Sunday, June 15, 2025

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Viva Mexico 250

The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, the sacred ground of F1's Mexico Grand Prix, became NASCAR's newest battleground for the Viva Mexico 250. This is the first time the NASCAR Cup Series has raced in Mexico, and it was a major undertaking due to ongoing border tensions between the U.S. and Mexico. That it took place at all is an unprecedented feat and a testament to the popularity of the sport in both countries.

As the green flag waved, the first NASCAR Cup Series on Mexican soil was underway. The first stage saw drivers struggling to get through the wet conditions in their newest foreign battleground. As Ryan Preece gets Stage 1, Stage 2 saw Denny Hamlin's temporary replacement driver, Ryan Truex, spin around the track. With Shane Van Gisbergen taking Stage 2, the finale is drama to the end.

2025 NASCAR Cup Series - Viva Mexico 250
Screengrab from NASCAR

After a long and arduous battle, a foreign driver has made history. Shane Van Gisbergen, the foreign driver, has struck back. In NASCAR’s first Cup Series Mexico race, Van Gisbergen won the Viva Mexico 250, scoring a monumental victory!

The next race is at Pocono for The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.COM this June 22, 2025.

F1 2025: Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada

Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is the next stop for the F1 75th-anniversary celebrations with the Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada. This race not only marked Aston Martin and Alpine's 100th race start but also Haas' 200th race start. With George Russell and Max Verstappen locked in the front row, this race is a showdown between them.

The opening lap saw Alex Albon being pushed wide and losing out, dropping him to P12. On lap 48, he was forced to retire from the race. Then, near the end, the two McLaren drivers got into a dramatic crash. Oscar Piastri collided with Lando Norris, pushing him out of the race.

F1 2025: Pirelli Grand Prix du Canada
Screengrab from F1

Thanks to the disaster between the two McLaren drivers, George Russell nabbed Mercedes’ first win of the season, while Max Verstappen finished in 2nd place. Kimi Antonelli stood out by finishing in 3rd place, scoring his first-ever podium finish. Not bad for an 18-year-old F1 driver.

The next race is the MSC Cruises Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg this June 29, 2025.

F1 Academy 2025 - Montreal

The 2025 F1 Academy season continues in Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, where this race weekend becomes a three-race match to compensate for what happened in Miami last May. For this season's Canada campaign, they were joined by not one but two wild-card entries, such as Joanne Ciconte representing Wella and Mathilda Paatz representing Gatorade.

F1 Academy 2025 - Montreal
Screengrab from F1 Academy

The Canada leg of the 2025 F1 Academy season had many exciting moments. In the first race, Doriane Pin won, while Emma Felbermayr placed third but was later disqualified due to a technical violation. The second race saw Emma Felbermayr win, earning revenge. The third race resulted in multiple accidents, culminating with a yellow flag after the last crash. The winner in the end was Chloe Chambers. One driver stood out during the entire Montreal race weekend, however, and that was Ella Lloyd of McLaren. She finished in second place in all three races.

After Canada, Doriane Pin is leading with 109 points, while Chloe Chambers is in 2nd with 89 points, and Maya Weug is in 3rd with 72 points.

The 2025 F1 Academy season will continue in Zandvoort this August 29 to 31. The girls have their well-deserved summer break before they begin another weekend of racing.

FIA WEC S13 - 24 Hours of Le Mans

The 2025 edition of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans took place at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, and the Hypercar grid is now fully booked.

Long before the race, fans who visited the venue were treated to some exciting surprises. Peugeot unveiled the all-new e-208 GTi, an electric hot hatch, and Genesis Magma Racing previewed its upcoming debut in the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Additionally, Ford and McLaren are set to join the WEC Hypercar grid in 2027, with McLaren previewing its competitor for that year. 

There has also been significant news regarding hypercar homologation, which has been extended until 2032. For the 2028 season, LMP2 machines will be entirely new, offering a choice between Ligier and Oreca chassis, both powered by Gibson turbo engines. This reveals a promising glimpse into the future of endurance racing.

FIA WEC S13 - 24 Hours of Le Mans
Screengrab from Le Mans

The #83 AF Corse 499P, driven by Robert Kubica, Ye Yifei, and Philip Hanson, defeated the #6 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 and the #51 Ferrari AF Corse 499P to nail the machine's first win. The #43 Inter Europol Competition won the LMP2 class while the #92 Manthey 1st Phorm 911 GT3R won the LMGT3 class.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is over, but the 2025 edition of the FIA World Endurance Championship will continue with the Rolex 6 Hours of Sao Paulo this July 13, 2025.

Saturday, June 14, 2025

How To Train Your Dragon (2025 film)

In celebration of a decade of How To Train Your Dragon franchise, a live-action movie adaption of the iconic classic has arrived. The heartwarming story of Hiccup and Toothless has been given a bold new perspective for today's generation.

How To Train Your Dragon (2025 film)
How To Train Your Dragon (2025 film)


Written and directed by three-time Academy Award nominee Dean De Blois, who wrote and directed the animated trilogy, the live-action movie adaptation brings a bold new perspective to the story that started it all.

Fans should be familiar about this story just like its animated counterpart. It's about Hiccup, the son of a ruthless Viking chief, whose clumsiness jeopardizes all of Berk. One day, Hiccup made a fateful encounter with a mysterious Night Fury Dragon who has trouble flying. He named the Night Fury Dragon Toothless. The bond between Hiccup and Toothless will forever change the course of Berk.

First impressions weren't really as what we hoped for because it feels barbaric. It has some Game of Thrones vibe into it or that one TV show about Vikings. Despite all that, this movie stays true to its roots, especially Toothless. Toothless looks and feels just like its cartoon counterpart and so is his iconic growls. It still delivers that heartwarming and enjoyable moments you would expect from the world of Dragons.

Although barbaric in nature, this is one of the must-watch films of the summer season. An epic and emotional rollecoaster ride from start to finish. What a way to celebrate a decade of the How To Train Your Dragon franchise.

2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP Round 3

The Summer Racing Season of the 2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP officially kicked off with the first of three Night Races in the Summer Season at Inje Speedium.

Not only was the event packed with races, such as the Formula Korea and Japan, Korea Superbike, LISTA M Class, mixed GT Class races, and the main event TGR 6000 Class, but it also featured musical performances by UV, Beomki, and Serve.

2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP Round 3
Screengrab from Superrace

In the main event of the Toyota Gazoo Racing 6000 Class, the Kumho SLM team achieved a one-two finish, with season leader Lee Chang Wook taking first place and No Dong Gi finishing in second. Jang Hyun Jin from Seohan secured third place, completing the podium.

The Summer Racing Season of the 2025 O-NE SUPERRACE CHAMPIONSHIP will continue in Yongin Everland Speedway on July 12th, 2025.

Friday, June 13, 2025

Lexus LX 700h (VJH310W)

A first in Japan, the full-size hybrid SUV built on a ladder frame is the Lexus LX 700h, which is also the most powerful LX to date.

2025 Lexus LX 700h
2025 Lexus LX 700h

2025 Lexus LX 700h
2025 Lexus LX 700h OVERTRAIL+

2025 Lexus LX 700h
2025 Lexus LX 700h interior

The first-ever hybrid variant of the current-generation Lexus LX starts at 15,900,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, and although it looks similar to its petrol-powered LX 600 equivalent, which is still available, the hybrid powertrain puts the LX 700h at the top of the Lexus SUV food chain, especially with the addition of the new offroad-oriented OVERTRAIL+ variant.

Let's give you a quick refresher on the current-generation Lexus LX. The LX is often described as bourgeois, primarily due to its larger size, which can be challenging to manage in Japanese and European driving conditions. Its massive front grille is another feature that may overshadow even the most ostentatious BMWs of today. Enthusiasts often criticize cars with large grilles as being unnecessary and silly, yet this has become the new norm. Despite the controversial front design, the LX is the second Lexus model to replace the logo on the back with "LEXUS" lettering, a change first introduced with the second-generation NX crossover as part of the brand's new design direction.

Inside, the all-new LX features two screens on the dashboard, a first for a Lexus vehicle. The top screen is a responsive touchscreen, marking a significant improvement over the previous model that relied solely on the Remote Touch system for selecting modes, which the new model lacks. The bottom screen displays climate controls and driving-related information, providing a more user-friendly interface. However, a notable drawback of the new setup is the fingerprint recognition feature on the engine switch. While designed to enhance security, the implementation can be cumbersome; it's reminiscent of having only one account per person, making it difficult to set up a new account if the original one encounters problems.

In terms of seating, the new LX offers five or seven seats, and for the first time, it has a four-seater variant under the EXECUTIVE tagline. This EXECUTIVE version includes two larger rear seats with extra legroom, specialized climate control features, a multifunction rear console, and an ottoman for added comfort—something that many will appreciate. Regardless of which variant you choose, they all offer more space than their predecessors, as expected.

The V35A-FTS V6 3.5L Twin Turbo engine has been bolted to a 1TM 40kW electric motor and nickel battery, churning out about 457PS of power and 790Nm of torque, making it the most powerful full-size luxury off-roader made in Japan. Mated to a Direct Shift 10AT, fuel economy is around 9.3km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

The new LX is built on its GA-F platform and features a lightweight, rigid body that enhances performance. With front double wishbones, a rear four-link rigid axle, Active Height Control, and Adaptive Variable Suspension, the LX offers improved handling and ride quality. The all-wheel-drive system, Electric Power Steering, and Electronically Controlled Brake system contribute to its capabilities. Additionally, off-road features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select make the new LX 700h feel more lively and capable than its predecessor, while still retaining some of its traditional heavyweight off-roader characteristics. It has a distinct American off-roader vibe, especially with the OVERLAND+ variant, which comes equipped with a specially designed differential, allowing the LX 700h to tackle challenging conditions with style and confidence.

As a high-end luxury off-roader made in Japan, the all-new LX 700h is equipped with the Lexus Safety System+, which includes an enhanced suite of safety features such as Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Road Sign Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, and BladeScan technology, among others.

The Lexus LX 700h is the first-ever luxury Japanese full-size hybrid off-roader, making it truly unique in its class. No other manufacturer has ventured into this territory, which is a positive attribute for the LX. This model combines the familiar LX features with a powerful hybrid powertrain, elevating it to the top of the Lexus SUV lineup. No one offers a better option.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation