Sunday, September 26, 2010

DynoValve: The Awareness - Rebirth Of The Lowly PCV Valve

Savi Corporation's DynoValve Kit Packaging - The DynoValve takes the functioning of the mechanical Positive Crankcase Valve process and brings the process evolution to its maximum effectiveness. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

DynoValve: The Awareness - Rebirth Of The Lowly PCV Valve

MPG Track Day exhibit discovery leads to test!

Motor Press Guild's Track Day is a time each year where journalists who have a focus on transportation technology and culture come together with the major automobile manufacturers to find out what is new for the next year's (2011) selling season. Any company who believes they have something to contribute to the event and wish to gain exposure to 150 plus people who write and another 100 or so people who market transportation platforms may end up presenting their solutions as an exhibitor or sponsor to the event ... Savi Corporation was one such company.

After over a half a decade of research and development, testing, and working with various environmental agencies, Savi Corporation was able to introduce its "smart" Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve to the world at last month’s 60th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance ... the DynoValve. The DynoValve replaces the mechanical PCV Valve found as original manufacture on all engines and takes the functioning of this environmentally useful process to a higher, more efficient level.

Pictured - The DynoValve computer-controlled valve on top with the mechanical PCV valve on bottom. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

This excerpted and edited from Wikipedia -

As an engine operates, high-pressure gases are contained within the combustion chamber and prevented from passing into the crankcase (containing the crankshaft and other parts) between the side of the piston and the cylinder bore by piston rings which seal against the cylinder. However, some amount of gas always leaks past the piston rings into the crankcase. This amount is very small in a new or properly rebuilt engine, provided that the piston rings and cylinder walls are correctly "broken in", and increases as the engine wears. Scratches on the cylinder walls or piston rings, such as those caused by foreign objects entering the engine, can cause large amounts of leakage. This leaked gas is known as blow-by because the pressure within the cylinders blows it by the piston rings. If this blow-by gas could not escape then pressure would build up within the crankcase.

Before the invention of crankcase ventilation in 1928, the engine oil seals were designed to withstand this pressure, oil leaking to the road surface was accepted, and the dipstick was screwed in. The hydrocarbon rich gas would then diffuse through the oil in the seals into the atmosphere. Subsequently, it became an emissions requirement as well as a functional necessity that the crankcase have a ventilation system. This [system] must maintain the crankcase at slightly less than atmospheric pressure under light load conditions and recycle the blow-by gas back into the engine intake.

However, due to the constant circulation of the oil within the engine, along with the high speed movement of the crankshaft, an oil mist is also passed through the PCV system and into the intake. The oil is then either burned during combustion, or settles along the intake tract, causing a gradual build-up of residue inside the inlet path. For this reason many engine tuners choose to replace the PCV system with an oil catch can and breather filter which vents the blow-by gases directly to atmosphere and retains the oil in a small tank (or returns it to the sump), although this technically fails to meet most engine emission legislation.
Reference Here>>

The DynoValve takes the functioning of the mechanical Positive Crankcase Valve process from a spring loaded plug, door, or flap that is opened and closed through the variance in pressure from one side of the door to the other and regulates the opening and closing based upon electronic signals and computer commands that even out the performance and brings the process evolution to its maximum effectiveness.

Many claims as to the benefits of this computerized DynoValve system process center around two major areas. It is GREEN and it makes one's vehicle more fuel efficient.

The DynoValve is GREEN because it allows for a greater, more complete burning of the fuel and other materials in the cylinder of the engine due to the increased breath-ability of the engine itself. The carbon particulate matter from the fuel and the gasses from the crankcase being more effectively burned, along with the catalytic converter, knocks the emissions to a nearly un-measurable level.

The GREEN and fuel efficient Hummer H2 stretch limousine with DynoValve. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

The DynoValve is more fuel efficient due to the fact the fuel is being burned more thoroughly because of the computerized DynoValve system process, a greater level of power is delivered by the engine so the performance is enhanced and less gas pedal is required to achieve the same performance results. An increase in the vehicle's gas consumption performance in miles per gallon of 30% is not unrealistic. One limousine company has documented an increase in MPG performance by as much as 300% under some specific driving conditions and a 200% increase is common.

This begs the question "Can this be tested and an article be developed by one of the journalists who became aware of the DynoValve at MPG Track Day to show the results one might be able to achieve on an everyday pick-up truck?"

The F250 "test-bed". Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

The installation happened yesterday on a 1995 Ford F250 XLT, 7.5 litre/460 cubic inch V8 powered pick-up that had 55,488.6 original miles on it at the time of install. The truck pretty much averages 10 miles per gallon and there had been times the truck did achieve 12 mpg but these were times where one was traveling out of the San Bernardino Mountains and traveled on the freeway at reduced speeds.

It was discovered during the install procedure that there was a couple of breeches in the truck's vacuum hose array which had the pressure measuring around 17 lbs. (normal pressure is about 20 lbs.). After installation of the DynoValve and the replacement of the compromised hoses, the operation of the truck's PCV vacuum system was restored back to 20 lbs. (full slideshow here).

Installed DynoValve. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

This posting will be the first of a series of articles spawned from the testing of Savi Corporation's computerized DynoValve system process installed on this writer's 1995 Ford F250 XLT, 7.5 liter/460 cubic inch V8 powered pick-up truck.

... notes from The EDJE

Saturday, September 18, 2010

It's Put-Up Or Shut-Up Time For Will Power At Twin Ring Motegi

Twin Ring Motegi (ツインリンクもてぎ, Tsuin Rinku Motegi?) is an automobile racing track located at Motegi, Japan. Its name comes from the fact that there are two race tracks at the facility: a 2.493-kilometer (1.549 mi) oval and a 4.8-kilometer (2.98 mi) road course. It was built in 1997 by Honda, as part of Honda's effort to bring the IndyCar Series to Japan, helping to increase their knowledge of American open-wheel racing. The oval course is the only one of its kind in Japan, and currently is only used once a year for racing. It is a low-banked, 1.549-mile-long egg-shaped course, with turns 3 and 4 being much tighter than turns 1 and 2. On March 28, 1998, CART held the inaugural race at Twin Ring Motegi Speedway. The race was won by Mexican driver Adrian Fernandez. CART continued racing at Twin Ring Motegi Speedway from 1998-2002. In 2003, Honda entered the Indy Racing League and the race became a part of the IRL schedule. In addition to IndyCar Racing, the track has also hosted a single NASCAR exhibition race in 1998. Honda, which had built the oval for the express purpose of developing its oval-racing program for Indycar Racing, did not win a race at the track for its first six years of operation. In 2004, Dan Wheldon took the first win for Honda on the oval. In 2008, the Motegi oval gained additional publicity when Danica Patrick became the first woman to win an Indy car race there. Caption & Image Credit: Wikipedia

It's Put-Up Or Shut-Up Time For Will Power At Twin Ring Motegi


Qualifications for the IZOD IndyCar Series penultimate 2010 season race Japan 300 being held at Twin Ring Motegi, Tochigi, Japan finds the season points leader Will Power of Verizon Penske Racing in P3 along side Dario Franchitti of Target Chip Ganassi in P4, who at just 17 points behind, is looking to close the gap before the final race.

Tonight is time for Will Power to put-up or shut-up if he wishes to capture his first ever open-wheel championship in the IZOD IndyCar Series ... where as Dario Franchitti seeks his third championship in four years and is in his element on an oval track.

The reason it is time for Will Power to take command is that he will not find a better chance over these last two races on oval tracks to put distance between himself and Dario Franchitti because of two main factors:

1) Twin Ring Motegi is not a symmetrical track. The track is designed with a large corner at one end and a very tight corner at the other end which gives an edge to the driver that has the greater attention to detail - advantage Power ... the IZOD IndyCar Series inaugural 2010 Mario Andretti Road Course Trophy winner.

2) The front row is filled with Penske Racing teammates Helio Castroneves in P1 and Ryan Briscoe in P2. With a little creative team management during the course of the race aired on Versus 11:00 PM ET tonight.

Dario's challenge will be made a little more difficult in that he will start the race with three Andretti Autosport cars directly behind, all wanting a piece of this Japanese pie. Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti, Tony Kanaan and Ryan Hunter-Reay are behind Franchitti, and E.J. Viso of KV Racing Technology recorded his best start on an oval this season in eighth. Panther Racing's Dan Wheldon will start ninth.

Scott Dixon, Dario's Target Chip Ganassi teammate will be starting nine positions behind at P11 and qualified over one-half a second behind at -.5320 of a second. It will be difficult for Dario to find any partners to run with whereas Will has a chance to be shepherded to a high finishing position before the final race to be held at the symmetrical style oval Homestead-Miami Raceway on October 2, 2010.

How they line up at Twin Ring Motegi:

Pos Driver Team Speed
1. Helio Castroneves Penske 201.992mph
2. Ryan Briscoe Penske 201.594mph
3. Will Power Penske 201.463mph
4. Dario Franchitti Ganassi 200.964mph
5. Marco Andretti Andretti 200.187mph
6. Tony Kanaan Andretti 200.011mph
7. Ryan Hunter-Reay Andretti 199.623mph
8. EJ Viso KV 199.487mph
9. Dan Wheldon Panther 199.225mph
10. Takuma Sato KV 199.191mph
11. Scott Dixon Ganassi 199.020mph
12. Danica Patrick Andretti 198.935mph
13. Bertrand Baguette Conquest 198.794mph
14. Vitor Meira Foyt 197.950mph
15. Alex Lloyd Dale Coyne 197.556mph
16. Graham Rahal Newman/Haas 197.402mph
17. Hideki Mutoh Newman/Haas 197.361mph
18. Justin Wilson Dreyer & Reinbold 196.850mph
19. Raphael Matos De Ferran Dragon 193.813mph
20. Mario Moraes KV 196.460mph
21. Roger Yasukawa Conquest 196.296mph
22. Paul Tracy Dreyer & Reinbold 195.709mph
23. Alex Tagliani FAZZT 195.483mph
24. Simona de Silvestro HVM 193.561mph
25. Milka Duno Dale Coyne 192.527mph

... notes from The EDJE

Friday, September 17, 2010

Good & Rich - BFGoodrich & The 2010 MPG Track Day

The Editor's Mustang at MPG Track Day, Show and Shine.
aMPG members line up to check in for the two day MPG Track Day event presented by BFGoodrich Tires. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

Good & Rich - BFGoodrich & The 2010 MPG Track Day

You know the old saying ... it is never bad to be too Good (lucky) and too Rich ... well the Motor Press Guild's 2010 Track Day sponsored by the BFGoodrich Tire company held September 14th and 15th was a healthy dose of Good & Rich for the nearly 200 journalists gathered at the Auto Club Speedway.

Automobile manufacturers placed 109 cars throughout the infield paddock area for journalists to drive and test in two major driving circumstances of "Street" and "Track". The purpose of The 2010 MPG Track Day being that these manufacturers could have the unique opportunity to impact those journalists who are compelled to communicate what they encountered, experienced, or were presented about the state and nature of the 2011 automobile selling season. For nearly all who gathered to be exposed to this event, judging by the hub-bub that preceded the event banquet and awards presentation, this event was at the barest minimum ... Good & Rich.

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

MPG president James Bell said before the event, “The relationship with BFGoodrich Tires and our many other corporate partners helps MPG deliver an affordable Track Day event that meets the high expectations established by previous events and best supports the mission of the guild's working automotive journalists. With the participation of BFGoodrich Tires we are on track to deliver the most productive and newsworthy event in the guild's history, one in keeping with my ‘make it fun’ mantra."

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)


“BFGoodrich Tires is honored to be presenting sponsor of Motor Press Guild’s Track Day,” said Tom Jupena, marketing communications manager, BFGoodrich Tires. “It is a great event and provides us the opportunity to expose a very influential group of people to our valued partners as well as demonstrate the grip, acceleration and toughness of the BFGoodrich tire lineup.”

The event was a huge success largely due to the involvement of the title sponsor, BFGoodrich Tires. They made their commitment to participate as the title sponsor of the Motor Press Guild's Track Day event in a short time before the timing of the event ... but even-though they had only a few weeks to respond to this opportunity, they were able to commandeer a transporter and some partners with several example specialty cars to show of their tires in the many applications they were designed for.

Image Credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

Further, their influence of professionalism in event presentation had a positive effect on the way the rest of the participating sponsors were able to show off what they had to say as well. For the first time in the memory of many of the members of longstanding ... this MPG Track Day had the glisten of a SEMA show with all of the exhibitors, sponsors, and automobile manufacturers placing their best foot forward in their effort and message placed before this crowd of dedicated communicators.

This excerpted and edited from BFGoodrich Tires press kit materials about the presenting partners associated with the BFG MPG Track Day participation -

Rich Evans Designs


Image Credit: Rich Evens Designs

Owner of Huntington Beach Bodyworks and Rich Evans Designs, Evans is a
master automotive fabricator, welder and painter. His custom-made rides have
appeared in numerous movies and television programs, including Pimp My
Ride, Monster Garage, Man Cave and Chop, Cut & Rebuild. The Southern
California native also recently debuted a new iPhone App, "The Rides of Rich
Evans."

His one-of-a-kind Mopar-flavored ride for the 2010 SEMA Show will begin with
a base 2010 Dodge Challenger. Evans will employ an array of Mopar parts,
some modified with his own fabricated spin, in order to create a new
automotive work of art. Rich Evans Exclusive Parts, as well as products from
numerous aftermarket suppliers, will be used during the build, which will be
documented in a series of podcast videos posted to Mopar's YouTube
channel. Evans will also pen exclusive blogs for posting on www.mopar.com,
as well as his own Web site, www.huntingtonbeachbodyworks.com.

"Rich Evans has crafted some of the most remarkable customized rides on the
street today," said Pietro Gorlier, President & CEO - Mopar Service, Parts &
Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. "This Mopar SEMA project will
demonstrate to our customers what they can create with proven, quality-tested
Mopar parts and accessories."

Hurst Performance Vehicles

Hurst Performance Vehicles, a company responsible for some of the most iconic pace cars in racing history, will once again debut a special-edition Mustang built to serve as the official pace car for the 2010 Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Series.
----
Larry H. Miller Dealership Group has confirmed that it will partner with Hurst Performance to donate the vehicle for this project. Other partners of the project include Whelen Engineering, Ford Racing, BFGoodrich Tires. Motorsports artist and Roger Warrick will create original art for promotional items.

“Hurst has a history of creating unique, high-quality, emotionally-charged muscle cars and the 2010 Hurst Ford Racing Mustang Challenge pace car is no different,” said Nate Shelton, Chairman of Hurst Performance Vehicles. “We are so proud to have yet another opportunity to set the pace for others to follow and give something back to a deserving organization.”

The stunning Hurst Ford Racing Mustang Challenge Pace Car comes equipped with 20” BFGoodrich g-Force™ T/A®KDW tires for maximum performance and attitude, 20” Hurst polished, forged aluminum wheels and a Hurst Competition/Plus shifter with a black T-handle.

The engine pounds out 550-horsepower, or nearly 200-horsepower more than the FR500S race Mustangs, and 542 lb.-ft of torque, courtesy of the Ford Racing polished supercharger, Ford Racing FR500S stainless-steel cat-back exhaust and K&N filter. With its race bred Ford Racing suspension, this car is sure to keep people straining just to see it zoom by. And to stop all this power, the car is equipped with an upgraded braking system featuring 14" rotors and 4-piston calipers, also from Ford Racing.






ICON


ICON JOINS TIRE PARTNER BFGOODRICH TO INTRODUCE MOTOR PRESS GUILD MEMBERS TO FJ AND NEW CJ3B VEHICLE LINE UP

BFGoodrich Tires Special Guest ICON Founder Jonathan Ward Presents the Very Best in Vintage Inspired Modern Day Utility to Members of the Motor Press Guild, (9/13)

Serving as the special guest of BFGoodrich Tires, ICON Founder Jonathan Ward looks forward to bringing the company’s Baja FJ40 and new CJ3B bespoke utility vehicles to the Motor Press Guild (MPG). Known for infusing modern day engineering with the very best in classical design elements to make rugged off-road ready designs, Ward has enjoyed an exclusive partnership with BFGoodrich as the sole tire provider for all ICON vehicles. As the designer and lead builder of all ICON vehicles, Ward was honored with BFGoodrich’s invitation to display various ICON vehicles and looks forward to continuing to partner with BFGoodrich on future projects.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to show members of the Motor Press Guild what ICON is all about and were extremely happy to hear about the invite from our partner in tires, BFGoodrich,” comments ICON Founder and Chief Builder Jonathan Ward. “With the MPG’s obvious passion for automotive, we feel members will have a blast seeing what classic elements we incorporate into our various vehicle designs and the commitment we take in melding them with modern day technology and build materials.”

Samuel Hübinette Racing

Image Credit: Matt Galantuomini

A newcomer in X Games 16, professional stunt driver and two-time Formula Drift champ Samuel Hübinette adds rallycross to his list of successes behind the wheel, with a Bronze medal win in RallyCar Super Rally. "I'm very happy with the combined effort ACP Racing, BFGoodrich Tires, Sparco, Stack Performance, DV Wraps and ES Motorsports made for us to be here," said Hübinette.

He and X Games teammate Andrew Comrie-Picard of ACP Racing each piloted Mitsubishi Evolutions to Bronze medal finishes, with Comrie-Picard taking the medal in the RallyCar Racing event. While his teammate elected to compete in both RallyCar events this year, Hübinette said, "We decided to save the car and only run in the Super Rally event." We saw drivers like Travis Pastrana braking their cars before the SuperRally started, so we were happy with our decision.

Skip Barber Racing Schools

Image Credit: Skip Barber Racing

For more than 30 years, Skip Barber Racing has operated a fully integrated system of racing schools, driving schools, racing championships, corporate events and OEM events across North America. With more than 200 dedicated and passionate professionals, no other organization delivers the same high quality instruction, equipment, facilities and memorable experiences.

THE OFFERINGS:
• The Skip Barber Racing School is held at more than 20 of the most prestigious race tracks in North America.

• Skip Barber Mazda Driving School, utilizing Mazda's performance sedans and sports cars, operates at five world-famous destination locations.

• The Skip Barber Race Series is collectively three separate, equal-car racing championships — the BFGoodrich/Skip Barber National Presented by Mazda, an entry level professional open-wheel series which awards a $350,000 title bonus to its champion, a regional amateur open-wheel series, and the Skip Barber MAZDASPEED Challenge, an amateur championship featuring identically prepared MX-5 Miata race cars. All the series are part of Mazda's unique MAZDASPEED Motorsports Development ladder system.

• The Corporate Events unit creates custom racing and driving programs for companies of any size that desire special, exciting events to train, entertain, educate and reward.

• OEM Events provides unique, specialized automotive-related training, analysis, evaluation, logistics and consultation.

THE VEHICLES:
• 201 racecars: With 70 Formula Skip Barber and 61 Mazda MX-5 Cup racecars for the Racing School and Corporate Events and 70 Formula Skip Barber race cars for the three racing championships, it is the largest racecar fleet in the world.

• More than 94 passenger/street cars: BMW 330i sedans, Lexus IS F, Lotus Exige S, Mazda RX-8s, MX-5s and MAZDA3s, and Porsche 911s, Caymans and Boxsters for use in the Driving School and Corporate Events.

• 30 transport and support vehicles: Ford Econoline vans and Mazda CX-9s. Skip Barber cars and parts are maintained at five base locations around the country. With the largest race car fleet in the world, we can deploy transporters and school staff to tracks nationwide.

Team Hybrid


Image Credit: Team Hybrid

Team Hybrid stands for a rich tradition in creativity, originality, and quality. “The idea is to create a team with a diversity of hardworking members and a special individuality to every car. By providing the Team with goals to strive for, each member spends countless hours of time, effort, and dedication to show “Hybrid luv and our purpose. It’s not just about winning a show or a race. It’s about getting there as a team”.

Team Hybrid launched January 7th, 1995 in Oxnard, CA when James Lin decided his ride would complement his peers who value and respect his work. Everyone knows it’s easy to gather a group of friends, and just give it a title to start a Team, but in contrast, James, the co-leaders, members and hunnyz have built a team of legendary status and respect.

Wide Open Excursions

Flogging an OEM’s latest offerings around the track is perhaps the one of the most entertaining times to be had on pavement. You get to push vehicles that few have driven to their limits and potentially marvel over the latest vehicle technologies. Not a bad way to spend a couple of days.

Now add the following: dirt, challenging terrain, sand, water, and air (as in you will definitely be getting some air; see picture, top right). Wide Open Excursions, the world’s most unique high-speed, adrenaline-filled adventure provider, and partner BF Goodrich will have on display at the Auto Club Speedway during MPG’s Track Day event the very vehicle that will allow you to live out this scenario.

It’s called the Desert Challenge Car and it’s a $100,000 purpose-built off-road racer with a Subaru engine, custom suspension with a massive 18” of travel, suspended racing seats, and BF Goodrich off-road racing tires. Since 2000, more than 121 Desert Challenge Cars have run the Baja 1000 and have continuously survived the brutal conditions and attrition rate to post one of the most successful records for any off-road vehicle.





... notes from The EDJE

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Grand-Am Rolex, Continental Tire, Final Races of 2010 ... A Photo Log

The Turner Crew going through its pre-race routine. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


Getting the driver belted in before the race. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


The Turner Crew going through its pre-race routine. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


BMW Power Rules! Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


BMW-Powered Daytona Prototype. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


One of the best, Bill Auberlen driving for BMW and the Turner Team. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


The Turner Team. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


Corvette GT Car - lined up and ready to go. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


The Gainsco, Red Dragon # 99 of Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


Brumos DP of David and Darren. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


MAZDASPEED RX-8 on the grid. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


JG Sport RX-8 at Miller. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


Dempsey Racing drivers - Patrick, Charles, and Joe. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


Patrick, Charles, and Joe's #40 RX-8 on the grid. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


The first three Podium press conference in DP. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


Turner BMW M6. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


Chris interviews Scott Pruett. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


Championship Winning Telmex, Riley car (Powered by Dinan BMW Engines). Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


Scott Pruett. Image Credit: Dicken Wear (2010)


The Rolex and Continental Tire Sports Cars Series are now over for the 2010 Race Season. Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas in the Telmex, Riley, BMW are the Co-Champions once again.

The Gainsco, Red Dragon # 99 of Alex Gurney and Jon Fogarty were second, while the Suntrust Riley driven well by Ricky Taylor and Max Angelelli was third.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Electric-Powered Vehicle Sets New WLSR At Bonneville

the Venturi Buckeye Bullet 2.5 on its way to hitting a top measured speed of 320 miles per hour in a measured mile. Image Credit: Barry Hathaway

Electric-Powered Vehicle Sets New WLSR At Bonneville


A new world land speed record (WLSR) has been set this week for an electric-powered vehicle.

The Bullet Buckeye team from Ohio State University standing aside the Venturi Buckeye Bullet 2.5. Image Credit: Barry Hathaway

A streamliner designed car named the Venturi Buckeye Bullet 2.5 hit an average speed of 307.7mph (495km/h) September 8, 2010 on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah.

The Venturi Buckeye Bullet 2.5 as it is ready to take its first run on the salt. Image Credit: Barry Hathaway

The Venturi Buckeye Bullet 2.5 on its way to a two run average of 307.7mph (495km/h). The two run average is awaiting official certification from the FIA. Image Credit: Barry Hathaway

The Buckeye Bullet 2.5 was built in collaboration with engineering teams from the Center for Automotive Research at Ohio State University, along with support from A123 Systemsand Venturi Automobiles, a French company. A professional driver was behind the wheel when the record was set.


The Buckeye Bullet 2.5 topped out at 320 miles per hour at one point, the Bullet must have been able to reach its maximum speed traveling in both directions within 60 minutes before the world record can be certified by the Federation Interationale de l’Automobile (FIA).

... notes from The EDJE

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

First Authorized Film Biography Of Ayrton Senna Due Out Soon

Ayrton Senna as he collects his thoughts before the start of the San Marino Grand Prix on May 1, 1994. Image Credit: ferrariferrariferrari.blogspot.com

First Authorized Film Biography Of Ayrton Senna Due Out Soon

The first authorized film biography of Ayrton Senna due out soon and a trailer, with mixed Japanese subtitles and narration has been leaked on YouTube.

The movie is set for release some time before the end of 2010. It is rumored it will include unseen footage of the racing driver who many feel is the greatest of all time. It will chronicle the three-time Formula 1 champion's career from his start in Grand Prix racing with the Toleman team in 1984 at his home race in Brazil, through his death while leading the San Marino Grand Prix at the Imola circuit in Italy in 1994.


British filmmaker Asif Kapadia is directing the project. His credits include The Warrior, which won the British Academy of Film and Television Arts award for Best British Film in 2001.

Senna is considered by many to be the best driver in Formula One history. The Brazilian won three world championships and was known for his daring and flashy driving style. “I don’t know driving in another way which isn’t risky,” Senna famously said. “Each one has to improve himself. Each driver has its limit. My limit is a little bit further than other’s.”

Senna died in 1994 in an accident at the San Marino Grand Prix, while he was still in the prime of his career. And in the end, it was not a daring passing maneuver that claimed his life, but his car simply (and unexpectedly) went off course at a high-speed corner and hit a concrete wall. The cause of the crash has been fraught with controversy (whether it was equipment failure or human error) and in 2004, National Geographic reconstructed the events that led to the fatal crash as part of its “Seismic Seconds” television series.

The movie has been fully sanctioned by both Senna's family and Bernie Ecclestone, produced by Working Title Films (the company behind the movies “Fargo” and “Notting Hill”) and is said to be set for a worldwide theatrical release with distribution by Universal Pictures.

... notes from The EDJE