Showing posts with label american. Show all posts
Showing posts with label american. Show all posts

Monday, September 30, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Hollywood Casino 400

With 12 playoff contenders remaining, the fight for the final 8 is now on as the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs continue with Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet in Kansas Speedway.

As the green flag waved, the fight for the final 8 is officially on. The first stage saw Kyle Larson blow a right rear tire and crash on Lap 20. As William Byron won Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Erik Jones spinning on Lap 99 followed by Daniel Hemric's Lap 145 disaster, a Lap 149 trouble for both John Hunter Nemechek and Justin Haley, and a Lap 158 disaster when Austin Cindric got spun following his clash with Kyle Busch. As Alex Bowman won Stage 2, the final stage saw Kyle Busch spinning on Lap 237 following his clash with Chase Briscoe followed by Todd Gilliand sent Carson Hocevar spinning on Lap 244.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Hollywood Casino 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

Sadly, another non-playoff driver spoiled the playoff fight as Ross Chastain won the Hollywood Casino 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series.

The fight for the final 8 continues in Talladega Superspeedway for the YellaWood 500 this October 6th, 2024.

Sunday, September 22, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Bass Pro Shops Night Race

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs continue with the Bass Pro Shops Night Race in Bristol. Who will make it to the Final 12? Who will be eliminated? It's time to find out who rises and who falls.

As the green flag waved, the first playoff elimination round is underway. The first stage saw Johh Hunter Nemechek spin with a flat tire on Lap 5. As Kyle Larson wins Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Harrison Burton behind the wall with a power steering issue on Lap 236 followed by Joey Logano spinning on Turn 2 during Lap 243. As Kyle Larson wins Stage 2, the final stage saw Corey LaJoie's accident on the backstretch after being hit by Josh Berry on Lap 329.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Bass Pro Shops Night Race
Image: NASCAR

After a night in Bristol, Kyle Larson wins the Bass Pro Shops Night Race of the NASCAR Cup Series! Ty Gibbs, Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr., and Harrison Burton are officially eliminated from the playoffs.

With 12 playoff contenders remaining, the fight for the final 8 is now on as the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs continue with Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN Bet in Kansas Speedway this September 29th, 2024.

Monday, September 16, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Go Bowling at The Glen

The fight for the Final 12 in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs continues this weekend at Watkins Glen International in New York for the Go Bowling at The Glen. Joey Logano earned his spot in the playoffs at Atlanta. Who will be next to qualify?

As the green flag waved, Part 2 of 3 of the fight for the Final 12 in New York begins with a disaster when Kyle Busch spins in the inner loop after contact with Corey LaJoie. As Martin Truex Jr. won Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Daniel Suarez spinning in turn 6 on Lap 38, and with Ross Chastain winning Stage 2, the final stage saw Denny Hamlin crash on Lap 47 following a NASCAR sandwich with Kyle Larson and Brad Keselowski, debris from Harrison Burton on Lap 80, and four laps later, disaster for Brad Keselowski and William Byron, triggering overtime.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Go Bowling at The Glen
Screengrab from NASCAR

Sadly, no playoff contender secured a spot in the playoffs after the Go Bowling at The Glen race. The winner was Chris Buescher, who is not a playoff contender.

Who will make it to the Final 12? Who will be eliminated? Find out as the playoffs continue with the Bass Pro Shops Night Race in Bristol this Saturday, September 21st, 2024.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Big Machine Music City Grand Prix

Is Alex Palou the 2024 season winner? The final race of the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in Nashville Superspeedway will decide if Palou is this season's champion or not.

As the green flag waved, the final race of the 2024 season commenced and Josef Newgarden's making bold moves against Kyle Kirkwood on the opening laps. As Will Power's title fight got jeopardized due to problems with his lap belts on Lap 13, caution was triggered on Lap 56 when Felix Rosenqvist collided with the wall following a loose left front tire.

Lap 68 restart, with Newgarden leading, Colton Herta is on the hunt. Lap 89 saw Katherine Legge slip off the track, triggering the second caution of the race. Come Lap 135, Marcus Ericsson collided with the wall.

As the race restarted on Lap 147, Pato O'Ward was leading while David Malukas and Josef Newgarden were hunting him down. With the race having five laps to go, Colton Herta slipped into the lead.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Big Machine Music City Grand Prix
Image: IndyCar

In the final race of the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series, Colton Herta won the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, followed by Pato O'Ward and Josef Newgarden. However, despite finishing in 11th place, Alex Palou was crowned the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series champion, his third title.

Congratulations to Alex Palou for his third IndyCar championship title!

This concludes the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series. See you next season!

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

My FH5 Log: Scene Stealer!

When the Toyota GR86 and the second-generation Subaru BRZ were launched in 2021, they were expected to be the stars of the show. However, the Japanese arrival of the Chevrolet Corvette C8 stole their thunder and went on to win Japan's Performance Car of the Year award. Why?

BRZ and GR86 vs. C8 Corvette

That's an interesting but silly question. Why did the C8 Corvette win the award that was supposed to be for the second-generation ToyoBaru twin coupes? Before that, let's have a quick re-introduction of these cars.

GR86

BRZ

The Toyota GR86 and the second-generation Subaru BRZ were unveiled in 2021. They are built on an improved version of the signature platform, with upgraded suspension and chassis for better cornering and traction. The flat-4 engine has been increased from 2.0L to 2.4L, resulting in more horsepower and torque.


The eighth-generation Corvette is no longer the Corvette the world knows. For the first time in its history, it's been morphed into a mid-engined supercar, a move that displeased most Corvette purists. Being the first production mid-engined car from General Motors, the C8 Corvette is powered by an all-new 6.2L LT2 V8 engine with 495HP of power and 470lb-ft of torque. Mated to a Corvette-first 8-speed Double Clutch Gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and flat-out in 312kph. It features a brand-new Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 which reads the road every millisecond and adapts in about 10 to 15 milliseconds, as well as double wishbone suspension with height adjustable capability.

The Chevrolet C8 Corvette defeated the second-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 to become the 2021-2022 Japan Performance Car of the Year, the first for an American-made car to win the title.

Corvette

GR86

BRZ

With Horizon Mexico's smallest circuit track set in the town of Guanajuato becoming my laboratory, the second-generation ToyoBaru coupe twins joined forces to battle against the C8 Corvette. The question is, will they beat the mid-engined American monster machine? Let's roll the tape.


And here are the results...

BRZ ZD8 - 1m00.077s
GR86 - 59.526s
C8 Corvette - 55.005s

The C8 Corvette massively defeated the second-generation ToyoBaru twin coupes with such margins. It's no wonder the Japanese motoring press turned their faces away from them in favor of the Corvette.


Despite being defeated by the Chevrolet C8 Corvette in the title of 2021 Japan's Performance Car of the Year Award, both the GR86 and the BRZ are still one of the best sports cars of the early 2020s because of their affordability, accessible dynamics, and limitless tuning possibilities to turn these reasonably fast cars around. Speaking of which, it's time to reward the ToyoBaru twins for the hard work they've done today. In the spirit of Let's ¡Go!, how about a little Making Drama to spice things up? But first...

GR86

GR86

GR86

GR86


The GR86, for the first time in Horizon Mexico, is donning the role of Himitsu no AiPri's main character, Himari Aozora. Suits her personality. As for the BRZ...

BRZ

BRZ

BRZ

BRZ

My BRZ is donning the role of Himitsu no AiPri's other main character, Mitsuki Hosihkawa. When you look at them, they remind you of the two heroines from "Himitsu no AiPri" who are known for their idol activities across the metaverse. Today is "AiPriVerse Day!"

BRZ

GR86

With the ToyoBaru twins versed in, the GR86 will be battling against the competition in a neon-packed EventLab creation called "Neon City Race" while the BRZ takes on what's known to be an EventLab re-enactment of Malaysia's Genting Highlands, where the mountain roads evoke the drivers' Initial D fantasies. As MC AIMU would say, "AiPriVerse Day!"



Who performed better? Himari or Mitsuki?

BRZ

GR86

The GR86 and BRZ are the fruits of the wonderful collaboration between Toyota and Subaru. These two cars are fit to take on the bold challenges of the Reiwa era. These cars may not live forever in the age of electrification, but the 86 and the BRZ have created an impressive legacy that will be remembered forever for many generations to come.

Together they stand, united they fall.

Monday, September 9, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Quaker State 400

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are underway, with the first round kicking off at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Quaker State 400. The Final 16 drivers will clash to advance to the Final 12.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Quaker State 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

As the green flag waved, the first playoff match of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series has officially begun. The first stage saw a fiery incident on Lap 57 when Kyle Larson got loose and hit the outside wall, collecting Chase Briscoe into the mess. 

As Ryan Blaney wins Stage 1 under caution, Stage 2 gets even messy with the caution-triggering debris on Lap 115 followed by Justin Haley getting penalized for blocking and forcing Tyler Reddick below the double white line. 

As Austin Cindric wins Stage 2, the final stage saw John Hunter Nemechek spinning on Lap 176, a multi-car incident on Lap 206 that got Chris Buescher, Ryan Blaney, and Martin Truex Jr. involved, a sign falls off the fence onto the track on Lap 251, and a collision mess between Noah Gragson and playoff contender Harrison Burton on Lap 260 that triggered the overtime.

After a chaotic first fight for the playoffs, Joey Logano earned his spot in the Final 12 as he won the Quaker State 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The fight for the Final 12 continues with the Go Bowling at The Glen this September 15th, 2024.

Friday, September 6, 2024

My FH5 Log: HEMIxSTORY

The third-generation Dodge Durango is the last Dodge powered by the HEMI V8 engine. Stellantis' scorched earth policy has led to the extinction of the V8 engine from its stable. 

The Dodge Durango Hellcat that I won from the High-Performance Dailies Hot Season Playlist reminds me that it ain't over until it's fully over.

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

So, what's it all about the most powerful Durango that ever existed?

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is the most powerful production seven-seater SUV ever. It was unveiled during the COVID lockdown. It has the same 6.2L HEMI V8 engine as the Challenger and Charger Hellcats, which produces 710 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque. This enables it to go from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180 mph.

The Durango SRT Hellcat is available only for the 2021 model year but demand prompted to return it for the 2023 model year. As Dodge ended production of the third-generation Challenger and the upcoming Charger not having a V8 engine, the third-generation Durango is the last in the Dodge lineup to have a V8 engine.

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

Let's give the last V8-powered Dodge a proper send-off by tackling the last of the four new sprint races added to the update; the Cloverleaf Sprint. Roll the tape.





Statement, made.

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

The third-generation Dodge Durango proved that the "Sports" word in the Sports Utility Vehicle term means a lot, delivering sportscar-like performance with multipurpose capability. With the Hellcat, this is literally the king of high-performance SUVs. Europeans can fudge themselves whenever they see one.

Because of Stellantis' scorched earth policy to get rid of V8 engines from its stable, it really is the Last Call for Dodge's last V8-powered vehicle. Sad to see Dodge removing the V8 engine that made them a force to be reckoned with as demonstrated by the Charger Hellcat Redeye and the Challenger Demon but the Brotherhood of Muscle will be forever remembered.

See you in hell, Dodge Durango.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Infiniti QX80 (Second Generation)

The all-new Infiniti QX80 is a second-generation full-size luxury SUV that rewrites the rules for what an SUV should be. It can go off-road while delivering fancy living for high rollers from Dubai to New York. Let's take a look at the new model.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

With prices starting at $82,450 plus additional costs, the all-new QX80 is cheaper to own than the titanic Range Rover, although this is the most expensive Infiniti emerged. Still, this new look signaled a new era for the luxury brand of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

The second-generation Infiniti QX80 is the first to wear the new Infiniti logo. This one shines up front, which may be a bit too flashy for some observers. After all, an illuminated front badge is about as flashy as Christmas lights on a pine tree but it's not as flashy as the available Infiniti underglows. While incorporating the new Infiniti design language, the squarish looks are now edgier than its predecessor, giving an idea of what is life to be like in the mega box.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

Inside, the all-new QX80 improves the first-class experience from its predecessor, giving both the driver and passenger the same experience they expect from a business-class flight. The driver's side is packed with tech arsenals such as the panoramic widescreen that features the digital instrumental panel to the left and the touch screen to the right, the class-first available Biometric Cooling technology, Tri-Zone Climate Control System, kabuki-inspired 64-color interior lighting design, and Klipsch sound system with up to 24 speakers, including ones at the headrest.

Yes, it has third-row seats that can accommodate seven or eight people, standard heated and available climate-controlled first- and second-row seating complemented by available heated seating in the third row, and a power-sliding panoramic moonroof featuring one-touch open/close technology. It has up to 22 cu.ft. of interior cargo volume, making it spacious enough for a perfectly straightforward shooting weekend.

2025 Infiniti QX80
2025 Infiniti QX80

The real treat of the all-new QX80 is what's under the hood as the old model's V8 engine was scrapped and replaced by Infiniti's brand-new 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo engine that produces 450hp of power and 516lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 9-speed AT, it has a combined fuel economy of 17MPG and a towing capacity of 8500 lbs.

In terms of dynamics, the all-new QX80 features independent double wishbones, speed-sensitive rack-pinion electric power assist steering, all-season tires, INFINITI All-Mode 4WD, brake-actuated LSD, and available Dynamic Digital Suspension. It's still bulky to drive but it's now surprisingly more civilized and classy on and off the road.

Redefining the rules of safety, the all-new QX80 is the first Infiniti to feature the optional ProPILOT Assist 2.1 technology for hands-free driving on the motorways. It even features Steering Assist, Intelligent Cruise Control, Front Wide View, Invisible Hood View, Smart Rearview Mirror, 3D Around View Monitor with Spin Capability and Moving Object Detection, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Blind Spot Intervention, and leading-edge far-side airbag technology.

The all-new Infiniti QX80 rewrites the rules for what an SUV should be. It's the most expensive Infiniti in the range, but its price is lower than today's Range Rover. This means that the "out-on-a-limo" feeling is within reach, even if you're a super-rich high-roller who prefers cruising downtown from New York to Dubai. This is first-class luxury reasserted, the Infiniti way.

Available Colors: Anthracite Gray, Mineral Black, Coulis Red, Black Obsidian, Radiant White, Grand Blue, Dynamic Metal, Radiant White/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Mineral Black/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Coulis Red/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, Grand Blue/Black Obsidian Two-Tone, and Dynamic Metal/Black Obsidian Two-Tone.

Photo: INFINITI

Monday, September 2, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Cook Out Southern 500

It's the last race of the regular season as the Cook Out Southern 500 race of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series will decide who will enter the playoffs. Let's find out!

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Cook Out Southern 500
Screengrab from NASCAR

As the green flag waved at Darlington Raceway, the final race of the regular season began. As Kyle Larson won Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Tyler Reddick get sick but couldn't take any medicine from his pit crew, followed by Todd Gilliand colliding with the wall on Lap 129, and Denny Hamlin making contact with William Byron on Lap 224. As Larson nabbed Stage 2, and Martin Truex Jr. was playoffs-bound, the final stage saw Carson Hocevar spinning on Lap 314. followed by a Lap 322 disaster for Chris Buescher and Todd Gilliand, and The Big One on Lap 344.

After a chaotic fight for the playoffs, Chase Briscoe wins the Cook Out Southern 500 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The list of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoff contenders is complete. Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Austin Cindric, Daniel Suarez, Alex Bowman, Chase Briscoe, Harrison Burton, Ty Gibbs, and Martin Truex Jr. are locked in for the fight to Phoenix.

The Round of 16 kicks off with the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway this September 8th, 2024.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250

The 2024 NTT IndyCar Series is coming to a close, and the two-part Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250 in Wisconsin was a fitting way to celebrate Labor Day weekend. The chaotic oval racing action was worthy of being described as climactic.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250
Screengrab from IndyCar

In the first part, Pato O'Ward trumped Will Power to extend his championship lead while Conor Daly made it to the podium by finishing 3rd. In the chaotic final part of the Milwaukee campaign, Supercars legend Scott McLaughlin trumped Scott Dixon and Colton Herta.

After Milwaukee, Palou leads with 525 points while Power is in 2nd with 492 points and McLaughlin's now in 3rd with 475 points.

Who will win the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series title? Find out in the season finale happening in Nashville Superspeedway, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, this September 15, 2024. Don't miss it!

Friday, August 30, 2024

My FH5 Log: Goodbye Fiesta. Hello New Adventures.

 Ford says:

"It’s been a fun ride over the past years, and we couldn’t be prouder of our spirited, up-for-anything compact vehicle. Even though we will no longer be producing the Fiesta, we think we’ve got a few vehicles in our lineup to fill your criteria for versatility and driving enjoyment to seek out new adventures."

The people behind the Forza games forgot the memo and injected the not-for-US final-generation Fiesta into Forza Horizon 5 as the prize car from the High-Performance Dailies Wet Season Playlist.

2023 Ford Fiesta ST

Another Ford we never got in the States has popped up during the Forza Horizon 5 High-Performance Dailies update. What's it all about?

2023 Ford Fiesta ST


The Ford Fiesta Mk8 made its world premiere at Ford's Go Further 2016 event in Germany and it's available only in a hatchback body style in regular, the sporty ST, and the crossover-ish Active. The ST is powered by a 1.5L three-cylinder engine that produces 200PS of power and 290Nm of torque. Mated exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 6.7 seconds.

A limited-edition Fiesta ST Edition was unveiled. Available exclusively as a three-door and only 500 units were built and sold only for Europe, it dons the Azura Blue exterior paint and other exclusive features.

Production of the Fiesta ended in June 2023.

2023 Ford Fiesta ST

To give the not-for-US final-generation Fiesta a rather unnecessary sendoff it deserved, let's drive it to one of the latest Sprint races offered in this update. I've driven the not-for-US final-generation Ford Focus at the Rocosa Sprint as well as the final JDM Toyota Camry at the San Juan Sprint. Now, let's use the Valle Del Rio Sprint as the final destination for Europe's favorite little car. Roll the tape.


Shame.

2023 Ford Fiesta ST

The Ford Fiesta is a great car. It's stylish, affordable, and fun to drive. Unfortunately, Ford discontinued the Fiesta in the United States. If they had kept it in their lineup, it would have been one of the most affordable high-performance daily drivers on the market. Sadly, it's too late for that.


Ford Fiesta Retired. Now What?


The Ford Fiesta has been a great car for Europe since its introduction in 1976. It became one of the all-time greats, along with the legendary Cortina. For eight generations, this world-proven compact fulfilled its role within Ford's lineup as an efficient and easy-to-drive car that relatively well. Now that the Fiesta's story is done, its outstanding legacy will live on forever. 

Goodnight, Fiesta.

Monday, August 26, 2024

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland

The Pacific Northwest is the next stop for the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series with the Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland, held at the Portland International Raceway. What a way to end summer than intense racing action at the Pacific Northwest.

The start of the race saw misery for Scott Dixon as he crashed after being nudged by Pietro Fittpaldi. As a result, Fittipaldi got penalized for unavoidable contact. Lap 23 saw Fittipaldi and Conor Daly get into a first-corner mishap. Halfway through the race with Will Power, Alex Palou, and Josef Newgarden are hunting each other for the top, Lap 62 saw Romain Grosjean experience some power interruption following a spin and if that wasn't enough, he got collided by Christian Rasmussen. However, Grosjean's back in the running.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland
Screengrab from IndyCar

After what's known to be a chaotic fight in the Pacific Northwest, Will Power wins the Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland with Alex Palou finishing 2nd and Josef Newgarden finishing 3rd.

With Portland behind them, Palou is leading with 484 points, 54 points ahead of Power, and Colton Herta is in 3rd with 417 points. The title fight is too close to call.

The NTT IndyCar Series is coming to Wisconsin for the Hy-Vee Milwaukee Mile 250. This two-part race will be held from August 31st to September 1st, 2024.

Sunday, August 25, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Coke Zero Sugar 400

It's the penultimate race of the regular season as the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series returns to Daytona for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 where chaotic moments led to the unexpected ending no one saw it coming.

Shortly before the race began, it was announced that Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who made his name in NASCAR by winning the Chicago street race last season, is now officially on the roster for the 2025 season, representing the Trackhouse team.

Long story short but anyway, the race. As Josh Berry won Stage 1, Stage 2 witnessed The Big One on Lap 61 when Ross Chastain got turned in front of the field in 8th and triggered a multi-car mishap followed by Austin Cindric sent Kyle Larson spinning on Lap 78. As Joey Logano won Stage 2, the finale saw John Hunter Nemechek spinning, another Big One on Lap 153, and the red flag-triggering incident where Josh Berry flipped his car. As the overtime triggered, the unexpected happened.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Coke Zero Sugar 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

Harrison Burton wins the Coke Zero Sugar 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series for the first time ever! You never saw it coming, didn't you?

Only one race before the playoffs and the next one is the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington this September 1st. Who will be playoffs-bound? Watch for it!

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - FireKeepers Casino 400

Michigan is the next stop for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series with the FireKeepers Casino 400 and this race replaced the carnage in Richmond with even more chaos.

After Ryan Blaney won Stage 1, the race was interrupted by a red flag due to inclement weather, and was forced to continue the next day. On Monday, the race continued with Todd Gilliland blowing a right-rear tire in turn 3 on Lap 107, followed by The Big One on Lap 115. Kyle Busch won Stage 2, and the climax came when Martin Truex Jr spun out on Lap 194, triggering overtime.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - FireKeepers Casino 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

After the chaos in Michigan, Tyler Reddick wins the Firekeepers Casino 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is Daytona for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on August 24, 2024. It's the penultimate battle before the playoffs.

Sunday, August 18, 2024

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Bommarito Automotive Group 500

The summer break in IndyCar racing is over. The 2024 season continues this weekend with the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at the World Wide Technology Raceway.

Polesitter Scott McLaughlin led the grid to the starting line as the green flag waved and the action in St. Louis truly began. As David Malukas charged his way to P2 on Lap 8, a caution was triggered when Katherine Legge and Ed Carpenter got involved in a fender bender. Lap 17 saw Conor Daly get spun after being nudged from behind by Kyle Kirkwood. In Lap 196, Josef Newgarden got spun. With 22 laps left, Malukas crashed, and with 10 laps left, a red flag-triggering incident happened in the middle of a restart when Alexander Rossi's car got lifted following a collision with Will Power.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Bommarito Automotive Group 500
Screengrab from IndyCar

After an incident-packed oval racing action in St. Louis, Josef Newgarden emerged from the spin and won the Bommarito Automotive Group 500. Scott McLaughlin finished 2nd and the rookie driver Linus Lundqvist finished 3rd.

After St. Louis, Alex Palou leads with 443 points while Colton Herta is in 2nd with 384 points and Scott Dixon is in 3rd with 378 points.

The next race is the Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland this August 25, 2024.

Saturday, August 17, 2024

Lincoln Nautilus (2nd Gen)

The Lincoln Nautilus is a luxury SUV that was based on the Ford Edge. Sadly, the Edge has been discontinued, so the Nautilus is now on its own as it approaches its second generation.

2025 Lincoln Nautilus
2025 Lincoln Nautilus

Starting below 52 grand in US Dollars plus additional costs, the second-generation Nautilus has matured into a sophisticated crossover that caters to even the most prolific East Coast elites with its new-era Lincoln styling, premium interior, and a suite of tech to toy with.

2025 Lincoln Nautilus
2025 Lincoln Nautilus

By adopting the new-era Lincoln styling inspired by the Star Concept, the all-new Nautilus tries its hand at being frank and polite to its owners. Whether if its kitted with the available Jet Appearance package or indulged in the ultra-premium Black Label, the all-new Nautilus is all about making a statement while cruising from Brooklyn to Wall Street.

2025 Lincoln Nautilus
2025 Lincoln Nautilus interior

The biggest surprise is its new interior and by first impression, it feels like you're driving a concept car from the future. The Lincoln Digital Experience features the largest panoramic display in its class as well as the 11.1-inch center-stack Touchscreen with Google software involved. Call it flashy but its futuristic dashboard layout showcases the loud and proud side of Lincoln's calm, cool, and collected status.

Along with the Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging ports, and the Lincoln Connect, the all-new Nautilus features an available Digital Scent where drivers can insert whatever scent cartridges they have and release it on its air conditioning. There are different scent cartridges available to purchase so don't be shy.

To deliver sedan-riding comfort for this five-seater crossover, the all-new Nautilus features an array of relaxing features such as Perfect Position massaging seats, and the available Auto Air Refresh. As for boot space, it's between the 70 cu. ft. mark with the rear seats folded down.

2025 Lincoln Nautilus
2025 Lincoln Nautilus

The all-new Nautilus features a choice of a 2.0L turbo and a 2.0L turbo hybrid with the latter producing 310HP of power and a combined EPA-estimated mileage of 30MPG courtesy of its CVT. The petrol variant is mated to an 8-speed AT. Although heavier than the old one, the all-new Nautilus tries hard to be civilized with its independent suspension setups, power 4-wheel disc with Anti-Lock Braking System, AdvanceTrrac with Roll Stability Control, and EPAS. It's spacious, versatile, and comfortable at its own pace.

Although an array of ADAS is not absent for the all-new Nautilus, it features Lincoln's BlueCruise 1.2 with improved versions of its ADAS features from hands-free driving, Lane Change Assist, the new In-Lane Repositioning ability, and other improvements worth noticing.

The all-new Lincoln Nautilus has matured even without its Ford Edge benefactor, and although costly to have one because it's "made in China", it tries to be calm, cool, and collected while navigating the East Coast traffic chaos at ease. 

New Yorkers, here's your new Nautilus.

Photo: Ford Motor Company

Friday, August 16, 2024

My FH5 Log: We appreciate your interest in the Focus

 “Unfortunately, Ford will no longer be building the Focus. But you can still contact your local dealer about availability and check out our other vehicles that might be perfect for you and your family.” This is what Ford said when production of the third-generation Focus, the last-ever Ford Focus sold in its home market, ended in 2018. When Ford said goodbye to the Focus after three generations, the world market forgot the memo and decided to have another go with the Focus, except this was overseas only.


This is what's known to be the Mk4 Ford Focus, the one Americans didn't get, and I won this car from Forza Horizon 5's High-Performance Dailies Wet Season Playlist. If we, the American people, still had the Ford Focus here, it would look like this.


The Mk4 Ford Focus runs on a C2 platform, which makes it roomier and stronger than the world-proven Mk3 model. It was launched in 2018 and is offered with a five-door hatchback, the Active, and the estate version. It received a minor change in 2021, and China received the 4-door sedan variant.

This variant featured in the game is the Ford Focus ST, the definitive hot-hatch driving experience. It's powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost engine producing 280PS of power and 420Nm of torque. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed AT that propels this hatchback to a 0-62mph time in 5.7 seconds. The ST Track Pack features KW coilover suspension with springs, Brembo 18" performance brakes, and Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires for track-level control.

The Ford Focus ST Edition is a limited-edition model that includes all of the features of the Focus ST but with some special touches. It has a special Azura Blue exterior paint with black contrast elements, Motion Blue interior stitching, Winter Pack, Driver Assistance Pack, and a B&O sound system. Only 300 of these cars were made and sold.


Let's see how the Ford Focus ST performs against the competition in one of the new sprint races. The results will leave you speechless.


Why are we so meek? We really wish the Ford Focus would remain in the native lineup but sadly, it's too late for that.


If Ford had retained the Focus in its native lineup, it would have become one of the most affordable high-performance daily driver's cars offered. Sadly, it's too late for that. The Mk3 Focus was the final Focus offered for Americans, and the Mk4 Focus turned out to be the true ending. With production ending next year, what's next? Here's your headline...


FORD FOCUS RETIRING. NOW WHAT?


We appreciate your interest in the Focus. Enjoy it while you can.