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Turbo’d ECOTec Drifting Along
GM’s ECOtec engine is proving to be the little engine that could in a number of racing venues. Already putting out beastly power in drag racing trim (1450HP @ 9200rpm / 940 lb-ft @7700rpm), it’s getting an interesting workout this year in the increasingly popular Formula Drift ranks with Rhys Millen’s wicked looking Pontiac Solstice GXP.
The Red Bull sponsored ride with the 2005 Formula Drift Champ wheeling it has a punched out ECOtec 2.4L at 13.7:1 compression jacking out 500HP @ 5200 rpm and 520lb-ft @ 4800 rpm – proving you don’t need a V8 to drift.
At round one of the Formula Drift circuit this past weekend at Long Beach the new car came out and set top qualifying speed in its first appearance – 3 mph faster than the competition. They ultimately took home sixth for the event. Quite a start; just think how competitive they’ll be when they get the car fully sorted.
Click here to see a comparison chart between Solstice and Millen's rides. (GMTunerSource.com image) [4/12/2007]
Can Chevy Take Texas?
Chevy is mopping up in Nextel cup so far this year with five wins in six races and leads the Manufacturers ’ Cup standings with 51 points; nearest competitor has 35. Yet, coming into Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) this weekend, there has never been a repeat winner in the 12 races there.
It is still one of the tracks that Chevy racer and four-time Cup champ Jeff Gordon has yet to win at in his amazing career. If he could do so this weekend he would also tie the late Dale Earnhardt in total Cup victories. ADVERTISEMENT
Tony Stewart is the most recent winner at the 1.5 mile 24 degree banked tri-oval -- taking the win in November 2006.
"I've found that you can pass anywhere, really," said the two-time Cup champ about TMS. "If you get a guy that misses the bottom of the corner and he bobbles, you can get around him. But as the tires wear out and grip goes away, drivers will make mistakes and a car's handling will become more important. And when a guy makes a mistake, you need to be there to capitalize on it.”
Keep an eye on six of the Chevy cars too this weekend because the Chevrolet R07 new engine development has progressed to the point where these teams are expected to run it: Hendrick teammates Casey Mears and Kyle Busch; Joe Gibbs Racing teams Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, and J.J. Yeley; and a fourth Cup car from Richard Childress Racing with Scott Wimmer at the wheel. Notice, Jeff Gordon isn’t risking the new powerplant.
The 334-lap/501-mile race is scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. CDT on Sunday, April 15. 2007. Check your local listings. (GM Racing image)[4/12/2007]
GM’s Alba Colon Makes Elite 20
Congrats to Alba Colon, GM Racing Chevrolet NASCAR Nextel Cup Program Manager, for being picked as one of Hispanic Business magazine's 20 Elite Women for 2007. From this select group of 20, one will emerge as woman of the year (WOY) at the fifth annual Hispanic Business 2007 Woman of the Year ceremony on April 26, 2007 in Las Vegas.
To qualify, the Elite Women must be U.S. citizens of Hispanic origin, and preferably have made a significant professional contribution to their respective field within the last year. They must also be committed to fostering the advancement of the Hispanic community through involvement in charitable organizations and community service.
"It was a pleasant surprise to be included among such a great group of women honored by the Hispanic Business magazine," said Colon, who was born in Spain and received a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Puerto Rico. Her first assignment when she joined GM in 1994 was as data acquisition engineer for GM's Oval Track Group.
Among other attributes, Colon was chosen by the panel for her outstanding contribution to Chevrolet's on-track success last year in capturing 23 race wins, the 23rd all-time drivers championship, and 30th all-time Manufacturers' Cup title in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. As one of the 20 Elite Women for 2007, she epitomizes the dedication, hard work, and civic involvement so many women hope to achieve -- regardless of their ethnicity.
"I am honored that they think of me as a woman who can pave the way for others in our sport. A lot of people tell me how lucky I am to have such an exciting and action-filled job traveling the country working with NASCAR, the media, the race car drivers, crew chiefs, and owners. And they are right! I have a great job!,” stated Colon.
As the only top female engineer in NASCAR, Colon credits all the Chevy teams for GM Racing's success in the sport. "Just as the WOY recognizes those who have made significant contributions in their field of work, we all know that racing is a total team effort." (GM Racing image) [4/12/2007]