Yamaha 98091-60106 Grizzly Yfm 660 Cdi / Ecm Control Unit Module on 2040-parts.com

Pace cadets: At AMG academy, students take their finals with their right feet

Mercedes-Benz USA launched the AMG Challenge in 2002, a program touted as "a chance to experience the thrill of driving the newest Mercedes AMGs on some of America's best racetracks." This year, MBUSA abandoned the Challenge in favor of the AMG Driving Academy, a multistage driver-development program pioneered by AMG in Europe. The difference? According to Greg Clark, AMG manager, "the Challenge was more about the cars, while the Academy is more about the driver." Having participated in both the Challenge and now the Academy, we'd say that difference is subtle, at least as it applies to the one-day program.

One Lap of the Web: A podcast anniversary and a Facellia

-- Ford's F-350 can tow 35,000 pounds, which is pretty nifty. But it's lacking one crucial element in race-car transporting: it really could use Plymouth logos and a red, white and blue paint job with the word "REBEL" emblazoned on the side in the same lettering that announced Roosevelt's presidency. Hence, this 1965 Dodge C500 ramp truck built to look like something you could find in the paddock of Fontana Drag City circa 1965 with an altered-wheelbase Belvedere Funny Car on the back and a case of Tecate where the Mac tools go.

Ken Okuyama Design heads to Tokyo with new road racer [w/video]

Ken Okuyama Design is heading to the Tokyo motor show with what promises to be a real treat of a two-seat sports car. The Kode9 coupé, as teased in a behind-the-scenes video, follows on from the Kode7 first shown in 2008 and, if the video is any indication, this voluminous, 1960s-inspired creation will continue that car's attention to delightful detail. And who doesn't love a car with a vertical tail fin?