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Category Archives: racing
IMSA 2026 – Cadillac Racing Entering Fourth Year in GTP
The so-called Roar Before the 24 this week leads into the IMSA* season-opening 64th Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 24-25. Cadillac Racing with Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing and Cadillac Whelen has revealed the liveries of its three Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) racecars that will contest the nine-race 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Cadillac Racing, with four overall victories among 12 podiums in what is arguably North America’s premier endurance race, sees the return of Wayne Taylor Racing for its second season as a Cadillac factory team and Action Express Racing for its 15th consecutive year campaigning a GM prototype in IMSA. Cadillac is entering its fourth year of running in the GTP class. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, people, racing, shows and events
Tagged 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Action Express Racing, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Cadillac Racing, Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing, Cadillac Whelen, Geoff Marsh, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Roar Before the 24, Wayne Taylor, X @KenAutoinformed
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Porsche Laments the Death of Hans Herrmann
Porsche AG is mourning the loss of Hans Herrmann. The former racing driver passed away on 9 January 2026, at the age of 97. During his motorsport career, he achieved more than 80 overall and class victories, the vast majority of them for Porsche. Herrmann not only competed in all major endurance races and European hill climb championship events, but also conducted countless test drives at the Weissach Development Center. Above all, Hermann was instrumental in making Porsche a serious competitor in endurance racing.
“The passing of Hans Herrmann has deeply affected us all,” says Thomas Laudenbach, Head of Porsche Motorsport. “He was one of Porsche AG’s most successful factory racing drivers. With the victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 in the Porsche 917, Richard Attwood and he made history.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, milestones, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged 550 Porsche Spyder at Carrera Panamericana and Mille Miglia, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, B.R.M., Borgward, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Gerhard Mitter, German Sports Car Champion, Hans Herrmann, Jo Siffert, Juan Manuel Fangio, Karl Kling, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Le Mans in 1970 in the Porsche 917, maserati, nürburgring, porsche 356, Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder, Porsche 917 at 24 Hours of Le Mans, Rolf Stommelen, stirling moss, Targa Florio, Thomas Laudenbach, Udo Schütz, Vic Elford, Weissach Development Center, X @KenAutoinformed
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BMW Group Adds Alpina Brand
The BMW Group acquired the Alpina trademark rights on 1 January 2026. The Bavarian-based specialty tuner of performance versions of BMW models, now is BMW ALPINA as an exclusive standalone brand under the BMW Group. Alpena will continue produce performance cars at BMW Group assembly plants. [One wonders if this isn’t the pre-cursor to a BMW Formula One team ala Audi buying Sauber? – Autocrat. Read AutoInformed.com on Milestones – Audi F1 at Munich Brand Experience Center] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, engineering, manufacturing, marketing, mobility company, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Alpina performance BMWs, Alpina performance BNWs, Alpina trademark rights, Audi Sauber F1, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, bmw group, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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Porsche – Happy Birthday Hans-Joachim Stuck
“Hans-Joachim Stuck has done a great deal for Porsche. His performances over long distances, in particular his success at the wheel of the Porsche 962, still count as some of the seminal moments in Porsche motorsport history,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Head of Porsche Motorsport. “We thank him for his dedication and wish him all the best for his 75th birthday.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, milestones, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Le Mans, ATS Ford Cosworth, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Brabham Alfa, Derek Bell, endurance racing, European Formula Two Championship, European Touring Car Championship, German Racing Championship, Hans Stuck, Hans-Joachim Stuck, Jochen Mass, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Nürburgring 24 Hours, Porsche Motorsport, Shadow Ford Cosworth, Thomas Laudenbach, World Endurance Champion, X @KenAutoinformed
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Bye Sauber – Hi Audi Revolut F1 Team
The Audi Revolut F1 Team today unveiled its official name, logo, and announced that its global launch will take place in Berlin on 20 January 2026. This is the latest phase for the Audi Revolut F1 Team toward joining the Formula One World Championship in 2026. The team name and logo combine Audi F1 and global fintech Revolut, following the confirmation of the title partnership in July 2025.*
“Unveiling the Audi Revolut F1 Team name and logo marks another major milestone on our journey into the pinnacle of motorsport. Both give our ambition a clear identity, reflecting a strong vision and innovative spirit. We now look ahead to Berlin in January, where we will officially present this exciting new chapter for the Audi brand to the world,” said Gernot Döllner, CEO of Audi AG and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sauber Motorsport AG. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, design and styling, marketing, milestones, mobility company, new vehicle, news analysis, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Audi R26 Concept, Audi Revolut F1 Team, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Formula One 2026 World Championship, Gernot Döllner, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Sauber Motorsport AG, X @KenAutoinformed
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IndyCar Cheating – New Independent Officiating for 2026 Series
“We are excited to launch this new structure of IndyCar officiating and know the officiating board will approach this charge with diligence and a sense of shared responsibility. They will work independently to hire the right person to carry this mission forward and provide successful implementation for the 2026 seasons,” said Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO. [Roger Penske owns the IndyCar Series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Read AutoInformed.com on: IndyCar – Penske Fires Senior Leadership Team. It was at least two instances of Penske team cheating that forced the issue. Still the IOB will be funded by Penske. Letting team owners including Penske run the rule enforcement so to speak is a dubious proposition. Key here is the next step. Who is the Managing Director? – AutoCrat.] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news analysis, people, racing, shows and events
Tagged 2026 NTT IndyCar Series, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Federation Internationale de I’Automobile, fia, FIA Drivers Commission, INDY NXT, indycar, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mark Miles, Penske Entertainment Corp., Raj Nair, Ray Evernham, roger penske, Ronan Morgan, X @KenAutoinformed
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Ford Expands Mustang Cup USA Series in 2026
Ford Motor (NYSE: F) announced today that a new class joins the Mustang Cup USA series in 2026 — Mustang Cup Classic. These Mustang models are eligible to compete in Mustang Cup Classic: the 2005-2010 FR500C, the 2008 FR500S, the … Continue reading
Posted in auto news, customer satisfaction, marketing, milestones, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Chris Ward, Dark Horse R cars, Ford Racing, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mustang Cup Classic cars, Mustang Cup series, USAC, X @KenAutoinformed, Yokohama tires
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F1 Driver’s Championship Goes Down to Last Race
Max Verstappen won the Qatar Grand Prix, yesterday beating Oscar Piastri to take second place in the Drivers’ standings. Verstappen is now 12 points behind championship leader Lando Norris. A bad pit stop call – staying on track during a safety car deployment – likely hurt both McLaren drivers, with Piastri finishing second. Verstappen’s driving prowess inarguable was one again in play. Also AutoInformed opines was a heartwarming side of Max that rarely comes into view. The disqualification of both McLaren cars after the Las Vegas race made Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen tied in points, and only 24 points behind leader Lando Norris. The last race weekend of the season occurs on December 5-7 – the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, news analysis, people, racing, results, shows and events
Tagged 2025 F1 Driver’s Championship, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, Qatar Grand Prix, X @KenAutoinformed
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Visit Qatar to Be Principal Partner of Audi F1 Team
The Audi F1 Team today announced that Visit Qatar will become a principal partner upon the team’s entry into the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2026. Qatar of course is developing as a hub of sport and tourism. It holds the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix and the FIFA World Cup. The timing was propitious. Not only is it the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix weekend underway at the Lusail International Circuit in Doha with both sprint race and a Grand Prix, but the disqualifications of both McLaren cars after the Las Vegas race made Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen tied in points, and only 24 points behind leader Lando Norris. The last race weekend of the season occurs on December 5-7: – the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. All three drivers could be contending there for the Driver’s Championship at the Yas Marina Circuit, United Arab Emirates. [Read AutoInformed.com on: F1 – Qatar Investment Authority Buys Into Sauber – AutoCrat] Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, news, news analysis, racing, shows and events
Tagged Audi F1 Team, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi, FIFA World Cup, Jonathan Wheatley, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, McLaren F1 Las Vegas disqualifications, Oscar Piastri, Qatar Grand Prix, red bull, Visit Qatar, X @KenAutoinformed
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Doug Kalitta is NHRA Top Fuel Champion Again
Toyota (NYSE: TM, 7203T) said today that Doug Kalitta officially secured his second NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel World Championship. For Kalitta this was his second world title in the last three seasons.
“Yeah, this [clinching the championship before race day] is definitely a lot easier than 2023. It always seemed to come down to the last race, last day, but we had a nice string of runs throughout the Countdown. Alan [Johnson, crew chief] and my whole Mac Tools Toyota team have had my car going down the track. It’s been really nice, and just getting good, solid runs. Alan is always throwing down and always has something up his sleeve. So, I’m just really proud of him and my whole team. It’s a huge relief to be able to win the championship before the last round at the last race, and we’re all just super happy.” Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, people, racing, shows and events
Tagged Alan Johnson, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Doug Kalitta, Kalitta Motorsport, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel World Championship, Pomona Dragstrip, Toyota’s in NHRA Top Fuel racing, X @KenAutoinformed
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Mazda Begins Test of Onboard CO2 Capture System
Mazda Motor Corporation (MMC 7261.T) today announced that it has begun demonstration experiments of Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture, Mazda’s unique CO2 capture system in a popular endurance racing series in Japan, with a wide range of car models.
“Mazda aims to realize mobility where ‘driving more leads to CO₂ reduction’ by 2035. Mazda believes that if its vehicles run on carbon-neutral fuel and capture the CO₂ emitted, it will be possible to reduce the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere in proportion to the distance traveled,” the Japanese company said. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, environment, fuel economy or emissions, global warming, mobility company, news, news analysis, performance, racing
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Mazda Mobile Carbon Capture, Mazda Motor Corporation, MMC 7261.T, Super Taikyu Series, Super Taikyu Series 2026, X @KenAutoinformed
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Milestones – Audi F1 at Munich Brand Experience Center
More than three months before its first race in Formula 1, Audi provided a preview of its presence at its Brand Experience Center in Munich. Just like in future production models, Audi will bring uncompromising clarity to the racetrack and beyond. Carefully crafted statements were made by Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, the Head of Audi F1 Project Mattia Binotto, Team Principal Jonathan Wheatley, and Audi Chief Creative Officer Massimo Frascella.
“Our entry into Formula 1 is part of something bigger. It’s the next step in the company’s renewal, designed to strengthen our competitiveness on the global stage. In Formula 1, every second counts. Success demands performance, precision and teamwork. This mindset will drive a new performance culture across the entire company and a catalyst for change towards a leaner, faster, and more innovative Audi,” said Audi CEO Gernot Döllner. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, milestones, mobility company, news analysis, people, performance, racing, shows and events
Tagged Audi Brand Experience Center in Munich, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner, auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Jonathan Wheatley, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, Massimo Frascella, Mattia Binotto, X @KenAutoinformed
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Detroit Auto Show Racing Day Returns in 2026
The Detroit Auto Show today said that Racing Day will take place on Tuesday, 20 January 2026. Claimed [but not named – AutoCrat] participants are “some of the top stars of motorsports world-class race cars, and interactive experiences throughout the course of the day.” For more details, visit detroitautoshow.com.
“Racing Day presented by the Detroit Grand Prix will rev up the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place in Downtown Detroit on January 20, with motorsports taking center stage as part of the growing collaboration between two of Detroit’s most iconic events,” the Auto Show claimed. Continue reading
Posted in auto news, marketing, news analysis, racing, shows and events
Tagged auto industry commentary, AutoInformed news, autoinformed.com, automotive blog, Automotive news and analysis, Detroit Grand Prix Detroit Auto Show, Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, Ken Zino of AutoInformed, Ken Zino of AutoInformed.com writing as AutoCrat, X @KenAutoinformed
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Cadillac Formula 1® – Checo Perez Completes First Track Laps
A Cadillac Formula 1 Team Filming Day happened this past Friday at the Silverstone track in England. The team was at the track during a pre-season promotional day as it continues preparations for its debut Formula 1® campaign during 2026. The car ran entirely in black at Silverstone, with the final 2026 Cadillac Formula 1® Team livery set to be revealed on Sunday 8 February 2026 , via a globally televised championship broadcast during the Australian Grand Prix. [Let’s hope black isn’t symbolic of the first season of real racing – AutoCrat.] Continue reading →