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Kimi Raikkonen Becomes KRT MXGP Racing Team Principal
Kimi Raikkonen Becomes KRT MXGP Racing Team Principal
KRT Team Principal Kimi Raikkonen attends every year selected rounds of the FIM Motocross World Championship, and we took the opportunity to have a chat with him recently. In the second year of operation with Kawasaki in the MXGP class, the team has already claimed numerous podium results including five GP wins in-a-row for team leader Romain Febvre.
Kimi, did you race motocross yourself and how did it start for you?
As a child, I started the same way a lot of kids did back in the day with an Italjet mini-bike. It was a 50cc auto that taught me about balance, machine attitude and throttle control. I suppose that is where my love of off-road and MX came from. I did not compete on two wheels so much as a youngster but later I did some club races on a KX250. I’ve always liked the challenge that MX riding gives you and how physical it is. It’s such a great feeling and after riding you always feel you have really challenged yourself – in a really positive way.
Were you allowed to race motocross as a Formula One driver?
Sometimes I went riding in small club races but it was just for fun and I have a small track at home here with the kids. I did not race at a high level and I felt it was part of my fitness programme. I don’t know what any of my teams thought about it as I never mentioned it to them.
Kimi Raikkonen Becomes KRT MXGP Racing Team Principal
How did you start to build the team?
At first of course it was with completely different people but it wasn’t how I wanted; it was too messy. Then I spoke to Antti around 2010; in fact I almost hired him as a rider at first. Then half-a-year later, when I heard he was stopping, I called him again to come and run the team. Now the direction is very good. We always wanted to come back to Kawasaki; now is the second year together and we have a great relationship with the Japanese people and the whole Kawasaki group. Kawasaki is pushing a lot and it’s great to be part of the team and the group, helping them to develop the bike.
You must be delighted with the recent success; five wins-in-a-row.
Of course it’s nice to win and we have been working for this for many years. But sometimes results come, sometimes not, and injuries are part of the whole business; we always want to win but it’s a small difference between fifth and winning. It’s great to be winning, and we take it when it comes, but we know how easy it is for it to go the other way. Last year was tricky with Romain injured and of course it was also the first year for us with Kawasaki. Romain has been riding well and is now winning, and Mitch is getting stronger so we can hopefully get two bikes up-front before too long.
READ MORE : “Michael Schumacher’s Close Friend Drops Bombshell: ‘His Case Is Hopeless,’ Says Roger Benoit in Exclusive Interview!”
Are you satisfied with the development?
Yes; it’s been a busy couple of years, first changing the manufacturer last year and then taking on the new bike. It was almost like starting again from zero this year with the new bike, but we were prepared and we now have everything how we want. There are always things which can be improved even more but it needs to be a process that makes sense. You can do things very quickly but it needs to work well; it has to be 100% what you want. And the work is never-ending to make the riders even more satisfied.
Did you ride the new KX450 yourself?
We have a new baby this year so I’ve been busy with family and haven’t had the chance to ride the new bike myself yet, but hopefully I can find time to ride again this winter. In fact I have a KX250 and a KX450.
Franky speaking I was amazed how easy and good they are to ride. For sure, my riding has gone to the next level with the Kawasaki bikes I have.
Is the 450 good for you or do you prefer the 250 for everyday riding?
I don’t train or ride every day so I prefer 250 at my own track in Finland. Maybe the 450 for me is better suited to a bigger track and if I had more time to ride. It’s a serious bike and you have to approach it in a serious way.
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Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Donald Trump was attacked at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. A barrage of gunfire set off panic, and a bloodied Trump, who said he was shot in the ear, was surrounded by Secret Service and hurried to his SUV as he pumped his fist in a show of defiance
Trump’s campaign said the presumptive GOP nominee was doing “fine” after the shooting. The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
Secret Service agents fatally shot Crooks, One attendee was killed and two spectators were critically injured. All were identified as men. The attack was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981
The attack drew new attention to concerns about political violence in a deeply polarized U.S. less than four months before the presidential election
President Joe Biden, who is running against Trump, was briefed on the incident and spoke to Trump several hours after the shooting. Many Republicans quickly blamed the violence on Biden and his allies, arguing that sustained attacks on Trump as a threat to democracy have created a toxic environment.
Elon Musk twitted to condemn the action
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate. Either way, the SS leadership must resign. https://t.co/0vYGrj6yuH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 14, 2024
It’s crazy they didn’t see him in advance from this vantage point?!? https://t.co/4XyuOMYfVT
— Craig Chamberlin (@CraigChamberlin) July 14, 2024
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/50cent/status/1812281668759109860?t=9znqS3__kyEUWhXiYGjrFw&s=19
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Zeekr 001 Electrifies with a Power Boost: Zhou Guanyu and Kimi Räikkönen Lead the Charge
Experience the silent power of the Zeekr 001 electric vehicle, with upgraded performance, visual enhancements, and support from racing icons. Embrace the future of sustainable driving.
Imagine a world where the roar of an engine is replaced by the silent surge of electricity, propelling vehicles forward with the press of a pedal. This vision is becoming a reality with the introduction of the updated Zeekr 001 electric vehicle (EV), which has recently been certified for sale in China. With its blend of power, innovation, and the endorsement of racing legends, the Zeekr 001 is setting a new benchmark in the EV market.
The Power Within: A Leap in Performance
The latest iteration of the Zeekr 001 brings to the table a new 95 kWh LFP battery pack and an enhanced entry-level powertrain that boasts 415 hp, a significant leap from the previous 272 hp. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant now commands an impressive 778 hp, marking a 234 hp increase. This power upgrade is not just about numbers; it represents a leap towards efficiency, sustainability, and the sheer joy of driving an electric powerhouse. The Zeekr 001’s ability to balance performance with environmental responsibility highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry
While the performance upgrades are substantial, the Zeekr 001 also sports minor visual enhancements that signify its evolution. New front and rear bumpers and fresh color options give the vehicle a contemporary edge, appealing to a broader audience. Yet, it’s the optional LiDAR that points to the future, hinting at advanced driving assistance systems and a commitment to safety. These updates, coupled with the anticipated improvements in charging capabilities and multimedia systems, underscore Zeekr’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Champions Behind the Wheel
The announcement of Zhou Guanyu as the ambassador and Chief Driving Officer, alongside Kimi Räikkönen’s continued role as Chief Performance Advisor, adds a layer of credibility and excitement to the Zeekr 001. Guanyu, celebrated as the first Chinese Formula 1 driver, brings a unique perspective and expertise to the brand, bridging the gap between racing technology and everyday driving. Räikkönen, with his storied career and championship pedigree, ensures that performance remains at the heart of Zeekr’s philosophy. Their involvement speaks volumes about the brand’s aspirations and commitment to excellence.
Since its launch in October 2021, the Zeekr 001 has found its way into the driveways of 152,064 customers, a testament to its appeal and the growing appetite for electric vehicles. With the refreshed model set to introduce on February 27, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal moment in Zeekr’s journey and the broader EV landscape. The Zeekr 001, with its blend of power, innovation, and star power, is not just a vehicle; it’s a harbinger of an electrified future, promising a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it is sustainable.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. and 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney were recently on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and talked about the Netflix special NASCAR: Full Speed among other things. During their conversation, Dale Jr. opened up about his traffic violations and revealed the interesting encounters that he had with 4 different police officers.
He took a trip down memory lane to remember how he got his first speeding ticket and quipped that he had received not one, but four tickets between the ages of 16 and 18. He told Clarkson, “I had a few issues in the first two years of having my license, from 16 to 18. I got four tickets, and the funny thing about it is, is that it was four different officers who told me they all gave my dad his first ticket, so I don’t know how that is possible.”
Dale Jr.’s father Dale Earnhardt was one of the biggest names in stock car racing since its advent in the 20th century. While it is natural for anyone to be known as having interacted with the legend, Dale Jr. can’t quite put a finger on how four different officers could have given him his first ticket. However, he did have a more important lesson to take away from the tickets he got
“I learned my lesson,” he affirmed. “I haven’t had any problems since then.” Dale Jr. is one of the executive producers of Full Speed. The docuseries has been very well received by drivers and fans since its premiere last month.
READ: “He Actually Hated Me” – Dale Jr Defends His Late Father’s Legacy as He Publicly Trashes Geoff Bodine’s Shocking Accusation
The instantaneous impact that Full Speed has been having on NASCAR
During the last race weekend, several drivers voiced their support for the Netflix docuseries and said that it was helping the sport generate new fans. One of the series main characters, Denny Hamlin said, “I thought it was a very good introduction for new fans. Because they also were kind of teaching you some 101 stuff, like, here’s how this works.”
Xfinity Series racer and Live Fast Motorsports co-owner B.J. McLeod compared it to the Hollywood hit Days of Thunder and mentioned that it had the best potential since the movie to attract new fans. He said, “It’s something that people should see, and I think that it was an unbelievable opportunity for NASCAR to have that on Netflix.”
The docuseries chronicled the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoff run and featured others including Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Ross Chastain, and Dale Jr., himself.
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Max Verstappen addresses ‘British bias’ at Mexican GP after Lewis Hamilton put-down
$200M Jeff Gordon teams up with Chase Elliott and Co. to decode the HMS driver behind the “Don’t judge me” old tweet
