Thursday, March 31, 2011
Michael Schumacher quickest in Barcelona today, McLaren getting a lot of practice changing engines
Michael Schumacher put up the quick time in Barcelona testing today,� as the the Mercedes crew tried out some new trick parts on their car before heading out to Melbourne.� Nico Rossberg also took the Mercedes for a spin and was third quickest. McLaren had a dismal ...
F1: Time Capsule - Aussie Flashback
So I musta been already sufferin? Formel-einus (F1-withdrawals) eh? As for humour I randomly selected a Formula 1 video tape from Ye No Fenders stockpile and punched the Play button, (prior to last Christmas ? which seems like such a LONG time ago...) albeit, in-between these riveting notes I?m furiously poondin? out on mize keeboards; Hya! Having first sat down to watch the ?09 Australian GP: CRIKEYS! Err, Uncle Albert ? We?re so Sorry... Uh, Albert Park weekend action way back last December (12/04/10 ...)Having become distracted a further Fortnight before forcing myself to sit down ?N watch the BLOODY ?Qualie session ? as I?m guessing it was Karma that brought me to randomly select this tape, eh? As hopefully I?ve just winged ?Meeze ways Down Under to BLOODY Australia... NO Polar Ice Cap route this time ? instead I?m traveling to Australia via New Zealand; CRIKEYS MATE! As I still CANNOT believe I?m going to attend this year?s Australian Grand Prix; SHEISA!!! But I digress...It?s Showtime!Back to le Memorex, eh? As I?ve already forgotten most of the SPEED Friday Free Practice 2 banter ? other than how strange ?N refreshing to hear the sardonic tones of the House ?O Windsor reporting from Pitlane; be still my beatin? heart - weese MISS Yuhs Peter!Along with the ceaseless prattling on ?bout those Roguish Double Diffuser Outlaws ? who?d supposedly circumvented the Sporting nature of the new for ?09 FIA Rules. (Sound familiar? As in front engine blown exhausts, etc)And thus, we ended the day with a most unusual lineup at the top ?O the Timesheets; as Nico Rosberg driving for ?Team Willie,? a.k.a. Williams F1 was the day?s fastest runner. Followed by BRAWN GP?s ?Rubino, (Barrichello) Toyota?s ?Trulli Scrumptious,? (Jarno Trulli) Mark Webber?s Red Bull, ?JENSE?s (Button) BRAWN BeeGee-ought One (BG01)The Glockster (Timo Glock) in the second Toyota, ?KAZOO? (Kazuki Nakajima) in the ?Seester Williams, Master ?Zebb (Vettel) in the ?Seester Red Bull, Adrian Sutil?s Force India and Felipe Massa?s Ferrari rounding out the Top-10 respectively. As its worth noting that six of the first seven spots (excluding Webber) were occupied by the Double-stuff Diffuser teams, nee Williams, BRAWN & Toyota...Saturday - QualifyingIt?s just so FUNNY hearing SPEED?s Bob Varsha call Team Willie, (Williams) BRAWN GP and Toyota Diffuser Outlaws... Which is exactly what he named them during the opening stages of the ?Qualie Q1 session.(And where-Oh-where does the time GO, eh? As a further 5-weeks on ? I?m tryin? tooze readz my Chicken-scratching?s taken whilst watching le Memorex...)Jotting down how it seemed like a different era as Messer Windsor interviewed the Boyz ?bout the new look tyres and their thoughts upon them; to which the young Louise ?JAGUAR didn?t seem too indifferent ?bout ? just more contact patch area to work with.As it struck me as odd to see Ferdi-the-Putz (Alonso) chiming back at Peter resplendent in a colourful Renault cap, Jarno Trulli in his white & red Toyota garb, The Krakow Kid (Robert Kubica) in his white & blue BMW-Sauber duds and The Hamburgular, nee Sebastian Bourdais of Scuderia Toro rosso fame; whilst my notes claim Rosberg P1, Trulli P2 and ?JENSE P3... Perhaps the outcome of the final Free Practise session, eh?As The Kimster apparently experienced the high?s ?N low?s of qualifying, as Raikkonen briefly vaulted to P1 before dropping all the way backwards to 14th, whilst teammate Felipe Massa was briefly in 15th before hauling himself further up to move onto Q2. Fred Alonso was down in 12th while defending World Champion Lewis Hamilton sat on the bubble in P15!Qualie NotesFor the Q1 Qualie session,I scribbled the following: P1) Rubino; 2) ?JENSE; 3) Mark Webber; 4) Timo Glock; 5) ?Quick Nick; (Heidfeld) 6) Massa; 7) Rosberg; 8) KIMI; 9) Kubica and 10) Master ?Zebb. (Vettel) While Alonso was P11 and the two McLarens of ?KOVY (Kovalinen) & Hamilton were 13th & 15th respectively!In the Q2 Qualie session, the BRAWN?s further flexed their new found muskel?s by becoming the first two cars to dip below the ?25? bracket, as in 1-minute 25-seconds for the first time in five years! As Rubino uncorked a 1:24.7 with ?JENSE a single tenth behind at 1:24.8. So much for reducing the car speeds with the raft of Aero-changes, eh?As SPEED?s Bob Varsha quipped: When was the last time you saw two World Champions eliminated from Q2! As both McLarens failed to advance, along with Alonso missing the cut... As Hamilton never even attempted a single flying lap during Q2, while the Ferraris of Massa & Raikkonen scraped by in P9-10 respectively.And for the final Q3 Qualie session the Top-10 shook out as follows ? with Ross Brawn?s Boyz upsetting the Applecart! Since having been fastest all day, it really shouldn?t have been a surprise that the BRAWN?s were the quickest two cars of the Q3 scrum; with ?JENSE pipping Barrichello by a scant three-tenths of a second, whilst Vettel wound-up in third place.Thus, you?d haveda admit it was truly a Cinderella story... Paraphrasing Professor Matchett?s words: To go from the brink of INSOLVANCEY ? literally shutting the whole operation DOWN & making everybody REDUNDANT... I think Ross Brawn simply cannot believe it!And to accentuate ?JENSE?s (Rubino, Ross & the entire BRAWN GP team?s...) accomplishment. Button?s Pole position was the first for a Debutant team since The ?Wee Scot ? Sir Jackie Stewart had done so for the long forgotten March Engineering at Kyalami, South Africa, (1970) in Ken Tyrrell?s customer chassis - an unfathomable 39-years ago... Let that sink in for a moment, eh?Rubino: The Consummate Gentleman & Elder Statesman.?JENSE: The Crown Prince ? a wee bit Shell-shockedMaster ?Zebb: The Court Jester, as that?s what I took away from this trio?s Post-qualifying Top-3 interview.Thus, it was nice to see some good natured interaction between the Boyz during the interview session with Messer Windsor; as ?JENSE said laughingly how Zebb had had trouble with the light in Turn-3 the day prior... To which Vettel interjected; Just put some lights in there...
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
NASCAR The Game: Developer Diary
The developing team of NASCAR The Game 2011 discuss the realism of car damage and wrecks in the game. Related Blogs Related Reading: Nascar Auto Racing Dodge Replica baseball hat cap NASCAR Men's NAS-SW-EDW Schedule Series Carl Edwards Watch NASCAR 09
A.J. Foyt?s 1958 Indianapolis 500 Rookie Year
A.J. Foyt’s 1958 Indianapolis 500 Rookie Year
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Charity-branded packages of BC, Goody's Powders go on sale on behalf of Trace Adkins, Richard Petty
Fans of BC and Goody’s powders will notice new packages on the shelves branded with familiar faces and charity logos.
Highcroft Racing?s HPD ARX-01e Revealed
(DANBURY, CT, Thursday, March 10, 2010)HPD ARX-01eHighcroft Racing has unveiled its new Honda Performance Development ARX-01e LMP1 machine - the new car which the back-to-back American Le Mans Series champions will take into battle at next week's Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
HPD's latest entry into the overall LMP1 ...
HPD's latest entry into the overall LMP1 ...
Denny Hamlin's charity event moves to RIR
RIR will announce today that it is bringing Denny Hamlin's annual charity event to the track as part of its April NASCAR weekend.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Whacky World Of The NASCAR Media Making For Some Of The Most Attention Grabbing News In 2011
It was a year that started with a NASCAR television personality begging reporters covering the sport to be more positive. It moved on to many in the sport's media realm taking aim at an outside reporter who dared question NASCAR's fairness. And then it was an impromptu media celebration after a historic Daytona 500 finish that set off a firestorm of debate.
Thus far in 2011 one of the hottest media topics surrounding the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has been the media itself and just how they go about covering the sport.
It all comes as no surprise in the world of NASCAR, where the lines of media objectivity have always been a little fuzzier than in other major league sports. And it seems as members of the traditionally trained media become more of the minority at major events, the lines of journalistic ethics are seemingly being erased by many of those wearing credentials to "cover" events.
Thus far in 2011 one of the hottest media topics surrounding the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has been the media itself and just how they go about covering the sport.
It all comes as no surprise in the world of NASCAR, where the lines of media objectivity have always been a little fuzzier than in other major league sports. And it seems as members of the traditionally trained media become more of the minority at major events, the lines of journalistic ethics are seemingly being erased by many of those wearing credentials to "cover" events.
Kyle Busch Completes Weekend Sweep At Bristol
Pager item text:
Kyle Busch Sweeps Bristol
Slide text:
The question isn?t whether Kyle Busch will win at Bristol Motor Speedway?it?s whether anyone else can find a way to keep him out of victory lane.
BRISTOL, Tenn.?The question isn?t whether Kyle Busch will win at Bristol Motor Speedway?it?s whether anyone else can find a way to keep him out of victory lane.
First off pit road after stops under caution on Lap 429, Busch held off polesitter Carl Edwards and defending race winner Jimmie Johnson to win his fifth straight race in NASCAR?s top three national series at the .533-mile short track.
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Kyle Busch Sweeps Bristol
Slide text:
The question isn?t whether Kyle Busch will win at Bristol Motor Speedway?it?s whether anyone else can find a way to keep him out of victory lane.
BRISTOL, Tenn.?The question isn?t whether Kyle Busch will win at Bristol Motor Speedway?it?s whether anyone else can find a way to keep him out of victory lane.
First off pit road after stops under caution on Lap 429, Busch held off polesitter Carl Edwards and defending race winner Jimmie Johnson to win his fifth straight race in NASCAR?s top three national series at the .533-mile short track.
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Wrecks ? and effects
Accidents to be expected, but keeping cars stuck to track of utmost importance
Leave it to Ryan Newma to cut to the core of the issue.
Always quick to remind everyone that he earned an engineering degree (Vehicle Structure Engineering, to be precise) from Purdue University, Newman sometimes has a way of talking down to questioners. He [...]
Leave it to Ryan Newma to cut to the core of the issue.
Always quick to remind everyone that he earned an engineering degree (Vehicle Structure Engineering, to be precise) from Purdue University, Newman sometimes has a way of talking down to questioners. He [...]
Monday, March 28, 2011
Kyle Busch Completes Weekend Sweep At Bristol
Pager item text:
Kyle Busch Sweeps Bristol
Slide text:
The question isn?t whether Kyle Busch will win at Bristol Motor Speedway?it?s whether anyone else can find a way to keep him out of victory lane.
BRISTOL, Tenn.?The question isn?t whether Kyle Busch will win at Bristol Motor Speedway?it?s whether anyone else can find a way to keep him out of victory lane.
First off pit road after stops under caution on Lap 429, Busch held off polesitter Carl Edwards and defending race winner Jimmie Johnson to win his fifth straight race in NASCAR?s top three national series at the .533-mile short track.
read more
Kyle Busch Sweeps Bristol
Slide text:
The question isn?t whether Kyle Busch will win at Bristol Motor Speedway?it?s whether anyone else can find a way to keep him out of victory lane.
BRISTOL, Tenn.?The question isn?t whether Kyle Busch will win at Bristol Motor Speedway?it?s whether anyone else can find a way to keep him out of victory lane.
First off pit road after stops under caution on Lap 429, Busch held off polesitter Carl Edwards and defending race winner Jimmie Johnson to win his fifth straight race in NASCAR?s top three national series at the .533-mile short track.
read more
Colbie Caillat to perform at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 29, 2010) ? NASCAR has announced the addition of multi GRAMMY-Award winning singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat to the performance lineup for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Awards Ceremony, set for Friday, Dec. 3 at Wynn Las Vegas. Broadcast live on SPEED at 9 p.m. ET, Caillat will join country music vocal group Rascal Flatts and comedic host Frank Caliendo to create a fully star-studded celebration of the 2010 NASCAR season.
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All eyes on Bristol Motor Speedway
The buzzword for the 2011 NASCAR season has been urgency. After a five-year slide in television viewers and attendance, the movers and marketers in the sport have crafted efforts to lure back fans with compelling on-track action and innovative outreach campaigns through social media.
Martin an ageless wonder of NASCAR
There really wasn’t a doubt in Mark Martin’s mind when he decided to scale back his schedule after the 2006 season that he would continue racing.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Build Your Own Brickyard Experience: Rookie Race Attendee Edition
Build Your Own Brickyard Experience is an interactive fan website that allows you to learn more about Brickyard experiences, choose how you would build your own experience, and then share what your Brickyard 400 experience looks like with friends and family.
This blog series follows Brickyard 400 fans and their experience and tips for attending a [...]
This blog series follows Brickyard 400 fans and their experience and tips for attending a [...]
VIDEO: Australian GP Race Results
Sebastian Vettel dominated the Australian Grand Prix, sailing to victory on Sunday in Melbourne?
Dynamic fashion racing pleasure ? test drive the new
The appearance of the new Mazda 3 Pictures Test drive models: the new Mazda 3 2.0 Luxury Automatic Test Drive line: Stadium Road – on the pond elevated – Gou Wan Road Exit – Good Luck Road – backtrack Malaysia 3 first sight, I suddenly thought of a horse 6. The two cars both front [...]
Morris, Deiny steal spotlight in Late Model race at SoBo
Philip Morris and Frank Deiny Jr. stole the show Saturday afternoon at South Boston Speedway, making it feel like a 150-lap race that has typically been seen at Motor Mile Speedway the past few years.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Drag Racing @ Tepnakorn Motor Sports Complex
Drag racing is a popular if niche motor sport across the world, the noise, smoke, style and razzmatazz of the events drag in thousands of aficionados, and in Thailand this genre is reportedly popular and well-attended, so its time to check out this scene. There are two 1/4 miles strips in the vicinity of Bangkok, [...]
TV Alert: 12 Hours of Sebring Recap on ABC
In case you didn't spend 12 hours sitting in front of the laptop watching the ESPN3 stream-cast of the 12 hours of Sebring, you can catch a 90 minute recap of the race today on ABC. Since this is not a live broadcast, it is uncertain about what ...
2011 NASCAR Trucks Series Too Tough To Tame 200 at Darlington part 1
The 2011 Nascar Camping world truck series at Darlington race 3 of the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. No Pre Race included. Sorry. I just don’t have time for it. Related Blogs Related Reading: NASCAR The Game 2011 NASCAR Truck Series (Blazers) NASCAR Thunder 2002
Friday, March 25, 2011
Burton embarrassed by lack of checkered flags in 2010
WELCOME, N.C. — It would be unfair by any standard to call Jeff Burton’s 2010 season a failure. The South Boston native made the 12-team Chase for the Sprint Cup field and led more laps than five drivers who finished ahead of him in the standings.
NASCAR Lowers Minimum Age For Touring Series Competitors
NASCAR officials announced Saturday that they have lowered the minimum age for drivers competing in their five regional touring divisions from 16 years old to 15 years old.
The change takes effect immediately for the K&N Pro Series East and West divisions, the Whelen Modified Tour and Whelen Southern Modified Tour and the Canadian Tire Series.
"We are constantly evaluating the process in which drivers are introduced to the sport and make their way up the NASCAR ladder," George Silbermann, NASCAR managing director of racing operations, said in a release. "This change is the next logical step as the influx of talented young drivers entering NASCAR grows."
The change takes effect immediately for the K&N Pro Series East and West divisions, the Whelen Modified Tour and Whelen Southern Modified Tour and the Canadian Tire Series.
"We are constantly evaluating the process in which drivers are introduced to the sport and make their way up the NASCAR ladder," George Silbermann, NASCAR managing director of racing operations, said in a release. "This change is the next logical step as the influx of talented young drivers entering NASCAR grows."
(RC racing) Drag racing
www.RCGurus.com (RC racing) These cars are flying! Watch them drag race against eachother. From monstertrucks to F1 racers Please Rate, Comment, And Subscribe [RC racing]Gurus.com NewsRC Cars, [RC] {Racing}, Local (RC Racing) in Northern California, Associated, Yokomo, Losi, Kawada, HPI RS4, Tamiya Mini Cooper, TMaxx, EMaxx, Kyosho and other … RC Racing USA – The [...]
New Deal for IndyCar and Firestone
The IndyCar community was upset when the news came through that Bridgestone Firestone were not going to renew their contract once the contract ended in 2011. IndyCar has been supplied with tires from Firestone since 1996. Negotiations to reach an agreement that both parties were satisfied with took place over a period of a week and a new contract has been finalized that will see Firestone continue to be the tire supplier for IndyCar until 2013.
Related posts:Don’t Miss the Indycar Japan 3002010 IndyCar CalendarSecond Season of Unified Indycar Racing Commences
Related posts:Don’t Miss the Indycar Japan 3002010 IndyCar CalendarSecond Season of Unified Indycar Racing Commences
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Double Ringer
So I began the day with an unexpected phone call informing me of the magnitude 8.9 earthquake that struck Japan last night (Seattle time) and the fast approaching tsunami set to hit the west coast at any moment... As ironically I?d watched a 2hr episode about the seven most deadliest oceans just a week or so ago, which focused upon the ?Mega tsunami that killed 220,000 people back in 2006.So I reluctantly watched the local NW News prattle on ?N on ?bout the size of the impending tidal wave, albeit just like our SNOW forecast?s, it seemed like the predicted surge kept decreasing, becoming smaller ?N smaller... HEY YOU! Where do you think you?re going? We HAVEN?T given the ALL CLEAR signal yet... OOPS! I?m late for my appointment ? in the damp, dark Pacific Northwest, as Grunge seems like the colour of the sky & landscape today!Yet, on the flip side, I did read the GREAT news that Firestone has been convinced to change their collective Corporate minds and will now stay onboard Indy Car thru 2013, which I?m absolutely certain is a huge 100% relief for everybody concerned... As even I was not overly enthused ?bout having to spool up a new rubber supplier at this critical juncture in INDYCAR?s ?recovery,? especially with the 2012 Body-by-Mennen Aerokit chassis slated to begin testing this July... As Danny B pointed out the sobering fact of when?s the last time a Firestone tyre unexpectedly let go in a bad way Ontrack??? As I could only surmise sometime during the CART Goodyear-Firestone tyre war of the late 1990?s...Firestone Back Through '13
Seth Bergman Sprint Car Racing Grays Harbor 8-23-08
Sprint car racing from Grays Harbor featuring Seth Bergman in the 360 Main Event. www.sethbergman.com Related Blogs Related Reading: Fast Women - The Ladies of Auto Racing [VHS] 1983 Mello Yellow 300 - Auto Racing Power Building Video Superchargers & Turbos
Another No. 3 heads to Goodwood
For the second-consecutive year, a No. 3 driven by the late Dale Earnhardt will be a part of the festivities at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Earnhardt’s daughter Taylor drove the famed No. 3 in the festival last year. This year, the car Earnhardt raced to his 1995 Brickyard 400 win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway [...]
NASCAR Lowers Minimum Age For Touring Series Competitors
NASCAR officials announced Saturday that they have lowered the minimum age for drivers competing in their five regional touring divisions from 16 years old to 15 years old.
The change takes effect immediately for the K&N Pro Series East and West divisions, the Whelen Modified Tour and Whelen Southern Modified Tour and the Canadian Tire Series.
"We are constantly evaluating the process in which drivers are introduced to the sport and make their way up the NASCAR ladder," George Silbermann, NASCAR managing director of racing operations, said in a release. "This change is the next logical step as the influx of talented young drivers entering NASCAR grows."
The change takes effect immediately for the K&N Pro Series East and West divisions, the Whelen Modified Tour and Whelen Southern Modified Tour and the Canadian Tire Series.
"We are constantly evaluating the process in which drivers are introduced to the sport and make their way up the NASCAR ladder," George Silbermann, NASCAR managing director of racing operations, said in a release. "This change is the next logical step as the influx of talented young drivers entering NASCAR grows."
Earnhardt Jr. on pole for Daytona 500
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s pole for Saturday night’s Budweiser Shootout may have just been credited to the luck of a draw, but he hit Daytona International Speedway on Sunday and turned in the fastest lap in Daytona 500 qualifying to claim his first pole at Daytona in a points-paying race.
“Obviously, it gives you good ideas that [...]
“Obviously, it gives you good ideas that [...]
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Logano believes in himself once again
He was a schoolboy freak, a skinny motor sports equivalent of LeBron James or Tim Tebow.
NASCAR Adds Wild Card Element To Setting The Chase Field
Pager item text:
NASCAR Adds Wild Card Element
Slide text:
NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has added a wild card element to setting the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has added a wild card element to setting the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field and it has simplified its points system for 2011, making it easier for fans, competitors and the industry to understand.
While the 12-driver Chase field remains intact, the final two spots will be determined by the number of wins during the first 26 races.
The top 10 in points following Race No. 26 ? the ?cutoff? race ? continue to earn Chase berths.
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NASCAR Adds Wild Card Element
Slide text:
NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has added a wild card element to setting the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has added a wild card element to setting the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field and it has simplified its points system for 2011, making it easier for fans, competitors and the industry to understand.
While the 12-driver Chase field remains intact, the final two spots will be determined by the number of wins during the first 26 races.
The top 10 in points following Race No. 26 ? the ?cutoff? race ? continue to earn Chase berths.
read more
BIKES: Peter Jones - Bad Brakes
The fifth in a series of lifestyle articles by longtime Motorcycle enthusiast Peter Jones.
Edwards gambles, wins in Vegas
Carl Edwards believed he should have opened the season with two wins, and the disappointment of missing Victory Lane carried with him into Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Redlining a Ferrari - The Sequel
So I must say that this ranks right up there alongside that monumental El STUPIDIO maneuver comedian Eddie Griffin pulled way back in 2007, which I scribbled ?bout in; Redlining an Enzo...Thus I was somewhat amused when hearing recently that an Insurance firm has been forced to go to the extreme measure of what Donald Kay likes to routinely refer to as duh good ?Ol Gubb?ment; Hya! As apparently an FBI Special Agent decided to try impressing an Assistant Attorney General during a very short-lived joy ride in which said Agent promptly punted a recovered Ferrari F50 into a tree; OUCH!Michigan insurance company sues feds over wrecked Ferrari
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Trevor Bayne Daytona 500
Trevor Bayne (front) beats Carl Edwards, David Gilliland, and Bobby Labonte to the finish line to win the Daytona 500 Sunday.
Checa Checks Out!
Otay, I must admit ? I?m extremely biased towards Carlos ?THE BULL? Checa... Especially now since my Numero Uno World superbike (WSBK) rider Ben ?ELBOZ Spies has moved onto MOTO GP. And in ?Juan more bit ?O irony ? can it already be time for another World Superbike season to be kicking off at none other then Down Under at Australia?s Phillip Isle; Hmm? Have I mentioned where I?m off to shortly yet?Thus it was good to hear those signature voices of WSBK, nee the respective Duo of Jonathan Green & Steve Martin...Rating the PunditsYet even better yet as I sat down for my first 2hr block ?O ?Scooters; Whale ? at least KneeDraggerz, since I have watched a couple of this year?s AMA Supercross events; it was great news for Mwah to hear that King Carlos as Messer Green would take to calling him during the broadcasts ? had won the SuperPole shootout in convincing style... As reportedly the Island?s undulating, bumpy surface has always suited the ?DUCs (Ducati?s) favourably.My notes were somewhat scattered ? scribbling furiously during the ?Mega commercial breaks... Noting that the day?s first race started off upon a damp, but drying track ? with a terminal velocity of 312kph being clocked ? as Steve ?Wild ?N Crazy? Martin noted that those are Monza style trap speeds ? but we?re at Phillip Island! As Massimiliano ("Max") Biaggi put an exclamation point upon this by ripping off a ?Mega 321kph down the straight, which is just a skosh under 200mph. (199.34mph) CRIKEYS MATES! That?s blistering fast, as Biaggi would use the Aprilia?s superior straight-line speed to mess about with a resurgent Marko Melandri; but I?m jumping the gun a wee bit here.Thus it was ?The Bull motoring away from the pack and simply playing Hide ?N Seek after dispatching the momentarily surprising leader Eugene Laverty; as the Irishman was making his WSBK debut ? riding for the ?YamaHopper Factory Sterilgarda Team. As Laverty, who finished runner-up in World Supersport in 2009-10 had a fantastic battle with his teammate Marco Melandri, with the two riders swapping fourth place back ?N forth before Eugene nipped Marco at the stripe.Yet Checa steadily pulled away to nearly a 6-second advantage (5.85) ahead of Max Biaggi and Leon Haslam ? now riding for the BMW Factory team, occupied the final two steps of the Round-1 podium...Unawares of their respective ages, it was funny hearing Jonathan Green pointing out that Checa?s 38 and Biaggi?s 39; quipping that perhaps 40 is the new 23! As the riders behind this elder duo were all members of the 20-something Brat-pack...And I was pleasantly surprised to hear ?Nitro Nori (Noriyuki) Haga receive a shout-out during Round-1 and thus is still in the field, albeit somewhat surprised to learn that the Japanese rider is now aboard the Privateer Pata Aprilia WSBK Team?s Aprilia RSV4R; reportedly the exact same 2010-spec ?Scooter that reigning Champion Max Biaggi rode last year...The second race was more of the same up-front, as once again Checa sped away from the field, yet there was a most entertaining good ?Ol Donnybrook going on for P2 between Max Biaggi and Marco Melandri. And although Melandri did manage to overtake his fellow Italian, Biaggi?s Aprilia?s terminal velocity was simply too great for Marco to overcome. As the elder Italian routinely slipstreamed the Yamaha with blasts between 319-321kph as Biaggi ultimately finished second with Melandri settling for third place.Honda?s Jonathan Rea finished fourth with Leon Haslam rounding out the Top-5 positions in Round-2. Noriyuki Haga finished ninth & seventh in the first two rounds respectively, while Eugene Laverty dropped to a disappointing 15th in Round-2, as I?ve got NO idea what happened?And while I?m sad that it?ll be a whole month between races, and I?ll miss hearing Messer Greene?s enthusiastic race calls alongside ?The Chiller,? nee Steve Martin ? who tries keeping Green from frothing over during the broadcasts... Nevertheless, I?m extremely happy to know that Donington Park has returned to racing status after some Gillette Dude tried giving the venue a close shave, Err more likely a bunch ?O nicks and cuts! Ok, the track needed a massive tourniquet applied to it... So it?s very good news that the track has survived and is back in business!Donington gets green lightMeanwhile, NO word on where ?Ol shakey Byrne disappeared too... Anybody out there know?
NASCAR President Mike Helton Visits the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
IMS President and CEO Jeff Belskus welcomed NASCAR President Mike Helton to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, March 10 to discuss plans for the 2011 Brickyard 400 race. Hear what Helton had to share with fans of the Brickyard 400.
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Monday, March 21, 2011
Bruton Smith on prize money in NASCAR, says Bristol probably not a sellout
Bruton Smith weighed in on how NASCAR is parsing out price money in a story from NASCAR.com:
"I would like to take half of the money from the points fund and give it to the winners of the races. I'd like to see a $300,000 to $400,000 difference between ...
"I would like to take half of the money from the points fund and give it to the winners of the races. I'd like to see a $300,000 to $400,000 difference between ...
Johnson's only concern is winning, not points system
Jimmie Johnson has overcome haters, slow starts and various other obstacles during his record-setting run at the top of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Ferrari deny that the ?disposal? Dell 2011 will usher in
Alonso wrong choice for the 15th lap championship come to naught. ??AP Ferrari technical director Aldo – Costa denied that the team will dispose of ending points leader Chris tactical error – Dell (Chris Dyer).blog ??8-point lead with Alonso finishing up a decisive battle was thought certain to win, the result as the team’s tactical [...]
NASCAR highs and lows of 2010
Most improved driver: “Flame On” Harvick. Least improved auto manufacturer: Ford.
HIGH: Jimmie Johnson won a record fifth consecutive Sprint Cup championship, which is even more impressive in that no one else in the sport’s history as won more than three.
LOW: The exhortation of NASCAR vice president Robin Pemberton – “Have at it, boys” – proved to be emblematic of the season that followed. An on-track feud between drivers Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski boiled over in both the Cup and Nationwide Series. No one was hurt, but the crashes were scary and obviously intentional.
* * *
HIGH: Denny Hamlin’s run for the championship was inspirational and heartbreaking. Hamlin persevered in spite of a knee injury that required surgery … while he continued to race. He led Johnson by 33 points with two races remaining – and won two more races -- but wound up losing the championship by 39.
LOW: Dale Earnhardt Jr. continued to struggle. Ninety-three races have passed since his most recent victory. He will begin his fourth season at Hendrick Motorsports with his third crew chief, Steve Letarte. (A fourth, Brian Whitesell, just took the reins for one race.) He finished 21st in the standings and collected only three top-five finishes.
* * *
HIGH: Another driver who didn’t qualify for the Chase won the season’s two most prestigious races. Jamie McMurray captured both the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.
LOW: Upset at being criticized, NASCAR officials tried to fine two drivers, Hamlin and Ryan Newman, in secrecy. Naturally, word leaked out, leading some to wonder what else the ruling body was hiding.
* * *
HIGH: The season’s two races at Talladega Superspeedway produced a total of 175 lead changes. The individual numbers were 88 and 87, the two highest such totals in the sport’s history.
LOW: Two of the sport’s more dignified drivers, Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton, exchanged blows after Burton inexplicably wrecked Gordon’s Chevy under a caution flag at Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 7. It’s difficult to buy Burton’s explanation that he didn’t mean to do it on purpose.
* * *
HIGH: The Raybestos Rookie of the Year in the Camping World Truck Series, Austin Dillon, actually won two races.
LOW: The rookie of the year in Cup, Kevin Conway, never finished higher than 14th and was 35th in the point standings.
* * *
HIGH: The most improved performance came from Kevin Harvick, who improved his average finish from 19.9 in 2009 to 8.7 in 2010. Under the point system in place prior to 2004, Harvick would have finished the season with 295 points more than any other driver.
LOW: Even though three of its drivers made the Chase, and Edwards won the season’s final two races, Ford’s NASCAR program still had a disappointing year. Chevys won 18 Cup races, and Toyotas won 12. Fords won four, and Dodge’s one-team, three-car effort claimed two.
HIGH: Jimmie Johnson won a record fifth consecutive Sprint Cup championship, which is even more impressive in that no one else in the sport’s history as won more than three.
LOW: The exhortation of NASCAR vice president Robin Pemberton – “Have at it, boys” – proved to be emblematic of the season that followed. An on-track feud between drivers Carl Edwards and Brad Keselowski boiled over in both the Cup and Nationwide Series. No one was hurt, but the crashes were scary and obviously intentional.
* * *
HIGH: Denny Hamlin’s run for the championship was inspirational and heartbreaking. Hamlin persevered in spite of a knee injury that required surgery … while he continued to race. He led Johnson by 33 points with two races remaining – and won two more races -- but wound up losing the championship by 39.
LOW: Dale Earnhardt Jr. continued to struggle. Ninety-three races have passed since his most recent victory. He will begin his fourth season at Hendrick Motorsports with his third crew chief, Steve Letarte. (A fourth, Brian Whitesell, just took the reins for one race.) He finished 21st in the standings and collected only three top-five finishes.
* * *
HIGH: Another driver who didn’t qualify for the Chase won the season’s two most prestigious races. Jamie McMurray captured both the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.
LOW: Upset at being criticized, NASCAR officials tried to fine two drivers, Hamlin and Ryan Newman, in secrecy. Naturally, word leaked out, leading some to wonder what else the ruling body was hiding.
* * *
HIGH: The season’s two races at Talladega Superspeedway produced a total of 175 lead changes. The individual numbers were 88 and 87, the two highest such totals in the sport’s history.
LOW: Two of the sport’s more dignified drivers, Jeff Gordon and Jeff Burton, exchanged blows after Burton inexplicably wrecked Gordon’s Chevy under a caution flag at Texas Motor Speedway on Nov. 7. It’s difficult to buy Burton’s explanation that he didn’t mean to do it on purpose.
* * *
HIGH: The Raybestos Rookie of the Year in the Camping World Truck Series, Austin Dillon, actually won two races.
LOW: The rookie of the year in Cup, Kevin Conway, never finished higher than 14th and was 35th in the point standings.
* * *
HIGH: The most improved performance came from Kevin Harvick, who improved his average finish from 19.9 in 2009 to 8.7 in 2010. Under the point system in place prior to 2004, Harvick would have finished the season with 295 points more than any other driver.
LOW: Even though three of its drivers made the Chase, and Edwards won the season’s final two races, Ford’s NASCAR program still had a disappointing year. Chevys won 18 Cup races, and Toyotas won 12. Fords won four, and Dodge’s one-team, three-car effort claimed two.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
This year ? the Chase works
Chase contenders Denny Hamlin, Jimmy Johnson and Kevin Harvick during a Champions press conference on Friday. (Photo: Getty Images)
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Let the best man win. Let the fastest car win. Here’s hoping they’re the same.
Grant the serenity not to have to muddy the Sprint Cup waters with leaking oil or litter them with debris. Here’s hoping no one’s title hopes run out of gas … literally.
Even though “ABC’s Wide World of Sports” is but a memory, it would be nostalgic to have the Ford 400 decided amid “the human drama of athletic competition.” What’s more important than who wins is how he wins it.
In an incredible development, given the slings and arrows of the Chase format, the three drivers who are still in contention – at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in the final race, with a 46-point blanket over them – are the three who deserve to be there.
If there were no Chase – and the points awarded in each race the same as now – Kevin Harvick would lead by 295 points. Of course, there is a Chase.
The driver with the most victories is Denny Hamlin.
The driver with four straight championships is Jimmie Johnson.
Chase or no Chase, they would be the top three now, though in different order. If the true goal of the Chase is to tighten, but not otherwise alter, the course of the season, then this Chase is the one that exemplifies the format. Even those who dislike the Chase – they’re out there – should be willing to concede that this is just about as good as the format, however flawed, gets.
If everything works out perfectly today, NASCAR will have a difficult time justifying further changes, even though NASCAR chairman Brian France has been floating trial balloons on the subject since July.
They’ll probably “tweak it” a little – France and his minions love that word – just to save face.
France was still pumping hot air – perhaps not quite as hot as before – into the balloon as recently as Friday.
The results of the current season, he said, demonstrate that “the more we can do, to have incentives ? an incentive basis -- to decide this championship, that puts it all on the line more often. That's what we need to be thinking about.”
Oh, yeah. “Take paradise and … put up a parking lot.”
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Let the best man win. Let the fastest car win. Here’s hoping they’re the same.
Grant the serenity not to have to muddy the Sprint Cup waters with leaking oil or litter them with debris. Here’s hoping no one’s title hopes run out of gas … literally.
Even though “ABC’s Wide World of Sports” is but a memory, it would be nostalgic to have the Ford 400 decided amid “the human drama of athletic competition.” What’s more important than who wins is how he wins it.
In an incredible development, given the slings and arrows of the Chase format, the three drivers who are still in contention – at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in the final race, with a 46-point blanket over them – are the three who deserve to be there.
If there were no Chase – and the points awarded in each race the same as now – Kevin Harvick would lead by 295 points. Of course, there is a Chase.
The driver with the most victories is Denny Hamlin.
The driver with four straight championships is Jimmie Johnson.
Chase or no Chase, they would be the top three now, though in different order. If the true goal of the Chase is to tighten, but not otherwise alter, the course of the season, then this Chase is the one that exemplifies the format. Even those who dislike the Chase – they’re out there – should be willing to concede that this is just about as good as the format, however flawed, gets.
If everything works out perfectly today, NASCAR will have a difficult time justifying further changes, even though NASCAR chairman Brian France has been floating trial balloons on the subject since July.
They’ll probably “tweak it” a little – France and his minions love that word – just to save face.
France was still pumping hot air – perhaps not quite as hot as before – into the balloon as recently as Friday.
The results of the current season, he said, demonstrate that “the more we can do, to have incentives ? an incentive basis -- to decide this championship, that puts it all on the line more often. That's what we need to be thinking about.”
Oh, yeah. “Take paradise and … put up a parking lot.”
NASCAR on FOX: Edwards bonus
Watch bonus footage of Darrell Waltrip’s interview with Carl Edwards. See the full interview on NASCAR on FOX Sunday at 12:30pm EST.
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F1 Constructor: Williams
(Williams FW33-Interim ? Source: f1fanatic.co.uk)TeamLaunch Date/Venue: February 1 - ValenciaName: AT&T WilliamsBase: Grove, Oxfordshire; United KingdomFormer Team Name: (Williams)Constructors Titles: 9 (1980-81, 1986-87, 1992-94, 1996-97)Drivers Titles: 7 (1980, 1982, 1987, 1992-93, 1996-97)2010 Standings: 6th; 69-points2010 Chassis: FW32Team Principals: Sir Frank Williams, Patrick HeadTechnical Director: Sam MichaelSeasons: 34 (1978-Present)First Race: 1978 Argentine GPRaces: 539Wins: 113Poles: 125ChassisModel: FW33Engine: Cosworth CA 2010/11((Upgraded for KERS installation)Gearbox: WilliamsTECH: FW33 Lowline GearboxTeam Willie runs Interim livery FW33DriversNo. 11) Rubens Barrichello; BrazilNo. 12) R-Pastor Maldonado; VenezuelaTest/Reserve Driver) Valtteri BottasSummaryLike many teams, Williams is using all of the requisite PressSpeak lingo ? claiming its FW33 is ?Aggressive.? (Design-wise) Although for Mwah, I?ll wait to see its Ontrack results before making any decisions. The part I was most curious ?bout was what style of KERS Team Willie was utilizing? Recall that its sister company Williams Hybrid Systems has previously run a centrifugal clutch system on its F1 chassis ? and holds multiple patents for this technology. But according to PitPass; Sam Michael claims that the 2011 rules favour the usage of the Deriggor electrical battery pack system instead ? which Team Willie has designed an In-house version of this for the FW33, which like all new systems has undergone some teething issues during this seasons ?Winter Olympics.? (No word if this will be part of the package supplied to Hispania?)On the driver front, I?m guessing Y?all know ?bout Williams cashing in upon reigning GP2 Champion Pastor Maldonado, whose PDVSA Oil Moolah is reputedly worth a cool $36m per season to the Grove base team, hence the departure of rising German star Nico Hulkenberg to Force India.Meanwhile the team is banking upon ?Rubino to lead the way once again with his vast Formula One experience, as after all Barrichello has the most Grand Prix starts in the sports history, along with having won two races in 2009 for BRAWN GP...Williams FW33: Initial PicturesWilliams FW33: Launch notesTeam Willie debuts Final livery
F1: 2011 Constructor McLaren
(McLaren MP4-26 ? Source: adamcooperf1.com)TeamLaunch Date/Venue: February 4 - BerlinName: Vodafone McLaren MercedesBase: Woking, Surrey; United KingdomFormer Team Name: McLarenConstructors Titles: 8 (1974, 1984-85, 1988-91, 1998)Drivers Titles: 12 (1974, 1976, 1984-86, 1988-91, 1998-99, 2008)2010 Standings: 2nd; 454-points2010 Chassis: MP4-25Team Principal: Martin WhitmarshTechnical Directors: Paddy Lowe, Neil OatleySeasons: 46 (1966-Present)Debut Race: 1966 Monaco GPRaces: 685Wins: 169Poles: 149ChassisModel: MP4-26Engine: Mercedes Benz FO 108 (2011-spec)((Upgraded for KERS installation)Gearbox: McLarenTECH: MP4-26 Exhaust BendingDriversNo. 3: Lewis Hamilton; Britain (UK)No. 4: Jenson Button; Britain (UK)Test/Reserve Driver) Gary PaffettSummaryOriginally founded in 1966 by the late, great Bruce McLaren as Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd, as many will know the team was taken over by Ron Dennis in 1980 with the backing of Phillip Morris. As this Uber-successful racing team ranks only second in all time glory to la Scuderia..Yet, interestingly, in what Professor (Steve) Matchett considers more important then the Driver?s Title, McLaren hasn?t won the coveted Constructor?s (Title) laurels since 1998... With its latest Drivers crown being acquired in 2008 on the races final lap in Sao Paolo, Brazil...I only bring this up since although the last year saw the team run the last two World Champions ? Jenson Button & Lewis Hamilton, the team struggled to get the MP4-25 up to speed... As I seem to recall them creating a brand new floor/lower half of the chassis, albeit ?JENSE won two races early on and ?Louise ?JAGUAR? (Hamilton) ultimately won a further three races. (Turkey win aided by Red Bull?s drivers colliding...) The duo finished positions P4-5 in the Drivers Title chase.The team had another ?Wonky? launch ceremony, this time taking place in Berlin, with apparently the car being bolted together on stage...Now comes word that this year?s MP4-26 which is reportedly running L-shaped Sidepods in hopes of recouping lost ?Aero due to the latest rules revision ? whilst playing the exhaust exit game is suffering in performance once again ? yet only time will tell if this is indeed true, as the Woking based firm always has a knack of bouncing back...McLaren launches MP4-26McLaren MP4-26: PicturesMcLaren MP4-26: Launch notes
Whacky World Of The NASCAR Media Making For Some Of The Most Attention Grabbing News In 2011
It was a year that started with a NASCAR television personality begging reporters covering the sport to be more positive. It moved on to many in the sport's media realm taking aim at an outside reporter who dared question NASCAR's fairness. And then it was an impromptu media celebration after a historic Daytona 500 finish that set off a firestorm of debate.
Thus far in 2011 one of the hottest media topics surrounding the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has been the media itself and just how they go about covering the sport.
It all comes as no surprise in the world of NASCAR, where the lines of media objectivity have always been a little fuzzier than in other major league sports. And it seems as members of the traditionally trained media become more of the minority at major events, the lines of journalistic ethics are seemingly being erased by many of those wearing credentials to "cover" events.
Thus far in 2011 one of the hottest media topics surrounding the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series has been the media itself and just how they go about covering the sport.
It all comes as no surprise in the world of NASCAR, where the lines of media objectivity have always been a little fuzzier than in other major league sports. And it seems as members of the traditionally trained media become more of the minority at major events, the lines of journalistic ethics are seemingly being erased by many of those wearing credentials to "cover" events.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Lamborghini Reventon sports car
Lamborghini Reventon sports car parameters: Chassis Specifications: Front brake type: ABS ventilated disc Rear Brake Type: ABS ventilated disc Front Tire Size: 245/35 ZR18 Rear Tire Size: 335/30 ZR18 Transmission: all-wheel drive Lamborghini Reventon sports car engine parameters: Model: V12 Cylinder capacity (cc): 6496cc Maximum power (Ps): 650ps Maximum power (kW): 478kW Maximum power speed [...]
Joey Logano Headlines Frank Maratta Auto Show And Motorsports Expo Next Weekend In Hartford
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series regular and Middletown native Joey Logano will be appearing Sunday Jan. 30 at the Frank Maratta Auto and Cycle Show and Motorsports Expo at the at the Connecticut Expo Center in Hartford.
Logano, who in 2009 became the youngest driver ever to win a Sprint Cup Series event, will be signing autographs from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Town Fair Tire display at the show on Jan. 30. Logano, who competes for Joe Gibbs Racing, is preparing for his third full-time season in the Sprint Cup Series in 2011.
Logano is just one highlight of a packed three-day show at the Expo Center running from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30. The motorsports expo section of the show will displays from numerous local tracks.
Logano, who in 2009 became the youngest driver ever to win a Sprint Cup Series event, will be signing autographs from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Town Fair Tire display at the show on Jan. 30. Logano, who competes for Joe Gibbs Racing, is preparing for his third full-time season in the Sprint Cup Series in 2011.
Logano is just one highlight of a packed three-day show at the Expo Center running from Jan. 28 to Jan. 30. The motorsports expo section of the show will displays from numerous local tracks.
Victory takes a gallop on the beach
The winner of the Sprint Cup at the conclusion of Sunday's Ford 400 in Homestead may or may not have the best car. What really counts -- in that race, and for the very survival of Racin' -- is what comes from the other side of the tracks of the mind: A dark woman's lucky smile. It's a Stone Agel truth which science getting to from the futurel side of the brain. Or so 'tis said at Ovalscreams today.
Road course expert Montoya seeks first win on an oval track
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Juan Pablo Montoya’s eyes gloss over at the question he’s heard about a thousand times before and one that he has an idea he’ll be hearing for the foreseeable future until he finally gets a victory on a certain type of track. As much as he has ...
Friday, March 18, 2011
NASCAR Adds Wild Card Element To Setting The Chase Field
Pager item text:
NASCAR Adds Wild Card Element
Slide text:
NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has added a wild card element to setting the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has added a wild card element to setting the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field and it has simplified its points system for 2011, making it easier for fans, competitors and the industry to understand.
While the 12-driver Chase field remains intact, the final two spots will be determined by the number of wins during the first 26 races.
The top 10 in points following Race No. 26 ? the ?cutoff? race ? continue to earn Chase berths.
read more
NASCAR Adds Wild Card Element
Slide text:
NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has added a wild card element to setting the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ? NASCAR announced Wednesday that it has added a wild card element to setting the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup field and it has simplified its points system for 2011, making it easier for fans, competitors and the industry to understand.
While the 12-driver Chase field remains intact, the final two spots will be determined by the number of wins during the first 26 races.
The top 10 in points following Race No. 26 ? the ?cutoff? race ? continue to earn Chase berths.
read more
Little Known Trevor Bayne Makes NASCAR History With Improbable Daytona 500 Victory Sunday
On July 12, 2008, it was a shy 17-year old from Knoxville, Tenn. who made the frontstretch at Thompson International Speedway the site of his personal coming out party, celebrating his first career victory in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East.
Sunday, in dramatic style, that same driver made himself the center of one of the most unforgettable stories in the history of NASCAR.
A day after celebrating his 20th birthday, Trevor Bayne pulled off one of the biggest upsets in racing history, taking his Wood Brothers Ford entry to victory lane in the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
Sunday, in dramatic style, that same driver made himself the center of one of the most unforgettable stories in the history of NASCAR.
A day after celebrating his 20th birthday, Trevor Bayne pulled off one of the biggest upsets in racing history, taking his Wood Brothers Ford entry to victory lane in the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
Sauber Shocks Barcelona?s Bulls
Day three?s Formula 1 testing at Barcelona saw an unexpected candidate atop the Timesheet?s, as it was surprisingly Mexican rookie Sergio Perez?s Sauber-Ferrari slotted into P1 ahead of the factory mount of Felipe Massa, with Mark Webber third. Of course I have NO idea what type fuel load Perez was running, but it makes a good headline, eh?Perez quickest in Barcelona
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Drag racing highlights NHRA
Highlight video of NHRA funny Cars and Dragsters
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This week's Stockcartoon from Mike Smith
Stockcartoons are created by Mike Smith, editorial cartoonist for the Las Vegas Sun, and syndicated through King Features Syndicate. Mike generously shares them with us here.
Mike is also the primary contributor to the Las Vegas Sun's NASCAR blog,"Bloggity, Bloggity, Bloggity."
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Live from Indy ? Sorta...
Pictures: Jimmy Clark?s rookie 1963 Lotus; Danica Patrick?s rookie-car & Mario Andretti?s 1969 Indy 500 winner...So this has been kickin? around awhiles; BUTT! It?s definitely NOT everyday I get a phone call saying: Guess where I am? Which was exactly the case when I answered ?line-1? a few weeks ago... As none other then No Fenders Fan Club member Randall was pourin? Salt in the Wounds by giving me an impromptu telephone call from outside the Indianapolis Motor Speedway?s Hall of Fame museum; SHEISA!But I?m happy that Randall made the effort to go visit not only the Speedway, but the most Excellante Hall of Fame museum ? which everybody should visit at least once! And hopefully my cheesy pitch-job to go ride the shuttle round the famed ?Ash-fault ?N across the Yard ?O bricks was enough to convince him to do so?Thanxs for the Pic?s Randy, albeit I?m NOT so sure ?bout the DannaWho? Rookie car; URGH!(Jim Clark & Danica Patrick picture courtesy of Randall)(Mario Andretti picture courtesy of ?CARPETS?)
Wood Brothers hoping scaled-back operation repeats early success
The Wood Brothers, with up-and-coming driver Trevor Bayne running a 17-race schedule, have scaled back their operations over the past couple of seasons in order to recapture the success of the 1970s and 80s.
Powercruise
Powercruise is the top modified car event in Australia and New Zealand, which has now expanded to the United States. This thrilling event sees fans driving their cars alongside modified street machines, drag cars, hot rods and imports. Other highlights of the show include powerskids, drifting, off-street drags, burnouts, show ans shine, Miss Powercruise and [...]
Related posts:LA InvasionAmerican Le Mans Northeast Grand Prix 2009DIRTcar All Star Weekend 2009
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Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Burton embarrassed by lack of checkered flags in 2010
WELCOME, N.C. — It would be unfair by any standard to call Jeff Burton’s 2010 season a failure. The South Boston native made the 12-team Chase for the Sprint Cup field and led more laps than five drivers who finished ahead of him in the standings.
Powercruise
Powercruise is the top modified car event in Australia and New Zealand, which has now expanded to the United States. This thrilling event sees fans driving their cars alongside modified street machines, drag cars, hot rods and imports. Other highlights of the show include powerskids, drifting, off-street drags, burnouts, show ans shine, Miss Powercruise and [...]
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F1 Constructor: Force India
(Force India VJM04 ? Source: indiancarpictures.in)TeamLaunch Date/Venue: February 8 - InternetName: Force India F1 TeamBase: Silverstone, England; UKFormer Team Names: Jordan, MF1/Midland, SpykerPrior Years: 1991-2007Debut Race: 1991 Australian GPConstructors Titles: 0Drivers Titles: 02010 Standings: 7th; 68-points2010 Chassis: VJM03Team Principal: Vijay MallyaTechnical Director: Andrew GreenSeasons: 4 (2008-Present)First Race: 2008 Australian GP*Races: 54Wins: 0Poles: 1(Note: Statistics from 2008-Present)ChassisModel: VJM04Engine: Mercedes Benz FO 108 (2011-spec)((Upgraded for KERS installation)Gearbox: McLarenDriversNo. 14: Adrian Sutil; GermanyNo. 15: R-Paul di Resta; United Kingdom (Scotland)Test/Reserve Driver) Nico HulkenbergSummaryI?ll be interested to see how the new Force India stacks up against the competition, and especially how new recruit Paul di Resta fares this year...Unfortunately, it seems like once again the Silverstone based team is garnering more media attention Off-track then upon it, having just had a 2012-date selected for another nefarious lawsuit ? which I?d prefer to think is a waste of time, since the logic over the harsh claims towards Team Lotus?s Tony fernandes, Mike Gascoyne and Jean Claude Migeot?s Aerolab Srl seem far-fetched to Mwah... Basically just another stalling tactic by Mr. Vijay Mallya, who seems loathe paying any of his bills on time!As for the VJM04 racecar, its apparently using a muted blade-type Rollhoop structure, a la its arch rival Team Lotus?s T-128 design; Hmm? Mallya & Co aren?t trying to say that Gascoyne copied this too, eh? As this is the first new chassis designed under the tutelage of new Technical Director Andrew Green, as James Key departed for the same position over at Sauber.Green says that the Rollhoop is the most notable change, whilst the majority of changes occur underneath the VJM04?s skin ? i.e.; Mercedes Benz derived KERS system, along with the requisite rules revisions, whilst the exhaust exits are also probably in a state-of-flux...Force India unveils VJM04Force India VJM04: PicturesForce India VJM04: Launch notes
Monday, March 14, 2011
F1 team completed the first round of the Pirelli tire test the new Ferrari temporary leader
Sohu Ticker November 20, last year’s winter testing F1 finale in the 2010 season, held in Abu Dhabi F1 Elias terminal end of a four-day track test. The new test in the previous two days, Red Bull teenager Daniel – Ricardo RB6 car driving rule the track. After two days in the Pirelli tire test, [...]
Red Bull seeing Red
Otay, I shied away from the obvious Punch-line ?O Too Infiniti ?N Beyond; Hya! As I must say I fell afoul of the premature media speculation over Red Bull Racing rebadging it?s Reggie lumps into Infiniti?s ? as apparently they?ll just be soaking up some of Nissan?s Yen by having the Infiniti brand emblazoned all over the racecars, equipment, team Kit, drivers overalls ?N helmets instead.The Nissan tie-up will run thru 2012 while la Reggie (Renault) will continue on as the engine supplier for the foreseeable future. (Whale, at least until the end of the 2012 season ? I?d assume...)
From the snail-mail bag, five great suggestions for getting fans interested again in NASCAR
Great idea #4: Sprint Cup racin' on dirt tracks.
Dear NASCAR This Week,
I read your newspaper offerings weekly, and enjoy them, especially the comments from NASCAR fans. I've been a race fan for 65-plus years and enjoy sprints on dirt and NASCAR. Was talking to some buddies recently about what NASCAR could do to get fans “returning to the track,” and we came up with some suggestions:
Eliminate qualifying in its present format. At each event, have two qualifying races, starting half of the entries in each qualifier. The qualifier starting positions could be set by pulling numbers out of a hat, or something similar. The qualifier races should be short, maybe 50 miles at the max. Then take the top 20 finishers from each qualifier for the feature event. The features should be no more than 300 miles in length (with special exceptions). The races, as they are today, are too long, and real racing is usually put off until the last few laps. Shorter-distance races would encourage more intense competition throughout the event.
Eliminate this top-35 thing entirely. All that does is prevent potential new teams from being able to compete.
The points battle needs to return to the old format. Too much hype on the top 12 thing.
Maybe a couple of Sprint Cup races on dirt? There are some great mile and 1/2 mile tracks out there.
Lower the ticket prices for these events. An empty bleacher seat is a terrible thing to waste.
Thanks. -- Gary H., Newburgh, Ind.
Monte replies: Thanks to you and your friends for putting so much thought into this. We’d love to see Cup races on dirt, too, but there aren’t any dirt tracks capable of accommodating 50,000 or more fans.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
McMurray's 300th start will be at Martinsville
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jamie McMurray readily admits that he’s not a fan of basking in his current accomplishments, despite the overwhelming success he had in the 2010 Sprint Cup Series season. So when the topic of his 300th career Cup Series start was brought up, it was fittingly appropriate that ...
The state of the art is messy
Jeff Burton wrecked at ‘Dega, and he wrecked again at Texas … (photo: Getty Images)
AVONDALE, Ariz. – Have at it, boys. Those words, spoken back in January by NASCAR’s Robin Pemberton, might as well have been the slogan of the season.
Oh, by the way, remember the Maine, the Alamo and Joe Hill, too.
Once, when I was in high school, our team paid a visit to a conference rival we’d beaten 62-0 the year before. That school normally wore orange, but when we trotted out on the field for warm-up, we immediately noticed the other team was wearing red and white T-shirts, matching our school colors. The T-shirts read:
WE REMEMBER! 62-0!
We remembered, too. We won, 34-6, and there weren’t any T-shirts the next year.
While pro football implements rules that limit the capacity of overgrown physical specimens to, uh, play football, NASCAR tumbles into old-fashioned laissez-faire.
If a driver doesn’t like the way another driver is racing him, he can just duke it out, by gosh. Unlike a beanball in baseball, NASCAR doesn’t eject or issue warnings, anything like that.
Have at it, boys. The three R’s are rubbin’, retaliatin’, and wreckin’.
The august ruling body must, of course, prevent an outbreak of anarchy. It can’t have these cocky, rich whippersnappers just rioting in the streets (uh, tracks). They can be scrapping among themselves all they want, but don’t be “sassing” a NASCAR official. Kyle Busch didn’t need words to “sass,” but he would have been no better off had he launched into a profanity-laced diatribe.
One reason modern racers can “have at it” is that they have few limitations.
In the old days, when a driver wrecked a car, he had to fix it, and if he didn’t fix it, he paid to have it fixed. Nowadays that’s the domain of millionaire owners with accompanying millions from sponsors. Now a dozen cars, just like the wrecked one used to be, sit back at the shop. They’ll send a transporter to pick another one up, if need be.
More than 20 years ago, Darrell Waltrip was kidding when he suggested that a car owner’s advice to a driver was, “If you can’t win the race, at least tear up the car.”
That’s no longer a joke. That’s the state of the art now.
Burton embarrassed by lack of checkered flags in 2010
WELCOME, N.C. — It would be unfair by any standard to call Jeff Burton’s 2010 season a failure. The South Boston native made the 12-team Chase for the Sprint Cup field and led more laps than five drivers who finished ahead of him in the standings.
Most amazing sprint car flip ever!
If anyone has footage of a more amazing sprint car flip I want to see it! www.sofast.tv
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Saturday, March 12, 2011
Two For One: Unique Team Pairing Has Doug Coby Returning Full-Time To The Whelen Modified Tour In 2011
When looking down the roster of established Modified drivers, those around the Whelen Modified Tour over the last two years likely would have put Doug Coby and Matt Hirschman at the top of the list of the best drivers out there not in full-time rides in the division.
Though there will be no wonder about what's keep either of them out of the division in 2011. Wednesday it was announced that Hirschman would return to the Whelen Modified Tour full-time next year to drive for Boehler Racing Enterprises.
Thursday, Coby made official the news that he will also return to a full-time ride in 2011. Coby, of Milford, told The Courant he will split time in events in 2011 for two separate teams.
Though there will be no wonder about what's keep either of them out of the division in 2011. Wednesday it was announced that Hirschman would return to the Whelen Modified Tour full-time next year to drive for Boehler Racing Enterprises.
Thursday, Coby made official the news that he will also return to a full-time ride in 2011. Coby, of Milford, told The Courant he will split time in events in 2011 for two separate teams.
Highcroft Racing?s HPD ARX-01e Revealed
(DANBURY, CT, Thursday, March 10, 2010)HPD ARX-01eHighcroft Racing has unveiled its new Honda Performance Development ARX-01e LMP1 machine - the new car which the back-to-back American Le Mans Series champions will take into battle at next week's Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.
HPD's latest entry into the overall LMP1 ...
HPD's latest entry into the overall LMP1 ...
A Tale of Two Motorsports: Comparing NASCAR and Formula One
Comparing NASCAR and F1 racing is a popular topic on the Internet. NASCAR is simple. All left turning in bulky, simple cars. F1 is complex. Left and right turning in sleek, technologically sophisticated cars. NASCAR is rough and tumble. Bumping and jostling add to the excitement. F1 is refined and elegant. Contact between cars spoils the precise aerodynamics and handling. As for the drivers, it is said that the best race in F1 and the rest race elsewhere. The comparisons by bloggers and racing analysts, no matter how erroneous, go on and on.
Related posts:Auto Club Speedway to Host NASCAR EventNASCAR Season Kicks Off With Rolex 242010 Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix
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Who knows why the bubble burst?
The morning after the Amp Energy Juice 500 was as muddled as the race. It required a long drive home to get the old thoughts in order.
This race featured 87 lead changes. It ended in a side-by-side finish, though, oddly, not at the finish line. The last-place driver in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Clint Bowyer, became the only driver so far to win two of its races. Of course, the reason Bowyer is buried so deeply is the absence of 150 points due to a NASCAR penalty.
See what I mean by muddled?
But what fired my ruminations was the question of declining interest in NASCAR. Many opinions have been offered, most by folks who, in some way, have a specific interest in the view they offer. Those who are having trouble economically blame the economy. Those who love Dale Earnhardt Jr. blame his struggles. Those who loathe Jimmie Johnson blame his dominance.
It can’t be contended that the sport hasn’t reacted. Ticket prices have been slashed. Rules have been changed to promote excitement. Nothing seems to work. The NASCAR estimate of the Talladega Superspeedway crowd was 110,000. In 2003, it was 170,000. Those who point out how convenient it is to watch on TV fail to account for why TV ratings are declining as rapidly as attendance.
I’ve pondered and addressed all these issues and offered a few of my own, but the truth is, I don’t know, either. And I don’t think NASCAR does.
One word occurred to me while driving the interstate: “bubble.”
In the stock market, there was a “dotcom bubble.” I’ve heard of mortgage bubbles, real-estate bubbles and Indy 500 qualifier who are “on the bubble.” The world is one big bubble bath.
The idea is that something grows too rapidly. The perception of prosperity creates something of a feeding frenzy. Everyone gets on board, so much so that growth is artificially enhanced in a way that can’t be maintained.
And the bubble bursts.
All that “Fastest Growing Sport” rhetoric, which NASCAR so enthusiastically circulated, may have burst. “Burst” may be too harsh a word. In the stock market, there is often a “fallback position.” Maybe that’s where NASCAR is right now. It’s still big, but not as big.
This race featured 87 lead changes. It ended in a side-by-side finish, though, oddly, not at the finish line. The last-place driver in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, Clint Bowyer, became the only driver so far to win two of its races. Of course, the reason Bowyer is buried so deeply is the absence of 150 points due to a NASCAR penalty.
See what I mean by muddled?
But what fired my ruminations was the question of declining interest in NASCAR. Many opinions have been offered, most by folks who, in some way, have a specific interest in the view they offer. Those who are having trouble economically blame the economy. Those who love Dale Earnhardt Jr. blame his struggles. Those who loathe Jimmie Johnson blame his dominance.
It can’t be contended that the sport hasn’t reacted. Ticket prices have been slashed. Rules have been changed to promote excitement. Nothing seems to work. The NASCAR estimate of the Talladega Superspeedway crowd was 110,000. In 2003, it was 170,000. Those who point out how convenient it is to watch on TV fail to account for why TV ratings are declining as rapidly as attendance.
I’ve pondered and addressed all these issues and offered a few of my own, but the truth is, I don’t know, either. And I don’t think NASCAR does.
One word occurred to me while driving the interstate: “bubble.”
In the stock market, there was a “dotcom bubble.” I’ve heard of mortgage bubbles, real-estate bubbles and Indy 500 qualifier who are “on the bubble.” The world is one big bubble bath.
The idea is that something grows too rapidly. The perception of prosperity creates something of a feeding frenzy. Everyone gets on board, so much so that growth is artificially enhanced in a way that can’t be maintained.
And the bubble bursts.
All that “Fastest Growing Sport” rhetoric, which NASCAR so enthusiastically circulated, may have burst. “Burst” may be too harsh a word. In the stock market, there is often a “fallback position.” Maybe that’s where NASCAR is right now. It’s still big, but not as big.
Jimmy Clark and A.J. Foyt together in 1966
Jimmy Clark and A.J. Foyt together in 1966
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Friday, March 11, 2011
Martin still putting pedal to the medal
CONCORD, N.C. — There really wasn’t a doubt in Mark Martin’s mind when he decided to scale back his schedule after the 2006 season that he would continue racing. The right opportunity at the time, with Ginn Racing, allowed him to race when he wanted to and kept him active ...
This week's Stockcartoon from Mike Smith
Stockcartoons are created by Mike Smith, editorial cartoonist for the Las Vegas Sun, and syndicated through King Features Syndicate. Mike generously shares them with us here.
Mike is also the primary contributor to the Las Vegas Sun's NASCAR blog,"Bloggity, Bloggity, Bloggity."
Economy extinguishes De Ferran Dragon?s flames
This is sad news to me... As I can still recall being overly excited ?bout the little team that could way back in 2007 ? when I even inquired ?bout trying to obtain a yellow Luczo Dragon Racing hat when some upstart named Ryan Briscoe finished ahead of some Pipsqueak named Princess... Who the following May showed off her famous perma-POUT dance moves to the newly anointed Penske Racing driver whilst having a tizzy ?N stompin? down Pitlane before somebody named Major Burns, a.k.a. Charles Burns politely refrained DannaWho?And perhaps Y?all know I?m a big fan of Gil de Ferran ? even having managed to obtain his autograph courtesy of Don Kay when he was still running his American Le Mans Series Sports Car team... Thus it was disappointing to read this morning that De Ferran Dragon Racing has shuttered its IndyCar operation, on the heels of Tony Kanaan?s revelations that he lacked the necessary funding to race fulltime this season.NO word on what will ultimately happen to Mr. De Ferran, the DDR crew of 15-employees or the related single seater equipment ? which frankly ? SUCKS!Pit Pass: De Ferran Dragon Racing closes for lack of sponsorshipGuess Steven Luczo is too busy focusing upon his newest business venture ? the Major League Soccer?s (MLS) Vancouver Whitecaps he co-owns with somebody named Steve Nash, whilst perhaps Jay Penske?s gone back to selling rare books instead?Dragonslayers?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Patrick looking forward to taking on Bristol in March
Danica Patrick has raced at a number of venues throughout her IndyCar and Nationwide Series career. However, March 19 she will come to face to face with a track like no other when she competes in the Scotts EZ Seed 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
This year ? the Chase works
Chase contenders Denny Hamlin, Jimmy Johnson and Kevin Harvick during a Champions press conference on Friday. (Photo: Getty Images)
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Let the best man win. Let the fastest car win. Here’s hoping they’re the same.
Grant the serenity not to have to muddy the Sprint Cup waters with leaking oil or litter them with debris. Here’s hoping no one’s title hopes run out of gas … literally.
Even though “ABC’s Wide World of Sports” is but a memory, it would be nostalgic to have the Ford 400 decided amid “the human drama of athletic competition.” What’s more important than who wins is how he wins it.
In an incredible development, given the slings and arrows of the Chase format, the three drivers who are still in contention – at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in the final race, with a 46-point blanket over them – are the three who deserve to be there.
If there were no Chase – and the points awarded in each race the same as now – Kevin Harvick would lead by 295 points. Of course, there is a Chase.
The driver with the most victories is Denny Hamlin.
The driver with four straight championships is Jimmie Johnson.
Chase or no Chase, they would be the top three now, though in different order. If the true goal of the Chase is to tighten, but not otherwise alter, the course of the season, then this Chase is the one that exemplifies the format. Even those who dislike the Chase – they’re out there – should be willing to concede that this is just about as good as the format, however flawed, gets.
If everything works out perfectly today, NASCAR will have a difficult time justifying further changes, even though NASCAR chairman Brian France has been floating trial balloons on the subject since July.
They’ll probably “tweak it” a little – France and his minions love that word – just to save face.
France was still pumping hot air – perhaps not quite as hot as before – into the balloon as recently as Friday.
The results of the current season, he said, demonstrate that “the more we can do, to have incentives ? an incentive basis -- to decide this championship, that puts it all on the line more often. That's what we need to be thinking about.”
Oh, yeah. “Take paradise and … put up a parking lot.”
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Let the best man win. Let the fastest car win. Here’s hoping they’re the same.
Grant the serenity not to have to muddy the Sprint Cup waters with leaking oil or litter them with debris. Here’s hoping no one’s title hopes run out of gas … literally.
Even though “ABC’s Wide World of Sports” is but a memory, it would be nostalgic to have the Ford 400 decided amid “the human drama of athletic competition.” What’s more important than who wins is how he wins it.
In an incredible development, given the slings and arrows of the Chase format, the three drivers who are still in contention – at Homestead-Miami Speedway, in the final race, with a 46-point blanket over them – are the three who deserve to be there.
If there were no Chase – and the points awarded in each race the same as now – Kevin Harvick would lead by 295 points. Of course, there is a Chase.
The driver with the most victories is Denny Hamlin.
The driver with four straight championships is Jimmie Johnson.
Chase or no Chase, they would be the top three now, though in different order. If the true goal of the Chase is to tighten, but not otherwise alter, the course of the season, then this Chase is the one that exemplifies the format. Even those who dislike the Chase – they’re out there – should be willing to concede that this is just about as good as the format, however flawed, gets.
If everything works out perfectly today, NASCAR will have a difficult time justifying further changes, even though NASCAR chairman Brian France has been floating trial balloons on the subject since July.
They’ll probably “tweak it” a little – France and his minions love that word – just to save face.
France was still pumping hot air – perhaps not quite as hot as before – into the balloon as recently as Friday.
The results of the current season, he said, demonstrate that “the more we can do, to have incentives ? an incentive basis -- to decide this championship, that puts it all on the line more often. That's what we need to be thinking about.”
Oh, yeah. “Take paradise and … put up a parking lot.”
Bulls running Rampant in Barcelona
Yesterday?s second day of F1 testing saw very little change in terms of who was at the top of the Timesheets, as the Red Bull RB7 remained slotted P1 ? this time with Master ?Zebb (Vettel) at its controls instead.And it?s still too early to judge ultimate pace; notice how the young Louise ?JAGUAR (Hamilton) moved his McLaren further towards the front, albeit NO idea if he was manhandling it by the scruff of its neck or what? As testing continues today and then concludes on Friday, perhaps? When there are rumours that we?ll finally see the brand new Hispania F111 Ontrack...Vettel keeps RBR at the top in Catalunya
Living Cars EP#18 ? Formula1, NASCAR
All the action from Formula 1 and NASCAR
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Keselowski earns tolerance, if not respect, from Sprint Cup drivers
MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Brad Keselowski certainly put an interesting spin on how drivers earn the respect of others, or lack thereof, during a visit to Penske Racing late Monday night as part of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Media Tour hosted by Charlotte Motor Speedway. Most drivers in the garage area ...
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Drag Racing
DRAG RACE
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Jason Bowles Tops Preseason Hunter Index Voting, Wallingford's Keith Rocco Close Behind In Second
Jason Bowles, winner of the January Toyota All-Star Showdown in Irwindale, Calif. topped the voting for the preseason edition of NASCAR's Hunter Index.
The Hunter Index, introduced in 2010, is a monthly poll ranking the top drivers of NASCAR's regional divisions and the Whelen All-American Series short track program. Drivers are voted on by a panel of 12 media members covering NASCAR and two NASCAR representatives.
Bowles earned six of 14 first place votes in the first poll of the year and had a one point edge in total points over defending Whelen All-American Series national champion Keith Rocco of Wallingford.
The Hunter Index, introduced in 2010, is a monthly poll ranking the top drivers of NASCAR's regional divisions and the Whelen All-American Series short track program. Drivers are voted on by a panel of 12 media members covering NASCAR and two NASCAR representatives.
Bowles earned six of 14 first place votes in the first poll of the year and had a one point edge in total points over defending Whelen All-American Series national champion Keith Rocco of Wallingford.
Kubica moved from Intensive Care to begin Rehabilitation
Severely injured Formula 1 Star Robert Kubica has been transferred from the Intensive Care Ward to his own private large room in the Rehabilitation Wing and is keen to begin his recovery. His doctor says that Robert will stay there to ensure that no infections occur and then be re-assessed in a Fortnight before discussing his next move...Dr. Rossello happy with Robert Kubica's recovery so far
F1: 2011 Constructor - Sauber
(Sauber C30; Source: theformulaoneand motorsportsarchive.wordpress.com)TeamLaunch Date/Venue: January 31 - ValenciaName: Sauber F1 TeamBase: Hinwil, SwitzerlandFormer Team Names: Sauber; BMW SauberConstructors Titles: 0Drivers Titles: 02010 Standings: 8th; 44-points2010 Chassis: C29Team Principal: Peter SauberTechnical Director: James KeySeasons: 18 (1993-Present)Debut Race: 1993 South African GPRaces: 295Wins: 1Poles: 1ChassisModel: C30Engine: Ferrari 056/2011(Upgraded for KERS installation)Gearbox: FerrariTECH: Sauber C30 ? Launch Detail and AnalysisDriversNo. 16) Kamui Kobayashi; JapanNo. 17) R-Sergio Perez; MexicoTest/Reserve Driver) Esteban GutierrezSummaryAfter the botched attempt of selling the team by BMW, fortunately Peter Sauber was willing to step into the void in order to save his beloved F1 team last year. Thus, after a somewhat perilous 2010 season, albeit with brief flashes of success shown by the Japanese Hard Chargin? rookie ?K-Squared,? (Kamui Kobayashi) the team is now in mucho better financial status thanks largely to its new found Mexican connection with Billionaire Carlos Slim.This relationship was cemented with the promoting of Mexican GP2 driver Sergio Perez to the teams second race seat; who brings his celebrated TelMex sponsorship to the fold ? leading to other Mexican companies joining the Fiesta, most notably Tequila Drinks maker Jose Quervo.Meanwhile Kobayashi now graduates to the team leader role in his second full season of Formula One, whilst rising Mexican Hot-Hot-Hot! ?Schu Esteban Gutierrez is elevated to the team?s test/reserve driver role. Gutierrez, the reigning & inaugural GP3 Champion will now contest this year?s GP2 season as he seeks to work his way into a fulltime Gran Primo Piloto ride in the near future, whilst serving out his third driver team role.Hopefully the C30 will be an improvement over the recalcitrant C29, albeit, the little Minnowesqe team could struggle bringing Perez up-to-speed, but I hope to see the Sauber Boyz continue an upward trend towards the vaunted Constructors Title fight, as I?d enjoy seeing them leapfrog past Vijay Mallya...Sauber launches C30Sauber C30: PicturesSauber C30: Launch notes
Richard Childress Racing looking to take down Jimmie in 2011
In 2010, Richard Childress Racing was the only team to get all of their drivers into the Chase. Kevin Harvick was a serious contender for a title over the last few chase races, but the other two drivers know their season could have been better.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
McReynolds focuses on the positive in NASCAR
On the opening day of the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour, the legendary former crew chief and current Fox television analyst urged critics to look beyond the empty seats and dismal ratings.
Quotations of the Year
“We’ve got a lot of racing left, but when we’re winning at places we’re not supposed to, you better watch out.” – Jimmie Johnson, after winning the Food City 500 at Bristol.
“I like Jimmie as good as anybody, but for the sake of the sport, one of the two of us (Harvick, Hamlin) needs to make something happen.” – Kevin Harvick, during the Chase.
“Two tires won the race, but when you’ve got two tires in dirty air, it’s no good.” – Dale Earnhardt Jr., after finishing eighth in the Samsung Mobile 500 at Texas.
“The ‘48’ (Johnson) is testing my patience. I’m hard to get mad, and I’m (ticked) off.” – Jeff Gordon, after the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega.
“If we’d have kept those guys a lap down, that would’ve been selfish.” – Dave Rogers, winning crew chief, on allowing a mass ‘wave-around” during an early caution period in the Heath Calhoun 400 at Richmond.
“When you play at home, that’s when you want to win the most.” – Tony Stewart, from Columbus, Ind., at Indianapolis.
“He's real aggressive. That's cool, but when he starts affecting me with his aggressiveness … I just will not put up with it. I've been around here long enough. I just will not tolerate it.” – Jeff Burton, referring to Kyle Busch, after Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte.
“There’s just a pit that develops in your stomach and doesn’t go away. It’s the championship pit, and it’s there.” – Jimmie Johnson.
“Points? I chipped away, but I didn’t chip away much.” – Kyle Busch, after a fourth at Martinsville.
“In the World Series, when a pitcher’s not doing his job, they put another one in that can.” – Johnson, referring to pit-crew swap at Texas.
“I wonder if anyone else will ever win five of these things in a row, but next year we’re going for six, so away we go.” – owner Rick Hendrick, after Johnson extended his consecutive championships.
“I won't turn on the television, watch any racing. Remove myself from it. I know what I need to do, what my team has to do. I don't want to hear what anybody else has to say.” – Johnson, before the final race.
“I don’t know if part of that is coincidence, or just that those guys who win championships are really good. I don’t know, but it isa difficult race track. You have to do everything right.” – Matt Kenseth, noting the overlap of Indy winners and Cup champions.
“Bristol is a lot like Watkins Glen. You never know what’s going to happen.” – Harvick, naming one thing the two have in common.
“We have a way of forgetting the way history really was. … I think we tend to forget that even the great race teams go through struggles.” – Jeff Burton.
“If I sat down and planned it, we would win every Chase race and I would win the championship. But plans don’t quite work like that.” – Kyle Busch, whose Chase struggles continued.
“Mathematically, it’s possible. Realistically, I don’t think so.” – Jeff Gordon, asked about the possibility of a driver winning the Chase without winning any races.
“There’s a lot of psychology that goes into racing, but all of that goes out the window once the race starts.” – Carl Edwards
“If you get in a problem (at Martinsville), it’s normally because you are a root of it.” –Stewart
“It’s amazing what the Chase format does to the nerves and to the teams and the drivers.” – Kurt Busch
“If the roles were reversed, I would be saying the same thing. As a competitor, you’re tired of the same guy winning. I guess I understand where they’re coming from and what they’re saying … I don’t necessarily agree with it. I think it would be great for someone to win five straight.” – Johnson, who did.
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