LA Coliseum Hosts First 2022 Chariot Race

Trackside View of the LA Coliseum prior to the Busch Light CLASH.  Image Credit: 2022 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

LA Coliseum Hosts First 2022 Chariot Race

Words and Images By:  Brandon O'Brien, unless otherwise stated

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has a long and varied past.  Conceived as a hallmark of civic pride as a memorial to Los Angeles veterans of World War I it was completed in 1923.  It will be the first stadium to have hosted the Summer Olympics three times when it hosts the 2028 Summer Games.  The stadium previously hosted the Summer Olympics in 1932 and 1984. 

The 2022 Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum Logo painted in the infield area.  Image Credit: 2022 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Coliseum was the home of the Los Angeles Rams from 1946 to 1979 and is the current home of the USC Trojan football team. It was also the site for Super Bowl's I and VII as well as the 1959 World Series.

Following the illustrious past of the gladiators and Olympians at the Coliseum the NASCAR chariots will attempt to tame the 0.25 mile oval.  The race is generally staged as a pre-season exhibition race at the Daytona International Speedway.  This will be the first race for the Next Gen chassis.

Next Gen is the common name for the new racecar.  It is a further evolution of the Generation 6 car, the Next Gen features improved aero and downforce packages while introducing new technologies on the track. 

Next Gen car ready for Technical Inspection. Image Credit: 2022 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images 

It is equipped with a sequential shifter, single center-lock wheel nut, 670-horsepower engines, rack-and-pinion steering, an independent rear suspension, carbon fiber-reinforced body panels, and a rear-end diffuser.

In addition, the Next Gen car is meant to lower costs and attract new original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to compete with Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota.

The 2022 event was open to 36 charter teams and 4 open teams. The event was composed of 350 laps in 7 races.  4 - 25 lap heat races of ten drivers with the top 4 drivers of each race advancing to The Clash.  2 - 50 lap Last Chance Qualifier races, for those drivers that did not qualify in the previous four races, with the top 3 drivers of each race advancing.  Finally the top non-qualifying 2021 points leader advanced to The Clash and started in the last spot.  Twenty-three drivers competed in the 150 lap main event. 

The drivers took to the track for the first time for practice on Saturday morning and they appeared to be very happy with both the Next Gen car as well as the track.  A number of drivers commented on "how well the new car turned as compared to the previous generation".  They were also impressed with the grip afforded by the new wider tires and the quality of the temporary track surface.  After the short practice session the track would remain quiet until Saturday evening when qualifying for the heat races would take place.

The starting order for the heat races was determined by a formula based on each drivers' qualifying time posted Saturday night.  The fastest driver would be in heat 1.  The second fastest would be in heat 2, etc.  Kyle Busch posted the best time with a 13.745 second lap. The slowest car posted a time of 14.471 seconds. One driver mentioned that on this track the 0.726 second difference was pretty significant. 

The heat races started on Sunday morning.  The top four positions for The Clash would be determined by the top finishing car from each heat race.  Kyle Busch controlled the first heat race and would start on the pole.  Tyler Reddick did the same for the second heat race and would start outside Busch for The Clash.  

Kyle Busch driving the #18 M&M's Toyota Camry when qualifying for the Heat Races at the LA Coliseum.  Image Credit: 2022 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Tyler Reddick in the #8 Guaranteed Rate Chevrolet Camero when qualifying for the Heat Races at the LA Coliseum.  Image Credit: 2022 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The second row was comprised of Justin Haley and Joey Logano.

Justin Haley in the #31 Leaf  Filter Gutter Protection Chevrolet Camero during qualifying for the Heat Races at the LA Memorial Coliseum.  Image Credit: 2022 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Joey Logano in the #22 Shell Penzoil Ford Mustang during qualifying for the Heat Races at the LA Memorial Coliseum.  Image Credit: 2022 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Clash started as shadows began to emerge along the front straight. Tyler Reddick in the #8 Chevrolet took little time to charge ahead of Kyle Busch's #18 Toyota and they continued to swap positions for the first 4 laps.  

Tyler Reddick in the #8 Guaranteed Rate Chevrolet bumping Kyle Busch's race leading #18 M&M's Toyota.  Image Credit: 2022 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images 

From laps 4 through 53 Reddick seemed to have the best handling car.  Following an incident between  # 47 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and #21 Harrison Burton, Reddick failed to accelerate at the restart.  He later attributed this to a broken transaxle.  He admitted that it was his fault and that he was too aggressive in keeping heat in the tires by hammering the clutch.

Kyle Busch in the #18 Toyota lead the field from laps 54 through 115.  He was able to hold off the #22 Ford driven by Logano on each of the restarts on laps 65, 75, and 115.  After an incident on the frontstretch between #5 Kyle Larson and #31 Justin Haley on lap 116, Busch was unable to keep Logano in the #22 Ford from passing.  Busch stated, "Just overheated the tires and smoked'em in three laps.  That was it".  

The pass for the lead.  Image Credit:  2022 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Although much of the attention was focused on the leaders, there was some very close racing in the middle of the pack.  It was primarily there that a lot of the bumping and banging took place without any serious damage to the bodies.  Much of this was attributed to the new composite body.

Tight Racing in the middle of the pack for the Busch Light Clash at the LA Memorial Coliseum.  Image Credit:  2022 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Logano went on to lead the remaining 35 laps to take home The Clash victory.  The margin of victory was 0.877 seconds. The average race speed was a mind blowing 39.029 MPH. Maybe even more surprising, there were only five cautions.

Final Lap of The Clash at the LA Memorial Coliseum.  Image Credit: 2022 Albert Wong

Winning Burnout on the backstretch by The Clash winner Joey Logano.  Image Credit: 2022 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The 2022 Busch Light Clash winner Joey Logano holding his trophy.  Image Credit:  2022 Albert Wong

So what was the driver's takeaway?  Joey Logano said, "Honestly, I think the biggest win we saw today, with the car itself, is that we can bump and bang and not cut the tires down".

Next races on February 17, 2022 - Daytona International Speedway followed by February 27, 2022 - Auto Club Speedway, Fontana, CA

TAGS: Brandon O'Brien, Busch Light Cup Series, Chevrolet, Cup Series, Ford, Joey Logano, Kyle Busch, LA Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Motor Driven Images, MotorSports Journal, NASCAR, Next Gen, The Clash, Toyota, Tyler Reddick

What's Hot At The 2021 Los Angeles Car Show

The Subaru Exhibit at the Los Angeles Automobile Show has a Self-Immersion Forest Motif.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

What's Hot At The 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show

Words and Images by: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise noted. 

 After a 1-year hiatus one would have expected the majority of the automobile manufacturers would be queuing for a place on the Los Angeles Convention Center floor. Unfortunately that is not the case. Whether it is because the main emphasis is now on full-electric vehicles or just fallout from COVID,  some Asian and most of the European manufacturers were absent. I understand that at least one European manufacturer had an off-site display for "invited" journalists but I was not one of those individuals. 

 As in years past there was a theme for the show. This year it is Full-Electric vehicles with an emphasis on SUV's.  For those hoping to see some of the latest Coupes or Sedans this show will be disappointing.  Aside from Porsche and the 2023 Nissan Z and Z06 Corvette nothing new was on display to entice the sport car aficionado's. Both  Alfa Romeo and Jaguar did have a display of their offerings which are relatively unchanged from the past year.

The 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 on display at the 2021 LA Automobile Show.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The World Premiere of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS at the 2021 LA Automobile Show.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The World Premiere of the 2022 Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2022 Porsche Mission R Racing EV Concept.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The 2023 Nissan New Z on display at the Los Angeles Automobile Show.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

That does not mean that there are not interesting vehicles to feast your eye's on, it means that you will be spending more time in the Galpin Exhibit hall and down on the parking level looking at some very nice older Corvettes.

A very nice 1953 Chevrolet Corvette on display at the LA Automobile Show.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

George Barris Bathtub Buggy in the Galpin Exhibit Hall.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2004 Shelby Cobra Concept.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Not so with SUV's.  Three new entries into the EV market are Fisker, Mullen, and Vinfast.  Henri Fisker is back with his new 2023 Fisker Ocean, Southern California based Mullen has their 2024 Mullen Five, and Vietnam based Vinfast has two 2022 models, the VF e35 and VF e36. 

A very colorful 2023 Fisker Ocean on display at the 2021 LA Auto Show.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The 2024 Mullen Five on displat at the Los Angeles Automobile Show.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Vinfast VFe35 made it's World Premiere at the LA Auto Show.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien

The larger Vinfast VF e36 also made its debut at the LA Auto Show.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Also on display are two brands of three-wheeled vehicles.  Electro Meccanica is specializing in single seat vehicles while Sondors has a very nice three-seater.

Three-Wheel Electro Meccanica Solos on display at the LA Auto Show.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The cockpit of the Electro Meccanica Solo O2 appears to be very functional and automobile oriented.

                                                    Image Credit:  2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Sondors Three-wheeled three passenger car.  Image Credit:  2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Subaru has the most inviting display with a forest  theme.  It was the perfect layout for displaying their all terrain vehicles.  Here they highlighted their new for 2023 Solterra.

The 2023 Subaru Solterra made its debut at the 2021 Los Angeles Automobile Show.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Hyundai has their new IONIQ 5 as well as the Hyundai SEVEN Concept vehicle which is purported to be produced in about 4 years.

2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The innovative Hyundai SEVEN concept as seen at the LA Automobile Show.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

KIA also had a concept vehicle called the CONCEPT EV9.  If we look at both the Hyundai and the KIA we can get an idea as to what SUV's may look like in the near future.

KIA CONCEPT EV9.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Ford had one of the larger displays showcasing their complete product line from sport cars to trucks. They also had an indoor test driving track for use with their Mustang Mach e's. 

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum Edition which will go on sale in the spring.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2022 Ford F-150 Eluminator EV Concept.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Although the 2021 Los Angeles Automobile Show was not as elaborate as in past years it certainly was good to have it back.  The show is open to the public from November 19-29, 2021

 TAGS: Brandon O'Brien, Cayman, Concept EV9, Electra Meccanica, F-150, Ford, Hyundai, IONIQ, Kia, LA Auto Show, LA Automobile Show, Los Angeles Auto Show, Los Angeles Automobile Show, Lightning, Mission R, Motor Driven Images, Mullen, Porsche, SEVEN Concept, Solo, Sondors, Solterra, Subaru, Taycan, Vinfast  

  

PETERSEN MUSEUM SHOWCASES THE PORSCHE 956 AND 962

Upper Level of the Petersen Automotive Museum  Image Credit: 2018 Petersen Museum

Luftgekuhlt Exhibits Porsche Prototype Giants at the Petersen

Words and Images By Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images unless otherwise specified

The Petersen Automotive Museum has opened the second of two Luftgekuhlt exhibits. The first which opened May 15th highlighted the work of German manufacturer and Porsche tuner RUF Automobile. This exhibit focuses on the history and legacy of the Porsche 956 series race cars and is called Prototype Giants. The exhibit will be on display only until November 19th. 

Late production (1983) Porsche 956 Chassis 113 on display in the Luftgekuhlt Exhibit at the Petersen Automotive Museum.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The Porsche 956 was built to comply with the 1982 FIA World Sportcar Championship's new Group C regulations which dealt with fuel economy. It was the first car to feature an aluminum monocoque chassis and ground effect aerodynamics. The factory 956's secured the first three spots at the 24 Hours of Le Mans that year, leading every lap. Stephen Bellof in 1983 set the overall lap record in a 956 at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, which stood for 35 years until a modified Porsche 919 Hybrid eclipsed it in 2018. 

1985 Three-Time Race-Winning Factory Rothmans 962C Chassis 002 Driven by Jacky Ickx and Jochen Mass.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images 

The 962 was created to meet the updated IMSA GTP specifications and customer demand, with Group C entrants taking the 962C nameplate. The 962 became one of the most dominant race cars ever, winning the World Sportcar Championship in 1985 and 1986, the IMSA GT Championship from 1985-1988, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1986 and 1987, the Rolex Daytona 24 in 1989, as well as other series. 

Alwin Springer, Vice President of ANDIAL Porsche, stated that due to the success of the 956/962 Porsche 911 sales increased from an average of 30,000 units per year in 1982 to 60,000 units by 1986.

Mr. Alwin Springer was the Vice President of ANDIAL Porsche from 1975-1996 and President of Porsche Motorsport North America from 1997-2004.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

In the IMSA series, the 2.8-litre engine quickly proved insufficient.  IMSA races were shorter and therefore were more of a sprint race.  Group C races were all fuel limited so fuel mileage and the weight of the car was critical.  IMSA races had no fuel limitations.  Torque more than horsepower was required.  It was quickly realized that an increase in engine size was needed and the move to 3.2-litre engine was taken on by ANDIAL.  Led by Alwin Springer, Dieter Inzenhofer, and Arnold Wagner ANDIAL did much of the development work in cooperation with Al Holbert.  Jim Busby Racing, which was based close to ANDIAL in Southern California also assisted in various ways.

The Porsche Type 935/82 Twin Turbo Motor Powered the European Spec. 962's.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1985 Coca-Cola Livered Porsche 962 Chassis 102 Driven by Bob Akin and Hans Stuck.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1990 Art Sports Porsche 962C Chassis 146 Driven By Hurley Haywood.
Image Credit: Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1988  Leyton House Porsche 962C Chassis CK6-01 Built by Kremer.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1989 Miller High Life / BF Goodrich Porsche 962 Chassis 108C That Won the 1989 Rolex Daytona 24 When Driven by Bob Wollek, Derek Bell, and John Andretti.  Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1987 Copenhagen Porsche 962 Chassis HR003 Campaigned by A.J. Foyt.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

The cars on display in "the Vault" include one 956 and six 962's. There is also another 962 located within the museum.

The 1985 Victor Computer Porsche 962C as seen on display upstairs at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

How do you tell the difference between a 956 and 962?  All 956's were built with a "long-tail" rear wing while many 962's will have the so called "hang-on" rear wing.  For safety requirements the 962 has a longer chassis.  The distance between the door and the rear opening of the front wheel well on the 956 is about a hand's breadth.  The 962 is appreciably and visibly longer.  Also, there were only 28 956's built and 91 962's so the chance of seeing a 962 at a vintage racing event is much greater. 

TAGS:  Alwin Springer, ANDIAL, Brandon O'Brien, Motor Driven Images, Petersen Automotive Museum, Porsche, Prototype Giants, 956, 962  

Bond In Motion: Petersen Automotive Museum

Maybe this isn't the exact Aston Martin most folks would have a dream of, but this particular British vehicle, in its own way, is a BOND GIRL. Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Bond In Motion: Petersen Automotive Museum

Words & Images By: Brandon J. O'Brien 

The latest exhibit that opened on September 25th at the Petersen Automotive Museum displays various vehicles used in the twenty-six James Bond movies.  The exhibit titled "Bond In Motion" had been on display at the London Film Festival from 2014 and now allows North American visitors a rare up-close experience with some of the most iconic vehicles associated with the world's most famous secret agent, 007.  The exhibit celebrates the 60th anniversary of the James Bond films since "Dr. No" was released in 1962.

It features more than 30 cars, motorcycles, submersibles, a helicopter, an airplane, and scale filming models.  The exhibit will interest young and old, automobile buffs, movie aficionados, and especially James Bond fans.

1964 Aston Martin DB5 used in many James Bond movies since 1997.  
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 used in "On Her Majesty's Service"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1977 Lotus Esprit S1 - Wet Nellie - used in "The Spy Who Loved Me"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1997 BMW R1200C used in "Tomorrow Never Dies"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

1999 BMW Z8 used in "The World Is Not Enough"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

2002 Jaguar XKR Convertible used in "Die Another Day"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Hiller 12C used in "From Russia With Love"
Image Credit: 2021 Brandon O'Brien / Motor Driven Images

Although not all of the exhibits from the collection in England were brought over to the Petersen ... this exhibit will be worth the time and effort to go and see as well as all the other exhibits on display. 

THE LARGEST OFFICIAL BOND VEHICLE EXHIBIT IN THE UNITED STATES

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IN THE MULLIN GRAND SALON

 

TAGS: Aston Martin, Brandon O'Brien, BMW, EON Productions, Jaguar, James Bond, Lotus, Motor Driven Images, Petersen Automotive Museum, 007