Bill Romanowski to be minority owner in NASCAR team

   Bill Romanowski, who played 16 seasons in the NFL, has signed on as a minority-owner of Swan Racing, a fulltime competitor in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The retired NFL star joins forces with team owner Brandon Davis, who is leading Swan into its first full racing season.

    Romanowski's health supplement company, Nutrition53, also signed on as a team sponsor and will be the primary sponsor for ten races on the No. 30 Toyota driven by David Stremme. Nutrition53 will have an associate sponsor position on the car for the other 26 races.

    Romanowski started in an astounding 243 consecutive games highlighted by 5 Super Bowl appearances as a linebacker and was selected twice to the Pro Bowl. He played for the San Francisco 49ers, 1988-1993; Philadelphia Eagles, 1994-1995; Denver Broncos, 1996-2001; and Oakland Raiders, 2002-2003.

    Romanowski is founder and CEO of Nutrition53, which markets a line of supplemental health drinks and vitamins developed by a team of doctors, scientists and nutritionists to help with weight loss, energy, mental performance and sleep.

Sprint car star Kevin Swindell adding to his NASCAR schedule

   Sprint car standout Kevin Swindell will return Biagi-DenBeste Racing this season to compete in 15 races in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, with his first race set for March 9 at Las Vegas.

    The recently crowned four-time consecutive Chili Bowl Champion competed in two of the final three Nationwide races for Biagi-DenBeste Racing in 2012, earning a best finish of ninth at Texas Motor Speedway.

    "We are really proud to have an outstanding young talent like Kevin driving for our team," said Biagi-DenBeste Racing co-owner Fred Biagi. "After coming off of his fourth consecutive Chili Bowl win, Kevin enters the 2013 season with a lot of momentum. We plan to run 15 races in 2013 and are actively working with sponsors and already building for 2014."

    Said the 23-year-old Swindell: "I have been waiting for a chance to gain experience and race for a top-notch team for a long time. I really enjoyed the two races I competed in for Biagi-DenBeste Racing at the end of last season, and I look forward to seeing what the team and I can achieve together this year."

Steve Wallace plans limited 2013 NASCAR schedule

Rusty Wallace Racing plans to make a return to the NASCAR Nationwide Series, campaigning the No. 66 Ford Mustang in a limited schedule in 2013 with 25-year-old Steve Wallace.

Wallace last compete in the series fulltime in 2011. Charlotte-based mortgage and real estate firm Richard Tocado Companies will serve as the primary sponsor for several races. The team plans its debut this year in May at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

2013 Nationwide Series race start times

2013 Nationwide Series race start times

All times Eastern.

 

Feb. 23, Daytona, ESPN, 1 p.m.
March 2, Phoenix, ESPN2, 4:30 p.m.
March 9, Las Vegas, ESPN2, 4 p.m.
March 16, Bristol, ESPN2, 2 p.m.
March 23, Auto Club Speedway, ESPN, 5 p.m.
April 12, Texas, ESPN2, 8:30 p.m.
April 26, Richmond, ESPNEWS, 7:30 p.m.
May 4, Talladega, ESPN, 3 p.m.
May 10, Darlington, ESPN2, 7:30 p.m.
May 25, Charlotte, ABC, 2:30 p.m.
June 1, Dover, ESPN, 2:30 p.m.
June 8, Iowa, ESPN, 8 p.m.
June 15, Michigan, ABC, 2 p.m.
June 22, Road America, ESPN, 5 p.m.
June 28, Kentucky, ESPN, 7:30 p.m.
July 5, Daytona, ESPN, 7:30 p.m.
July 13, New Hampshire, ABC, 3:30 p.m.
July 21, Chicagoland, ESPN, 3 p.m.
July 27, Indianapolis, ESPN, 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 3, Iowa, ESPN2, 8 p.m.
Aug. 10, Watkins Glen, ABC, 2 p.m.
Aug. 17, Mid-Ohio, ESPN, 2:30 p.m.
Aug. 23, Bristol, ESPN, 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 31, Atlanta, ESPN2, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 6, Richmond, ESPN2, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 16, Chicagoland, ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 21, Kentucky, ESPNews, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 28, Dover, ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 5, Kansas, ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 11, Charlotte, ESPN2, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 2, Texas, ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 9, Phoenix, ESPN2, 4 p.m.
Nov. 16, Homestead, ESPN2, 4:30 p.m.

2013 Sprint Cup Series race start times

2013 Sprint Cup Series race start times

All times Eastern.

Feb. 16, Sprint Unlimited, Fox, 8:10 p.m.
Feb. 21, Daytona Duels, Speed, 2 p.m.
Feb. 24, Daytona 500, Fox, 1 p.m.
March 3, Phoenix, Fox, 3 p.m.
March 10, Las Vegas, Fox, 3 p.m.
March 17, Bristol, Fox, 1 p.m.
March 24, Auto Club Speedway, Fox, 3 p.m.
April 7, Martinsville, Fox, 1 p.m.
April 13, Texas, Fox, 7:30 p.m
April 21, Kansas, Fox, 1 p.m.
April 27, Richmond, Fox, 7:30 p.m.
May 5, Talladega, Fox, 1 p.m.
May 11, Darlington, Fox, 6:45 p.m.
May 18, Charlotte All-Star, Speed, 7:30 p.m.
May 26, Charlotte Coke 600, Fox, 6 p.m.
June 2, Dover, Fox, 1 p.m.
June 9, Pocono, TNT, 1 p.m.
June 16, Michigan, TNT, 1 p.m.
June 23, Sonoma, TNT, 3 p.m.
June 29, Kentucky, TNT, 7:30 p.m.
July 6, Daytona, TNT, 7:30 p.m.
July 14, New Hampshire, TNT, 1 p.m.
July 28, Indianapolis, ESPN, 1 p.m.
Aug. 4, Pocono, ESPN, 1 p.m.
Aug. 11, Watkins Glen, ESPN, 1 p.m.
Aug. 18, Michigan, ESPN, 1 p.m.
Aug. 24, Bristol, ABC, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 1, Atlanta, ESPN, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 7, Richmond, ABC, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 15, Chicagoland, ESPN, 2 p.m.
Sept. 22, New Hampshire, ESPN, 2 p.m.
Sept. 29, Dover, ESPN, 2 p.m.
Oct. 6, Kansas, ESPN, 2 p.m.
Oct. 12, Charlotte, ABC, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 20, Talladega, ESPN, 2 p.m.
Oct. 27, Martinsville, ESPN, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 3, Texas, ESPN, 3 p.m.
Nov. 10, Phoenix, ESPN, 3 p.m.
Nov. 17, Homestead, ESPN, 3 p.m.

Schedule change could benefit Rockingham NASCAR Truck race

   A change in the schedule of this season's Camping World Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway could pave the way for more big-name entries in the race.

    Qualifying for the race will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 14. The green flag is scheduled to drop at 2 p.m. the same day for the 200-lap event.

    The change would theoretically allow drivers competing in the Sprint Cup and Nationwide races in Texas Friday and Saturday to run in Sunday's Truck race without starting from the rear of the field due to missing qualifying.

    "Qualifying and racing on the same day gives fans more value for their race ticket," said Rockingham Speedway President Andy Hillenburg. "It also builds some excitement among the drivers and fans if everyone wakes up on Sunday morning not knowing where the trucks will start come 2 o'clock."

    For this year's event, the trucks will arrive at Rockingham on Friday, April 12 and will practice on Saturday, April 13 before Sunday, April 14's time trials and race. The UARA-STARS Late Model Series and the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals will also hold twin laps races on April 13.

    Tickets, suite packages and camping are now available for the April 12-14 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Carolina 200 presented by Cheerwine weekend at www.rockinghamspeedway.com or by calling 910.205.8800. General admission tickets for Saturday are $15 in advance ($20 at the gate) and grandstand tickets for Sunday range from $20 to $35.

Future Lincoln Town Car?

I created this fully contemporary Lincoln Town Car replacement more than three years ago. There is still no real replacement from Lincoln for this once-popular long wheelbase sedan, and I can honestly say that my rendering would still look good in a Lincoln showroom today.

Should Lincoln be preparing an über sedan, perhaps with an extended rear wheel drive platform?

Vettel edges Keselowski for Speed Performer of the Year

   Motorsports icon Mario Andretti presented his namesake trophy to 2012 Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel as this year’s Speed Performer of the Year on the Sunday night edition of Speed Center.

    “You are going up against the best of the best for this award,” said Andretti, the only driver to ever win the Indianapolis 500, the Daytona 500 and the Formula One World Championship. “We’re considering every major discipline in motor sports. That’s what you are up against … that’s the grandeur of this award.”

    Vettel, who captured his third consecutive Formula One title in dramatic fashion to become the youngest triple champion in series history, came out atop five Speed Performer of the Year finalists, including NASCAR champion Brad Keselowski, versatile youngster Kyle Larson, IndyCar champ Ryan Hunter-Reay and WRC legend Sebastien Loeb. 

   Ten of this year’s 16 nominees earned at least one first-place vote in the balloting.

Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing Longroof

Click photos to enlarge, as always, here at casey/artandcolour.

Looking through my earlier work, I realized I haven't yet posted this mid 1950s Mercedes Benz 300 Gullwing Tourer on this blog. I chopped this up in 2007 or so. All the cool people that collect station wagons these days refer to them as "Longroofs" and that's certainly true of my version. I don't believe this change would have added too much weight to the original coupe and with that rear hatch and additional loading space, might have made this incredible sports car just a bit more useful for Grand Touring.

The New Gullwing 

My primary reason for modifying the current SLS, the newest Gullwing, was to change the window graphic. The new one has a solid B/C pillar instead of having rear quarter windows as the original. I just don't think the car looks right without them. I'm sure the blank quarters add torsional rigidity, but I'm also certain that Mercedes/AMG engineers are brilliant enough to overcome any loss with added windows. Above, my "South Beach" edition is metallic gold with additional strakes and silver trim. You just can't be "bling" enough for South Beach! Below, additional work was done to shorten the very long hood. I wanted this Gullwing to be a hybrid, and to be as lightweight as possible to I changed the proportions accordingly. I still think it's a beautiful car and could be the Hybrid to end all Hybrids if produced. 

Note:

My friend Woody Thompson's car site has a new URL now: woodyscarsite.blogspot.com. The old links won't work for it. Please adjust your bookmarks and head over there today!

Audi Revisited

Until I can carve out a night to finish several chops I've started, how about some cool Audis from my past... Above, the first generation TT coupe reimagined with a larger glass area, smoothed contours and detailing and more ground clearance for true snow- and off-road capabilities. The better for those quick trips to Gstaad in the winter.

One of my early chops, but still one of my favorites, a mythical Bi-Turbo V12 hybrid mid-engined super saloon.

My futuristic third generation TT e/Tron, based on a recent concept car from Audi.

Audi really ought to have a large coupe to compete with the S Class coupe (CL). Above is my large 2-door A8L-c.

The Black Forest edition Avant. I will keep trying to get today's manufacturers to use micro-veneers until my Photoshop is taken away from me, lol.

Another of my very early chops, this Audi A6C was inspired by the large Italian luxury coupes of the seventies, such as the Fiat 130 and Lancia Gamma.

NBA's Detroit Pistons to honor NASCAR champ Brad Keselowski

   Brad Keselowski will be honored by the NBA's Detroit Pistons during their game with the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, Jan. 29. Keselowski will present the game ball to officials before tip-off.

    The Rochester Hills, Mich., native will also take part in a special halftime program that will include a highlight video tribute to his 2012 Sprint Cup Series title run for Penske Racing and an on-court presentation.

Keselowski: 2012 performance not good enough to repeat

   Brad Keselowski won five Sprint Cup Series races in 2012 and the championship but when asked this week how he planned to repeat as champion in 2013, he was adamant that same performance would likely not be good enough.

   “Stick to what got you where you are at – hard work, dedication to people,” he said. “Ford is special to us because of their people and their commitment; that’s a key piece. What we did last year is not good enough. We have to step up another level. We know our competition is going to do the same," Keselowski said.

    "I’m not happy being a guy that wins one championship and goes away quietly. Look at some of the additions we’ve made. Bringing in Joey Logano, working on the Nationwide program to solidify two programs, having Ryan Blaney be part of that – that shows the commitment we all have to improving.

    "I know that Joey and Ryan bring some youth and fresh ideas to make the team better. They might go out there and beat my butt, but I’m going to surround myself with the most talent because that’s what got us where we are today.”

My 2010 Mercury Hybrid Project

Back in early 2010 I was "desperately" trying to save Mercury in the only way I could: with renderings. It was my idea that Mercury could become FoMoCo's high-tech, hybrid division. Ford would be the mainstay bread-and-butter cars, the volume sellers, in a position it has held for more than 100 years. Mercury would be a step-up in price and features, but instead of just "fancy" upholostery, the drivetrains would have been exclusively hybrid and electric. The styling, inside and out, would be more contemporary and high-tech than Ford's more traditional looks. Lincoln would have been pushed further upscale, ensuring Ford's presence in the full luxury market. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. Mercury was dead not long afterwards. In all, I believe I created more than 40 Mercurys in about 2 years of trying to bring the marque back to relevancy. 

My first car was a '69 Comet sport coupe, the bottom-of-the-line pillarless coupe. It was nicely optioned though with 302 V8, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and a power trunk opener. I'm not sure how many low-line Comets were equipped like that.

The renderings:

Subcompact "B" market Comet sports hatch.

 Compact-sized Medalist sedan. "Medalist" was last used in the mid '50s by Mercury.

Slightly larger Marin sedan, a prototype to replace the then-current Milan, but...

 

... then I created this new Milan 4-door "coupe" which I preferred.

Sitting at the top of the Mercury heap would have been this Cyclone sedan, a full size hybrid sedan with supercar levels of power.

Moving to crossovers, this Villager would have anchored the compact segment ...

... and the Mountaineer would have elevated their top-shelf SUV to Range Rover levels of capability at Land Rover prices.

So much work for nothing!   : )