2012 Audi A6 Avant -UNCUT

It's no secret we're wagon lovers here at BlendLines. What a wonderful alternative to the hulking SUV. As far as wagons go, the Audi is by far the most appealing. Sorry. I meant to say 'Avant'. If I was talking BMW's it would be 'touring'. If the video was about Acura, 'Sport Wagon' would be more appropriate. And if it were a Volvo? Well, I would never drive one so it doesn't matter....
Enjoy the full clip.

The First Indy 500

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the most famous auto race in American culture. I am talking, of course, about the Indianapolis 500. To mark this historic event IndyCar has provided us with some fantastic footage of the very first Indy 500, circa 1911.
Completed in 1909 Indy first ran motorcycle races and eventually two auto races in 1910. The track was made of hard packed topsoil, two-inch thick limestone slabs with crushed stone and tar pavement. This construction was more then adequate for the “super speedway” of it’s time considering the top speed was just south of 75 miles per hour.
You’ll notice most cars carry two people, a driver and mechanic. This was necessary for on track repairs and multiple tire changes. However, the ultimate victor, Ray Harroun and his number 32 Marmon Wasp carry only Ray. Can anyone say weight advantage? Another interesting fact is that Ray bi-passed Indy rules by installing the first ever rearview mirror. Enjoy this throw back and today’s race.
GO ALEX!!!

Red Bull Peachtree Drift Battle

What was your commute like today? I bet it was not even 10% as fun as what Rhys and Ryan get to do in their "office". Even the Duke boys would be proud.

Bill Auberlen: In-car lap of VIR in BMW M3

Bill Auberlen. VIR. M3. In-car video.
'Nuff said.
Watch the master in action at one of my favorite venues...

Reminder: never go cheap when building your cage...

Professionally built cages are worth their weight in gold. It's one of those items that you should spend a fortune on, only in hopes of never having to use it.

The Lighter Side: Working Ferrari Model

Most of you will have seen this already, none the less it is worth the watch.

Narrated by: Jeremy Clarkson

WOOPS!!!

Got a little scratch on your new ride. I know how you feel. It could be worse....

Canooks Rejoice

Alex Tagliani of Canada, driver of the #77 Bowers & Wilkins/Sam Schmidt Motorsports Dallara Honda, smiles after kissing the nose of his car while posing for photos after qualifying on the pole for the Indianapolis 500.

It's been 11 years in Champ Car but my fello Canook has finally done it. Good luck eh.

http://www.driving.ca/Tagliani+first+Canadian+pole+Indy/4831239/story.html#ixzz1NHcCwBxv

Gold Star for Ingenuity...

This guy should patent and market this idea.That is, if it actually worked.
I wonder if http://www.vehicleflotationdevices.com/ is available...

BMW EfficientDynamics Electric Power Steering

Ever wonder exactly how electric power steering works? I did. Then I watched the video. Now I understand how it works, I understand the efficiency aspect; but I still HATE the way it feels. Completely numbing, and not what I am looking for when shopping for the ultimate driving machine. Just my 2 cents...

The Lighter Side: Bullitt 1968

Hollywood has brought us many fantastic and heart pounding car chase scenes. Far too many to name but we all know the top few; Cannonball Run, Gone in 60 Seconds, The Fast and the Furious franchise (except Tokyo Drift, booo!!!), most Bond flicks, Ronin, and even The Blues Brothers. There is however one that sets itself apart from the rest; enter Steve McQueen.

Without question the greatest car chase scene of all time, Bullitt had it all.
Suspension crushing San Francisco streets, raw wide open speed, gun fire, wrecks, explosions, a
Lalo Schifrin score and of course Mr. McQueen.

Point of Fact: McQueen did all his own driving; Every turn, every spin, every jump and every pump.

Observation: During the chase scene you can hear a manual stick shift changing gears on the Mustang during exterior shots of the car, but shots inside the vehicle during the chase show an automatic and not a manual stick


Fredric Aasbo - Formula D Atlanta 2011 In-Car

More in-car action from Formula D. Makes it look easy, doesn't he?

The Lighter Side: A Perfect Match.

When you know what you want, you know what you want... BMW Classic
Sorry about the video size, just expand it for best picture.

Final Lap ALMS Sebring GT2

May and June are long months this year for ALMS fans. So what do we do, we relive great race moments, like this breathtaking final lap battle for GT2 victory in Sebring 2007. Just as the #2 Audi R10 takes the checkers for Audi Sport the real battle begins. After 12 hours of connecting apexes it comes down to an Italian and a German, car that is. If you’re a little ADD, like myself, skip to 3:05 and hang on to your seat. Ed una bella vittoria



Extra Crispy; or Why Nomex is Your Friend

Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not a carnage freak, promoting vicious crash vids like a psychotic maniac. I just love anything that illustrates how dangerous racing can be, especially if it has a happy ending. Live life; taste death, I always say.
What IS amazing is that these otherwise horrific crashes and fires would be life ending if it wasn't for well-constructed cages, fuel cells, NOMEX, and of course skilled corner workers.
Next time your on the track, wave a "thank you" to your corner workers. They truly are the unsung heroes of our beloved sport.

LFA vs. 911 GT2 RS

News flash: Your job sucks...

Your job blows. Now these guys? Awesome job.
Funny how my high school guidance counselor never offered this option. BMW test driver and porn star were oddly missing from the career path flowchart. Bastards.

See Formula D thru their eyes...

Motorsports is all about perspective.
It's the lifestyle as much as the cars and speed that keeps us going. The look and stance as much as the sounds and scents. The presentation is as important as the performance.
Another great clip by Abbitt Wilkerson, hope you enjoy it as much as I did....

Fatlace Long beach coverage.
Filmed & Edited by: Abbitt Wilkerson
Song: Mac Miller - Donald Trump

Caterham R500 Vs 996 GT2

I love a good chase video. This guy gives a GT2 a run for it's money, and doing it with complete style to boot. What's a little oversteer among friends anyway? Love the front fender action, gives you perspective on how much suspension travel actually takes place. Rear view shows you how upset a car can get at the limit. Watch at 1:50; that's what being airborne sounds like.
Big hairy ones. Great car control, awesome car, even better sound. Nice job!

The Ultimate Thrashing Machine

I am a big fan of the BMW X5. Especially the E53 incarnation. I have one myself; it serves as utility vehicle, my wife's chariot, the baby bus, track toy tow rig, and overall primary household truckster.


As we prepare for that HPDE's this year...

So as we dust off our track cars getting ready for the 2011 track day season; here's a little refresher of what happens when we don't pay attention to some of the basics.

1 : AWD does not negate the effects of stupidity.


Lotus Cup USA Round 1 - 2011 - Willow Springs - California

Flame Broiled For Your Pleasure

Afterfire is the best way to display that you have accomplished your mission. If your mission was to scare anyone who may be tailgating you, that is.