CarRacingBlog.com

FIRST CHANCE TO SEE NEW MUSTANG

The first computer rendering released earlier this year caused quite a stir.

Now, race fans who have been anxious to see what it will really look like will finally get their chance as Ford and Roush Fenway Racing unveil the new 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Mustang on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

This is the first public unveiling of the new 2010 Nationwide Mustang, and the first time media and public will see the car that will compete in limited races next year.

The unveiling will take place at Roush Fenway Racing Headquarters in Concord, NC. The program will begin with lunch from Noon-1 p.m. and follow with the formal program at 1 p.m.

Members of the media are invited to attend for lunch, interviews and video/photo opportunities.

WHAT: Ford-Roush Fenway NASCAR Nationwide Mustang Unveiling

ATTENDEES:
Edsel B. Ford II, member of the Board of Directors, Ford Motor Co.
Brian Wolfe, director, Ford North America Motorsports
Jack Roush, owner, Roush Fenway Racing
Colin Braun, driver, Roush Fenway Racing

WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 13

TIME: 12-1 p.m. Eastern (LUNCH); Unveiling at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Roush Fenway Racing Headquarters is located at the Concord Regional Airport. The unveiling will take place at the marketing building, located behind the water fountain at 4600 Roush Place.

MEDIA: Photo, video and interview opportunities will be available.

CONTACT: Dan Zacharias
Ford Racing Media Relations
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

Tuesday at 8.19am (California time) Charles Burnett III successfully broke the land speed record for a steam powered car – which has stood for more than 100 years – achieving an average speed of 139.843mph on two runs over a measured mile.

Driver Charles Burnett III piloted the car for both runs reaching a peak speed of 136.103mph on the first run and 151.085mph on the second. The new international record, which is subject to official confirmation by the FIA, breaks the previous official FIA record of 127mph set in 1906 by American, Fred Marriott, driving a Stanley steamer at Daytona Beach.

As he was congratulated by his jubilant crew, principal driver, Charles Burnett III said:

“It was absolutely fantastic I enjoyed every moment of it. We reached nearly 140mph on the first run. All systems worked perfectly, it was a really good run. The second run went even better and we clocked a speed in excess of 150 mph. The car really did handle beautifully. The team has worked extremely hard over the last 10 years and overcome numerous problems. It is a privilege to be involved with such a talented crew, what we have achieved today is a true testament to British engineering, good teamwork and perseverance.”

Project Manager Matt Candy said:
“The first run took place at 7.27am when the air temperature was a cool 63 degrees Fahrenheit, the team turned around the car in 52minutes (with just 8 minutes spare) in preparation for its return run. The British Steam Car takes 2.5 miles to accelerate and after the measured mile, a further 2.5 miles to decelerate – so each run was over 6.5 miles. The FIA requires that the return run takes place within 60 minutes. The times of the two runs are then averaged to obtain the official recorded speed. Compared to the testing we did in Britain, the British Steam Car ran 12 times the distance and twice the maximum speed – all within one hour. It’s been a huge challenge for all.”

Pam Swanston wife of the late project manager Frank Swanston was overcome with emotion after seeing Charles power the supercar across the dry lake bed, she said:

“If only Frank was here today, it was his vision that made it a reality. He would be incredibly proud of the team’s achievements and always believed we would succeed. Today we celebrate this record for Frank.”

This event is one that began in 1950, it has become a marquee event that has in 2006 alone contributed over $1 million dollars to charity. The feature show itself has a restricted entry list of just under 200 cars that range from the most exotic of automobiles to American hot rods. Millions of dollars worth of auto art will be paraded in front of visitors from around the world at numerous events during the week and if you should be fortunate to be in attendance, here is a quick rundown of your schedule -

Tuesday, August 11th
The Quail Rally - 8am to 10:00pm
Carmel-By-The-Sea Concours on the Avenue - 9:am to 5:30pm
Automobilia Monterey - 10:00am to 6:00pm

Wednesday, August 12th
The Quail Rally - 8am to 10:00pm
Automobilia Monterey - 10:00am to 7:00pm

Thursday, August 13th
Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance - 7:00am to 3:00pm
RM Auction - 6:00pm to 11:00pm

Friday, August 14th
Concorso Italiano - 9:30am to 5:00pm
La Dolce Vita at Black Horse - 9:30am to 5:00pm
Quail Motor Sports Gathering at the Quail Lodge - 10:00am to 3:00pm
Bonhams & Butterfields Auction - 10:00am to 6:00pm
Kruse International Auction - 2:00pm to 8:00pm
Russo and Steele Auction - 5:00pm to 10:00pm
RM Auction - 6:00pm to 1l:00pm

Saturday, August 15th
Mecum Auction - 10:00am
Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races - 12:00pm
Gooding & Company Auction - 5:00pm to 10:00pm
RM Auction - 6:00pm to 1l:00pm
Russo and Steele Auction - 5:00pm to 10:00pm

Sunday, August 16th
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance - 9:00am to 4:30pm
Automotive Fine Arts Society - 10:30am to 4:30pm
Rolex Monterey Historic Automobile Races - 12:00pm
Gooding & Company Auction - 6:00pm to 10:00pm

The New York buddies turned LA showbiz hipsters on HBO’s series “Entourage” don’t just hang out at trendy Beverly Hills and Malibu hot spots. Just recently they made a pit stop at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

According to a speedway statement, the show’s cast — Kevin Connolly (Eric), Adrian Grenier (Vince), Kevin Dillon (Drama) and Jerry Ferrara (Turtle) — filmed an episode that included the new Ferrari California. What might be the guys’ newest toy, at least for that episode, is the latest in a new generation of Ferrari sportscars.

The episode is scheduled to air in July, during the show’s sixth season.

Check out these pics (sorry, no video) of mini super cars in Sydney, Australia. Apparently this is all the rage down under - you can get one custom made… amazing!

Check it out - very cool…

Motortrend tests the limits of these 2 super muscle cars… which one will win?

Irwindale Speedway in Southern California is known to have a lot of different categories of racing - and a lot of unique drag racing events. This one, featuring a majorly souped up police car, looks like a blast!

Check out these HOT looking cars - I’ve gotta say, they do some pretty awesome stuff down in New Zealand! Everyone who says that Aussies are crazy must’ve never met a Kiwi - these guys know how to have a good time!

Now how cool is this? Drag racing at the legendary Rockingham Speedway! Only one word of advice to the cameraman - you should drink AFTER the races not before… anyone else a little woozy after that video?