NASCAR And McLaren Technology Centre

Jim France, vice chairman and executive vice president of NASCAR and the chief executive officer (CEO) of International Speedway Corporation (ISC), spent time at the McLaren Technology Centre.

Commenting on his visit he said, "I am very impressed by what I see here today at the McLaren Technology Centre. I have seen a lot more technology than I would in the garages at Nascar and IRL level where obviously they are also dedicated racers and working with whatever materials they have. However, I am impressed by the level of manufacturing capability at the McLaren Technology Centre and the development and engineering that goes on at this facility"

Martin Whitmarsh, who accompanied Mr France on the tour, said "It has been a fantastic opportunity to discuss and compare notes on our differing areas of motorsport. We share many common goals and aspirations and I know that we can learn a lot from each other."

Shell V-Power In The F1 F2008

Fuel is a subject often discussed in Formula One circles, but nearly always in relation to its weight and repercussions on speed, or its role in pit stop strategy and the distance a Formula One car can travel before it re-fuels. Interestingly, what is often overlooked and rarely considered is what fuel does inside the engine to achieve performance in these areas. Shell and Ferrari work closely together to develop their fuel advantage in this respect.

Ferrari F2008 Shark-Fin Engine Cover

Ferrari have included a heavily-revised engine cover. This full-height shark fin profile (inset) is almost identical to those already introduced by Red Bull, Renault, Toro Rosso and Force India. This revision improves the car's rear-end efficiency and balance, and to enhance its straight-line stability at high speeds. It better manages airflow close to the engine cover, and in particular reduces turbulence generated by spillage from the engine air inlets. This addition could well be used at the season's remaining races, albeit with ongoing revisions. With traction arguably the F2008's weak point at the last round in Hockenheim, even a small improvement in rear downforce should prove beneficial.

Gary Paffet Launch Go Karting

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes test driver Gary Paffett was at Buckmore Park yesterday to support the Motor Sports Association's (MSA) Let's Go Karting campaign, which will enable children to experience the thrill of Karting for just £5.

The Let's Go Karting scheme, which will be spread across 16 clubs and tracks throughout Britain, will allow children between the ages of 8 and 16 to get behind the wheel of a Kart for a specially subsidised rate. Organised by the sport's governing body the MSA, the scheme will ensure all the children are provided with full safety training by qualified instructors along with special safety kit and equipment, before having the chance to take to the track and test their skills. The initiative is part of the MSA's Go Motorsport programme, which was launched last week by Lewis Hamilton, and is the first centrally co-ordinated marketing campaign for UK motorsport.

Gary Paffett, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes test driver said, "It was through Karting that I got into Formula One and it's the best way for any kids to get involved in motorsport. The thrill and excitement of Karting is definitely comparable to F1 as the speeds and downforce a Kart generates relative to its size make it really exciting. Karting gave me great opportunities as a kid and I still love doing it when I get a chance. I would definitely recommend children give the Lets' Go Karting scheme a go over the summer."

The action packed day saw experienced Karting children providing a series of demonstrations which were followed with local school children taking to Buckmore's famous track for the first time to highlight how Let's Go Karting will introduce thousands of news faces to the sport.

Toyota Racing Joins With The Dark Knight At Silverstone

A partnership between Panasonic Toyota Racing and Warner Bros. Pictures, Hollywood is coming to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix weekend to celebrate the release of the event movie of the summer: The Dark Knight. The much-anticipated film, which releases in cinemas across the UK on 25 July, is the follow up to the 2005 action hit Batman Begins. The Dark Knight reunites director Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, who again portrays the dual role of Bruce Wayne/Batman.

To mark the release of The Dark Knight, Panasonic Toyota Racing will adopt a new look at Silverstone this weekend. The Dark Knight artwork will feature on the TF108s and the overalls of Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock, as well as the team’s motor home. But The Dark Knight theme does not stop there. On show at Silverstone will be the iconic Batmobile and Bat-Pod vehicles, while some very special media events will bring the excitement of The Dark Knight to life. The Batmobile will even take to the Silverstone track on Thursday evening for a demonstration run alongside the TF108, followed by some unique photo opportunities with the Bat-Pod and Jarno Trulli and Timo Glock.