Showing posts with label Race. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Race. Show all posts

Friday

Audi Motor Sports

Audi is one of the best known supercars.
Over the years, Audi has been actively involved in motor sports. The participation of Audi into motor sports dates back to 1930’s with their former company the Auto Union. The Audis dominated the Touring and Super Touring categories of motor racing in the 1990’s.
The four wheel drive Quattro, launched by the company in 1980 was successful in winning rallies and races worldwide. The Quattro is one of the first cars to make use of the new rules of rally racing then, which allowed the use of four-wheel drives for racing. However, the critics saw the four-wheel races as too heavy and difficult. The Quattro gained significant success in the World Rally Championship winning the 1983 (Hannu Mikkola} and the 1984 {Stig Bolmquist) drivers titles. The Quattro also got home the manufactures title in 1982 and 1984.



In 1984, Audi launched the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro. This car dominated the races in Monte Carlo and Sweden, by taking all the podium places. Audi also received the rally honors in the Honk Kong to Beijing rally in the same year. Michele Mouton is the only race driver to win a round of World Rally Championship and a driver for Audi. In 1985, Michele raced the S1 in the Pike Peaks and set a record of 11.25.39. She is the first woman to set a Pike Peak record. Walter Rohrl claimed a title for the company setting a new Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record of 10:47:85 in the Audi S1. The Audi S1 employs a 5-cylinder turbo charged engine and generates over 600hp (447kW). The S1 serves as the bas for all the S models of the company. The company entered the Trans American Racing in the year 1988. In 1989, Audi moved to International Motor Sport Association (IMSA GTO).




Touring Races
The company was successful in marketing and selling its cars in the United States of America. In the 1990’s Audi returned to Europe. The company began racing into the super touring series. The company participated in the French Supertourisme and Italian Supertourisme. The company also participated in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The Federation International de Automobile (FIA) faced difficulties in regulating the Quattro four-wheel drive system and the impact it had on the competitors, which eventually led to the ban on use of four-wheel drives for competitions. The company then started focusing on the sports car racing. The company raced with their RS4 in the Audi is one of the best known supercars.



Over the years, Audi has been actively involved in motor sports. The participation of Audi into motor sports dates back to 1930’s with their former company the Auto Union. The Audis dominated the Touring and Super Touring categories of motor racing in the 1990’s.
The four wheel drive Quattro, launched by the company in 1980 was successful in winning rallies and races worldwide. The Quattro is one of the first cars to make use of the new rules of rally racing then, which allowed the use of four-wheel drives for racing. However, the critics saw the four-wheel races as too heavy and difficult. The Quattro gained significant success in the World Rally Championship winning the 1983 (Hannu Mikkola} and the 1984 {Stig Bolmquist) drivers titles. The Quattro also got home the manufactures title in 1982 and 1984.



In 1984, Audi launched the short-wheelbase Sport Quattro. This car dominated the races in Monte Carlo and Sweden, by taking all the podium places. Audi also received the rally honors in the Honk Kong to Beijing rally in the same year. Michele Mouton is the only race driver to win a round of World Rally Championship and a driver for Audi. In 1985, Michele raced the S1 in the Pike Peaks and set a record of 11.25.39. She is the first woman to set a Pike Peak record. Walter Rohrl claimed a title for the company setting a new Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record of 10:47:85 in the Audi S1. The Audi S1 employs a 5-cylinder turbo charged engine and generates over 600hp (447kW). The S1 serves as the bas for all the S models of the company. The company entered the Trans American Racing in the year 1988. In 1989, Audi moved to International Motor Sport Association (IMSA GTO).
Touring Races
The company was successful in marketing and selling its cars in the United States of America. In the 1990’s Audi returned to Europe. The company began racing into the super touring series. The company participated in the French Supertourisme and Italian Supertourisme. The company also participated in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). The Federation International de Automobile (FIA) faced difficulties in regulating the Quattro four-wheel drive system and the impact it had on the competitors, which eventually led to the ban on use of four-wheel drives for competitions. The company then started focusing on the sports car racing. The company raced with their RS4 in the Speed World GT Challenge. Few of the races allowed the use of four-wheel drives and thus enabled the Quattro to dominate as the Champion.
Sports Car Racing
Audi entered the 24-hour Le-Mans races in the year 1999. In 2003 two Bentley Speed 8s, with Audi engines competed the GTP and finished in top two positions. These cars were loaned to the fellow Volkswagen Group then. In the 2005, Le-Mans two R8s entered along with an R8 from the Audi PlayStation Team Oreca. Audi continues its active participation in the 24i Hour Le- Mans.. Few of the races allowed the use of four-wheel drives and thus enabled the Quattro to dominate as the Champion.

Race Car Driving Schools

To help realize our hidden desires and long-cherished wishes, Race Car Driving Schools exist. Danger and immense pleasure, juxtaposed together, make up race car driving. Therefore, to drive a race car or to race, we have to attend a proper Race Car Driving School.
Many schools provide excellent Race Car Driving lessons to novices or even experienced drivers. Schools can be divided into several types, such as drag Racing Schools, NASCAR Racing Schools, kart Racing School, GT Racing Schools, and many more. Teaching comprises of a mixture of theory and practical classes. Such schools even provide all the necessary
equipment and gear needed while racecar driving.



Using NASCAR-style cars, Finish Line Racing Schools provide a variety of courses all suited to different levels of students. The Buck Baker Racing School also belongs to the NASCAR-style category.

Usually it helps if a given school is accredited by the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America), as it enables the driver to participate in the competitive races organized by the club. Skip Barber Racing School, Russell Racing School, Bertil Roos Racing School, Derek Daly Racing School, Panoz Racing School, and Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving are the schools that have been accredited by the SCCA.
Russell Racing School provides courses that span from several hours to several days. Ranging from basic courses to advanced-level courses, it provides excellent driving lessons. Courses such as grand-prix racing, advanced driving and teenage race car driving can all be found at Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Racing School.
Derek Daly Academy and Bertil Roos Racing School use formula racing cars, and their courses also run from some hours to days, covering all the basics needed in driving a race car.
Besides the aforementioned schools, there are other schools which are recognized by the SCCA. The Mid-Ohio School, Pacific Rim Performance, and Driving Dynamics, among others, are examples of such schools. The advanced high performance course of Mid-Ohio School is especially commendable.

Saturday

Measure A Turbo Diesel Engines


When the performance of diesel-powered vehicles is made an issue, diesel engines would always be a paramount consideration. Diesel cars and trucks deliver great fuel economy. They are 20 to 30 per cent better than comparable vehicles with gasoline engines. And while today's diesels may not be impeccably-clean, they are most certainly a far cry from the noisy and smelly pollution hogs that they used to be.


Turbo diesel engines, for one, are made up of sophisticated parts that are engineered to blend horsepower and torque gains for the vehicle. According to auto experts, fuel savings on a turbo diesel is so impressive that owners make up the extra cost of the engine in just a few years. "People that own them love them and tend to spread the gospel about them,” said Tony Fouladpour, a spokesman for Volkswagen of America. "First and foremost, it's the fuel economy. On the New Beetle it's almost 50 miles per gallon. You can drive from Chicago to New York without stopping for fuel. They've got tremendous driving range."
In connection with Ford, its turbo diesel engines have established supremacy in performance. Any driver who likes to zip away from a stop sign would love the automaker’s diesel engine programmers’ pep. An auto expert said, "It will be noticeably peppier and more fun to drive. So not only do you have better fuel economy, you have better performance, more of a sporty kind of drive."
Diesel programmers contribute appreciably to make vehicles great at towing. This is the reason why “real truckers” choose diesel-powered Ford trucks. Diesel vehicles handle heavy loads a lot better than comparable gasoline vehicles. Larger, heavy-duty pickup trucks from Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Dodge and Toyota are available with diesel engines to boost overall performance.
Some aficionados are hesitant to use diesel because of its annoying noise. However, according to recent studies modern diesel engines are a lot quieter than diesels 20 years ago. "The engine is slightly noisier than a gasoline engine but they're getting real close now. It's really tough to tell,” said Robert Larsen, director of the Center for Transportation Research at Argonne National Laboratories.
Another bother about diesel engines is fueling up. Finding a neighborhood service station that sells diesel fuel may be difficult to some drivers. According to Diesel Technology Forum, only 30 per cent of neighborhood retail service stations sell diesel fuel. Hence, in purchasing diesel, it would be reasonable to consider diesel fuel availability in a particular area.
Only few automakers offer diesel engine in their lineup. In fact, in the United States, there are only 3.6 per cent of diesel-powered passenger cars. The list includes the Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Beetle, Mercedes E-320 sedan, Volkswagen Touareg and Chrysler Jeep Liberty.
However, the biggest downside of diesel vehicles has to do with emissions. They are dirtier than gasoline cars and a whole lot filthier than hybrids. "What you see and smell out of the tailpipe is typically worse than with a gasoline engine," said Larry Webster, technical editor at Car and Driver. Diesel cars emit more particulates like carbon (soot) and more oxides of nitrogen (NOx), which contribute to local smog.

Thursday

Why is the Nissan Skyline GTR 33 is so popular?

Why is the Nissan Skyline GTR 33 is so popular? Perhaps because this monster of a sedan can hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds; and if you press the gas pedal a little bit more, you can reach 100 mph in just 12.3 seconds. No wonder the Skyline is also fondly called “Godzilla.” But is it all about speed?

Because first glance at the Nissan Skyline GTR 33 wouldn’t make that argument compelling; it looks large. But the outside dimension may be deceiving because the Nissan Skyline is the size of VW Passat or Suburban Legacy although it packs far more power.
Except for the bucket seats, you’ll never notice that the car could go for high speed rides or comfortable city cruise. These seats give the driver the stability when negotiating tight maneuvers. The car’s suspension, break system, aerodynamic exterior design, and sleek but simple interiors complete the package.
A sports car that could sustain such power must have better suspension and the Nissan Skyline has them. Underneath, fixed suspension arms are fitted all around reinforced with stiffer bushings and wider geometrical spacing.
With a speedster like Nissan Skyline GTR 33, one may wonder if its brakes could handle such power. The car is fitted with a sophisticated braking system that makes use of ventilated discs. The ABS systems and large ducts (four in front and two at the back) to cool and prevent the discs from heating are very useful for breaking at high speeds.
A flatter windshield regulates the flow of air. Two diffusers – front and a carbon fiber rear diffuser – help pull the car to the ground as it accelerates. This ensures better handling in high speed, further improved with a dual-type rear wing adjustable to four different settings.
The Nissan Skyline is a amazingly good performing car. Its only drawback seems to be its nose-heavy body. In the hands of an expert, the car could be extremely fast and furious. Engine: In-line six cylinder, twin turbo, iron block, aluminum head, 2658 cc Max torque: 276 bph @6800 rpm Dimension: 4675 mm x 1950 mm x 1360 mm. Weight: 1601 kg Drivetrain: Longitudinal front engine, all-wheel drive Transmission: 6-speed manual, power assisted rack and pinion Topspeed: 155 mph Performance: Acceleration 0-30 mph : 1.6 sec., 0-60 mph : 4.9 sec., 30-50 mph : 2.1 sec. 50-70 mph : 2.3 sec., Quarter Mile : 13.2 sec. @103.6 mph Suspension: Front and rear stock V-spec springs and shocks Brakes: Front and rear four-piston calipers, endless pads Handling: Lateral grip (200ft skidpad) : 0.95g Slalom Speed (700 ft slalom) : 68.3 mph Braking: 60-0 stopping distance : 110 ft. Mileage: 19.6 mpg

Saturday

Choosing a Sports Car

Buying a sports car is always more fun than buying groceries. However, that doesn't mean it's as easy. Sports cars have many different elements you need to consider when looking for one to purchase. Remember the following tips when searching for a sports car:



There are lots of models and accessories when it comes to sports cars. What does this mean? Well, before you start looking for a sports car, figure out what your budget is for it. You can get a lower end model sports car for about the same price as an average sedan, or you can grab lots of accessories and such and pay a fortune for it. By creating a comfortable budget, this will help prevent future disappointment when you see that you can't afford what your heart is set out on. Don't forget to incorporate insurance costs into your budget since insurance for sports cars is a lot more than you think.
Keep in mind how you want to use your new sports car once you own it sin

Wednesday

Ultimate Machine The Mitsubishi Evo X

One of the first things, depending on where you are in the world that may come as a surprise to you but perhaps if you’re in the UK it may not be as big a surprise as others is the modification packages available through Mitsubishi UK, mainly the EVO X FQ models, as in FQ320. That is, did you know that all of the EVO X models in the UK, as sold as a factory-official car through Mitsubishi UK, actually has a modified converted, factory ECU using EcuTeK tuning software? That package of upgrades is on all the EVO Xs sold by Mitsubishi UK. On top of that, Mitsubishi UK then offer the EVO X FQ model, and the FQ model standing for an “F-ing quick” car, has been available for quite some time now. If I remember rightly, it started with the EVO 7 and then there’s the EVO 8 and, of course, the EVO 9 and now the EVO 10.

The FQ320 EVO X comes with a package of generally HKS modified components—exhaust, hard pipe inlet kit, and some other body kit styling enhancements and things like that—and then, of course, the tuned ECU to bring it all together to make it into a nice reliable package that comes with a full factory warranty guarantee through the Mitsubishi dealer network and, of course, Mitsubishi UK.What is also a good bit of information is some of this tuning and mapping data is available through the EcuTeK ECU tuning network throughout the world and, of course, through MRT Performance here in Australia and the authorized EcuTeK partners in every state of Australia.

The tuning software that is used by Mitsubishi UK is obviously the tuning software that is used by EcuTeK around the world.Through your local EcuTeK tuner, you can get the factory ECU in your Mitsubishi EVO X converted into a fully adjustable ECU and then increase the performance. Now what will obviously vary is the level of warranty that you’ll get support from your local dealer.Be very careful when you start modifying, if you choose to modify your EVO X. Because it’s a brand-new car, it uses the new Flash Can technology ECU. Gone are the days where you can do some simple modification and upgrades with hard parts and expect a noticeable improvement in performance because, really, you can’t achieve that anymore particularly with these newer models.

The EVO X ECU is smart enough to realize that there’s been a modification done and what it will then start doing is detuning the performance that you were looking for as a result of say, for example, a modified exhaust and ultimately you can end up with less power than what you start with, obviously, with factory-standard parts. The advantage of converting the factory ECU to an adjustable one allows that all to be brought together as a complete package, tuned and designed to work in harmony with each other.

You may be trying to decide whether you’re going to go for a classic, manual transmission gear box or the semi-automatic, dual-shifting gear box. Based on our experience, you should choose carefully because if you’re going to drive the car hard, early indications are that whilst the seamless-shift, semi-automatic transmission gear box is technically very advanced, the down side is it’s not really up to it when it comes to taking it on the track and giving it a bit of a workout. We’ve already heard some early examples of these cars with these transmissions being taken to the track and the gear box overheating and effectively putting the car into a limp mode after just a simple couple of laps. Our feedback, to begin with, is effectively to go for the conservative route with your classic manual transmission where you’d get to choose the shift gears yourself.

Obviously, that’s a derivative of the EVO 9 transmission and obviously a lot of “proof in the pudding” so to speak from the previous models from a reliability point of view there. Some of the other things from feedback on the press release launch of speaking to a few test drivers, the new EVO X, technically, is a very advanced car and effectively quicker and more reliable because, obviously, that’s the way technology is going, but probably not as much as a hardcore performance model as was the EVO 9 and the previous EVO models to that.

Mitsubishi, similarly like Subaru, have sort of toned down the new EVO X a little bit to reach what we believe is a broader market. It’s a bit more of a gentleman’s type of performance car than a previous EVO 9. I’ve already had several customers say to me that they believe the EVO 9 is a more fun car to own than the EVO 10. I think at the end of the day it really depends on what your angle is and what you plan to use the car for.

Now when it came to picking and choosing between the Subaru Impreza STI and the Mitsubishi EVO 9, if you’re going to drive the car regularly, day-to-day, then the Subaru STI model was a bit more conservative and a bit more enjoyable to drive. If you’re looking for a car that you’re going to regularly take to the track, then the Mitsubishi EVO 9 was the way to go because out of the box it was more of a performance-based, hardcore car and not as broad in its appeal as to the Subaru STI model.Based on the road test of the Subaru MY08 STI, we believe Subaru has probably broadened its appeal a little bit too much as well and lost some of its focus, i.e., the seats are not as hugging as the previous model.

They’re a little bit more designed for a broader-framed person so to speak. It’s a little bit more dulled down. From our indications so far, Mitsubishi have probably followed a similar route with the EVO 10. Whether that continues to be the path that these manufacturers will take in the future, I’m not really too sure. Hopefully that little bit of this information will help you make a decision on what to do to modify your Mitsubishi EVO X or to choose between a Mitsubishi EVO 10 or a Subaru Impreza STI MY08.The EVO X, obviously, has a dramatically different engine now from the previous models. It has an all-alloy block.

It runs a higher-peak boost level, in fact, a staggeringly higher-peak boost level which, again, makes it even more important to choose your modifications carefully.Obviously, the orientation of the inlet and the exhaust manifolds on the EVO X is different to the EVO 9, having the inlet manifold at the front now with the exhaust manifold at the rear. Effectively, between the firewall and the engine is now where the turbo sits, which is the completely different orientation to the previous EVO 9 model. That’s going to require a whole complete new jigging up of, obviously, exhaust systems and components to suit that model.Obviously, there’s not a lot of carry over with the EVO 9 but, then again, we expected there’s a pretty good reason why Mitsubishi had done that.

From impressions, it’s obviously to get the car a bit better balanced in its weight distribution because the exhaust manifold weighs more than the inlet manifold. By moving it backwards, it transfers a little bit more of that weight towards the rear of the car and in theory then obviously makes it handle better.Again, that gives you a bit more info to compare between the models as well. I’m not going to comment on the body styling or geometry setups or seating position because a lot of that these days is more so a personal choice. Quite a few people commented, “I’m not liking the Subaru MY08 Impreza shape,” but, obviously, over a period of time that tends to grow on people.Obviously, the Mitsubishi EVO X body shape is dramatically different to the previous model as well. Now being out for a while, it’s not as dramatic in its appearance. I think that’s about it for now.

Thursday

Greddy Injectors for Your Car

Do you feel disturbed when your car does not perform well or when it loses its speed? You have two options to get a peaceful drive; you have to make a huge investment in buying a new car or have to install high quality performance auto parts like Greddy injectors in your vehicle. Greddy injectors have the capacity to augment the performance quotient of your car and would give you the experience of joyful driving.

Greddy performance parts would help you a large extent by enhancing the speed of your car and its overall performance. With Greddy injectors, even your old car requires less maintenance and runs at an amazing speed. If you are a popular automobile enthusiast, you can upgrade your car’s fuel delivery components with the help of Greddy injectors. With Greddy injectors you can enhance the productivity of your automobile and get a satisfying driving experience.
You can get vital online information about Greddy injectors for your car by searching the internet. Greddy injectors are considered to be the best fuel injectors available in the industry. As a performance part, Greddy Injectors enhance the performance of your car and as a result, ultimately increase its overall value. Greddy enjoys high reputation in the industry with its best quality service with desirable results. As the Greddy injectors do not harm or disturb the functioning of other automobile parts, you can use them in any model car as you like to enjoy a nice drive.
A greddy injector mixes the air and fuel in the internal combustion engine of the vehicle. Greddy injectors are the preferred choice of a large number of users worldwide for their automobiles. More recently, the fuel injectors have successfully replaced the carburetors and have revolutionized the entire automobile industry. As an integral component of the electronic system, Greddy injectors regularly spray fuel into the combustion chambers of the vehicle.
Greddy Injectors are available in various sizes as low resistance fuel injectors in high flow sizes of 550, 660 as well as 720 cc. You can ideally use them for supercharged or turbocharged applications. Once you use the Greddy injectors you will be surprised to see the excellent quality of service in a short time at affordable rates.

Saturday

Chevrolet Looks To Post First Win At MIS Since 2001


The Citizens Bank 400, the fifteenth race of the 2007 Nextel Cup Series, is just around the corner and talks in the paddocks revolve around Chevrolet’s winless streak. The winless streak, of course, does not point out to the current season because Chevy teams have been dominating the season so far. To date, Chevrolet Impalas has already won thirteen of the fourteen races this season.
The winless streak is about Chevy teams not being able to win at the Michigan International Speedway where the next race will take place. The last driver to win at the MIS driving a Chevrolet is Jeff Gordon who posted a win at the circuit on June 10, 2001. From that time onwards, either a Dodge or a Ford has won at the Michigan track.
With history against them, Chevrolet teams need a boost which J.J. Yeley gladly gave them. The 30-year old NASCAR driver won the pole position which means he will start at the front row come raceday on Sunday. Yeley drives the Number 18 Chevy Impala for Joe Gibbs Racing. Another Chevy car will be starting alongside Yeley on the front row. Defending champion Jimmie Johnson recorded the second fastest lap time in the qualifying round to secure a front row start.
Kyle Busch, another Chevrolet Impala driver, will start on the second row after he qualified at the third spot. He will start alongside the Number 12 Dodge of Ryan Newman. Newman drives the only non-Chevy car in the top nine spots. His teammate Kurt Busch will start tenth on the grid.

While Chevrolet cars have dominated the season, drivers are talking about the MIS being a Ford track because it seems to favor Ford cars in recent years. Jimmie Johnson expressed his feelings towards the track saying: “It's weird how certain tracks favor certain teams.” This consensus among NASCAR drivers is based on the fact that Ford cars have won three out of the previous five races at the MIS. In 2002, Matt Kenseth won the Sirius Satellite Radio 400 while in 2003 Kurt Busch won the Sirius 400. In 2005, Greg Biffle won the Batman Begins 400.
“Manufacturers, unfortunately, have their hands tied and can't do a lot,” says Johnson. “It really revolves around the teams. And this has been a Roush track, for whatever reason. I know Jeff (Gordon) has won here... but it kind of falls into being a Roush track. They carry the Ford logo, so thus it's been considered a Ford track, too.”
With their NASCAR Chevrolet Impalas engineered for high level of performance which leaves no room for components such as Chevy window motors, Chevrolet teams have performed well at the MIS in the past only to falter during the later stages of the race.
“I think that the Chevy teams have been close here,” says Johnson. “I know from my own experience, we were running up front in the fall here and had a flat tire. I've personally had a lot of crazy things happened to me late in races here, whether it's strategy, running out of fuel, tire failures. We just haven't had the finishes we thought we would. But if you look at the statistics probably up to the two-thirds mark, Chevy teams are in contention - but when the checkered falls, weird things happen. I don't know why, but the statistics certainly show that Ford camp seems to rule here.”