Mini auctions Kiss Countryman cars to fund global relief efforts

If Dad's Gene Simmons poster is starting to lose its luster, you should probably sign on to eBay to try to win him a custom-painted Mini forever emblazoned with that tongue. Mini and the rock bank Kiss partnered to auction four Countrymans (Countrymen?) that are custom-painted with the iconic likeness of each band member, in a 10-day Father's Day charity auction that started on May 29. Kiss band members joined Mini at the New York auto show in April to unveil the four vehicles now up for auction.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be Indy 500 pace car

The 2013 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will be the pace car for this year's Indianapolis 500--a fitting victory lap as the current sixth-generation Corvette heads for the end of its production run and the end of this version of the ZR1. The Indy pace-car Corvette will wear the 60th-anniversary trim package--an arctic white exterior with silver stripes down the center of the car and a blue interior with suede leather coverings on the steering wheel, center console and in the seats. Changes for the pace car include only the addition of a light bar on the roof, some racing-safety equipment and race logos.

'Fuel thieves' held in flood area

THREE MORE alleged fuel thieves have been arrested in the flood-stricken Somerset Levels. Police stopped the trio at 4am today near the flooded village Muchelney and found drums and an electric pump in their 4x4. The men, aged 51, 35 and 24, are now being held at Yeovil police station.