2005 Yamaha Yfz 450 Shift Shaft on 2040-parts.com

Getting schooled at the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Experience

You don't need snow or ice to enjoy the thrills of sliding an all-wheel-drive car sideways, as evidenced by a day at the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Experience at Infineon Raceway. The class, operated by the instructors of the Jim Russell USA Racing Drivers School, involves time on coned-lined paddock courses and a large skid pad. But the real fun comes when you put what you've learned to good use on one of the country's most fun racetracks, the 2.52-mile 12-turn Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

JUNKER KEEPER: Federal database tracks totaled vehicles, clunkers

First, it was the hurricane-damaged used cars flooding the market. Now, it’s the clunkers turned in--and supposedly junked--as part of the federal Cars Allowance Rebate System “cash for clunkers” program. Following Hurricane Katrina, cars declared as total losses in one state were able to get clean titles in other states and were resold to unsuspecting consumers.

Aston Martin Vantage GT2 (2008): first official pictures

By Ben Pulman First Official Pictures 31 March 2008 11:03 Aston Martin Racing has officially unveiled the Vantage GT2. Its 4.3-litre V8 produces 500bhp and the Vantage GT2 weighs a mere 1200kg. That means it'll be quick, and it needs to be. The Vantage will have the unenviable task of taking on Porsche and Ferrari in the most competitive endurance racing class, GT2. The price?