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Motorists turning to car clubs |
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Written by Kim French
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Friday, 30 April 2010 22:07 |
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More motorists in the UK are turning to car clubs due to the spiralling costs of car ownership.
In the past 12 months, membership of car clubs has nearly doubled from 64,679 members to 112,928, according to new Department for Transport statistics.
The main reason for the switch is the ever-increasing cost of fuel; the average tank of fuel now costs £10 more than this time last year.
The rising cost of fuel has also led to more people buying hybrid or electric cars (48,000 units sold in 2008, 62,000 in 2009) and the average engine size sold in the UK in 2009 was down 3.6 per cent on 2008 to 1692cc.
“It is the impact of pump prices," an AA spokesman told the Daily Telegraph. "When we ask motorists what factors have influenced their choice of car, fuel economy comes second after reliability. Environmental concerns come some way down.”
The statistics also showed that more motorists were hanging onto their cars for longer. Motorists held onto their cars for an average of 6.6 years in 2003, compared with 7.1 years in 2009.
Taken from Autocar.co.uk: More motorists in the UK are turning to car clubs due to the spiralling costs of car ownership.
In the past 12 months, membership of car clubs has nearly doubled from 64,679 members to 112,928, according to new Department for Transport statistics.
The main reason for the switch is the ever-increasing cost of fuel; the average tank of fuel now costs £10 more than this time last year.
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KUMHO TOPS UK REPLACEMENT TYRE SURVEY |
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Written by Kim French
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Friday, 30 April 2010 22:02 |
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Research conducted between December 2009 and February 2010 shows Kumho car tyres to have been the first brand recommendation of Britain’s local independent tyre specialists. In fact, at an average of 5.6 per cent, Kumho products were recommended first more than twice as often as those of some traditional household-name brands.
Kumho’s 4x4 tyres also faired well in the survey, being the third most likely brand to be recommended first by independents, behind Bridgestone and Pirelli.
The data is based on an ongoing and large scale marketing survey conducted by market analysts Encircle Marketing. Sampling across all of the UK’s tyre distribution channels, the data focuses on recommendations and pricing data.
It is widely accepted that dealer recommendation has considerable bearing on customer choice, as tyres are a highly technical product and customers generally rely on dealer advice regarding the relative performance, safety, wear and environmental credentials of the multitude of brands now available on the UK market.
Said a Kumho Tyres’ spokesperson: “These results are extremely rewarding for us. Dealers’ reputations are all important to them and they don’t recommend products unless they really believe in them. Moreover this news comes on the heels of a string of positive press tests and industry awards for our tyres. These accolades show we continue to gain ground against the more established brands and are providing products that the market wants.”
For further information on Kumho and its tyres log onto www.kumhotyre.co.uk
Research conducted between December 2009 and February 2010 shows Kumho car tyres to have been the first brand recommendation of Britain’s local independent tyre specialists. In fact, at an average of 5.6 per cent, Kumho products were recommended first more than twice as often as those of some traditional household-name brands.
Kumho’s 4x4 tyres also faired well in the survey, being the third most likely brand to be recommended first by independents, behind Bridgestone and Pirelli.
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RED DRAGON RACE & TRACK CLUB, SUBARU CUP/NIPPON CHALLENGE - MALLORY PARK APRIL 18 |
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Written by Kim French
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Thursday, 29 April 2010 18:39 |
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Out of a full grid of 30 cars that lined up for the first two rounds of the Subaru Cup/NipponChallenge 2010, just nine were Impreza’s. The club racing season has clearly been hit by the economic woes which can be seen by falling grids at many established championships already, so to get a full grid of anything is good news for spectators and drivers. So its here and its started and those than ran put on some good entertainment.
Vaughan Fletcher dominated both races in the modified Scooby Clinic car [ it would be nice to see other tuners put their reps on the line and take them on] Whilst newcomer to circuit racing Ian Froggatt after suffering a dnf in race one found reliability and put his off road experience to use claiming a top six finish in race two.
The Coventry University entry driven by David Williams suffered head gasket failure ending his day after a promising eighth in race one, and gremlins put an end to Spencer Turners day also after 16 laps of the same race. Adrian Howells was the best of the production class cars with two class wins with Darren Hughes a close second.
Next two rounds at Snetterton May 30th More cars more stars why not come and see the action.
Out of a full grid of 30 cars that lined up for the first two rounds of the Subaru Cup/NipponChallenge 2010, just nine were Impreza’s. The club racing season has clearly been hit by the economic woes which can be seen by falling grids at many established championships already, so to get a full grid of anything is good news for spectators and drivers. So its here and its started and those than ran put on some good entertainment.
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Santa Pod Present THE FIA ‘Main Event’ 2010 |
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Written by Kim French
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Thursday, 29 April 2010 18:36 |
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Santa Pod Raceway, the home of European Drag racing, is already gearing up for one of Europe’s most prestigious Drag Racing meetings; The FIA Main Event! This hugely popular, televised extravaganza is the first round of the prestigious European Drag Racing Championship and features one of the largest race entries and most diverse list of machinery anywhere in Europe! Over 200 teams and 17 race classes make this event unrivalled for both the quality and quantity of racing. Make it a date in your diary now! - Friday the 28th to Monday 31st May.
Exemplifying the very greatest, fastest, loudest and craziest spectacles in drag racing, the entire weekend gathers the most brutal machines in Europe and pits them head to head in an epic display of rubber burning, nitro-snorting insanity! Both cars and bikes are represented, with many of the 8000bhp entrants able to hit an incredible 300 mph in well under 5 seconds!! If this wasn’t impressive enough, on the track in between racing will be the awesome Fireforce Jet Funny Car, plus Ronnie Picardo's gravity defying Wheelie Truck.
Off-track action is equally as exciting with loads of entertainment and attractions aimed squarely at families looking for a great value day out or even the weekend away. Full camping facilities are available and under 16s even go for free! There's fun for the whole clan with Kids entertainment, side shows, traders, Fun Fair and full catering & bar facilities all weekend with evening entertainment in Fuellers Bar, including a live performance from rock band ‘Ruse’ on the Sunday night. This year there’s even a Ladies Lounge for those looking to grab a quiet five minutes away from the relentless action.
Adrenaline junkies will also love the car crushing Monster Trucks Podzilla and Swamp Thing attempting to out-jump each other in the Live Action Arena, along with the world record breaking Stunt Driver, Terry Grant and 2007 Stunt Riding Champion, Zoltan Angyal performing their own brand of automotive magic on four and two wheels respectively. Joining this eclectic line-up will be modern-day Evil Knievel, Jason Smythe on his fleet of MX and quad bikes.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also be making fly-pasts with a Dakota on Friday and Lancaster, Hurricane & Spitfire on Monday (followed by the Black Knights Parachute display team). Don’t miss a chance to see these iconic aircraft in action.
The event will also be raising money for the MS Trust, helping to fund research and care for sufferers of Multiple Sclerosis. Caroline Day, Marketing Manager of Santa Pod Raceway said, “We are delighted to be supporting the MS Trust at this year’s FIA Drag Racing Championships. The relationship has been building for some time and we hope to help by making our drag racers and fans more aware of the disease and of the hard work the Trust does to help. Much of this started when Drag Racing fan and MS sufferer Karen Aston contacted us over a year ago. She has become so hooked on our sport that she is now training up to become a drag racer herself and will entering her first Championship this year.”
Advance ticket prices start from just £10 for the Friday, or £32 for the action packed Saturday or Sunday, with both days totalling £55 and the entire 4 day event costing just £65. With all kids under 16 getting in for free, it could be the best family weekend that you’ve ever enjoyed! Corporate packages look similarly good value, with fully catered VIP packages starting from just £99 +VAT per head
For more details please visit www.santapod.com or call the team on 01234 782828
Santa Pod Raceway, the home of European Drag racing, is already gearing up for one of Europe’s most prestigious Drag Racing meetings; The FIA Main Event! This hugely popular, televised extravaganza is the first round of the prestigious European Drag Racing Championship and features one of the largest race entries and most diverse list of machinery anywhere in Europe! Over 200 teams and 17 race classes make this event unrivalled for both the quality and quantity of racing. Make it a date in your diary now! - Friday the 28th to Monday 31st May.
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SuperPro launches its continued support for Time Attack and European Drift Championships |
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Written by Kim French
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Thursday, 29 April 2010 18:31 |
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Last weekend’s opening round of the Time Attack and European Drift Championships at Oulton Park heralded the start of SuperPro’s continued support for these two high-profile series’, the manufacturer of high-performance polyurethane suspension bushes renewing its association with these increasingly popular and exciting motorsport campaigns, after being involved with them both in 2009.
Since it was launched in 2005 Time Attack has gone from strength to strength, with more and more competitors signing up each season. And, as the word of its spectacular action spread, the series has seen its public attendance grow year-on-year. For 2010 Time Attack has also increased its status, the series now accredited by the MSA (Motor Sports Association), the official governing body for motorsport activity in the UK.
The concept of Time Attack focuses on three classes: the Club Challenge Class for near standard road cars, the Club Pro Class for cars with controlled modifications and the Pro Class for modified and highly tuned machines – usually prepared by professional tuning companies - with some developing in excess of 900 horsepower!
The competition is based on lap times, with the driver who posts the fastest time of the day declared the winner. In essence, it is qualifying without the racing and as such, appeals to owners and drivers as there is less likelihood of physical contact and crashes.
Adding to the spectacle of the meetings is the inclusion of the Pirelli European Drift Championship, the visually dramatic and entertaining sport of Drifting also gaining popularity in recent years.
Each of the event weekends this year will feature ‘Modified Live’ shows, where component suppliers, tuning companies and car clubs can exhibit - and where SuperPro can be seen promoting its wide-range of high-performance suspension products.
“SuperPro's commitment to the series has been fantastic and we are delighted that our events now form a significant part of their marketing activity”, said series promoter Andy Barnes. “This association works both ways as it provides support for the series and, at the same time, is clearly working for SuperPro, as you only have to look at just how many competitors are now using its products. It’s therefore great to have them back for 2010.”
Although already well established in the performance car market, SuperPro is continually looking to develop its business in this area and sees the Time Attack events as an excellent showcase for its products, as the company’s General Manager Richard Fearn explains:
“Many of the competitors taking part in Time Attack drive their cars to and from the circuits. With SuperPro bushes developed for the road and proven on the track, their construction and design allows suspension systems to work extremely effectively. Therefore, they provide fantastic performance when pushed to their limits in the heat of competition and also are capable of providing a comfortable ride for normal day-to-day driving.”
Saturday’s opening round at Oulton Park saw Gareth Lloyd driving a Mitsubishi Evolution take overall honours in the Time Attack event, with Mark Luney in a Nissan 350Z winning the Drift Championship final (photos).
For further information about the Time Attack series visit:
www.timeattack.co.uk
For further information on the wide range of SuperPro products visit:
www.superpro.eu.com
Last weekend’s opening round of the Time Attack and European Drift Championships at Oulton Park heralded the start of SuperPro’s continued support for these two high-profile series’, the manufacturer of high-performance polyurethane suspension bushes renewing its association with these increasingly popular and exciting motorsport campaigns, after being involved with them both in 2009.
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SUBARU IMPREZA WRX AND STI NOW EVEN BETTER VALUE |
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Written by Kim French
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Wednesday, 21 April 2010 12:58 |
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From April Subaru’s highly acclaimed Impreza WRX and STI Type UKwill be offered with complimentary optional upgrades worth over £3,200 at participating dealers. The free items include the Prodrive Performance Pack, which further improves acceleration *, and stylish new 18-inch alloy wheels and tyres.
The Performance Packs, developed in conjunction with Banbury-based tuning experts, Prodrive, adds a reconfigured ECU and high-flow sports exhaust to the Impreza’s already impressive performance arsenal. The 18-inch alloy wheels, meanwhile, give the car a more aggressive, purposeful stance and improve handling and grip.
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VOLCANIC ASH CAN DAMAGE CAR PAINTWORK |
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Written by Kim French
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Wednesday, 21 April 2010 12:35 |
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Motorists across the UK are being warned that the volcanic ash from the Icelandic eruption could damage vehicle paintwork. Car care firm Autoglym has assessed the composition of the ash and issued advice on how to safely remove microscopic residues that have already been deposited, as well as protect a vehicle from subsequent fallout.
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CRAIL RACEWAY NEWSLETTER 21.04.10 |
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Written by Kim French
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Wednesday, 21 April 2010 10:39 |
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This Sunday its Tora Tora as BANZAI the top Japanese magazine are back to search for Scotland's finest oriental mental motors on the strip, drift and static paddock at Scotland's Drag strip.
The guys are back for their annual visit to Scotland's Drag strip.
Fear not if your motor is not from the East as its open to all as usual.
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