Motorsports Racing News & Blog Articles

Dutch fans will be able to see their heroes close up for at least three more years after Circuit Zandvoort signed a new contract to host Grand Prix until the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.

The Dutch Grand Prix was initially scheduled to return to the Formula 1 schedule in 2020 but the race was one of those to be cancelled due to the outbreak of coronavirus.  The first race at the track took place in 2021, with home hero Max Verstappen taking victory for Oracle Red Bull Racing, a feat he would repeat in 2022.

Zandvoort’s initial contract was set to expire after the 2023 event, which will see two Dutch drivers competing in Verstappen and Nyck de Vries, who will make his full-time debut in Formula 1 with Scuderia AlphaTauri after being brought in to replace the BWT Alpine F1 Team-bound Pierre Gasly.

“We are looking forward to the upcoming Grands Prix,” said Jan Lammers, the Sporting Director of the Dutch Grand Prix and a former Formula 1 racer. 

“With great races in which Dutch fans can now enjoy no less than two Dutch drivers. Of course, we will again offer an extensive and surprising entertainment program. With this we are again offering the ultimate race festival.

Toby Price and Paul Weel‘s 2022 Baja 1000 literally went up in flames when their Trophy Truck caught fire after 170 miles, but they will be back in 2023 with a more than capable truck. On Thursday, the Team Australia duo revealed they had purchased Andy McMillin‘s Trophy Truck as McMillin ends his full-time racing career.

McMillin, a five-time Baja 1000 champion, announced his retirement from full-time competition on Wednesday and that he had sold his truck. The truck, a Chevrolet AM31, uses motors from Joe Gibbs Racing and is a Mason Motorsports AWD like the one Team Australia ran at the Baja 1000. Price and Weel previously raced a Geiser Brothers 2WD at the Vegas to Reno and Baja 400.

“Team Australia is back in the game, Paul is not giving up that easy. He loves this sport and got amazing people behind him,” wrote Price. “Huge big thanks to Andy McMillin, we wish you all the best mate and I’m sure it’s not the end of the #31. Team Australia is ready to go again after our bad run in the Baja 1000 this year.”

2022 marked Weel’s first season competing in SCORE International while Price has occasionally dabbled in the series since 2012. Price finished runner-up in the 2019 Baja 1000 alongside Nasser Al-Attiyah, both of whom have won the Dakar Rally.

When Weel made his racing return in 2020 after taking the previous decade off, he began taking part in desert events with Best in the Desert and the Australian Off Road Championship. The two have competed against each other in AORC and the Stadium Super Trucks.

With Season Nine of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship rapidly approaching, the Avalanche Andretti Formula E Team have become the latest outfit to reveal their Gen3 challenger to the world, with it boasting a bold red and black livery.

Following a strong Season Eight, which saw Jake Dennis claim sixth in the Drivers’ Championship and a flawless victory at the London E-Prix, the American side will have high hopes to start Gen3 with a bang, especially as they are officially a Porsche customer side.

Following a sixth place finish in the Constructors’ Championship last season, Avalanche Andretti have switched to Porsche powertrains for Season Nine and the new regulations, which has also seen the experienced André Lotterer brought into the side, replacing Oliver Askew. After building in stature throughout the final year of Gen2, Avalanche Andretti have a perfect chance to stake their claim in the Season Nine title, with everybody being on a level playing field when it comes to race data.

Season Nine will be Dennis’ third with the American outfit, with the British driver recognising the importance of “getting up to speed” as “quick as possible”, with so much to be learnt with the new era of Formula E cars.

“I’m looking forward to my third season with Avalanche Andretti Formula E. Season 9 brings a lot of changes and getting up to speed with these changes as quick as possible will allow us to excel in the field. Everyone starts on a level playing field and the new racetracks on the calendar will also be a challenge for everyone. I’m excited to get started and working with my new teammate to get us right to the front of the field.”

Albert Park will continue to hold the only race in Australia despite a pitch from South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas about Adelaide possibly re-joining the FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar in 2023 to replace the cancelled Chinese Grand Prix.

The streets of Adelaide last held a Grand Prix back in 1995, with every race since being held at Albert Park in Melbourne.  Damon Hill took both the last victory in the season closing Adelaide race in 1995 and the first win in Albert Park, which was the season opener in 1996.

Malinauskas said that Adelaide would be willing to host a race again in 2023, feeling it would be a great opportunity for South Australia to have Formula 1 back in the state.

“Naturally, we’re alive to any opportunity that may present itself, and we will put our best foot forward as a state when it comes to our position on the international calendar when it comes to major events,” Malinauskas said to Speedcafe.

However, Andrew Westacott, the Chief Executive of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, has poured cold water on that speculation, revealing that the recent contract extension signed between Formula 1 and Albert Park that runs until 2035 prevents any other venue hosting a race in Australia.

Zak Brown does not believe the Chinese Grand Prix should be replaced unless the right race can be found to fill the void in the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar.

For the fourth consecutive year, the race at the Shanghai International Circuit has been removed from the Formula 1 schedule due to the COVID-19 regulations in China, with restrictions on positive cases meaning it would have been difficult for the sport to come to the country.

The last Chinese Grand Prix was held prior to the outbreak of COVID-19 back in 2019 when it hosted the sports one thousandth Grand Prix, and in the announcement made last month about it’s 2023 cancellation, the statement from Formula 1 said: “Formula 1 is assessing alternative options to replace the slot on the 2023 calendar and will provide an update on this in due course.”

The Portuguese Grand Prix at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve and the Turkish Grand Prix at Intercity Istanbul Park – both tracks held races in 2020 and 2021 as replacement races for cancelled events – have been touted as replacement venues, whilst some are calling for the Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit to return to the calendar for the first time since the 2017 season.

Whilst Brown, the CEO of the McLaren F1 Team, says that the cancellation of the Chinese race is a shame, Formula 1 would be wise to ensure any replacement venue is suitable for the championship and any race should be brought in not just to fill the gap.

Buggyra Tatra Racing will field three trucks at the 2023 Dakar Rally, adding another familiar face in Martin Šoltys. Šoltys will drive the #503 Tatra 815 with Roman Krejčí as his co-driver and David Hoffmann as mechanic.

Šoltys made his Dakar début in 2018 with Buggyra, and recorded stage finishes as high as fifth (Stage #1 in 2020). He departed Buggyra for Big Shock Racing’s IVECO PowerStar in 2022, but failed to finish after retiring six legs in.

“I was given the opportunity to take part in the construction of a new special that adheres to the proven Tatra draft,” said Šoltys. “To save weight, we went back to the cab from the Tatra 815, which is lighter compared to Phoenix. We will have our Gyrtech engine with an Allison automatic transmission. Thanks to the fact that I have been involved in the construction of this car from the beginning, I know it down to the last screw. This could help us solve any technical problems well during Dakar.”

Buggyra’s Truck programme was unveiled in November at the Rudolfinum in Prague, albeit with no driver confirmed for the Tatra 815. Jaroslav Valtr will race the #505 Tatra Phoenix, also making his return to the team after last racing for them in 2016. Radovan Kazarka is running the Dakar Classic in the #900 Tatra Puma.

The team will also field two Can-Ams for Aliyyah and Yasmeen Koloc in the T3 category.

After five Baja 1000 victories and many more victories in the desert, Andy McMillin is calling it a career. On Wednesday, he announced he will retire from full-time competition and has sold his Trophy Truck. While this does leave the door open for an occasional return, he will no longer pursue the SCORE International World Desert Championship or other related titles.

“This was not an easy decision by any means, probably the hardest of my life actually, but is one that is best for my family and I at this time,” said McMillin.

“Racing is in my blood and is my passion; I still think about it non-stop and I don’t think that will ever change. We are keeping our pre-run trucks, chase trucks and all of our pit equipment because I know I’d still like to race in the longer races in whatever capacity or opportunity presents itself.

“I look forward to lots more pre-running adventures with my dad and soon my own kids. Sharing the culture and adventure of Baja is really why we do all of of this to begin with.

“I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart who believed in me, entrusted me to pay their paychecks, represent their brands, chased me around Baja and supported me in the races from near and far. None of this would have been possible without any of you.

The calendar for the 2023 FIA World Rallycross Championship has been revealed, featuring the welcome return of some classic rallycross circuits. After being ratified by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, the calendar includes a mix of old favourites, returning venues from last year, and a brand new venue in Asia.

Following a successful debut year for the all-new electric RX1e class, the championship promises to blend old with new in its tenth season in 2023. The action kicks off on familiar ground. Just like 2022, the first round is a standalone FIA European Rallycross Championship event at Nyriád, Hungary’s “red cauldron.” Then the WRX action begins in Hell, Norway, in mid-June. The Magic Weekend remains on the calendar, as the championship makes its way to Höljes, Sweden, for round two. Appropriately enough, this will be the championships 100th round, so expect a great event full of celebrations.

Round three finally sees rallycross come home, as the championship heads back to Britain for the first time since 2019. The championship so far features no Formula 1 circuits manipulated to suit rallycross, but is instead on proper purpose built rallycross tracks, including the iconic birthplace of rallycross: Lydden Hill. From there, the series moves to Belgium, not to Spa-Francorchamps as in the last few years, but back to Mettet, one of the original WRX circuits, back for the first time since 2018. The ever-popular Montalegre, Portugal, in its newly configured form, will be round five of the championship

The third iconic track making a comeback is Estering, Germany, site of such memorable moments as Kevin “Round The Outside” Eriksson earning his nickname at turn one in 2016, and Andreas Bakkerud somehow limping home in his Ford Focus RX, despite major damage to one of his wheels. For the final rounds, the championship heads outside of Europe for the first time in its new electric era. Treading familiar ground, the penultimate event weekend will be at Killarney International Raceway, South Africa, scene of the closest ever finish to the championship as Bakkerud and Timmy Hansen finished absolutely equal on points. Finally, the series heads to Asia for a round at an as-yet undisclosed venue.

Arne Dirks, executive director of Rallycross Promoter GmbH, believes the calendar “represents the very best of rallycross and…has been the subject of a huge effort behind the scenes in recent months.” Speaking of the mix of circuits this year, Dirks said “we have been committed to returning to Cape Town to showcase World RX in front of the enthusiastic South African fans, and we are hugely excited to be adding a new event in Asia to the line-up, which truly underscores the series’ World Championship credentials. At the same time, the re-introduction of three charismatic European venues in Lydden Hill, Mettet and Estering reflects our desire to celebrate rallycross’ rich heritage and traditions while embracing the sport’s electric future.”

With the ninth season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship just around the corner, the calendar for the first season of the new era of the sport has been completed, following the addition of the first ever Portland E-Prix.

The Portland E-Prix completes the Season Nine calendar, with the race set to take place on the 24th June; however, the circuit is subject to homologation. It means that Season Nine and the first year of Gen3 will see four new host cities, with Portland joining Hyderabad, India, Cape Town in South Africa, and São Paulo in Brazil as new hosts.

Of course, India, South Africa, and Brazil are new countries for the series as well, unlike the United States. The USA has a long history with the all-electric championship, with previous races in the nation having taken place in Long Beach, Miami and New York City. Portland was confirmed on the calendar following a meeting of the FIA Motor Sport Council, who also announced that a location in Seoul, South Korea, is being looked into for Season Ten following construction to the Season Eight circuit that was used.

Going back to the news about Portland, Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer, Formula E is “excited” to announce that the USA will be remaining on the calendar next season, with it being an “important market” for the sport. The race will also be a home event for the Avalanche Andretti Formula E Team.

“We are excited to bring the premier electric motorsport world championship to Portland for the first time in June next year. There is a big, passionate fanbase for professional sports in the city, together with strong ecological credentials which makes Portland a perfect host for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Formula 1 has revealed the venues today that will host the six F1 Sprint Events during the 2023 campaign, a record number after increasing it from three during the 2021 and 2022 FIA Formula 1 seasons.

An F1 Sprint event takes place on a Saturday, meaning qualifying is moved to Friday with an hour practice session being dropped. Friday’s qualifying determines the grid for the sprint race, which involves a one-hundred kilometre race to determine the grid for the traditional Sunday race.

Next year’s Sprints races will be held in Azerbaijan (Baku Street Circuit), Austria (Red Bull Ring), Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps), Qatar (Losail Circuit), the United States (Circuit of The Americas) and São Paulo (Interlagos).

The Austrian Grand Prix and São Paulo Grand Prix will remain as sprint races from previous seasons, seeing the Italian Grand Prix dropped as a sprint event.

The first sprint of the year will be in Azerbaijan with the exciting Baku Street Circuit holding host to what will be a thrilling weekend. The season will also see the legendary Belgian Grand Prix hosted at Spa-Francorchamps become a Sprint weekend for the first time. The two other new tracks to host the format will be the returning Qatar Grand Prix and the United States Grand Prix.

Sam Bird was in good spirits at the launch of Jaguar TCS Racing‘s Gen3 challenger the I-TYPE 6 last week, with the British driver having his eyes firmly set on making Season Nine his year.

The experienced ABB FIA Formula E World Championship driver endured a horrific Season Eight campaign, which saw the Jaguar driver suffer from horrendous luck. His luck certainly didn’t improve as the season developed, as the racing Gods wouldn’t even let Bird enjoy a home race without an issue, and a sizeable one of that!

Following a collision on the opening lap of the second race at the London E-Prix, Bird unfortunately broke his hand and somehow managed to make it to the end of the race, presumably in an array of pain.

As a result of the broken hand, Bird was forced to sit out the season finale in Seoul, due to needing a surgery to fix his hand. The Brit was also involved in a big crash during private testing, yet thankfully ahead of the new era of the sport, the fan favourite’s recently broken hand is “absolutely perfect”.

“Absolutely fine,” revealed Bird, exclusively to The Checkered Flag.

McAnally-Hilgemann Racing will have a new duo in their Chevrolet Silverado RSTs for the 2023 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. On Tuesday, the team announced Christian Eckes will pilot the #19 Silverado while Jake Garcia competes for Rookie of the Year honours in the #35.

Eckes joins Chevrolet after spending the last five years with Toyota. Driving for ThorSport Racing, he made the 2022 Truck playoffs and finished eighth in the standings with fifteen top tens and a pair of runner-ups at Texas and Gateway. It was his second full season in the Trucks after anotjer eighth-place placement in the 2020 standings for Kyle Busch Motorsports and sharing a truck with Grant Enfinger at ThorSport the following year. The part-time stint saw him score his first career win at Las Vegas.

Incidentally, Enfinger and KBM also moved from Toyota to Chevrolet in 2022 and 2023, respectively. MHR underwent the same change prior to the 2022 season.

“It’s a true pleasure for me to be a part of MHR, the NAPA Racing family, and to contribute to growing this programme into a championship-calibre organisation,” said Eckes. “That’s what Bill (McAnally, owner), the team, and I have set out to achieve and I believe he has assembled a group that can make that goal a reality.”

Garcia made his Truck début with a five-race slate in MHR’s #35. After missing his first intended start at Martinsville due to qualifying being rained out, he raced at Gateway (finished twenty-ninth), IRP (twenty-eighth), Richmond (twentieth), Bristol (twenty-second), and Phoenix (sixteenth). The truck was a new addition for the team, who was already fielding the #19 and #91, and the latter’s owner points will be transferred to the #35 to ensure it can run every race.

Pato O’Ward says he would be willing to take a break from his NTT IndyCar Series career in order to achieve his goal of reaching the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in the future.

The Mexican has become a genuine front runner in IndyCar across the past couple of seasons whilst racing for the Arrow McLaren SP team, and he has also tasted Formula 1 machinery with the sister McLaren F1 Team across 2022.

He tested the MCL35M from 2021 earlier this year alongside fellow IndyCar stars Colton Herta and Álex Palou and had his first experience of the MCL36 during a maiden free practice outing with McLaren ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November.

O’Ward has made it obvious in the past that he would like to race in Formula 1, and although his route to a race seat at McLaren looks blocked for now – they will race with two relatively young drivers on long-term contracts in Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from 2023 – he still believes he can find his way onto the grid.

And he would be willing to sacrifice his ride in IndyCar to make this happen with the knowledge that he would likely be welcomed back to the series once his time in Formula 1 is over.

Tom McCullough has revealed that the 2023 offering from the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team will be significantly different to what was seen on track in 2022, with the team putting into practice what they learned throughout the previous FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.

Aston Martin endured a tough 2022 season where they scored only fifty-five points, twenty-two points less than they achieved in 2021, although they remained in seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship.

The new regulations did not seem to suit the Silverstone-based team in the early stages, but they continued to update the AMR22 throughout the year, and it ended on a positive note with points finishes in nine of the final eleven races, including consecutive sixth place finishes in the Singapore and Japanese Grand Prix.

Aston Martin’s performances in the second half of the season was pleasing to see for Technical Director McCullough, and although the mid-season technical directive surrounding the design of the floor of the cars aimed at reducing porpoising was brought in, it had next to no effect on the team.

McCullough says the updates they introduced to their floor, as well as smaller updates around the rest of the car, saw the team improve their performance, and it brought them closer to the front of the field.

18-year-old Sammy Smith is one of Toyota’s hottest young prospects, and his ascent through the stock car ladder has already placed him in a NASCAR Xfinity Series ride for 2023. On Tuesday, Joe Gibbs Racing announced he will drive the #18 Toyota GR Supra full-time.

“This is an opportunity I have been working towards,” said Smith. “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel full-time and am looking forward to a great season. I learned a lot in 2022 that will really help me to be competitive and run up front in the Xfinity Series.”

Smith dominated the ARCA Menards Series East in 2021 and 2022, winning eight of fifteen total races with top-five finishes in all but one (the exception was a crash at Iowa in 2021) while also securing the championship both years. He also raced in the national ARCA Menards Series with six victories and top fives in every start but Pocono (where he still won the pole) to place fourth in points despite not running the full schedule.

The second half of 2022 also saw him enter the Xfinity Series with JGR as he ran nine races. He scored three top tens including a third-place run at Watkins Glen.

“Sammy is a fantastic addition to our 2023 Xfinity lineup,” offered JGR Xfinity vice president Steve DeSouza. “He proved to have the passion and the talent to necessary to compete for wins in the races he ran for us in 2022. We are excited to get him in the #18 full time and know he will be competitive from the jump.”