Good morning! It may be the middle of January but cars will be hitting the track at Daytona at 8:45am ET for the Roar Before the 24, Dakar is set to wrap up a 14 day marathon through the Saudi Arabian desert and three legends will be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame tonight! What more could you ask for??

📈 Trending 📈

🕑 The FIA has announced the start times for all Grand Prix in 2024, Las Vegas remains unchanged

📝 James Allison, the technical director at Mercedes, announces long term contract extension

🏁 NASCAR has decided to allow fans to attend the Clash practice

🏆 Where/How to watch the NASCAR Hall of Fame induction ceremony

😢 Jimmie Johnson opens up on recent family tragedy

🐎 Ford Xfinity teams will be running the Dark Horse Mustang decal package for 2024

🟢 Roar Before the 24 gets on track

Haas’ New Head Honcho

After the unexpected exit of Guenther Steiner from Haas, Ayao Komatsu steps in to steer the team in a new direction. Komatsu, with a history at BAR and Renault, isn't here to mimic Steiner. “I’m not trying to be Guenther Steiner,” he asserts, valuing their mutual respect but acknowledging their differences. His focus? Playing to his strengths in technical aspects and leaving areas like marketing to others.

Komatsu's journey in F1, from race engineer to chief race engineer, shapes his managerial style. He emphasizes improvement, directness, and honesty, steering clear of politics. However, Haas won't see major investments like other teams, instead focusing on better utilizing current resources.

As Komatsu navigates his first team principal role, he acknowledges the learning curve: “I don’t know what I don’t know, right?” But he's ready to face the challenges with a personal touch and a commitment to team unity. And, in a nod to Steiner, he admits, “my language is not great. I swear way too much” Maybe things won’t be so different after all.

Loeb’s Dakar Dream Derailed

Sebastien Loeb's bid for Dakar glory hit a wall on Stage 11, as mechanical gremlins gnawed at his Prodrive Hunter. 🔧👹 The 420km Al-'Ula to Yanbu stretch proved its reputation as a tire-terror, leaving Loeb stranded after a rogue stone took out his car's right-front. "Sebastien Loeb has been halted at 132 km due to broken front right-hand A-arm," Loeb’s team reported, marking a grim end to his maiden victory chase. 🏁

While Loeb played catch-up, Carlos Sainz cruised with a 13m22s buffer, steering his Audi towards a potential third Dakar crown. 🏆 Loeb, meanwhile, faced the harsh truth: "The Frenchman is reported to have asked his assistance to pick him up and exit the special. He will be able to take starter’s orders tomorrow, but the fight for overall victory is over."

As the dust settles, Sainz's lead looks insurmountable, with Toyota's Lucas Moraes lagging by over an hour. Loeb's teammate woes compounded the misery, leaving him to navigate the rocky path solo. 🗺️ The rally's unforgiving nature once again proves that the road to Dakar is paved with more than just sand and speed.

🇺🇸 Sara Price makes Dakar history by becoming the first American female to win a stage

🐪 Dakar podium contender has unexpected encounter with camels during the race

🏆 Young American, Seth Quintero, taking Dakar by storm

More News

F1

🏎️ Ford CEO Jim Farley shares progress for Red Bull’s 2026 F1 power unit

🤝 Emily Prazer has been promoted to the newly-created role of chief commercial officer of F1

🇺🇸 U.S. racer joins Haas F1 Academy for 2024

NASCAR

🎥 Release date for Netflix’s NASCAR: Full Speed announced

🤝 Marco Andretti teams up with Cook Racing Technologies for the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

🚬 Kyle Busch lands new anchor partner for 2024

🎨 Chase Elliott debuts all-white NAPA scheme

Indycar

💰 IndyCar to increase Leaders Circle payouts for 2024

🌴 IndyCar teams preparing for first test of 2024 at Homestead

🫡 Rinus VeeKay embracing leadership role at ECR entering 2024

Global

🔄 Toyota’s longtime technical director has been replaced

🔧 Porsche’s engine redesign for Le Mans

⚡ Why Maserati has chosen Formula E for its return to racing

Support Our Partners! 🤝

A-Premium Auto Parts

A-Premium started out as a supplier, devoted to manufacturing the highest quality car parts and fulfilling the aftermarket requirements around the world. Today, they're proud to offer one of the most comprehensive range of auto parts and services directly to consumers. Use our link below to save! 👇

🎙 The Money Lap Podcast

New Episode with special guest Bob Pockrass!

• Last Week's Episode, Biggest Yet

• We hired 4-Time eNASCAR Champion to race for us

• Clash at the Coliseum not allowing fan attendance on Saturday

• Bob Pockrass joins to discuss Clash, Gunther Steiner, and more!

• Charter Negotiations are extended again, how long can this go on for?

• Jimmie Johnson returns for 9 races this year, could it be his last? Landon thinks it might be

• Rick Ware Racing set's its own power line up, Front Row Motorsports changing affiliations

• F1 continues to lose key executives, concerning Toto Wolff

• Formula E kicks off the racing season!

• Roar before the 24, star studded field

• Dakar Rally update!

Watch and Listen Now

Watch on Youtube | Spotify | Apple Podcast

Memes

TELL ALL YOUR FRIENDS

Don’t forget to send this email to your friends and get cool stuff!