Tag Archives: talent

BMW

Gen2K: BMW M Motorsport unveils new emblem for its “young guns” – Start on the 24h Nürburgring.

Munich. Nurturing younger racing expertise has been one of many cornerstones of BMW M Motorsport’s programme for many years. Most not too long ago, BMW Junior Team made waves in GT racing for a number of years, nurturing abilities corresponding to Dan Harper (GBR), Max Hesse (GER), and Neil Verhagen (USA) into completed BMW M works drivers. In a high-profile line-up, they be part of forces with Charles Weerts (BEL) to type the group born after the flip of the millennium. For the 2024 season, BMW M Motorsport has given them a reputation and a brand new emblem: Gen2K.

“Generation 2000”, comprising the three members of the BMW Junior Team and Weerts, who has already achieved quite a few successes in GT racing at a younger age with Team WRT in recent times, embodies BMW M Motorsport’s method to infuse its line-up with not solely expertise but additionally youthful dynamism making it as versatile as attainable.

The Gen2K racing programme can be numerous. Harper, Hesse, and Weerts will contest the 24 Hours of Nürburgring (GER) in June within the BMW M Team RMG BMW M4 GT3. While Harper and Hesse have grown up on the Nordschleife as a part of their coaching and have contested many races there, Weerts will make his debut on the endurance traditional within the Eifel area. The trio will hit the observe for the primary time within the BMW M4 GT3 this coming weekend throughout take a look at classes forward of the beginning of the Nürburgring Endurance Series (NES) season.

Moreover, all three drivers will compete within the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, albeit for various groups. Harper and Hesse for ROWE Racing, Weerts for BMW M Team WRT. Additionally, Hesse will undertake race outings for BMW Team Italia Ceccato Racing within the Italian GT Championship, whereas Harper will take part in chosen occasions of the British GT Championship, the place he clinched the motive force’s title in 2023. Verhagen will contest all the season of the Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS for ST Racing in North America, in addition to the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup races for Paul Miller Racing.

Beyond their race commitments, there will probably be joint occasions with the Gen2K members, and so they might also function mentors for an excellent youthful era of motorsport expertise, leveraging their expertise gained throughout their coaching. Details concerning this will probably be introduced at a later date. Just like with the BMW Junior Team, BMW M Motorsport legend Jochen Neerpasch will mentor Gen2K. The Gen2K emblem will accompany the drivers on their racing fits in addition to on automobiles.

Quotes concerning the Gen2K:

 

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “We are generally very proud of our line-up of BMW M works drivers, but particularly proud of its diversity. Our drivers hail from twelve different nations, spanning ages from 23 to 55 years old, nine of them are younger than 30. To have four drivers born in the year 2000 and later who already have several years of experience at the highest level is remarkable. Added to that, we have international champions like Sheldon van der Linde and Dries Vanthoor, who are only slightly older than the Gen2K drivers. This forward-thinking line-up is impressive.”

Dan Harper: “Being part of the new Gen2K sounds very cool! It’s great to see how many young drivers BMW M Motorsport has in its line-up and how fast they are. I’m excited to see what lies ahead for me. Furthermore, I’m very much looking forward to competing for the fourth time with BMW M Team RMG on the Nordschleife. Charles is new to the team and will be tackling the 24-hour race in a GT3 car for the first time, but I’m sure he has the optimal crew by his side to quickly find his speed.”

Max Hesse: “The Gen2K concept from BMW M Motorsport sounds awesome, and the logo looks cool! I’m very excited to be a part of it. Getting to start again on the Nordschleife with BMW M Team RMG is great. The team led by Stefan Reinhold has been doing a fantastic job for years. Now it’s time to reward that effort with a strong result at the 24-hour race. With Charles, we’ve already spent some days together in the race simulator and get along very well. Testing on the track starts this coming weekend, and I can hardly wait.”

Charles Weerts: “The fact that an iconic brand like BMW M Motorsport has some young works drivers in its line-up shows their confidence in youth and their vision for the future of racing. For me, it’s a great experience to be a part of it. I’m particularly looking forward to the new challenge of the 24 Hours of Nürburgring on this iconic track. I’ll give it my all and can’t wait to start working with BMW M Team RMG.”

Neil Verhagen: “The fact that I – just like Dan and Max – am now entering my fifth season with BMW M Motorsport demonstrates how much the brand cares about nurturing young drivers. I’m very proud to be a works driver for a brand with such deep motorsport roots and look forward to representing BMW M Motorsport again in the upcoming season.”

News

The Fascinating Tale of Chip Foose’s Ford F-100

Chip Foose has had a natural flair for drawing cars and car parts from a young age and honed his design skills in his father’s shop. Despite financial hardships, he further developed his talents at the Art Center College of Design and went on to work on a variety of vehicles throughout his career, including designing concept cars for major automotive manufacturers. One pivotal vehicle in his journey as an automotive designer was the 1956 Ford F-100, which marked the beginning of his rise to prominence in the automotive world.

Related: 10 Most Outrageous Chip Foose Builds Of All Time

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Chip Foose’s website.

A Legacy Of Family, Passion, And Design

Chip Foose 

The story of Chip’s F-100 starts with his father, Sam Foose, and the truck’s role as his father’s reliable shop vehicle. Chip acquired the truck at 13 and dedicated three years to completely revamping and personalizing the F-100 with meticulous attention to detail, making it his own.

A Three-Year Labor Of Love

Over three years, Chip rebuilt and restyled the pickup, resulting in a stunning transformation with an elegant root beer brown paint job. The F-100 became not only a reflection of his design skills but also a vessel of cherished memories and experiences throughout his high school and early college years.

Chip Never Forgot His First Love

Despite his busy career, Chip never let go of his dream to rejuvenate his beloved F-100 and often envisioned new transformations for it.

Related: The 20 Most Epic Classic Pickup Trucks Of All Time

The Rebirth Of Chip’s Ford F-100

In 2005, Chip’s 1956 Ford F-100 seemingly went missing from his design shop, only for it to be revealed that it was part of an elaborate plan orchestrated by his father for the Overhaulin’ show, showcasing Chip’s creativity to a broader audience. Using Chip’s sketches and concepts as their basis, Sam and his team embarked on an intricate transformation of the F-100.

Almost Every Single Thing Was Reformed

They extensively reshaped the truck, creating a custom masterpiece that blended Chip’s signature style with the original charm of the F-100. Significant modifications included adjustments to the roofline, hood, fenders, axles, and running boards, along with the inclusion of modern headlights and taillights to improve visibility, and modifications to the bumpers and bed posts.

Revised For A Rugged And More Aggressive Look

Chip Foose 

Additional modifications included the utilization of a Roush Aluminum Sideoiler engine, a Ford C6 Custom transmission, and a range of modernized components to enhance the truck’s capabilities.

Chip Foose’s Ford F-100 Specs

Engine

Roush Aluminum Sideoiler

Transmission

Ford C6 Custom

Shifter

Stock Ford Shifter

Wheelbase

116 inches

Rear End

Ford 9″ with 3.73:1 gear ratio

Rear Suspension

Ford 4-link system

Shocks

Coilover shocks

Brakes

Baer Extreme Plus brakes with 6-piston calipers and 14-inch cross-drilled rotors

(Specs sourced from Chip Foose’s website)

The Chassis Serves As A Foundation For Performance And Control

The truck combines stock Ford components with meticulous modifications, resulting in a stable platform for handling and ensuring optimal power distribution to the rear wheels.

Modern Parts To Enhance The Classic’s Capabilities

The revamped interior showcases thoughtful modifications such as custom gauges, climate control, electrical system enhancements, and leather upholstery, culminating in a blend of style and functionality that encapsulates the essence of the F-100’s remarkable journey.

A Classic Blend Of Style And Functionality

Chip Foose 

At the 2005 SEMA show in Las Vegas, the transformed F-100 was unveiled to an amazed audience, cementing its status as an extraordinary classic American muscle truck and a testament to the power of perseverance and family legacy.

News

Italian Motorcycle Racer Filippo Mometto Dead At 24

A talented young Italian motorcycle racer, Filippo Mometto, has tragically passed away at the age of 24. His lifeless body was discovered in his home in Trento, Italy on September 18, 2023. The cause of his death has not yet been determined.

Mometto showed great potential in the world of motorcycle racing. He competed in the National Trophy 1000 earlier this year, demonstrating impressive skill and performance. He also participated in the Trofeo Aprilia RS 660, where he achieved a third-place finish in the second race. In addition to his racing career, Filippo was a computer engineering student at the University of Trento.

Filippo Mometto was originally from Oderzoin, a commune in the province of Trevisio, Italy. The exact cause of his death remains unknown, and it is unclear whether an autopsy will be conducted. The racing community is deeply saddened by his loss.

Marco Bezzecchi, the winner of the first-ever Indian Grand Prix and a close friend of Mometto, dedicated his victory to his late friend, saying, “I want to dedicate this victory to a very dear friend who unfortunately passed away a few days ago. Filippo, this is for you.” Bezzecchi and Mometto shared a passion for motorcycling from a young age.

Filippo Mometto’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, in Piavon, a village in Oderzo. Friends, family, and colleagues will gather to remember the vibrant life of this young racer. Our deepest condolences go out to Filippo Mometto’s loved ones.

NewsNew

CODY WEBB TALKS ERZBERG 2023

Cody Webb, America’s top talent in Extreme enduro, recently competed in the 2023 Red Bull Erzbergrodeo. After enduring injuries that interrupted his quest to reach the top step of the podium, Webb returned to the Iron Giant in good health and finished 10th. In a post-race interview with DB’s Travis Fant, he discussed his preparation, travel challenges, and his performance at the event.



Cody Webb performs during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo 2023 in Eisenerz, Austria on June 11, 2023 // Philip Platzer / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306110675 // Usage for editorial use only //

DB: Cody, your usual training is already intense, but is there anything specific you do to prepare for a race like Erzberg?

CODY WEBB: “It’s obviously different from any other race. It is the hardest one-day race in the world. I really try to focus on challenging terrains like old pilings or big messed up rock gardens. I want to test myself without relying on a pre-built line. I have to admit, it has been a while since I last finished the race with a strong effort. Some of the sections can be scary.”

DB: Talk about the challenges of traveling as an American and dealing with time changes and jet lag for an event like Erzberg.

WEBB: “Yeah, traveling that far is definitely not easy. Being a family man now, it’s harder to leave than before. As soon as I arrived there, I tried to adjust as quickly as possible. You have to force yourself to acclimate. This year was different because they made it illegal to walk the course before the race. It’s strange because the mine there offers tours, and almost every top rider was there practicing on sections of the course. It definitely pays off to have that extra time to familiarize yourself with the event. Unfortunately, I didn’t have that luxury this year due to my racing schedule in the States.”



Cody Webb of the United States seen during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo at the Erzberg in Eisenerz, Austria on June 10, 2023. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306100279 // Usage for editorial use only //

DB: Your teammate Cooper Abbott joined you. Did you provide any advice to your first-timer teammate?

WEBB: “I tried to give him a heads up. I told him to be cautious and brace himself for the rocks and roost coming out of the mine. This place has the worst roost, small rocks that leave welts on your body. I advised Cooper to focus on making it out of the first hills going out of the mine, as losing ground there can be costly. I also warned him about one of the scariest downhills, Carls diner. I told him to start slow to avoid any mishaps at the bottom.”

DB: How do you maintain a decent pace throughout such a long race without exhausting yourself early on?

WEBB: “This year was different for me because I wasn’t battling for the lead like in previous years. Hence, I didn’t experience the crazy arm pump and had to stop to let it subside. I started the race at a more relaxed pace and gradually positioned myself well. However, there are always unexpected scenarios. Early on, I was around 6th place behind Johnny Walker, but I got stuck with Andrea Verona, and other riders started passing me. I panicked a bit and lost some valuable positions. Considering my recent injuries, my ultimate goal was to finish the race. So, I played it smart, conserved energy in the beginning, took fewer risks, and had enough left in the tank towards the end to secure a good position.”

DB: You were the top American to finish. It’s quite a statement, considering your injuries and the fact that you conserved energy in some sections.

WEBB: “In the past, I’ve finished on the podium, but now I know where I stand. I can compete with all the guys in the top 10. If things go right, I can make it happen. Last year, around the same time, I had a wrist injury, the same one Phil Nicoletti had. I wasn’t even sure if I would race professionally again. I took some anti-inflammatory medication before the race to manage the pain. After Carls diner, the painkillers started wearing off, and I just needed to push through. I know I’m not at 100%, but I’m doing my best to prolong my career.”



Cody Webb of the United States and Taddy Blazusiak of Poland seen during the Red Bull Erzbergrodeo at the Erzberg in Eisenerz, Austria on June 10, 2023. // Joerg Mitter / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202306100272 // Usage for editorial use only //

DB: You often ride the two-stroke. Is it an advantage at Erzberg, and would you ever consider racing on a four-stroke?

WEBB: “Erzberg would definitely be challenging on a four-stroke. A four-stroke feels heavier at the front end, especially on a downhill like Carls diner. The weights of two-strokes and four-strokes are similar now, but their feel is very different. In rock gardens, which are abundant in the early stages of the race, a four-stroke might perform better. However, in later stages like Motorex Highway, a two-stroke would be more suitable. I’ve ridden the SE300 for fun in hard enduro events, and the heat coming off a four-stroke is intense. The clutches get hotter, and the bike overall runs much hotter. At Carls diner, the sun beats down on you, and the hot air from the bike’s fan blows on you. Riding a two-stroke in such conditions makes a notable difference since the bike doesn’t run as hot. Plus, if something goes wrong, you can still ride a “blown-up” two-stroke to some extent. It’s harder to destroy a two-stroke and get stranded compared to a four-stroke.”

DB: Are there any specific adjustments you make to your bike for a race like Erzberg?

WEBB: “In this race, there’s a different format compared to the US hard enduro series. Since it’s part of the FIM, no outside assistance is allowed whatsoever. At the pits, we weren’t even allowed to get anything. We had to run levers inside the air-box, zip-tied a shifter inside the frame, and carried minimal tools on the bike just in case. I wasn’t even allowed to swap my USWE water pack, although I could replace the bladder. They are extremely strict about no outside assistance at Erzberg. It’s truly a man-and-machine challenge.”

DB: We follow you on Instagram and have had the privilege of filming with you in NorCal. We’ve seen you tackle tough rides alone. Are these experiences preparing you mentally for events like Erzberg?

WEBB: Cody laughs, “Yeah, definitely. I always ride with a backpack and snacks because you never know what could happen out there, and I don’t want to be stranded overnight. Erzberg is incredible. There are sections on the course that I wouldn’t usually practice alone due to the risks involved. Yet, during the race, I have to face them on my own.”

DB: Now that Erzberg is behind you, what’s next on your agenda?

WEBB: “I’m looking forward to the final round of the US Hard Enduro series in two weeks. It’s one of our best races at a ski resort. After that, I’ll start preparing for the EnduroCross series and see what I can achieve there!”

DB: Thank you, Cody, for sharing your insights and letting us pick your brain a bit.

WEBB: “Thanks, guys. Thanks, Travis.”

For more information on Erzberg 2023, click here.

Lamborghini

Lamborghini The Real Race – Super Trofeo Esports

The global search for the best sim racing talent continues for a fourth season in 2023

Sant’Agata Bolognese, 31st May 2023 – The Real Race – Super Trofeo Esports season in 2023 is the fourth edition of the virtual contest for Lamborghini fans worldwide. The competition now takes place on the Assetto Corsa Competizione platform and introduces new format changes. It offers participants the opportunity to compete against elite Esport talent from three different continents.

The Real Race – Super Trofeo Esports showcases the latest Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 race car and represents Lamborghini’s commitment to authenticity, bravery, and unexpectedness in the world of Esports.

Format changes for 2023

This season, aspiring Esport talents can demonstrate their skills live at famous racing venues in Europe. The Fanatec Arena, located at select racing venues hosting the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Powered by AWS, allows the public to experience cutting-edge racing simulations. The fastest driver from each event earns a wildcard entry into The Real Race – Super Trofeo Esports Grand Final.

On-site locations:

  • Circuit Paul Ricard | June 3rd
  • Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps | July 2nd
  • Nürburgring | July 29th

In addition to the on-site activations, drivers from the European region can participate in a four-round online racing series. Prior to each standalone racing event, there will be a hot-stint competition. The NALA and APAC regions will also have their hot-stint qualifications followed by regional finals with the top 24 drivers from each region.

Moreover, the Lamborghini Abu Dhabi and Dubai dealers have partnered with the Real Race program to organize a simulator tour, scouting for the best student racing “drivers” in Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s leading schools and universities. The top three students will represent the UAE in the tournament final.

For European drivers, the challenge is to qualify for each race through a leaderboard hot-stint competition. The top 24 drivers advance to a standalone race using the Assetto Corsa Competizione simulation. The top four finishers from each race earn a spot in the on-site final at the Nürburgring Grand Prix Circuit.

The final grid will consist of the 16 qualified drivers, one wildcard qualifier from each on-site activation, and the three qualifiers from Lamborghini Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These European finalists and wildcard entrants will compete in an on-site grand final at the Fanatec Arena during the GT World Challenge race weekend at the Nürburgring Grand Prix Circuit.

A ‘money can’t buy’ prize

The ultimate goal for participants in The Real Race – Super Trofeo Esports series is to win the Grand Final and secure a money-can’t-buy opportunity to become a factory driver in the new Automobili Lamborghini Esports Team. The winners from the NALA and APAC regions will also join the Lamborghini family as proud representatives of the brand in their respective regions.

This tournament expands Lamborghini’s presence in international virtual motorsport, transforming the lives and careers of those who can rise to the top of the Esports racing podium.

Schedule

The Real Race – Super Trofeo Esports season kicks off in June for European competitors and in August for APAC and NALA participants.

European Hot-stint Qualification
Circuit Paul Ricard
Start: June 5th at 11:00 CEST / End: June 12th at 10:00 CEST

Monza Grand Prix Circuit
Start: June 12th at 11:00 CEST / End: June 19th at 10:00 CEST

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Start: June 19th at 11:00 CEST / End June 26th at 10:00 CEST

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Start June 26th at 11:00 CEST / End: July 3rd at 10:00 CEST

European Qualification Races
Race 1 – Paul Ricard   June 15th at 19:30 CEST
Race 2 – Monza           June 22nd at 19:30 CEST
Race 3 – Barcelona     June 29th at 19:30 CEST 
Race 4 – Spa               July 6th at 19:30 CEST

NALA Hot-stint Qualifying
Indianapolis
Start August 14th at 10:00 CEST / End August 28th at 10:00 CEST

APAC Hot-stint Qualifying
Suzuka
Start August 17th at 10:00 CEST / End August 31st at 10:00 CEST

European Regional Final (on-site) 
Date: July 30th 2023
Race 1 – Nürburgring Grand Prix Circuit 
Race 2 – Nürburgring Grand Prix Circuit

NALA Regional Final (online) 
Date: September 2nd 2023
Race 1 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway Grand Prix Course 
Race 2 – Indianapolis Motor Speedway Grand Prix Course

APAC Regional Final (online) 
Date: September 6th 2023
Race 1 – Suzuka Circuit 
Race 2 – Suzuka Circuit

Live Streaming and Official Website

All events of The Real Race – Super Trofeo Esports will be broadcast live and exclusively on the official Lamborghini Squadra Corse YouTube and social media channels. For more information about the series, visit the official website: https://esports.lamborghini/.

The Real Race Official Technical Partner: Assetto Corsa Competizione

Assetto Corsa Competizione is the official GT World Challenge video game. It offers a high-quality simulation experience, allowing players to compete against official drivers, teams, cars, and circuits of the FIA GT3 homologated championship. The game features realistic weather conditions, graphics, motion capture animations, and driving physics. It sets a new standard for driving realism and immersion.

About AK Esports

Ak Esports is an Italian company specialized in organizing Esports competitions, managing Esports teams, and hosting events across Europe, with a focus on Sim Racing. Founded by Ak Informatica, experts in PC gaming since 2004, the company has steadily grown by working with the latest technology and gaming titles to develop Esports Entertainment. AK Esports has collaborated with various car manufacturers and, in partnership with SRO Motorsport Group and Kunos Simulazioni, created the first SRO Esports Championship in 2019. Learn more about AK at www.akesports.it.