Vegas is hotter than hell, but it is worth it for the beautiful summer night rides. Vegas nights are perfect for cruising and a little racing. Music: "54-46 Was My Number" Toots & The Maytals www.oilandblood.com
Special thanks to Craig Tovey
samedi 6 septembre 2014
WSBK : Le record du circuit et la Tissot-Superpole pour Loris Baz / Circuit Record lap for Baz as he claims pole position at Jerez
Loris Baz (Kawasaki Racing Team) a décroché la Tissot-Superpole pour la dixième manche du Championnat du Monde eni FIM Superbike 2014 à l'issue d'une intense séance de qualifications à Jerez de la Frontera.
Le Français a tourné en 1'40.298 pour s'installer en tête la grille WSBK pour la deuxième fois de sa carrière depuis la pole qu'il avait prise à Assen en début de saison et partagera la première ligne avec Davide Giugliano (Ducati Superbike Team) et son coéquipier Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team), troisième à 0.263s de la pole et 0.028s de la seconde position.
Leader des essais libres vendredi matin puis samedi matin, Marco Melandri (Aprilia Racing Team) partira finalement de la quatrième position après avoir fini à une demi-seconde de la pole, juste devant son coéquipier Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team) et Eugene Laverty (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki), vainqueur des deux courses de Jerez l'an dernier.
Chaz Davies (Ducati Superbike Team), Leon Haslam (Pata Honda World Superbike Team), passé par la Superpole 1, et Alex Lowes (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki), tombé en fin de séance, s'élanceront de la troisième ligne.
La quatrième ligne regroupera Jonathan Rea (Pata Honda World Superbike Team), Toni Elias (Red Devils Roma) et Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia), qui avait été le plus rapide en Superpole 1 et était le seul représentant de la catégorie EVO en Superpole 2.
Davide Giugliano (Ducati Superbike Team) and Tom Sykes (Kawasaki Racing Team) will join Baz on the front row for the two 20 lap races tomorrow. The top-3 riders were awarded with the Tissot-Superpole trophies by 2011 Superbike World Champion Carlos Checa. Row two will see the Aprilia Racing duo of Marco Melandri and Sylvain Guintoli as well as Eugene Laverty (Voltcom Crescent Suzuki) who was 6th.
Alex Lowes crashed his Voltcom Crescent Suzuki at turn two in the final 30 seconds and will start 9th behind Chaz Davies (Ducati Superbike Team, 7th) and Leon Haslam (Pata Honda World Superbike, 8th), and ahead of other Pata Honda rider Jonathan Rea.
The accolade of being the fastest of the EVO qualifiers went to Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia) who will start tomorrow’s races from 12th on the grid despite falling at turn 6 with two minutes to go.
Superpole 1 was as equally exciting with Sylvain Barrier (BMW Motorrad Italia) posting an incredible lap of
1.41.768s, a time that would have put him 3rd overall on the pre-Superpole classification. Leon Haslam (Pata Honda World Superbike Team) also made it through to Superpole 2 with his fastest lap of the weekend where they joined the automatically seeded top ten riders after free practice.
THE GATEBIL SPIRIT
Gatebil Rudskogen 2014 might be a distant memory now, but thanks to Niceride Production & Shuttrspeed, Scandinavia’s biggest festival of automotive insanity can now be relived in short film form. The Gatebil Spirit is a slick, 24-minute, cinematic-style documentary that goes behind the scenes and cuts straight to the heart of the annual event, uncovering its attraction from personal angles.
Along with appearances from some of Gatebil’s headline drivers, including Ken Gushi and our very own Fredric Aasbø, both Rod and Dino go on the other side of the camera to share their thoughts on the culture of this iconic gathering of gearheads.
All you have to do is sit back and turn it up!
2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata Unveiled
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is here, and it’s beautiful.
We don’t know much else about the car, as it’s still in development, and Mazda hasn’t nailed down the final specs or performance figures for the car.
What we do know is that it’s a striking design, it’s about 220 pounds lighter than the current car (which weighs in around 2,400-2,600 lbs in its various trims), and that it is still a soft-top roadster, at least in this debut form.
When asked about the possibility of a hardtop roadster at the U.S. unveiling, Mazda declined comment about “any future top variants,” perhaps hinting that rumors of a true coupe version have some merit as well—or perhaps just toeing the corporate line regarding the telling of company secrets before they’re ready for public consumption.
The new roadster bears the hallmarks of the KODO design language, but, thankfully, without the large black plastic gill-like surround of the front grille—a point design director Derek Jenkins was keen to emphasize during the unveiling.
Key design elements include the low, sharply sloped hood, the muscular rear haunches, accented by a unique downward character line moving forward from the top of the rear fender, and the tapered rear end. The overall proportions are still classically Miata (cough…MX-5) while also pushing the look into new areas.
Morgan SP1 Is A Steampunk Dream
Morgan is getting into the car-personalization business with its new Special Projects Division, unveiling that group's first product at the Salon Prive show currently taking place in London. Called the SP1, it looks like the perfect car for fans of Steampunk.
Morgan's signature anachronistic styling is embellished with BMW i8-like doors and solid alloy wheels. Inspired by the 2009 LifeCar concept, the SP1 features aluminum bodywork hand formed over ash and African Bubinga wood, and a steel chassis.
The interior is even more fantastic, with a highly-stylized mix of wood and aniline leather that would look just as good lining the inside of an airship. There's even a row of roof-mounted toggle switches the driver must flick to "prepare for flight" before starting the engine. It's not all retro cosplay, though. The SP1 is also equipped with an infotainment system built around a dashboard-mounted iPad.
Power is provided by a 3.7-liter Ford V-6 of the type used in the Morgan V6 Roadster. For this bespoke car, it gets a tuned engine-management system and sports exhaust, and there's unique suspension tuning as well.
The SP1 was built for an individual customer and thus won't go into series production, but it shows the capabilities of Morgan's Special Projects Division. The group will likely take on similar projects from buyers who want a car that's literally like nothing else on the road.
Personalization programs are becoming popular now, as carmakers seek to attract wealthier buyers who don't want to get their next car off the rack. Aston Martin recently launched its Q personalization division, while Jaguar Land Rover's Special Operations unit will oversee everything from one-off builds to limited-production models like the F-Type Project 7.
Motobecane Moped Racer – Craig Dueck
It’s no secret we love mopeds. But having said that, it’s been a long time between drinks for us, ‘ped-wise. Nine months, to be precise. Are we embarrassed that we haven’t done more to support our be-pedalled brethren? A little, but where here tonight to set things right. And how. Here’s one of the best-looking mopeds we’ve seen since the Janus Paragon. Meet “Moby 5” and her proud maker, Craig Dueck.
“Hello! My name is Craig Dueck. I am from Winnipeg, Canada. I have been building and riding mopeds for the past 10 years. This is my first scratch build. I call it ‘moby 5′. The original concept was to be a typical moped build, until an ultra-rare Motobecane D75 5-speed gearbox was found. I paired the transmission with a Motobecane 50cc AV10 engine I originally had in mind, keeping the classic ‘belted primary’ look of a Mobylette moped.”
“I started things off by building the cradle frame to house the gearbox and engine. Using a slightly modified pipe bender and 20 feet of wasted tube, I finally got the bends I wanted. A simple image that had been drawn in Photoshop was blown up to life-size as a template, but many alterations were made and in the end I just kind of went with it. I got lucky when I mocked up the motor, transmission, and rear wheel; I ended up having justenough room for the exhaust header to sneak through the narrow down tubes.”
“The Puch Monza rear sprocket was flipped and bolted to a 60′s Sparta hub for a tighter chain clearance to the front sprocket. Having been my first scratch-build bike, I was more than happy with the geometry and function of all the components working together.”
“The bike’s style is definitely an ode to classic 50cc racing, in which Motobecane never actually had a 50cc GP racer. I wanted it to look like a factory racer that had been inspired by a D55, but with aesthetics of a moped. I tried using as many Motobecane moped parts as I could, starting with the swingarm. I needed a system to tension the belt and found a single engine torsion spring from a Moby that was perfect with a little tweaking. The primary pulley is off a 60’s Mobylette AV3 which was tapered and cut to size.
“Many prototyped parts were replaced as the right replacement was found. A set of NOS Tommaselli levers for a set of Indigan clip on bars. Some 18″ Zundapp aluminum rims to replace the 19″ set I originally had on. The slim Heidenau tires were sourced from Belgium, 18 x 2 up front and 2.25 in the rear. Some Loaded Gun Custom rear sets. And a pair of Tomos EBR forged aluminum spring forks to keep it nice and light up front.”
“I can’t thank the Briton Bees enough for supplying the D75 transmission. A single, crucial part goes a longway for a good start to a build. Cheers!”
via PIPEBURN
TRIUMPH CASTROL ROCKET LAND SPEED ATTEMPT – BONNEVILLE
Triumph Motorcycles Press Release:
With over 100 years of motorcycling history and numerous land speed world record titles, TriumphMotorcycles America, in cooperation with Castrol, Hot Rod Conspiracy, and Carpenter Racing, returns to the world famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, September 12-16, for land speed runs during Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout.
Developed by Matt Markstaller (Hot Rod Conspiracy) and Bob Carpenter (Carpenter Racing), the Triumph Castrol Rocket is the newest streamliner of the group seeking to break the FIM world land speed record in the motorcycle class. Having been taken from proof of concept to reality in just over two years is an aggressive timeline in land speed racing and speaks to the high level of engineering and engine building expertise that set the foundation for this project.
“There are teams that have been out here attempting to break records for years. It’s very hard because there are so many variables to contend against, but we have an amazing team,” said Matt Markstaller, “We have confidence in the progress we’ve made in this project’s development since we were on the Salt a year ago.”
Introducing the Triumph Castrol Rocket:
“While our streamliner produces enough power from the two Rocket III engines to generate record setting speeds, our endeavor also becomes a battle with the elements,” said Bob Carpenter. “The Salt Flats are an ever-changing environment that can be quite forgiving or absolutely inhospitable, you never know what to expect.”
Piloted by AMA Pro Road Racer Jason DiSalvo, this will be an attempt to break the current 376.363 mph land speed record held by fellow Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout entry Ack Attack and piloted by Rocky Robinson. Operating the 1000-horsepower, twin turbocharged Rocket III engine streamliner requires adaptation, which DiSalvo is capable of accomplishing due to his seasoned racing background.
“Piloting the Triumph Castrol Rocket is a unique and thrilling challenge, but what really stands out is the unbelievable amount of power the machine produces,” said DiSalvo, “It simply defies explanation and belief. I find myself tapping into all the honed skill I have developed in my racing career and learning new ones as we continue to eclipse new speed levels.”
Triumph Motorcycles is no stranger to setting records. The naming of the Bonneville, Triumph’s best known bike, is in tribute to the company’s accomplishments on the Salt Flats. Triumph held the title of “World’s Fastest Motorcycle” from 1955 to 1970 with the exception of 33 days. Its rich heritage in land speed racing features four record-setting streamliners: Devil’s Arrow (1955 at 193.72 mph), Texas Cee-gar (1956 at 214.17 mph), Dudek Johnson (1962 at 224.57 mph), and Gyronaut X-1 (1966 at 245.66 mph)
“It is all about the journey,” said Matt Sheahan, Chief Operating Officer for Triumph Motorcycles America. “To be back at Bonneville with Castrol and the rest of our team is like returning home. So much of Triumph’s legacy was established right here in Utah by passionate, driven and courageous motorcyclists and engineers that all believe in constantly pushing the envelope. Today we are able to continue that legacy, and it is something we are immensely proud to be a part of, not just for Triumph, but for the entire motorcycling industry.”
Entering Mike Cook’s Bonneville Shootout is by invitation only to an exclusive and list of participants. Land speed attempts on the Bonneville Salt Flats will occur along a 10 to 11-mile course subject to cancellation or delay based upon the weather conditions including rain and wind.
Triumph Castrol Rocket Specifications:
- Chassis: Carbon Kevlar monocoque
- Dimensions: 25’ x 2’ x 3’
- Engines: Two Triumph Rocket III engines with two liquid-cooled turbochargers
- Horsepower: 1,000-plus horsepower at 9,000 rpm
- Torque: 500-plus lbs. combined
- Suspension: Alloy aluminum swingarms custom made
- Shocks: Ohlins TTX36 adjustable
— Fuel: Methanol
- Tires: Goodyear Land Speed Special
- Engine Lubricant: Castrol Power RS™ 4T 10W-40 full synthetic oil
- Dimensions: 25’ x 2’ x 3’
- Engines: Two Triumph Rocket III engines with two liquid-cooled turbochargers
- Horsepower: 1,000-plus horsepower at 9,000 rpm
- Torque: 500-plus lbs. combined
- Suspension: Alloy aluminum swingarms custom made
- Shocks: Ohlins TTX36 adjustable
— Fuel: Methanol
- Tires: Goodyear Land Speed Special
- Engine Lubricant: Castrol Power RS™ 4T 10W-40 full synthetic oil
For more information: www.triumphmotorcycles.com
DAN’S TR250
No matter how fine a motorcycle may look, the most important aspect of a bike will always be how it feels, how it fits your frame, fits your life, and the experience of the ride. Unfortunately sometimes the bike you have dreamed of, just isn’t the right bike.
Dan first featured on the Bike Shed after he assembled his seemingly perfect bike, a distinguished, Vincent inspired Triumph Bonneville cafe racer named The Black Prince that drew the crowds at the BSMC Event II. Dan loved that bike, we loved that bike, but it didn’t fit, it was too heavy and the riding position a little too prone for london traffic, with a heavy heart Dan let the Black Prince go.
He formed an image of a new dream bike that would better cater for his needs, “I wanted a scrambler stance and above all it needed to be light…like super light!”. Then, as fate would have it, his imagined steed simply appeared before him in the street, “I live near Shepherds Bush and luckily one of the only Japanese small capacity bike importers is just down the road, I walked past a 2005 Kawasaki TR250 which, although looking rough, looked perfect for me in terms of lightness and stance.” A deal was struck and Dan rode off on his rare little Kwacker.
The TR250 was never officially imported to our shores, the Japanese market kept all of the 250 4 stroke singles to themselves. It spawned many cracking customs in its homeland but remains a splendid looking bike off the shelf, (see the above picture) taking inspiration from the glorious Yamaha XT500 the TR nails the vintage twinshock scrambler look whilst adding modern reliability. I have been taken with the design of the TR for a number of years and came close to buying one, until I sat on it. We come back to fit and feel, the kawasaki is light, low and nimble, regrettably not adjectives often attributed to me, Dan however, after riding it around in standard trim for a few weeks, knew he had found a perfect fit.
After his exploits customising the Bonnie, Dan was never likely to leave the bike in its standard form despite its rarity on the streets of London. He decided to contact Benny at Boneshaker Customs after being impressed with the companies 125cc Mutt, he wanted to see what they could do with his double capacity machine. “He’s a great guy, I told him my budget and he told me what the deal was. He obviously builds super expensive bikes but for everything I wanted changing he said “with an expensive build I’d do this, with your build I’d do this”. As I say he calls a spade a spade.” As you can see, Benny got the job spot on.
The more you look at the bike the more subtle alterations you discover. Dan changed the bulky original speedo for a motogadget unit with the help of Will at CRC and had the paint applied by Tony at Cyclesprays in Surrey who also applied the paint to Dan’s Black Prince. His perfect bike may have changed, but the colour choice is constant. The rest of the work was done by Benny, “I cant recommend him enough, he talked me through it all and made sure I was happy. I vividly remember discussing indicator options at length! He was patient to say the least!”
“The tyres were my biggest worry” says Dan who questioned the ability of such aggressive looking tread on the road, but the TKC 80′s proved reliable as ever. The pictures were taken in Epping Forest and at the Robin Hood Gardens estate in Tower Hamlets, with the new rubber the bike can happily tackle either terrain.
“I feel this bike is the perfect commuter, I may drop one tooth on the front sprocket which will help a bit more at the lights but the fact that I feel like that, that I can properly control it and nip around London quick, is a massive bonus for me.”
Dan has discovered one more upside in his new perfect bike, the Cafe Racer required constant cleaning to look at its best, whereas his new Kawasaki scrambler wears its dirt well, allowing Dan’s OCD some time off!
Congratulations on finding your new perfect bike match Dan, long may it last, but we will look forward to seeing the next one…
via The Bike Shed
Speed Icons. Celebrating motorsport’s (vinyl) great
Speed Icons, a series from Joel Clark, offers the cream of motorsport’s most successful crop for just $500.
Before Historic Car Art came along, Joel Clark’s motoring enthusiasm was already developing nicely. Having learnt a trade at Silverstone (his local race circuit) by designing vinyl stickers for the local race teams, the Brit took this knowledge to art college, a move that would lead to a successful 15-year career with some of the world’s most successful ad agencies. Plus, the Speed Icons series you see here.
Available in three different sizes, each vinyl print costs up to $500, a snip at the price given the work that goes into each print. A mix of puzzle-like pieces – each individually cut out meticulously with a scalpel – each image is brought together over the course of up to 30 hours.
A devout petrolhead, as shown by his homages to both the Porsche Carrera 2.7RS and the Ferrari Dino 246 GT, Joel’s true passion is primarily motorsport. Amidst the icons on display, the 24 Hours of Le Mans gets his fair share of representation courtesy of the ’66 winning Ford GT40 (as driven by Chris Amon and Bruce McLaren) and the Porsche 917 in its iconic Gulf Racing colours. Even the Porsche 917K from 1971 – driven by Helmut Marko and Gijs van Lennep, and the second successive Le Mans winner from Porsche – takes pride of place.
The world of Formula 1 though is also represented, with three-time champion Sir Jackie Stewart front and centre in the Tyrrell 006 with which he took his final crown in 1973. Alongside the ’85 Lotus 97T in its famous John Player Special colours (a three-time winner with Elio de Angelis and that man Aryton Senna), Speed Icons also includes a vignette to James Hunt before his McLaren days. The Hesketh 308B he’s driving is the car in which the ‘77 champion took his first ever F1 victory at the ’75 Dutch Grand Prix.
- Shots courtesy of Historic Car Art
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