Tag Archives: resume

Motorsport

Watch Ford’s 1,400-HP SuperVan Blast Its Way To Several Lap Records At Bathurst

The Ford SuperVan 4.2 EV chalked up just a few extra data so as to add to the one-off mannequin’s already spectacular resume by setting a blistering tempo across the Mount Panorama circuit this previous weekend. It now holds the titles for the quickest closed-wheel automobile, electrical automobile, and business mannequin across the 3.85-mile course that hosts the Bathurst 500 race.

The SuperVan 4.2’s record-setting lap was 1 minute and 56.3247 seconds. To put this time into perspective, Mercedes touted setting a brand new quickest time earlier through the Bathurst 500 festivities when a specifically modified AMG GT3 went across the circuit in 1:56.605, 0.2803 seconds slower than Ford’s electrical van.

 

The SuperVan 4.2 was pushed to the end line by Two-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Romain Dumas. He’s no stranger to scoring achievements like this, together with setting the quickest occasions at programs just like the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Nürburgring Nordschleife, and Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb within the Volkswagen I.D. R.

Last yr, Dumas and the SuperVan 4.2 set a brand new file within the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb’s Open Class by completing the 12.5-mile course in 8:47.682 to beat the earlier quickest time of 9:24.433. The firm additionally went to the Goodwood Festival of Speed with the SuperVan 4.0.

The SuperVan 4.2 is an evolution of the sooner 4.0 model, with a brand new carbon-fiber entrance splitter and rear spoiler to extend downforce. The three electrical motors – one on the entrance and two on the rear – make a total of over 1,400 horsepower. The design relies roughly on the Ford e-Transit Custom, however the overhauled rear with huge openings within the bodywork are in contrast to something you’d see on the highway.

The SuperVan 4.2 may even be on show on the Adelaide Festival of Speed from March 15 by means of 17. Then, it’s going to be on the Formula One Australian Grand Prix later within the month. 

“We do have more plans for it, but for the time being, these are confidential, but you can be sure we have some exciting ideas,” Ford Performance spokesperson Jay Ward informed Motor1 in a press release.


NewsNew

CODY WEBB: WHY I SWITCHED BACK TO A 2-STROKE!

Cody Webb, from Sherco Factory One, has achieved great success in Trials, Hard Enduro, and EnduroCross throughout his career. He has always raced a 300 2-stroke in Hard Enduro, but switched to a 4-stroke in EnduroCross since 2016. The 4-stroke was believed to provide superior torque, which was crucial for traction and speed in clearing big obstacles in the technical and jumpy EnduroCross tracks.

However, things have changed recently. Jonny Walker from Beta has proven that a 2-stroke is a viable and winning option (second in World Super Enduro and the winner of the 2022 AMA EnduroCross) on the man-made circuits of EnduroCross. This year, Cody Webb followed suit and appeared in the first round of the AMA EnduroCross series riding a Factory Sherco 300 2-stroke. Cody had a good day, finishing second overall behind Walker’s Beta 300 2-stroke. Here’s his explanation for the switch.

Cody explained, “I ultimately made the decision to go back to the two stroke since that’s what I race year-round and I might as well stay on what I’m used to. We made some changes like a high compression head and some VP race fuel to increase the throttle response of the bike. Since we know two strokes have that slight delay before the power kicks on, this was for me to have instant power delivery of the bike that matches what I’m trying to make it do out there on the track. When things are going well on a four stroke, they’re going very well. When mistakes are made, however, I find it very hard to recover with all that extra rotating mass in the engine. For example, in the rocks, if I get offline I find it very hard to recover, and I am most likely going to end up off the track with the four stroke. When on the two stroke, the bike is a lot more playful underneath me, and I can get it back on track a lot easier without losing much time. Another reason is that the fans love two strokes, and so do I! It was an easy sell for me.”

According to Cody, the 300 2-stroke is more nimble, easier to have fun on, and forgiving.
Cody riding his Sherco 300 4-stroke at the 2020 Glen Helen EnduroCross. According to Cody, the 4-stroke has an advantage over the 2-stroke on hard-packed tracks.
According to Cody, the 4-stroke can be challenging to handle in EnduroCross rock sections. The rotating mass of the engine makes it harder to recover when you get off line. Cody won two EnduroCross championships (2015-on a 300 2-stroke/2017-on a 350 4-stroke) racing for the KTM factory.
BMW

IMSA at Road America: BMW M Team RLL aiming for third consecutive GTP podium with the new BMW M Hybrid V8.

BMW M Team RLL is set to resume the 2023 season in the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship at Road America this weekend. After winning at Watkins Glen and securing third place at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, the team is looking to achieve a third consecutive podium finish with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in the GTP class. So far this season, the team has claimed one victory and three more podium finishes with the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8.

During the four-week break following the race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, both BMW M Hybrid V8 racing cars have been extensively tested for the upcoming event at Road America. All four season-long drivers, Connor De Phillippi, Nick Yelloly, Augusto Farfus, and Philipp Eng, participated in a two-day test at Road America, where the cars covered over 1,491 miles on the resurfaced track. In addition, the team conducted a two-day test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with the #25 and #24 BMWs ending the second day on top of the timing sheets.

Road America holds significance for the BMW M Team RLL as it was the location of their first victory in 2009. Since then, the team has achieved three wins, three second places, and two third places at the Wisconsin circuit with different BMW GT racing cars.

In the GT Daytona class, three BMW M4 GT3s will compete. Bryan Sellers and Madison Snow currently lead the GTD class points with the #1 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3. Turner Motorsport also brings two BMW M4 GT3s to the race.

The race at Road America will take place on Sunday, August 6th at 10:10 local time.

Quotes ahead of the Road America race:

Connor De Phillippi (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “Road America is one of the greatest circuits in the US. With a fresh layer of pavement, it has added even more fun to our BMW M Hybrid V8. Our two-day tests went well, and we feel well prepared to fight for the top spot on Sunday.”

Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8): “I’m excited to race at Road America. We had a positive test there a couple of weeks ago, which helped me prepare for my first time racing at the track. I’m ready to conquer this iconic US circuit.”

Philipp Eng (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “We had a very productive test at Road America. The track is fantastic, and I can’t wait to return for race week and compete for a victory!”

Augusto Farfus (#24 BMW M Hybrid V8): “We have high expectations for our performance at Road America, especially since we recently tested there. The track is a unique mix of Spa and the Nordschleife, and I’m really looking forward to it.”