<![CDATA[Gizmodo: racing]]> http://tags.gizmodo.com/assets/base/img/thumbs140x140/gizmodo.com.png <![CDATA[Gizmodo: racing]]> http://gizmodo.com/tag/racing http://gizmodo.com/tag/racing <![CDATA[Anyone Have a Spare $10 Million Racing Yacht Mast Lying Around?]]> A quick glimpse into the life of a software billionaire: When Larry Ellison's BMW Oracle Racing yacht snapped its $10 million mast this week, the ship's helmsman (not Ellison) described the event as a "minor setback."

That's $10 million for a mast. Granted, it's part of a massive structure that's twice the size of a 747's wing, but that's still $10 million for a mast. The Ellison-owned team has two more in reserve, so it's understandable how the helmsman can call the harrowing event "minor" when speaking to we plebeians.

The cause of the mishap is unknown. Weather and stray surfing gadget blog editors have been ruled out, and the team hopes to figure out the real cause and get back to training so they can meet and defeat Alinghi of Switzerland on Feb. 8. [NBC Bay Area]

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<![CDATA[Lithuanian Baby Racing Champion Mired In Performance-Enhancing Laptop Scandal]]> Kajus Aukščionis is quite possibly the fastest baby in the world. Sure, he's been training since he was five months old, but his real secret is much closer to our hearts. He loves laptops.

There's a lot to think about here. What are the mechanics of a baby race? Are people betting on this? Or, most directly: What the hell, Lithuania? But I'll leave those thoughts to someone else, because I see something beautiful here: This is the story of a tiny little human who has, at least for now, become the Usain Bolt of babies, all because he loves technology, even—or perhaps, especially—in the form of his dad's janky Dell laptop. It's almost enough to bring a tear to my eye. [LrtasThanks, Linus]

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<![CDATA[Elite Racer Pro Is More Fun Than Watching Vin Diesel Act]]> This Elite Racer Pro setup, with a 32-inch Sony Bravia, built-in gaming PC, race seat, optional Vuzix Eye-Goggles and built-in audio and vibration effects looks much more entertaining than the latest Vin Diesel vehicle.

You'll have to email the guys at Elite Sim Design to get more info on this (like pricing and release date), but it definitely won't be cheap. And when you compare the potential price of this to the price of a movie ticket, you'll probably prefer filling up on Diesel. [Elite Sim via Chip Chick via New Launches]

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<![CDATA[Snowmodo: The Twin Parabolic Ski Concept]]> In the world of downhill ski races the skis' edges are everything, so designer Charlie Pyott has mocked up a Twin Parabolic Ski concept that would add four extra edges to a skis' base.

Using the same logic that makes a pair of skis better at high-speeds than a snowboard, because the skis always have two edges gripping the snow during turns, Pyott's Twin Parabolic Ski concept basically provides each ski with an extra edge. By jointing two longer and narrower skis under each foot, the design allows for more grip at high-speeds since there are more applied edges griping the snow.

Overall the experimental concept seems like a significant way to make downhill racing faster and more dangerous on a pair of skis. The idea of using adjustable joints to make the set of blades under each foot flexible is pretty interesting, and I can't help but wonder if the same concept can be applies to a snowboard in some way. [Yanko Design via DVICE]

Snowmodo is our snow sport winter meet up at Lake Tahoe, with prizes, discounts, tons of fun snow activities, a party and GADGETS. If you can make it (and people are coming from TEXAS) please RSVP. I'll let you wear my hat (below).

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<![CDATA[What the Shit?]]> What is this? A clock? Steering wheel? The final, gruesome bout of sponsorship an F1 driver is subjected to before he dies? We're so confused and oh so cold. [Yab Design via Nerd Approved]

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<![CDATA[Virtual GT Racing System Now 50% Off, Available for Only $9,800]]> Guys, I found a great deal for people looking for a last-minute Christmas present! The Virtual GT Racing Simulator, which usually retails for $19,700, is on sale for a mere $9,800! How can you resist?

The Virtual GT Racing Simulator has a 500W speaker system, a 4-corner independent suspension, a MasterCraft racing seat, a force-feedback steering wheel, electronic controls, a fully adjustable chassis, a hands-free intercom system, a 42-inch Panasonic plasma TV and a, uh, Playstation 2. Because everybody knows that racing simulators peaked with Gran Turismo 3.

But hey, if you were looking for the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person, this is it. I mean, what a deep discount! You'll practically save money by buying this! That's how these things work, right? [eBay via BornRich]

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<![CDATA[The Corvini C6W Six-Wheel Speedster Is Actually Being Built]]> The Corvini C6W is a (crazy? brilliant?) 6-wheel Italian sports car that's specifically not a Photoshop.

On display at various stages of prototype since 2004, the C6W is just now going into official production. More than a mere novelty or an expensive automobile recouping from a horrible toxic waste accident, the C6W's 6-wheel design promises a number of benefits, including all around better traction and improved absorption of frontal impacts.

The 433bhp C6W will be racing around at 185 MPH when the first models roll off the line in late 2009. [Jalopnik]

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<![CDATA[Pocket Jockey iPhone Game Simulates Horse Racing In Most Suggestive Way Possible]]> Pocket Jockey simulates those carnival games where you have to propel your horse down a via any manner of hammer-bopping, ball-rolling or water gun-squirting—only here, the idea is to actually jump up and down like a horse's gallop. A firm slap to your own hindquarters (riding crop optional) delivers an additional boost via accelerometer detection. If you still have questions on how this whole thing works, why not let two lovely and tech-savvy ladies demonstrate for you in video form. The scene is on a bed and it may involve assorted panting and gasping, but yeah, it's probably SFW.

If you're still with us, Pocket Jockey will run you 99 cents in the App Store. [Pocket Jockey (iTunes Link)]

Related: Gizmodo's Essential Iphone Apps

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<![CDATA[The Digital Transition is Proceeding Exactly According to Plan]]> Everything is fine. Just fine. [Reuters via digg and Getty Images]

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<![CDATA[Mark III Gaming Pod, For No Girls Allowed...Fun?]]> When we first laid eyes on the $2,500 PodWombats Mark III Pod, we thought that our dream of gaming in a secluded, impenetrable cave-fortress had come true. After all, the convertible top can slide closed to block out all noise and light, creating a pseudo isolation chamber for gaming. But then we took a look inside the chamber:

You see, it only makes sense to trap yourself in somewhere if it's awesome, like a women's locker room or a pizza buffet. The Mark III is superbly disappointing, lacking the comforting polish of a car interior along without enough room for a decent big screen.

As it is now, the Mark III looks more like a flatulence-based torture chamber than a gaming sanctuary, but our dream lives on. [PodWombats via Ubergizmo]

UPDATE: PodWombats has assured us that the cockpit can fit a 42-inch display.

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<![CDATA[Rocket Car Will Hit 1000mph in 40 Seconds, Empty Bowels in About 5]]> Britain's Minister of Science Lord Drayson is announcing today the commencement of the Bloodhound rocket car project, which will propel current land speed record-holder and RAF Pilot Andy Green to speeds of over 1000mph. This is another step in the sporadically intense fight for the fastest car in the world, but the Minister has a half-hilarious, half-reasonable excuse for it: it'll get British students interested in taking advanced science classes. Nobody really cares about stuff like that because, well, 1000mph.

The first part of the run will be propelled by a jet engine, originally designed for the Eurofighter. After the Bloodhound reached 300mph, propulsion duties will be taken over by an experimental "bespoke" hybrid rocket, during which time the driver will be subjected to 2.5Gs of acceleration force until he hits 1050 mph. The whole process will take about 40 seconds, amazingly.Naturally, possible blackouts, horrific crashes and mechanical malfunctions are all in the cards here. Dont' worry though — according to the Times, he is preparing in the most ludicrous way possible: "He will practice... in a stunt aircraft, flying upside-down over the British countryside." No date for the run has been set, but we should get a few more details after the Minister Drayson's formal announcement today. [Times Online]

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<![CDATA[Racing Games Zoom Faster In the JDome 180-Degree Vision System]]> Svenska inventor John Nilsson has sent us a cool new demo video of the JDome, his patented 180-degree surround display. I've to admit that I wasn't convinced by his first-person shooter demo, but I'm absolutely sold on it after watching him playing STCC, a car racing simulation set in Sweden. And no, I'm not sold on it because any hot Swedish girl (NSFW) in the game. It's just that the JDome gives a dramatically engulfing experience which seems to be perfect for car racing.

The JDome is a a vertical screen that works with a projector to give a 180-degree view. For the racing game, the JDome gets lowered to the floor and then tilted 45 degrees. The game's field of view has to be changed to fit the spherical shape of the JDome, which is what gives you the surround experience that you can see in the video. However, as cool as it is, I'm not sure if it's worth the $4,000 that a prototype costs. [JDome]

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<![CDATA[Multi-Computer F1 Racing Screensaver Wins Office Coolness Pole Position]]> Intel Brazil has created what's probably the best office screensaver in the history of office screensavers: a Formula 1 racing course that spans across multiple computers and monitors to offer one seamless view competition all across the office. Once you start them up, the Formula 1 car will go from one computer to the other, following a circuit that has the same topology as the distribution of computers in the office, going through curves, chicanes, and straight lines as needed. The good thing: you can download it yourself for your Mac or PC.

The best: it comes in two flavors, one to test your colleagues's ability to synchronize the computers by hand, and the other one that automatically synchronizes all the desktops. Get it here now. [Download via Dvice]

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<![CDATA[Fanatec RennSport Wheel Stand Hangs On Tight While You Drive Like a Maniac]]> Racing wheels have come a long way, featuring excellent accuracy and realistic force feedback. But they're still quite awkward, requiring a properly positioned table or precarious lap placement. The RennSport Wheel Stand by Fanatec solves these positioning problems, holding the wheel, pedals and even stick shift in the perfect, adjustable spot for each player.

Constructed solidly out of aluminum and steel, turn as hard as you want, but the RennSport doesn't look to be going anywhere soon. Meanwhile, users can adjust height and angle of the wheel, which is more than you can say for most real steering wheels.

The catch is, of course, the price. At $130, this wheel holder costs as much as many nice wheels themselves. But then again, the RennSport works with most major models and looks like the best thing for racing simulation since this little number. So you could do much worse. [BusinessWire via Digital Trends]

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<![CDATA[A $15,000 Gran Turismo Pod: Still Cheaper Than Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche]]> We're not sure where every dollar went in this $15,000 Gran Turismo Prologue Pod, but we can appreciate the integrated PS3, 40" screen, surround sound, racing seat, Logitech G25 wheel (which includes those fancy pedals) and stylish Plexiglas window. It's just a shame that the full version of Gran Turismo 5 isn't actually out yet, making this ubercabinet the world's most advanced demo kiosk. Still, here's another shot from the tech-fantastical cockpit:

It's easy to forget that dudes who are into racing games are really into racing games. [GTPlanet via BornRich]

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<![CDATA[Rocket Racers: Like Crazier NASCAR In the Sky]]> If you thought Red Bull Racing was crazy, you won't believe the Rocket Racing League. Think NASCAR, but in the air, using planes powered by solid-state rockets flying simultaneously. The racers take off in pairs, separated by minutes, competing against the clock at the same time. That means that they will have to maneuver around the competition, following a 3D track projected in their head-up displays. You know it would be spectacular just with the description, and watching this video of one of the $1 million racers in action at the 2008 Air Venture in Oshkosh.

The Rocket Racing League® is an aerospace sports and entertainment organization that combines the competition of racing with the excitement of rocketry. The RRL was established by X-Prize founder Peter Diamandis and two-time Indianapolis 500 champion team partner Granger Whitelaw to advance the technology and increase public awareness of space travel. The NASCAR-style racing league features rocket-powered aircraft that will be flown by top pilots through a 'three-dimensional track way' at venues throughout the world. With millions of fans who enjoy racing and air shows, and an even wider audience enthralled with humanity's next step into space, rocket racing is destined to become the future of racing!

There are six teams already. If I were a test pilot, I would apply today. Head to Flight Global for an exclusive interview with Granger Whitelaw, CEO of Rocket Racing, explaining what the whole thing is about. If you are going to be at the show, go on Friday or Saturday, when they will fly it again. [Rocket Racing League and Flight Global]

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<![CDATA[Octane 120: Arcade Cabinet Meets Kegerator Meets Home Theater]]> What more can we ask for? This September, arcade cabinet manufacturer Dream Arcades will be releasing a sit-down unit that's pretty much every childhood and adult fantasy we've had rolled into one. Built upon a "high-end gaming PC" platform, the Octane 120 displays games through a 10-foot screen with its built-in projector and it will pour you a cold one at your leisure.

Because hidden underneath that black finish, a kegerator keeps your beverage of choice ice cold. Two taps (one by the steering wheel, one in the back) and one cup holder (by the wheel) ensure that no matter where you stumble, it's not too far from more stumbling.

And on top of all that good stuff, the system can play any of its 200 (licensed) bundled PC titles, PS3 racing games through the built-in wheel, or PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii games with the built in joystick (and the aid of a few adapters). Oh, and they squeezed a 5.1 surround sound system in the chassis, too.

Priced at $6,995, it's definitely infringing on real car payment territory. But finally, we can drive drunk without all those pesky tickets and dead people. [DreamArcades via CrunchGear]

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<![CDATA[GPS Gaming Technology Lets You Race Against F1 Pros In Realtime]]> iOpener's GPS technology is made so you can take real-time data from an F1 race and use it to race against those same drivers in a video game. By placing combination of Differential GPS and an Inertial Management Unit on a car, it can track its location accurate to 30cm and get the data to gamers in under 5 seconds. iOpener doesn't plan to develop games themselves, but want to make the technology open to developers, and believe the idea could span across other genres, such as biking or snowboarding. [BBC News via Gizmag]

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<![CDATA[World's First Solar Speedboat Does 30 Knots Gas-Free]]> Looking to zoom through the oceans in a stylish, but also somewhat environmentally friendly, manner? Check out the Czeers MK1 prototype solar speedboat, a 10-meter long rig that manages to pack in 14 square meters of solar panels to power an 80kw electric motor. The MK1 plows through the water at a breakneck 30 knots, using no oil and producing no fumes or engine noise. Hit the jump for a video of the boat in action.

The boat is made from 100 percent carbon fiber and has an LCD touch-screen control system, leather trimmings and, most importantly, photovoltaic cells on almost all its horizontal services. Czeers is hoping to produce between 4 and 8 boats per year. Pricing is not yet available, but considering that the last version of the MK1 was last shown at the Millionaire Fair, you can probably bet it's super expensive. [Gizmag]

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<![CDATA[Fat Shark Wireless RC Glasses Let You See Through Your Car In First Person]]> We were too poor to play with RC cars when we were kids, but it seems like it was worth the wait in order for these Fat Shark Wireless RC Glasses to be invented. Strap the glasses on your face and you'll be able to see through the actual head of the RC driver. Better yet, the head can pivot and tilt so you're not always looking straight ahead in front of the car. We only wish it would be adapted for Top Gun 2008, the end result of which would be tons and tons of "pilots" puking on the ground. Video (of the ground model) after the jump. [Hobby Media]

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