GM Is Encouraging Auto Parts Suppliers to Build Face Masks

Photo credit: GM
Photo credit: GM

From Road & Track

Welcome to The Grid, R&T's quick roundup of the auto industry and motorsports news you should know this morning.


GM Shares Face Mask Blueprints With Its Suppliers

General Motors is one of many automakers that has retooled its factories to make personal protective equipment for the ongoing coronavirus crisis. The General is also encouraging its suppliers to do the same, and it's even showing them how. CNBC reports (via The Drive) that in a memo sent to 600 suppliers, GM said it will share its step-by-step plans for making face masks with any interested company.

Currently, GM is making face masks at its Warren, Michigan plant and expects to have 20,000 delivered by Wednesday. The automaker is aiming to make 50,000 masks per day when it reaches maximum capacity.

Charles Leclerc Wins Formula 1 Esports Virtual Grand Prix

More top-level drivers are getting involved in Formula 1's new Esports series. Ferrari star Charles Leclerc only started sim racing last week, but his relative inexperience didn't prevent him from taking a commanding victory at a virtual Australian Grand Prix. Rounding out the podium was Renault junior Christian Lungaard and Williams' George Russell.

NASCAR also held an eSports Pro Invitational event over the weekend, which saw William Byron take the checkered flag ahead of John Hunter Nemecheck and Timmy Hill. IndyCar's virtual race at Barber Motorsports Park shows that Team Penske is as formidable a force in iRacing as it is in the real world. Kiwi driver Scott McLaughlin, a star in the Supercars series, won with Will Power taking second place, and Scott Speed grabbing third. The IndyCar race also saw a return for competition for Robert Wickens, who came home with 8th place.

Formula 1 In Trouble?

The coronavirus crisis has effectively put Formula 1 on hold, with the first eight races of the season either cancelled or postponed. McLaren boss Zak Brown told BBC Sport that the series is "in a very fragile state" and fears that the crisis may force smaller teams out of the sport.

"Could I see—through what is going on right now in the world if we don't tackle this situation head on very aggressively—two teams disappearing? Yeah. In fact, I could see four teams disappearing if this isn't handled the right way," Brown said. He's calling for the $175 million budget cap set to take effect next year to be lowered significantly.

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