Last year, when McLaren’s F1 team was found with technical documents relating to arch-rival Ferrari’s program, the news ripped through the F1 world like an atomic blast through a wall of tissue paper. And while I read lots of news reports of the unfolding drama, this Wired article is the most comprehensive account of the big delicious mess that I’ve encountered. This story has everything—love, jealousy, betrayal, even extraordinarily perverted sex—and I think it would make a dope movie. Head over and check it out.

It’s been a pretty good week for news—but the last entry in today’s list? Talk about juicy! Let’s hope there’s some truth to the rumors. Wow… when did I become such a tabloid-loving hack? Anyway, here’s the news:

• Yesterday, I reported about how SUV owners are having trouble unloading their gas-guzzlers. Well, it turns out Mercedes actually saw a rise in sales of its M-Class. Yup, the rich are different. They don’t care how much it costs to fill the tank. CarScoop
• Last year, the auto industry spent 70 million dollars lobbying legislators. That’s a lot cocktails and fancy dinners. Think the all the palm-greasers on the hill are pissed their representatives didn’t put out? Detroit News
• Want some proof that the gas tax holiday John McCain and Hillary Clinton are calling for is pure politics? Even auto industry execs think it’s a bad idea. Come election time remember: these are folks who thought they could buy your vote for less than 30 bucks. Freep
• Since the Nazi-orgy video surfaced, it’s been pretty obvious that Max Mosley’s days as F1 boss are numbered. But exactly why did that video make it into the hands of the tabloids?  After last year’s record fine, some might think McLaren would have a bone to pick. The head of its race program  denies any link, but still… BBC Sport

This weekend I had the distinct honor of spending some time with Frank Ruppert. Besides the fact that Frank is a gentleman with many accomplishments, he is also one of the most incredible characters I have ever met. Originally it was our love of racing and more specifically our involvement with La Carrera Panamericana that brought us together to create a friendship which is sure to last a lifetime.

I recently competed in my very first La Carrera Panamericana, but Frank has been involved in many, including the first four La Carrera Panamericana races which started in 1950. Not only did Frank own numerous Lincoln dealerships and sponsor some of the biggest names in racing’s hall of fame, but he traveled with them during the races. There are far too many names to list here, but to name a few there were guys like Clay Smith, Troy Ruttman, Bill Stroppe, Johnny Mantz, Herschel McGriff and Mickey Thompson. Continue reading…

Continue reading "Beer and Chips or Wine and Caviar?" »

Check out this incredible sunset shot by Patrick Ernzen of Desert-Motors. This particular Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren has had a few tasteful mods, including a reprogrammed ECU, larger intercooler pumps, supercharger pulley and custom iForged wheels. Apparently it dynos at 572hp and runs 11s in the quarter. I have more pics after the jump, or go to Desert-Motors.com to see the full gallery.

Continue reading "Sick Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren" »

Right now, I’m trying to get everything buttoned up so I can fly to Detroit for the kickoff of the 2008 DUB tour. Too bad KISS isn’t playing. Here’s the news:

• With all the news about how the economy is doing—"Where am I going? And why am I in this hand basket?"—it’s no wonder consumers don’t feel inclined to spend money on a new car right now. I’d really like to hear some good news about America’s financial situation. But I’m not going to hold my breath. Auto Observer
• Tata’s shares have already taken a hit due to the company’s acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover. Wow. That didn’t take long. Automotive News
• After last year’s F1 cheating scandal, Ferrari arch-rival McLaren was fined $100 million bucks. And now its board—including former star driver Michael Schumacher—gets to deciding how that money will be spent. First purchase? A big banner reading: "Suck it McLaren!" World Car Fans
• It doesn’t look like either side is ready to budge in the American Axle strike. Now head honcho Dick Dauch—who just received a million dollar raise—is talking about moving jobs outside the US. Ugly, ugly, ugly. Freep
• Most of the time, you’re lucky if you can get the people at the parts store to find you the right alternator. But it looks like the woman who gave birth in an Advance Auto Parts in Coco, FL totally lucked out. Winding Road 

Getting your driver’s license yanked for a month seems like it would hurt off-season preparation work if you’re an F1 driver. Does anyone else think that some enterprising cop will camp out at McLaren’s test track?

• Some of the folks here bike to work. I don’t get it, but I’d miss them if they weren’t here. That’s why the Danish solution to bikes and cars not playing well together sounds like a good idea: Jalopnik
• As more jobs are created or moved to non-union companies and industries, the UAW is giving its image a facelift to show its relevance in the 21st century—and they’re doing it on the internet! DetNews
• It looks like BMW is going to get a "C" on it’s report card for "Plays Well with Others." Leftlane News
• In defense of wussy scooter [Full disclosure: My other "car" is a scooter]: NY Times 

GM said it wants to be the first to sell one meeeelllion hydrogen cars. Of course, they’d already be there if they hadn’t got gas-drunk on $0.89 a gallon in the 1990s. Here’s the news:

• Lewis Hamilton choked at the end of the F1 season, but McLaren is trying to get him the title anyway. Even if they win their appeal of the Brazilian GP, where do you celebrate when you win the title in court? BBC Sport
• Lexus just topped a JD Power survey on owner satisfaction. I gotta think a fair amount of that is the smug satisfaction of telling people you drive a Lexus: DetNews
• Motor City is seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s not tying its fortunes to car making: Freep
• John McCormick of Detroit News is letting people know what he thinks of speed traps. It’s a brave stand, and I’d hate to be in the car with him when he gets pulled over for doing 35 in a 30: DetNews

It’s good to see that Daimler and Chrysler will still be friends after their breakup:

• If a Veyron is a little out of your price range, Bugatti has a reasonably priced alternative. Now you can smell like Bugatti for as little as $3,113: Winding Road
• Thank you, Top Gear, for pointing me to something else to do at work, besides surf the internet: Top Gear
• McLaren is not going to appeal its $100 million fine for spying on Ferrari. Guys, I’ll file the appeal for free. Just give me a cut if I can get the fine waived: BBC Sport
• If you can’t find a place to park today, blame these guys: parkingday.org