Testing some new flash equipment, I decided to snap my favourite GT race car; the FIA GT dominating Mercedes-AMG CLK-GTR, a 1:12 scale model of the vehicle in my collection;
Following the design that Porsche had laid out with their 911 homologation special, Mercedes-AMG was tasked by Mercedes-Benz with creating an extreme racing car that still maintained some elements of a normal street legal car. AMG’s designers created a car which shared some design elements with the Mercedes-Benz CLK, yet had all the standard features of a racing car underneath. A Mercedes-Benz M120 V12 engine would be at the heart of the car, mounted behind the cockpit. The bodywork would be made entirely of carbon fiber, and would feature many aerodynamic design elements and cooling openings in order to survive on the race track.
To test the CLK GTR before the first chassis were built, Mercedes-AMG actually took an unusual measure. Through secrecy, Mercedes-AMG was able to purchase a disused McLaren F1 GTR, the defending BPR GT series champion, from Larbre Compétition. This purchase first allowed Mercedes-AMG to see the kind of lap times that their competitors could run, to serve as a measurement of the CLK GTRs abilities. However, more importantly, Mercedes-AMG set about modifying this F1 GTR by attaching bodywork that was meant to go on the CLK GTRs. This allowed Mercedes-AMG to be able to perfect the aerodynamics of the car before it had even been built.
Upon completion of the first two prototypes a mere 128 days after the initial drawings had been made, the CLK GTRs were entered into the 1997 FIA GT Championship season, debuting at the season-opener at one of Mercedes-Benz’s home tracks, the Hockenheimring. Unfortunately the new cars were not able to shine, as brake problems eliminated one car after five laps, and the other finished over 20 laps behind the winning McLaren. However by the next round at Silverstone, the CLK GTR began to show its pace, finishing less than a second behind the winning McLaren. By the fourth round, returning to Germany for the Nürburgring, a third CLK GTR was added to the team. In this race, Mercedes-Benz successfully outperformed the fleet of McLarens, taking first and second places. The team would finish out the season with five more wins, at A1-Ring, Suzuka, Donington, Sebring, and Laguna Seca, allowing them to secure the team championship as well as the drivers championship for Bernd Schneider.
An oldie but a goodie – a joy ride in March of 2007 turned into an offroad adventure when I wasn’t able to turn around and had to make it to the end of the path. IS300 on a trail of trucks, Land Rovers and quads.
From running around Race City to backroads meant for trucks and as an everyday driver, the Lexus keeps going and going. My driving companion for the last seven years, it’s going to soon be time to say goodbye, but until then, there’s always one more road to make a run on.
Apr 052010
Feb 072010
Roland Riegel, a Porsche, Volkswagen, Audi, and BMW specialist from Switzerland, opened Riegel Tuning in 1976. He ran the business successfully for twenty-two years on the back of beautiful workmanship and top-notch customer service.
In 1998, Roland sold the business to Hima Maher, a diesel mechanic and racing enthusiast who had lofty goals of making it a better shop than ever and letting it be a jumping-off point for many of his other aspirations within the automotive world.
In 1999, Riegel’s first off-shoots hit the ground running – or driving, as it were – with the launch of Maher Racing and the Maher Racing Driving School. Hima fulfilled his dreams and raced several times each year in numerous cups around North America, while also providing aspiring drivers and enthusiasts an opportunity to fulfill some of their own dreams.
On the Riegel Tuning side, Hima endeavoured to build a business based around people, where customers and employees alike would feel respected and appreciated. He started with the ever-so-talented Imre Pipo, who had worked at the shop with Roland for over a decade.
In 2003, Casey Connor joined the Riegel Tuning team as an apprentice automotive mechanic. Casey brought a youthful zest that was a great complement to Imre’s time-tested talent.
In 2006, with the business bustling and continuing to grow, Kenneth Jayasuriya joined Riegel Tuning while he was a second year apprentice, wanting to work at a great shop and with the best and the brightest.
Joel Fortowsky joined the team in 2008 to bolster the front-end of the business. Joel keeps things organized and keeps customers happy, while going to school during the fall and winter and working on his Automotive Marketing diploma.
On March 10, 2009, the Riegel family was deeply saddened by the passing of Hima Maher. After coming together to support each other, along with the extended Riegel family, the shop has moved forward under the new ownership of Ted Rosza. Kevin Jayasuriya has also joined the team to lead Riegel Tuning into the future.
With these more dramatic changes also came several personnel changes. Joel has been promoted to Parts & Service Manager, John Sao has joined the team as an apprentice, and Nicole Sobie has joined the team as the administrator. As well, Casey has been promoted to Shop Foreman.
Hima’s passion for fine automobiles, good friends, and great service lives on through Riegel Tuning and its employees. Upon Casey’s and Kenneth’s graduation in 2008, Riegel Tuning has a fantastic group of luxury German-focused journeyman mechanics. With a highly-skilled support team behind its technical talent, Riegel Tuning is, without a doubt, the best place to bring any car you care about.
One last run before the end of the summer from Kindersley to Calgary. Highway 570, an open road, a new engine and a wonderful view.
Jul 012009
For the fun of driving and the adventures on back roads…
