Great Start Takes Patrick Long to Pirelli World Challenge GT Victory

Young Alec Udell Wins Second GTA Race; 

Preston Calvert Takes GT Cup Again.

Porsche Takes Three GT/GTA/GT Cup Class Titles in Wheel-to-Wheel Action

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (March 12, 2017) – Veteran Patrick Long of Manhattan Beach, Calif., took advantage of a wild first turn skirmish Sunday and drove his No. 58 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R to victory in the GT Round 2 of the Pirelli World Challenge Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by Case●It on the harborside 1.8-mile, 14-turn temporary street circuit. Young Alec Udell of The Woodlands, Tex., captured his second straight GTA title Sunday and Preston Calvert of Potomac, Md., scored a second GT Cup win.

Long, 34, started third in the 24-car lineup and followed Saturday GT winner Alvaro Parente into turn one in the 50-minute sprint race when reigning GT champion Parente went wide on the slippery Albert Whited Airport front straightaway. When Parente’s No. 9 K-PAX Racing McLaren 650S slid wide at the end of the long straight, Long dove into turn one and grabbed the top position.  From that point, Long never looked back in scoring his ninth career Pirelli World Challenge GT triumph and taking the early GT class point lead.

Long, who raised $81,000 Wednesday evening with co-host and St. Pete IndyCar Series winner Sebastien Bourdais for All Children’s Hospital in the annual “Karts4Kids” charity event, had to hold off the challenge late in the 39-lap GT feature of four-time GT champion Johnny O’Connell of Flowery Branch, Ga., in the No. 3 Cadillac Racing Cadillac ATS-V.R., pole sitter Alex Riberas of Spain in the No. 61 R. Ferri Motorsports Ferrari 488 GT3 and Parente. Long’s victory margin was 1.475-seconds.

The factory Porsche driver used that initial turn one move on the first lap to gain a five-car length advantage over O’Connell, the 20-time race winner in PWC, and actually extend his lead to 3.4 seconds by lap 30.  A late race caution period caused by Saturday’s runner-up finish, Australian JD Davison of Miami, Fla., closed up the field and put pressure on Long’s margin. On the lap 37 restart, Patrick pulled out a 1.8-second lead before taking the checkered flag. Long currently leads the provisional GT points with 46.

O’Connell finished second, Riberas third, Parente fourth and young Michael Cooper of Syosset, N.Y., in the No. 8 Cadillac Racing Cadillac ATS-V.R bringing up the fifth position.

“I thought that I had a (Porsche) 911 that was capable of winning all weekend,” said Long. “We went back and did our homework after our P3 qualifying position yesterday and we talked about how it was going to be to go out after IndyCar. The jury was out on if the clean race track and a lot of rubber was going to bode well for us. I think we all learned what the answer was going down into turn one. It was slick and it was just a train wreck basically, cars going in all directions. Luckily I was able to learn from my mistake yesterday and keep the car on the line and from there it was just clean air and I was able to reach the potential of what I thought the car had in it all weekend. We were running pretty hard. Johnny (O'Connell) had the capability of reeling me in when he had the pressure from Riberas in the Ferrari so I was actually pushing as hard as I could. I've been with Porsche for close to 15 years, I'm still a factory driver.  The head of Porsche North America asked me what I wanted to do. I said I wanted to win this championship. I wanted to come in rested and hungry like the rest of these guys that I'm up against. We have more competition than ever this year.”

The popular O’Connell dodged the wild first turn mayhem and challenged Long throughout the GT event, while fighting with Riberas and Parente in a spirited battle that saw bumper-to-bumper action.  

“At the start, you always expect guys to get in this Turn One hot and run a little long,” O’Connell said. “Alvaro (Parente) and the Ferrari (Riberas) went way long and that opened up the opportunity for me to fall right into second. In the early couple of laps, I thought I may have had something for Patrick, but, by half distance, my rear tires were just not there. The last 90-degree corner here just does not suit our car. We are great under braking and overall handling, but, that last corner, I just couldn’t match his speed through there this weekend. I couldn’t be more proud of this team to come away with a second and a fourth place finish. A good start to the year for us.”

Riberas, the young sports car star with European racing experience, was impressive in his first Pirelli World Challenge competition including a pole position and third and fourth place finishes in the return of the famed No. 61 R. Ferri Motorsports Ferrari 488 GT3. Alex moved his machine up alongside O’Connell once in turn two in an attempt for the second spot but couldn’t get by the cagey veteran.

"I went on throttle when the green flag went and I already had three cars by my side,” said Riberas. “After that, the car was great. R. Ferri Motorsports guys did a fantastic job, Ferrari Competizione guys did a fantastic job. The car is magnificent. I believe we are strong enough to win this championship. The St. Pete course is hard, especially when you get really close to the walls. It's hard to get the confidence to be on the limit and qualifying was a real challenge to be on top without damaging the car. This is definitely one of the nicest tracks I've driven so far but I think I like all of the U.S. tracks so I'm looking forward to the season.”

Parente came charging back from the first turn slide and pressured Riberas and O’Connell but had to settle for fourth with Cooper fifth. The leading GTA driver, Clemson University mechanical engineering student Udell, in the No. 17 GMG/Euroworld Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R finished sixth overall. It marked Udell’s second GTA class win of the weekend.

Following Udell on the GTA podium Sunday were Michael Schein of Glen Cove, N.Y., in the No. 16 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R and Mike Hedlund of Redwood City, Calif., in the No. 98 K-PAX Racing McLaren 650S.  Calvert took his No. 77 Calvert Dynamics Porsche 911 GT3 Cup to a second consecutive win in the GT Cup category.

“I was able to come out clean in fourth down the straight,” said Udell. “In a situation like that, survival just takes over and you just look for the open space. This year jumping up into the sprint series which is the bread and butter of World Challenge for us to this date there's obviously a lot of very strong guys - Patrick (Long), of course - and getting out there and being able to run with them is quite a good thing for me."

"It's great to be back out there,” said Calvert. “It's fun to drive with drivers that are so able. When you're the slow car in the race because of class difference it's fun to race with these folks and just make sure you don't interfere with their race. It's a short track, there's a lot of cars, and it's very important to keep watching your mirrors."

All Pirelli World Challenge results are provisional until the stewards review and technical inspection are completed.

Sunday’s GT/GTA/GT Cup feature will be highlighted next Saturday (March 18) at 2 p.m. EDT on the CBS Sports Network. The Pirelli World Challenge GT and GTA classes move to another street circuit next month at the legendary Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 7-9 in Southern California for Round 3 in the 2017 tour, North America’s top GT Production-based road racing series. GT Cup competitors next hit the track in the championship-opening SprintX action at VIRginia International Raceway on April 28-30.

Of note, the following awards were issued:

The Optima Batteries Best Start award was issued to Tim Pappas in the No. 54 Black Swan Racing Mercedes AMG GT3 for his move to capture eight positions at the start of the race.

The Cadillac Best Move of the Race was given to race-winner Patrick Long for his jump at the start of the race to take the race-long lead from P3.

VP Racing Fuels Hard Charger Award was given to Daniel Mancinelli of Italy for taking the No. 31 TR3 Racing Italian Shoemaker Ferrari 488 GT3 to a sixth place finish from a P15 start, a gain of nine positions in the race overall.

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St. Petersburg, FL – Provisional results from Sunday, Mar 12, 2017 Pirelli World Challenge Championship GT/GTA/GTC Round 2. All results are Provisional until posted Final.

Pos,PIC,Class,Name,Hometown,Car,Laps,Status

1,1, GT,Patrick LONG,Manhattan Beach, CA,Porsche GT3R,39,Running

2,2, GT,Johnny O'CONNELL,Flowery Branch, GA.,Cadillac ATS-V.R,39,Running

3,3, GT,Alex RIBERAS,TBD,Ferrari 488 GT3,39,Running

4,4, GT,Alvaro PARENTE,Porto, Portugal,GT,39,Running

5,5, GT,Michael COOPER,Huntington, NY.,Cadillac ATS-V.R,39,Running

6,6, GT,Daniel MANCINELLI,Italy,Ferrari 488 GT3,39,Running

7,1, GTA,Alec UDELL,The Woodlands,Porsche GT3R,39,Running

8,7, GT,Ryan DALZIEL,Windermere, FL,Mercedes AMG,39,Running

9,8, GT,Ryan EVERSLEY,Atlanta, GA,Acura NSX GT3,39,Running

10,9, GT,Bryan SELLERS,Braselton, GA,GT,39,Running

11,2, GTA,Michael SCHEIN,Glen Cove,Porsche GT3R,39,Running

12,3, GTA,Mike HEDLUND,Redwood City, CA,GTA,39,Running

13,4, GTA,Pablo Perez COMPANC,Buenos Aires,Mercedes AMG GT3,39,Running

14,5, GTA,James SOFRONAS,Villa Park, CA,Porsche GT3R,39,Running

15,10, GT,Pierre KAFFER,German,Audi R8,39,Running

16,6, GTA,Yufeng LUO,CA,Bentley Continental GT3,39,Running

17,7, GTA,Tim PAPPAS,Boston, MA,Mercedes Benz AMG GT3,38,Running

18,8, GTA,John POTTER,Salt Lake City,Audi RS 3 LMS,38,Running

19,9, GTA,Jorge DE LA TORRE,McAllen, TX,Aston Martin Vantage GT3,37,Running

20,1, GT Cup,Preston CALVERT,Potomac, MD,Porsche 911 GT3 Cup,36,Running

21,11, GT,James DAVISON,St Petersburg, FL,Aston Martin Vantage GT3,32,Not Running

22,12, GT,Adderly FONG,Hong Kong,Bentley Continental GT3,4,Not Running

23,13, GT,Jon FOGARTY,Bend Oregon,Porsche GT3R,0,NC

24,14, GT,Peter KOX,Eindhoven, Netherlands,Acura NSX GT3,0,Not Running

25,2, GT Cup,Marko RADISIC,Belgrade, Serbia,Ferrari Challenge Evo,0,NS

(Story courtesy of: Tom Blattler of SCCA)

Crazy end to a Great weekend of NASCAR Races at LVMS.

Martin Truex, Jr. recorded his eight career victory and his first at LVMS. He's the first driver to win all three stages in a race under the new points system. Truex led 6 times for 150 laps and beat pole winner Brad Keselowski by 1.495 seconds.

"We definitely had our share of races where we've dominated and gave one away and it looked like today was going to be another one of those," said Truex. "I was out of control and Brad (Keselowski) was really good on the long run. I hate that he had problems, he was strong and we weren’t going to do anything with him, but then he lost the brakes or something. A little bit of a gift, but we have given some away, so it feels good to come out on the good end for once."

Truex and Keselowski set the pace by 239 of the 267 laps between them. Keselowski was in control of the lead for the final restart with nine laps to go but fell off the pace and faded back to fifth over the closing laps.

"I just had three-quarter speed," Keselwoski explained. "And when everybody is charging behind you that's gonna cause a wreck. I got out of the way the best I could. We had a great day. We ran up front and we led a lot of laps. We were the fastest car at the end an just didn't come together. That's part of how racing works."

Keselowski's finish was good enough to push him into the points lead by a single point over Kyle Larson. With the victory, Truex moved from 7th to 4th in points. 

While Truex was celebrating his victory with the fans on the frontstretch, a brawl broke out on pit road as Kyle Busch and Joey Logano go at it. Logano gets pulled away while several members of his crew pounce on Busch. Busch was finally subdued and left the scene with a bloody gash above his right eye.

Kyle Larson - Finished 2nd - "What an awesome day for our Target Chevy team. Second in the first stage, third in the second stage and then finished second in the race.  I can't say enough about my team.  I'm so proud of them.  Our race cars are amazing right now. We are going to hopefully, keep building on what we've got and keep challenging for wins and they will come." 

Chase Elliott - Finished 3rd - "We had a really solid car all day.  I felt like we were maybe just a tick off Brad (Keselowski) and the No. 78 (Martin Truex, Jr.) and just needed a little bit more.  I'm going to have to get back and kind of think about what we needed and where we needed to be better at.  Had a poor restart there at the end and kind of got behind, but got lucky to kind of end up where we did with what happened.  I'm really proud of the way we have performed."

 The on-track incident that resulted in Kyle Busch spinning out on the final lap spilled over onto pit road after the race when Busch went after Joey Logano.

The contact occurred when Busch and Logano were racing hard for position in the top five. Brad Keselowski’s ailing Ford only complicated matters.

"I was racing hard there at the end with our Pennzoil Ford," said Logano. "Kyle and I usually race really well together. He tried to pin me down into the corner underneath Brad (Keselowski) and we about crashed on entry. And then I was still trying to gather it up by the center and I was gonna spin out, so I’m trying to chase it up and he was there. It obviously wasn’t anything intentional."
Of course, it wasn’t so obvious to Busch.

"I got dumped," said the Las Vegas native. “He flat out just drove straight in the corner and wrecked me. That’s how Joey races. He’s going to get it.”
According to Logano, Busch wasn’t interested in discussion.

“There wasn’t much talking,” Logano admitted. “There was a lot of swinging. You see him coming. He’s wearing the same (bright yellow) color suit as me. I don’t run from conflict. You just talk about it, but he wasn’t in a talking mood. He was in a fighting mood, I guess.”

Busch got the short end of the confrontation when he ended up on the ground underneath a pile of Logano’s crew members and emerged from the scrum with a bloody face.

Logano finished the race 4th. Busch lost a lap early after a speeding penalty but made it up and was poised to record a solid top-five finish before the spin. Instead he leaves his home track with a 22nd place finish, which ironically matches the number on the side of the car driven by his newest arch enemy. (Story courtesy of LVMS)

Two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Races in 2018 at LVMS.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway will hold a pair of aces next year as the 1.5-mile superspeedway doubles down with a second Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race for the 2018 season and beyond.

The speedway made the announcement at a joint news conference with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority at Cashman Center Wednesday, just two days before the green flag drops on its 2017 NASCAR weekend. LVMS will host the new Monster Energy Cup race beginning in the fall of 2018 in addition to its customary March NASCAR weekend.

LVMS also will welcome a second NASCAR Xfinity Series race beginning in the fall of 2018 and an additional NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race beginning in the spring of 2018, meaning both of the speedway's NASCAR weekends will include races from each of NASCAR's top three series - the Camping World Truck Series, Xfinity Series and Monster Energy Cup Series.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway will become the first facility on the NASCAR schedule to host two annual event weekends with all three national touring series. Official race dates will be announced later by NASCAR as part of the full 2018 schedules.

"This is a tremendous opportunity for Speedway Motorsports and Las Vegas Motor Speedway to create a NASCAR spectacle worthy of the greatest racing in the world and the Entertainment Capital of the World," said Speedway Motorsports, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Marcus Smith.

"It's taken a tremendous amount of work to make this happen, and we are very thankful to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and NASCAR for their support in our endeavor to create a triple-header NASCAR weekend in such a world-class destination."

In 2018, Speedway Motorsports (NYSE: TRK) will realign the September Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races from New Hampshire Motor Speedway and the September NASCAR Xfinity Series race from Kentucky Speedway to create the two triple-header weekends in Las Vegas.

"Fans and tourism officials in New Hampshire and Kentucky should know that we are still very committed to creating motorsports entertainment in those regions," Smith added.

"We will work hard to make sure the July NASCAR race weekends that we will continue to host in New Hampshire and Kentucky are bigger and better than ever before for our fans, sponsors and stakeholders."

LVMS first hosted a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race in 1996, added a NASCAR Xfinity Series race in 1997 and will host its 20th Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series event, the Kobalt 400, this Sunday. The first race held at the 1.5-mile oval was the Indy Racing League's Las Vegas 500K in 1996.

"We're honored that NASCAR has entrusted us with a second NASCAR weekend," LVMS President Chris Powell said. "We've pursued a second NASCAR premier-series race weekend for quite some time, so this news is monumental for everyone at Las Vegas Motor Speedway as well as everyone in our wonderful city."

"Las Vegas and Las Vegas Motor Speedway have become great destinations for NASCAR fans," NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell said. "The experience is unique to any other in our sport. We look forward to having NASCAR racing there for two race weekends in 2018."

The addition of a second NASCAR weekend in Las Vegas will be a big boost for the "Entertainment Capital of the World," and the news was welcomed by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board of Directors at a meeting earlier today.

"We have outstanding support from the LVCVA and other Las Vegas leaders, and we're supremely confident that we'll host two top-notch race weekends," Powell said. "Today's news will create lasting memories for our fans and will provide immeasurable economic impact for Southern Nevada."

"Over the years, Las Vegas has become a major sports city as a popular destination for a variety of championship and professional sports events, and today we are proud to add a second NASCAR Cup race to that roster. Las Vegas, NASCAR and Las Vegas Motor Speedway have developed a strong and successful partnership, and we are certain this second race will prove to be another great success," said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

"Last year's March race attracted more than 115,000 fans, with more than 96,000 coming from out of town, and generated nearly $140 million in economic impact. We have worked with LVMS and NASCAR for years to bring a second Cup race to Las Vegas, and now we are committed to making the fall race just as successful for all of us."

"Las Vegas is the ideal destination for a second NASCAR Cup race, and this addition will delight the thousands of fans who love visiting Southern Nevada to watch their favorite drivers in action," said Lawrence Weekly, chairman of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority board and Clark County commissioner. "As a city, we are uniquely positioned to provide sports fans with a top-notch experience, and our energy and passion are the perfect complement to NASCAR."

LVMS's 2017 NASCAR Weekend begins with the Stratosphere Pole Day on Friday, March 10 with Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series qualifying beginning at 4:45 p.m. (PST). The Xfinity Series Boyd Gaming 300 takes place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, and the weekend's racing culminates on Sunday, March 12, with the Kobalt 400 at 12:30 p.m.

For tickets to all 2017 LVMS events, fans should call 1-800-644-4444 or log on to LVMS.com.

Press release courtesy Neal Reid of LVMS.

Lexus LC 500 Athletic, Artistic, Accomplished

Lexus LC 500h On The Kona Coast. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Lexus LC 500 Athletic, Artistic, Accomplished
by: James Groth, Miles Ahead Communications - Kona, Hawaii - February 2017

“Experience Amazing” is the new tag line for Lexus. The journalists on this media trip certainly did have an amazing experience from the exotic setting of volcanic Kona to the overall performance and striking design of the 2018 Lexus LC 500 and 500h coupes.

Toyota Motor Company committed one billion dollars over a five year development period to launch these Grand Touring Coupes to compete in the Prestige/Luxury Sector of $100,000 cars. The new models arrive in May at a rate of 400 units per month. The low production will add to the exclusiveness prestige clients and early adopters seek. Pricing for the LC 500 will start at $92,000 the LC 500h starts at $96,510.

Lexus LC 500 V8 Showing Its 3D Graphics Tail Lights. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

This project started at the top with president Akido Toyoda. Mr Toyoda changed the culture of Lexus cars from highly reliable generic looking luxury cars to cars with a distinct style and spirited performance. The new models that create powerful emotions from their driver or bystanders.  Mr. Toyoda is also Chief Brand Officer and one of the Lexus Master Drivers, so he is well equipped to inspire as he has with these flagship models.

Lexus LC 500 V8 In Autumn Shimmer Kona, Hawaii. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

The LC coupes are not intended to directly compete with Lamborghini and Ferrari, since these are primarily weekend cars. The target is Mercedes SL, Jaguar F-type and BMW 650, cars that are usable as daily drivers while highly capable as  international touring vehicles. The LC 500 coupes keep the romance of crossing Europe safely at high speed and comfort a practical reality. Note that the LC 500h is particularly fuel efficient for a high performance car, given its EPA rating of 26 city / 35 highway / 30 combined. The V8 version is  EPA rated at 16 /26 /19.

Lexus LC 500 Four Seasons Hotel Kona, Hawaii. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Thees coupes have an entirely new platform designated as GA-L (Global Architecture - Luxury). The design goals that were met are a low center of gravity for improve handling and a chassis stiffness that exceeds even the half million dollar Lexus LFA supercar. During the day long drive roll and lean were never an issue in tight corners. The LC 500 feels as light on its feet as a wide receiver making down field cuts. Co-drivers gave this set up high marks
for comfort and handling.

Lexus LC 500 Road Test Kona, Hawaii. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

I had the opportunity to drive and compare both the 471 horsepower V8 and the 345 horsepower Multi Stage Hybrid V6 with twin electric motors. Both versions have their own personality with only  three-tenths of second  performance variance from 0-60 mph in favor of the V8. The 5.0-liter V8 has DOHC, 32 valves with variable value timing and 398 lb-ft. of torque at 4,800 rpm.Red line is 7,100 rpm and peak torque in held from 4,800 to 5,600 rpm.

The acceleration from a stop is to sixty is a mere 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 168 mph. The V8 weights in at 4,280 lbs. The island’s roads while fine for testing on road handing don’t provide many opportunities for high speed, but that was not essential to get the true spirit of how most owners will enjoy their cars. I found two-lane passing effortless and happening as fast as you can plant your right foot down and snap the paddle shifters.

Gear Shift in Leather and Satin Chrome. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)  

The transmission is a 10-speed Sport Direct Shift with paddle shifter and manual mode.  This multi cam V8 is  exhilarating at any speed without flat spots in its power curve. The 10-speed transmission efficiency wastes none of this power by with its rapid change and seeming endless gearing.

However, the rush that impressed me was the sound and feel of dropping fours gears at ninety. It’s a sound I have only heard on the track when Formula 1 or  Indy Cars or are downshifting. I always thought I really don’t need more than five gears as long as one is an overdrive. This Sport Direct Shift 10-speed changed my mind, not only for the fast times and fuel efficiency but
for the sheer fun of it.

Lexus LC 500h in on Kona Coast. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Power in the 500h is derived from an Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter gas V6 with direct fuel injection, variable value timing and red lining at 6,600-rpm. This engine accounts for 220 kW / 295 HP and torque of 348 Nm / 256.7 lb.-ft @ 4,900 rpm. The MSHS allows the LC 500h to operate the gas engine off at speeds up to 87 mph. Emission certification is LEV lll SULEV30.

Lexus LC 500h in Smokey Granite Mica in Kona, Hawaii. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

The hybrid system includes twin permanent magnet synchronous motor generators. MG1’s function is primary generator, engine starter and control of engine speed. MG2 drives the rear wheels and handles regenerative braking. The compact battery is Lithium-icon made up of 84 cells and is located between the rear seats and luggage compartment. The nominal voltage is 310.8V and the system voltage is 650V. The total systems power is 264 kW / 354 HP. The manufacture times are 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds, outstanding for a car that weighs 4,435 lbs. Lexus says this is their first hybrid that can spin its tires.

Lexus LC 500h Multi-Stage Hybrid logo. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Bill Kwong of Lexus College explained the Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive as keeping the planetary-type continuously variable transmission and adding a unique four-speed transmission. Working in concert,the two gears alter output in four stages to utilize the V6 engine across the entire speed range. In M mode, the two gear sets act together to provide the effect of 10 ratios, giving the LC 500h a highly engaging feel and allowing the driver to shift thought the ratios with paddle shifters.

Lexus LC 500h in Ultra White. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Top speed in the hybrid is electronically limited to155 mph, another indication that this model is not trying to be a track day star. Instead this is a 2+2 is designed for safe touring in comfort at speed. These coupes are front midship engine layouts with rear-wheel drive.

I inquired about the possibility of all-wheel drive. No AWD is planned at this time and in the case of the 500h there in not the space to accommodate the hardware. Given the effectiveness of the suspension that includes double ball joint front suspension AWD should not be draw back. The turning circle curb to curb is a tight 17.7 ft and with the optional Active Rear Steering a mere 17.4 ft.

The Lexus Corporate Identity Design Feature Is Its Spindle Grill. Image Credit: James Groth (2017) 

The spindle grill gives the LC 500 coupes a distinctive recognizable look and is the brands signature design feature. Lexus designed a unique mesh texture that changes visual tension as it spreads across the front of the car.

Compact Triple Projector LED Headlights. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Adding to the sleek look of the front end are ultra compact triple LED headlamps with functional venting.The venting adds aerodynamic stability and cooling.

The Chrome-Plated Moldings Reflect A Traditional Japanese Sword. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

The chrome plated moldings on the edge of the roof are meant to represent the lines of a traditional Japanese sword. Even the rear tail lights have a design element to them not previously seen. The tail lights use mirrors to create a three dimensional series of L-shaped graphics.

The standard wheels are 20” cast aluminum with run flats Fr. 245/45RF20. and Rr. 275/40RF20. There optional forged aluminum 20” Fr. 245/45RF/20 and Rr. 275/45/20 and 21”Fr. 245/45RF20 and Rr. 275/35RF21. The front brakes have 6-piston calipers and the rear have 4-piston calipers.

Materials and Details Showcase ’Takumi’ Craftsmanship Artisan Design. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

The interior appointments of the monotone interior are exquisite with switches that are intuitive requiring little movement to reach.  An 8” LCD display with Eco driving indicator is set low in the cockpit in keeping with the low center of gravity objective. The door handles are sculptures in satin chrome. Alcantara door panels have a wave effect artistically complimenting the lines of the dash. All of the interior stitching is done by hand and is so precise
it’s hard to tell.                          

The Satin Chrome Door Handles Are Sculptures. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Thankfully Lexus designers have retained an upright gearshift lever rather than a ‘pop up dial shifter’. A 10.3 inch multi-information display combines graphic user interface with upgradeable software along with latest remote touch interface touchpad.

The instrument binnacle is unique in its singular design and look. It is the lasted version of thin film transistor display tech, first introduced on the LFA supercar. Front seats are 10-way power in leather, rear seats are Nu Luxe.

Traditional it is not, the LC 500 may be setting the new contemporary look for functionality.  It is understandable why the LC 500 was selected as “Best Design Interior”.

10-Way Power Front Seats in Leather, Rears in NuLuxe. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

The test LC 500h came equipped with the optional Mark Levinson 835 watt, 7.1 channel,13-speaker system  tailored to the LC interior and will attract audiophiles seeking a reference quality setup. This system includes Claire-Fi music restoration tech that enhances playback by analyzing and improving the sound quality of compressed digitized music.

Also, there are Sport, Performance and Touring Packages to further personalize the LC5 500h. As expected in this level of automobile all the latest safety systems are standard and include pre-collision with pedestrian detection, all-speed radar cruise control, lane departure with steering assist, sway warning and intelligent high beam system.

Lexus LC 500 An Aggressive Design and Stance Backed Up by Its Performance. Image Credit: James Groth (2017)

Lexus already has ‘reliable’,’trusted’ and ‘practical' in their consumer confidence deck, now they are adding the emotional appeal of ‘high style design' to their hand of cards. For some the trump card may be the offering of a hybrid model with unrivaled fuel efficiency for its sector; the figures are worth repeating 26 city / 35 highway / 30 combined.




TAGS: Lexus, Lexus 500, Lexus 500h, Experience Amazing, Toyota Motor Company, James Groth  

KAITLIN OLSON, STAR OF FOX’S HIT ‘THE MICK’ WILL LEAD THE FIELD TO START AUTO CLUB 400

KAITLIN OLSON, STAR OF FOX’S HIT ‘THE MICK’ WILL LEAD THE FIELD TO START AUTO CLUB 400.

FONTANA, Calif. (March 6, 2017) – Auto Club Speedway announced today that Kaitlin Olson, star of FOX’s hit comedy, THE MICK, will be behind the wheel of the Official NASCAR 2017 Toyota Camry Pace Car as she leads the field before the start of the Auto Club 400 airing Sunday, March 26, at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET, on FOX. 

As the official pace car driver, Olson will lead the top Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers to the green flag to kick off the Auto Club 400.

THE MICK, airing Tuesdays (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX and has been renewed for a second season. Olson also stars on the critically acclaimed cult hit “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” which entered its 11th season in January 2016.  Additionally, Olson was seen in Pixar Animation’s “Finding Dory,” in which she voiced the role of “Destiny,” a whale shark that taught “Dory” to speak whale. 

Olson also appeared in FOX’s hit feature comedy, “The Heat,” opposite Melissa McCarthy and Academy Award winner Sandra Bullock, and directed by Paul Feig. Additional feature credits include Universal’s romantic comedy, “Leap Year,” with five-time Academy Award nominee Amy Adams; and the festival darling “Weather Girl,” alongside Jane Lynch and Mark Harmon.

To see Olson during pre-race ceremonies and drive the Toyota Camry Pace Car, purchase tickets by calling 800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com. (Story and Photo Courtesy ACS)

Jimmie Johnson gets 6th Plaque at ACS Walk of Fame.

HOMETOWN HERO, AUTO CLUB 400 WINNER JIMMIE JOHNSON TO GET RECORD 6th PLAQUE ON AUTO CLUB SPEEDWAY’S WALK OF FAME

What:  El Cajon, Calif. native Jimmie Johnson, winner of the 2016 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400, will be inducted into the Speedway’s Walk of Fame.

Johnson won his first NASCAR Cup race in his career at Auto Club Speedway in 2002, and grabbed his other four wins on Auto Club Speedway’s two-mile oval in a six-race stretch from 2007-10. His five runner-up finishes at ACS are also a record.

Ticket holders are welcome to watch the Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony.

When:             Friday, March 24, 2017

                        9:20 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. PT

Where:            Auto Club Speedway 

Outside the O’Reilly Auto Parts Fan Zone at Gate B

                        9300 Cherry Ave. Fontana, CA 92335

                        1-800-944-RACE (7223)

                        www.autoclubspeedway.com

Press release courtesy of ACS.

Auto Club Speedway Fan Fest in Fontana, CA.

NEW HAULER PARADE ROUTE AND FANFEST RETURNS ON 

THURSDAY NIGHT TO KICK OFF NASCAR AUTO CLUB 400

What:   Back by popular demand, FanFest welcomes the community to celebrate Auto Club Speedway’s 20^th Anniversary and to kick-off the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 race weekend.  The signature parade of over 40 NASCAR Haulers has a new route throughout the facility where fans can wave, take photos and cheer for their favorite NASCAR driver and race team.  

The free community event features NASCAR driver appearances on the main stage, live music, vendors and family-friendly entertainment in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Fan Zone at Auto Club Speedway.

In the spirit of the Speedway’s 20^th Anniversary “Track Reunion” theme, two lucky Infield fans will be crowned Homecoming King & Queen by NASCAR Hall of Fame driver, Darrell Waltrip. 

4:00 pm. – 6:00 p.m. NASCAR Haulers Staged in Lot 1 – Viewing Area

5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Last Call Performance on Main Stage

6 p.m. – 6:25 p.m.             Q&A: NASCAR XFINITY Driver Darrell Wallace Jr.

6:30 p.m. Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Hauler Parade 

7:20 p.m. – 7:40 p.m. Q&A: Austin Dillon Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Driver

7:40 p.m. – 8 p.m. Q&A: Darrell Waltrip, NASCAR Hall of Fame Driver,

8 p.m. Announcement of Fan Homecoming King & Queen 

8 p.m. – 9 p.m. No Duh (No Doubt tribute band) on Main Stage   

When:  Thursday, March 23, 2017 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

Where: Auto Club Speedway, 9300 Cherry Avenue, Fontana, CA 92359

Cost: Free to Public and Parking is Free

Info: For more information about FanFest, Hauler Parade and to purchase tickets to the Auto Club 400, call 800-944-RACE (7223), or visit www.autoclubspeedway.com/FanFest 

Press release courtesy,Hillary Angel of ACS.