Spyker completes sale of F1 team

Struggling Dutch sports car maker Spyker Cars NV has reached a final agreement to sell its Formula One team to a consortium for 88 million euros ($124 million), it said on Friday.

"Today, after signing of the official documentation, management of the Spyker Formula One Team has been handed over to the new owners: Orange India Holdings," Spyker said, referring to a consortium which includes Indian businessman Vijay Mallya.

The sports car maker said it would now focus on finalising its strategic review and the related refinancing.

Spyker bought the Formula One team from Midland for $106.6 million last year. The team made a 13 million euro loss in the first half of the year, lifting Spyker's overall loss to 29.9 million euros from 1.1 million in the year-ago period.

Spyker shares closed at 3.00 euros on Thursday, a fraction of the 52-week high of 21.60 euros they touched on Nov. 22, 2006.

(Source: Guardian.co.uk)

Official Course Map for November's Tecate SCORE Baja 1000

Official Course Map for November's Tecate SCORE Baja 1000

To be unveiled Saturday at Off-Road Expo in Pomona, Calif.



Course Unveil Part of special 40th Anniversary SCORE Baja 1000 Display in Expo



WHAT:

For the first time ever, Off-Road Expo, presented by Toyota, is home to a special interactive display area dedicated to the history and future of the world famous Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race, which takes place every November in Baja California, Mexico. As a part of this special feature, race producer SCORE will unveil this year’s race route live at the Off-Road Expo – a can’t miss feature for desert racing fans!



This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Granddaddy of all desert races and SCORE has created a unique display, complete with a start and finish line, numerous historical vehicles, as well as pictures, videos and trophy cases from all 40 years! Attendees will be able to learn all about the history of this world renowned desert race and buy official SCORE merchandise. SCORE radio will also be taping from the display on Saturday from Noon to 2 p.m., and there will be special appearances and autograph opportunities from current and past SCORE Baja 1000 racers throughout the weekend. This year’s race will kick off on November 10, in Tijuana, starting in Ensenada on Nov. 13 and the awards ceremony will be on Nov. 16, in Cabo San Lucas.



WHEN:

Saturday, October 6, at 11 a.m.



WHERE:

Off-Road Expo, Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 Display – Building 8

Pomona Fairplex

1101 W. McKinley Avenue

Pomona, CA 91768



INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES/VISUALS:

--The unveiling of the 2007 Baja 1000 race route, which will go down the state of Baja, Mexico, from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas

--Interview opportunities with SCORE legendary CEO and President Sal Fish

--Thousands of desert racingfans on hand to see the SCORE Baja 1000 course unveiled to the world

--Current and past prominent SCORE Baja 1000 racers stopping by throughout the weekend

--The officially commissioned 40th anniversary race painting by artist Eric Herrmann



FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Please visit: www.offroadexpo.com

World Driving Champion Jacques Villeneuve will attempt to make his first NASCAR Nextel Cup Series start

DIED: Wally Parks, the man who founded the National Hot Rod Association and helped build drag racing into the sport it is today, died September 28. He was 94 years old…Dirt racing promoter Mike Swims lost his battle with cancer. He was 42.

NEW PLAN: The Indy Racing League IndyCar Series announced October 2 a new purse format for the series. The program, called IndyCar TEAM: Team Enhancement and Allocation Matrix, will award a minimum of $1.2 million to each car entered to compete the entire season. As a result the IRL will dissolve its existing purse structure.

RECOVERING: Injured Funny Car driver John Force continues his recovery from injuries suffered in a September 23 crash at the Texas Motorplex. Force is undergoing physical therapy and hopes to attend this weekend’s NHRA event at Virginia Motorsports Park to lend moral support to his team.

A DEBUT: Former Indy 500 and World Driving Champion Jacques Villeneuve will attempt to make his first NASCAR Nextel Cup Series start this weekend at Talladega (Alabama) Superspeedway. Villeneuve has only one NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start to his credit, but did participate in last month’s test session at the 2.66-mile superspeedway.

TEST TIME: The Indy Racing League announced a pair of upcoming off-season test sessions. The first will be October 3–4 at Iowa Speedway and the second October 12 on the road course at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama.

NUMBER ONE: With his 17th World of Outlaws triumph of the season, which came in the $50,000-to-win National Open at Williams Grove Speedway, Donny Schatz returned to the top of the NSSN Power Rankings.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, click on the following link for a special industry rate: www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/subscribe.html?pid=NQ%2BVfhkepT4%3D.

Nationwide to sponsor top NASCAR racing series

Nationwide Insurance will become the new title sponsor of a top NASCAR racing series, replacing previous sponsor Anheuser-Busch, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing said on Wednesday.

Previously known as the NASCAR Busch Series, the name will switch to the NASCAR Nationwide Series starting in 2008 under the seven year agreement. It will be NASCAR's No. 2 racing league, with events broadcast on Walt Disney Co's ABC and ESPN2 television channels.

A source familiar with the agreement valued the deal at $25 million a year, including rights fees, advertising and promotional commitments and other media obligations.

Sprint Nextel Corp pays an estimated $75 million a year to be title sponsor of top NASCAR racing series Nextel Cup, which includes such well known drivers as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon.

"We are thrilled that we had the opportunity to select a partner in Nationwide Insurance who is as excited as NASCAR about taking the NASCAR Nationwide Series to even higher levels of popularity," NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Brian France said in a statement.

Unlike some U.S. sports leagues, NASCAR boasts rising television ratings, as well as a fast-growing, highly loyal fan base. It signed a $4.48 billion, eight-year TV deal in 2006.

Nationwide estimates it will generate about $200 million worth of annual television exposure through its sponsorship, which will feature its brand at events on 26 tracks across North America.

Anheuser-Busch has been pursuing different marketing opportunities for its Busch brand, while focusing its racing efforts on the Budweiser brand.

"We've enjoyed being title sponsor of the NASCAR Busch Series for more than a quarter century," an Anheuser-Busch spokesman said. "We wish NASCAR and Nationwide success in their new partnership."

(Source: Reuters)

NBC SPORTS EXTENDS PARTNERSHIP WITH CHAMPIONSHIP OFF ROAD RACING THROUGH 2009

NEW YORK – October 1, 2007 - Jon Miller, Executive Vice President, NBC Sports and Jim Baldwin, CORR series owner announce the extension of the network’s partnership with Championship Off Road Racing™ through 2009. Increasing its commitment to CORR by six and a half hours per year, NBC has agreed to air nine, 90-minute programs for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.



“We are extremely pleased with the response from our audience in the first year of NBC Sports’ broadcasts of CORR,” said Miller. “This series is on the rise in popularity, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership in order to help bring this innovative and exiting form of racing to a very enthusiastic motor sports audience.”



“We are pleased to extend our very successful relationship with NBC Sports for two more years,” said CORR series owner Jim Baldwin. “When you see the intensity, brute strength and sheer beauty of these 800 horsepower trucks battling for dominance on some of the most challenging courses in the country, you just may feel you’re strapped into the passenger seat next to these incredibly skilled and talented drivers,” Baldwin adds.



NBC’s veteran motor sports broadcast team, including Bill Weber, Wally Dallenbach Jr, and Marty Snider, join longtime CORR pit reporter Kelli Stavast to bring the fender-to-fender action to NBC’s viewers.



The short course action of Championship Off Road Racing™ is where NASCAR stars Jimmy Johnson and Robby Gordon got their starts, CORR brings high action, four-wheel motor sports including 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive trucks to the closed course off road arena.



2008 CORR Schedule (NBC dates & times are subject to change)

CORR RACE DATE


NBC AIRDATE


NBC AIRTIME (ET)

May 17 – 18


Sunday, May 25


12:30 - 2 p.m.

June 7 – 8


Sunday, June 15


3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

June 28 – 29


Sunday, July 6


3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

July 19 – 20


Sunday, July 27


3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

August 23 – 24


Sunday, August 31


12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

September 13 – 14


Sunday, September 28


2:30 - 4 p.m.

September 27 – 28


Sunday, October 5


2:30 - 4 p.m.

October 17 – 18


Sunday, October 26


2:30 - 4 p.m.

November 8 – 9


Sunday, November 16


4:30 - 6 p.m.



NBC Sports will broadcast the CORR show one week after the race event for all but one race weekend. The September 13 – 14 races will air on NBC sports two weeks after the race. CORR anticipates announcing race locations within the next two weeks.



For up to date schedules and to see the latest CORR videos please visit www.corracing.com

CHAD HORD RETURNS TO CORR WITH HIS FIRST PRO LITE WIN OF 2007

CARL RENEZEDER CELEBRATES HIS 55TH CORR WIN

-SUNDAY RACE RECAP-



Chula Vista, CA (Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007) – 14,000 fans showed up to witness an exciting day of racing at the Chula Vista International Raceway. A day filled with controversy and passionate wins, Carl Renezeder took home a Pro 4 and Pro 2 win today. 2006 Pro Lite Champion Chad Hord took his first win of 2007 and Champ Car Champion Paul Tracy had an eventful end to his first attempt at short course dirt racing.



Scott Douglas driver of the number 7 Amsoil Pro 4 led the field to green in the Jason Baldwin Memorial Cup Pro 4 Qualifier. Defending Pro 4 Champion Johnny Greaves in his Monster Energy Drink Toyota started on the outside of row one. Greaves took the inside line of turn two on lap one to take the led. Douglas held onto second and Adrian “Wild Man” Cenni sat in third, Rick Huseman was in fourth and Steve Barlow rounded out the top five. Cenni passed Douglas across the start/finish line to start lap three. Meanwhile Carl Renezeder in his Lucas Oil Pro 4 sat near the back of the pack and was forced to exit to the hot pits because his detached hood was blocking his vision. Greaves continued to charge in front of the field with Cenni in second and Huseman in third. Renezeder returned to the race quickly on lap five, but was at the tail end of the pack. Meanwhile up front Cenni and Huseman continued to battle it out for second. Curt LeDuc in his Skyjacker/Rockstar Energy Drink number 43 went to the hot pits after his back right tire went flat. LeDuc was able to return to the race on lap six. Huseman passed Cenni for the second position on lap 7 of 15. Josh Baldwin in his number 86 Ford had to go to the hot pits for repairs, but was able to return to the track before the mandatory caution came out. Greaves led the field when the race went green, Huseman in second and Cenni in third. Greaves and Huseman were nose to nose heading for the start/finish line on lap eleven. The three front runners of Greaves, Huseman and Cenni continued to pull away from the pack. On lap fourteen Cenni wrecked and rolled three times coming off of the ski jump totaling his Pro 4. The caution was brought out; Travis Coyne and Renezeder left the race do to mechanical failure. The race went green with two laps to go. In the end it was Greaves with the win, Huseman in second and Ed Herbst driver of the number 55 taking third his first podium of the season.



“Every time we crash we always seem to win, it was a great race I knew me and Rick would run clean, I am thrilled to be in the winners circle again,” said Greaves.



“I know we were having trouble with the throttle sticking, we were down on power and I did everything I could do to hold on,” said Cenni of his wreck.



Carl Renezeder in his Lucas Oil number 1 started on the pole in the Lucas Oil Series Pro 2 Points race today. On turn two of lap one Alan Pflueger in his KMC Wheels number 29 got tangled up in the pack forcing him off the track. He was able to continue in the race, but ended up in the back of the field. On lap 3 of 15 it was Renezeder in the lead, Ricky Johnson in his Sway-A Way number 48 in second and the Monster Energy Drink sponsored number 41 of Jerry Whelchel in third. Dan Vanden Huevel began to battle Whelchel for the third position on lap 5 of 15. The mandatory caution came out on lap 8 it was Renezeder in first, Johnson in second, Whelchel in third, Vanden Heuvel in fourth and Travis Coyne rounding out the top five. Vanden Heuvel went up high on turn one attempting to pass Whelchel. Then on turn two Vanden Heuvel flipped and his truck caught on fire. The crew was able to put the fire out and flip the truck over. Vanden Heuvel returned to the race, starting towards the back of the field. When the race went green again, Renezeder was in first and Johnson was in second. Johnson attempted to pass Renezeder on the inside line of turns two and three, but he was denied. Renezeder continued to lead the field with two laps to go. In the end it was Renezeder with the win, Johnson in second and Whelchel rounding out the podium.



“I was trying a lot of different lines; Carl was really fast yesterday and today,” said Johnson. “Dan Vanden Huevel took a shot at me turning me around, and it was hard to get back up to Carl after that. I am just tired of getting second place trophies, congratulations to Carl he had a great race today,” continued Johnson.



Rodrigo Ampudia in his Papas and Beers Monster Energy Drink number 36 started on the pole in the Pro Lite Points race today. Jeff Geiser passed Ampudia coming out of turn six on lap one for the first position. Ampudia was able to get the position back passing Geiser in turn one of lap two. Robert Naughton in his Maxxis Tires number 54 held onto the third positon fighting off the rest of the field. Meanwhile Ampudia was able to extend his lead. Naughton was able to pass Geiser on lap four for the second position. Chad Hord and Geiser battled it out for the third position on lap five racing side by side through turns one and two. Hord was able to pass Naughton in the middle of turn two on lap 6 of 14. When the mandatory caution came out on lap eight Ampudia led the field with defending Pro Lite Champion Hord in second and Naughton in third. When the race went green again Ampudia took off with the lead. Naughton was passed for the third position by Geiser. Hord attempted to pass Ampudia crossing the start/finish line at the start of lap 10. Ampudia and Hord pulled away from the field on lap 11. Hord continued his fight to pass Ampudia, but Ampudia managed to block Hord. Hord passed Ampudia in turn two of lap 12, Ampudia flipped over going into turn three. In the end it was Hord with his first win of the 2007 season. Jeff Huseman took second and Garit Wallace rounded out the podium. Chad Hord was the winner of the $1,000 Bully Dog Hard Charger award.



Carl Renezeder in his Lucas Oil number 17 started on the pole in the Lucas Oil series Pro 4 point’s race today. Johnny Greaves took off when the green flag dropped moving into the first position. Renezeder sat in second and Curt LeDuc in his Skyjacker/Rockstar Energy Drink number 43 held onto fourth. Scott Douglas crashed hitting the barrier across the start/finish line. Douglas went to the hot pits with a flat tire. Paul Tracy and Tim Herbst got into one another at the start of the restart after the yellow caution flag came out. Greaves got passed by Renezeder after Greaves slowed down and went off the track on turn one with a mechanical failure. Renezeder continued to lead the pack with LeDuc and Troy Herbst battling it out for second. Steve Barlow in his Red Bull Energy Drink number 29 hung onto fourth place. Troy Herbst in his Rockstar Energy Drink/ Terrible Herbst number 19 passed LeDuc putting himself in contention for first place. Barlow ran in third and LeDuc fell to fourth place. The mandatory caution came out on lap eight. Tracy was out of the race on lap eight with mechanical failure from an earlier wreck. Troy Herbst attempted a pass on turns two and three of lap ten, but was denied by Renezeder. Troy Herbst also began to get pressure from the number 29 of Barlow who sat in third. Barlow passed Troy Herbst coming out of turn one on lap 11. Renezeder continued to lead with Barlow and Troy Herbst battling form behind with three laps to go. Barlow went to the hot pits with two laps to go leaving Troy Herbst the second position. Tim Herbst and Ed Herbst battled it out for the third position while brother and fellow competitor Troy Herbst remained in second behind Renezeder. In the end it was Renezeder with the win. Troy Herbst finished second and Ed Herbst rounded out the podium.



For complete results and more information go to www.corracing.com.



Championship Off Road Racing™ brings high action, four wheel motorsports including 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel drive trucks to the closed course off road arena. The 2007 CORR season includes seven events at tracks located in Los Angeles and San Diego, CA, Fort Worth/Dallas, TX and Primm, NV.

BFGoodrich Tires, Volkswagen of America announce major plans

BFGoodrich Tires, Volkswagen of America announce major plans

During Thursday’s ‘40 Years to Glory’ SCORE Baja 1000 Tribute



A near-capacity crowd including legends of the SCORE Baja 1000 desert race celebrate 4-decade legacy

Of Granddaddy of all desert races at Long Beach Performance Arts Center;



LONG BEACH, Calif.—During an epic evening of emotion and passion, BFGoodrich Tires and Volkswagen of America punctuated the tribute awards with major announcements during Thursday’s ’40 Years to Glory’ gala at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center. The event celebrated the upcoming 40th anniversary of November’s legendary Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, the granddaddy of all desert races.

With a near-capacity crowd of almost 3,000 in the Terrace Theater saluting the legends of SCORE Baja racing, BFGoodrich Tires’ Todd Steen announced a 10-year contract extension as the official tire of SCORE International while VW’s Clark Campbell announced a first-ever six-figure contingency program for VW as well as presented SCORE CEO/President Sal Fish with two very special vehicles.

The event also honored nearly 100 individuals who have participated in the SCORE Baja 1000, from SCORE Baja Pioneers, SCORE Baja Innovators to SCORE Icons to SCORE Media and SCORE Photographers.

The new agreement positions BFGoodrich Tires as the official tire of SCORE International into the year 2018, guaranteeing BFG participation and racer support for the 50th Anniversary of the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000.

BFG Tires have been the most prolific tire used in SCORE desert racing and BFG was the tire for 20 consecutive overall 4-wheel champions in the race.

BFGoodrich Tires' commitment to the growth of SCORE International and desert racing is also demonstrated in its support of numerous competitors in 18 classes and several volunteer-based pit areas located along the racecourse of the SCORE Baja 1000. BFGoodrich Tires dedicates 10 full service tractor-trailer pit vehicles and nearly 250 volunteer and active personnel to support more than 73 percent of the field at the SCORE Baja 1000 who will be competiting on BFGoodrich Tires, a tradition that started in 1981.

As a special tribute to the history and mystique that surrounds Volkswagen’s winning tradition in Baja, a unique program totaling $40,000 will be available for this year’s 40th anniversary of the legendary SCORE Baja 1000. The program includes recognition of some of the most adventurous drivers and their beloved Volkswagen Beetle sedans, a total of up to $9,000 will be awarded to the top three finishers in Stock VW Sedans (Class 11). Also included in the program is a special $10,000 bonus for the highest finishing Volkswagen-powered vehicle in any Class.

Beginning in 2008, Volkswagen will offer a season-long contingency program for SCORE International Off-Road racers competing in Volkswagen-powered vehicles. Funds totaling up to $100,000 will be available, including a special bonus for the highest points position finishing VW.

As a long-time supporter of desert racing and as the official vehicle of SCORE International, Volkswagen presented SCORE International President and CEO Sal Fish with a specially outfitted “SCORE Course Marker” Volkswagen Touareg 2.

Adorned in official SCORE graphics, the vehicle was specially modified for use by Sal Fish in his on-going efforts to design some of the most grueling desert racing courses in the world. The Touareg 2 is well suited for this type of use with its superior off-road capabilities and luxurious interior.

In an additional surprise presentation, Fish was presented with a fully-restored 1973 Volkswagen Thing, a replica of the first official vehicle of SCORE International. In a blending of both past and present, the restored VW Thing was painted and adorned with a graphics package resembling the new Touareg 2 presented to Fish.

"The entire tribute evening for the SCORE Baja 1000 was an extremely emotional experience for me, but the presentation of this special Volkswagen Touareg 2 took the breath out of me and almost knocked me off of my feet," said Sal Fish, who has been the CEO/President of Los Angeles-based SCORE International since shortly after it was founded in 1973. "Our relationship with Volkswagen of America and their commitment to our SCORE desert racers is one of the top highlights of my career."

The evening’s presentation honored race celebrities in separate groups, with Baja icons like Sal Fish, Parnelli Jones, Ivan Stewart, Walker Evans, Frank Vessels, Bob Gordon, Frank Arciero Jr. the McMillin family, and Rod Hall all shared a portion of the dramatic 90-minute program. Those valiant riders on two wheels (motorcycles) who also shared the spotlight included Malcolm Smith, Larry Roeseler, Eddie Mulder, Bruce Ogilvie, Ron Bishop, Johnny Campbell, Steve Hengeveld and Mitch Mayes. Additional star power came in the form of many cross-over drivers that fill SCORE Baja racing legend books like sport car legends Bob Bondurant and Peter Brock, rising NASCAR star Boris Said, along with Indianapolis 500 veterans Danny Sullivan, Roberto Guerrero and brothers Mike and Robbie Groff.

Making ‘40 Years to Glory’ even more memorable was the unprecedented gathering of Baja pioneers, including Dave Ekins, Spence Murray, Bruce Meyers, Andy DeVercelly, Dave Deal, Johnny Johnson, Pete Condos and Bobby Ferro.

During an evening of a thousand memories being rekindled, the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame conducted a successful silent auction of SCORE Baja racing memorabilia and noted motorsport artist Eric Herrmann presented his finished original painting honoring the legendary Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 desert race.

‘40 Years to Glory’ also included the world’s largest display of vintage and historic desert race vehicles and motorcycles. The dynamic event was co-hosted by motorsports television personalities Dave Despain and Paul Page and the evening’s ‘40 Years to Glory’ tribute included a special tribute by famed motorcycle builder turned SCORE Trophy-Truck racer Jesse James to the late Hollywood actor and Baja 1000 veteran Steve McQueen.

The special gala was made possible by the generous support of presenting partners Volkswagen of America, BFGoodrich Tires, Micron Technology, Blue C Enthusiast Advertising and Red Bull-North America, in association with Dirt Sports Magazine, Hot Rod Magazine, Kartek Off-Road and Bandito Brothers Productions.

This year’s 40th annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000, the season finale of the six-race 2007 SCORE Desert Series for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs, will be held Nov. 10-16 as a journey down Mexico’s majestic Baja California peninsula. With pre-race activities in Tijuana, there will be more pre-race activities and the race will start in Ensenada and finish some 1,300 miles later in Cabo San Lucas. With over 400 entries expected from 40 U.S. States and 15 countries, the historic race will be taped by NBC Sports.