’m particularly proud of our consistent strong performance throughout the weekend, setting the top times and earning our first victory in the GTP class.”

Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, 1st place): “I’m incredibly happy for the team. They have worked hard and truly earned this victory. We have been steadily improving, and although winning on the track is our preference, we gratefully accept this victory. It’s not only the first win for the BMW M Hybrid V8 but also my first in the IMSA series, making it even more special for all of us.”

Note to the editors:

Please refer to the initial version of the press release for further race details and Augusto Farfus’ response to his accident.

NewsNew

Factory Sherco 250 GP Bike

Privately owned race team DC Racing has achieved the goal of receiving full-factory support from Sherco for the 2023 season and beyond. This achievement is the result of years of hard work and support from team owner Dallas Chidester and his trucking company, Chidester Transportation.

Mason Ottersberg, the current AMA West Coast Hare Scramble 250 Pro-class champion, has been a member of the DC Racing family for two years. In the upcoming 2023 season, he will be competing on a Sherco 250SE in various West Coast-based off-road series. We spoke with Dallas and the DC Racing team to learn more about Ottersberg’s race machine.

The Scoop
Ottersberg is one of four riders on the DC Racing team who will be riding the Sherco 250SE. The team, based in Arizona, is focused on developing the best setup for the bike. Ottersberg’s experience in various off-road disciplines has been instrumental in setting up the new Sherco. As the first professional-level team to compete on Sherco SE models in the faster West Coast-style off-road racing series, the team had to start from scratch when it came to setup.

Precision Concepts, a prominent player in off-road racing, handled Ottersberg’s suspension needs. Team manager Scott Perkins explained, “Mason prefers a progressive suspension setting, with a softer overall feel that tightens up towards the end of the stroke. We worked with Bob Bell from Precision Concepts to find a comfortable base setting that we can fine-tune throughout the season for different types of events.”

The team will be participating in the entire AMA West Coast Hare Scrambles series, as well as select AMA National Hare & Hound and National Grand Prix Championship events. Therefore, ensuring that Mason is comfortable with a general setting is crucial.

Considering that Ottersberg will be on the bike for a minimum of 60 minutes in each race, rider comfort is of utmost importance. His bike is equipped with 12-degree low-bend Flexx handlebars, customizable elastomer grips, non-breakable levers, a smoother-pulling throttle, and a switch for on-the-fly adjustability options.

DC Racing Sherco 250

Like most race bikes, the DC Racing Sherco 250SE has undergone performance upgrades. The engine modifications are conducted by the Factory 1 Sherco crew and Race Tech’s engine department to increase midrange and top-end power. Rocket Exhaust, a reputable company that now operates under new ownership in Arizona, worked closely with the DC Racing team to develop the race team systems for the bike. The team has seen success early in the season, thanks to the high-quality Sherco 250 systems.

Other performance enhancements for the engine include Rekluse clutch components, Moto Center AZ high-pressure radiator hoses, and custom-programmed mapping. Protection is another vital aspect the team has focused on, with the use of a Reflex hand-guard system, full-coverage skid plate, rear chainguide, radiator guards, shark fins, fork lug guards, swingarm guards, and a foam-insert system called Mousse Balls to prevent flat tires.

DC Racing Team Sponsor List:

Sherco USA, FXR, A’ME Grips, Antigravity Batteries, ASV Inventions, BRP, Bulletproof Designs, DDC Racing, EPIC Garage Designs, Fasst Company, FunnelWeb Filter, GPR Stabilizer, G2 Ergonomics, Innteck USA, IWC Motorsports Tire Pros, Kenda, Matrix Concepts, Maxima USA, Modified Machine Works, MotoSeat, Mr. Wolf Solve, Precision Concepts, P3 Carbon, RAD Custom Graphics, Rekluse Motorsports, Reflex Racing, RK Excel, Rocket Exhaust, SKF Group, SXSlideplate, TrueWerk, Works Connection, Moto Center

With Sherco USA expanding their efforts beyond the successful FactoryOne Sherco Hard Enduro team and venturing into the West Coast off-road racing series with DC Racing, it’s no surprise that Mason Ottersberg and his DC Sherco have been achieving podium finishes. It seems only a matter of time before they secure a win.

Rocket Exhaust is under new ownership and working closely with the DC Racing Sherco team.

The SXS skid plate provides full coverage protection.

GPR’s Version 5 stabilizer and Fasst Company Flexx bars provide rider comfort at high speeds.

The initial engine performance package specifications are provided by the FactoryOne Sherco crew and performed by the Race Tech engine department.

Motorsport

Mustang Mach-E Goes Head-to-Head with Mustang GT and Explorer SUV at Drag Strip

Typically, when we hear about a drag race between an electric car and a gas-powered car, we expect the electric car to be a Tesla. But in this case, it’s an all-Ford showdown. In the video provided above, a Ford Mustang Mach-E electric crossover takes on a Mustang and an Explorer SUV, both powered by gasoline.

The specific variant of the Mustang Mach-E used in the drag race is unclear. The video doesn’t mention any details about it, but based on its 18-inch Carbonized Gray Aluminum wheels, it appears to be a base version. However, we don’t know if it’s rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

The rear-wheel drive Mach-E with the standard range battery pack produces 266 horsepower, while the all-wheel drive version increases the output to 311 hp. Torque is rated at 317 pound-feet (430 Newton-meters) for the rear-wheel drive and 427 lb-ft (580 Nm) for the all-wheel drive (these figures are for the 72-kilowatt-hour battery pack, according to Ford).

The rear-wheel drive Mustang Mach-E has a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 6.3 seconds. Now let’s see how the other two vehicles, the Mustang GT and the Explorer, compare to Ford’s all-electric crossover.

The previous-generation Mustang GT is equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces anywhere from 435 hp to 460 hp, depending on the model year. Ford claimed the Mustang GT could go from 0-60 mph in under four seconds in 2018, which is significantly faster than the electric Mustang Mach-E on paper.

The Explorer, which has a stealthy, police-car appearance, appears to be a fifth-generation 2013 Explorer Sport based on its wheels. This version came with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 EcoBoost engine rated at 365 hp and 350 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque, capable of achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in 5.7 seconds.

However, drag racing performance can sometimes differ from what is expected based on numbers alone. To see how these three vehicles perform on the drag strip, watch the video provided above and share your thoughts in the comments section below.

News

Toni Elias Retires From Racing—What’s subsequent?

Former MotoGP race winner and Moto2 champion, Toni Elias, made an announcement on reside TV, stating that he will probably be retiring from the game. The resolution got here after he secured a fifth-place end within the Road America Superbike race final Sunday, June  4, 2023.

Elias, who has a formidable file of 17 grand prix victories throughout numerous lessons together with 125cc, 250cc, Moto2, and Racing, is greatest remembered for his beautiful overcome Valentino Rossi within the 2006 Estoril race. This victory marked Elias’ first premier-class rostrum and was the final MotoGP win by a satellite tv for pc rider till Jack Miller’s triumph at Assen in 2016.

Although Elias achieved a number of podium finishes within the subsequent years, he struggled to safe additional wins throughout his time within the revised 800cc MotoGP class. He then transitioned to the newly fashioned Moto2 class in 2010 and clinched the championship title in its inaugural season whereas using for Gresini.

Following his Moto2 success, Elias returned to MotoGP with LCR Honda however did not make a big impression. He spent the following three seasons accepting momentary MotoGP rides in between his Moto2 commitments. However, the Spaniard skilled a exceptional resurgence in his racing profession when he moved to the United States in 2016. He made a victorious debut in MotoAmerica and went on to say the championship title within the following season.

Elias continued to compete in MotoAmerica, ending because the championship runner-up in 2018 and 2019 whereas using for Suzuki. His last full marketing campaign passed off in 2020. Subsequently, Elias made sporadic appearances in races earlier than signing with Team Hammer/Vision Wheel M4 ECSTAR Suzuki for the 2023 season.

Following his fifth-place end within the latest race, Elias made a reside tv announcement that it marked his “final dance.” Expressing his gratitude, he thanked Chris Ulrich, John Ulrich, Team Hammer, and all those that had supported and helped him all through his profession. Elias acknowledged that his return to racing didn’t meet his expectations and concluded by expressing his appreciation for the pleasurable moments in his last race.

“Today was my final dance, my final race,” acknowledged Elias in an interview. 

 

Toni Elias’ retirement marks the top of an illustrious profession that noticed him compete on the highest degree of motorbike racing and go away an enduring impression on the game. Fans and fellow riders alike will undoubtedly keep in mind his fierce battles on the observe and his important contributions to the MotoGP and Moto2 championships. 

Now the true query is, what’s subsequent for Elias? It’s probably that Elias may have time to dedicate to his faculty based mostly in California but in addition spend quite a lot of his free time along with his spouse and three children.