News Updates for Global Auto Enthusiasts.

It’s a busy week for global auto enthusiasts both on and off the track. At Napleton News, we love cars just as much as anyone. Heck, maybe even more. Read on to catch up with the latest news from the automotive world.

Honda takes Pole Position for the 106^th Indianapolis 500

IndyCar veteran Scott Dixon ripped another one for the record books by taking pole position for the Indianapolis 500. In its 106th running, the May classic from Speedway, Indiana, will get underway at 12:45 pm Eastern time on Sunday, May 29^, 2022. It’s the fifth time in Dixon’s career that he will lead the pack of 33 challengers across the yard of bricks that makes up the start/finish line of the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Dixon, who won the 2008 Indy 500 race and is a six-time IndyCar Series Champion, claimed the pole position in a qualifying run Sunday, May 22. He made a four-lap tour around the famed “Brickyard,” averaging 234.046 mph. That was the fastest pole speed – and second-fastest qualifying run – in Indianapolis 500 history.

Front row starting slots

Dixon’s Honda-powered Dallara IndyCar will line up alongside his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Alex Palou. The pair are not the only Honda-Dallara-equipped drivers in the lead grouping. They will be joined by teammates Marcus Ericsson, who starts fifth and fellow race winner Tony Kanaan in sixth.

“Honda, they brought it today,” said Dixon, following his run. Five of the top-twelve qualifiers were Ganassi cars, all powered by Honda.

The Racing Schedule for May 27-29.

The Indianapolis 500 isn’t the only game in town next weekend. In addition to honoring those who served, the last weekend in May is one of the biggest days in motorsports. Racing starts on Friday with Formula 1 practice from the Grand Prix of Monaco. Later in the day, Indy 500 competitors conduct their last day of practice on the track and in the pits. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series holds a 200-mile race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Just in time for Saturday morning breakfast is Formula 1 qualifying from Monaco. Later in the day, the NASCAR Xfinity Series 300 gets underway at 1 pm on Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Then it’s SUNDAY, SUNDAY, SUNDAY!!!

This is it! The Big Magilla of Motorsports! Start with the Grand Prix of Monaco at 8:55 am. It pairs perfectly with French Toast and Mimosas. Follow that with the Indianapolis 500 at noon, but don’t forget to fire the grille to get those burgers and hot dogs just right.

Finally, we recommend hickory barbecue ribs for the NASCAR Cup Series Coca Cola 600 at 6 pm. Slow and low is how we get them to fall off the bone.

All times above are in the Eastern Time Zone. Consult your local times and listings.

Hyundai announces $5.5B EV plant in Georgia.

On Friday, Hyundai Motor Group announced plans to build its first dedicated full-electric vehicle and battery manufacturing plant in Georgia. The plans will help support the company’s goal of becoming a leader in electrification and supporting the economies where it operates. In this case, the factory will be constructed on a 2,923-acre site in Bryan County, Georgia.

“The U.S. has always held an important place in the Group’s global strategy, and we are excited to partner with the state of Georgia to achieve our shared goal of electrified mobility and sustainability in the U. S.,” said Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chairman Euisun Chung.

The new plant represents a $5.5B investment in the state and will break ground in 2023. It is expected to go online in 2025 with an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles. It will be located near I-95 and I-16 expressways and is less than 32 miles away from the Port of Savannah, the fourth-largest port in the nation.

Hyundai Motor Group selected Georgia as the group’s EV and battery production facility due to favorable business conditions, a talented workforce, speed-to-market and an existing network of affiliates and suppliers. Hyundai group member Kia has a West Point, Georgia, factory that builds the Kia Telluride.

Judging by all this news, it’s easy to see why this is the best time to be a Global Auto Enthusiast.