Cars

World Rally Championship's Potential Return to the United States

The World Rally Championship (WRC) is poised for a significant comeback in the United States, an event that hasn't graced American soil since 1988. This potential return marks an exciting development for motorsport enthusiasts and could significantly boost rallying's profile in North America. FIA officials are set to visit potential host locations in Tennessee and Kentucky this June, demonstrating a serious interest in re-establishing a WRC presence across the Atlantic. This initiative is a collaborative effort with the Automobile Competition Committee of the U.S. (ACCUS), aiming to lay the groundwork for a full WRC event as early as 2027.

FIA Explores US Venues for WRC Return: A New Era for American Rallying

In June, officials from the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) will undertake a critical tour of proposed sites in Kentucky and Tennessee. This visit is twofold: to evaluate the suitability of these regions for hosting a premier rally event and to attend an American Rally Association (ARA) competition to gauge the operational aspects and local enthusiasm for the sport. This inspection is a crucial step towards the potential reintroduction of a World Rally Championship round in the United States, a feat not accomplished in over three decades. The last WRC event in the US was held in 1988, making this an eagerly anticipated development for American rally fans. The initiative is fueled by a desire to tap into a new audience, mirroring the recent surge in popularity for Formula 1 in the States. The WRC’s return would be a monumental occasion for both the international racing body and the North American rallying community, offering a more accessible and engaging spectator experience compared to other major motorsports.

The prospective return of the World Rally Championship to American stages presents a thrilling opportunity for both seasoned fans and newcomers. It could reawaken a dormant passion for rallying in a country with a rich, albeit often overlooked, history in the sport. The intimate and grassroots nature of rally events, where spectators can experience the raw power and skill of drivers up close, stands in stark contrast to the more distant and commercialized atmosphere of other high-profile racing series. This move could not only elevate the profile of rallying but also inspire a new generation of American drivers and teams. The anticipation is palpable, with many hoping that the FIA's visit will pave the way for exciting events, potentially featuring local talent in support categories. The long wait for top-tier rally action in the US may finally be drawing to a close, promising a resurgence of dirt-flinging, adrenaline-pumping motorsport.

Walmart Slashes Price on Top-Rated Car Phone Mount to Just $10

In an effort to enhance road safety and convenience for drivers, Walmart has dramatically reduced the price of a highly-regarded car phone mount. Originally priced at $50, the innovative Camkey Car Phone Mount is now available for an astounding $10, making essential hands-free navigation accessible to a wider audience. This move underscores the growing importance of safe driving practices and the role technology plays in achieving them.

Walmart Offers Premium Car Phone Mount at Steep Discount

As of February 7, 2026, Walmart initiated a flash sale on the Camkey Car Phone Mount, bringing its cost down to a mere $10 from its original $50 price point. This exceptional offer is available at Walmart stores and online. The device, lauded by users for its stability and versatile design, addresses the critical need for drivers to maintain focus on the road without the distraction of handling their mobile phones. The Camkey mount features a unique triangular structure that allows for multiple installation options, including securing it to the dashboard, windshield, or car air vents. Its standout feature is a 360-degree rotatable ball joint, enabling drivers to easily adjust their phone's orientation horizontally or vertically for optimal viewing. Furthermore, an extendable arm, which can expand up to three inches, ensures a secure fit for various smartphone models. Customer testimonials highlight the product's robust grip, even on challenging terrains, and its high-density silicone construction combined with a strong nano gel suction cup for unwavering stability. Silicone pads on the bracket sides offer additional security against vibrations and impacts during adverse driving conditions. This sale presents a timely opportunity for motorists to upgrade their driving experience, prioritizing safety and ease of access to navigation and communication tools.

This initiative by Walmart to make a quality car phone mount affordable is a positive step towards promoting safer driving habits. In an age where smartphone integration into daily life is inescapable, providing cost-effective solutions for responsible use behind the wheel is crucial. Such products not only prevent distractions but also contribute to a smoother and more enjoyable journey for everyone on the road. It reminds us that sometimes, the simplest solutions can have the most profound impact on our safety and well-being.

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Lucid Vehicles Excel in Extreme Winter Testing

Electric vehicles, often perceived as less capable in harsh winter conditions due to potential range reduction, are proving to be surprisingly adept at navigating icy and snowy terrains. Lucid Motors recently demonstrated this capability by inviting a group of experts to its winter testing facility in Baudette, Minnesota. The company showcased how its advanced electric powertrain, particularly the fast-acting motors and sophisticated stability control systems, offers distinct advantages over traditional internal combustion engines in maintaining traction and control on treacherous surfaces.

The testing took place at TRC Minnesota, a vast winter proving ground frequently utilized by various automakers. Temperatures during the evaluation plummeted to a frigid 15 degrees below zero Fahrenheit, creating ideal conditions to push the vehicles to their limits. Lucid's vehicle dynamics and controls engineers were present to highlight the intricacies of their systems. The core innovation lies in the rapid responsiveness of EV motors, which can adjust to changes in grip approximately 1,000 times per second, significantly faster than conventional engine-based systems.

Initially, the dual-motor Lucid Air sedan featured separate motor control and traction/stability systems. However, subsequent models like the Air Pure (rear-motor) and the three-motor Sapphire integrated motor control directly with traction responsibilities. This integration has resulted in a more closely coupled system that responds even more swiftly to varying grip levels. The forthcoming Gravity SUV takes this a step further, integrating even more seamlessly with the Bosch stability control system.

In the Gravity SUV, the motors are the primary responders to tire slippage, adjusting torque at an astonishing rate. Only if further intervention is required do the brakes engage. This layered approach prioritizes the lightning-fast reaction time of the electric motors, understanding that brake-based interventions, while effective, introduce a slight delay due to the mechanics of building pressure and moving fluid. The design of Lucid's compact motors, featuring an integrated differential, also contributes to reduced inertia and enhanced responsiveness.

All Lucid vehicles are equipped with a six-axis accelerometer, which meticulously measures acceleration and rotation along multiple axes. This data, combined with individual wheel speeds and driver inputs, allows the system to precisely determine when and how to intervene. On the challenging Camber Course at TRC Minnesota, a demanding snow circuit with significant elevation changes, the Air Sapphire demonstrated exceptional agility. Its dual rear motors provided remarkable control, allowing for precise steering and cornering even in highly slippery conditions, with its 1234 horsepower effortlessly propelling it through the snow.

While the Gravity SUV, without individual motors at each rear wheel, still utilizes braking to distribute torque, it maintains a strong advantage due to its dual-axle motor configuration, proving highly effective in recovering from slides. Comparative tests with a Tesla Model Y and a Porsche Macan 4S, both on all-season tires, underscored Lucid's superior performance. The Tesla's overly restrictive controls limited its maneuverability, while the Porsche struggled with traction. Notably, even with its rapid responses, Lucid found that in extreme icy conditions, regenerative braking in the rear-motor Air Pure could induce oversteer, recommending drivers disable it for optimal control.

The experience at the winter testing facility, coupled with insights from Lucid's engineering team, provided a profound appreciation for the sophisticated engineering behind modern electric vehicles. The complex interplay of hardware and software, especially in challenging environments, highlights the continuous innovation driving the automotive industry. It also sparks curiosity about the potential of future EV advancements, such as a hypothetical four-motor configuration, and the further enhancements it could bring to vehicle dynamics and control.

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