
JMR shake off rough start to finish 12th in 24 Hours of Spa
JMR, racing with their Corvette Z06 GT3.R at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, faced difficult challenges but managed to salvage a good result by finishing 12th in the Bronze Cup category after 527 laps at the circuit.

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The Sun
6 days ago
- The Sun
TOP SECRET's One-of-a-Kind VR32 Stealth GT-R Set to Headline TAS 2025
Japanese tuning legend TOP SECRET is returning to the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur (TAS) this year with one of its most celebrated and rarest creations – the VR32 Stealth Nissan GT-R. The highly anticipated showcase will take place from 8 to 10 August 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), where fans will also get the chance to meet the mastermind behind the machine, Kazuhiko 'Smokey' Nagata, now making his third consecutive appearance at the event. At the heart of the VR32 Stealth GT-R is an ambitious and meticulously executed fusion: the 3.8-litre powerplant from the modern R35 GT-R has been transplanted into the shell of the iconic BNR32. This fusion of eras has resulted in a one-off creation that exemplifies engineering excellence and performance-driven design. The car, the only one of its kind in the world, was built entirely by Nagata himself. The build involved far more than just an engine swap. The project required extensive chassis fabrication and reinforcement to accommodate the high-performance R35 drivetrain. The entire body underwent stitch welding, and additional tube bracing was incorporated beneath the front fenders to enhance chassis rigidity. The car also features a full roll cage for added structural integrity and safety. In terms of power, the VR32 is nothing short of monstrous. Generating a staggering 1,072hp, the engine is enhanced with a TOP SECRET BB800 turbine and JUN H-section connecting rods, highlighting the level of performance engineering that went into this unique machine. Visually, the car commands attention with its Stealth Grey paintwork, a full TOP SECRET aerodynamic kit, and aggressive stance achieved through NEKO TOP SECRET Ride Pitch Adjustment suspension paired with SWIFT springs. The braking system is borrowed from the R35 GT-R, offering exceptional stopping power via six-piston Brembo callipers at the front and four-piston units at the rear, clamping onto massive 380mm discs. Rounding off the exterior package are 18-inch OZ Racing Challenge HLT wheels, measuring 10J ET25 at the front and 11J ET60 at the rear, wrapped in Bridgestone POTENZA RE-71RS tyres sized 275/35R18 all around. The R35 influence continues into the interior, where the original BNR32 cabin has been comprehensively reimagined. The dashboard, instrument cluster, centre console, and door panels from the R35 have been seamlessly integrated into the classic chassis. The conversion is completed with TOP SECRET's own R35 GT-R steering wheel and a TRUST Sirius boost meter, blending modern functionality with nostalgic design. Beyond the display, visitors can browse a dedicated TOP SECRET merchandise booth and meet Smokey Nagata in person – a rare opportunity for automotive fans and tuning enthusiasts. Tickets for the Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur 2025 are now available, priced at RM48 for a one-day adult pass, RM30 for children aged 6 to 12, and RM120 for a Family Combo (two adults and two children). An adult three-day pass is also available for RM120. Children aged five and below may enter for free, while OKU card holders and their caregivers are entitled to a 50% discount.


The Star
21-07-2025
- The Star
Spidercam technology brings golf's oldest major into the modern world
PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland: The oldest major championship has taken a step into the modern world by using a technological feature that British Open organizers hope will bring to life one of the most storied walks in golf. Spidercam – that's a camera, not a superhero – was used in golf for the first time at Royal Portrush on July 17. It's a camera suspended above the 18th green using four pylons about 25 meters high, giving TV viewers unique views of the closing hole and its undulations. Held in a resting position high to the back of the green for approach shots, Spidercam swoops down as the players make their walk to the green and hovers just above them as they make their putts. "It's pretty cool the way it can move and do all those swings,' said Northern Irish golfer Tom McKibbin, who went out at 6.35am local time in the first group of the day with Nicolai Hojgaard and Padraig Harrington. They were the first players to experience in competition the technology which reportedly cost the R&A £300,000 ($400,000) to install. "It was a little bit different,' McKibbin said. "I'd never seen it before.' That's because the R&A is using the technology before any of the professional tours in golf. Spidercam has, though, operated widely in TV coverage of other major sports including soccer, rugby and cricket – and has occasionally gotten in the way. In 2017, India star MS Dhoni hit a shot in a cricket match against England that smashed into the hovering camera and broke it. In 2022, South Africa cricketer Anrich Nortje was knocked to the ground when he collided with a low-swinging Spidercam as he walked to his place in the field in a test against Australia. The camera operator responsible was stood down for the remainder of the match. "I didn't know what hit me,' Nortje said at the time. "I don't think it should be traveling at head height." At Royal Portrush, Spidercam will complement existing technology such as a plane camera, aerial drones and bunker cameras to enhance TV coverage. According to the Guardian newspaper, players were briefed last week about plans to use Spidercam at Royal Portrush and there were no complaints despite the potential for getting distracted while preparing to make a shot. As Hojgaard and Harrington walked alongside each other to the 18th green, Spidercam swung down and over them. As Harrington made his two putts, the camera almost circled him. Hojgaard said he didn't notice Spidercam. With Royal Portrush not having a clubhouse on the 18th green, there has been space to install the technology. Other venues on the Open rotation won't have that luxury, notably Royal Lytham St. Anne's, Royal Troon and Hoylake. Next year's Open is at Royal Birkdale, which has its clubhouse near the 18th green but should still have room for the Spidercam technology. "We... believe that Spidercam will bring millions of fans a new perspective of the action from Royal Portrush,' said Neil Armit, chief commercial officer at the R&A, "with incredible detail and accessibility wherever they are in the world.' – AP


The Star
20-07-2025
- The Star
Golf-No Claret Jug, but redemption for McIlroy at Portrush
Golf - The 153rd Open Championship - Royal Portrush Golf Club, Portrush, Northern Ireland, Britain - July 20, 2025 Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy on the 17th green during the final round REUTERS/Paul Childs PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (Reuters) -It was not quite the glorious homecoming Rory McIlroy had dared to dream of on his return to Royal Portrush but it felt like redemption for Northern Ireland's favourite sporting son after the heartbreak of six years ago. Five-times major champion McIlroy produced a few magical moments over four days for the thousands who descended on the Antrim coast hoping to roar him to British Open glory. In the end the Northern Irishman fell short, however, finishing tied seventh, seven strokes behind a supreme champion in Scottie Scheffler. After the gloom of missing the cut in 2019 when the Open returned to the land of his birth for the first time since 1951, though, it felt like a celebration for the 36-year-old who arrived at the course wearing his Masters green jacket. "I tried as best as I could to keep my emotions in check, especially walking up the last there and that reception," said McIlroy, who briefly threatened to make a charge on Sunday before a double-bogey on the 10th ended his hopes. "It's been an awesome week," he said. "I've gotten everything I wanted out of this week apart from a Claret Jug, and that's because one person was just a little bit better than the rest of us." McIlroy remains the world number two and is hungry for more majors after completing his career Grand Slam by winning this year's Masters to end an 11-year major drought. COURSE RECORD It will be a few years before golf's oldest major returns to Royal Portrush, though, where McIlroy shot a course record 61 as a teenager. "I feel so thankful and just so lucky that I get to do this, I get to do this in front of this crowd," he said. "Hopefully, I'll have one or two Opens left here, if the R&A decide to keep coming back, probably one while I'm still competitive and another one while I'm more gray than I already am. "I think Portrush has quickly turned into one of the best two or three venues that The Open goes to," McIlroy added. "Talk to every player this week, they won't say one bad thing about the golf course." McIlroy, firing again after a post-Augusta slump, concedes that world number one Scheffler has moved to a different level. "He is the bar that we're all trying to get to," he said. "In a historical context, you could argue that there's only maybe two or three players in the history of the game that have been on a run like the one that Scottie's been on here for the last 24 to 36 months. Incredibly impressive." McIlroy said he would scale back slightly after the Open to focus on this year's Ryder Cup in New York. "I don't want to play too much leading up to that because I want to be fresh." he said. "I'll reflect on what's been already a good year and start to get myself ready for that run-up." (Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Ed Osmond)