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Loeb to contest Pikes Peak for Peugeot / Loeb à Pikes Peak sur Peugeot

It has been confirmed that Sébastien Loeb will contest this year’s Pikes Peak Hill Climb (June 30) in a Peugeot 208 T16 ‘Pikes Peak’ equipped with Michelin tyres.

C’est désormais officiel : Sébastien Loeb disputera la célèbre course-de-côte de Pikes Peak (30 juin 2013) sur une Peugeot 208 T16 « Pikes Peak » équipée de pneumatiques Michelin.

After its visit to Pikes Peak with the 205 T16, followed by Ari Vatanen’s record-breaking attempt in a 405 T16 in 1988, Peugeot has chosen to return to the American hill climb (Colorado) this year with a Peugeot 208 T16 in the hands of another world rally champion, Frenchman Sébastien Loeb.
The car – which has been entered in the ‘Unlimited’ class – and has been given the start number ‘208’. It will run in the colours of the operation’s partners: Total, Red Bull and Michelin. 

Since last year, the celebrated ‘Race to the Clouds’ is today an all-asphalt affair with a 20km course that climbs to an altitude of 4,300 metres via 156 corners. The current record for the ascent was established in 2012 by Rhys Millen (9m46.164s), while Romain Dumas finished just 17-thousandths of a second short of the Hyundai Genesis driver in his Michelin-equipped Porsche. Last year’s climb was postponed until August because of fierce forest fires in the state of Colorado earlier in the summer.

Après la Peugeot 205 T16, puis le record d’Ari Vatanen sur la Peugeot 405 T16 établi en 1988, Peugeot est de retour à Pikes Peak avec un Peugeot 208 T16 et un autre Champion du monde des Rallyes, le Français Sébastien Loeb.
Engagée en catégorie « Unlimited », la Peugeot 208 T16 portera le n°208 et les couleurs de Total, Red-Bull et Michelin, partenaire de cette opération. 
Depuis l’an passé, la « Course vers les Nuages » se déroule entièrement sur asphalte. Sur les 20 km d’ascension jusqu’à 4300 mètres d’altitude, la route compte 156 virages. Le record a d’ailleurs été battu en 2012 par Rhys Millen en 9min46s164 sur une Hyundai Genesis, alors que Romain Dumas a échoué à 17 millièmes sur sa Porsche/Michelin. L’édition 2012 avait été reportée au mois d’août en raison de violents incendies dans le Colorado.

MOTO MORINI 350 BY AD HOC

Just outside Barcelona is a small workshop called Ad Hoc Cafe Racers with a story we can all relate to. It’s run by David, a man with a keen sense of priorities. “I started Ad Hoc as a project about a year go,” he says. “My old job was not fulfilling enough, and I needed to do something more creative. I’d already restored several classic motorcycles, and then cafe racers came into my life…never to leave.”

David’s workshop is on a quiet mountain, away from the bustle of the city. But that doesn’t matter: He can turn his hand to many of the tasks needed to build a motorcycle, from welding to painting to powder coating. And this 1986 Moto Morini 350 K2 cafe racer is a testament to his skills.

The 350 K2 is not one of Morini’s most glamorous creations, but David has created the proverbial silk purse from a sow’s ear. The little bike was completely broken down and the frame stripped of all superfluous parts and brackets before being shortened at the back. David then chromed the frame, an unusual approach that strangely works.

The fenders are from an old Puch mini-cross bike, cut and polished, and the seat and tank are from Europlast, modified to fit. The Morini was also rewired, and a neat touch is a little storage tray (below) where the battery used to live.

The most difficult task was finding a dual-disc front hub to work with the spoked wheels. In the end David found that a Honda Transalp set-up would work, and matched it to the rear hub from a Moto Morini Coguaro, a rare 1990 enduro bike built to tackle the Dakar rally. But it’s the luscious paint that really strikes the eye: A Subaru color that acts as the perfect foil for the chrome frame.

The next Ad Hoc project will be based on a Honda CB750 Nighthawk, I’m told—and there’s a flat track bike on the way too. Stay tuned, and in the meantime, follow Ad Hoc’s progress via David’s website and Facebook page.

Thanks to the Bike Shed. Images by Sebas Romero.

fromBIKEEXIF

Renault TwinRun concept spotted, rear-wheel drive and mid-engined?

Modern Renault 5 Turbo

The Renault TwinRun (or possibly TwinFun) concept was caught on camera while shooting for promotional purposes in Madrid.

Renault might be working on something very interesting as the TwinRun seen in these short clips has a rear-wheel drive layout to go with that tremendous engine sound. In addition to the vents in front of the rear wheels and on the rear bumper this leads us to believe this is a mid-engined car. We also notice a roll cage, center dual exhaust setup, a roof-mounted spoiler and the rear side windows which are thickened and opaque - perhaps to cover what lies inside.

If there will be a production version of this concept, we assume it will be a Twingo Alpine or something similar, like a modern interpretation of the Renault 5 Turbo which can be seen running behind the TwinRun in one of the photos.

via WORLDCAFANS

1916 Indian Board Track Racer

The simplicity of this 1916 Indian Board Track Racer is what makes it so beautiful.
Board Track was popular during the early part of the 20th century where cars and motorcycles competed at these stadiums where the surface was composed of wooden boards. It was an idea copied from velodromes used across Europe for bicycle racing and ultimately led to the oval racing phenomenon - like NASCAR - that still captivates Americans today.
The depression of the 1930s killed off board track's popularity but some stories from that era bring me out in goosebumps: during some of the races, engineers and workers would be tasked with maintaining the boards as the cars and motorcycles raced overhead. I imagine it was a terrifying place to earn a crust.
Fortunately, some of these early motorcycles still exist and they stand as a testament to just how simple a racing motorcycle can be. A 1,000cc L-head 'powerplusengine', no brakes, skinny tyres and a bicycle seat.
I guess Flat Tracking is where it's at these days but wouldn't it be great if Board Track was given another lease of life using more modern materials?

Read more: http://www.visordown.com/cool-motorcycles/1916-indian-board-track-racer/22479.html#ixzz2Or1H8jTg

VGJR’S MONSTER ENERGY NITTO TIRE FORD MUSTANG RTR

What’s up Speedhunters? It has been too long since I have personally reached out and believe me, it’s not that I don’t want to. The insanity behind living/chasing this dream consumes me more then I ever imagined, and something sick in me loves it!!

This year marks the beginning of a new era in my career, as I am not only a driver, but a team owner now.  I’m really pumped to reveal to all of you the livery of the Monster Energy Nitto Tire 2014 Ford Mustang RTR and to officially announce the formation of the RTR Drift team. Watch the official reveal video HERE!

Having worked side by side with Autosport Dynamics since 2007, it was a no-brainer for me to request their support yet again for the RTR drift team in 2013, and I couldn’t be happier to continue working together. The word “team” as I know it has been redefined around our new focused effort in which I’m not required to share all of the data we collect and the brains that make the team work with anyone else. I will be driving a brand new 2014 Ford Mustang RTR built by ASD and it will make its competition debut at Formula Drift Round 1 in Long Beach, California April 12-13.

We tested the new car out at Charlotte Motor Speedway recently, and it is the best car I have ever driven hands down. It has 845 HP and weighs only 2,900lbs. The crew at ASD really outdid themselves in the offseason, I am PUMPED!!!

For the first time in my career I have been able to start from a clean slate and get a bit crazy with the look of the car I will be using for battle. Being that the Mustang is my weapon of choice, the base of the livery was inspired from old battle ships that were covered with “dazzle camo”. From there we added my XX5 (#25) and flag elements, along with some of my favorite colors and some rock and roll to get a livery I feel really portrays me. I look forward to giving it some real battle scars this season!

This year, Monster models Ana Cheri and Ashley Michaelson will be hanging out with us at Formula Drift. Not only are they extremely good looking, but they are super cool chicks so make sure to come by to say what’s up to them. This shot is actually part of a Monster Energy poster program that will be given away at retail outlets in markets we hit on the Formula Drift Championship circuit, as well as at military bases. More info on this will be released soon!

While my #1 priority is to chase down the Formula Drift Championship, I will be taking my global efforts to the next level in 2013. I will once again head to China to compete in the World Drift Series, as well as be participating in select competition and demo events in Europe. I will also continue to perform at select demo and experiential events in the USA, just as in years past. Thanks to Monster Energy and Ford, I will be going to select military bases surrounding the Formula Drift Championship on the Sundays after events to provide demos and ride-alongs for some of America’s finest men and women. Check out my schedule HERE. It is really crazy for me to look at my schedule for this year and realize all the awesome that’s about to go down all over the world behind the wheel of some bad ass Ford Mustangs. While I am pumped for all of the events we have chosen to participate in this year, I am especially excited about the opportunity to go visit some military bases and put smiles on the men and women’s faces that make me living my dream here in the USA possible!

While there are many changes surrounding my efforts this year, one of the biggest pieces of news has been my departure from Falken and my new partnership with Nitto Tire.  I sincerely appreciate the relationship and success that Falken and I shared together over the last 9 years. While many assume my decision to change was based on money, that is NOT true. It comes down to a very big picture outlook on my goals for the future. I have always been impressed with Nitto’s tires as we have competed against them over the years. I have also been very impressed with their marketing efforts, their focus on performance and giving the enthusiast exactly what they want. Nitto’s national and international goals aligned with mine for the present as well as the future. I am really happy to be working with the passionate crew at Nitto and I look forward to having fun with them in the future.

I cannot wait until Formula Drift Long Beach to kick off what’s going to be an awesome year for us! If you make it to any events that we are attending, make sure to stop by and say what’s up!

As always, thanks for the support!

- Vaughn

BMW R 1200 CR-T by Metisse

via TWOWHEELSBLOG

Metisse is one of those German companies that are specialized in everything that is BMW, producing accessories and special kits exclusively dedicated to the models of the Bavarian brand. Their latest creation is the BMW R 1200 CR-T, which is meant to follow in the successful footsteps of the previous BMW R1200 CR: once again the base is that of the BMW R1200R, but the final outcome this time around is way less ‘conventional’ than the appearance of the first bike.

The goal was to combine the modernity of a BMW boxer unit (and all of its advanced technology) with the typical look of a cafe racer from the 70s. Metisse’s designer and founder Horst Edler is a massive fan of BMW motorcycles, but basically every bit used to assemble this original R 1200 CR-T is totally handmade using the most advanced techniques and materials, including the carbon fiber bodywork.

Those who would like to turn their R1200R into this peculiar ‘classic racer’ can get themselves the Metisse kit for € 3,990, but the whole R 1200 CR-T can also be bought and imported through the major BMW retailers of the world at a price of € 16,990, with proper BMW warranty. Electronics, engine (110 hp) and frame are the same of the original bike, so you can rest assured that the well-known reliability of the Munich-based brand is definitely part of the package.

Hookie #4 xs 360

This is Hookie #4, a Yamaha xs 360 built by Nico, AKA The Hookie Custom Motorcycles in Germany. After taking a two-year break Nico decided to start a new project to built a little cafe/tracker hybrid for the urban rough stuff, with clip-ons and a cafe seat, but wearing big knobbly tyres and finished rough and raw. It was also destined to be his daily ride and he was determined to finish it in just 3 weeks. In his own words; “Build it and ride it. Little modification with an big effect.”

The donor is a 1977 Yamaha XS 360. The front of the bike has been lowered for a more aggressive stance, and while the brakes and calipers are standard, they are fed by braided steel lines.

The seat has been a lot of work and looks fantastic; custom built in steel and upholstered in Japanese 16oz denim, made by Ruttloff Garment and comes complete with a handy pocket for your pinkslip/condoms/divorce papers.

Low race handlebars provide accurate cornering while a mini speedo keeps track of velocity. The headlamp is a 4 1/2 inch unit with mini turn signals, keeping things bratstyle-flat at the front.

The engine is standard and the airbox has been retained, albeit without side covers, and the pipes are from Megatron. Tyres are 18 x 4″ Heidenau K67s.

No fluff, no frills;  Hookie#4 looks business-like and ready to ride.

Check The Hookie’s Facebook pages here. Credit for the Photos go to David Ohl of ParadaxArt

from thebikeshed