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Gulf Goes Radical

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Gulf Racing Fuels announced at the Performance Racing Industry show that the Radical North American Masters (Radical Sportscars) series has selected Gulf Racing Fuels as its official fuel for the 2017 race season.  Gulf will provide trackside fuel delivery of Gulf’s 100 octane ethanol-free gasoline to iconic venues including Circuit of the Americas.

“It’s rewarding to see Radical Sportscars bringing Gulf’s historic livery into the future with modern, competitive racing package,” commented Jeff Farmer, Vice President, Marketing of Gulf Racing Fuels.

“With Radical, Gulf Racing Fuels, the legend in racing, is back to the track.”

Emulating Radical’s highly successful European series, Radical North American Masters will be positioned as Radical’s premier championship in the United States. Offering Radical owners heightened levels of hospitality and technical support at the continent’s most prestigious tracks, they will also act as flagship events for Radical’s many regional Cup series organized through its extensive dealer network.

2017 Radical North American Masters Calander
April 7-9   Road Atlanta, GA
May 12-14  Watkins Glen International, NY
June 2-4  Virginia International Raceway, VA
June 23-25  Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, CA
September 1-3  Circuit of the Americas, TX


Anemone Jones

Artist Arthur Schening

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Arthur Schening is a graphic designer, illustrator, and a fan of classic racing cars. After connecting online Arthur was kind enough to send me one of his prints for my study, this beautiful Aston Martin DBR1. I chose to take it to a local frame shop and selected a classic Walnut Burl Wood frame and museum glass. The framing, glass, and mounting cost about $90.00.  


Arthur's work captures the classic styling cues of these amazing cars with a modern edge,  the series  features vintage racing cars – predominantly from the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s.

Prices start at $30.00 for a unframed print, with a current special of buy one print get a second for just $15.00. Limited Edition prints sell for just $95.00 and would make a special edition 

Order online direct from Arthur HERE.



The J50

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During a special celebration held at the National Art Center in Tokyo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ferrari in Japan, Ferrari revealed a new strictly limited series of bespoke cars, the J50.

The Ferrari J50 is a two-seater, mid-rear-engined roadster that marks a return to the targa body style evocative of several well-loved Ferrari road cars of the 1970s and 1980s. Created by Ferrari’s Special Projects department and designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre team in Maranello,  just 10 examples of the J50 will be built and, in the spirit of Ferrari’s fuori serie tradition, each one will be tailored specifically to the customer’s requirements.

Based on the 488 Spider, the J50 is powered by a specific 690 cv version of the 3.9-litre V8 that won the overall International Engine of the Year Award this year.


The bodywork is all new and heralds a radically futuristic design language, with a highly distinctive personality that suits the tastes of a clientele that seeks the utmost in innovative styling. The design approach was led by the desire to create a very low-slung roadster, encapsulating intrinsic Ferrari values of nimbleness and agility. To achieve this, a strong dynamic was imprinted on the flank of the car by the converging interplay between two main guiding lines: the slanted top edge of the side window, continuous with the windscreen, and the raked black swage line which dramatically rises from the low-set nose until it vanishes in the air intake aft of the doors.

While the “helmet visor” effect, which spawns from the window graphic, is reminiscent of Ferrari’s open competition barchettas going as far back as the 1950s, the black dividing line is a novel interpretation of a recurring Ferrari styling cue seen on iconic models such as the GTO, F40 and F50. Circling around the front of the car below knee height, it is a key element which alters the perception of the beltline, setting it at a much lower height than usual, transforming the J50 into a barchetta.

The bonnet section is lower at the centre with raised wheelarch crests giving the emphasized muscularity typical of Ferrari mid-engined sports cars. Two carbon-fibre air channels in the front bonnet create an even more diminutive and sharper looking front mass underlined by the full LED headlights that feature a specific and very dynamic profile.


The J50 benefits from detailed aerodynamic development with a number of significant functional solutions. Firstly, the radiators have been positioned closer together, and the front bumper has been completely redesigned. The windscreen header rail has been lowered allowing more airflow over the aero foil and thus over the rear spoiler.

The sophisticated tail section is dominated by the artful interplay of graphic design themes and three-dimensional elements. The engine is framed by a transparent polycarbonate cover which is intricately shaped to provide a visual extension of the two separate roll hoops protecting the heads of driver and passenger. A transverse aero foil projects as a bridge between the hoops, effectively revisiting one of the most distinctive features of Ferrari sports prototypes of the 1960s.

The rear is decidedly aggressive in nature, with the quad taillight design widening the car visually under a high-downforce wing profile. The rear diffuser features an extractor shape inspired by jet engine afterburners, giving the car a powerful stance. 20” forged rims of unique design were crafted specifically for this limited-edition model.


Inside the cabin, specific trim adorns the sports seats, echoing the design of the rear bonnet contour to provide a unmistakable signature feature. The carbon-fibre hard targa top is divided into two pieces which stow conveniently behind the seats.


The J50 presented at the launch in Tokyo is finished in a special shade of three-layer red with a red-over-black interior trimmed in fine leather and Alcantara.

via Ferrari

The New E-Class

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With its expressive proportions, clear and sensual design and long-distance comfort for four people, the new E-Class Coupe combines the beauty and classic virtues of a grand tourer with state-of-the-art technology. It also offers the intelligence of the E-Class family with full smartphone integration, a widescreen cockpit and the latest driver assistance systems. A powerful engine and comfortable suspensions with selective damping guarantee a sporty and agile driving experience.
Following the introduction of the world's most intelligent sedan and wagon, the E- Class family now welcomes another new member: the E-Class Coupe. "With its clear, aesthetic lines, our new E-Class Coupe appeals equally to the heart and mind. It combines contemporary luxury, agile sportiness and high-tech engineering into an automotive personality with spirit, offering exclusive, refined driving pleasure," says Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

Based technically on the sedan, the sportily exclusive Coupe marks a further step in the evolution of the Mercedes-Benz design language. With its attractive proportions, the new Coupe exhibits a puristic, surface-accentuated design with reduced lines and sensual forms. Both hot and cool, the reduced design idiom represents beauty and elegance while emphasizing the Coupe's sporty and luxurious  personality.
The coupe proportions typical of Mercedes-Benz are characterized by a distinctive front end with a low-positioned sport grille and central star, a long hood with power domes, a rearward-shifted, elongated greenhouse and a muscular rear end. The dynamic looks are underlined by four frameless side windows and the absence of a B-pillar. With these clear forms, the design of the Coupe conveys an air of luxury and style alike.
Thanks to innovative crystal optics, the taillamps also have a brilliant stardust appearance similar to the glow of a jet engine.
Sporty, luxurious interior with refined details
The interior of the new E-Class Coupe embodies the synthesis of sporty emotion and luxurious intelligence.
The Coupe comes standard with a central 12.3-inch high-resolution COMAND® display. Another optionally available 12.3-inch widescreen instrument cluster– unique in this segment – is merged under a single lens to produce a widescreen cockpit that appears to float in space. The key design element emphasizes the width, as does the fascia-spanning trim. Positioned in the driver's direct field of vision, the digital instrument cluster shows virtual instruments, which can be selected by the driver in three different styles, "Classic,""Sport" and "Progressive," depending on which information and views the driver desires.
A decidedly sporty note is set by the air vents, the form of which is heavily influenced by the look of a turbine engine. They are styled down to the smallest detail and finished in silver shadow.
Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel enable the driver to control the instrument cluster and multimedia system using finger swipes without having to take their hands off of the steering wheel. Additional controls come in the form of a touchpad and controller in the center console, which can also recognize handwriting, plus the voice control system. There are also direct-access buttons for controlling the air conditioning, for example, and for convenient activation and deactivation of certain driver assistance systems.

The highly luxurious seats in the Coupe take their cue from the sedan. A wealth of extremely high-grade design details bear witness to the high standards required of a sporty luxury coupe.
High-grade materials and contemporary colors come together to create a sporty, contemporary luxury look. Especially for the E-Class Coupe, there is a choice of two new innovative, light wood trim packages in natural grain and high-gloss finishes. Precisely executed seams emphasize the seat design of each equipment line. The impressive range of exterior paint finishes is harmoniously matched to the contemporary interior color scheme.
The interior lighting makes exclusive use of durable, energy-saving LED technology in the standard enhanced ambient lighting with 64 color options to choose from.

Diversity to suit every taste
The standard equipment on the base E400 Coupe is abundantly configured. Additionally, the optionally available Sport Package adds edgier detail to such features as front and rear bumpers as well as side skirts and larger AMG-style wheels. The blocks in the diamond-block grille are chrome-tipped, and the interior boasts such features as an AMG leather sports steering wheel.

Larger and more luxurious
With a length of 190 inches, a width of 73.2 inches (without mirrors) and a height of 56.3 inches, the new E-Class Coupe clearly outstrips its predecessor in terms of length, width and height.
Exterior dimensions

E-Class Sedan
E-Class Coupe
PredecessorCoupe
Difference
Vehicle length (in)
193.8
190.0
185.2
+4.8
Vehicle width (in)
72.9
73.2
70.3
+2.9
Vehicle height (in)
57.8
56.3
55.0
+1.3
Wheelbase (in)
115.7
113.1
108.7
+4.4
The significantly larger footprint compared with the previous model is also to the benefit of passengers with extra spaciousness and comfort. They profit especially in terms of rear legroom, front and rear shoulder room as well as rear headroom. In each of the four fully fledged seats with coupe-specific individual seat character, the driver and passengers enjoy genuine comfort on long journeys as well as the classic virtues of a grand tourer.
Performance with high-tech

A powerful and efficient 3.0L V6 biturbo engine, equipped with ECO Start/Stop, provides lively performance and great fun behind the wheel.
The U.S. E-Class Coupe model line-up at a glance:

E400 Coupe
E400 4MATIC Coupe
Number of cylinders/ arrangement
V6
V6
Displacement (cc)
2,996
2,996
Rated output (hp @ rpm)
329 @ 5,250 – 6,000
329 @ 5,250 – 6,000
Rated torque (lb-ft @ rpm)
354 @ 3,500 – 5,250
354 @ 3,500 – 5,250
Acceleration 0-60 mph (sec)
5.2
5.5
Top speed (mph)
130*
130*
*Electronically limited
Both the E400 and E400 4MATIC Coupes are equipped as standard with the 9G- TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, which allows fast gearshifts along with lower engine speeds. This has a particularly beneficial effect on efficiency and noise.
Suspension – sporty comfort
The suspension on the new E-Class Coupe offers agile driving pleasure on winding roads together with exceptional ride comfort. The Coupe features a standard lowered suspension with selective damping.
AIR BODY CONTROL suspension
Alternatively, the new E-Class Coupe can be equipped with multi-chamber air suspension, including all-round roll/pitch/heave stabilization. Advantages of this system: three chambers of different sizes in the spring struts of the rear axle and two in the spring struts of the front axle make it possible to control the hardness of the suspension in three stages. In this way, the occupants enjoy a soft basic suspension, along with the secure feeling of good handling stability at higher speeds.
The multi-chamber air suspension is augmented by a continuous, electronically controlled adaptive damping system. The damping at each individual wheel is adjusted fully automatically to suit the current driving situation and condition of the road – such as in the case of evasive maneuvers or on rough tracks. The system therefore delivers good ride comfort along with excellent driving dynamics.
DYNAMIC SELECT – choose your own driving characteristics
The standard DYNAMIC SELECT system not only makes it possible to select the suspension characteristics in combination with AIR BODY CONTROL, but it also enables the driver to influence other vehicle settings – such as throttle response, ECO Start/Stop function, transmission shift points and more. DYNAMIC SELECT provides the following transmission modes: “Comfort,” “ECO,” “Sport,” “Sport +” and “Individual.” The "Individual" mode allows the driver to configure their own preferred transmission modes.

Full smartphone integration
A new era of connectivity and digitalization is marked by the multimedia system in the E-Class Coupe with standard COMAND Navigation. This includes effortless integration of the smartphone into the vehicle's infotainment system by means of wireless pairing and wireless charging, eliminating the need to find a plug and connect a cable.
Apple CarPlayTM and Android Auto
If the vehicle is equipped with COMAND Navigation, it is possible to use Apple's CarPlay as well as Google's Android Auto. If a compatible smartphone is connected by USB, the customer can, if desired, switch to the CarPlay or Android Auto interface.

mbrace Concierge: personalized attention
A further comfort highlight is the Concierge Service, which is available on all carlines for customers with mbrace Connect and mbrace Secure. For participating customers, the range of services includes a host of personalized assistance options: from making a restaurant reservation to obtaining tips about tourist routes, information on cultural and sporting events and bookings through to sending navigation destinations directly to the vehicle.
Access is straightforward - registered mbrace subscribers can call up the Concierge Service either via the iCall button in the vehicle or on the Mercedes me app. The personal assistant takes care of everything else.
E-Class innovations on board
As a member of the current E-Class family, the new Coupe is significantly more intelligent than its predecessor. It comes with many of the optional driver assistance features of the E-Class Sedan, the most intelligent sedan ever. Active Brake Assist comes as standard and is able to warn the driver of an imminent collision, provide optimum support with emergency braking and, if necessary, can also autonomously apply the brakes. In addition to slower-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles, it can also detect pedestrians crossing in the danger zone ahead of the vehicle.
Other highlights include DRIVE PILOT: this system represents Mercedes-Benz's next step along the road to semi-autonomous driving. With Distance Pilot DISTRONIC®, it is not only able to keep the car at the correct distance behind vehicles in front on all types of road, but, for the first time, it can also automatically follow them at a speed of up to 130 mph.
The E-Class Coupe is also optionally available with other intelligent technical systems, including:

  • High-resolution LED Intelligent Light System. These headlamps, each with 72 individually activated high-performance LEDs, automatically activate and deactivate the high beams and illuminate curves.
  • MAGIC VISION CONTROL® (standard on the E400 4MATIC Coupe) - an intelligent and highly efficient wash/wipe system for the windscreen. The wiper blade always delivers washer fluid directly in front of the wiping edge, via the water feed line integrated into the blade – and it does this in both wiping directions. The result is that there is no surge of water when fluid is sprayed, which can impair the driver's vision, and at the same time the maximum cleaning effect is achieved. The complete MAGIC VISION CONTROL system, including the wiper blades, is heated at low temperatures to prevent snow or ice from sticking in winter.

E-Class Coupe with tradition
As an exclusive and sporty coupe, the latest member of the E-Class family can look back on an almost fifty-year history. Its first ancestor was unveiled by Mercedes- Benz in 1968 (at that time known as the "Stroke Eight" coupe). Further model series followed – for a while also under the name CLK. Each generation combined superb design with agile sportiness and contemporary luxury at a high level.
The all-new model year 2018 E-Class Coupe will have its World Premiere at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, and will go on sale in the U.S. in summer 2017.

The Xperia Album

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by Mike Satterfield

The Summer of 2016 was an interesting time for me. Amidst a lot of changes in my life, I was contacted by a marketing company working with Sony's mobile phone division. They proposed sending me a new Sony Xperia Xperformance phone, giving me a budget, just to take three photos and three videos for the new phone's launch campaign.

That was it, just get out and take some photos, escape a bit, see old friends, it sounded like a plan. Flights booked, a rough plan to spend most of the campaign in Japan, exploring. While only three photos were required for Sony I shot a few hundred with the Xperia. Here are 150 of my favorites.

All of the photos in the album linked below were shot with the Sony Xperia X Performance.








This is not a paid post.

2017 Jaguar Classic Challenge

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The Jaguar Classic Challenge returns in 2017 with two brand new events confirmed in the five-race series for pre-1966 Jaguars.

A new date for the Jaguar Classic Challenge calendar is the Silverstone Classic on 28-30 July. This special summer weekend will be the third round in the Challenge and is expected to draw a full grid of stunning classic Jaguar racing cars.


Another new addition to the series for 2017 is Spa-Francorchamps (Six Hours of Spa), taking place between 15 and 17 September at the world-famous circuit in Belgium, and set to feature over 600 cars racing in a variety of different races, one of which is the Jaguar Classic Challenge. The single-marque series returns to the circuit where it claimed victories in the showpiece six-hour endurance race in 1954 (Hans Davids in a C-type), 1956 (Ninian Sanderson in the Ecurie Ecosse D-type) and 1987 (Martin Brundle, Johnny Dumfries and Raul Boesel XJR-8).


Run in partnership with the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC), the Jaguar Classic Challenge for 2017 will continue to compete according to the FIA’s Appendix K technical regulations for cars competing in international historic racing competitions. The regulations pay particular consideration to a car’s period specification and are in keeping with the true spirit of historic motor racing.

Drivers participating in this year’s Jaguar Classic Challenge will now also qualify to enter many other international historic races that run this set of rules.


The full list of races for 2017 is as follows:

28-30 April: Donington Historic Festival
1-2 July: Brands Hatch Super Prix (GP Circuit)
28-30 July: Silverstone Classic
26-28 August: Oulton Park Gold Cup
15-17 September: Spa Six Hours


Tim Hannig, Director, Jaguar Land Rover Classic, said: “Now in its third season, the Jaguar Classic Challenge continues to build, and pay homage to, the brand’s rich racing history. To see such a diverse array of iconic cars from Jaguar’s past racing on the world’s finest circuits is a sight to behold, and we are delighted to confirm Silverstone and Spa for the 2017 calendar.”


Places are limited, and drivers wishing to take part in 2017 are encouraged to visit the dedicated web page for the new season at http://www.hscc.org.uk/jaguar-classic-challenge for full details and information on how to enter.

Four Ford GTs to take on Rolex 24 at Daytona

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Not since last summer’s Le Mans 24 Hours have all four Ford GTs in the Ford Chip Ganassi Racing stable competed for the same prize. That will change at the 2017 Rolex 24 At Daytona in January, where the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship teams will unite for one goal -- winning the coveted top step of the podium of a 24-hour race on American soil.

A full four-car effort in the Rolex 24 is a continuation of the historical trail the current Ford GT team has been following, one that was blazed by the original GT40s of the 1960s. Those earlier cars won the most important endurance racing titles around the world, including the Rolex 24, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Ford Chip Ganassi Racing may have ticked off one box in that legendary list in the debut year, but there is still work to do.



“It would be easy to just talk about what we’ve already done with this Ford GT but really we’re focused on the future,” said Dave Pericak, global director, Ford Performance. “We didn’t have the strongest race at the Rolex 24 last year but we have a season of learning experiences behind us with this program now and we’re proud that when we come back to Daytona in 2017, we’ll come with all four Ford GTs.”

The Ford GT program won six races and started from the front of the grid eight times in 2016, with victories coming at Laguna Seca, Watkins Glen, Mosport, Le Mans, Fuji and Shanghai.

“Even with the success we had last season winning six races, I think we have some unfinished business in Daytona,” said Chip Ganassi, owner, Ford Chip Ganassi Racing, who with the 2016 Le Mans win became the only team owner in history to win the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 500, Brickyard 400, Rolex 24 At Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring and the Le Mans 24 Hours. “The Rolex 24 last year was our first big test to see where we were with the program, and although we didn’t win, I can tell you that we learned a lot. We also learned a lot in Le Mans working with all four cars through the 24 hours. I’m excited we have another opportunity to assemble the full lineup for Daytona. The opportunity to compete with all four cars at the same time, in a race as prestigious as Daytona, is very special.”

Ford Chip Ganassi Racing will again campaign four Ford GTs full time for its second year of competition -- two in the North American IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and two in the global FIA World Endurance Championship.

via Ford

Texas Road Trip

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The best part about road trips are the things you unexpectedly discover along the way. While driving from Waco to look at some properties in the countryside, I spotted this amazingly restored Gulf gas station. It had an old Citroen DS pulled up to the pumps and a few more classic French cars are hidden around back, but no sign that anyone was around. We spent about 30 minutes checking out this amazing man-cave before we headed on down the road, but it was amazing to step back in time for a few moments.

After doing some research it turns out that the gas station is owned by Gary and Randy Balusek, two brothers who restore classic cars and use the old station as their workshop. Read More HERE.







Stile Ducati. A visual history of Ducati Design

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Proud to celebrate its 90th anniversary together with its fans, Ducati has decided to make this milestone a memorable one with a volume containing a photographic record of the company's history, illustrating that attention to style and design for which Ducati has always been so renowned.


“Stile Ducati. A visual history of Ducati Design” published by Skira (Milan - Italy, 2016) is a true collector's volume, an evocative story told trough images, a sequence of unique shots that highlight the aesthetic value and the design of Ducati motorcycles.

The volume traces the evolution of Ducati design through 19 steps: from the Cucciolo to the 916 and on to the 1299 Panigale S Anniversario. This unique book exalts the beauty, purity and sheer strength of Ducati style which, together with sophistication and performance, illustrate the brand's core values.


“Every one of our bikes must show it has a full share of Ducati DNA. It must havesports style; it has to ooze adrenalin, power, fluidity and technology. At the same time,its design must be pure and essential, capable of communicating lightness whileensuring high performance and off-the-scale riding fun. A design that sends an at-a-glance shiver down the spine, a taste of what's to come when you ride it” says Andrea Ferraresi, the Ducati Desing Center Director.

All aspects of this book have been designed and developed internally, from the concept to the photographic style and narrative. It is a large-format, high quality book of 336 pages containing over 150 photos by Giovanni De Sandre, whose outstanding professionalism has captured the stunning allure of every Ducati-designed line.


The photos are close-ups of the selected bikes. A sequence of unique shots highlighting the captivating beauty of Ducati motorcycles, showcased like real works of art. At the end of each chapter there is a full photo of the motorcycle: irresistible images with a black backdrop to bring out the key lines and the sheer beauty of the bike's shape. Each chapter includes a brief description of the motorcycle, key aspects of its development and the relative historical context.


Lastly, the photographic narrative is interspersed with statements showing how Ducati sees design. «Our bikes transmit the same tension, concentration and power thatsculpt the body of a 100-metre sprinter on the starting blocks» and «Ducati stylestands out because it's found in every single component, even the least visible» are just two of the citations included in the book.


To close, the volume dedicates two pages to key moments in Ducati's history and has a descriptive index of the images.

On sale in Ducati Dealerships and, as of 21 December, at shop.ducati.com. “Stile Ducati. A visual history of Ducati Design” will become available on the international book market in Spring 2017. Format 29x36.5 cm.


Skira Editore, based in Milan (Italy), was founded in 1928. A publisher of high-end art volumes and the catalogues of major Italian and international fairs, Skira has been a long-standing partner of world-famous Made in Italy brands for many years.


Keith Haring at the Petersen

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The Petersen Automotive Museum is pleased to announce its upcoming exhibition in the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery, “The Unconventional Canvases of Keith Haring.” The new exhibit, which opens on Saturday, December 17TH, 2016, explores the works and themes of beloved New York artist Keith Haring and will feature five vehicles, each covered in Haring’s unique work. 

Photo © Christian Rossier   Keith Haring artwork © Keith Haring Foundation
The exhibit will be previewed during an opening reception on Thursday, December 15th. This will be the first exhibit of its kind to feature five Haring works of this type.  BMW continues its long history of support for the arts and culture, as a proud partner of the Petersen museum and through its support of this gallery. 


 “Keith Haring was such an important and loved figure in the art world and we are honored to be able to display such a unique collection of his art,” said Terry Karges, Executive Director of the Petersen Automotive Museum. “We had such a positive response after displaying his Land Rover in our lobby that we knew we had to share the rest of his art cars with our patrons. This new exhibit is a prime example of the Petersen’s mission to merge the worlds of art and automobiles.”


Keith Haring rose to prominence in the 1980s and quickly became one of the world’s most influential modern artists. His work explored both the deeply political and the personal and, thanks to its simplistic, almost universal figures, Haring was able to reach across divides of race, class, gender and sexuality. His works on automobiles were created during artist-in-residencies at the Montreux Jazz Fest and 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as at promotional events for the Fast Art Gallery in New Jersey and Galerie Hans Mayer in Düsseldorf. The imagery reflects the atmosphere, speed and life Haring witnessed at each of these locations.


Vehicles on display will include a 1962 SCAF/Mortarini Mini Ferrari 330 P-2, a 1963 Buick Special, a 1971 Land Rover Series III 109 Station Wagon, 1987 Honda CBR1000F Hurricane motorcycle and a 1991 BMW Z1. The exhibit will run through Sunday, June 4th, 2017 and will be located in the Armand Hammer Foundation Gallery on the first floor of the museum.

Tickets can be purchased at http://petersen.org/art

Margaret Delgado

Arrinera Hussarya GT

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One year on from the world debut of the Hussarya GT, Polish supercar manufacturer Arrinera is set to return to Autosport International, displaying the car that will make its racing debut in 2017. Built to FIA GT specification, the 6 litre V8 Hussarya GT turned heads when it was first unveiled at Autosport International in January 2016 and has since completed a successful year of testing at the hands of Scottish racing legend Anthony Reid. The Hussarya GT will be displayed in Hall 4 at Autosport International, adjacent to the Adrenalin Zone karting arena, as part of the TMS stand, and the car will feature special TMS racing decals for the occasion.

Inspired by the innovation and daring of Poland’s greatest and most fearless, its modular steel spaceframe chassis mirrors the structures of Hurricanes and Spitfires in which Polish pilots made such a significant contribution to the allied air campaigns of World War II.


In 2016, the Arrinera Hussarya GT became the first Polish supercar to take part in the Michelin Supercar Run, at the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed. Honouring the Polish fighter squadron pilots that flew RAF fighters during the Battle of Britain, the Hussarya GT supercar took to the track in a special light-blue livery, reminiscent of the unarmed photo-reconnaissance Spitfires.

Inspiration has also been drawn from Polish-related feats on the world’s race tracks, too – particularly from the pioneering days of motorsport, when racing pioneer, Count Louis Zborowski, famously created two cars known as ‘Chitty Bang Bang’, which he raced at Brooklands. Zborowski and his aero-engined monsters inspired James Bond author Ian Fleming to write ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, his children’s book that was also turned into a popular movie starring Dick Van Dyke.

The racing GT is powered by an LS7 V8 engine pushing out 500bhp and is mated to a six-speed Hewland sequential racing gearbox operated by paddle shifts. It features a modular steel spaceframe chassis, bespoke pushrod suspension with Öhlins four-way adjustable dampers, Alcon brakes with 380mm discs and six-pot mono bloc calipers all round. Bosch racing ABS and traction control are standard equipment.


Ahead of Arrinera’s race debut in 2017, the Hussarya has completed a 12-month test programme, driven by former BTCC star Anthony Reid. Reid is best known as a British Touring Car Championship frontrunner with Nissan and Ford during the series’ heyday in the 1990s. Now Reid, who remains as active as ever racing GTs and historics at the age of 59, has been contributing his vast experience to the test and development work of the Polish Arrinera GT.

“I’m very impressed by the Hussarya GT,” he said. “It’s very quick. I’ve tested in the dry and in the wet, most recently at Donington and Snetterton, and it went really well. Because it is mid-engined, it has the kind of handling balance I really like. I’m confident that the work we have done will establish the Hussarya as the strong, safe and fast alternative to used premium-brand racing cars for amateur racing drivers.”

“I’m very excited about the Hussarya’s racing debut. There are plenty of series for which it will be eligible including the GT Cup and Britcar in the UK, and in national series around Europe. We’re looking forward to returning to Autosport International and fired up about going racing later this year.”

The Hussarya inspires confidence in the driver, giving amateur drivers a shallower learning curve while simultaneously rewarding the skill of professional drivers, with superior balance and predictable handling allowing them to safely push the envelope. The car is also designed with two racing seats making the Hussarya ideal for instruction. The GT was created by Pavlo Burkatskyy for gentleman drivers for ease of use, ease of maintenance and low running costs. The car is priced at US$229,000, with an obligatory spares package for an additional US$69,000. Build slots for 2017 are now on sale.


Piotr R. Frankowski, Arrinera Racing's CEO said: “Over the last 12 months, we have brought together many things we have been working on for a long time. We have completed a year of advanced testing and welcomed a world-class driver to the team to push our development to the next level. It feels very appropriate to bring our race-prepared Hussarya GT back to Autosport International ahead of our GT debut.

“We are immensely proud of the momentum that we have built since the Hussarya’s world debut at Autosport International last year. In the spirit of the design team and in the engineering of each component, the Hussarya GT represents the very best of Polish heritage and innovation but we have also received support from all around the world. The Hussarya GT a is a car that excites people and we can’t wait to get back to track testing. Our 2017 programme is going to be thrilling and it all begins at Autosport International."

Technical specification

Engine:LS series V8
Engine Power Output: Above 505hp
Transmission:6-speed Hewland LLS sequential with paddle shift
Brakes:Alcon brakes, with 380mm discs and 6-pot mono bloc calipers
Suspension:Bespoke pushrod system with Öhlins 4-way adjustable dampers
Aerodynamics:Honed in CFD analysis and real-world wind tunnel testing at MIRA
FIA Homologation:Built to FIA GT3 specification

Bill Shaw Racing Camaro

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Silverstone Auctions will offer for sale a remarkable 1968 Chevrolet Camaro racecar at its dedicated competition car sale, to be held at Race Retro International Historic Motorsport Show at Stoneleigh Park, on 24th February 2017.


The car is highly regarded in motorsport history having achieved significant victories and podium positions at British and other European events in period, including an unforgettable performance in the historic Iberia Trophy Race at Crystal Palace circuit, forever immortalised as one of the BBC's '100 Greatest Sporting Moments'.

As well as proven success and racing history, the car has had just two owners in its life and offers undisputable provenance for prospective buyers when it goes to auction. “This cracking Camaro has the stance and presence of a serious racing car, and rarely do competition cars with this history and provenance come to market,” explains Adam Rutter, specialist car consignor, Silverstone Auctions, who has given the car a pre-sale estimate of £65,000 to £75,000.
The Camaro was first purchased by Bill Shaw Racing to be prepared specifically for the 1970 British Saloon Car Championship season. Fitted with a 5 litre small-block V8 engine, the American muscle car began its racing career at the hands of none other than Roy Pierpoint, the former British Saloon Car champion, joined by Martin Thomas.
For the 1971 season, the Camaro was then passed into the capable hands of Martin Thomas who went on to compete on home soil as well as abroad, securing victories at the International European Meeting at Magny-Cours, the Beech Trophy at Silverstone, the Miller Craft meeting at Thruxton and a string of other fine podium finishes.
However, it was at the BSCC Iberia Trophy Race at the now defunct South London circuit of Crystal Palace where the Camaro made its most historic and memorable appearance to date. Racing alongside Mike Crabtree in a Ford Escort RS1600 and Gerry Marshall in a Vauxhall Viva GT in a tense and gripping battle, the three drivers raced nose-to-tail for the entirety of race. Thomas and the Camaro held onto first position for almost every lap, until spinning out during the penultimate lap, leaving Crabtree to cross the line in first position.

After two further seasons the Camaro was retired from racing in 1973 and retained by Thomas. However, in the early 1990s, he decided to rebuild the car and return it to circuit, running a 5.0-litre V8 engine mated to a four-speed close-ratio Muncie 'rock-crusher', with a fresh, blue livery which it still retains today.
In 2004 the car was then sold to the current owner, who has continued to successfully compete the Camaro at the Heritage Grand Touring Cars, the Aston Martin Owners Club Masters and Classic Sports Car Club events.
The Camaro has also been part of a number of special appearances, including the 50th Anniversary of the BTCC at Silverstone, BBC's Top Gear 50th Anniversary of Touring Cars and a special recreation of the famous 1971 Iberia Trophy Race , as part of ‘Motorsport at the Palace’ in 2014.
“This Camaro has a strong following and reputation and is well known on the racing scene”, continues Rutter. “I have no doubt that it would be welcomed by organisers anywhere and it is the perfect candidate for blue riband events like the Gerry Marshall Trophy at the Goodwood Members Meeting, or perhaps the HSCC Historic Touring Car Championship. BSCC fans have a unique opportunity here to own a really special car.”
The Camaro is supplied with a pair of steel doors, old FIA papers, magazines and a wonderful history file. To find out more about the car and Silverstone Auction’s sales at Race Retro, visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/chevrolet-camaro-race-car---ex-martin-thomas.

Mazda's 2017 Driver Lineup Confirmed

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The two-car Mazda Prototype team has confirmed the driver lineup that will compete in the top category of the 2017 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. For the third consecutive season, the drivers for the full 10-race championship season are Jonathan Bomarito, Tom Long, Joel Miller and Tristan Nunez. For the season-opening Rolex 24 at Daytona, Verizon IndyCar Series drivers James Hinchcliffe and Spencer Pigot will join the driver lineup in the all-new Mazda RT24-P race cars under the new Daytona Prototype international (DPi) rules. 

The No. 70 ModSpace/Castrol Edge Mazda Prototype (Gunmetal Grey livery) will be driven by Long, 34, of Charlotte, N.C., and Miller, 28, of Hesperia, Calif. The duo finished sixth in the 2016 Prototype driver points championship after five top-five finishes.

For the 55th running of the historic Rolex 24 at Daytona, Long and Miller will be joined by IndyCar race winner James Hinchcliffe, 30, of Toronto, Canada. Hinchcliffe finished second in the most recent season of “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC-TV, and will race with Mazda at Daytona for the fifth time since 2012. 

The No. 55 Mazda Prototype (Soul Red Crystal livery) will be driven for the third consecutive season by the pairing of Jonathan Bomarito, 34, of Louisville, Tenn., and Tristan Nunez, 21, of Boca Raton, Fla. Bomarito and Nunez recorded a league-leading three pole positions in 2016, led six races, and finished seventh in the final Prototype driver point standings. 

Spencer Pigot, 23, of Orlando, Fla., will join the No. 55 team for the second year at Daytona. The IndyCar driver made his Prototype debut with Mazda last year at Daytona, then raced at Sebring before leading races at Watkins Glen and Road Atlanta.

For this weekend’s Roar Before the 24 test sessions at Daytona, driver Ben Devlin, 34, of Norwich, England, will also join the team, utilizing his extensive prototype experience to help hone the preparation of the two Mazda RT24-P race cars.


(Twitter: @Hinchtown) Hinchcliffe missed the 24-Hour race last year as he recovered from near fatal injuries suffered at Indianapolis in 2015. He returned to win the pole position for the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in May, 2016.

“It’s great to be back behind the wheel at Daytona! It sucked sitting out last year’s race, but my focus at the time was getting myself back in shape for the IndyCar season. Coming back to Mazda and SpeedSource, where I've done all of my races at Daytona, is like coming home and I can't thank Sylvain [Tremblay, SpeedSource owner] and John [Doonan, Mazda Motorsports director] enough for the chance. I can't wait to be working with everyone there again, to get my hands on the new car, and try and deliver a win for Mazda.” 


(Twitter: @JoelMilleracing) Miller came through the Mazda Road to Indy open-wheel program before he became part of Mazda’s endurance sports car effort. He is the current driver coach/mentor for the USF2000 series in the Mazda Road to Indy. A degreed mechanical engineer, Miller is a lead presenter of Mazda’s national-touring STEM education program, and will be making his fifth 24-Hours start this month, all with Mazda.

“Being back with Mazda in the new RT24-P is fantastic and I’m very fortunate for the opportunity. Being back together with Tom Long in the No. 70 will allow us to focus on the learning curve of the new car rather than anything else. The new platform presents an equal playing field and good opportunity for teams with the right preparation to shine. I look forward to working hard with Mazda Motorsport on our preparation with the new Mazda RT24-P DPi."


(Twitter: @JBomarito) Bomarito won the 2010 Rolex 24 at Daytona in the GT category, driving a Mazda RX-8 for SpeedSource with co-drivers Sylvain Tremblay, David Haskell and Nick Ham. Bomarito, who grew up in Monterey, Calif., won the 2003 USF2000 open-wheel championship, was a race winner in the Mazda-powered Atlantic Series, raced at Le Mans and nearly won the 2014 IMSA GTLM drivers championship before his stint in the Mazda Prototype. This is slated to be his 11th start in the Rolex 24.  

“I am so excited for the 2017 season to officially get under way at one the best races in the world. Our Mazda Prototype is stunning, and the energy from the team, the series and our competitors is going to make for an incredible year.”


(Twitter: @SpencerPigot)   Pigot embodies the Mazda driver development scholarship program called the Mazda Road to Indy. The first (and still only) driver to win four Mazda scholarships, Pigot won the 2014 Pro Mazda and 2015 Indy Lights championships. He utilized his Mazda scholarship to compete in the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, as well as the road and street circuit races in IndyCar in 2016 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Ed Carpenter Racing. Pigot, along with teammates Miller and Bomarito, is a member of the Mazda Road to Indy Hall of Fame.

“I’m really looking forward to driving for Mazda again in my second Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona. The Mazda RT24-P is an incredible car and being able to help develop and improve the car from the very beginning has been a great experience. Mazda has given us a car capable of fighting for the win and I know we have the team to get the job done.”


(Twitter: @TomLongRacing) Long has been a part of Mazda’s racing family since 2004, making 2017 his 14th season driving with Mazda. Long was the lead development driver on Mazda’s Global MX-5 Cup car that debuted in 2016, and this year will mark his seventh start in the Rolex 24. When he led the race overall at Daytona in 2015, it was the first time a diesel-powered vehicle led the historic endurance race that has been contested since 1962.

"I'm so excited to get the upcoming season kicked off at Daytona with our brand new Mazda RT24-P!  The anticipation has been building for Mazda and the entire team since unveiling the new DPi platform at the Los Angeles Auto Show. With the launch of the new Prototype era for IMSA in 2017, the field this year will be sure not to disappoint. The team has been working so hard to get our Mazdas prepared for the drop of that green flag, it's been incredible to be a part of. We're also thrilled to welcome back Hinch to our driver lineup this year!"


(Twitter: @TristanNunez) Nunez holds the record as the youngest champion in a professional class of road racing in North America. He won the IMSA Prototype Challenge presented by Mazda (nee: Prototype Lites) series in 2012 with 11 wins at age 17. He became a Mazda-backed driver after winning the prestigious open-wheel Walter Hayes Trophy event at Silverstone, England. Nunez does presentations across the country on behalf of his own “Dnt txt n drV Foundation,” which is devoted to educating young people about the dangers of distracted driving.

“I could not be more excited to get the season started. There have been quite a few rules changes [such as the DPi category] that I am sure will make for an exciting race. As for the drivers, to be paired with Jonathan again is such an honor. I have learned so much from him, and I'm looking forward to another year alongside him and being under the Mazda tent with Joel and Tom for the full season. Really, I couldn't have asked for a better group! As for the additional guys we've got for Daytona, I don't think the team could have made a better decision on who will complete the team. Spencer did an incredible job for us last year in the No. 55 on and off the track, and to have James and Ben back is a dream come true. I believe we've got what it takes to win, and I'm so excited to show that this season!”


Galpin Rocket Goes Into Production

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Galpin Motors, the internationally known leader in automobile retailing and home of famous custom shop, Galpin Auto Sports (GAS), announced today that the VLF Rocket V8, formerly known as the Galpin Rocket, is officially in production and will be produced through VLF Automotive. The Ford Mustang-based car will make an appearance at the Detroit Auto Show, January 8-22, 2017, in the VLF Automotive booth.

The VLF Rocket V8, designed by Henrik Fisker, made its world debut at the 2014 LA Auto Show and was immediately greeted with worldwide acclaim. Since then, the team at Galpin has been fine tuning the project and working to find a partner capable of handling the rapid international customer demand. With Henrik Fisker as a partner at VLF, the company became a natural fit, as they could achieve fast volumes of limited production.

VLF Automotive, an American luxury sports car company, was founded by former General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz, entrepreneur and manufacturer Gilbert Villarreal and legendary automotive designer Henrik Fisker. VLF Automotive boasts a state-of-the-art development and manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan and a design and technology center in Los Angeles.  With Lutz as chairman, Villarreal as CEO and Henrik Fisker as head of design and product strategy, the VLF team represents more than 100 years of experience at the top-tier of the automotive industry.

“With Henrik as a partner at VLF and their extensive track record of success, there was no question that they would be the best fit. We look forward to a great relationship with VLF and to seeing these beautiful cars on the road soon,” said Beau Boeckmann, President of Galpin Motors.

The Rocket is an extremely powerful and refined vehicle. Its lines emanate from the front, through the hood, over a set of sculptured flared fenders and converge on its integrated rear spoiler. The Rocket’s handmade, coach built carbon-fiber body features a front splitter that works simultaneously with the rear spoiler, enlarged rear diffuser and carbon fiber aero skirts to provide high-speed downforce. The 725 hp supercharged V8 sits on 21 inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli extreme performance tires.

The VLF Rocket V8 features an integral link independent rear suspension and double ball joint front suspension with Monotube true rebound-adjustable coil-overs front and rear for superior ride control and handling. It has a power 4-wheel anti-lock brake system with traction control.

The Rocket’s Exposed Carbon Fiber Package includes exposed carbon fiber hood stripes and mirror covers. Other options include Brembo brakes, custom paint and a Full Leather Interior Package with hand-finished Italian leather seats, center console, door panels and rear interior deck panel, as well as suede-lined A, B and C pillars.

The VLF Rocket V8 is available in coupe and convertible. Its performance will match its beauty.

Interest in the Rocket has remained high since its initial unveiling. Amazon’s “The Grand Tour” even featured the prototype as the lead vehicle in the show’s amazing premiere episode last fall!


The VLF Rocket can be purchased through Galpin Motors by contacting Steve McCord at smccord@galpin.com or at (877)-GO-GAS-GO. For more information, please visit http://galpinautosports.com/ or http://www.vlfautomotive.com/

$1,000 Car Cross Country Road Trip

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I spent the holidays with my sister's family in Wisconsin, having flown out with no real schedule or plan I decided to hunt up a cheap car and attempt to drive back to California. It would have been far cheaper to fly or take the train, but for me, road tripping is my favorite form of travel. You get to see more, get lost, and experience backroads and small towns. Plus a one-way rental car would have cost over $1,400 because of the fees.

So I gave myself a budget of $1,000 and I started hitting up Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace in Neenah Wisconsin. After several "runs good but isn't currently running" and "other than the floors being gone the rust isn't bad" cars, I found the one. A 1995 Ford Thunderbird, she had just turned 21 and was ready to party all the way to California. The owner of the T-Bird was selling it because "He was owed a V8 rear wheel drive car" and this is what his friend paid the debt with. I myself didn't want to dig deeper into why his friend owned him an oddly specific car, or why they didn't just settle their debts in US dollars like the rest of us? But for 10 crisp $100 bills I was on the road and headed to the local Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles.

Ready to put Wisconsin in the rearview mirror.
In Wisconsin for $3 plus a $5 processing fee you can get a temporary registration for out of state transit. In less than 20 minutes I had paid the clerk and was headed out the door with a temporary license plate, after making a call to my insurance, I was ready to hit the road.

The Thunderbird itself was an impressive machine, under the hood was a smooth running 4.6 liter V8, backed up by an automatic transmission, the LX model it featured premium AM/FM/tape, power seats (the driver side would only move back not forward), power windows, door locks, cruise control, and most importantly a working heater. With the car loaded up, I said my goodbyes and started heading south.


Iowa is a lonely and stark place in the winter, endless miles of farmland covered in snow, with only a gas station or big red barn every so often to provide some contrast. I stopped in the city of Des Moines for the night, at a hotel called 'The Village Inn'. It looked nice enough but left much to be desired. Like a bad night I had once in Barcelona, one night in Des Moines was enough to put me off the entire state and it was time to get out of Iowa.


I made my way back to the I35 with the goal of fleeing the state, but I found myself distracted by tourist signs for "The Bridges of Madison County" so I pulled off to see where Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood made a terrible movie about an Italian woman living in Iowa who had an affair with a balding photographer. While I was there I also stopped in and visited the John Wayne birthplace museum, it turns out Winterset Iowa was also the small town that gave us The Duke. But if you are really looking for a thrill you need to check out the Iowa Quilt Museum, which is also in town.

Winterset, Iowa might be the actual middle of nowhere. 
 I push on into Missouri and drive through Lexington a quaint village I might one day call my hometown. Then on to Kansas City and beyond to the state of Kansas, at this point, while making my way toward Tulsa Apple Maps decided a faster route was available, however, this took me down some gravel roads and after a few miles, I decided to head back to the main highway and turned towards Oklahoma.

Now the worst thing about Oklahoma is that the interstates are toll roads, which I don't know what is more annoying paying to drive on the interstate or having to stop all the time to drop 85 cents into a basket, that and tornados are enough to keep Oklahoma off my list of places I ever want to live. I stopped off to visit my cousin in Talihina and we ate at Pam's Hateful Hussy Diner. Honestly, I was surprised that such a controversial name would be allowed in this part of the state but it seemed everyone in Talihina loves their hussies.



Escaping Oklahoma into the warm embrace of the Great State of Texas a place that is high on my list of possible places to live. I had always heard about the Paris Texas Eiffel Tower, but you have to be going to Paris to really get there, lucky for me it was in between Talihina and my next stop in Dallas. It's much smaller in person, and calling it a "replica" is a bit of a stretch, firstly because the real Eiffel Tower is a little bigger and this one really just looks like a fancy oil derrick wearing a hat.


I spent some time in Dallas with family and then headed south to see friends in the Hillsboro area, then on to Lampasas to look at some buildings. I must admit that Lampasas didn't really measure up to how nice Lexington was and the pricing for the buildings wasn't even close.


I push on into the night and stop in Van Horn a small town on the US/Mexico border. After making my way through the infamous Sierra Blanco checkpoint the next morning the Thunderbird and I power our way across New Mexico, Arizona, and back home to California. The car made it without any issues proving that if you buy the right $1,000 car you can buy a car cheaper than renting one.

I did shoot some video while making my way home in the Thunderbird, check out that video and more photos below.




The Lord blessing the Thunderbird at a stop in Arizona.

Back Home
2,800 miles. 

Largest Motorcycle Auction in the World

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More than 1,000 antique, vintage and collectible motorcycles will cross the auction block Jan. 25-28, at the 26th annual Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction at South Point Hotel & Casino’s Exhibit Hall. Consignments from across the country are highlighted by nine prestigious collections that will attract motorcycle buyers, sellers and spectators from around the world to the four-day event.

Among the featured collections are the last eight bikes owned by iconic rock ‘n’ roll and celebrity photographer Guy Webster that each represent the very rare, original and seemingly unobtainable vision of Italian art on two wheels. From a collection that had grown to as many as 400 motorcycles, these final eight bikes are each of early 1950s Italian vintage including a 1964 Ducati Twin Cam F-3 Racer (Lot S139), 1957 MV Augusta Squalo Formula Racer (Lot S140) and a 1956 Ceccato Grand Prix Single Cam (Lot S143).


Other collections include the nearly 80 consignments from a Major East Coast Collection, among them two “new in crate” 1992 Harley-Davidson Daytona 50th Anniversary bikes; 24 consignments all to be sold at no reserve from the Buddy Stubbs Collection; more than 60 bikes from the LaQuay Motorcycle Collection to be sold at no reserve including many rare and desirable prewar models; and six bikes formerly part of Hollywood-icon Steve McQueen’s collection.

“Even after 25 years, the motorcycle auction in Las Vegas continues to grow,” President of Mecum motorcycle division Ron Christenson said. “We sold 80 percent of the nearly 700 bikes on offer last year, and now we’ve eclipsed 1,000 bikes on offer for the 2017 event.”

Bidder registration for the auction is available online in advance for $100, $200 at the auction, and includes admission for two to each auction day. General admission tickets are available in advance online for $20, and for $30 at the door and online once the auction begins. Four-day passes are available for $60. Children younger than 12 receive complimentary admission.


Doors open daily at 8 a.m., with the auction beginning at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, and at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26-28. Portions of the event will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network from 4-10 p.m. PST on Tuesday, Jan. 31. A live stream of the entire auction will be presented at Mecum.com.

Mecum’s website is updated daily with the latest consignments, including detailed descriptions and photographs of the motorcycles. To view the list, consign a motorcycle or register as a bidder, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.

About Mecum Auctions
Nobody sells more than Mecum. Nobody. The Mecum Auction Company is the world leader of collector car, vintage and antique motorcycle, and Road Art® sales, hosting auctions throughout the United States. The company has been specializing in the sale of collector cars for 30 years, now offering more than 20,000 lots per year and averaging more than one auction each month. Established by President Dana Mecum in 1988, Mecum Auctions remains a family-run company headquartered in Walworth, Wisconsin. For further information, visit Mecum.com or call (262) 275-5050.

About South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa
Featuring more than 2,100 guestrooms, South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa overlooks the famous Las Vegas Strip and the serenity of the surrounding mountainscape. Each oversized guest room features state-of-the-art LED televisions as well as WiFi with high-speed internet connections. Guests visiting South Point will experience affordable luxury through a casino offering top-of-the-line gaming technology, more than 60 table games and a separate race and sports book area, 11 restaurants, including the award-winning Michael’s Gourmet Room, the world-class Costa Del Sur Spa and Salon, a 400-seat showroom featuring headliner entertainment, a 700-seat Bingo room, a 16-screen Cinemark movie complex, a state-of-the-art 64-lane bowling center, a 52,000-square foot Conference Center and an 80,000-square foot Exhibit Hall. South Point Hotel is also home to the Tournament Bowling Plaza, a multi-million dollar professional bowling tournament facility. In addition, South Point has the finest equestrian event facility in the country. The more than 240,000 square feet of event space features three climate-controlled arenas, vet clinic, feed store, more than 1,200 climate-controlled stalls and plays host to some of the country’s most unique events. South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa is at 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89183.

For more information or for room reservations, call (702) 796-7111 or visit the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa website.

Auction Schedule:
26th annual Mecum Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction
Jan. 25-28, 2017
South Point Casino and Exhibit Hall
9777 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV  89183

Admission: $20 in advance online, and $30 at the door and online once auction starts—price is per person, per day. Four-day passes are available for $60. Children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission.

Preview: Gates open daily at 8 a.m.

Auction: Motorcycles start at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25, and at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 26-28.

TV Broadcast (NBCSN): Tuesday, Jan. 31, from 4-10 p.m.

(All times Pacific Standard Time)

Road Art®, Infonet® and The Bid Goes On® are registered trademarks of Mecum Auction, Inc.

2017 Bicester Heritage Photo Gallery

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Bicester Heritage is a 348-acre former RAF Bomber Command Station in Oxfordshire that has taken on a new lease of life as a centre of excellence for all things to do with historic motoring. These amazing photos are by Amy Shore Photography.
When the site was purchased from the MOD by the Bicester Heritage team in April 2013 it had been placed on Historic England’s ‘at risk’ register and designated the most at risk of all defence estates in Britain in 2008. Now, after some 100 years of being off limits to the public and being mothballed by the RAF in 1976, the base has been returned to its former glory and reopened as the best-preserved WW2 RAF Bomber Station in the UK.
More than 30 specialist businesses operate from the unique site, and between them they cover every potential requirement for storing, running and maintaining a historic car. The skilled craftspeople based at Bicester Heritage range from historic grand prix car preparers and magneto specialists, to dealers and exhaust manufacturers. Together they provide a supportive ecosystem that seeks to revolutionise historic car ownership.
Bicester Heritage events include regular Sunday Scramble open days and each summer, Flywheel Festival.
It is located just off the M40, and a mile away from Bicester railway station, meaning it can be reached from London in less than an hour by road or rail.
For more information about the site and the team behind it, see www.bicesterheritage.co.uk.








































Drive Toward a Cure

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Some of California’s more competitive vintage racing drivers have decided to take part in a new type of driving experience – and this time will keep the competition focused on increasing awareness for Parkinson’s Disease.  Southern California-based co-drivers Richard Cupp and Steve Schmidt, along with Northern California vintage racer Max Jamiesson, have entered two individually owned 1960 Porsche 356 Super 90s to partake in the April 28-30th Drive Toward a Cure lifestyle/rally event (www.drivetowardacure.org), supporting Parkinson’s Disease and benefitting the globally-renowned Michael J. Fox Foundation and The Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center in Sunnyvale, Calif.

In a state that’s known for its picturesque driving roads and routes, it only makes sense to offer Drive Toward a Cure’s ‘California Adventure’ – a not-for-profit lifestyle rally event -- as a pleasurable means to enjoy the essence of driving, while supporting a wonderful cause.  Combining two simultaneous spirited drives along portions of the most scenic and challenging driving roads in both northern and southern California, entrants will additionally gain unparalleled viewing access to some of the world's most prized car collections for a weekend of luxury receptions, wine tasting and friendly driving competition within the Paso Robles wine region. Registration is currently open at www.drivetowardacure.org.


This inaugural effort will host two concurrent drives beginning at two globally renowned automotive museums - - the Blackhawk Museum in Danville, Calif., and the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. Additional private car collections will be exclusively available to participants for viewing, while the overall rally event will be an interactive adventure for driver and navigator.  Participants will follow a thoughtfully planned route through beautiful California backroads and byways as well as have the chance to take part in the organization’s signature ‘special stage’ driving tests, providing an opportunity to have fun, explore their car’s limits and indulge in a bit of competition within a controlled, safe environment.

The first of more than a dozen to enter the ‘California Adventure’ program during its initial weeks of registration was Richard “Dick” Cupp, along with his silver 1960 Porsche 356B Super 90. “I’ve been supportive of Parkinson’s causes for the past several years and was attracted to this event in particular by the attention it gained in an automotive publication,” said Cupp.  “I’m a former vintage racer and several of my pals are still enjoying themselves on track today – but I’ve challenged them to share in this rally and take another type of journey with me.”

Sharing driving and navigational responsibilities with Cupp will be Steve Schmidt, a prominent vintage racer and owner of Costa Mesa’s Honest Engine -- a Porsche engine building shop that provides competition support services for Porsche RS 60s, RSRs, Spyders and Abarth coupes, among others.  Schmidt once fabricated a ’61 356 Super 90 roadster which Cupp previously raced and is looking forward to a different type of drive.  Fellow vintage racer and longtime friend of the duo is Max Jamiesson, who has entered his own Super 90, also fabricated by Schmidt, but will be starting his drive from the Northern California Blackhawk Museum, for all three to meet in Paso Robles.

According to Deb Pollack, founder of Drive Toward a Cure, the goal of this newest rally to emerge within the automotive field was to elevate awareness for Parkinson’s disease through a dynamic driving experience that encourages participation for all levels of car enthusiasts.  “I’ve been a car fan by nature and a brand champion by trade within the luxury automotive realm for many years – and at the same time my heart has remained philanthropic -- so it seemed only fitting to align this type of cause-related effort to our industry of car aficionados.”

For the past decade Pollack has advocated the ability to team cars and camaraderie together, opening channels within the automotive industry and among car lovers to support the challenges of Parkinson’s disease, a personal cause for her family.  Having lost her mother to the disease in 2006, she has never lost sight of working toward finding a cure, and this newest venture is set to continue with additional fund-raising drives throughout the nation, and potentially on a global level as well.


Registration for the April event is open at www.drivetowardacure.org, with plans for additional fundraising drive programs to be scheduled in the United States and Europe later during 2017.  Donations can be made online as well as sponsorship opportunities.  All donations of $500 or more gain recognition as a “Friend of Drive Toward a Cure,” entitling each such donor to have their name or logo and URL on the website for one year.

Current Drive Toward a Cure sponsors, partners, Friends and supporters include Hagerty, BRM Chronographs, Gotham Dream Cars, Blackhawk Museum, Petersen Museum, Sports Car Market Magazine, DriveShop, Intelliga Communications, and The Event Designs Company (formerly known as Rally Race).  For sponsorship opportunities, please see http://www.drivetowardacure.org/sponsorship-opportunities/.

About Drive Toward a Cure:

The Drive Toward a Cure program pursues an alternative to the numerous ‘for profit’ rally driving programs through the creation of events that team cars and camaraderie to raise funds in support of the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease, benefiting research and patient care.  The premiere California Adventure event has been carefully designed to provide a premium experience while raising much-needed funds to continue the search for a cure. Our beneficiaries are The Michael J. Fox Foundation and The Parkinson’s Institute and Clinical Center.  For donations, sponsorship and event registration, please visit www.drivetowardacure.org

About Parkinson’s Disease:

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, meaning that physical symptoms continue and worsen over time. Nearly one million people in the US are living with Parkinson's disease. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage its symptoms.
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