Dario Franchitti at the Canadian Motorsports Expo

Some of the top racers in the world joined fans at the 2011 Canadian Motorsports Expo (CME) including IndyCar and Indy 500 Champion Dario Franchitti. The IRL driver signed lots of pictures and other racing memorabilia before joining media for a round table discussion and later one on one interviews. Dario is a favourite of Toronto fans for his win at the 2009 Toronto Honda Indy as well as his second place finish at the 2010 race, his great Scottish accent and his lovely wife - actress Ashley Judd. I look forward to seeing Dario putting the pedal to the metal in this years edition on the streets of Toronto.

Joining the motorsports superstars was also Canadian and race champion Ron Fellows (below).

For the stock car enthusiast there were plenty of NASCAR Canadian Tire Series drivers taking part in a Q&A session along with an autograph signing. The drivers were Howie Scannell Jr, Don Thomson Jr, Jason White, DJ Kennington (2010 NCTS Champion, pictured below), Caitlin Johnston, Jason Hathaway, Mark Dilley, Shawn McGlynn and Robin Buck.

Sports media personalities did there best to pick out some of the highlights and predictions for motorsport racing. The Toronto Star's Norris McDonald always provides plenty of great stories gathered over a lifetime of watching and reporting on drivers and races. In the photo below, from left to right are Russ Bond, Erik Thomas (Race Line Radio), Tim Miller (Hamilton Spectator), Norris McDonald (Toronto Star), Todd Lewis and Gerald Donaldson.

There were some Drag Racers displaying their rockets on wheels - Cassie Simonton (pictured below) had her car at the show.

Hooters girls and other models provided some beautiful atmosphere which was just perfect for a car show - see the ladies and some pictures of the motorsport show after the jump.

James joins some of the models (photos by Fresh Joe)

Inside Track: Canadian Motorsports Expo 2011 is coming

Thank goodness for racing and women - two things to chase away the winter blues. Inside Track Motorsport News is sponsoring the 5th annual 2011 Canadian Motorsports Expo through the January 21 weekend at the Toronto International Centre. You can visit the main show website to pick up coupons for the show. Headliners include 2009 Toronto Honda Indy winner, 2010 finalist and IndyCar Series 2010 Champion Dario Franchitti and Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion. Don't forget the Honda Indy Toronto is scheduled for July 8-10, 2011 and the tickets are already on sale for the race weekend.

Dario (#10) at the post race press conference above and on the podium at the 2010 Honda Indy Toronto race.

See more information and photos, including some Hooters girls, after the jump.

The show will run from Friday, January 21 (1-8pm), Saturday, January 22 (10am-9pm) to Sunday January 23 (10am-5pm), 2011. Adult tickets are $18 and the parking is free. What else are you going to do on a cold, winter weekend?

Our own NASCAR Canadian Tire Series Champion DJ Kennington will be on hand along with fellow Canadian race champ Ron Fellows.

NASCAR Canadian Tire Series drivers at the 2010 CME.

Champ DJ Kennington.

Besides the drivers and fabulous race cars I am sure there will be some Hooters girls and hopefully some other beautiful models that help to make the show a winning combination.

Hooters girls at the Honda Indy Toronto.

Hooters girls at the CME.

See my 2009 pictures and 2010 pictures with Paul Tracy and the rest of the 2010 CME fun.

Measuring Up the New Motorcycling Year – Tiny Changes Make For Powerful Outcomes!

Frequently during interviews I'm asked if motorcycling has influenced or changed my life. Questions asked to me namely by women, not men. Women aiming to link or underline the psychological benefits motorcycling may affect; defining this empowerment many women experience after learning to ride.

But it never was “empowerment” for me I always had a “no limits” approach to life right from a very early age. And as a young girl I think this propelled me outside so called gender boundaries. I enjoyed sports, building rafts, climbing trees – all that fearless stuff that the boys seemed to embrace! On top of that, I'm a pilot's daughter. I’d been speeding down farm field runways lifting off to the pleasures of being airborne in two or four seater aircrafts since I can remember!

Motorcycling for me was out-and-out “the” answer for my need to be thrilled, an activity providing me an outlet from my corporate life and one that equally challenged me. And getting back to this frequently asked question if "motorcycling has influenced or changed my life"-there is something that motorcycle racing opened my mind to. Something that I've been able to bring to daily life – and that is the understanding that just about everything in life can be altered or adjusted to make it fit for you; make it work for you!

It was racing which enlightened me to the fact that slight changes affected better performance. Just tiny transformations made for hugely powerful outcomes! Perhaps this sounds ridiculously simple. But trust me if you’re like me, one that’s never dabbled in custom bike or car building, or building wooden cabinets for that fact –this common sense is the furthest from your understanding.

It wasn’t until the end of my first supersport race season, I started to alter, fit and adjust not only my motorcycle, but my riding style. I had great resources within the race community to help me (and later years the full Ten Kate Honda team). I recall the success of simply repositioning my motorcycle rear-sets (foot pegs) -a few centimetres higher and forward resulting in a better body position to manoeuvre control. Then there was my decision to add a “quick throttle” to reduce the amount of travel my small female hand needed. I accelerated quicker with less wrist movement-this worked like a charm! Of course adjustments in racing are eternal and take into account the unique characteristics of each different circuit you're racing on. You can understand why it's so tough to become good at this sport-the constant adjusting is much about trial and error, experiments using up many dollars, on limited track time.

Sounds so simple doesn’t it?

So it’s thanks to motorcycle racing I'm a much better solution seeker. No matter if I'm loading up my trailer, finding extra space in my kitchen cupboards, improving students circuit riding techniques or working on personal relationships-I seek out the small alterations. Nearly 100% of the time I get huge results needed!

As you look forward to the year ahead and contemplate your plans and goals-try focusing on the simple and minute changes/alterations. These are easy and I’m certain you’ll find just as I have-  a little goes a long long way!

Cheers to the small stuff in 2011!

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2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS based on the BMW M5 E60 One of the Fastest Sports Car Limousine worldwide.2

2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS

2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS, One of the fastest limousine worldwide, With a unique combination of High Tech engineering and an innovative, solely for maximum power constructed design, LUMMA Design introduces, in cooperation with G-Power. Do you need a true-bred sports car for a spectacular appearance? By no means! With this unique sports limousine CLR 730 RS LUMMA Design, basic vehicle BMW M5 E60, benches many sport cars. Ten cylinders, bi compressor engine, 730 hp and 700 Nm. Is there any room for improvement? Definitely not! The new LCR 730 RS from LUMMA Design is a commitment to racing. But also concerning style and luxury the CLR 730 RS goes strong.

2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS

Aerodynamics is of elementary importance to get a more then 360 km/h maximum speed. The body of the BMW M5 is improved with ultra light but extremely compact carbon components. The LUMMA Bodykit "CLR 730 RS" consist of a hood, a trunk lid with integrated tearing edge, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders - all made of carbon.
Extra light and forged wheels were produced for the ultra broad track. On the front axle are LUMMA Racing rims in 10x21" with tires size 255/30-21, on the rear axle 12Jx21 with tires from Michelin size 295/25-21. The wheelwork is three piece crafted, the rim star is forged, and dull black anodized and has stainless steel outer rims.

2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS

The combination of lightweight, enormous engine power and innovative aerodynamics the LUMMA CLR 730 RS from Winterlingen achieves acceleration times which were so far only subject to true race cars. The 730 hp V10 bi-compressor engine obstructed from G-power is the most powerful engine that has ever been obstructed into a road-legal BMW. Off the top off one's head the car catapults itself within 4.2 seconds up to speed 100. After 10 seconds the sport limousine has already doubled the speed. After 29.5 seconds the car achieves 300 km/h. Top speed is at 367,4 km/h. This power explosion is traced back to the core of the G-Power compressor system, the ASA radial compressor. Also used is a LUMMA sport exhaust system with 100 cells racing catalysts and 105 mm end pipes made of stainless steel and engraved LUMMA logo.

2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS

The LUMMA Bodykit “CLR 730 RS” consist of a hood, a trunk lid with integrated tearing edge, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders – all made of carbon. The Lumma CLR 730 RS sport suspension is multiple adjustable on both axles in bound and rebound and lowering the car up to 45 mm. On the front axle are LUMMA Racing rims in 10×21″ with tires size 255/30-21, on the rear axle 12Jx21 with tires from Michelin size 295/25-21.

2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS based on the BMW M5 E60 One of the Fastest Sports Car Limousine worldwide.2

2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS

2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS, One of the fastest limousine worldwide, With a unique combination of High Tech engineering and an innovative, solely for maximum power constructed design, LUMMA Design introduces, in cooperation with G-Power. Do you need a true-bred sports car for a spectacular appearance? By no means! With this unique sports limousine CLR 730 RS LUMMA Design, basic vehicle BMW M5 E60, benches many sport cars. Ten cylinders, bi compressor engine, 730 hp and 700 Nm. Is there any room for improvement? Definitely not! The new LCR 730 RS from LUMMA Design is a commitment to racing. But also concerning style and luxury the CLR 730 RS goes strong.

2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS

Aerodynamics is of elementary importance to get a more then 360 km/h maximum speed. The body of the BMW M5 is improved with ultra light but extremely compact carbon components. The LUMMA Bodykit "CLR 730 RS" consist of a hood, a trunk lid with integrated tearing edge, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders - all made of carbon.
Extra light and forged wheels were produced for the ultra broad track. On the front axle are LUMMA Racing rims in 10x21" with tires size 255/30-21, on the rear axle 12Jx21 with tires from Michelin size 295/25-21. The wheelwork is three piece crafted, the rim star is forged, and dull black anodized and has stainless steel outer rims.

2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS

The combination of lightweight, enormous engine power and innovative aerodynamics the LUMMA CLR 730 RS from Winterlingen achieves acceleration times which were so far only subject to true race cars. The 730 hp V10 bi-compressor engine obstructed from G-power is the most powerful engine that has ever been obstructed into a road-legal BMW. Off the top off one's head the car catapults itself within 4.2 seconds up to speed 100. After 10 seconds the sport limousine has already doubled the speed. After 29.5 seconds the car achieves 300 km/h. Top speed is at 367,4 km/h. This power explosion is traced back to the core of the G-Power compressor system, the ASA radial compressor. Also used is a LUMMA sport exhaust system with 100 cells racing catalysts and 105 mm end pipes made of stainless steel and engraved LUMMA logo.

2009 Lumma CLR 730 RS

The LUMMA Bodykit “CLR 730 RS” consist of a hood, a trunk lid with integrated tearing edge, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders – all made of carbon. The Lumma CLR 730 RS sport suspension is multiple adjustable on both axles in bound and rebound and lowering the car up to 45 mm. On the front axle are LUMMA Racing rims in 10×21″ with tires size 255/30-21, on the rear axle 12Jx21 with tires from Michelin size 295/25-21.

Shelby GT500KR Ford Mustang Sports Car (King of the Road)

Shelby GT500KR Ford Mustang Sports Car

King of the Road The 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR is a limited edition performance model limited to just 1000 units. The launch of the GT500KR at the 2007 New York International Auto Show was designed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the original 1968 Shelby GT500KR.
The bulging vented hood, styled after the original, is secured by a pair of stainless steel, twist-down hood pins. The composite front valance houses a pair of chrome-trimmed, functional brake ducts to cool the large 14-inch, vented Brembo front brakes.
The Ford SVT-engineered 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 under the GT500KR's hood is treated to a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts horsepower to an estimated 540 and torque to 510 ft-lbs, thanks to revised ignition and throttle calibration and a cold air intake system that replaces the stock unit.

Shelby GT500KR Ford Mustang Sports Car

Power is delivered to the rear wheels of the GT500KR through a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, upgraded from the standard GT500's 3.31:1. Gear selection is courtesy of an all-new Ford Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the KR. Topped with a white ball, the new shifter is 25 percent shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for crisper, sharper shifts.
Ford SVT, Ford Racing and Team Shelby worked together to develop the GT500KR's suspension tuning. Based on initial work by Ford Racing and the team at Shelby, often at Shelby's own facility on the grounds of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ford SVT chassis engineers will apply fine tuning techniques to prepare it for the streets. The Shelby GT500KR will feature unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace, all designed specifically for the KR, to deliver the precision handling package.

Shelby GT500KR Ford Mustang Sports Car (King of the Road)

Shelby GT500KR Ford Mustang Sports Car

King of the Road The 2008 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500KR is a limited edition performance model limited to just 1000 units. The launch of the GT500KR at the 2007 New York International Auto Show was designed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the original 1968 Shelby GT500KR.
The bulging vented hood, styled after the original, is secured by a pair of stainless steel, twist-down hood pins. The composite front valance houses a pair of chrome-trimmed, functional brake ducts to cool the large 14-inch, vented Brembo front brakes.
The Ford SVT-engineered 5.4-liter supercharged V-8 under the GT500KR's hood is treated to a Ford Racing Power Upgrade Pack that boosts horsepower to an estimated 540 and torque to 510 ft-lbs, thanks to revised ignition and throttle calibration and a cold air intake system that replaces the stock unit.

Shelby GT500KR Ford Mustang Sports Car

Power is delivered to the rear wheels of the GT500KR through a Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission and 3.73:1 rear axle ratio, upgraded from the standard GT500's 3.31:1. Gear selection is courtesy of an all-new Ford Racing short-throw shifter making its debut on the KR. Topped with a white ball, the new shifter is 25 percent shorter than the unit on the GT500 providing for crisper, sharper shifts.
Ford SVT, Ford Racing and Team Shelby worked together to develop the GT500KR's suspension tuning. Based on initial work by Ford Racing and the team at Shelby, often at Shelby's own facility on the grounds of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Ford SVT chassis engineers will apply fine tuning techniques to prepare it for the streets. The Shelby GT500KR will feature unique spring rates, dampers, stabilizer bars, and strut tower brace, all designed specifically for the KR, to deliver the precision handling package.

2009 Sport Car Renault Megane Trophy

The 2009 Megane Trophy will go on sale at the end of the year in the form of kit after the completion of its development programme which will enable existing cars to be upgraded.
The 2009 Renault Megane Trophy is based on the new Megane Coupe which is powered by the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s mid-rear 3.5-liter V6 24V engine that produces 360 hp.
The front and rear light units and windscreen are from the Megane Coupe road car while flowing lines of the bodywork was designed from digital simulation technology to improve the aerodynamic.
The Renault Megane Trophy features front splitter which channel air flow to the extractors and rear diffuser and wing that generated downforce. Downforce has improved by 20 % with the refinements to the set-up and drag was reduced by 15 % , which together, represent a gain of almost 40% in terms of the new car’s aerodynamic performance over the previous generation vehicle.

Apart from that, the Megane Trophy also features butterfly doors reminiscent of the world of GT and sports-prototype racing. The V6 3.5 24V engine is mated to a semi-automatic gearbox with the same mechanical features as the current car, including an FIA-homologated sports-prototype tubular chassis, steering wheel-mounted paddle shift, double wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers, 18-inch wheels and Michelin tires.
The power of the standard 330 hp engine was boosted to 360 hp with the help from the new inlet manifold. Rebuild is still at every 5,500 km for the car’s reliability. According to Renault, with the new aerodynamic gains, the extra power from the engine will enable the 2009 Renault Megane Trophy to lap in similar times to those of a Porsche GT3.

2009 Sport Car Renault Megane Trophy

The 2009 Megane Trophy will go on sale at the end of the year in the form of kit after the completion of its development programme which will enable existing cars to be upgraded.
The 2009 Renault Megane Trophy is based on the new Megane Coupe which is powered by the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s mid-rear 3.5-liter V6 24V engine that produces 360 hp.
The front and rear light units and windscreen are from the Megane Coupe road car while flowing lines of the bodywork was designed from digital simulation technology to improve the aerodynamic.
The Renault Megane Trophy features front splitter which channel air flow to the extractors and rear diffuser and wing that generated downforce. Downforce has improved by 20 % with the refinements to the set-up and drag was reduced by 15 % , which together, represent a gain of almost 40% in terms of the new car’s aerodynamic performance over the previous generation vehicle.

Apart from that, the Megane Trophy also features butterfly doors reminiscent of the world of GT and sports-prototype racing. The V6 3.5 24V engine is mated to a semi-automatic gearbox with the same mechanical features as the current car, including an FIA-homologated sports-prototype tubular chassis, steering wheel-mounted paddle shift, double wishbone suspension with adjustable dampers, 18-inch wheels and Michelin tires.
The power of the standard 330 hp engine was boosted to 360 hp with the help from the new inlet manifold. Rebuild is still at every 5,500 km for the car’s reliability. According to Renault, with the new aerodynamic gains, the extra power from the engine will enable the 2009 Renault Megane Trophy to lap in similar times to those of a Porsche GT3.

2009 Sport Car Audi R8 GT3

Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.
The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.
Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.
The Audi R8, which bears the project name “R16” within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.

2009 Sport Car Audi R8 GT3

Audi Sport will offer a racing sports car specifically developed for customer use in the form of the powerful 500 hp plus GT3 version of the Audi R8 which will be available from autumn 2009. The logistics and factory space required for the AUDI AG customer programme will be created over the next few months in Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm and Györ.
The Audi R8 conforms to the production-based GT3 regulations allowing the car to be fielded in numerous national and international race series.
Because the GT3 regulations prohibit the use of four-wheel drive the Audi R8 comes with the typical GT rear-wheel drive. The power is transmitted via a newly developed six-speed sequential sports gearbox. The suspension uses almost exclusively components from the production line. A comprehensive list of safety equipment guarantees the highest-level of passive safety. A modified front end and a large rear-wing generate the required downforce for the race track.
The Audi R8, which bears the project name “R16” within Audi Sport, was developed under the direction of Audi Sport. Mid August, the first prototype successfully completed a roll-out in the hands of Audi factory driver Frank Biela.