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

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.

Monday, August 12, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Cook Out 400

The Olympics are over, and that can only mean one thing: NASCAR is back! The summer of NASCAR racing action continues in Richmond for the Cook Out 400.

As the green flag waved, NASCAR is back in business at Richmond. As Christopher Bell wins Stage 1, Daniel Suarez wins Stage 2. All is well until the climax that turns the tables for the drivers. Ryan Preece spun by Ricky Stenhouse Jr. with the race only having two laps to go, triggering the most dramatic overtime in NASCAR history.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Cook Out 400
Courtesy of NASCAR

In the final lap during overtime, Austin Dillon pushed away Joey Logano and shoved Denny Hamlin off to win the Cook Out 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series. That's NASCAR to you, folks.

The next race is at Michigan International Speedway for the FireKeepers Casino 400 this August 18th, 2024.

Monday, July 22, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Brickyard 400

NASCAR invades Indy with the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Defying the recent IT crisis, this race decides which NASCAR driver will have a chance to kiss the legendary brickyard.

Beginning with Stage 1, Chase Elliott got slapped with a pass-through penalty and forced to come down pit road. As Denny Hamlin won Stage 1, Stage 2 saw debris coming out from the #15 car followed by a series of disasters with the last got William Byron, AJ Allmendinger, and Harrison Burton involved. With Stage 2 going to Bubba Wallace, the final stage saw Martin Truex Jr. getting into the wall, a collision course for Josh Berry, a restart disaster that caught Jimmie Johnson and Joey Logano in it, and a near-climax chaos that caught Daniel Hemric, Alex Bowman, and John Hunter Nemechek in it.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Brickyard 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

After the chaos-packed action in the Brickyard, Kyle Larson wins the Brickyard 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next NASCAR race is at Richmond for the Cook Out 400 on August 11. It's a long break coming up for the Paris Olympics, but the summer racing action will resume next month. Stay tuned!

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto

No IT outage can stop IndyCar from hosting an intense street racing action up north from the border with the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto.

The race begins with polesitter Colton Herta leading the grid while Christian Rasmussen and Santino Ferucci get their cars damaged, putting the race on yellow until Lap 4. Lap 5, meanwhile, saw Agustin Canapino smacked to the wall. As Graham Rahal swapped his steering wheel during a pit stop on Lap 32, Lap 54 saw pitstop issues for Josef Newgarden followed by Linus Lundqvist and Theo Pourchaire getting involved in a mess-up. Lap 57 saw Felix Roseqvist lock the brakes as he nearly crashed the car in front. With 18 laps left, Kyffin Simpson crashed into the tire barrier. With 13 laps left, the big one struck Ontario as Santino Ferucci flipped the car and caused a pile-up that caught some drivers, triggering a red flag. As Scott McLaughlin collided with the wall with just 9 laps to go, the climax is where everything's on the line.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto
Screengrab from IndyCar

After a disaster-packed Toronto street race, the Andretti team delivered a one-two finish on Canadian soil with Colton Herta the winner and Kyle Kirkwood finishing 2nd. Scott Dixon completes the podium with a third-place finish.

After Toronto, Alex Palou is leading with 411 points while Will Power is in 2nd with 362 points and Scott Dixon is in third with 358 points.

The next race is at the World Wide Technology Raceway for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 this August 17th.

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

My FH5 Log: Tales of the #PrimeDay Beasts

I can't believe it's Prime Day again! 🤯 This annual event is when you can unleash the ultimate beasts in Forza Horizon 5 and let them tear up the track. 

For the third time in the game's history, the Horizon Community Choice update brought the McLaren MP4-12C to the Prime Day lineup. That means there are four ways to celebrate Prime Day in Forza Horizon 5. Time to get wild!





Ah yes, the beasts of Prime Day. They're the Jurassic menace I'm talking about because they are business and leisure without compromise. From the roaring sound of the 6.2L V8 engine of the F-150 SVT Raptor, the lightness of the Renaultsport Megane III, the track-honed performance of the MP4-12C, to the Zonda R's ultimate expression of speed, these unstoppable missiles are the heavy beasts only a few people are lucky enough to drive these while their concentration's on racing mode.

Whether it's the F-150 SVT Raptor battles against a HALO jumper, a Renaultsport Megane III battling against a Porsche Boxster, the McLaren MP4-12C surviving the Nurburgring, or the Zonda R going all-out, you can really hear these high-performance cannibals roaring to the sounds of prime. These heavy beasts really are badass. Yes!

From as far as Arizona and Rockingham, these heavy beasts come to Mexico to show that these unstoppable missiles were never past their prime, even if it was Prime Day. It's time to make these beasts roar!





THIS...IS...PRIME DAY!!!


The Jurassic menace from these four prime specimens made PRIME DAY the Jurassic menace you don't want to mess with. Life couldn't get even more exciting when you have the rare opportunity to drive these heavy beasts mixing business and leisure without compromise.

See you next PRIME DAY. 

(Tiger Roar)

Monday, July 15, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - The Great American Getaway 400

The Tricky Triangle is up next on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VisitPA.com is set to take place at the treacherous Pocono Raceway. Will any driver be able to tame the chaos that seems to follow any race at Pocono?

The action in Pocono begins with Stage one saw Noah Gragson spinning and backing into the turn 1 wall on Lap 14. As Martin Truex Jr. wins Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Ross Chastain on Lap 52 sliding sideways in turn 3 and making hard contact with the right rear of the car, slowing him down and the caution is out. With Stage 2 going to Denny Hamlin, the final stage saw Todd Gilliland into the wall in turn 1 on Lap 115 after a mechanical failure in the right front on the front stretch.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - The Great American Getaway 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

In the end, Ryan Blaney wins  The Great American Getaway 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

The next race is at Indianapolis for the Brickyard 400 this July 21st.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Hy-Vee One Step 250

The 2024 NTT IndyCar Series' two-part Iowa skirmish concludes with the Hy-Vee One Step 250 race and this finale delivered the most insane moment of the season no fans saw it coming.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Hy-Vee One Step 250
Screengrab from IndyCar

As Alex Palou dominates the oval for 99 laps, Lap 100 saw Agustin Canapino slip but the track is still green and Palou went to the pits. The yellow flag was triggered. As the race restarts on Lap 114, Palou is still leading while Will Power and Scott McLaughlin are hunting him down for the lead. 45 laps left, three podium fighters had done their pitstop routines and then back for more for the endgame. As the trio fights for the final lap, The Big One strikes as Sting Ray Robb goes upside down followed by Alexander Rossi, Ed Carpenter, and Kyle Kirkwood getting crashed.

After a thrilling Iowa climax, Will Power wins the Hy-Vee One Step 250. Alex Palou finished 2nd and yesterday's winner Scott McLaughlin finished 3rd.

With Iowa behind them, Palou leads with 379 points, Will Power is in 2nd with 344 points, and Pato O'Ward is in 3rd with 327 points.

The next race is the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto this July 21st, 2024.

Sunday, July 14, 2024

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Hy-Vee Homefront 250

The 2024 NTT IndyCar Series' two-part Iowa skirmish kicked off with the first part known as the Hy-Vee Homefront 250.

The first part of the IndyCar Iowa double-header was a dramatic race with lots of crashes and mishaps. It kicked off with Romain Grosjean and two others being involved in an opening lap incident. Then on lap 81, Graham Rahal had a mechanical issue that caused the second caution of the race. After the pit stops, Scott McLaughlin took the lead. He held it until lap 176 when Alex Palou crashed in turn one. With 40 laps to go, Linus Lundqvist also had a mechanical issue. And then with 28 laps to go, Colton Herta went off track. Ed Carpenter crashed with 22 laps remaining.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Hy-Vee Homefront 250
Screengrab from IndyCar

In the end, Scott McLaughlin won his first-ever IndyCar oval race. Pato O’Ward finished second, and Josef Newgarden came in third.

To be continued on the Hy-Vee One Step 250 on July 14.

Monday, July 8, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Grant Park 165

NASCAR returns to the streets of Chicago for the Grant Park 165 and with last year's winner Shane Van Gisbergen back for more alongside a few special guest drivers, NASCAR goes "unbound" with this street race.

The first stage saw Corey LaJoie spin from the 29th in turn 11 exit and hit the wall bringing out the caution on Lap 17 and with rainfall on Chicago roads, Shane Van Gisbergen won the first stage. Lap 26 saw the whole Chicago race placed on Red Flag due to rainfall for 1 hour 43 minutes. As the race resumed on Lap 30, they were facing a time limit. Per NASCAR Rule Book Section 8.5.7.6.C, if this race cannot reach the advertised race distance, the race ends at 2120 hours Eastern Time. With the time limit in place, the drivers are going all out.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Grant Park 165
Screengrab from NASCAR

As the time limit was reached, Alex Bowman won the Grant Park 165 of the NASCAR Cup Series! At last, a real NASCAR driver won the Chicago Street Race!

The next race is at Pocono for The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VisitPA.com this Sunday, July 14th.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio

IndyCar has entered the hybrid era and the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio race of the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series is the start of the new IndyCar chapter. 

The IndyCar's hybrid system is made in collaboration with Honda and Chevrolet. It consists of two main components: the Motor Generator Unit and the Energy Storage System. This powertrain produces over 800 horsepower for the first time in two decades and with the Hybrid Assist and Push to Pass, it gives the cars an additional 120HP. It's fueled by Shell's 100% renewable race fuel.

With IndyCar drivers getting accustomed to the all-new hybrid powertrain, the  Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio race is the true litmus test to showcase the true power of the new IndyCar powertrain.

The start of the race spells disaster for Scott Dixon due to mechanical issues. Following Dixon's opening disaster, the race begins on Lap 3 and the drivers are going all-out, taking full advantage of the new hybrid system. As the race intensified, Lap 61 saw Josef Newgarden go off-track, and with only two laps left in Mid-Ohio, Romain Grosjean got spun and slightly hit the wall.

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
Screengrab from IndyCar

Pato O'Ward wins the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, the first winner of the IndyCar's new hybrid era. Alex Palou and Scott McLaughlin wrapped up the first podium of the new era.

After Mid-Ohio, Palou leads with 329 points while Will Power is in 2nd with 281 points and Pato O'Ward is in third with 259 points.

The next race is the two-part Iowa battle with the Hy-Vee Homefront 250 on July 13 and the Hy-Vee One Step 250 on July 14.

Friday, July 5, 2024

My FH5 Log: America's Bests

As Americans are celebrating the birth of the so-called "greatest nation in the world," what better way to celebrate the day of grills and fireworks than driving the best sports cars of America; the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette?


Today's Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette have been radically changed, with the C8 Corvette now a mid-engined supercar, and the seventh-generation Ford Mustang being the last V8-powered American muscle car. 


The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its powerful engine, sleek design, and affordable price. The Chevrolet Corvette is another iconic American sports car that has been in production since 1953. It is known for its performance, handling, and luxurious interior.

Both the latest versions of America's best sports cars have such an impressive resume. The latest Mustang flexed its muscles in Formula Drift, NASCAR, IMSA, Supercars, and any other sports car racing series from the GT4 to the GT3 classes. It even got the chance to race in Le Mans as well. The Corvette, meanwhile, has a proven track record for being the last to become the LMGTE class champion before the WEC LMGT3 Class kicked in. The question now is, which of these American legends is the best?



I've picked the Horizon Mexico Circuit as the venue for my little ID4 duel and for this duel, I've picked the C8 Corvette Stingray and the Mustang Dark Horse. Although the C8 Corvette Stingray is five horses less compared to the Mustang Dark Horse, its supercar form and midship layout should give the Vette a fighting chance. The Mustang Dark Horse, well, it's Horizon Mexico after all. Roll the tape!


And now the results...

C8 Corvette - 1m12.906s

Mustang Dark Horse - 1m15.893s

In an unorthodox rivalry between the last V8 muscle car and the American midship supercar, the Corvette wins. 

The Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette are two of the most iconic American sports cars of all time, but they couldn't be more different. Still, both are excellent choices for a day of driving fun. Whether you're cruising down the highway or tearing up the track, you're sure to have a blast behind the wheel of either of these American classics.

Time to give these two a 2024 gun salute.

Godspeed America.

Monday, July 1, 2024

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Ally 400

Nashville is the next stop for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series with the Ally 400, wrapping up the month of June with intense oval racing action at the heart of Music City.

Beginning with Denny Hamlin's pole position. Hamlin secured the pole position by setting the fastest lap during the qualifiers. His #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Camry led the field to the green flag. The race featured intense three-wide battles on the track with drivers jockeying for position. A sudden rainfall caused a delay during the race but thankfully, it didn't come to a premature end. The green flag was back out after the rain delay and the action resumed.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - Ally 400
Screengrab from NASCAR

In the end, Joey Logano wins the Ally 400 of the NASCAR Cup Series! NASCAR races are full of unpredictable moments, and the Ally 400 was no exception!

The next race at the streets of Chicago, Illinois for the Grant Park 165 this July 7th.

Monday, June 24, 2024

NTT IndyCar Series 2024 - Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey

The 2024 NTT IndyCar Series completes the trio of races that occurred on the first Sunday of Summer 2024 in North America with the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey in the legendary Laguna Seca.

The action in Laguna Seca began with Alex Palou and Kyle Kirkwood edging side-by-side in the opening lap. It continued with Scott McLaughlin going off-track on lap 26, then Luca Giotto crashing on lap 35, and Nolan Siegel clipping the wall on the lap 41 restart.

With Colton Herta leading, Alex Palou was homing onto Herta on lap 64 to retake the lead. With 22 laps to go, Christian Lundgaard sent Marcus Armstrong off the track. And with 9 laps left, Graham Rahal and Kyffin Simpson got involved in a crash.

Screengrab from IndyCar

After an intense Sunday thriller in the Seca, Alex Palou wins the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey. Colton Herta finished 2nd and Alexander Rossi finished 3rd.

Palou leads with 285 points while Will Power is in 2nd with 262 points and Scott Dixon is in 3rd with 253 points.

The next race is the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio this July 7th, 2024.

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - USA Today 301

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series rang out the first Sunday of Summer 2024 with the USA Today 301 race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire had a lot of wild moments. It started off with the green flag waving and quickly transitioned into Christopher Bell winning Stage 1. Stage 2 saw chaos unfold with Daniel Hemric spinning out followed by smoke spewing onto Alex Bowman’s car. As if that weren’t enough, Noah Gragson and Kyle Busch became involved in a wreck on Lap 154. Denny Hamlin then won Stage 2. The last stage saw a crash on Lap 194 due to Joey Logano’s locked tire. This was followed by a series of other wrecks. The race was put on pause due to rainfall, but when it started back up, Brad Keselowski spun and put the race into overtime. The excitement was endless!

2024 NASCAR Cup Series - USA Today 301
Screengrab from NASCAR

Braving through the weather and the chaos involved in NHMS, Christopher Bell wins the USA TODAY 301 of the NASCAR Cup Series!

It was a wild race filled with crashes and other dramatic moments. We saw Christopher Bell take the lead in the first stage, and Denny Hamlin came out on top in the second stage. The last stage had yet another crash, and then the race was paused due to rain. Ultimately, Bell won the race. 

We’re looking forward to the next race at Nashville for the Ally 400 on June 30th.

Saturday, June 22, 2024

My FH5 Log: Dark Horseman

Back in the Horizon Race-Off update a long time ago, I got my hands on the all-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang and it's a just cause for me to drive one.

However, this wasn't the only all-new Mustang in the FH5 stable present. The dark side of the all-new Mustang has awakened.




Here it is, the dark side of the all-new Ford Mustang has awakened.


This is the first-ever Ford Mustang Dark Horse that I won in the Forza Horizon 5 Modern Horizons Wet Season playlist and with two versions of the all-new Mustang present, it's time for me to get to know about the dark side of the Mustang.


Following the arrival of the all-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang, a more potent version called the Dark Horse was unveiled. Being a track-focused road car that rivals the Porsche 911 GT3, the Mustang Dark Horse's 5.0L Coyote V8 engine produces 500HP, making it the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8-powered Mustang ever made. It is mated exclusively with the TREMEC 6-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching and no-lift shifting. In addition to its track-focused dynamics, the Dark Horse features a Gen-3 MagneRide Damping System and Brembo brake system.


The Dark Horse is truly the dark side of the Ford Mustang. The normal V8-powered Mustang is already a great car, but the Dark Horse takes it to a whole new level. Its track-focused dynamics, including a Gen-3 MagneRide Damping System and Brembo brake system, make it an absolute beast on the track. I’ve tested both models and the Dark Horse has the superior handling of the two. If you’re looking for a Mustang that can handle the world’s most demanding tracks, the Dark Horse is the car for you.



To prove my point, I've summoned the normal V8-powered Mustang GT for a one-lap time attack outside the stadium amid foggy conditions. Let's find out if the Dark Horse really is the Dark Horse. Roll the tape.


And now, the results...

Ford Mustang '24 - 1m15.759s

Mustang Dark Horse - 1m14.575s


Just like that, the Dark Side prevailed.


The Mustang Dark Horse is the dark side of the all-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang. With its motorsport know-how from its racing equivalents, this track-focused road car boldly shows its dark side on the asphalt.

Welcome to the Dark Side.


The Mustang Dark Horse proved its point but I still have a lot of experiments with it so...um...watch this space.