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Archive for June, 2006

Kaffer fastest in first test

Published June 30, 2006 in Audi, DTM, Racing and This blog. 0 Comments

The DTM drivers have completed the first one of two tests of 90 minutes each. Fastest in the session was Pierre Kaffer with the Castrol Audi A4 DTM from the previous year. With 43.623 seconds, Kaffer set the fastest time from his fellow-Audi-driver Tom Kristensen. The leader in the drivers’ championship standings was 0.096 seconds behind Kaffer. With 43.738 seconds, local hero Jamie Green was third with the Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class.

Kaffer Audi

Green was fastest Mercedes driver on third place
In summerly conditions with temperatures around 25 degrees, the drivers still remained well over the current fastest time from pre-season testing. In March, Kristensen set the fastest time of the four-day session with 41.587 seconds.

Jeroen Bleekemolen put in a good performance upon his return into the DTM. With the 2004-spec Audi A4 DTM, the Dutchman immediately outpaced Mathias Lauda and Vanina Ickx and finished the test in 18th place. Susie Stoddart was even faster: the Scottish lady racer lapped the 1.973 kilometres long track in 44.108 seconds and ranked in 15th place.

DTM - Premiere at Brands Hatch

Published June 30, 2006 in Audi, DTM, Racing and This blog. 0 Comments

This coming weekend, the DTM will start for the first time at Brands Hatch, England. The 1.973km long Indy circuit part of the 78-year-old race track is the venue for the fourth round of the 2006 championship.

DTM BH

Facts and Figures: Brands Hatch is the third circuit in England for the DTM. In 1991, 1993 until 1995 as well as 2002 and 2003 the races were held at Donington, 1996 saw an ITC event in Silverstone. Mercedes-Benz drivers won four out of the total 12 races. Bernd Schneider took both victories in Donington 1995; Jean Alesi won at the same track in 2002 and 2003. The other race wins went to Alfa Romeo (4), Audi (2) und Opel (2).

The Brands Hatch circuit, 30 kilometres southeast of London, has been built for motorbike races in 1928. The first car race was staged here in 1950. Between 1964 and 1986 Brands Hatch was the venue for 14 Formula One World Championship events. The Grand Prix track is 4.197 kilometres long.

With a length of 1.973 kilometres, Brands Hatch’s Indy track is the shortest on the DTM calendar. The race distance will be 82 laps. The official lap record here was established by Luiz Garcia with a Formula 3000 Reynard-Ford; in 1991 he posted a time of 38.760sec (179.884kph). The fastest time during the DTM test at Brands Hatch in March was a 41.587sec, posted by Tom Kristensen (Audi), whilst Mika Häkkinen was the best Mercedes driver with a 41.744sec in second position. All 20 drivers were within 1.159sec. The expected top speed for the DTM cars will be 245 kph at the front straight short before the first right hander.

Published June 30, 2006 in This blog. 0 Comments

VW makes a splash at 12th Annual Waterfest

Published June 28, 2006 in Events, Misc, Volkswagen and Watched. 0 Comments

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – Volkswagen of America, Inc., is gearing up to sponsor Waterfestâ 12, North America’s largest annual Volkswagen Car Show and Motorsport event. More than 20,000 Volkswagen enthusiasts, including 2,500 registered participants, will trek to Englishtown, New Jersey’s Raceway Park on July 15 and 16 to compete in an array of events and take part in numerous Volkswagen promotions.

Waterfest activities will begin at noon on Saturday and continue until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Unique competitions reward participants for the magnitude of their speakers, their ability to perform tire burnouts, their car’s speed on a quarter-mile track and other performance tasks.

As part of the annual event, Volkswagen will be on hand to indulge its enthusiasts with giveaways, demonstrations and special guests. Attendees will be given the chance to navigate a test track behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Eos or Rabbit with professional drivers; meet Helga, the star of Volkswagen’s “Un-Pimp your auto” commercials; visit the Volkswagen Garage, featuring slot car races and a life-size fast; perfect their German with German lessons; and receive free Volkswagen prizes, including VIN dog tags and hubcap frisbees. The interactive VW Carfessional will also be available for attendees to record their feedback and opinions, to be provided exclusively to Volkswagen of America.

“Volkswagen is extremely lucky to have such loyal followers,” said Joe Barbera, owner marketing manager. “Our customers and fans are what make this brand so special. We’re thrilled to be a part of Waterfest this year.”

VW merchandise will be available at Waterfest, including t-shirts, fast juniors and commemorative chains, which are available exclusively at VW-sponsored events. Product specialists will be present to answer questions about all VW models and a representative from Sit Safe will provide child passenger safety tips to attendees.

Admission prices for Waterfest are $15 for adults on Saturday, $20 for adults on Sunday and $5 for children ages 6 – 11, with children 5 and under receiving free admission. For more information, visit http://www.waterfest.net.