Car of the Week

This week's feature car is the Mercedes CLK-GTR and CLK-LM. The GTR competed very successfully in FIA GT racing against the Porsche GT and the BMW V-12-powered McClaren F-1 GT in the late '90s, and the sister car, CLK-GTR/LM, was built to meet rules specifications for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The biggest difference between the two cars was the engine: the CLK-GTR had a thundering 6.0 liter, normally aspirated, 4 cam/48 vlave V-8 that made nearly 700 HP, while the not-so-successful CLK-LM had a 5.0 liter version still making around 600 HP but with a lot less low-end torque which hurt its ability to power out of corners. The interesting thing about FIA GT racing back then was that all the cars had to have a street-legal counterpart that could not exceed $1,000,000(USD) and had to be available to the "general public." The street version as of 2003 was available with a 7.0 liter V-12 making over 700 HP and capable of speeds well over 200 MPH.

Feature Car: Mercedes CLK-GTR and CLK-LM

Racers Auction Their Gear to Help One of Their Own

While motorsport is much safer now than it has ever been, accidents still happen. And while safety improvements have been made resulting in fewer injuries and death in both 4- and 2-wheeled racing, motorcycle racers are still more prone to injury because it's still just a rider and a motorcycle, with no roll cages, HANS devices, or any of the myriad other safety implements afforded to auto racers.

I personally know 2 racers who have suffered serious injuries racing at Infineon Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point, in Sonoma, CA. About 8 years ago fellow WSMC alumnus, Andy Milton, crashed into the wall on the outside of the fast, sweeping Turn 1 at the end of the front straight, leaving him with a permanent spinal injury, walking on crutches, ending his racing career. Now, Vincent Haskovec, another young rider I know from my days racing at Willow Springs International Raceway, has suffered a serious crash at Infineon. Vincent is a Czechoslovakian immigrant who raced very successfully on the national AMA circuit as a privateer, often placing in the top 10 against other riders with big-time factory sponsorship and funding. Vincent had just recently moved into the "big time" and was doing very well when this tragic accident occurred. Below is a story from SpeedTV.com about racers from all over the world helping another racer and taking care of their own. Hat tip to Todd B. for sending this to us.

Riders Band Together for Vincent Haskovec
Written by: SPEED Staff Englewood, CO – 6/13/2005

Team M4 EMGO Suzuki’s Formula Extreme rider Vincent Haskovec, currently recovering from the severe injuries he suffered in his devastating crash at Infineon Raceway, is the focus of AMA road racing’s largest charity online auction. Top riders in the AMA, MotoGP, and World Superbike paddock are donating their leathers and helmets - to be auctioned through Race Promotion Management (RPM) and The Wegman Benefit Fund - to help offset the huge medical costs already besetting this beloved rider.

The Vincent Haskovec Benefit Auction will begin at midnight June 13 and run through midnight August 28. You can view pictures of all items to be auctioned and make your bids at www.rpmcolorado.com . At the auction’s conclusion (and after proceeds are collected), there will be a check presentation in the winners’ circle at Road Atlanta. This will occur on September 4 – immediately following the final Superbike race during Road Atlanta’s AMA season finale.

With many fantastic items up for bid, there is sure to be a substantial amount of money raised for Vincent and his long-term medical care. Donations have already been received from Eric Bostrom, who was the first to offer his racing leathers. Eric also donated his purse from Pikes Peak, and went out of his way to encourage others to follow suit. Items up for bid have been received from Ben Attard, Ben Bostrom, Damon Buckmaster, Chris Carr, Mike Ciccotto, Troy Corser, Jason DiSalvo, Miguel Duhamel, Colin Edwards, Aaron Gobert, Jamie Hacking, John Haner, Tommy, Nicky and Roger Lee Hayden, Josh Hayes, Neil Hodgson, John Hopkins, Mat Mladin, Johnny Murphree, Travis Pastrana, Jason Pridmore, Steve Rapp, Chad Reed, Kurtis Roberts, Scott Russell, Kevin Schwantz, Ben Spies, Sebastian Tortelli, Aaron Yates and Jake Zemke. These items include helmets, leathers, boots, gloves, autographed prints and photos, gear bags, team shirts, etc. There will also be two 2006 Kevin Schwantz Suzuki Schools and a Danny Walker Super Camp up for auction.

The Wegman Benefit Fund will collect, manage and distribute these funds to allow Vincent time to concentrate on getting well without worrying about the financial consequences of his accident. The non-profit, 501(c)(3), tax-deductible organization was established in 1987 for the purpose of assisting motorcycle road racers seriously injured in racing accidents. To date, The Wegman Fund has paid out over $170,000 for racers of all levels of competition and racing organizations across the country.

It has taken a tremendous amount of effort to put this together. Many thanks goes to all of those who worked so hard to organize the auction and collect gear, namely Morgan Broadhead – American Suzuki, Leah Sherritt - AMA, Cameron Gray - RPM, Sheri Russell – Cycle News, Jodi May, Marnie Lincoln – Road Atlanta, Bart Moore, and Gordon & Laura Lunde – The Wegman Benefit Fund. Also, we’d like to thank all the riders for their incredible generosity. Their heartfelt gifts are most appreciated.

Please direct all questions regarding the auction, or items you would like to donate, please contact Leah Sherritt at leah@idbcorp.com , or Cameron Gray at ctg70@aol.com – RPM, 7951 East Mapelwood Avenue, Suite 328, Englewood, CO 80111. (303) 377-3226.

Motorsport

Here are some highlights and observations from this past weekend's NASCAR race from Sonoma, CA at Infineon Raceway, formerly known as Sears Point. This, along with the other road race on the NASCAR calendar, Watkins Glen, are the only two NASCAR races I will ever comment on.

If you're wondering why, read this.