Corporate Sponsorships Aid NASCAR Diversity

Despite the popularity of the sport, NASCAR has often been described by critics as a White man’s sport. With the exception of a few trailblazers, such as ESPN NASCAR analyst and former NBA All-Star Brad Daugherty, most coverage of racing includes very few faces of color or women.

However, NASCAR diversity has been at the top of the sports agenda for the past six seasons as a result of its Drive for Diversity initiative. The program seeks to develop minority and female drivers and crew members and give them the opportunity to compete against established NASCAR talent.

One such individual taking advantage of NASCAR diversity is 19-year-old racing sensation Michael Cherry, who is in his second year in the Drive for Diversity program and recently received sponsorship from Nationwide Insurance.

“It’s an honor to support Michael Cherry as he works his way up in NASCAR,” said Nationwide agent Carlo White. “This sponsorship is a good opportunity for Nationwide to support diversity in racing, and that’s something that is very important to us. Michael is a very promising young racer and will be a great representative of the Nationwide Insurance brand.”

Despite the efforts of Nationwide, NASCAR diversity has become a critical issue since fired NASCAR employee Mauricia Grant filed a $225 million lawsuit against the racing league in 2008, claiming racial and sexual discrimination, sexual harassment and wrongful termination.

Grant, a Black female, said of her NASCAR experience: “I loved it. It was a great, exciting, adrenaline-filled job where I worked with fast cars and the best drivers in the world. But there was an ongoing daily pattern [of harassment]. It was the nature of the people I worked with, the people who ran it, it trickled down from the top.”

After Grant filed the lawsuit, NASCAR spokesperson Ramsey Poston emphasized the dedication to NASCAR diversity and a zero tolerance policy for any form of harassment. “As an equal opportunity employer, NASCAR is fully committed to the spirit and letter of affirmative action law,” Poston said. And they are optimistic that the Drive for Diversity initiative and Nationwide’s sponsorship of Cherry will accomplish their goals of diversity.

“We’re pleased to see Michael, and promising young drivers like him, earn the opportunity to take their racing careers to the next level,” said Max Siegel, CEO of the managing group in charge of the diversity initiative. “The goal of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity initiative is to create meaningful opportunities for a wide range of drivers to compete in NASCAR. Nationwide Insurance will be a great partner for Michael because they have a proud tradition of supporting NASCAR and diversity in general.”

Cherry, a Valrico, Fla. Native, finished fourth in the point standings during his rookie year in 2008. He will race for the Addis Motorsports at Greenville-Pickens (S.C.) Speedway. Cherry said, “It’s truly an honor (to) represent Nationwide Insurance. The addition of their sponsorship to our Addis team and the Drive for Diversity initiative really makes this an unbelievable opportunity for me. I definitely plan to make the most of it.”

In addition, the world of auto racing plans to make the most of NASCAR diversity and become a sport everyone can enjoy and celebrate.

Todd A. Smith is the web master for ; Regal Mag The preeminent Online Magazine for African American Men. For more information on this subject visit our ; Sports Section To read about ; NASCAR diversity

Article Source: Corporate Sponsorships Aid NASCAR Diversity

Source: http://www.articlespan.com/article/228771/corporate-sponsorships-aid-nascar-diversity

Citifinancial Ford Michael McDowell Red Line Oil Dodge Steve Wallace

NASCAR Tracks - The Talladega Superspeedway

Talladega Superspeedway is one of the fastest, most exciting tracks on the NASCAR schedule. Talladega Superspeedway stands out among all the great tracks of NASCAR. Its 175,000 capacity makes it among the biggest of tracks. Buy Talladega tickets and watch 43 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series stock cars storm around the 2.66 mile, high banked speedway three-wide at 200 mph - the only place on the planet where you will see such intense racing.

Talladega Superspeedways grandstand tri-oval is banked 16.5 degrees and the north and south turns are banked 33 degrees. The superspeedways layout is unique in racing as it places the start/finish line after the pit exit. Talladega Superspeedway is the biggest, fastest and most competitive super speedway in the world. Holding records for the fastest 500-mile stock car race at 188.354 mph and the most lead changes in a race with 75, it is widely known as "NASCAR's Most Competitive Track". Talladega Superspeedway security: One soft-sided cooler or insulated bag, 6 x 6 x 12 inches or smaller, is allowed per ticket holder. One clear plastic bag, 18 x 18 x 4 inches, is also allowed.

Talladega Superspeedway offers a variety of other 2-day packages, as well as single-day event tickets for Saturday and Sunday. Talladega Superspeedway tickets sell quickly, so act quick and purchase your tickets! Talladega Superspeedway has upped the ante by adding a fan element to their part of the tour. Fans will be allowed to view a question and answer session between media and drivers from a designated viewing area.

Talladega Superspeedway is home to many records including Buddy Baker who became the first recorded driver in the history of NASCAR to break the 200mph barrier when he turned a lap at 200.447 mph on March 24, 1970. Paula Murphy also set a record for a closed course run for a female at 171.499 mph on August 20, 1971. Talladega Superspeedway is one of the fastest, most exciting tracks on the NASCAR schedule. Buy Talladega tickets and watch 43 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series stock cars storm around the 2.66 mile, high banked speedway three-wide at 200 mph - the only place on the planet where you will see such intense racing.

Talladega Superspeedway is the biggest, fastest and most competitive superspeedway in the world. Holding records for the fastest 500-mile stock car race at 188.354 mph and the most lead changes in a race with 75, it is widely known as "NASCAR's Most Competitive Track". Talladega Superspeedway has upped the ante by adding a fan element to their part of the tour. Fans will be allowed to view a question and answer session between media and drivers from a designated viewing area. Talladega Superspeedway is home to many records including Buddy Baker who became the first recorded driver in the history of NASCAR to break the 200mph barrier when he turned a lap at 200.447 mph on March 24, 1970. Paula Murphy also set a record for a closed course run for a female at 171.499 mph on August 20, 1971.

For NASCAR Merchandise, Up to the minute News, and everything NASCAR including RaceCar jacket or Nascar Racing Shirts we have them at the best prices everyday!

Article Source: NASCAR Tracks - The Talladega Superspeedway

Source: http://www.articlespan.com/article/193966/nascar-tracks-the-talladega-superspeedway

Bobby Grim Romain Grosjean Olivier Grouillard Brian Gubby

A day in the life of Jake Humphrey

Remarkably I managed to get through the past week in Singapore while tricking my body that I was still in Europe.

It may seem strange that I was eating muesli at two in the afternoon, feeling ready for lunch at eight in the evening and finishing the day by sharing some grub with Martin Brundle at three in the morning but it felt oddly routine.

For a variety of reasons this has quickly become my favourite race of the season. I think it is largely because the drivers, press officers, production team and everyone else are a little wired - slightly giddy because of the time difference. That creates an atmosphere totally unique to the Singapore GP.

The Singapore Grand Prix portrays a beautiful picture under the beaming floodlights. Photo: Getty

This is my working day, Singapore-style...

11am
Sunlight is coming through the curtains, while Beach Road in downtown Singapore is alive with commuters and passers-by. I try to ignore it and carry on dozing.

2pm
Time to start the day. Mine usually begins with a call to my wife Harriet, or my parents. If there is time, my favourite pastime is Skyping my niece and nephew. On a Saturday we would be gearing up for our qualifying show.

I much prefer writing scripts in the morning, possibly because my brain feels a little more alive at that time. That could be because of 10 years delivering the Eastern Daily Press to the locals of Upper Stoke Holy Cross.

Anyway, I'll start scripting the show and, at this point, I start clock-watching, working out how many hours until I'll be delivering these lines to a few million people. Once I've written a few links and given myself keywords to prompt me during interviews, it's time to get myself sorted.

I go through the running order and think about the guests we should try to get. I have to think what the stories are and the people you guys would like to hear from - plus the locations where we will be for each link. Everything has to be planned because we need permission from the teams to be live in their garages and to tell them the precise time we will be there.

That doesn't mean my ideas are final - the Editor, Mark Wilkin will have his own opinions and might not like my ideas.

Once I've scripted, showered and shaved, it's time to iron my 'show shirt'. I like to do this myself as I hate creases in them. This weekend I even ended up doing fellow presenter Lee McKenzie's ironing - don't ask!

3.30pm
Departure time. In Singapore it was £2 to get a cab to the circuit, which is far more appealing than walking, otherwise you end up looking like you've had a shower with your clothes on due to the humidity.

On Saturday I jumped in a cab with Rebekah, our Production Manager. While we were busy gossiping our poor driver took a wrong turn and we ended up on the other side of Marina Bay, seemingly unable to get back across the water.

On Sunday, I was the fool as I left my shoes in the hotel lobby. To make it worse I was wearing bright white trainers, which isn't very BBC Sport. Production coordinator Louise Elliott went back in a cab for me. I'll say it again - thanks Louise, I am an idiot.

4pm
Myself, senior producer Richard Carr, assistant editor Steve Aldous and film editor Mark Wilkin share our thoughts on the script. Once we've decided which drivers, team bosses and garages we want to get involved with, it's up to Steve to sort things out. With gentle persuasion, the odd reminder of a favour we are owed and some occasional begging, he makes it look easy.

Some people ask why we never speak to certain drivers and if we are biased against them. Often our first-choice driver turns us down, so we have to make a sudden change of plan. Sometimes we ask three or four teams before we get a 'Yes' to one of our requests.

6pm
David Coulthard, Eddie Jordan and Martin Brundle rock up. DC makes tea the most, Martin is the most punctual and Eddie probably misses one in every three meetings for some reason - but we let him off.

We then watch the various video pieces. Sometimes we collectively decide to make a change to one of them but very rarely is a glaring error spotted.

Once I say, "Ted Kravitz reports...", we usually have to sprint three garages down the pit-lane, find our next interviewee and check they are ready to go live. Mark will update the three of us as to whether we are over or under time - or if there is any breaking news while Richard Carr directs the cameras and Louise lets us know how long is left on the video.

The fact we have already seen it means we can reference back to it, or simply keep the chat along the right lines.

7pm
Out to the paddock to do a tech check with the crew. On Saturday, we walked live into McLaren. One of the crew realised he was the wrong side of the camera and had to make a dash to safety. You can watch the moment on iPlayer and see the flash of white as he athletically sprints out of, or rather into, shot.

These guys arrive days before us, set up the office, the communication links with the paddock, plug in the kettle and make sure that, when us creative types come up with a ludicrous idea to push the boundaries, that it can be achieved.
It hasn't gone unnoticed and no other F1 coverage has ever got so close to the action. You won't find better, harder-working pros.

8pm
Live to the nation! The final few seconds before we are on air never fail to be exhilarating, petrifying and surreal in equal measure.

10.30pm
The show is over and, after pre-recording a chat for BBC News and the trail you may often see on the BBC later that night, it's back to the office to think about the following day's race programme. We always discuss what worked, what didn't and what we could have done differently or better.

Midnight
We go through the video packages for the following day. I love the creativity and madness of the people who create these. The music is an important part of the show and can come from anywhere. I was running the track on Thursday and the Black Eyed Peas song Get Ready For The Showdown was on my playlist. We have now done over 50 Grand Prix on the BBC and these guys certainly haven't run out of ideas - or music.

3am
We have decided on the running order for Sunday, drunk enough tea to refresh an army and, despite how strange it feels, it is actually time to leave the track and head out for dinner.

At this point I usually ring my parents as I still like to get their feedback on the show and find out what's happening in Norwich. Missing loved ones and home is the only real negative of this job.

An average Singapore Grand Prix day ends with the team heading somewhere to grab some noodles and a beer. I wouldn't usually admit to drinking at four in the morning before a Grand Prix, but that's the beauty of this race - in reality it's only nine in the evening.

There are many similarities with every Grand Prix but this one is slightly different. It is more exciting and electric than normal.

As we draw near to the end of another season, let me place on record my thanks to all the guys who have worked on the BBC F1 output this year. I can honestly say that, despite all the well-publicised distractions of the past few months, our team have been as hard-working, professional and perhaps even a little more driven and keen for success than ever.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jakehumphrey/2011/09/it_worked_remarkably_i_managed.html

Hermie Sadler III Brian Scott Carl Long Willie Allen

Renault R31 launch pictures (31st of January)

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Lotus Renault GP unveiled their much-discussed 2011 challenger, the R31, in the pit lane of Valencia's Ricardo Tormo circuit on 31st Jan'11.

Robert Kubica and Vitaly Petrov revealed the R31, with reserves Romain Grosjean, Bruno Senna, Jan Charouz and Fairuz Fauzy.

Technical specifications

Chassis Moulded carbon fibre and aluminium honeycomb composite monocoque, with engine incorporated as a fully-stressed member
Suspension (front) Carbon fibre double wishbone, operating inboard torsion bar and damper units via a pushrod system
Suspension (rear) As front except via a pullrod system
Engine Renault RS27-2011 2,400 cc (146.5 cu in) 90° V8, limited to 18,000 RPM with KERS naturally aspirated mid-mounted
Transmission Seven-speed semi-automatic titanium gearbox with reverse gear "Quickshift" system
Weight 640 kg (1,411 lb) (including driver)
Fuel Total
Tyres Pirelli P Zero

OZ Wheels (front and rear): 13"

Links

Renault R31 ? Launch Details and Analysis (Scarbsf1's Blog)
"What was formerly the Renault F1 Team and now Lotus Renault GP (I?ll use the term LRGP for this article) have unveiled their new car the R31. It seems some critical details are not fitted to the car for its unveiling, indeed the car was shown only briefly to the press before it was covered back up and returned to the garage. Despite the mystery surrounding the cars exhaust exit location, its clear this is a very new design for the team. In creating this the team were given a mandate to take risks, which probably explains the very different front and rear end treatments."

Renault R31 Front Exit Exhausts (FEE) ? Explained (Scarbsf1's Blog)
"Renault have found a new solution to the blown diffuser concept. In fact they?ve turned it on its head. With an exhaust that exits at the front of the sidepods.

Last years teams reintroduced the blown diffuser concept, either by blowing exhaust gasses over the top of the diffuser, or by creating an opening into the diffuser to blow inside the diffuser. Both solutions created more downforce. With the latter solution now banned, it seemed the less effective over-blown solutions are all that?s left to race."

Renault R31 launch pictures






Photos © Renault/LAT

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Timo Glock Helm Glöckler Paco Godia Carel Godin de Beaufort

Ferrari launch their new 2011 car, F150 ( Launch Pictures)

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Ferrari launched their 2011 spec challenger during a media event that took place at Maranello yesterday (28th Jan'11) ahead of a track debut at nearby Fiorano. The wraps came off the F150 ? a tribute to Italian unification and featuring an Italian flag on the rearward-facing rear wing. The team?s new Scuderia Ferrari logo features prominently on the engine cover. The F150 is the first F1 car of 2011 to be revealed.

?As far as the looks are concerned the rules keep them quite unaltered. The cars look like the ones from last year, but from a technical point of view they will be really different,? said technical director Aldo Costa.

?The car?s evolution has been planned with two big stages: one during the winter tests, where we will mainly develop the area of the mechanics, which means that the car?s structure, the chassis, the gearbox and the suspension will remain the same for the first couple of races. The aerodynamics is simplified and temporary for the first tests, waiting for the real aerodynamic development for the first race,?
further explained Costa.

Ferrari's president Luca di Montezemolo also attended the media event, and wanted to congratulate Fernando Alonso publicly for his wonderful campaign with the Prancing Horse last year. As far as Felipe Massa is concerned, di Montezemolo called him "our little child" and insisted that it was his brother who drove a Ferrari in these past couple of years, only now the true Massa is back.

Chassis Specification

  • Carbon-fibre and honeycomb composite structure
  • Ferrari longitudinal gearbox
  • Limited-slip differential
  • Semiautomatic sequential electronically controlled gearbox ? quick shift
  • Number of gears: 7 +Reverse
  • Brembo ventilated carbon-fibre disc brakes
  • Independent suspension, push-rod activated torsion springs front and rear
  • Weight with water, lubricant and driver: 640 kg
  • BBS Wheels (front and rear): 13?

Engine Specification
  • Type: 056
  • Number of cylinders: 8
  • Cylinder block in sand cast aluminium V 90°
  • Number of valves: 32
  • Pneumatic distribution
  • Total displacement: 2398 cm3
  • Piston bore: 98 mm
  • Weight > 95 kg
  • Electronic injection and ignition
  • Fuel: Shell V-Power
  • Lubricant: Shell Helix Ultra

Link

Ferrari F150 ? Launch detail & Analysis (Scarbsf1's Blog)

"Firstly the front wing is last years; it even has the driver adjustable mechanism which is no longer allowed in 2011. However the nose cone will be fairly definitive, as it needs to match the front of the chassis and being a homologated part, cannot be structurally changed during the season. This front wing may be on the car for the opening test runs, but we will soon see an interim 2011 wing before a final version appears for Bahrain."

Ferrari F150 Launch Pictures



Images © Ferrari, toilef1.com, daylife.com

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Brian Scott BigSpot com Toyota Carl Long Willie Allen

Schumacher of old returns to haunt Hamilton

Since Michael Schumacher returned to Formula 1 at the beginning of last season, he has not provided many glimpses of the man who dominated Formula 1 for so long - but that all changed at the Italian Grand Prix.

It is still not clear whether the German legend has the speed he had in his first career, despite two impressive drives in the last race in Belgium and now on Sunday in Monza.

But it was blatantly obvious in Italy that he is as willing as ever to push the boundaries of acceptable behaviour up to and beyond their limits.

Schumacher's driving in defending his position from Lewis Hamilton will split opinions - as BBC Sport's own experts proved.

"In sporting etiquette between racing drivers," David Coulthard said, "that was right on the line and he had one foot over it. He gave Lewis the chop."

But while Coulthard went on to add that he did not feel Schumacher deserved a penalty for his behaviour, chief analyst Eddie Jordan disagreed: "You cannot move twice. It's certainly questionable. If I was a judge I would have to reprimand him."

Schumacher's defence of the position over 21 enthralling - and occasionally heart-stopping - laps was certainly robust.

But there were two incidents in particular for which many will argue he was lucky to get away without a penalty.

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The first was on lap 16, when Hamilton dived down the inside of Curva Grande - taken flat out at 190mph - and Schumacher pushed him on to the grass.

The second was four laps later, when Schumacher appeared to change his trajectory twice while defending from Hamilton out of the second chicane and into the first Lesmo corner.

Article 20.2 of sporting regulations says: "Manoeuvres liable to hinder other drivers, such as more than one change of direction to defend a position, deliberate crowding of a car beyond the edge of the track or any other abnormal change of direction, are not permitted."

It should be no surprise that Schumacher is prepared to drive like this - after all, he did it so much in his first career that his dubious tactics are remembered just as strongly as his results, which takes some doing when you have won nearly twice as many races as anyone else in F1 history.

What is perhaps more surprising is that he was not punished - particularly for the 'two moves' incident. Although this looked less dramatic, it was probably the one that further exceeded the boundaries of acceptability.

The blocking move into Curva Grande was, as one veteran F1 observer put it on Sunday evening, "a bit naughty but entirely predictable" - and Hamilton was anyway a bit optimistic in trying to go down the inside there from as far back as he was.

Race director Charlie Whiting warned Mercedes about Schumacher's driving - and team principal Ross Brawn was fully aware of how close they were to being penalised. He went repeatedly on to the radio to warn Schumacher to give Hamilton enough room.

Back in Malaysia in April, Hamilton was given a 20-second penalty after the race for changing his line twice while defending his position from Fernando Alonso. Many will look at Schumacher's behaviour in Monza and conclude it was at least as bad, if not significantly worse.

Hamilton himself was clearly unimpressed. "I thought you were only allowed one move!" he said in exasperation over his radio.

After the race, though, he kept his counsel in public. As he had made it clear he wanted to stay out of trouble to try to end the tumultuous run of events that have derailed his season, that is perhaps not a surprise. It remains to be seen whether it stays that way.

Ironically, it was the first of those two incidents that led to Schumacher losing what at the time was third place, a position he found himself in after his customary superb start, and then taking advantage of Hamilton being caught napping at the re-start after the safety car period that was prompted by a first-corner crash involving backmarkers.

In backing off after being forced onto the grass at Curva Grande, Hamilton was overtaken by team-mate Jenson Button, who used his momentum to close rapidly on Schumacher and pass him in a brilliantly audacious move around the outside into Ascari.

Button said his own move on Schumacher was one of the bravest he has ever pulled, but another earlier in the race surely surpassed it - when race-winner Sebastian Vettel passed Alonso for the lead around the outside of the Curva Grande and into the second chicane.

Alonso edged Vettel far enough to the left for the Red Bull to have its left-hand wheels on the grass while flat out in top gear. But Vettel kept his foot hard down, controlled what must have felt like a scary wobble, and nailed the Ferrari down the inside into the chicane.

It puts to bed any unfounded criticisms that Vettel cannot win from behind - and the world champion elect was still a little wide-eyed about it after the race.

"I was on the grass there," he said to Alonso with a smile as they waited to go out on to the podium. "Yeah," the Ferrari driver responded.

It was a heart-in-the-mouth moment, certainly, but was this as bad as Schumacher's chop on Hamilton into the same corner a few laps later?

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Schumacher appeared to turn in early on Hamilton and gave him no room at all, and the McLaren driver had no choice but to take to the grass with at least half of his car. Vettel, by contrast, had the option to back out of the move, but chose not to.

This was almost certainly because - as with team-mate Mark Webber's pass of Alonso into Eau Rouge at the last race in Belgium - he knew Alonso would be hard, but could trust him to leave him just enough survival space.

It was mighty close. "Very hard but fair," was Vettel's post-race verdict

What was particularly impressive about Vettel's decision to commit was that he did not need to - as he himself said, he could easily have waited and got him in one of the zones where he could use his DRS overtaking aid that lap or the next.

Vettel has such a huge championship lead that he does not need to take any risks - and yet his hunger for victories, to stamp his absolute authority on this season that surrendered to him months ago, remains as intense as ever.

This was his eighth win of the year and one of the most impressive, and suitably it brought him to the brink of his second title.
Vettel will be crowned the youngest double champion in history - taking the honour from Alonso, ironically enough - in Singapore if he wins and Alonso does not finish third and Button or Mark Webber do not finish second.

On current form, that is entirely possible, and even if he doesn't do it there, Vettel will certainly tie it up sooner rather than later.

At the age of 24, he has 18 wins to his credit, a second title in the bag, and 25 pole positions. Schumacher's records - 91 wins, 65 poles, seven titles, which seemed unbeatable when he set them - look within reach, unless the other teams can do something about Red Bull's superiority. And perhaps even if they do.

Vettel's remarkable progress prompted superlatives from Coulthard after the race. "Are we witnessing one of the true greats - one of the legends of the sport. It's always difficult to judge when it's so early in someone's career but his results are remarkable."

To truly judge Vettel, he needs to go up against another great - Hamilton or Alonso or perhaps, on current form, Button - in an equal car. But there can no longer be any doubts that he is right up there.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/andrewbenson/2011/09/post_2.html

Marc Gené Elmer George Bob Gerard Gerino Gerini

Ferrari F150th Italia is now Ferrari 150° Italia..!

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Ferrari have apparently proceeded to a second name tweak for their 2011 F1 challenger, following the controversy surrounding the initial designation of the car back in January. According to the ?Horse Whisperer? column ? an online interface commonly used by Ferrari to share its likes and dislikes with the world ? the new name of the racer will be Ferrari 150° Italia.

?It might seem like a Kafkaesque scenario, but the affair relating to the name of the car with which Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa will tackle this year's Formula 1 World Championship saw its final and decisive episode played out these past few days with the concomitant withdrawal by Ford of the summons. Therefore common sense has prevailed,? wrote the columnist.

The car?s initial name was Ferrari F150, but in mid-February was changed to F150th Italia as a result of the legal proceedings issued by American carmaker Ford to the US District Court in Detroit.

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Ford-F150-Pickup

This situation occurred because Ferrari?s car name and logo resembled Ford?s trademark for their line of pick-up trucks, the famous F-150. A couple of days back, Ford announced it has filed a notice with the US court for dismissal of the case, after it had reached an amicable agreement with their Italian counterparts.

In order to avoid the slightest risk of anyone confusing a Formula 1 car with a pick-up truck, for their part, the men from Maranello have decided that the car will lose the F that precedes the number 150 and which stands for Ferrari, as it has done on numerous occasions when it's come to giving a car a code name, be it for the race track or the road

It appears that this could have caused so much confusion in the minds of the consumer across the Pond that, at the same time as losing the F, the name will be completely Italianised, replacing the English 'th' with the equivalent Italian symbol.

Therefore the name will now read as the Ferrari 150° Italia, which should make it clear even to the thickest of people that the name of the car is a tribute to the anniversary of the unification of our country.

Let's hope the matter is now definitely closed and that we can concentrate on more serious matters, namely ensuring that our car that already seems to be pretty good out of the box, becomes a real winner.

- The Horse Whisperer

Original article by Ovidiu Panzariu of autoevolution http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FaR2xPNXkeI/TXMtsRZgK0I/AAAAAAAAHRc/gXgJoIumrJE/s1600/ovidiu-panzariu.jpg

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Jeffrey Tyler Burton Richard Allen Craven Kerry Dale Earnhardt Ralph Dale Earnhardt Sr

Nascar Fan Factor Up Close And Personal

There is no doubt that Nascar is one of the strongest brands ever in America's sporting chronicle. But what makes Nascar to be such a hot brand? Who is behind the success of Nascar? Well, the winnows of Nascar, who else?!? Nascar sports fans are the most faithful devotees in the world. You will never see the fans of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. drink any other beer other than Bud. This is because Dale is the brand name ambassador for Budweiser. Jeff Gordon is affiliated with Dupont paint, and most Jeff Gordon fans never use any other paint.

The brand name commitment of the sports fans is then cashed in by the sponsors. A survey divulged that in order to have their name and logotype on the lid of a top Nascar Nextel cup car, a person and or corporation has to pay $1.5 million! Now that is big money. The drivers are the main factor behind the success of the Nascar cars. The drama associated with the sport and the adrenaline rush cannot be compared to that of any other sport.

Loyalty To The Drivers
If a Nascar Nextel cup driver suddenly advertises Pepsi before the race, then the sales of Pepsi during that race will be incomparable. All the fans of that driver will simply quit using any other soft drink and start using Pepsi. Similarly, if a driver connects himself with a particular brand of shopping store like, say, Home Depot then all the fans will shop at Home Depot.

Role Of The Media
The media, too, will encounter a big role in promoting some of the stuff. For example, if Bill Elliot is seen eating at a specific restaurant and the photo hits newspaper headlines, the coming week, all of his devotees will eat in the same eatery. During the race, the fan following hits a new level altogether!

Individuals come from far-off distances to watch the races and then the sales of accessories and branded stuff hits the roof. Drivers like Jeff Gordon who are associated with car dealerships are also cashing in on the popularity. The sales of the cars have inflated dramatically after these drivers linked themselves with the car companies.

Automotive Productions
Automotive products, too, have established a market like never before, thanks to the growing popularity of Nascar drivers and their ever increasing fan following. If a particular Nascar driver uses a specific brand of paint on their car, then that paint has to be used by all his fans as well. The most common instance is that of the headlamp restoration product used by most Nascar drivers. The product which restores the condition of the headlamp to as good as new is exceedingly popular and is now used by many Nascar fans across the world as well.

This author is a HUGE fan of NASCAR licensed merchandise

Article Source: Nascar Fan Factor Up Close And Personal

Source: http://www.articlespan.com/article/111196/nascar-fan-factor-up-close-and-personal

Leo Kinnunen Danny Kladis Hans Klenk Peter de Klerk

NASCAR Tickets - Truex Passes More than Just Cars in Atlanta Race

Martin Truex Jr. didn't win first place at last week's Kobalt Tools 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, but his top-10 finish was still a remarkable feat for the Earnhardt Ganassi superstar, who suffered through great amounts of pain to participate in the Sprint Cup race on Sunday. Following Saturday's final practice at the Atlanta Motor Speedway, Truex was doubled over in pain and was transported to the emergency room of a local hospital, where he was treated for kidney stones.

Truex qualified 23rd for the Kobalt Tools 500 and was 15th-fastest at Saturday's final practice, but his bout with kidney stones almost put him out of the entire race on Sunday. After spending Saturday evening in the hospital, Martin Truex Jr. passed a kidney stone and was back in his No. 1 Chevrolet less than 24 hours later, finishing the Atlanta race in 10th place his first top 10 finish of the year.

Not one to let his troubles trump his success, all Truex had to say about his painful weekend at the racetrack on Sunday following the race was, "I feel great. I got rid of the kidney stone last night, so I was thankful for that. I was a little nervous yesterday afternoon but to be honest with you, the pain I had in the car during Happy Hour was the brunt of it. I got 97 percent of the way through by the time I got to the hospital and they checked me out."

Truex was running seventh toward the end of the Atlanta race when Robby Gordon's shredded tire sparked the caution that altered his plan for four fresh tires, and after running in fourth at the very end of the race Truex's decision to not swap out for a complete set of tires cost him six more places, and he ultimately finished 10th at the end of the race. Kurt Busch took top honors of the day in the Kobalt Tools 500, followed closely by Jeff Gordon, Carl Edwards, Kevin Harvick and Brian Vickers. Truex's solid finish in Atlanta leaves him in 26th place for the Sprint Cup Series.

He is now the ironman of NASCAR, but before he was shredding it up on the racetrack Martin Truex Jr. was known as the son of Martin Truex Sr., a NASCAR Grand National Division East Series competitor. Truex Jr., a Mayetta, New Jersey native, grew up under the influence of NASCAR, and he started racing go-karts in 1991, when he was just 11 years old. Truex quickly worked his way up the racing circuits and eventually got into stock car racing, joining the Sprint Cup Series in 2004 while racing at both Atlanta and Homestead that year for Dale Earnhardt Inc.

2007 was Truex's best racing season so far, as he finished 11th overall in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with seven top-five finishes and 14 top-10s, also winning his first series race at Dover and pole at Texas. In 2008, Martin Truex Jr. had a somewhat disappointing season and finished 15th in the league overall, leaving him thirsty to make up for his losses in 2009. To watch Truex in action, get NASCAR tickets online and head down to the track!

This article is sponsored by StubHub. StubHub is a leader in the business of selling NASCAR tickets, sports tickets, concert tickets, theater tickets and special events tickets.

Article Source: NASCAR Tickets - Truex Passes More than Just Cars in Atlanta Race

Source: http://www.articlespan.com/article/248645/nascar-tickets-truex-passes-more-than-just-cars-in-atlanta-race

Matthew Roy Kenseth Alan Dennis Kulwicki Travis Wade Kvapil Robert Allen Labonte

F1 2011 Teams and Drivers

Full Name Red Bull Racing Seasons 6
Principal Christian Horner Races 107
Nationality Austria Wins 15
Engine Renault Championships 1
Chassis RB7

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_fNkKG46yI/TWo0BDQw9PI/AAAAAAAAHQs/pwcqNRlvRaU/s1600/Red%2BBull.jpg
Sebastian Vettel (GER) Mark Webber (AUS)
Seasons 4
Races 62
Wins 10
C'ships 1
Seasons 9
Races 159
Wins 6
C'ships 0







Full Name Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Seasons 45
Principal Martin Whitmarsh Races 684
Nationality Great Britain Wins 168
Engine Mercedes Championships 8
Chassis MP4-26

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jsF0F319Yl4/TWozi7AGVKI/AAAAAAAAHQc/agftFLJ10VE/s1600/McLaren.jpg
Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Jenson Button (GBR)
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/S7MOCEiPWNI/AAAAAAAAFxI/PrtY8OfwgaU/s1600/Lewis+Hamilton.jpg Seasons 4
Races 71
Wins 14
C'ships 1
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/S7MOCftcBQI/AAAAAAAAFxQ/jE8IiPPCKrI/s1600/Jenson+Button.jpg Seasons 11
Races 191
Wins 9
C'ships 1







Full Name Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Seasons 61
Principal Stefano Domenicali Races 812
Nationality Italy Wins 215
Engine Ferrari Championships 16
Chassis F150

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWAsqm_mX6c/TWoziP8ofDI/AAAAAAAAHQE/4Zhe5jtX8AI/s1600/Ferrari.jpg
Fernando Alonso (ESP) Felipe Massa (BRA)
Seasons 9
Races 159
Wins 26
C'ships 2
Seasons 8
Races 135
Wins 11
C'ships 0







Full Name Mercedes GP Petronas F1 Team Seasons 3
Principal Ross Brawn Races 30
Nationality Germany Wins 9
Engine Mercedes Championships 0
Chassis MGP W02

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4boWj4s6g7g/TWozjN_ybpI/AAAAAAAAHQk/jlCZI9h_s_c/s1600/Mercedes.jpg
Michael Schumacher (GER) Nico Rosberg (GER)
Seasons 17
Races 269
Wins 91
C'ships 7
Seasons 5
Races 89
Wins 0
C'ships 0







Full Name Lotus Renault GP Team Seasons 18
Principal Eric Boullier Races 281
Nationality France Wins 35
Engine Renault Championships 2
Chassis R31

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tKr-7RpEv0g/TWo0BUGCK9I/AAAAAAAAHQ0/J74MlM4O2PQ/s1600/Renault.jpg
Robert Kubica (POL)
Vitaly Petrov (RUS)

Seasons 5
Races 76
Wins 1
C'ships 0

Seasons 1
Races 19
Wins 0
C'ships 0








Full Name AT&T Williams Seasons 35
Principal Frank Williams Races 554
Nationality Great Britain Wins 113
Engine Cosworth Championships 9
Chassis FW33

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_yjIHSJRxs/TWoMLqvtPgI/AAAAAAAAHP8/ZzuOgwjWwMk/s1600/williams_fw33_02.jpg
Rubens Barrichello (BRA)
Pastor Maldonado (VEN)

Seasons 18
Races 307
Wins 11
C'ships 0

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TT_2KOCyC_I/AAAAAAAAGnM/zRUH9o418fI/s1600/Pastor%2BMaldonado.jpg







Full Name Force India F1 Team Seasons 3
Principal Vijay Mallya Races 53
Nationality India Wins 0
Engine Mercedes Championships 0
Chassis VJM04

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LYxuOQEHWPs/TWozidWpJ5I/AAAAAAAAHQM/_PwIh6T9mB0/s1600/Force%2BIndia.jpg
Adrian Sutil (GER)
Paul di Resta (GBR)
Seasons 4
Races 71
Wins 0
C'ships 0
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TUQ7VS6c1II/AAAAAAAAGts/OJtKdr659bw/s1600/Paul%2Bdi%2BResta.jpg








Full Name Sauber F1 Team Seasons 13
Principal Peter Sauber Races 216
Nationality Switzerland Wins 0
Engine Ferrari Championships 0
Chassis C30

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/S5UWKANsyWI/AAAAAAAAFVQ/9CWnu99Jhwg/BMW%20Sauber%20F1%20Team.jpghttp://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FMjgCpLeGM/TWo0BTi4D-I/AAAAAAAAHQ8/Xt-tc6nfyCI/s1600/Sauber.jpg
Kamui Kobayashi (JPN)
Sergio Perez (MEX)

Seasons 2
Races 21
Wins 0
C'ships 0

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TT_yqW_O0XI/AAAAAAAAGnE/Nz58XJh3FFc/s1600/driver_team_index.gif







Full Name Scuderia Toro Rosso Seasons 5
Principal Franz Tost Races 88
Nationality Italy Wins 1
Engine Ferrari Championships 0
Chassis STR6

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ndZiAo3F0yQ/TWo0Bn6i-jI/AAAAAAAAHRE/75eoBAS6VJc/s1600/Toro%2BRosso.jpg
Jaime Alguersuari (ESP)
Sébastien Buemi (SUI)

Seasons 2
Races 27
Wins 0
C'ships 0

Seasons 2
Races 36
Wins 0
C'ships 0








Full Name Lotus Racing Seasons 38
Principal Tony Fernandes Races 509
Nationality Malaysia Wins 79
Engine Renault Championships 7
Chassis TL11

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cpZOPdRxhOc/TWozij6FIbI/AAAAAAAAHQU/Q2IkWxM9_Qk/s1600/Lotus.jpg
Heikki Kovalainen (FIN)
Jarno Trulli (ITA)

Seasons 4
Races 71
Wins 1
C'ships 0

Seasons 14
Races 238
Wins 1
C'ships 0








Full Name HRT F1 Team Seasons 1
Principal Colin Kolles Races 18
Nationality Spain Wins 0
Engine Cosworth Championships 0
Chassis F111

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Rb0fqECF7o/TWDz70ANiZI/AAAAAAAAHJs/0DxuEe417lA/s1600/hrt_f111.jpg
Narain Karthikeyan (IND)
TBA
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TT_9pJgSHPI/AAAAAAAAGnc/GreJAwK7z2g/s1600/Narain%2BKarthikeyan.jpg

Seasons 1
Races 19
Wins 0
C'ships 0

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TT_yqW_O0XI/AAAAAAAAGnE/Nz58XJh3FFc/s1600/driver_team_index.gif







Full Name Marussia Virgin Racing Seasons 1
Principal John Booth Races 18
Nationality Great Britain Wins 0
Engine Cosworth Championships 0
Chassis MVR-02

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxiJA7vU6Vk/TWo0B5wXokI/AAAAAAAAHRM/OEde5I_Dn3c/s1600/Virgin.jpg
Timo Glock (GER)
Jerome d'Ambrosio (BEL)

Seasons 4
Races 56
Wins 0
C'ships 0

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f2dCclIT9q8/TUAAcZILRLI/AAAAAAAAGnk/gdgMvncn11U/s1600/Jerome%2Bd%2527Ambrosio.jpg

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/F1InsightAFormula1Blog/~3/JaQO-YdA3P8/f1-2011-teams-and-drivers.html

5 hour Energy Toyota Tony Raines Long John Silver s Chevrolet Tayler Malsam