Jimmie Johnson is making all the rounds this week to TV shows and all that stuff leading up to the Big Show on Friday in NYC. All this just to prove that NASCAR is an important and viable “sport” even though ratings are down, ticket sales are down and the TV coverage is moving BACK to cable where many of its fans will not be able to watch. Plus, it gets Brian France his chance to hobnob in NYC, get his share of glory and make him feel more important as the overseer of all things NASCAR.

New diesel cars could rise in price by up to 900 Euro (around £600), according to experts in Europe. That's because air quality limits in forthcoming Euro 5 and 6 emission standards1, supported by a vote in the European Parliament this week, could add significant cost to diesel models.