Both Robin and Jim have a long history with the automotive press, and this latest video from /DRIVE channel goes behind the scenes with Car and Driver Magazine for their major annual track testing event, Lightning Lap. Starting about four minutes in, Jim makes an appearance, talking about the technology he brings to the event, and has done for years. It’s an interesting view into our lives when we’re not talking about Formula One.

Jamey Price share’s his China experience and give’s fascinating insight to the general mode (like the looks on the driver’s faces), the cars, and the atmosphere. He even mentions the fortitude it takes to travel in China with bags full of camera gear. Speaking of cameras, the pictures included are fantastic.

Click here

Claire Williams, daughter of Sir Frank, and the Deputy Team Principal of Williams Martini Racing was just awarded the coveted title of: Best Deputy Team Principal of all time, ever! And the reason is simple. Through her leadership, one of the most storied F1 teams in history is as competitive now as it was in the days of Juan Pablo Montoya. What’s more, she led a turn around of the team in short order. Only last year Williams finished a shameful 9th in the contractors championship with only 5 points. Now, with only three races complete they’ve collected 30 points, sit in 6th in the championship, and have momentum on their side to catch 5th place Ferrari.

That is impressive as hell!

Just last week we wrote about intra-team politics that caused the drivers consternation. Boo. But that was quickly handled, issue settled. Then less than a week later both drivers made it to Q3, 3rd and 7th respectively, and then went on to finish 7th and 8th for another fantastic result. Clearly many people deserve credit for this, but it’s undeniable that a fresh face, with fresh ideas has proved revelatory.

And here’s the best bit. I like Williams. Jim likes Williams. Everyone, just about, likes Williams. They’re a plucky never-give-up team that always finds a way to preserver. Ever since BMW left Williams, they struggled as a privateer team with no manufacturer backing. But now, with new rules and an even more complicated power train, they thrive. I love it. And I wanted to take a moment to recognize the brilliant mind behind it.

The Best Deputy Team Principal in the freakin Galaxy, Claire Williams.

-Robin Warner

Massa v. Bottas. Team Strategy v. Honor. Who wins? Who was right?

Felipe Massa did the right thing by disobeying his team. With less than ten laps to go Williams told Massa to get out of the way of teammate Vatteri Bottas because Bottas ran on fresher tires, lapped faster, and caught him. Fair enough. Furthermore, both Williams drivers caught the lead McLaren of Jenson Button, and Massa couldn’t find a way around. Williams figured give Bottas a chance.

Simple. Logical. Why not try it?

Well…Maybe Bottas could close on Button, execute a pass, and score more points for Williams. But if that’s the case, why not prove it by letting Bottas execute a pass on Massa and then go on to attack Button. In other words, no team orders. Let them race! Let the drivers make their own decisions and deal with the consequences. Williams decided not to do that. Instead they tightened the leash on Massa. Massa decided leashes are stupid and ignored them.

They raced, Massa came out on top. Williams saw both drivers finish in the points; a great result. So in my view: no harm, job done. But many folks lamented that Massa ignored his team and made a mistake. I disagree. Massa did the right thing for himself and showed the team his tenacity as a driver and how sensitive he is to any kind of team orders. Williams knew this when they signed him and hence should have known better.

Massa earned all the points he deserved, and accomplished something much more important. He showed Williams not to presume acquiescence from their lead driver. He showed Bottas to never think radioing the team will move him out of the way. Most importantly, Massa showed the F1 world his number two-driver status is truly dead and buried. For that I applaud him.

After all what is ideal? Eleven teams racing for the win, with one driver submissive to the other? Or twenty-two independent drivers all fighting to maximize their own results? Put it another way, I like racing. So, for goodness sake, kill the team orders and let them race.

-Robin Warner

The new Camaro Z/28 is outlandish and crazy. I mean this thing shouldn”t exist. The tires require warm, dry weather; the front splitter will scrap on any driveway; and the suspension will shake teeth out on a bumpy road. It”s a silly, single-purpose machine for hooligan where is justin bieber right now AND SELENA LOOKALIKE AT MOVIE DATE?These links show that it’s very obvious that Asians can read minds!!!. nonsense.

In other words, it”s fantastic. I was one of a lucky few to try it out, including some time at Barber Motorsports Park. Below is my review for roadandtrack.com.

Read here on roadandtrack.com/Z28

-Robin Warner

I love the Detroit Auto Show. Less than 40 miles from home, all the major manufacturers come and showcase their latest and greatest. Having the honor and privilege to see the sites during the media days, I wanted to share a few of my favorites.

But first, notable highlights. I wrote about two cars on roadandtrack.com

The Cadillac ATS Coupe: here

And the Lexus RC F: here

Okay, On to the main event.

#5: Porsche 918 Spyder

This isn’t brand new. But for the first time I laid eyes on a production car. What you see here is what will rocket past you, maybe silently, on the road. The big news is the hybrid powertrain that combines to make 887 HP! For me, the single best feature is the high mounted exhaust “tailpipes” of the 4.6-Liter, 608 HP V8, how cool is that?

#4 Jaguar F-Type coupe

Look at it. Stare. Let it memorize you. Take in the euphoria. It is the prettiest car here. How does it drive? The F-type roadsters are a touch soft for my tastes, but plan on a harder edge for the coupe. Besides, who cares? It’s stunning!

#3 Acura TLX GT

Acura partnered with RealTime Racing to compete in the Touring class of World Challenge racing before, so it’s no surprise that they aligned again to test the mettle of another sedan. What’s new this time is that the TLX GT goes against Porsche, Ferrari, and Corvette in the GT class! A twin-turbo V6 powers this Accord based monster and I, for one, cannot wait to see it in action.

#2 Chevrolet Corvette ZO6

625 HP. Awesome!

#1 Cadillac Elmiraj

Cadillac continues to transform itself into a proper luxury brand. It’s exiting to witness. The ATS out handles the latest 3-series and the 2014 CTS really turns heads. The Elmiraj concept highlights their evolving design language and I like it. No. I love it! Its fantastic lines, aggressive profile, and impressive size all communicate one simple message: Out of my way, I’m a Cadillac!

For all the coolest insights and coverage of the NAIAS head to roadandtrack.com

-Robin Warner

We like trucks. They entertain and work. And nowadays they provide comfort while getting the work done. Truly remarkable. Recently, I used a Toyota Tundra to tow my boat in to its winter storage resting place. Then I wrote about it.

Check it out here

And, I took pictures!

The most recent BMWs have gone adrift of the companies beloved core values: quick, connected, and communicative machinery. But the M3 remained a hold out, due largely to its last generation chassis architecture. As a last hurrah, BMW built the Lime Rock Park Edition M3. A brilliant, more hard edged M3 that really hustles. I genuinely love the thing.

When push comes to shove, I prefer my more raw and passionate E46 M3, but you cannot deny the clinical goodness of the LRP car. And the engine, oh the engine!

Read here on roadandtrack.com

My Personal M3