Mercedes GP (formerly Brawn GP) claimed the top spot today after the second practice session at the 2010 season opening Bahrain Grand Prix. His illustrious teammate, Michael Schumacher, clocked in the third quickest time — not bad for a 41 year old retiree. Full story here.

Nico Rosberg

Well, despite constant denials, US F1 announced today that it was calling it quits to their 2010 bid to compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship. Sad to see this happening, but one upside is that good old Jacques Villeneuve may be making a comeback with Stefan GP if the FIA grants them the now-vacant grid slot. Full article here.

"Um, don't look now, but I think everyone is on to us."

I was invited to the AMG Preview Night at this year’s LA Auto Show, where the brand-spanking new SLS AMG was unveiled. Four-time SCCA Trans-Am Champion Tommy Kendall as well as some of AMG’s top brass were on hand to do the honors. This new iteration of the 300SL contains a hand-built V8, pumping out 563 hp and a seat-stuffing 479 ft-lbs of torque. The presenters were pretty tight-lipped when asked about the electric version, the SLS eDrive, but it’s nice to know that AMG and Mercedes-Benz are thinking about the environment as well. Get more information on the SLS AMG at the official website by clicking here. Check out the 2009 LA Auto Show at the LA Convention Center from December 4-13. Click here for ticketing information and directions.

The 2010 SLS AMG

Check out those gullwing doors!

Tommy Kendall and an AMG Executive giving a talk on the new models

2010 E63 AMG

C63 AMG and SL63 AMG

The Legendary Tommy Kendall

I did some indoor karting today to get my periodic dose of racing (well, at least lapping with traffic). I know it’s not nearly the same as when I was racing formula cars, but it is a simple, economical, clean, and fun-as-hell activity. I went to my spot in Sylmar, CA, where they use electric-powered karts. Not only does this mean goodbye to carbon monoxide poisoning, but it also means an overall greener experience. I love it so much, I’m considering joining the race league. Fun stuff!

Today, I put another notch on my awesomeness meter — I completed Level 1 at the Keith Code California Superbike School at Willow Springs Raceway. Next stop, Level 2!

I dusted off my racing helmet and passed on my race driving awesomeness to Aston Martin owners (I guess the joke’s on them! j/k). I have to say that teaching people how to drive a performance car at speed is very rewarding at times. This was a great event, and I got to meet and work with some really cool people, including former Indy Lights driver Mark Hotchkiss, and current Speed World Challenge driver Gary Sheehan.