Articles by Rod Halligan

Car racing enthusiasts in Australia without the budget to indulge their passion have a new option. American company iRacing is starting a push into the Aussie market with the signing of Marcus Ambrose to help promote their successful sim.Australia has a solid footing in the hardcore sim racing scene with a long history of local development. Most Australian circuits, as well as series such as our V8 Supercars, have already had custom content developed for PC-based sims. This cottage community started with the groundbreaking Grand Prix Legends and has continued through to the current leader - rFactor. But until now, the less technically inclined have had to make do with console games posing as simulators. On Playstation this has been dominated by Gran Turismo and Grid, on the Xbox it has been Project Gotham.iRacing offers a more accessible solution to a wider audience, as all requirements except a wheel and pedals are handled though a subscription model on-line. There is no computer configuration of add-ons required and this is a huge bonus for the average enthusiast. But that’s not to say this simulation is targeting just the average enthusiast. It is very much focused on providing an end-to-end solution that a newbie or rookie can learn and grow with while also being the leading sim for many professional racers to use for practice.The on-line racing simulation market is already large, but the potential is there for it to explode. With millions of enthusiasts around the world and a monthly subscription model you can see why Boston Red Sox owner John Henry has invested 25 million dollars in the development over the past five years.Henry partnered with Dave Kaemmer, who is regarded as the founding father of motor racing sims. Kaemmer was the principal developer of the highly regarded Grand Prix Legends which was introduced in 1998. GPL was an accurate representation of the 1967 Grand Prix season and since its introduction it has received literally thousands of upgrades and enhancements through a loyal on-line community. The quality of the graphics and the accuracy of the vehicle physics model was groundbreaking for its day and is still good enough for the community to continue developing for it..A release of a full length model of the Targa Florio is one of the current projects in development.iRacing is offering a introductory discount for new Australian subscribers. Australian tracks are promised in the future as well the chance to compete against V8 Supercar drivers.You can find details on their website here; iRacingWhile just a basic set-up of a wheel and pedals is required, the set-up doesn’t have to stop there. Check out our gallery to see some of the higher-end toys you can grow into with sim racing. And let us know below, which Australian track you think should be the first to be offered by iRacing? 

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa 0714TR set a new world record price of 9 million euro (16.2 million) on the weekend.

Exoto’s first models where of Lotus Formula 1 cars, closely followed by the Daytona Cobra pictured here. While the model is now almost 20 years old the quality and level of detail is still very high compared to contemporary models from manufacturers such as those from AutoArt or Minichamps.Some variations are still available but recently Exoto have started to discontinue some of their older models. Now is probably the time to grab one of these before they disappear for good. Once any Exoto model is discontinued from there product line, prices invariably increase on eBay.Overall shape, in typical Exoto fashion, is spot on – there is however some variation in colour between the model and the recently restored real example. You can compare the color in the gallery above to the real car in our Daytona Cobra: Car of the Week article here. make the bold text a linkBy today’s Exoto standard the engine bay detail is somewhat simplistic, however there is still enough there to put this model in the upper end of the collectors market.A highly recommended model and a piece of automobilia history as one of the early models by Exoto.This model is available on Getprice.com.au 

The Ferrari Board confirmed yesterday afternoon (overnight our time) that if the FIA and Max Mosley do not change their plans for the F1 budget cap they will not enter the championship next ye

While Ferrari’s entry in F1 is topical (see related stories) a significant example of past glory in other championships is to be auctioned at RM Auctions Ferrari Passione e Leggenda on May 16.One of only three original 330 P4s built, and second place finisher in the 1967 Le Mans 24 Hours, chassis number 0858 will be auctioned at Modena in its final factory guise as a 350 Can-Am.This particular car is significant to Australian Ferrari cognescenti as it was raced at Surfers Paradise in 1968. The car also played a significant role in Ferrari’s 1967 World Manufacturers Championship for Sportcars win.  Rule changes at the end of the 1967 season made the P4s obsolete for the 1968 season and 0858 became one of two P4s to be modified to compete in the Can-Am Series in America. This was without success however as the 4.4 litre engine could not compete against the no holds barred big block engines of the likes of the McLarens.Sold at the end of the season to a privateer, the car went on to race in South Africa where it won five races in the Springbok Series. On retirement from racing it was sold to an enthusiast who has maintained ownership for the past 40 years with only rare public outings.The car will present a connundrum to some potential purchasers. The P4 is the Holy Grail for the very upper eschelon of collectors. It brought Enzo Ferrai one of his most prized moments - the 1-2-3 victory at Daytona in 1967 against the unlimited-budget Ford assualt on his dominance. An image of the victory has remained behind his desk since that time. With a second place at Le Mans, this example could be considered the second most desireable of the P4s. The eventual buyer is left with the decision as whether to keep its original factory-modified body and unrestored patina or restore it to 1967 Le Mans specification, which is undoutably the most desirable style.check out our gallery of studio shots from RM Auctions - Ferrari Passione e Leggenda...Other notable Ferrari for sale in Modena on the 16th include;Alain Prost’s 1990 Ferrari 641/2 F11957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa (featured in the World’s Most Beautiful Car blog related link))1965 Ferrari 275GTB/C (raced in 1993 Targa Tasmania)1956 Maserati 250F Grand Prix Car1959 Ferrari 250Gt California (LWB) 

At the very upper end of the 1:18 scale diecast market there has been something of a war happening between the big two model makers - CMC of Germany and Exoto of America. First they both released versions of the Ferrari 500 F2, and both have followed up recently with their own versions of the Ferrari 156. Each manufacturer claims their version to be the most accurate and the most detailed. Parts count in the models exceeds 1400 and virtually none are plastic..Now however it looks like we are seeing a third player enter the market place; GMP, also of America. GMP have been building models for some years, however their focus previously was on models aimed towards their domestic market. With the P4 they have paid the not insignificant licencing fee to Mattel for the rights to build and sell a Ferrari model. Mattel are the global partner with Ferrari for their model line.GMP  has chosen well with the P4 for their first foray into the Ferrari arena. The P4 is considered by most entusiasts to be the most beautiful, desireable and valuable Ferrari. With one coming up for auction next week at RM Auctions - Ferrari Passione e Leggenda (make that a hyperlink on the name itself) we should see confirmation of that view.The model is very accurate and extremely detailed, (see gallery above for images of the Ferrari P4 model and real car). From the complete engine bay detail including the four perfectly formed ignition coils to the plumbing and wiring which look in proportion. This is the sort of detail that the cheaper manufacturers such as Mattel Elite never quite get right and spoils the illusion.Overall proportions and shape appear spot on and the level of detail in the cockpit and suspension is second to known, not even CMC or Exoto. I have only one very slight criticism and that is the front body section is a little tricky to fit out of the box. But that is very minor as the model is solid and well made and even though the fitting is fiddly it doesn't feel like you are going to break anything.If you are interested in getting into 1:18 scale models we recommend ModelCars Too in Sydney or Automodels online store.GMP are set to follow the P4 with a 312P - let this war continue.

Could the Global Financial Crisis ultimately result in the most fundamental shift in motorsport – for Ferrari to be no longer interested in Formula One? There has not been, and probably never will be again, two entities within one sport so intertwined. Formula One without Ferrari is almost unthinkable. But it could happen.It is not because Ferrari are in any financial difficulty and need to tighten their belt. It is actually the contrary. The whole Ferrari model is about being in a position to be able to hire the best, have the best facilities and the budget to do what they need to do to win. The current changes to regulations do not align with that model, and more importantly they do not align with the fundamental principle and philosophy of why Ferrari is Ferrari.Why be associated with a sport that essentially becomes a handicap event? And yes, the limit to a budget in Ferrari terms is a handicap. Ferrari infrastructure, brand, business model and corporate knowledge and philosophy would all have to fundamentally shift to work within the budget cap. The required change management to shift an entity with the history, success and sheer size of Ferrari Formula One makes this a handicap of mammoth proportions.Current indicators are that Ferrari is considering dropping out of Formula One and concentrating their efforts in other areas. This may be gamesmanship. If it was to happen the biggest loser would undoubtedly be Formula One. Sure, F1 could regain Lola — which is a positive — but there are also question marks over Mercedes and Renault. Without Ferrari, the championship becomes a lot less stable and many, many followers will follow Ferrari to another championship.Luca Di Montezemolo has been invited to start this year’s LeMans, and Stefano Domencialli will be attending with him. This is undoubtedly a power play on Ferrari’s part to tell Formula One management that if the series no longer suits their objectives they are prepared to move on. And it is a move that could actually suit Ferrari. After all they make their money from road cars (plus merchandise and marketing) and the LeMans Series look a lot closer to road cars. The history is also there … Ferrari’s record with GT classes is as strong as open-wheelers. The threat is not an empty one.Max Mosley says that the Ferrari board will back the initiatives put in place by Formula One management to cap costs, he feels the saving of a $100 million dollars is too inviting for them not to support the initiative. This makes as much sense as his occasional dress sense. Ferrari’s corporate value is in the multi-billion dollar area. Its national worth is priceless. Leaving aside those two points however: the current business model works, they simply don't need to tighten their belts that much, there is no benefit to them. Ferrari also run a university to feed talent into the factory, even laying off the amount of workers that Brawn had to after their first win would not sit well with the Ferrari board or the Italian Government.Montezemolo questions the current regulations and budget caps on two fronts;* What he calls the grey regulations — where a rule such as the current diffuser issue can be interpreted, and where that interpretation even when it is outside the intended design intention can result in teams expending millions playing catch-up when it becomes legal.* The unenforceable nature of the budget cap. It is here that Ferrari is probably in the best position to exploit and interpret rules. Could the FXX and 599XX style programs be used as test beds for Formula One parts and therefore reverse the idiom of race developments finding their way to road cars? Or are the FXX and 599XX programs development mules for future GT racers? The questions we pose are:* Will Ferrari move their efforts to FIA GT and LeMans Series - feel free to tell us your opinion below…* Or take our Poll (above) 

There is an even better time-waster than looking into your own -- or your neighbour’s -- backyard with Google Earth. Try flying around the globe checking out all the world's race tracks and getting a true perspective on where they are actually situated, and what they look like. You’ll need to download and install Google Earth. See the link at the bottom for the Google download page. And to get you started, here are some direct links to the Carsguide team’s favorite race tracks. Bathurst Philip Island Albert Park Nurburgring Spa Monaco LeMans Daytona Indiannapolis Goodwood   Google Earth utilises numerous layering options with the ability to display three-dimensional building users have added to the repository. Each circuit also has many images that can be accessed by clicking the appropriate icon. If you intend to visit your favorite track in person, using Google Earth first as a reconnaissance tool to get your bearings in a virtual environment can give you a good overview of what you will be seeing.   Download Google Earth here.

The 2002 makes an ideal first classic that with a moderate amount of TLC can be used as everyday transport. It has for a number of years been highly collectible with the Tii the most desirable of the "common cars". The Convertibles and Turbos are very rare and unlikely to be seen as daily transport on Australian roads. Most being in the hands of die-hard BMW enthusiasts and leading a pampered life.In general, if you are looking to purchase a 2002, the condition of the body is far more important than the engine and drive-train. The mechanicals are simple and relatively easy to work on.BodyThe build quality of the original car was excellent, but like any 35-40 year old car rust cannot be avoided. The areas to specifically look out for are;* around the front indicators* Lower rear of front fenders* Sills and bottom of the doors* Wheel arches - inside corners* Rear panel below boot - inside and out* Inside the engine bay around the headlight assembly* Floor, boot floor and fuel tank* Rear shock towers - visible from inside the bootIf the car has a sunroof - around the inner edges and also the out roof sills as drainage can be a problem.EngineThe M10 was a strong engine, especially the bottom end with its 5 bearing crankshaft. The most problematic area lies with the valva train, especially on earlier model. The original head had inefficient lubrication channels that results in wear to the valves and seats. You will however find that most available 2002's have had engine upgrades done over the years and the problems resolved.The 2002 engine is a simple to work on and in most cases reliable. Normal checks should be done for engine noises, rattling of valvetrain that might be the result of a stretched timing chain. Any smoke is usually the reult of wear in this area.Older cylinder heads have been known to crack and warp. Identifying tell tales of this are water in the oil and a sweet smell around the engine and radiator.In genral though the engine is solid and reliable, parts are readily available and the simplicity of the engine means re-builds are not too costly. The fuel injector system is strong and robust but should be serviced regularly.DrivetrainAll transmissions are reliable and the clutch on manuals in strong. The only reported problems were originally with 2nd gear synchros and the output flanges but most transmissions have been rebuilt by now with ugraded parts that have resolved the issues.Differentials are strong but sometimes have an oil leakage problem.InteriorAlways look out for a car with the interior in good condition. It is not only a pointer that the car has been look after, it is also the second most important factor in purchase. Not as important as a good body, but more important than the mechanicals. The cost of re-upholstery and a re-trim can be significant.Collectibility The 2002 has always been a popular car. It is still an accessible collector car as reasonable examples can current be found at an affordable price. As with purchasing any classic car, never spend your full budget on the purchase, there will invariably be items that will require work Although rare in Australia, avoid the automatic transmission as it dilutes the sporting experience and is detrimental to re-sale value.The rare convertibles and Turbos will always be at a high premium. For the average person interested in getting into the classic car scene the 2002 is a good choice and the Tii, injector model is the best bet.The 2002 has an active global enthusiast network. Detailed advice is available from many owner group forums on the Internet and there are numerous clubs suitable for BMW 2002 owners here in Australia.

Common to all 1990cc engine inclines at 30 degrees.Cast iron block and Alloy head.89mm x 80mm bore and strokeSingle Overhead Cam - SOHCSpecifications by Models 2002 70kW @ 5500 rpm, 116 ft lb @ 3500 rpmsingle Solex 40 carburettor.171 kmp top speed0-100 kph in 11 secs2002 Ti twin Solex 40 carburettors.115 mph top speed2002 Tii 88kW @ 5800 rpm, 131 ft lb @ 4500 rpmKugelfischer Fuel Injection.184 kph top speed0-100 kph in 9.3 secs2002 Turbo 119kWKKK Turbocharger209 mph top speed0-100 kph in 7 secsThe 2002 Turbo was unveiled at the 1973 Frankfurt auto show. Only 1672 cars were built and all were left hand drive.Body Styles 2 Door HardtopTouring - 2 door wagon/hatchback - 1971 to 1975Baur Cabriolet - removable centre roof panel and fold down canvas rear section.Convertible - full folding canvas hardtop - introduced in 1971Distinguishing Features by Year1968-1968 plain trim, spartan interiorchrome bumpersround taillightssilver/black combination metal grille.two-piston front callipers and smaller rear drums approx first 200 cars.The rear axle uses the long-necked differential with sliding type universal jointsone barrel Solex carb.1969-1970 4-piston front callipers.A new style (short neck) rear axle was incorporated with regular style CV joints.interior trim mildly upgraded.1971The instruments and dash upgraded1972Tiinew cylinder head - E12 head, with a different combustion chamber shapebigger valves - 46mmKugelfischer mechanical fuel injectionhigher compression (9.0:1 vs. 8.5:1)larger intake valves (46 vs.44mm),TurboKKK Turbochargerlarger brakes,stronger suspension components including strengthened control arms, spindles and hubs.1/2 inch wider wheels (5X13 vs 4 1/2X13).1973Slight changes in interior switch placement/trim.1974Taillights changed to rectangular shapefront grill becomes black plasticinterior is upgraded with new style upholsteryUpdated dash/instrument cluster with fake wood grain surround.1975 - early 1976New seat designnew cylinder head (the E21 2.0), to be used on the '77-'79 320i,OptionsAutomatic transmissions where available on carburetted versions between 19'69 and 1975.Air-conditioningSun-roof.