Latest news with #BackfireNews
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
This Year's Indy 500 Was A Bit Of A Mess
Read the full story on Backfire News This year's Indy 500 was a bit of a mess, but some fans seemed to love all the drama and carnage while others were horrified. Out of 33 cars entered for the famous race, by the halfway mark there were only 25 still on the the tone was Scott McLaughlin's crash before the green flag even waved. Marco Andretti wrecked out on the first lap. During a pit stop, Alexander Rossi's car caught fire, the frustrated driver throwing his gloves after getting away from the blaze. Rinus VeeKay crashed in pitrow telling Fox Sports he hit the brakes, but the car didn't respond, thanks to an unknown brake system fault. After the caution thanks to VeeKay's wreck, Kyle Larson spun out on the restart while doing an unnecessary downshift. That led to Kyffin Simpson and Sting Ray Robb also crashing, ending the race for all three drivers. Rookie driver Robert Schwartzman suffered an unfortunate mishap coming into the pits. Thanks to what he described as something that 'felt really strange' he locked both front tires, coming into his pit too fast. The car hit four pit crew members and the wall. They struggled to lift the car and get it positioned away from the wall. Then a crew member hobbled to have his injured ankle inspected by the safety crew. Because of the pit accident, Schwartzman retired from the race. After the race, IndyCar officials found unapproved modifications on cars driven by Marcus Ericsson and Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global, plus Callum Ilott of Prema Racing. In an official statement IndyCar said, "During post-race inspection of car Nos. 27 and 28, IndyCar discovered modifications to the Dallara-supplied Energy Management System (EMS) covers and cover-to-A-arm mounting points with unapproved spacers and parts.' As a result, all three cars were put in the rear of the field. Each one was given a $100,000 fine, plus the team and competition managers for each was slapped with a one-race suspension. Image via NTT IndyCar Series/Facebook
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
California Police Pull Over A Weird Bike For A Weird Reason
Read the full story on Backfire News Cops can make up some rather interesting reasons to pull over vehicles, but this weird bike painted to look like a classic Ferrari racecar is equally weird. California Highway Patrol in El Centro pulled the thing over, only realizing afterward it's legally a bicycle, not a car or motorcycle. But the reason for the traffic stop has people rolling their state law enforcement agency posted a photo of the Quatrevelo as well as a CHP cruiser with lights activated sitting behind it. Trying to play the whole thing off as just a funny incident, whomever is in charge of the Facebook account said 'our Officer wanted to make sure the rider was safe and hydrated as he continued on his journey.' Even though it was hot, over 100 degrees on May 22 when this stop was done, people aren't buying CHP was just wanting to make sure the guy inside the weird contraption was hydrated and safe. Instead, many accused the agency of trying to find a reason to write a citation, then turning it into some public good will move when officers realized the thing isn't technically a motor vehicle. We're not attorneys, but we're pretty sure police can't pull someone over because they're concerned about their electrolyte levels. Instead, we wouldn't be surprised if an officer thought the Quatrevelo might be an illegal and unregistered vehicle. In case you're not familiar with the Dutch-built Quatrevelo, it's a velomobile or a faired cycle where the rider is reclined while pedaling. This one has four wheels whereas other velomobiles often have three. For the state of California, and pretty much everywhere else we know of, they're considered bicycles, not motorcycles or cars. Even though this one is painted and even has stickers to make it look somewhat like an old racecar, it's far from such a thing. Why do you think CHP pulled this thing over? If you were the rider, what would you have done? Image via CHP – El Centro/Facebook
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Toyota Compact Truck Rumor Might Be Thanks To Slate
Read the full story on Backfire News There's been rumbling for at least two or three years now that Toyota is going to release a new compact truck in the US. Those rumors have flared up big time in the last week with stories about the possibility featured in many news outlets. But all of them miss the boat entirely that this move has more to do with Slate than anyone every one of these articles, the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz are the focus. That's understandable because at the moment those two are the only compact trucks for sale in the US. But they've been around for several years, yet Toyota hasn't done much to fight them. While it's possible Toyota has something already in development and is getting closer to a reveal, the timing of this surge in talk is curious. After all, Toyota is the master of timing, like when it allowed Honda to expend tons of resources to bring the hybrid Insight to the US, then blew right past it with the Prius. Likely, it's been developing a plan to do something similar to Ford and Hyundai with their compact trucks. But this new surge in talk coincides with the Slate reveal. That generated surprising excitement as a highly customizable, cheap, and modular electric compact truck. Toyota likely sees Slate as the most viable threat at this point. Whatever it's been cooking up, the Japanese automaker probably feels the Maverick and Santa Cruz are jokes in comparison, which isn't too hard to imagine. But Slate, a company with no reputation or customer base, has already racked up over 100,000 reservations. That's going to make Toyota stand up and notice. Exactly why Toyota finds Slate threatening isn't clear, but we have a funny feeling once we see its new compact truck, it might make more sense. This very well could be a pitched battle between an industry giant and a new kid on the block. Image via Cameron Scholtz/Facebook Marketplace
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance Turns 30
Read the full story on Backfire News The Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance is about to mark a big one as it hits 30 years of the annual gathering. To commemorate, organizers have set a theme of 'Luxury in Motion' by arranging for high-end classics, racecars, modern hypercars, and other exotic rides to be in attendance. If you're going to be in the Los Angeles area, it might be worthy of your time to go check it out.O'Gara Coach Beverly Hills, which is presenting the event, will have a display of impressive rides spanning an entire city block. Among the vehicles set aside for the gathering are examples from Rolls-Royce, Pagani, Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, and McLaren, among other brands. For enthusiasts, merchandise from the above-mentioned brands will be available for purchase. Two brand new models from Lamborghini never before put on display in North America, the Temerario and PHEV Urus SE, will be part of the O'Gara display. Since the show takes place on the legendary Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the idea is the wives/girlfriends and anyone else associated with gearheads who aren't that into cars can go shopping, eat at fancy restaurants, and do whatever else the area has to offer. For the rest of us, there will be food trucks, a skills demonstration by the Beverly Hills Police Department Motor Unit, and interactive displays. Plus, any proceeds raised during the event go to the Beverly Hills Police Foundation and Beverly Hills Firefighters' Association non-profit organizations. 'We are thrilled to host the annual Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance for another great year,' said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona R. Nazarian. 'This is a cherished tradition shared across generations by grandfathers, fathers, and children alike. The event is a highlight for the city of Beverly Hills, and with the help of our amazing sponsors, vehicle entrants and community, the 30th anniversary is sure to be the best one yet.' This Father's Day, June 15, is when the event takes place. It's a great way to honor dad, especially if he's a gearhead. It will run from 10 am to 4 pm and is free to attend. Image via Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance Turns 30
Read the full story on Backfire News The Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance is about to mark a big one as it hits 30 years of the annual gathering. To commemorate, organizers have set a theme of 'Luxury in Motion' by arranging for high-end classics, racecars, modern hypercars, and other exotic rides to be in attendance. If you're going to be in the Los Angeles area, it might be worthy of your time to go check it out.O'Gara Coach Beverly Hills, which is presenting the event, will have a display of impressive rides spanning an entire city block. Among the vehicles set aside for the gathering are examples from Rolls-Royce, Pagani, Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, and McLaren, among other brands. For enthusiasts, merchandise from the above-mentioned brands will be available for purchase. Two brand new models from Lamborghini never before put on display in North America, the Temerario and PHEV Urus SE, will be part of the O'Gara display. Since the show takes place on the legendary Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the idea is the wives/girlfriends and anyone else associated with gearheads who aren't that into cars can go shopping, eat at fancy restaurants, and do whatever else the area has to offer. For the rest of us, there will be food trucks, a skills demonstration by the Beverly Hills Police Department Motor Unit, and interactive displays. Plus, any proceeds raised during the event go to the Beverly Hills Police Foundation and Beverly Hills Firefighters' Association non-profit organizations. 'We are thrilled to host the annual Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance for another great year,' said Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona R. Nazarian. 'This is a cherished tradition shared across generations by grandfathers, fathers, and children alike. The event is a highlight for the city of Beverly Hills, and with the help of our amazing sponsors, vehicle entrants and community, the 30th anniversary is sure to be the best one yet.' This Father's Day, June 15, is when the event takes place. It's a great way to honor dad, especially if he's a gearhead. It will run from 10 am to 4 pm and is free to attend. Image via Rodeo Drive Concours D'Elegance
