Toyota products have often been criticized for being a bit too tame, lacking in enthusiasm while operating more like appliances. In an effort to distract from that reality, Toyota and the RK Collection have built a custom NASCAR edition Camry that does more than just look the part.

Powered by a massive 358 ci TRD NASCAR V8 power plant, this Camry puts out 680-hp at 8500 rpm. Gliding it through the gears is a Tremic T-56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission equipped with Ram’s dual-disc street clutch. Enhancing the V8 is a custom 3-inch exhaust, Thrush mufflers and custom side exhaust tips.

Also helping to do away with the image of a sedate family sedan is the fact that the NASCAR Camry isn’t a sedan at all. Instead it’s a coupe with just two doors. The Camry coupe features an exterior shell custom-made by RKC and includes a full body kit, Toyota grill, carbon fiber brake ducts with fog lights and of course, TRD emblems throughout. On all four corners are stylish 20-inch TSW Jarama wheels. They are staggered with a 8.5-inch wide fitment in the front and a 10-inch wide fitment in the rear. They come wrapped with Michelin Pilot rubber.

No race-inspired machine would be complete with a wicked suspension setup. The Camry receives modified Macpherson struts in the front, while the rear sports Venza’s modified multi-link independent suspension.

Inside the panels have been covered in leather while the headliner has been finished in suede. SPEK gauges by Proparts are seen in the dashboard while Vintage Air provides air conditioning. A four-point roll cage was also installed not to only stiffen the chassis, but to reinforce for safety.

With its official debut at SEMA, the NASCAR Edition Camry will now head to Phoenix International Raceway for the NASCAR race weekend starting November 12th.

GALLERY: NASCAR Edition Camry

See video of the NASCAR Edition Camry after the jump:

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Who knew that Avon was interested in racing? It’s a shock to all of us, but it’s true and now Avon has teamed with NASCAR’s Carl Edwards for its newest fragrance: Turn 4XT.

Making its debut this November, Avon touts this fragrance as being “a masculine scent that embodies the rush that comes with risking it all for the win” while “evoking the casual yet confident attitude the champion driver exudes.”

We’re not sure how “risking it all for the win” is supposed to smell, but our best guess is a combination of burning rubber and a field of fresh flowers. What do you think it smells like? Guys – would you wear a cologne inspired by NASCAR?

After days of back-and-forth rumors concerning the arrival of DTM touring car racing in the United States, the series debut in the United States has been confirmed for 2013, in partnership with NASCAR and GRAND-AM sports car racing.

The announcement comes as BMW also stated that they plan to return to DTM in 2012, giving them a year to prepare for the North American stage. While some feared that the arrival of DTM would steal the spotlight away from GRAND-AM, a well-regarded series that has suffered from a traditional lack of interest in road racing, some team owners, including Chip Ganassi, expressed hope that it would bring in more manufacturer support to GRAND-AM.

Others have suggested that DTM would give NASCAR a way to bring their Sprint Cup series to Europe, where oval track stock car racing is not as firmly established.

[Source: Speed TV]

It’s only been open since May; yet the NASCAR Hall of Fame museum, located in Charlotte, North Carolina is finding it tough attracting the attendance it needs.

The museum has received glowing reviews both from the press and the fans who’ve attended, but the problem seems to be getting people through the door. Initially the plan was for the Hall of Fame to attract approximately 800,000 visitors in its first year, but in the first four months of operation, only 120,000 stopped in. In August (the last full month of summer vacation) the Hall reported an operating loss of $280,509, which could likely result in the operating budget being cut from $15 million to approximately $3 million; according to spokesperson Kimberley Meesters.

Yet at posting time there are no actual planned budget cuts, nor changes made to the 26 strong workforce. The Hall has been hedging its bets in drawing crowds from local Sprint Cup races, but as the season winds down, it will be interesting to see if NASCAR fans will take the opportunity to indulge in a little history  of their favorite sport while the teams re-group for next season. The Hall of Fame certainly hopes that will be the case.

[Source: New York Times]

The German DTM Touring Car series is looking to make a foray into North America sometime around 2013, with a possible partnership involving NASCAR and Grand-Am.

In an interview with Autosport, the head of DTM’s promotion arm, Hans Werner Aufrecht said “In America, we are working with the NASCAR organisation. Beginning in 2013, we hope to have a championship with 12 races in the United States. They will be six with Grand-Am and six with NASCAR events, for a standalone championship in America. I believe this is very, very good for the future of motorsport in the United States.”

The timing of the races will coincide with the new generation of DTM cars, which will see technical regulations between DTM and the Japanese SuperGT series become standardized.

[Source: Autosport]

South Park, entering its 14th season, is quite possibly one of the most controversial and ingenious television shows of our generation. From touching sensitive political topics to online video games like World of Warcraft, there aren’t many subjects that the writers of South Park aren’t willing to mock or criticize, chiming in with their two cents. In essence, they just say what we’re all thinking in our heads. (Well, some of us anyway).

Needless to say, we were excited when we saw the trailer for their upcoming season premiere which airs tonight, Wednesday, October 6th. Is there any sight better than seeing Cartman strapped into a NASCAR and hitting the track? We didn’t think so.

“Don’t worry, Butters, I’ve learned everything I can about being poor and stupid. I’m ready for NASCAR.” Hopefully they won’t just beat a dead horse with the same stereotypical jokes about NASCAR and its fans. But we expect only the worst out of South Park while looking forward to the episode.

Check out the trailer after the jump:

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Red Bull has done some impressive things lately with their marketing involving all forms of motorsports. This time around, they took their Toyota Camry NASCAR race car, tossed in their driver Scott Speed and headed out to Chicago. But it wasn’t to attend a race or put their car on display. They slapped on a taxi sign to the roof and drove all over Chicago, picking up passengers and taking them to their destination in a fully decked out NASCAR race car.

Speed even does some stunt driving, revving up the big V8 and doing a few donuts in downtown Chicago.

We imagine it was a ton of fun to film and produce, and we’re jealous that the residents of Chicago got to take in on the action.

Check out the video after the break, it’s awesome.

[Source: CarDomain]

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As part of Ford’s latest Fiesta promotion, Ford is enlisting the help of NASCAR stars Richard Petty and A.J. Allmendinger as well as newly minted rally legend Ken Block.

The contest, called “43 Fiestas“,  has Ford giving away 43 flat screen TVs, 43 ticket-and-hotel packages to the Ford NASCAR 400 Sprint Cup race and one specially prepared Ford Fiesta to a lucky winner. However, if Allmendinger wins the race, 43 Fiestas will be given away to all of the grand-prize contestants.

Ford has filmed two videos to promote the contest, and the “competition” video contains a predictable ending, and some poorly delivered lines by Petty. Remember to keep your prejudices in check when watching the video; Allmendinger, despite driving a NASCAR Fusion, has substantial open wheel experience in everything from a Formula Ford to a Champ Car. Block, on the other hand, is a glorified pay driver/marketing figurehead.

Hit the jump to see the official videos

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Kyle Busch isn’t without controversy both on and off the track. And while his fellow NASCAR drivers might have an unflattering thing or two to say about him, there’s no denying Busch is a force to be reckoned with on the race track. In an unprecedented set of events at Bristol, Tennessee, Busch drove two Toyota Camrys and a Toyota Tundra (no… not at the same time) to sweep the NASCAR weekend, becoming the first driver ever to do so.

The three events Busch swept were the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR Nationwide Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. It was definitely a historic achievement for Toyota’s presence in NASCAR, and for Kyle Busch and his team. Now if only he could play nice with the other drivers.

Official press release available after the break.

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The owners of Pocono Raceway have installed a 25 acre solar farm designed to power the track’s electrical systems. With nearly 40,000 solar cells, the project cost $16 million dollars to install, but will save untold dollars in the long run.

“Several hundred thousand dollars a year is what our electric bill is,” track owner Brandon Igdalsky told CNN. “We’re spending almost $16 million to put this project in. We’re not going to have an electric bill anymore, and we’ll also be benefiting the grid when we’re not drawing power and supplying energy to the grid that will go to our neighbors’ homes … almost close to a thousand homes with this project.”

As much as 66% of the power generated will be fed back into the grid, due to the infrequent use of the track during days without major races. The solar system gets its first major use this weekend as both the NASCAR and ARCA series visit the track.

[Source: CNN]

Hit the jump to see the video

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Legendary motosports mogul, engineer and NASCAR team owner Jack Roush, remains stable in hospital, after a serious aircraft accident yesterday. Roush, who’s also a keen aviation enthusiast and pilot, was at the controls of a Beechcraft Premier business Jet on July 28th, inbound to the Experimental Aircraft Association’s annual Fly-In at Oshkosh, Wisconsin, which boasts one of the largest gatherings of vintage aircraft in the world. On approach to land at Wittman Regional Airport, witnesses say Roush’s Beechcraft appeared to be coming in too low and too slow. It hit the ground and then spun 180 degrees, breaking its back before coming to rest on the grass.

According to a statement issued by Geoff Smith, President of Roush-Fenway Racing, Jack Roush, who suffered facial injuries in the crash, is currently in stable condition in a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. His friend, Brenda Stricklin, who was also onboard the aircraft at the time of the accident, suffered minor injuries and was released from hospital yesterday.

NASCAR chairman and CEO Brian France, stated “on behalf of our industry, our prayers go out to Jack Roush, the Roush Family and Roush Fenway Racing. All of us are looking forward to a full and speedy recovery.” Click on the link below for video footage.

[Associated Press]

Jacques Villeneuve, the Canadian Formula 1 world champion and Indianapolis 500 winner, is headed back to NASCAR for the famous Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis.

Villeneuve will be returning with the Braun Racing team, which campaigns Toyotas in NASCAR. Villeneuve has had a series of infrequent NASCAR drives, as his road course skills are highly sought after during NASCAR’s rare road course races. He finished in 25th in his last start at the Watkins Glen road course. This event will be on an oval track, a far more typical layout for the series.

[Source: The Globe And Mail]

With Ford recently drawing back the curtain on its NASCAR Mustang for this weekend’s Nationwide Series race, Dodge has followed suit with one seriously retro-looking racer. In addition to the Penske Racing car, Dodge will host over 100 Challenger owners, put on a rock concert and provide plenty of other activities at its display area outside Turn 4 at Daytona International Speedway.

“Our new Dodge Challenger race car brings true brand identity back to NASCAR, so now the spotlight is going to be shared between the new car and our two star drivers from Penske Racing,” said Dodge Brand President Ralph Gilles. “We’ve been looking forward to this race weekend for quite some time, and our loyal owners and fans are going to have a lot of opportunities to celebrate the return of the Dodge Challenger.”

At Daytona fans will have a chance to win a new Challenger R/T as well as an SRT Track Experience, plus they can get signed autographs from Kurt Busch, Sam Hornish Jr. and Justin Allgaier.

GALLERY: Dodge Challenger NASCAR Racer

Get all the info on Dodge’s activities this weekend after the jump:

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Danish racing driver Jan Magnussen, best known for his work as a factory driver for Corvette Racing in the ALMS and 24 Hours of Le Mans, is scheduled to join fellow Scandinavian Mattias Ekstrom at the upcoming NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Infineon Raceway. We’re not sure what’s behind the Viking invasion of NASCAR these days, but we suspect it may have something to do with Hagar The Horrible.

According to Magnussen, “It feels great. I have always wanted to try NASCAR and I am very grateful to Phoenix Racing for giving me the chance.” The Dane will be driving the No. 9 car for Phoenix Racing.

“We are thrilled to have a driver of his caliber to drive for us at Sonoma. Jan has tested NASCAR Sprint Cup cars before and his CV speaks for itself. He is going to give us a chance not only to quality good, but to be in the top fight,” said Phoenix Racing team boss James Finch.

The NASCAR race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California takes place this weekend (June 19/20).

[Source: TouringCarTimes]

After a successful test session last week, there’s a strong possibility that two-time DTM Champ Mattias Ekström will race at the NASCAR Sprint Cup race on June 20th at Sonoma, California. And he’ll be driving a Toyota no less.

Ekström races for the Red Bull Audi team in Germany’s premiere DTM series, but recently filled in for the Red Bull Toyota NASCAR team when it was announced that No. 83 driver Brian Vickers would miss the rest of the season due to a medical issue.

During the test, Ekstrom impressed the Red Bull Racing USA team, getting up to speed in just an hour – despite the significantly heavier Sprint Cup car, which features a significant lack of aerodynamics.

The Sonoma race is one of the few road-course events on the NASCAR schedule – which would certainly favor a road-course driver like Ekstrom. In addition, we have to think that the tie-up between Audi and Infineon Raceway (the Sonoma road course) would play into the decision to let Ekstrom drive.

Ekström holds two DTM championships (2004 and 2007) with 14 wins in 95 starts. He has even won the Race of Champions twice, both times taking down Michael Schumacher.

[Source: RedBull]

Here’s a story that is certainly going to get the rumors of Volkswagen‘s involvement in NASCAR started. Last week two-time DTM Champion Mattias Ekström was at Virginia International Raceway helping test a Red Bull Racing Toyota for the upcoming NASCAR race at Sonoma.

The reason for the odd match isn’t about NASCAR ambitions says Audi, but rather a driver’s dream and a sponsors request. That’s right, Red Bull Racing is the main sponsor for the No. 82 and No. 83 Toyotas in NASCAR, as well as the main sponsor for Ekstrom’s Audi DTM car. No. 83 driver Brian Vickers was ill and the car still needed to be tested, and according to Audi, Red Bull Racing USA remembered Ekstrom’s interest in NASCAR and made the request to Audi Sport.

“It’s no secret that the NASCAR series fascinates me and that it’s been a long-harbored dream of mine to drive such a car,” said Mattias Ekström, commenting after the test that, “The first hour of the test I was fighting the car a lot just getting used to the power, the weight and the fact that the car has little aero — all things that are very different for me. A few hours into the test I felt a lot more comfortable in the car and overall I think we had a really good test. I came into this test not having any experience in these types of cars, and also having never worked with the No. 83 team before, so it was really nice to see how well we all worked together. I really enjoyed my first Sprint Cup test and am glad to have had this opportunity.”

Er…. did he just say “first” test? We think so. Gentlemen, start your rumors.

[Source: Audi and RedBullRacingUSA.com]

Official release after the jump:

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Toyota announced that they have no intention of returning to Formula 1, labeling the sport as “elitist” and a bad fit with the company’s customer base.

The sour grapes come from Tadashi Yamashina, the head of Toyota’s international racing program. Yamashina said that the company would focus on “grassroots” motorsports like Nascar and endurance racing such as the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. While both series are ultra-expensive and the pinnacle of technology, Yamashina called them “grassroots” in the context of fan access (himself stating “I think the best kind of races are those in which people can get in close to the race,”) rather than actual grassroots racing series, which have seen significant support by fellow Japanese automaker Mazda.

Ironically, Toyota has a notorious reputation in motorsports circles for cheating, being banned from the World Rally Championship, caught with stolen Ferrari data in Formula 1 and being caught red-handed trying to alter dyno results in NASCAR.

[Source: Automotive News]

We’re not even sure why we’re writing any copy. The video and the headline say it all. Below you’ll find some incredibly entertaining video of the amazingly talented rally and drift racer Tanner Foust piloting his Rockstar Energy Drink Scion tC drift car along California’s famous Mulholland Drive.

For those who don’t know, Foust’s tC makes 600 horsepower courtesy of a Toyota NASCAR V8, giving it plenty of torque to light up those rear tires.

Foust and the Rockstar Scion tC kick off their drifting season in Long Beach, CA, April 9-10.

See after the jump for the tire-shredding video:

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Going by the name of Mattzel (or FONESupports), his videos have become a YouTube phenomenon. That being said, we couldn’t resist the urge to post up his latest motorsports-related work – a compilation of slowed down clips from some of the world’s premiere racing series including: Formula One, NASCAR, ALMS, WRC and there’s even some touring car and bike racing tossed in. Oh, and there are several amazing crashes included in the clips.

Combined with some subtle music it has a serious TopGear look and feel that we could just put on repeat and watch all day.

Be sure to check out FONESupports YouTube channel here and subscribe for his next masterpiece.

[Source: AxisofOversteer]

See after the jump for the original Racing in Slow Motion video:

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After much speculation that IRL star Danica Patrick would enter NASCAR for the 2010 season, the hopes of those wanting to see the racing diva behind the wheel of a stock car seemed dashed when her IRL schedule was confirmed. But now it appears as though Patrick will also race in the NASCAR Nationwide Series in 2010, with a limited schedule. The car will be sponsored by Go Daddy and will be a part of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s team. An official announcement is expected later today in Phoenix, where Go Daddy is headquartered.

Patrick is likely to make her NASCAR debut on February 13th in Daytona Beach, FL. She has never actually raced competitively in a stock car but did do testing for the Nationwide Series back in 2002.

The Sporting News reports that earlier this year, every single NASCAR team owner expressed interest in hiring Patrick but said they would like her to get competitive in the Nationwide series before heading to Spring Cup. That seems to be the route she is taking.

We can only imagine the marketing potential that having a woman like Danica Patrick in NASCAR could create.

[Source: SportingNews]

Of all the high profile individuals to attend the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series finale this past weekend at Homestead in Miami, none have created a buzz like the appearance of legendary race car driver and head of Volkswagen’s motorsports department Hans-Joachim Stuck.

His attendance at the race and meetings with series officials has obviously led to the speculation that Volkswagen may be entertaining an entry into the high-profile series. Stuck discounted the rumors telling Autosport that, “I’m here number one because I’m a great NASCAR fan and I’m here on holiday. I’m enjoying my visit and I will report what’s going on. But in any way there has been nothing, no serious talks about coming here.” He did continue by saying that, “Of course we investigate everything, ” but then countered with a definitive statement that there is currently “zero” chance of VW joining the series.

That may all change when VW launches its new, made in America, mid-size sedan in 2011. Stuck said that the current NASCAR setup wouldn’t allow for VW to show its engineering expertise and that it would simply have to use the series as a marketing gimmick. That being said, he didn’t think it would fit with VW’s motorsports philosophy.

Then again, with the upcoming Passat replacement, VW has already thrown in the towel on its decades long approach to having American’s see cars the way Germans do and has decided to pander to the demands of the market, with a car that will be bigger, less premium and less expensive. Volkswagen is eager to take on Toyota in the U.S. market and doing so in NASCAR, which Toyota joined just a few years back in an effort to take on the Big Three domestic automakers, would seem a logical decision.

Stuck did, however, confirm that Volkswagen has been in talks with NASCAR over a possible entry into the Grand Am series, likely in the Daytona Prototype Class, using a V10 engine. The car would likely be branded as either an Audi (more likely) or as a Lamborghini.

[Source: AutoSport]

Dodge has officially unveiled its 2010 Challenger NASCAR racer (at least from one angle) with an announcement that it will field a two car team in next year’s Nationwide Series, run by Penske Racing.

“As the performance brand of our new company, we are excited to expand our relationship with Penske Racing and introduce the iconic Dodge Challenger as our entry into the NASCAR Nationwide Series,” said Dodge Car Brand CEO Ralph Gilles. “Motorsports are a significant part of the Dodge brand’s legacy. Penske Racing has such a rich tradition in motorsports, and our partnership in the Nationwide Series will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the Challenger and offer our loyal Dodge enthusiasts plenty of excitement in this very competitive series next year.”

Along with the two car effort, Dodge has also committed to supporting Penske’s three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

Initially the two Nationwide Series cars will be Chargers, with the Challenger stepping in for four races, starting with Daytona in July. Justin Allgaier will drive the No. 12 Verizon Wireless car, with Brad Keselowski in the No. 22 Discount Tire car.

Dodge expects to make the move the the Challenger for the full season by 2011.

GALLERY: NASCAR Nationwide Series Dodge Challenger

Official release after the jump:

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NASCAR racing team Hendrick Motorsports is planning to launch a limited edition run of Camaro SS models to celebrate 25 years in the business. Called the Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary 2010 Camaro SS, each car will be built by famed Corvette tuner Callaway Cars.

The package will include a stylish aerodynamics kit with a front splitter, side skirts, rear spoiler and diffuser all made of carbon fiber. Another very cool item is the ZR1-styled hood that not only makes room for a little extra something under the hood, but lets you take a look at it too. The clear opening gives view to an Eaton TVS supercahrger that raises the Camaro’s output from 426-hp to 582!

Additional modifications include Callaway springs, shocks and anti-roll bars, as well as a stylish set of Callaway wheels.

The vehicle is rated at a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds with a quarter mile pass of 11.89 at 120.1 mph!

Just 25 Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary 2010 Camaro SS models will be built for a price of $76,181 each. The car will officially be unveiled next Tuesday, November 3rd at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

We’ll bring you more on the car with AutoGuide’s live SEMA coverage starting Nov. 3rd.

See AutoGuide’s live SEMA Coverage here!

GALLERY: Callaway Cars Hendrick Motorsports 25th Anniversary Camaro SS

[Source: CamaroBlog]

Ford has officially unveiled the first of the 2010 Mustang race cars that will join the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The car was revealed at Roush Fenway Racing headquarters in Concord, N.C., which it was also announced that 2008 Truck Series Rookie of the Year Colin Braun would drive the No. 16 Con-way Freight Mustang.

The car will enter NASCAR for the first time in July 2010 at Daytona International Speedway.

Ovalo, Texas native Braun moves up to the Nationwide Series after running in the truck series, and his Con-way Freight sponsor comes with him. “I’m so happy that Con-way Freight decided to move up with me to the Nationwide Series for 2010,” Braun said. “They have been a great sponsor for the past two years in the truck series so it means a lot to me that they will continue to support me in the future. I’m also looking forward to driving a Mustang next year. I’ve always thought they are such incredible cars, but have never owned one. Maybe when I win my first race the guys at Ford will want to give me one of my own.”

“This truly marks the start of the next era of Mustang racing,” said Brian Wolfe, director of Ford North America Motorsports. “We fully expect this Mustang, with drivers like Colin behind the wheel, to start to enjoy the kind of success so many other Mustang racing programs have enjoyed throughout the last four decades. Mustang is a proud and historic brand for Ford. This is a car born to race, and NASCAR is the next logical step for its racing pedigree.”

Currently the Mustang competes in numerous other professional motorsports including the NHRA Funny Car and Pro Stock divisions, the Grand-Am KONI Challenge, SCCA World Challenge and the Mustang Challenge Series.

GALLERY: NASCAR Nationwide Series 2010 Mustang

Official release after the jump:

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