Motorsports Racing News & Blog Articles

Jaguar TCS Racing became the first team in the history of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship at the Monaco E-Prix to run re-refined transmission fluid, something they’d been working towards with long-time partner Castrol.

At the Circuit de Monaco at the start of May, the Coventry-based team successfully completed the iconic E-Prix using re-refined Castrol ON EV Transmission Fluid in its cars, becoming the first team in the series to make use of a circular transmission fluid.

It is a meteoric achievement which Jaguar and Castrol have been working tirelessly towards since 2019, when Castrol became the manufacturer’s official EV-fluids partner.

“The use of re-refined EV transmission fluid is a great demonstration of circularity in action on the race track and supports the wider company ambition to adopt circular economy principles so we can reduce the use of virgin materials,” said Rosella Cardone, Director and Head of Sustainability Office at JLR.

“We have a clear aim to achieve carbon net zero by 2039 and embed sustainability into the JLR DNA.”

Michael Schumacher is a renowned former Formula One racing driver from Germany. Here are some key points about Michael Schumacher:

1. Career Achievements: Michael Schumacher is widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time. He had an illustrious career, achieving numerous records and accolades, including:

   • Seven-time Formula One World Champion (1994, 1995, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004).
   • Most World Championship titles in Formula One history.
   • Most wins in Formula One history (91).
   • Most pole positions in Formula One history (68).
   • Most fastest laps in Formula One history (77).

2. Teams and Racing Career: Schumacher made his Formula One debut in 1991 with the Jordan team. He later raced for Benetton (1991-1995) and Ferrari (1996-2006, 2010-2012). Schumacher had great success with Ferrari, winning five consecutive World Championships from 2000 to 2004.

3. Driving Style and Skills: Schumacher was known for his exceptional driving skills and aggressive racing style. He possessed great technical expertise, strategic thinking, and consistency. Schumacher was highly competitive and often pushed the limits on the track.

4. Ferrari Era: Schumacher's years with Ferrari are considered the most successful period of his career. He played a crucial role in turning the struggling Ferrari team into a dominant force in Formula One. Schumacher's partnership with Ferrari led to multiple victories and established him as an icon of the sport.

McLaren’s Lando Norris aims for further development and strong results at this season’s Monaco Grand Prix, which comes after the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to flooding. 

Though Norris was disappointed by the cancellation of the race weekend at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, where he achieved podiums in both 2021 and 2022, he agreed with the decision made in order to ensure the safety of all involved. 

“Firstly, I’d like to send my best wishes to everybody affected by the flooding in the Emilia-Romagna region. We all love racing at Imola, but safety comes first, and I support the decision for last week’s Grand Prix to be cancelled. We’ll be back, and I hope everyone remains safe during these difficult times.”

Norris looks forward to competing in Monaco, a venue that saw him earn a podium in 2021. Just as in 2021, we will once again see the McLaren’s contender don a one-off livery on the streets of Monte Carlo, this time as a recognition of McLaren’s sixty years of racing. 

The livery takes inspiration from the three cars that secured the outfit the prestigious “Triple Crown” of motorsport, which includes the iconic Monaco event. 

The month of June brings summertime to Mexico, and SCORE International will usher in the changing of seasons with the 55th Baja 500 on 3 June.

Rob MacCachren is the reigning winner on four wheels while Juan Carlos Salvatierra is the defending bike victor. Both entries will hope to rebound after struggling with mechanical problems in the season-opening San Felipe 250.

The starting order is set based on the results from San Felipe, meaning that race’s winner Luke McMillin will open for the cars whereas Ciaran Naran does so for bikes. Those who did not run the opener will draw for their start positions on Friday.

The Course

The route measures 473.67 miles for the pro classes and 440.72 for the sportsman divisions, consisting of a clockwise loop starting and ending in Ensenada. It is ten miles longer than the 2022 layout and fairly resembles the 2008 and 2009 layouts with its brief run along the coast from Route Miles 350 through 370.

There are two physical checkpoints at RM 211.62 and RM 326.64 along with 187 virtual checkpoints.

The United States Air Force has expanded its partnership with Championship Off-Road ahead of the 2023 season, acquiring co-naming rights to formally dub the series AMSOIL Championship Off-Road presented by the U.S. Air Force.

“The U.S. Air Force has been an amazing partner for long time and we couldn’t be happier to be working with them again this summer,” said Carl Schubitzke, president of COR owner International Series of Champions. “Their activations and work are second to none, and we are excited to enhance that energy with Champ Off-Road. Their increased partnership and presence will allow us to continue bringing first-class racing to off-road enthusiasts worldwide.”

The branch has worked with the series since the inaugural season in 2021 and even longer with its ISOC sister championship Championship Snocross. Besides having the Air Force’s branding in advertising space, the partnership also includes the USAF Watch Party, an online campaign for fans to post images of themselves watching races regardless of location. Swearing-in ceremonies also take place at races.

The Pro 4 truck of Kyle Chaney, who finished seventh in points in 2022, also has Air Force backing.

Military sponsorships have drawn mixed reception on their efficacy for recruiting, especially as such efforts rely on taxpayer money. After every service branch of the United States Armed Forces, as well as the National Guard, sponsored NASCAR teams in the 2000s, only the Air Force remains today; via its sponsorship programme at the Air Force Recruiting Service, the USAF currently backs Legacy Motor Club’s Erik Jones in NASCAR and sponsored NTT IndyCar Series team Ed Carpenter Racing and Conor Daly until 2022.

Ahead of next weekend’s tenth and eleventh rounds of the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship in Jakarta, the all-electric series has announced several key changes to the broadcasting team, following the surprise departure of commentator Jack Nicholls.

It was announced on Thursday afternoon by Formula E that after being the championship’s lead commentator since the first race in Beijing back in 2014, Nicholls would be replaced by former Channel 4 Formula 1 commentator Ben Edwards. The reasoning for Nicholls’ departure is yet to be announced, with Edwards set to be the sport’s lead commentator for the remainder of Season Nine.

Edwards is “very excited” to be commentating on Formula E from next weekend’s Jakarta E-Prix double-header, with the commentary veteran feeling “delighted to be joining the team”.

“I am very excited to get back behind the mic with Formula E as the on-track action this season is a commentator’s dream.” said Edwards, as per Formula E.

“The championship is more competitive than ever and I get to bring that to life for viewers around the world. I’m delighted to be joining the team and calling the action in Jakarta.”  

Nyck de Vries says he feels his seat at Scuderia AlphaTauri is safe, and the noise surrounding his disappointing start to the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season is not a shock to him.

De Vries is one of only two drivers in the opening five races not to score points – the other being Williams Racing’s Logan Sargeant – and he has secured a best finish of fourteenth, which he achieved in the opening two events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has previously suggested that de Vries has until the Spanish Grand Prix next weekend to improve his performance or risk losing his seat, but the Dutchman insists he is up for the fight, not just for his seat but what could be his Formula 1 career.

“Yes [I feel safe in my seat],” de Vries is quoted as saying by Motorsport.com. “Also, it’s not a shock to me. It’s normal. It’s this industry. It’s always been like this in Red Bull and in Formula 1. I genuinely believe it’s no different than earlier in the season.

“You’ve always got to perform, you’ve always got to deliver. It’s been like that throughout my whole career.

Mike Krack says the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team are going for the win this weekend, with the Monaco Grand Prix potentially offering the Silverstone-based team their best chance of the season so far to beat Oracle Red Bull Racing.

Aston Martin have been a revelation so far during the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, with Fernando Alonso having secured four podium finishes in the opening five races to sit third in the Drivers’ Championship standings, while the combined scores of the Spaniard and team-mate Lance Stroll sees the team sit second in the Constructors’ Championship.

Krack, the Team Principal at Aston Martin, says the high downforce nature of the Monaco circuit may suit their team, although he remains cautious to say they will definitely be in the fight for the win around one of the tightest and slowest tracks on the calendar.

“It would be nice to say yes and do it,” Krack is quoted as saying by Motorsport.com.  “We all have great hopes here for Monaco with our two drivers, we have a great car. In the simulator they were all quite excited.

“But we must not forget the competition. It is true that there are not so many straights here.  It’s also true that we have not seen a Red Bull or Ferrari or Mercedes in high downforce configuration, because we did not have a maximum downforce track so far.

Fernando Alonso says drivers up and down the FIA Formula 1 World Championship paddock always look forward to the Monaco Grand Prix, and he calls it a thrill to race in between the barrier-lined streets.

The Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula 1 Team driver has been one of the standout performers so far in 2023 with four third place finishes in the opening five events, and he is looking to build on his strong start to the year this weekend.

Alonso, twice a winner at Monaco back in 2006 and 2007, admits he is curious to see how his AMR23 will work around one of the slowest tracks on the calendar, with the team perhaps having an eye on taking the fight to Oracle Red Bull Racing at the very front of the field.  However, he knows a strong Saturday Qualifying session is important if he is to be in contention in the race on Sunday.

“It’s a bit of a home race for me in Monaco, so it’s a short commute to the track!” said Alonso.  “It’s good to be back racing after the Grand Prix cancellation last weekend, but we hope everyone is safe in Italy and in the end it was the correct decision to not race that weekend.

“Monaco is a race we always look forward to as Formula 1 drivers. It’s such a thrill to race around these streets, there is nothing quite like it. We are curious to see how the car performs on a low-speed circuit such as this.

Kyle Weatherman has returned to DGM Racing for Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he will drive the #91 Chevrolet Camaro. With the United States’ Memorial Day on Monday, the weekend is typically used by NASCAR teams to commemorate the holiday via tribute liveries, and Weatherman’s car will be no exception as DGM has signed a multi-race sponsorship deal with CreatiVets.

“As someone with service members in my family, our U.S. veterans hold a very special place in my heart, and I have a tremendous amount of respect for those that serve our country,” said Weatherman. “Though it is nothing compared to the sacrifices of our service members, working with CreatiVets is an organiaation that I am very excited and proud to represent, especially on Memorial Day weekend.”

Weatherman opened the 2022 Xfinity season in DGM’s #92, scoring a top ten in his fifth and final race at Atlanta before becoming a part-timer for Jesse Iwuji Motorsports. Since then, he has returned to being a journeyman as DGM will be his third team of 2023, having run five races for Our Motorsports and entering two for the new FRS Racing with a best run of fourteenth at Dover for the former.

The #91 is thirty-third in owner points with Josh Bilicki, Chad and Ross Chastain, Alex Labbé, and Garrett Smithley making starts. Labbé holds is best run of the year so far of eleventh at Richmond.

CreatiVets is a non-profit organisation founded by United States Marine Richard Casper to help veterans struggling with PTSD and other related service traumas through music and the arts. Weatherman’s car will bear the name of Casper’s late friend Luke Yepsen.

Following the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Principal Günther Steiner said that he is grateful for the safety of team members from the region, which was heavily impacted by extreme flooding. 

“First of all, the most important thing is as many people as possible are safe. We have a lot of staff from that area so thank God our staff are safe, but they have their struggles to deal with now.”

“We fully supported what was done by Formula 1, and also our people who were on-site setting up for the race. We flew them back to the UK to make sure everybody was safe as soon as possible but some had to stay and take the garage down and go on to Monaco, but everything is safe, and we keep on racing. At the moment though, Imola and its citizens are more important than Formula 1 racing there.” 

The FIA Formula 1 World Championship now moves onto the next round, the Monaco Grand Prix. When asked what the event represents for him, Steiner said that is an “important” venue due to its history and extravagance.  

“Monaco to all of us means mixing glamour with racing. It’s an event which has been there a long time, a lot of people go there and a lot of people dream to go there one day because it’s an outstanding location and an important one for Formula 1. We always go there being prepared for a lot of activities to show what the sport is about.”

Valentino Rossi, often referred to as "The Doctor," is an Italian motorcycle racer and one of the most iconic figures in the history of motorcycle racing. Here are some key highlights about Valentino Rossi:

1. Early Life and Career Beginnings:

   • Valentino Rossi was born on February 16, 1979, in Urbino, Italy. He grew up in a racing family, as his father Graziano Rossi was also a professional motorcycle racer. Valentino started his racing career at a young age, competing in various youth championships.

2. Multiple World Championships:

   • Rossi has won a total of nine Grand Prix World Championships across different classes. He has won seven titles in the premier class, MotoGP, which is the most prestigious and competitive category of motorcycle racing. He won his first 500cc/MotoGP World Championship in 2001 and continued to win titles in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, and 2009. Rossi also won two titles in the 250cc class in 1999 and 2000.

3. Rivalries and Iconic Moments:

   • Throughout his career, Rossi has had intense rivalries with other top riders, such as Max Biaggi, Sete Gibernau, and his fierce battles with Casey Stoner and Jorge Lorenzo. These rivalries have produced some memorable on-track battles and added to the excitement and drama of MotoGP.

4. Charismatic Personality:

Alex Bowman is back. On Wednesday, Hendrick Motorsports announced he will return to the #48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Sunday after missing the last three NASCAR Cup Series points-paying races with a fractured vertebra.

“It’s a boost for all of us to have Alex return to the #48 car this weekend at our home track,” commented team owner Rick Hendrick. “He’s still seventeenth in points, which says a lot about how well the team performed at the start of the year. Alex has worked hard to rehab the injury and come back strong, and I look for him to continue having a championship-calibre season.”

Bowman broke his vertebra after crashing in his team-mate Kyle Larson’s High Limit Sprint Car Series in late April. The injury sidelined him for the next three races at Dover, Kansas, and Darlington, as well as the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro, for all of which Josh Berry filled in; Berry had also replaced fellow Hendrick driver Chase Elliott for five races earlier in the season while Elliott was recovering from a broken leg. In relief duty for Bowman, Berry scored a best finish of tenth at Dover while also winning the All-Star Open.

He remained at North Wilkesboro to test the car on Tuesday, running 170 laps. Such tests, officially called Medical Evaluation Tests, are permitted to let drivers coming back from injury get re-acclimated to driving but have caveats to reduce potential competition advantage such as prohibiting drivers from testing at a given track if the series is scheduled to race there within the next sixty days.

At the time of his accident, Bowman was ninth in points. Since then, he has dropped to seventeenth and five points below the cut line, though his standing is also impacted by a sixty-point penalty that he received earlier in April. NASCAR has granted Bowman a waiver to let him compete in the playoffs should he qualify by either winning a race or being in the top sixteen assuming there are fewer than sixteen race winners.

Toto Wolff says the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team will continue its push to improve its W14 this weekend during the Monaco Grand Prix despite having lost the opportunity to run its upgraded package due to the cancellation of last weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Mercedes had been planning to introduce new components to the car at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, but flooding and bad weather at the Italian circuit forced to postponement of the event, and the team were left to decide whether to implement its upgrades in Monaco this weekend or wait until the Spanish Grand Prix next weekend.

Wolff, the Team Principal at Mercedes, says that whilst the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was correct, they will need to be careful this weekend not to jump to conclusions about its updated W14 around a track that is unique to the FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar.

“Following the cancellation of the race in Imola, our thoughts are still with the people of the Emilia-Romagna region that have been affected by the terrible flooding,” said Wolff. “We have been saddened by the images but inspired by the rescue work of the emergency services and the resilience shown by the communities. We look forward to returning to Imola in happier circumstances next year.

“The revised calendar means that Monaco is now the starting point of the European leg of the season. It is a unique event but will still provide an opportunity to learn about the upgrades to W14 – but we also need to be careful not to draw too many conclusions from this one event. We are introducing the first step in a new development direction.

Pierre Gasly says a strong weekend in Monaco is the aim for the BWT Alpine F1 Team, with points the target for both drivers around the streets of the principality.

The Frenchman says the performance Alpine were able to show around the Miami International Autodrome three weeks ago was good, and it is important for the team to build on that this weekend for the Monaco Grand Prix, the closest race Gasly now has as a home race now the French Grand Prix has dropped off the calendar once more.

Gasly says there is satisfaction and rewards by getting the Monaco circuit right, and Alpine must be looking to maximise their weekend and score good points with both cars.

“I’m really looking forward to racing in Monaco as it’s one of the biggest and most rewarding challenges of the season for us drivers,” said Gasly.  “Without a French Grand Prix on the calendar, this race is as close to France as we get during the year and the support from the fans in Monaco is very special.

“The Monaco Grand Prix is world famous as it’s one of the most prestigious races in the world of motorsport and a race every driver wants to succeed in during their career.