For awhile now, NASCAR has been offering recaps of Sprint Cup races on iTunes. Now, NASCAR fans can also download, via iTunes, what it is calling “NASCAR Classics, Volume I.” The volume honors the careers of three of the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees — Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson, and Richard Petty. Full Story
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
TRUMP THIS?
So I?ve only got two words to say on this:
ALEX ZANARDI!
Thanxs to perennial NoFenderz Photographer ?CARPETS for the Heads-up upon The Donald?s FIRING! As apparently IMS Officials were concerned over what Mr. Trump calls his Hair-piece(?) getting caught up in this year?s Pace cars hubcaps, right?
Trump out as Indy 500 pace car driver
More later; although I?m absolutely 100% SERIOUS ?bout selecting Alex Zanardi as the new Centennial Pace car chauffer!
ALEX ZANARDI!
Thanxs to perennial NoFenderz Photographer ?CARPETS for the Heads-up upon The Donald?s FIRING! As apparently IMS Officials were concerned over what Mr. Trump calls his Hair-piece(?) getting caught up in this year?s Pace cars hubcaps, right?
Trump out as Indy 500 pace car driver
More later; although I?m absolutely 100% SERIOUS ?bout selecting Alex Zanardi as the new Centennial Pace car chauffer!
Ryan Truex plans first Nationwide start at Gateway
Defending NASCAR K&N Pro Series East champion and current points leader in that series, Ryan Truex, will make his Nationwide Series debut this month when he climbs behind the wheel of a Michael Waltrip Racing entry on July 17 at Gateway International Raceway. He will pilot a NAPA-sponored No. 00 entry and will be a [...]
Bernard & Co get a little Dirty!
Indiana State Fairgrounds Hoosier 100 ?Promo-day? photographs courtesy of Tacey Woollard
This just in from Indiana Bureau Chief Danny B; who was Juan ?O duh LUCKY WINNERS! To earn a very special ride aboard a most unique vehicle out at the Indiana State Fairgrounds; as its scary to think I camped out there nearly 10yrs ago for my very first outing to the Speedway for the ?01 USGP, but I digress...
You see ? Danny was taking part in a ?One-off? Radio contest to ride aboard a specially modified two-seater Dirt Car Thursday morning, with none less than Sprint Car legend Jack Hewitt behind the keyboard!
As I?m not a fan of Dirt racin? or Ovals - hence, this is a world I know very little about, albeit apparently with ?R?s coaxing, Mr. Bernard is trying to recapture Indy?s linkage with the USAC?ers and their Sprint Car devotees, i.e.; the Good ?Ol Dazes when many of Indy?s Big Names came up thru the USAC Midget ranks.
Thus according to Danny; there was a veritable Who?s Who in the House, Err Fairgrounds, with NO less than SPEED & Versus?s OWR Curmudgeon Robin Miller, Randy Bernard, Bryan Clauson, Tomas Scheckter, Kenny Schrader and the aforementioned Messer Hewitt...
Reportedly the action began with USAC Road-to-Indy Scholarship winner Bryan Clauson taking Randy Bernard around the one-mile Dirt-track for a couple of Hot-laps before Tomas ?Rockem-Sockem? Scheckter had fun tryin? to DARN BLOWN UP Schrader?s Dirt Modified?s tranny, reputedly being a ?lil rusty upon his Upshifts ? or perhaps he was just tryin? to bed-in the late model?s Half shafts; Hya! As I?m told that Kenny Schrader was Smooth-as-Silk aboard his mount...
Then there was a very clever Photo Op session (besides the Miller-Bernard No Fenders T-shirt) consisting of Clauson driving the two-seater, Schrader in a late model Modified and Scheckter in thee Indy Racing Experience?s 2X-seater, which I didn?t think could run on dirt? As I wouldn?t want to be the lucky mechanics that get to clean her up, eh?
After all of the dignitaries and primping for photo shoots were done, as I?m guessing Mr. Bernard and ?R most likely ran over to 16th & Georgetown for the days remainder of Indy Rookie orientation - it was time to get down to business, and do the deed; as Danny sez he asked Messer Hewitt to give it some ?Wellie! As in I wanna go sideways; Yuhs hear Mr. Hewitt! To which I?m told Jack was more then happy to oblige giving said passengers the rides of a lifetime with three NASTY laps ?round the Fairgrounds...
Thus, if you?re in town for the 500 and are looking for something a little different during the chock O?block Memorial Day weekend, then Y?all might wanna head out to the Indiana State Fairgrounds Friday night May 27th for the Hoosier 100!
UPDATEApparently I was desperate for some latest ?N greatest racing news, thus deciding to attempt listening to my very first Trackside with Kevin & Cavin Podcast of Friday night?s episode early Saturday morning... Hence I found it most ironic that none other then Tomas ?Rockem-Sockem? Scheckter was one of the days two guests; Shuzzam! Making me feel like I was getting another dosage of ze KarmicWhip; as Kevin Lee no less asked Tomas ?bout what he?d done the day prior out at the Indiana State Fairgrounds...
Scheckter noted how he?d gone for a ride in the two-seater Dirt Car with Jack Hewitt at the wheel and although he?d have enjoyed putting it thru its paces, he had to remain calm, cool & collected ? reminding himself that Indy was his primary focus... Although Tomas reflected that the Dirt Modified was good fun with it?s 750bhp on tap.
And it was all vintage T-Schek on the interview, talking ?bout his TWIT-ER battles, FrappaGer-ranimals, hitting little balls, Team Owners, being outspoken, etc. With the day?s first guest being the always enjoyable Mayor ?O Hinchtown, a.k.a. James Hinchcliffe; as T-Schek?s interview is definitely worth checkin? out on the May 13th Podcast which you can find by digging ?round 1070TheFan.com/Trackside/
This just in from Indiana Bureau Chief Danny B; who was Juan ?O duh LUCKY WINNERS! To earn a very special ride aboard a most unique vehicle out at the Indiana State Fairgrounds; as its scary to think I camped out there nearly 10yrs ago for my very first outing to the Speedway for the ?01 USGP, but I digress...
You see ? Danny was taking part in a ?One-off? Radio contest to ride aboard a specially modified two-seater Dirt Car Thursday morning, with none less than Sprint Car legend Jack Hewitt behind the keyboard!
As I?m not a fan of Dirt racin? or Ovals - hence, this is a world I know very little about, albeit apparently with ?R?s coaxing, Mr. Bernard is trying to recapture Indy?s linkage with the USAC?ers and their Sprint Car devotees, i.e.; the Good ?Ol Dazes when many of Indy?s Big Names came up thru the USAC Midget ranks.
Thus according to Danny; there was a veritable Who?s Who in the House, Err Fairgrounds, with NO less than SPEED & Versus?s OWR Curmudgeon Robin Miller, Randy Bernard, Bryan Clauson, Tomas Scheckter, Kenny Schrader and the aforementioned Messer Hewitt...
Reportedly the action began with USAC Road-to-Indy Scholarship winner Bryan Clauson taking Randy Bernard around the one-mile Dirt-track for a couple of Hot-laps before Tomas ?Rockem-Sockem? Scheckter had fun tryin? to DARN BLOWN UP Schrader?s Dirt Modified?s tranny, reputedly being a ?lil rusty upon his Upshifts ? or perhaps he was just tryin? to bed-in the late model?s Half shafts; Hya! As I?m told that Kenny Schrader was Smooth-as-Silk aboard his mount...
Then there was a very clever Photo Op session (besides the Miller-Bernard No Fenders T-shirt) consisting of Clauson driving the two-seater, Schrader in a late model Modified and Scheckter in thee Indy Racing Experience?s 2X-seater, which I didn?t think could run on dirt? As I wouldn?t want to be the lucky mechanics that get to clean her up, eh?
After all of the dignitaries and primping for photo shoots were done, as I?m guessing Mr. Bernard and ?R most likely ran over to 16th & Georgetown for the days remainder of Indy Rookie orientation - it was time to get down to business, and do the deed; as Danny sez he asked Messer Hewitt to give it some ?Wellie! As in I wanna go sideways; Yuhs hear Mr. Hewitt! To which I?m told Jack was more then happy to oblige giving said passengers the rides of a lifetime with three NASTY laps ?round the Fairgrounds...
Thus, if you?re in town for the 500 and are looking for something a little different during the chock O?block Memorial Day weekend, then Y?all might wanna head out to the Indiana State Fairgrounds Friday night May 27th for the Hoosier 100!
UPDATEApparently I was desperate for some latest ?N greatest racing news, thus deciding to attempt listening to my very first Trackside with Kevin & Cavin Podcast of Friday night?s episode early Saturday morning... Hence I found it most ironic that none other then Tomas ?Rockem-Sockem? Scheckter was one of the days two guests; Shuzzam! Making me feel like I was getting another dosage of ze KarmicWhip; as Kevin Lee no less asked Tomas ?bout what he?d done the day prior out at the Indiana State Fairgrounds...
Scheckter noted how he?d gone for a ride in the two-seater Dirt Car with Jack Hewitt at the wheel and although he?d have enjoyed putting it thru its paces, he had to remain calm, cool & collected ? reminding himself that Indy was his primary focus... Although Tomas reflected that the Dirt Modified was good fun with it?s 750bhp on tap.
And it was all vintage T-Schek on the interview, talking ?bout his TWIT-ER battles, FrappaGer-ranimals, hitting little balls, Team Owners, being outspoken, etc. With the day?s first guest being the always enjoyable Mayor ?O Hinchtown, a.k.a. James Hinchcliffe; as T-Schek?s interview is definitely worth checkin? out on the May 13th Podcast which you can find by digging ?round 1070TheFan.com/Trackside/
No Fenders Feel Good MoJo...
So I know somebody who?s giving out a friendly wager upon a Big Mac, Coke ?N Fries, Hmm? Does a HappyMeal count? On Thee ?Big 5? Hombres vs. Thee Field for this year?s I500.
Hombres:Ryan Briscoe, H. Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti and Will Power.
Do I take the bet or not? You Make the Call!
Meanwhile my Sentimental favourites to win this year?s race are:1) Alex Tagliani; 2) Oriel Servia; 3) Tony Kanaan; 4) Vitor Meira; 5) Paul Tracy; 6) Buddy Rice. HELL! I?d even enjoy seeing Ryan Briscoe win ? as it?d help him continue awhile longer at Team Penske ? although it goes against the Cheeseburger wager, eh?
Do Yourself a favour on Sunday and root for ?TAG!
Hombres:Ryan Briscoe, H. Castroneves, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti and Will Power.
Do I take the bet or not? You Make the Call!
Meanwhile my Sentimental favourites to win this year?s race are:1) Alex Tagliani; 2) Oriel Servia; 3) Tony Kanaan; 4) Vitor Meira; 5) Paul Tracy; 6) Buddy Rice. HELL! I?d even enjoy seeing Ryan Briscoe win ? as it?d help him continue awhile longer at Team Penske ? although it goes against the Cheeseburger wager, eh?
Do Yourself a favour on Sunday and root for ?TAG!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Kevin Paige Art Renders Marco Andretti In Watercolor
Kevin Paige of�Kevin Paige Art walks fans through the creation of a watercolor print of Marco Andretti. New to Kevin Paige Art? Check out all of his posts�here!
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Fritz pleased with NASCAR weekend; says barriers meet standards
Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz said Tuesday he was pleased with the recent NASCAR weekend, which included an expansion into Thursday night racing.
Mr. Burgess ? Prank Call 6 ? NASCAR Phone Survey
Richard Burgess receives a phone call from NASCAR asking for fan feedback about the sport. He hears an announcement that the first African-American driver will be taking part, he isn’t best pleased. Related Blogs Related Reading: Kasey Kahne NASCAR Auto Racing POSTER Print Car - 11x17 My Greatest Day in Nascar: The Legends of Auto [...]
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.
Get to Know the Nexgeneracers
On Bump Day the Indianapolis Motor Speedway remembered Charles Wilson, friend, life coach to youth and full-on racer. Charles, the president of Nexgeneracers, an organization founded to assist youngsters to learn all aspects of motorsports ? driving, mechanics and business ? passed away on April 8 after a spirited battle with cancer.
In attendance were Charles? [...]
In attendance were Charles? [...]
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Timothy Peters excited for opportunity to make 100th career Truck Series start
The Danville resident has made the necessary sacrifices, as well, to turn himself into a contender in the Truck Series, which makes his 100th career start Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the N.C. Education Lottery 200 that much more special.
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.
Thoughts upon Cinco de Mayo
As Y?all may know, today is Cinco de Mayo, hence that Oh so clever? Title above, eh? As originally I?d hoped to have finished the first of my 4-part harmony, Err Formula One rookie profiles ? with Mexico?s Sergio Perez batting lead-off... (Or whatever Yuhs Stick ?N Ballers call it; Hmm? Perhaps I can find out upon the new Versus.com website, eh?)
Thus, now that I?ve digressed ? especially since I haven?t finished Senor Perez?s Bio, I thought I?d throw out a few thoughts upon the Mexicali market which seemingly is being left off the map at the moment, Ci? OOPS! Along with including my previous Mexicali Gran Primo Piloto?s story;Cinco de Mayo ? Mexicali Gran Primo Piloto?s...
As it?s funny to Mwah, that there?s this really great market South of the Border, that I believe is closer then Porte Alego; ?LET GO OF MY EGGO!? Mmm-Mmm Sprinkles! Err; must be breakfast time, eh? Hya!
As DON?T get me wrong, as in I have ZERO issues with IndyCar going to Brazil twice ? or holding another Temporary ?Twisty? Cirquito upon the Street of Porto Alegre. It?s just disappointing to Mwah that we?re ignoring our feverant ?GuacamoleHeadz? Fan-base just across the border. As I recall there being some pretty good races at Mexico City?s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. As I think the latter Champ Car races venue was eerily similar to the current Sao Paolo IndyCar circut. As yeah, I know Y?all might say there?s some sorta illegal substances Cartel Turf war going on down there right now. Yet, if Indy Car is gonna give Mexico a pass, then how ?bout Formula 1 making a return? As it could be twinned, tripled, Err coupled with Montreal and Austin, as I do recall the Mexican Grand Prix being held in conjunction (calendar-wise) with the Iceberg Gran Primo (USGP) in Phoenix, Arizona two decades ago...
As noted above; currently Mexico has Senor Perez leading its charge in the rarefied ?Atmo de Formula Uno, whilst I firmly expect rising star and GP2 competitor Esteban Gutierrez to shortly join the F1 Fraternity as part of Chez Slim?s burgeoning TelMex concern, albeit hopefully NOT at ?K-Squared?s? (Kamui Kobayashi) expense.
And a very quick look thru the top doce single seater series, i.e.; GP2 and Indy Lights... Reveals the names Gutierrez and Juan Pablo Garcia; of whom I know nothing about the latter. Gutierrez is driving for Lotus-ART; Sigh! I?m getting really tired over that Lotee-Loti-LoTie CRAP! As it?ll be entertaining to see if Esteban can give GP Frontrunner Jules Bianchi a run for his money, Ci? While Juan Pablo (Garcia) ironically is driving for ?KanaDuh?s Jenson Motorsport Indy Lights outfit.
Thus when I think of Viva la Mexico and IndyCarz, I think of the Good ?Ol CART/Champ Car Dazes, albeit I believe the last Mexican winner defected to the Indy Racing League; Oh Never Mind! As I?m guessing that ?YO ADRIAN!? As in Senor Adrian Fernandez was the last Mexican ?BigCarz winner, Ci?
While a lesser known driver quickly pops up upon my radar ? as I originally shunned Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen?s choice upon a relatively unknown ?Back marker? named Michele Jourdain Jr. whom I took an immediate liking to as Jimmy Vasser?s teammate at Team Rahal. As I believe Vasser acted like a Big Brother to the affable Mexican, as I even think perhaps Jimmy, Michele and another Jourdain later contested the Ba-Jah. (Baja 1000) As I recall seeing Jourdain run around at a pretty decent clip at Portland International Raceway... Betcha didn?t think I could work PIR into the story, Eh! Carpets? Although I remember Jourdain being rooted for on the ?Streets? of Vancouver, BC tooze...
Other Mexicali drivers of note who come to mind are David Martinez and Mario ?Boom-Boom? Dominguez, who CARPETS just reminded me was the last Mexican winner, albeit in a controversial finish ?Down Under in a Surfers Paradise deluge... So all I can say is Undelah- Undelah- Undelah! And DON?T forget to drink the worm...
Thus, now that I?ve digressed ? especially since I haven?t finished Senor Perez?s Bio, I thought I?d throw out a few thoughts upon the Mexicali market which seemingly is being left off the map at the moment, Ci? OOPS! Along with including my previous Mexicali Gran Primo Piloto?s story;Cinco de Mayo ? Mexicali Gran Primo Piloto?s...
As it?s funny to Mwah, that there?s this really great market South of the Border, that I believe is closer then Porte Alego; ?LET GO OF MY EGGO!? Mmm-Mmm Sprinkles! Err; must be breakfast time, eh? Hya!
As DON?T get me wrong, as in I have ZERO issues with IndyCar going to Brazil twice ? or holding another Temporary ?Twisty? Cirquito upon the Street of Porto Alegre. It?s just disappointing to Mwah that we?re ignoring our feverant ?GuacamoleHeadz? Fan-base just across the border. As I recall there being some pretty good races at Mexico City?s Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. As I think the latter Champ Car races venue was eerily similar to the current Sao Paolo IndyCar circut. As yeah, I know Y?all might say there?s some sorta illegal substances Cartel Turf war going on down there right now. Yet, if Indy Car is gonna give Mexico a pass, then how ?bout Formula 1 making a return? As it could be twinned, tripled, Err coupled with Montreal and Austin, as I do recall the Mexican Grand Prix being held in conjunction (calendar-wise) with the Iceberg Gran Primo (USGP) in Phoenix, Arizona two decades ago...
As noted above; currently Mexico has Senor Perez leading its charge in the rarefied ?Atmo de Formula Uno, whilst I firmly expect rising star and GP2 competitor Esteban Gutierrez to shortly join the F1 Fraternity as part of Chez Slim?s burgeoning TelMex concern, albeit hopefully NOT at ?K-Squared?s? (Kamui Kobayashi) expense.
And a very quick look thru the top doce single seater series, i.e.; GP2 and Indy Lights... Reveals the names Gutierrez and Juan Pablo Garcia; of whom I know nothing about the latter. Gutierrez is driving for Lotus-ART; Sigh! I?m getting really tired over that Lotee-Loti-LoTie CRAP! As it?ll be entertaining to see if Esteban can give GP Frontrunner Jules Bianchi a run for his money, Ci? While Juan Pablo (Garcia) ironically is driving for ?KanaDuh?s Jenson Motorsport Indy Lights outfit.
Thus when I think of Viva la Mexico and IndyCarz, I think of the Good ?Ol CART/Champ Car Dazes, albeit I believe the last Mexican winner defected to the Indy Racing League; Oh Never Mind! As I?m guessing that ?YO ADRIAN!? As in Senor Adrian Fernandez was the last Mexican ?BigCarz winner, Ci?
While a lesser known driver quickly pops up upon my radar ? as I originally shunned Tacoma Bureau Chief Mary Ellen?s choice upon a relatively unknown ?Back marker? named Michele Jourdain Jr. whom I took an immediate liking to as Jimmy Vasser?s teammate at Team Rahal. As I believe Vasser acted like a Big Brother to the affable Mexican, as I even think perhaps Jimmy, Michele and another Jourdain later contested the Ba-Jah. (Baja 1000) As I recall seeing Jourdain run around at a pretty decent clip at Portland International Raceway... Betcha didn?t think I could work PIR into the story, Eh! Carpets? Although I remember Jourdain being rooted for on the ?Streets? of Vancouver, BC tooze...
Other Mexicali drivers of note who come to mind are David Martinez and Mario ?Boom-Boom? Dominguez, who CARPETS just reminded me was the last Mexican winner, albeit in a controversial finish ?Down Under in a Surfers Paradise deluge... So all I can say is Undelah- Undelah- Undelah! And DON?T forget to drink the worm...
Saturday, May 28, 2011
On second thought ?
Team owner Rick Hendrick and drivers with swapped crew chiefs: Mark Martin (who now has Lance McGrew), Dale Earnhardt (Steve Letarte), and Jeff Gordon (Alan Gustafson).
First, a preface. On Monday night, I was on Mojo Nixon’s Sirius NASCAR Channel show, “Manifold Destiny.” I noted that many Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans had been suggesting, no, demanding, that Earnhardt be given crew chief Chad Knaus, who assisted Jimmie Johnson in winning the last five Sprint Cup championships.
I said that, based on my knowledge of both men, Junior and Knaus wouldn’t get along for 15 minutes. I then said that I thought Steve Letarte, Jeff Gordon’s crew chief, would be a better match for Junior.
The next day Hendrick Motorsports announced that it was swapping the teams of the three drivers other than Johnson. Letarte moved to Earnhardt’s team. Lance McGrew moved to Mark Martin’s team, and Alan Gustafson moved to Gordon’s.
It looked as if I had had inside information. I hadn’t. It was just an observation that happened to occur the very next day. It made sense to me. I guess it made sense to Rick Hendrick, too. Skill is rewarding, but luck is more fun.
On Wednesday, I co-hosted another Sirius NASCAR (Ch. 128) show, “Trading Paint,” with Danny “Chocolate” Myers, who worked with Dale Earnhardt for years and is still affiliated with Richard Childress Racing.
On the day before, while driving, I had listened to some of the NASCAR Channel, just to see what everyone was talking about. Everyone was talking about the Hendrick moves and still were when Choc and I answered their calls and talked about them for most of four hours.
On Tuesday, while I was listening, almost everyone had been angry, particularly the fans of Earnhardt and Gordon.
On Wednesday, while I was talking to them and trying to answer their questions, most all of them had reconsidered.
The transition didn’t particularly surprise me. It’s not unusual for people to overreact on first impression, then think it through and come around. The near unanimity of the change is what surprised me.
The day before, it was the same show, Choc paired with his regular sidekick, Rick Benjamin. I was just substituting.
That made me the variable, I guess, but I don’t really think that had anything to do with it.
NASCAR grows presence on iTunes
For awhile now, NASCAR has been offering recaps of Sprint Cup races on iTunes. Now, NASCAR fans can also download, via iTunes, what it is calling “NASCAR Classics, Volume I.” The volume honors the careers of three of the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees — Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson, and Richard Petty. Full Story
VIR
Stevenson Motorsports' GT.R Camaro, driven by Robin Liddell and Jan Magnussen, comes around a turn during a practice lap for the Bosch Engineering 250 at Virginia International Raceway on Friday in Alton.
INDYCAR: Paddock Notes ? May 25th Edition
By now I?m sure Y?all have heard the news over Ryan ?The Sundrop Kid? Hunter-Reay replacing Bruno Junqueira in the A.J. Foyt Enterprises No. 41 second car entry for this weekend?s 95th running of the Indianapolis 500 Centennial3.0.
And while I?ll always have a BEEF with ?WhineyBags (Junqueira) for having stiffed me in Portland... I do haveda admit I feel somewhat mildly disappointed for the Brazilian who?s now been ?BUMPED not once ? but twice at the Speedway through NO wrongdoing on his part... As I?d like to think perhaps Mikey Andretti could do a recipical dealio a.k.a. Tagliani last year as a thank you to Bruno ? perhaps a second AFS Racing entry, eh?
Speedway Mistress Slays DragonFlies...And is it just Mwah? But, I?m getting a little bit tired of all of the outpouring over how horrible Mikey?s (Andretti) month ?O May was; Hmm? Hold on a moment, just exactly how many cars did Dragon Racing wad up? Not to mention Scotty ?IRL IS BORING!? Speed?s ?Daniker HissyFitt with his Engineer... As it was MOST ironic that Saturday evening I was discussing Patrick (?Pat-the-Carpenter?) Carpentier when she asked me who was ?TAG?s teammate when we used to watch them racing in Vancouver, BC?
As perhaps this should point out just how difficult it is to run an Open Wheel Racecar ?round the hallowed Speedway grounds, eh? As I?ll count ?Dat as STRIKE TWO for the TaxiCab Boyz. As I?d say that Jay Penske?s month was far MORE terrible then Mikey?s!
Psst Jay! Perhaps you?ll wanna give Bruno a call and sign him up for next year, eh? Or see if the other Foyt car?s available...
Girl Power!And NO! I?m NOT speaking ?bout Princess PermaPout ? who I hear has her very own F%%KING FLORESENT GREEN POPE MOBILE!!! To protect her from her adoring Fans; like ?DAWG. (Pressdog) YAWN!
NOTE TO DANICA! ?Simona-Simona? spent several hours signing Autographs personally in her Pits with bandaged & latex gloves to protect her BURNED hands whilst you were busy hiding in your Bus; but I digress...
As I meant to talk ?bout Pippa Mann, who not only out qualified her Fulltime Conquest Racing teammate ?S-SQUARED?, (Sebastian Saavedra) but also Hunter-Reay and Mike Conway, all three who didn?t manage to qualify their way into the race ? so way to go Pippa!
Meanwhile it seems that ?BIA, nee Ana Beatriz had the most low key Under-the-Radar weekend outta the four Femme Fatles making the show, so it?ll be interesting to see who?ll be top female, eh?
Rookie HonoursOtay, my Sentimental favourite Hands Down would be Ye Mayor ?O Hinchtown, nee James Hinchcliffe... Who?s not only the Mayor of said town, but proverbial Kitty-in-a-Tree Saviour too! Or was that a Planking splinter upon his Schnoz, eh?
And obviously it?d be great for Pippa Mann?s career, as she?s probably one of the least funded drivers, right? While it would be beneficial for the League if J.R. Hildebrand won it, since he?s a product of the Road-to-Indy, i.e.; Indy Lights Champion. Not to mention Charlie Kimball, who?s also from the Indy Lights series ? and would most definitely be a ?Feel Good Story? due to his Diabetes angle...
But my personal choice is none other then Jay ?Funnyman? Howard, who?s finally made the race after two abortive attempts, not necessarily by his own making and hence, I?d like to see the Englishman get some long overdue notoriety; so GOOD LUCK JAY!
And while I?ll always have a BEEF with ?WhineyBags (Junqueira) for having stiffed me in Portland... I do haveda admit I feel somewhat mildly disappointed for the Brazilian who?s now been ?BUMPED not once ? but twice at the Speedway through NO wrongdoing on his part... As I?d like to think perhaps Mikey Andretti could do a recipical dealio a.k.a. Tagliani last year as a thank you to Bruno ? perhaps a second AFS Racing entry, eh?
Speedway Mistress Slays DragonFlies...And is it just Mwah? But, I?m getting a little bit tired of all of the outpouring over how horrible Mikey?s (Andretti) month ?O May was; Hmm? Hold on a moment, just exactly how many cars did Dragon Racing wad up? Not to mention Scotty ?IRL IS BORING!? Speed?s ?Daniker HissyFitt with his Engineer... As it was MOST ironic that Saturday evening I was discussing Patrick (?Pat-the-Carpenter?) Carpentier when she asked me who was ?TAG?s teammate when we used to watch them racing in Vancouver, BC?
As perhaps this should point out just how difficult it is to run an Open Wheel Racecar ?round the hallowed Speedway grounds, eh? As I?ll count ?Dat as STRIKE TWO for the TaxiCab Boyz. As I?d say that Jay Penske?s month was far MORE terrible then Mikey?s!
Psst Jay! Perhaps you?ll wanna give Bruno a call and sign him up for next year, eh? Or see if the other Foyt car?s available...
Girl Power!And NO! I?m NOT speaking ?bout Princess PermaPout ? who I hear has her very own F%%KING FLORESENT GREEN POPE MOBILE!!! To protect her from her adoring Fans; like ?DAWG. (Pressdog) YAWN!
NOTE TO DANICA! ?Simona-Simona? spent several hours signing Autographs personally in her Pits with bandaged & latex gloves to protect her BURNED hands whilst you were busy hiding in your Bus; but I digress...
As I meant to talk ?bout Pippa Mann, who not only out qualified her Fulltime Conquest Racing teammate ?S-SQUARED?, (Sebastian Saavedra) but also Hunter-Reay and Mike Conway, all three who didn?t manage to qualify their way into the race ? so way to go Pippa!
Meanwhile it seems that ?BIA, nee Ana Beatriz had the most low key Under-the-Radar weekend outta the four Femme Fatles making the show, so it?ll be interesting to see who?ll be top female, eh?
Rookie HonoursOtay, my Sentimental favourite Hands Down would be Ye Mayor ?O Hinchtown, nee James Hinchcliffe... Who?s not only the Mayor of said town, but proverbial Kitty-in-a-Tree Saviour too! Or was that a Planking splinter upon his Schnoz, eh?
And obviously it?d be great for Pippa Mann?s career, as she?s probably one of the least funded drivers, right? While it would be beneficial for the League if J.R. Hildebrand won it, since he?s a product of the Road-to-Indy, i.e.; Indy Lights Champion. Not to mention Charlie Kimball, who?s also from the Indy Lights series ? and would most definitely be a ?Feel Good Story? due to his Diabetes angle...
But my personal choice is none other then Jay ?Funnyman? Howard, who?s finally made the race after two abortive attempts, not necessarily by his own making and hence, I?d like to see the Englishman get some long overdue notoriety; so GOOD LUCK JAY!
Friday, May 27, 2011
All Stars Won By Edwards
The very first NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race took place in 1985, and was hosted by Lowe?s Motor Speedway, which is known today as the Charlotte Motor Speedway. It was however named The Winston till the year 2004, after which it became the Nextel All Star Challenge until the year 2007. The drivers of this event consist of the winners of the previous season, as well as the winners of the Cup Series from the last ten years.
Related posts:Carl Edwards Wins Carfax 250Edwards Wins Kobalt Tools 400NASCAR Sprint All Stars Race 2010
Related posts:Carl Edwards Wins Carfax 250Edwards Wins Kobalt Tools 400NASCAR Sprint All Stars Race 2010
Get to Know the Nexgeneracers
On Bump Day the Indianapolis Motor Speedway remembered Charles Wilson, friend, life coach to youth and full-on racer. Charles, the president of Nexgeneracers, an organization founded to assist youngsters to learn all aspects of motorsports ? driving, mechanics and business ? passed away on April 8 after a spirited battle with cancer.
In attendance were Charles? [...]
In attendance were Charles? [...]
Auto Racing News Revenue to Benefit Racing For Cancer
Pager item text:
ARN and Racing For Cancer
Slide text:
<p>
Auto Racing News announced today that all advertising revenue generated by the website in 2011 will be donated to Racing For Cancer.</p>
Los Angeles, CA, May 24, 2011: Autoracingnews.org announced today that all advertising revenue generated by the website in 2011 will be donated to Racing For Cancer, a non-profit organization, whose global ambassador is IZOD IndyCar Series/Andretti Autosport driver, and recently appointed LIVESTRONG Global Envoy, Ryan Hunter-Reay.
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ARN and Racing For Cancer
Slide text:
<p>
Auto Racing News announced today that all advertising revenue generated by the website in 2011 will be donated to Racing For Cancer.</p>
Los Angeles, CA, May 24, 2011: Autoracingnews.org announced today that all advertising revenue generated by the website in 2011 will be donated to Racing For Cancer, a non-profit organization, whose global ambassador is IZOD IndyCar Series/Andretti Autosport driver, and recently appointed LIVESTRONG Global Envoy, Ryan Hunter-Reay.
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Hand to enjoy the crazy fashion fun to drive car
Nowadays, many of my friends will use mobile phones in their free time to play games, it has become fashionable. However, various games, racing games is undoubtedly one of the most popular. With the rapid development of science and technology, and now the phone has a large gravity sensing and touch screen. This allows those [...]
Back To The Front: Al Stone III Rediscovers Victory Lane In Street Stock Feature The Waterford Speedbowl
WATERFORD - It might not be quite how long Al Stone III wanted to wait to find victory lane this season at the Waterford Speedbowl, but the way he looks at it, waiting a few weeks to find a win worked just fine last year.
In 2010 it took Stone five events before he got his first victory in the Street Stock division. He went on to win six more events on the way to his second championship in the division.
Saturday at the Speedbowl, in the sixth race of the season, Stone fought his way back victory lane.
After a long side-by-side battle with Josh Galvin, Stone, of New Haven, came out victorious in the 25-lap Street Stock feature Saturday at the Waterford Speedbowl.
In 2010 it took Stone five events before he got his first victory in the Street Stock division. He went on to win six more events on the way to his second championship in the division.
Saturday at the Speedbowl, in the sixth race of the season, Stone fought his way back victory lane.
After a long side-by-side battle with Josh Galvin, Stone, of New Haven, came out victorious in the 25-lap Street Stock feature Saturday at the Waterford Speedbowl.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
RETRO: Bettenhausen?s ?N Vukovich?s ? Unsung Heroes...
So I first thought ?bout scribblin? this way back when I published my riveting interview with ?Ol Indy Car Curmudgeon Robin Miller; some two-plus years ago ? who told me he has lunch with a bunch of the Old timers... Like ?Gordy? (Gordon Johncock) and ?Vuky,? (Bill vukovich II) although I?m not sure I?d wanna be known as part ?O Millers ?RatPack, eh? Hya!
So I Never saw the family Patriarch Tony Sr. race ? but gleaned a ?Wee bit ?bout him during my Stillborn interview for the Blue Crown Spark Plug Saga story. (Which is still awaiting to have pictures re-inserted after Blogger.com turned them into Broken Images...) Which is perhaps why I pondered acquiring a 1/18 Carousel tony Bettenhausen Watson Roadster, although I?m not usually enamoured by the front wheel Roadsters... Having scribbled the following previously way back in ?08 in a three part harmony titled: Brothers in Arms;
BETTENHAUSEN; Gary, Merle and Tony Jr.This truly has to be one of the most ill-fated families in Open Wheel Racing, as first father Tony Sr. perished and subsequently Merle had a horrible accident, followed by Gary?s accident. And ultimately Tony Jr?s death, while Tony Sr. raced pre and post WWII, winning the National Championship twice, along with 21 wins before perishing at the Speedway in 1961 while testing a friend?s racecar.
Gary, the eldest of the three Bettenhausen brothers, was 19, with Merle 17 and Tony Lee 9 when their father died in a horrific accident that fateful day in May 1961, yet Gary would go on to race at Indianapolis a total of 21 times, earning his Rookie Stripes in 1968, with a best finish of third place in 1980.
Gary briefly drove for The Captain, (1972-74) and while driving for Roger Penske immediately retired from the 1972 USAC Championship Car event at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) where his brother Merle was making his paved racing debut and would be seriously injured in a Kingfish, (McLaren knock off) losing his right arm in a violent accident on lap three, effectively ending his Indy Car career, although Merle would continue to drive Midgets.
The following year, Gary broke his arm in a Sprint Car race following Indy and Roger Penske offered the drive to some chap named David Hobbs, but the Englishman was unable to accept due to sponsorship conflicts and ironically, 1972 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year Mike Hiss would fill-in for Gary, as it had been Hiss who had collided with Merle at MIS the previous year.
Tom Sneva; ?The Gasman,? a fellow Dirt Tracker himself, was hired as Gary?s replacement at Penske Racing for the 1975 season after The Captain had grown tired of Gary being constantly injured in what Roger deemed unneeded Dirt Car accidents, as Gary would suffer severe nerve damage to his arm in one of these Dirt Track events.
Gary?s Brother Tony made his Indianapolis 500 debut in 1981 and would finish seventh, his best finish of his eleven starts at the Speedway. Tony started his own CART team in the early 1990?s with ex-Formula 1 piloto ?Stevie Johnson,? a.k.a. Stefan Johansson being his first hired gun from 1992-96, as the team would primarily campaign year old Penske equipment. Other such notable drivers as Helio Castroneves and Patrick Carpentier would drive for the AMAX/Alumax sponsored team, with Gary and Tony last competing at Indy together in 1993.
After a very tough 1999 season, the team took on Michele Jourdain Jr. and his Herdez sponsorship for the upcoming campaign, yet sadly, Tony, along with his wife and two business associates would perish in a small plane crash enroute to CART?s spring practice at Homestead, Miami on Valentine?s Day, 2000.
And somewhat Karmically, I?ve since learned that Tony B Jr?s Shop ? ironically became the O?Brien Carpets store ? which sadly is now out of business, due to that ?lil ?Ol economy thingy...
Vukovich?sAnd I know even less ?bout the Vukovich clan, albeit the tiny tidbit that when I think of the word Vukovich I immediately think of the 1955 Indianapolis 500 in which he lost his life, albeit I?m also aware that he was in search of a ?ThreePeat that year ? having won the previous two years 500?s. (1953-54) Thus I had to laugh at myself ? having just learned recently via Geo Phillips two part harmony, Err story incidentally titled vukovich Part I & Part II...
Oil Pressure: Vukovich Part I
That obviously Vukovich Sr. didn?t take kindly to being called the ?Mad Russian.? Thus, alas - like the Bettenhausen?s, the Vukovich?s suffered a similar fate... As I was totally unaware that Billy Vukovich III was killed racing a Midget Dirt Car... Which seems even more ironic ? perhaps it?s the Karmic-whip smacking me upside the head, eh? You see ? I?d just done my interview with Paul Diatlovich ? who ran Vuky III to Rookie Of the Year honours a scant 23-years ago upon resuming penning of said story; Aye Karumba!
Tribute to Billy Vukovich III
And although they?re not related ? why do I get an ominous feeling when I think of how the late Al Holbert?s death mimics Tony Junior?s...
LineageFather - Tony Bettenhausen Sr.: 1916-61
SonsGary; 11/18/41 - presentMerle; 6/9/43 - presentTony Jr. 10/20/51-2/14/2000--------------------------------- Father - Bill vukovich: 1918-55Son: Bill vukovich II; 3/29/44 - presentGrandson: Billy vukovich III: 8/31/63-11/25/90
So I Never saw the family Patriarch Tony Sr. race ? but gleaned a ?Wee bit ?bout him during my Stillborn interview for the Blue Crown Spark Plug Saga story. (Which is still awaiting to have pictures re-inserted after Blogger.com turned them into Broken Images...) Which is perhaps why I pondered acquiring a 1/18 Carousel tony Bettenhausen Watson Roadster, although I?m not usually enamoured by the front wheel Roadsters... Having scribbled the following previously way back in ?08 in a three part harmony titled: Brothers in Arms;
BETTENHAUSEN; Gary, Merle and Tony Jr.This truly has to be one of the most ill-fated families in Open Wheel Racing, as first father Tony Sr. perished and subsequently Merle had a horrible accident, followed by Gary?s accident. And ultimately Tony Jr?s death, while Tony Sr. raced pre and post WWII, winning the National Championship twice, along with 21 wins before perishing at the Speedway in 1961 while testing a friend?s racecar.
Gary, the eldest of the three Bettenhausen brothers, was 19, with Merle 17 and Tony Lee 9 when their father died in a horrific accident that fateful day in May 1961, yet Gary would go on to race at Indianapolis a total of 21 times, earning his Rookie Stripes in 1968, with a best finish of third place in 1980.
Gary briefly drove for The Captain, (1972-74) and while driving for Roger Penske immediately retired from the 1972 USAC Championship Car event at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) where his brother Merle was making his paved racing debut and would be seriously injured in a Kingfish, (McLaren knock off) losing his right arm in a violent accident on lap three, effectively ending his Indy Car career, although Merle would continue to drive Midgets.
The following year, Gary broke his arm in a Sprint Car race following Indy and Roger Penske offered the drive to some chap named David Hobbs, but the Englishman was unable to accept due to sponsorship conflicts and ironically, 1972 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year Mike Hiss would fill-in for Gary, as it had been Hiss who had collided with Merle at MIS the previous year.
Tom Sneva; ?The Gasman,? a fellow Dirt Tracker himself, was hired as Gary?s replacement at Penske Racing for the 1975 season after The Captain had grown tired of Gary being constantly injured in what Roger deemed unneeded Dirt Car accidents, as Gary would suffer severe nerve damage to his arm in one of these Dirt Track events.
Gary?s Brother Tony made his Indianapolis 500 debut in 1981 and would finish seventh, his best finish of his eleven starts at the Speedway. Tony started his own CART team in the early 1990?s with ex-Formula 1 piloto ?Stevie Johnson,? a.k.a. Stefan Johansson being his first hired gun from 1992-96, as the team would primarily campaign year old Penske equipment. Other such notable drivers as Helio Castroneves and Patrick Carpentier would drive for the AMAX/Alumax sponsored team, with Gary and Tony last competing at Indy together in 1993.
After a very tough 1999 season, the team took on Michele Jourdain Jr. and his Herdez sponsorship for the upcoming campaign, yet sadly, Tony, along with his wife and two business associates would perish in a small plane crash enroute to CART?s spring practice at Homestead, Miami on Valentine?s Day, 2000.
And somewhat Karmically, I?ve since learned that Tony B Jr?s Shop ? ironically became the O?Brien Carpets store ? which sadly is now out of business, due to that ?lil ?Ol economy thingy...
Vukovich?sAnd I know even less ?bout the Vukovich clan, albeit the tiny tidbit that when I think of the word Vukovich I immediately think of the 1955 Indianapolis 500 in which he lost his life, albeit I?m also aware that he was in search of a ?ThreePeat that year ? having won the previous two years 500?s. (1953-54) Thus I had to laugh at myself ? having just learned recently via Geo Phillips two part harmony, Err story incidentally titled vukovich Part I & Part II...
Oil Pressure: Vukovich Part I
That obviously Vukovich Sr. didn?t take kindly to being called the ?Mad Russian.? Thus, alas - like the Bettenhausen?s, the Vukovich?s suffered a similar fate... As I was totally unaware that Billy Vukovich III was killed racing a Midget Dirt Car... Which seems even more ironic ? perhaps it?s the Karmic-whip smacking me upside the head, eh? You see ? I?d just done my interview with Paul Diatlovich ? who ran Vuky III to Rookie Of the Year honours a scant 23-years ago upon resuming penning of said story; Aye Karumba!
Tribute to Billy Vukovich III
And although they?re not related ? why do I get an ominous feeling when I think of how the late Al Holbert?s death mimics Tony Junior?s...
LineageFather - Tony Bettenhausen Sr.: 1916-61
SonsGary; 11/18/41 - presentMerle; 6/9/43 - presentTony Jr. 10/20/51-2/14/2000--------------------------------- Father - Bill vukovich: 1918-55Son: Bill vukovich II; 3/29/44 - presentGrandson: Billy vukovich III: 8/31/63-11/25/90
Beggarly, Reidsville duo survive May Daze at Ace Speedway
Barry Beggarly, a former national champion and Pelham, N.C., native, continued to teach the drivers at Ace Speedway some of his old tricks, taking the lead late and dominating the final 79 laps to win the May Daze on Friday night at Ace Speedway.
MOTOGP: Architecture Of Aggression
Valentino Rossi's sudden vulnerability has opened the door for this new era of increased aggressiveness and hostility.
New Show + New Car = New Teeth Mashing...
OOH! AH! AIN?T IT PURDY???
In case Y?all haven?t heard the much ballyhooed New & Improved 2012 Body-by-Mennen AFX AeroKit Dallara chassis will be unveiled upon today?s Indy Open Wheel Weekly Show at 4PM New York/Indy/ET time on Versus.
The show is hosted by who?s commonly now known as just ?R,? as in Robin Miller, with ?LyndieCar Thaxton in duh middle with Sports Guy Suit ?N Tie Kevin Lee...
Randy Bernard & Tony Cottman will be dropping by with that vaunted Dallara Safety Cell chassis replete with its Emperor?s first set ?O clothes; final clothing optional and objects may appear closer then in mirror!
R will possibly Ham-it-Up with The Captain, whilst Scott ?I LUV THE IRL? Speed is also set to be a guest, so check it out and see if Randy reminds ScottyBoy its INDYCAR BY GUMMIT; From Now On Yuhs Hear!
UPDATESo I cannot comment upon the new concept cars presented ? as in really, rear bumpers? What?s next, turn signal indicator?s?
But found it somewhat typical that Scott ?WHOOPEE CUSHION? Speed would comment ?bout Dario REO Speedwagon Franchitti?s hair, to which R quipped; that?s because he can get away with it son!
2012 Concept Car Unveiled
In case Y?all haven?t heard the much ballyhooed New & Improved 2012 Body-by-Mennen AFX AeroKit Dallara chassis will be unveiled upon today?s Indy Open Wheel Weekly Show at 4PM New York/Indy/ET time on Versus.
The show is hosted by who?s commonly now known as just ?R,? as in Robin Miller, with ?LyndieCar Thaxton in duh middle with Sports Guy Suit ?N Tie Kevin Lee...
Randy Bernard & Tony Cottman will be dropping by with that vaunted Dallara Safety Cell chassis replete with its Emperor?s first set ?O clothes; final clothing optional and objects may appear closer then in mirror!
R will possibly Ham-it-Up with The Captain, whilst Scott ?I LUV THE IRL? Speed is also set to be a guest, so check it out and see if Randy reminds ScottyBoy its INDYCAR BY GUMMIT; From Now On Yuhs Hear!
UPDATESo I cannot comment upon the new concept cars presented ? as in really, rear bumpers? What?s next, turn signal indicator?s?
But found it somewhat typical that Scott ?WHOOPEE CUSHION? Speed would comment ?bout Dario REO Speedwagon Franchitti?s hair, to which R quipped; that?s because he can get away with it son!
2012 Concept Car Unveiled
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
David Pearson hopes more NASCAR founders are honored
NASCAR went more than six decades from its founding before opening the hall last year with scores of deserving candidates waiting for selection.
NASCAR notebook: Edwards thinks Homestead is a new beginning
Carl Edwards, fastest in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice, was second-fastest in qualifying at Homestead-Miami Speedway. (photo: Getty Images)
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Carl Edwards too has a reason to race, just one not so compelling.
Edwards is out of the Chase in terms of the championship but has fourth place, 47 points ahead of Roush Fenway teammate Matt Kenseth. And, of course, it’s Ford Championship Weekend, and Edwards drives one.
What Edwards talked about was “locking down fourth place.”
“That would be a big accomplishment for us, and we’ll just keep trucking,” he said. “I don’t feel like we have implemented all the things we’ve figured out yet. I think we have a lot of really positive things that they’re working on at the shop, so I think we could even be better yet come Daytona, Phoenix, Vegas (in 20100).
“I think we’re poised to be extremely good at the beginning of next season, maybe in a better situation than we were at the end of 2008, where I felt like we had been ahead and people were catching us.”
* * *
PITS CAN BE THE PITS–Pit choices could play a vital role in the outcome of both the race and the championship. Space is chosen on the basis of qualifying, which means Jimmie Johnson, who qualified sixth, has a much better location on pit road than Denny Hamlin, mainly because the point lead qualified 37th.
Johnson will pit at the midpoint, with an open spot in front of him. Kevin Harvick has a decent spot, behind the pole-winning car of Kasey Kahne and ahead of the No. 66 of Mike Bliss. Hamlin will pit near the pit entrance, behind Matt Kenseth and ahead of Aric Almirola.
* * *
NEW TASK AT HAND--Even though Johnson has won four straight championships, he’s never had to come from behind in the final race or, for that matter, the final two.
“In professional sports, things aren't always going to work out as you hope,” he said. “I wish we were leading the points and had the pressure of defending a championship down here, but I'm making the most of where we are.
“It's not far (15 points) from where we are to where Denny (Hamlin) is. We're going to have to go out and have a great day on Sunday afternoon, take it from there, see what happens.”
* * *
MOVE IT AROUND-- The third contender, Harvick, doesn’t want to see the Chase format change. He wants to see the Sprint Cup schedule change.
“I'd like to see a little bit more diversity in the race tracks,” he said. “I don't think the last 10 weeks should be the same tracks over and over and over again. I think it should rotate around. I think that would help particular race markets get better.
“You have it end at different places, have it start at different places. Maybe you go to some of the same tracks, but I think a different 10 weeks, even a road course at the end of the year, would put that full diversity, I guess you could say, on your champion to getting to all the different styles of tracks.”
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – Carl Edwards too has a reason to race, just one not so compelling.
Edwards is out of the Chase in terms of the championship but has fourth place, 47 points ahead of Roush Fenway teammate Matt Kenseth. And, of course, it’s Ford Championship Weekend, and Edwards drives one.
What Edwards talked about was “locking down fourth place.”
“That would be a big accomplishment for us, and we’ll just keep trucking,” he said. “I don’t feel like we have implemented all the things we’ve figured out yet. I think we have a lot of really positive things that they’re working on at the shop, so I think we could even be better yet come Daytona, Phoenix, Vegas (in 20100).
“I think we’re poised to be extremely good at the beginning of next season, maybe in a better situation than we were at the end of 2008, where I felt like we had been ahead and people were catching us.”
* * *
PITS CAN BE THE PITS–Pit choices could play a vital role in the outcome of both the race and the championship. Space is chosen on the basis of qualifying, which means Jimmie Johnson, who qualified sixth, has a much better location on pit road than Denny Hamlin, mainly because the point lead qualified 37th.
Johnson will pit at the midpoint, with an open spot in front of him. Kevin Harvick has a decent spot, behind the pole-winning car of Kasey Kahne and ahead of the No. 66 of Mike Bliss. Hamlin will pit near the pit entrance, behind Matt Kenseth and ahead of Aric Almirola.
* * *
NEW TASK AT HAND--Even though Johnson has won four straight championships, he’s never had to come from behind in the final race or, for that matter, the final two.
“In professional sports, things aren't always going to work out as you hope,” he said. “I wish we were leading the points and had the pressure of defending a championship down here, but I'm making the most of where we are.
“It's not far (15 points) from where we are to where Denny (Hamlin) is. We're going to have to go out and have a great day on Sunday afternoon, take it from there, see what happens.”
* * *
MOVE IT AROUND-- The third contender, Harvick, doesn’t want to see the Chase format change. He wants to see the Sprint Cup schedule change.
“I'd like to see a little bit more diversity in the race tracks,” he said. “I don't think the last 10 weeks should be the same tracks over and over and over again. I think it should rotate around. I think that would help particular race markets get better.
“You have it end at different places, have it start at different places. Maybe you go to some of the same tracks, but I think a different 10 weeks, even a road course at the end of the year, would put that full diversity, I guess you could say, on your champion to getting to all the different styles of tracks.”
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Keeping Them On The Road: Indy 500 Pace Car Reunion
Tom Beeler is a lifelong Indianapolis resident and occasional car collector. He is a senior editor with the racing news group, Racing Information Service and is slated to share his Pace Car collection with fans at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Pace Car Reunion on Saturday, May 21st. Read below to discover more about [...]
V8 Supercars Acquired by Archer Capital
The majority shares of V8 Supercars Australia Auto Racing Championship will now be controlled by Archer Capital, and the series is valued at an estimated $316 million. Archer Capital is based in Sydney and funds Australian Motor Racing Partners Pty Limited. The organization will now own sixty percent of the series. The remaining forty percent of the V8 Supercars will be retained by the management holding and teams. Even though Archer Capital has taken on some debt in taking over the series, Andrew Gray, Director of the Australian Motor Racing Partners, expressed his optimism in regard to the takeover.
Related posts:Michael Schumacher Heads New Motor Sport Safety Development FundAbu Dhabi hosting 2009 F1 Grand PrixGolden Age of Formula 1 Exhibition 2010
Related posts:Michael Schumacher Heads New Motor Sport Safety Development FundAbu Dhabi hosting 2009 F1 Grand PrixGolden Age of Formula 1 Exhibition 2010
Price of success could be costly to Roush
Carl Edwards' victory in the Sprint All-Star Race was a very, very expensive win.
Denny Hamlin wins own race
Denny Hamlin put on a show to remember Thursday night, as his annual charity race featured past, present and future NASCAR stars trading paint and racing recklessly for a thrilling 75 laps.
Hamlin dominates Nationwide field, continues strong runs at Richmond
Denny Hamlin absolutely crushed the Nationwide Series field, leading 199 laps and cruising to Victory Lane in the Bubba Burger 250.
Hamlin cruises to Bubba Burger 250 title at RIR
RICHMOND — Denny Hamlin probably wouldn’t script the way he has driven in the past two days at Richmond International Raceway any other way. Hamlin absolutely crushed the Nationwide Series field, leading 199 laps and cruising to Victory Lane in the Bubba Burger 250.
Monday, May 23, 2011
2011 Brickyard 400
Considered to be one of the most prestigious stock car race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, the Brickyard 400 has taken place every year since 1994. It also has the distinction of being the first race of its kind on the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which up until then had only hosted open-wheel cars. [...]
Related posts:2011 Indianapolis 5002011 Coke Zero 4002011 Pennsylvania 500
Related posts:2011 Indianapolis 5002011 Coke Zero 4002011 Pennsylvania 500
Restrictor plate bigger this time around
The Nationwide Series may have a new car this weekend in Daytona, but the Sprint Cup Series has something new of its own — a new restrictor plate. The plate that’ll be used for Saturday night’s Coke Zero 400 will have 1 1/32-inch openings, the largest opening ever. Full Story
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.”
Sunday, May 22, 2011
?TAG KICKS ARSE!
WOW! Is all I can say ?bout Alex Tagliani?s ?Mega Throwdown upon the ?Bigboyz today ? capturing the Pole not once but twice! I mean, when is the last time you?ve ever seen NOT one but two Ganassi cars run otta fuel during their final qualifying runs, eh? And the top Penske in P5 isn?t your Dancin fool ?HULIO! Nor Ryan ?The Izod Dude? Briscoe... Hmm? Somehow I?m guessing that isn?t quite the type ?O exposure IZOD was banking on when switching allegiances? to The Captain; as really? The ?Twisty? guy Will Power was your top gun at Roger?s track...
And like Geo Phillips, I typically DON?T predict the outcome, although I know Y?all will be hard pressed to believe this; BUTT! I did originally choose TAG for Pole today ? too bad I didn?t call Vegas, right? As it?s really kOOL to see three Sam Schmidt cars in the Top-9, along with Sarah fisher and I?ll even go easy upon Mr. 4-OH Barnes ? having put HotRod back in a car, not to mention how ?bout that No. 2 Newman Haas Racing car...
As I haveda say I was more impressed by Tagliani?s ?Humbleness? upon his ?Mega accomplishment of winning his first Indy 500 Pole ? plus the overwhelming support from all of his rival IndyCar drivers, especially Dixon?s classy congratulations afterwards, along with Dario being happy for his ex-Engineer; Hmm? Wunder if it was Castroneves who filler up?ed those Target cars? As somebody sent me a photo of ?HULIO pumpin? gas in Indy last week...
And like Geo Phillips, I typically DON?T predict the outcome, although I know Y?all will be hard pressed to believe this; BUTT! I did originally choose TAG for Pole today ? too bad I didn?t call Vegas, right? As it?s really kOOL to see three Sam Schmidt cars in the Top-9, along with Sarah fisher and I?ll even go easy upon Mr. 4-OH Barnes ? having put HotRod back in a car, not to mention how ?bout that No. 2 Newman Haas Racing car...
As I haveda say I was more impressed by Tagliani?s ?Humbleness? upon his ?Mega accomplishment of winning his first Indy 500 Pole ? plus the overwhelming support from all of his rival IndyCar drivers, especially Dixon?s classy congratulations afterwards, along with Dario being happy for his ex-Engineer; Hmm? Wunder if it was Castroneves who filler up?ed those Target cars? As somebody sent me a photo of ?HULIO pumpin? gas in Indy last week...
Double Trouble during Race Events...
In the wake of my remembrances towards BLACK SUNDAY; that ultra dark F1 weekend at Imola, Italy ? I was totally unawares of the double tragedies that struck the Motorsports community...
As this past weekend saw two competitors meet the Grim Reaper in what were both described as Freak accidents ? as I learned of both unfortunate deaths via Speed Freaks late Sunday evening.
Even more surprising was the news of the tragedy happening at the Olympus Rally in my backyard, where 31yr old Rally America driver Mathew Marker perished upon going off course and striking a tree, whilst somewhere in the Baja Desert 27yr old Jeff "Ox" Kargola was killed when crashing his motorcycle during the Desert Assassin?s Rip to the Tip Rally Raid, being pronounced dead in a Mexican hospital.
Not to mention the earlier death of 56yr old rookie boat driver Devin Mason of Tacoma, WA ? who perished after being involved in a crash during an APBA Hydroplane race on Lake Lawrence in Yelm, Washington...
As this past weekend saw two competitors meet the Grim Reaper in what were both described as Freak accidents ? as I learned of both unfortunate deaths via Speed Freaks late Sunday evening.
Even more surprising was the news of the tragedy happening at the Olympus Rally in my backyard, where 31yr old Rally America driver Mathew Marker perished upon going off course and striking a tree, whilst somewhere in the Baja Desert 27yr old Jeff "Ox" Kargola was killed when crashing his motorcycle during the Desert Assassin?s Rip to the Tip Rally Raid, being pronounced dead in a Mexican hospital.
Not to mention the earlier death of 56yr old rookie boat driver Devin Mason of Tacoma, WA ? who perished after being involved in a crash during an APBA Hydroplane race on Lake Lawrence in Yelm, Washington...
NASCAR grows presence on iTunes
For awhile now, NASCAR has been offering recaps of Sprint Cup races on iTunes. Now, NASCAR fans can also download, via iTunes, what it is calling “NASCAR Classics, Volume I.” The volume honors the careers of three of the inaugural NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees — Dale Earnhardt, Junior Johnson, and Richard Petty. Full Story
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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Saturday, May 21, 2011
BLACK SUNDAY ? Can it already be 17yrs ago?
Ayrton Senna and Emerson Fittipaldi (source: gavkiwi.blogspot.com)
So I?ll probably get harangued for mentioning this ? as it?d somehow slipped my mind of what May 1st commemorates; NOT to mention has another two years already slipped by since my last scribbling on the matter... Albeit I can still tell Y?all where I was exactly when I was told the news... A la what another generation says ?bout somebody called JFK...
Hazy Recollections of May Day
Thus, I was snapped out of this serenity, Err stupor? By running across the Official Indy Car blog?s story written by Arni, whom I?m assuming is the ?Juan ?N Only Firestone Indy Lights Media Relations Guru - Arni Sribhen, eh? As it?s a good story about how some of the IZOD IndyCar drivers are paying their respects to arguably Brazil?s greatest racing driver ? none other then ex-Formula 1 Triple World Champion Ayrton Senna da Silva...
Drivers pay tribute to Senna
And don?t forget that Ayrton tested one of The Captain?s racecar?s nearly two decades ago, when he ran a ?Secret? test at Firebird International Raceway on December 20, 1992 ? thanks largely with the encouragement of his countryman ?EMMO,? (Emerson Fittipaldi) whilst some other guys named PT (Paul Tracy) and a ?Scruffy? (bearded) Rick Mears were on hand...
And although Senna was indeed behind the wheel of a BAD HABITS Penske PC21-Ilmor, way back on that day in December, reputedly clocking-in a faster time then EMMO - I never took the test seriously, just assuming it was part of Senna?s ongoing negotiations with McLaren?s Ron Dennis, as I believe Senna ended up doing a Race-by-Race deal with The Ronster for a cool $1m per race! (In what would be his final season with McLaren International...)
Recall that 1993 was the year that Michael Andretti ran the bulk of the season as Senna?s teammate in Formula One, before leaving the team and being replaced by somebody named Mika Hakkinen...
As it was also the year that McLaren was forced to run customer Ford V-8 lumps after having passed upon Chrysler?s ?LamborGenie?s? (Lamborghini) V-12?s ? having to run essentially year old Ford HB V-8 power units as Benetton was then the Ford ?Works? team with some Cat named Michael Schumacher as its Numero Uno driver; but I digress...
Thus as almost everybody knows, after the ?93 season, Ayrton moved to arch rival Williams in his planned reclamation on the throne of Formula 1, where Senna firmly believed he belonged as World Champion, before sadly perishing in Imola, Italy that bleak weekend known forever as Black Sunday...
Just DON?T forget about Roland Ratzenberger who was killed the previous day; April 30, 1994 behind the wheel of a Simtek Grand Prix S941/Ford V-8 during qualifying when his front wing broke... As I?m guessing then Team Boss Nick Wirth will gladly take his criticism over his 100% CFD design approach for Virgin F1 over the horrors of San Marino any day!
As its worth noting that Senna was prepared to fly an Austrian flag he?d tucked away in his cockpit upon his victory cool down lap in Ratzenberger?s honour...
And I?m also guessing that perhaps HVM Racing Boss Keith Wiggins mind may have some bad memories too, albeit his Pacific Grand Prix cars were simply Back markers those days instead, albeit he only had one car racing that day ? the misunderstood French-Belgian Bertrand Gachot, as Paul Belmondo failed to qualify.
Thus, I know it?s for the wrong reason, but! I most certainly hope that the just released Senna documentary will make it to the Big Screens here in the states very soon ? as if anybody knows if this will happen, please let me know...
And you?ll probably want to check out the images in the story below:Ayrton Senna story: Penske IndyCar test
So I?ll probably get harangued for mentioning this ? as it?d somehow slipped my mind of what May 1st commemorates; NOT to mention has another two years already slipped by since my last scribbling on the matter... Albeit I can still tell Y?all where I was exactly when I was told the news... A la what another generation says ?bout somebody called JFK...
Hazy Recollections of May Day
Thus, I was snapped out of this serenity, Err stupor? By running across the Official Indy Car blog?s story written by Arni, whom I?m assuming is the ?Juan ?N Only Firestone Indy Lights Media Relations Guru - Arni Sribhen, eh? As it?s a good story about how some of the IZOD IndyCar drivers are paying their respects to arguably Brazil?s greatest racing driver ? none other then ex-Formula 1 Triple World Champion Ayrton Senna da Silva...
Drivers pay tribute to Senna
And don?t forget that Ayrton tested one of The Captain?s racecar?s nearly two decades ago, when he ran a ?Secret? test at Firebird International Raceway on December 20, 1992 ? thanks largely with the encouragement of his countryman ?EMMO,? (Emerson Fittipaldi) whilst some other guys named PT (Paul Tracy) and a ?Scruffy? (bearded) Rick Mears were on hand...
And although Senna was indeed behind the wheel of a BAD HABITS Penske PC21-Ilmor, way back on that day in December, reputedly clocking-in a faster time then EMMO - I never took the test seriously, just assuming it was part of Senna?s ongoing negotiations with McLaren?s Ron Dennis, as I believe Senna ended up doing a Race-by-Race deal with The Ronster for a cool $1m per race! (In what would be his final season with McLaren International...)
Recall that 1993 was the year that Michael Andretti ran the bulk of the season as Senna?s teammate in Formula One, before leaving the team and being replaced by somebody named Mika Hakkinen...
As it was also the year that McLaren was forced to run customer Ford V-8 lumps after having passed upon Chrysler?s ?LamborGenie?s? (Lamborghini) V-12?s ? having to run essentially year old Ford HB V-8 power units as Benetton was then the Ford ?Works? team with some Cat named Michael Schumacher as its Numero Uno driver; but I digress...
Thus as almost everybody knows, after the ?93 season, Ayrton moved to arch rival Williams in his planned reclamation on the throne of Formula 1, where Senna firmly believed he belonged as World Champion, before sadly perishing in Imola, Italy that bleak weekend known forever as Black Sunday...
Just DON?T forget about Roland Ratzenberger who was killed the previous day; April 30, 1994 behind the wheel of a Simtek Grand Prix S941/Ford V-8 during qualifying when his front wing broke... As I?m guessing then Team Boss Nick Wirth will gladly take his criticism over his 100% CFD design approach for Virgin F1 over the horrors of San Marino any day!
As its worth noting that Senna was prepared to fly an Austrian flag he?d tucked away in his cockpit upon his victory cool down lap in Ratzenberger?s honour...
And I?m also guessing that perhaps HVM Racing Boss Keith Wiggins mind may have some bad memories too, albeit his Pacific Grand Prix cars were simply Back markers those days instead, albeit he only had one car racing that day ? the misunderstood French-Belgian Bertrand Gachot, as Paul Belmondo failed to qualify.
Thus, I know it?s for the wrong reason, but! I most certainly hope that the just released Senna documentary will make it to the Big Screens here in the states very soon ? as if anybody knows if this will happen, please let me know...
And you?ll probably want to check out the images in the story below:Ayrton Senna story: Penske IndyCar test
Lime Rock Park Discount Pricing For Memorial Day Weekend Ends Friday; Sunday Car Show Adds To Big Weekend
Those looking to get in on the discounted tickets for the Grand-Am Memorial Day Classic at Lime Rock Park must act fast.
The deadline for purchase of the discounted tickets for the weekend events for May 27-30 at the Salisbury road course is Friday at 5 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the track's web page or by calling 860-435-5000.
The deadline for purchase of the discounted tickets for the weekend events for May 27-30 at the Salisbury road course is Friday at 5 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at the track's web page or by calling 860-435-5000.
INDYCAR news - 26 car fields, lucky dogs, Bourdais, and more
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="110" caption="Sebastian to Coyne? / Image by Getty Images via @daylifeof "][/caption]
There's some nice bits of INDYCAR news floating around the web this week, so here is the latest edition of short-shifts. The definition of "full field" was redefined this week by Randy Bernard, as INDYCAR ...
There's some nice bits of INDYCAR news floating around the web this week, so here is the latest edition of short-shifts. The definition of "full field" was redefined this week by Randy Bernard, as INDYCAR ...
On second thought ?
Team owner Rick Hendrick and drivers with swapped crew chiefs: Mark Martin (who now has Lance McGrew), Dale Earnhardt (Steve Letarte), and Jeff Gordon (Alan Gustafson).
First, a preface. On Monday night, I was on Mojo Nixon’s Sirius NASCAR Channel show, “Manifold Destiny.” I noted that many Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans had been suggesting, no, demanding, that Earnhardt be given crew chief Chad Knaus, who assisted Jimmie Johnson in winning the last five Sprint Cup championships.
I said that, based on my knowledge of both men, Junior and Knaus wouldn’t get along for 15 minutes. I then said that I thought Steve Letarte, Jeff Gordon’s crew chief, would be a better match for Junior.
The next day Hendrick Motorsports announced that it was swapping the teams of the three drivers other than Johnson. Letarte moved to Earnhardt’s team. Lance McGrew moved to Mark Martin’s team, and Alan Gustafson moved to Gordon’s.
It looked as if I had had inside information. I hadn’t. It was just an observation that happened to occur the very next day. It made sense to me. I guess it made sense to Rick Hendrick, too. Skill is rewarding, but luck is more fun.
On Wednesday, I co-hosted another Sirius NASCAR (Ch. 128) show, “Trading Paint,” with Danny “Chocolate” Myers, who worked with Dale Earnhardt for years and is still affiliated with Richard Childress Racing.
On the day before, while driving, I had listened to some of the NASCAR Channel, just to see what everyone was talking about. Everyone was talking about the Hendrick moves and still were when Choc and I answered their calls and talked about them for most of four hours.
On Tuesday, while I was listening, almost everyone had been angry, particularly the fans of Earnhardt and Gordon.
On Wednesday, while I was talking to them and trying to answer their questions, most all of them had reconsidered.
The transition didn’t particularly surprise me. It’s not unusual for people to overreact on first impression, then think it through and come around. The near unanimity of the change is what surprised me.
The day before, it was the same show, Choc paired with his regular sidekick, Rick Benjamin. I was just substituting.
That made me the variable, I guess, but I don’t really think that had anything to do with it.
ALL-STAR: Kyle Busch On Pole
Kyle Busch claimed the pole for Saturday night?s Sprint All-Star Race...
Friday, May 20, 2011
The National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show
The National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show ? the premier Indy 500 collectibles event in the USA ? will celebrate its 33rd gathering this May 27 and 28 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. A long-time fixture on the calendar of events associated with the running of the World?s Most Famous Race, the event can brag that it is America's second-oldest sports memorabilia show. This is the Original!
Related posts:The National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show30th Annual Memorabilia Show This WeekendNASCAR Memorabilia
Related posts:The National Auto Racing Memorabilia Show30th Annual Memorabilia Show This WeekendNASCAR Memorabilia
Speedy U-turn?
So it?s funny how this is gnawing at Mwah, as I really wanna see Dragon Racing succeed; not only this Month of May, but overall... And thus I feel slightly compelled to let this bone lay buried; BUTT! Since I?ve seen so much SHIT on le Internetz continuously reminding us ?bout ?Ol PT?s (Paul Tracy) CRAPWAGON comment... Hey, have you ever heard a Nissan Infiniti powered G-Force chassis? As they DID sound like CRAPWAGONS! (NOT to mention the Indy Pro Series mobiles...)
Thus I find it ironic that the man filling Messer Chrome Horn?s shoes at Dragon this May is none other then ex-Formula 1 and RASSCAR driver Scott Speed who boldly proclaimed back in ?08 that the IRL was BORING and how he would NOT wish to simply circulate ?round making left turns with the throttle simply pegged upon the floorboard...
Speed claims IRL is boring!
As I certainly wish Speed, rookie teammate Ho-Pin Tung and the Dragon Boyz a positive I500 debut, I?m just a little annoyed by how everybody seems to be giving Scott a free pass upon his past negative comments ? almost treating him like Juan ?O the Golden Childs... IndyCarz Brash New savior; URGH!
Although I?d be remiss if I didn?t acknowledge Kevin Lee for being the only person bold enough to call Speed out upon his past remarks during a recent Trackside interview... Although Lee was pretty easy upon the Californian - claiming he didn?t have the exact comments in front of him ? to which naturally, Scotty ?THE GOOSE Speed went into charm offensive by claiming he?s always been a huge fan ?O the Speedway and its challenges... Yeah right Scotty; Yuhs better go back ?N listen to your interview dude!
Thus I find it ironic that the man filling Messer Chrome Horn?s shoes at Dragon this May is none other then ex-Formula 1 and RASSCAR driver Scott Speed who boldly proclaimed back in ?08 that the IRL was BORING and how he would NOT wish to simply circulate ?round making left turns with the throttle simply pegged upon the floorboard...
Speed claims IRL is boring!
As I certainly wish Speed, rookie teammate Ho-Pin Tung and the Dragon Boyz a positive I500 debut, I?m just a little annoyed by how everybody seems to be giving Scott a free pass upon his past negative comments ? almost treating him like Juan ?O the Golden Childs... IndyCarz Brash New savior; URGH!
Although I?d be remiss if I didn?t acknowledge Kevin Lee for being the only person bold enough to call Speed out upon his past remarks during a recent Trackside interview... Although Lee was pretty easy upon the Californian - claiming he didn?t have the exact comments in front of him ? to which naturally, Scotty ?THE GOOSE Speed went into charm offensive by claiming he?s always been a huge fan ?O the Speedway and its challenges... Yeah right Scotty; Yuhs better go back ?N listen to your interview dude!
Hall of Fame nominee announcement on Thursday
NASCAR announced on Monday that the 25 nominees for the 2011 induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame will be revealed at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday. The official announcement will be made on a special edition of the network’s show, “NASCAR Race Hub.”
According to a press release from NASCAR, there will be be at [...]
According to a press release from NASCAR, there will be be at [...]
Air Asia?s Newest Can-Can Girl?
Whilst I?ll have my eyes firmly affixed upon le Telie ? as there?s some ?lil single seater race goin? on at Sao Paolo... Sunday... A most exotic Air Asia long haul flight from London to Kuala Lumpur will be lifting off into the air with none other then a very privileged smattering of 160 lucky passengers having bid for the opportunity, along with winning wagerer Mr. Tony Fernandes ? not to mention the Guest of Honour... A one Sir Richard Branson who?ll be donning his Air Asia Stewardess outfit in full regalia... As now comes word that the British Billionaire will be auctioning off to some lucky passenger the opportunity to shave his legs; Ooh la-la Mon Cherie!
Branson to go a cut above for charity flight
Branson to go a cut above for charity flight
INDYCAR news - 26 car fields, lucky dogs, Bourdais, and more
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="110" caption="Sebastian to Coyne? / Image by Getty Images via @daylifeof "][/caption]
There's some nice bits of INDYCAR news floating around the web this week, so here is the latest edition of short-shifts. The definition of "full field" was redefined this week by Randy Bernard, as INDYCAR ...
There's some nice bits of INDYCAR news floating around the web this week, so here is the latest edition of short-shifts. The definition of "full field" was redefined this week by Randy Bernard, as INDYCAR ...
Thursday, May 19, 2011
GP2: 2011 Season Kicks Off in Istanbul...
So once again, it?s time for the GP2 Boyz ?O Summer to kickoff their racing campaign, as these aspiring lads seek to become champion of the series which currently is the final stepping stone to The Pinnacle of Motorsport, a.k.a. Formula One. As you can catch the action in the wee hours of Sunday morning on SPEED preceding the Turkish Grand Prix...
Thus, here?s a very quick take upon the past Champions, Runners-up and ?Second losers? (Third-place) finishers - as second place has been referred to as FIRST LOSER; Aye Karumba! And I?ve also included the other Formula 1 drivers graduating from the series who finished outside of these positions.
GP2 ChampionsYear/Team/Driver/Country2005 ART Grand Prix: Nico Rosberg; Germany2006 ART Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton; United Kingdom2007 I-Sport International: Timo Glock; Germany2008 Racing Engineering: Giorgio Pantano; Italy2009 ART Grand Prix: Nico Hulkenberg; Germany2010 Rapax: Pastor Maldonado; Venezuela
GP2 Championship PodiumYear/Runner-up/Third place2005 Heikke Kovalainen; Scott Speed2006 Nelson Piquet Jr., Alexandre Premat2007 Lucas di Grassi; Giorgio Pantano2008 Bruno Senna; Lucas di Grassi2009 Vitaly Petrov; Lucas di Grassi2010 Sergio Perez; Jules Bianchi
Other Formula 1 GraduatesKazuki Nakajima, Sebastien Buemi, Romain Grosjean, Kamui Kobayashi, Karun Chandhok, Jerome d'Ambrosio.
GP2 TriviaInterestingly to date, albeit not so much for himself, only one former GP2 Champion has managed to not be part of the F1 Fraternity?s automatic inclusion upon winning the title; as this dubious honour falls upon the shoulders of Italian Giorgio Pantano. Sadly Pantano was dismissed due to his relative ?OLD? age ? at the time of his triumph, whilst The Cheepster, nee Chip ganassi didn?t exactly give him much of a chance in the Indy Racing League either...
Meanwhile the six Champions to date have garnered one Formula One Drivers World Champion, two Grand Prix race winners along with multiple Podium recipients and even a vaunted Pole-position in this ?Uber echelon of Motorsport!
2011 PrognosisAs part of the ongoing struggle over the Group Lotus Pretenders, the Malaysian backed PROTON has done a dealio to see the perennial GP2 Champions ART Grand Prix powerhouse become renamed Lotus-ART; Whatever Dudes! As it?d be funny to see newcomers Team Air Asia ? Tony Fernandes squad leapfrog Nicolas Todt?s ART outfit this season, eh? (Although I DON?T expect to see that happen...)
Returnning to Loti-ART for his sophomore season is Jules Bianchi, the Scuderia Ferrari Third Driver, who presumably is a title contender, with some pressure upon him to capture the crown this season in his hoped for progression upstream...
Joining Bianchi is Mexican Esteban Gutierrez ? who I?ve tipped as one of my three picks for future F1 Graduates, along with ?Thee Young Wicky,? nee Canada?s Robert Wickens and America?s Alexander Rossi; which I suppose aren?t exactly long shots, eh?
Obviously Gutierrez hopes to emulate fellow countryman Sergio Perez?s path into Formula One, albeit hopefully not at the expense of Japanese Hard-charger ?K-Squared? (Kamui Kobayashi) who?s currently racing for ?Slim Junior?s? TelMex backed Sauber F1 entity.
I-Sport International seems to have stepped up its game with the arrival of Britain?s Sam Bird and Sweden?s Marcus Ericsson, who?ll be looking forward to improving upon last year?s disappointing season, albeit both Bird and Ericsson won one race apiece for their former GP2 teams.
And I suppose I cannot ignore Rapax Team, who after all won last year?s Drivers Championship, as I was unaware that this is the team formerly known under the multiple guises of Minardi and Piquet... As Rapax will see two unknowns join the team with Switzerland?s Fabio Leimer ccampaigning the No. 1 plate with Italian teammate Juli�n Leal aalongside him.
Also probably remiss if I didn?t mention the Barwa Addax Team which features drivers Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde; not to mention Racing Engineering?s Daniel Clos and DAMS Romain Grosjean.
Perhaps you?ll recall the Netherlands van der Garde from his abortive F1 Test Driver days when the Dutch ?Schue was involved in a ?Mega Tug ?O War between ?Super Best Friends? (Super Aguri) and Spyker ? reputedly a candidate for this year?s second Virgin F1 seat, albeit ultimately losing out to fellow GP2 competitor Jerome d'Ambrosio.
Also of interest is Christian Horner?s Arden International concern with Czech driver Josef Kral and Great Britain GP2 debutant Jolyon Palmer, as you may recognize the last name ? as in son of ex-Formula 1 driver and Founder/Organizer of the current FIA Formula 2 Championship.
I?d assume that the young bloke Jolyon will have a better outcome in his inaugural GP2 campaign then past F2 participants Henry Surtees, who unfortunately was killed during an Formula Two race during its inaugural 2009 season; whilst 2010 F2 Champion Dean Stoneman is currently upon a racing sabbatical due to having been diagnosed with cancer; SHEISA!
And I see that much unheralded ex-Renault F1 driver Romain Grosjean is back again, presumably trying to revive his Formula 1 aspirations, as he?ll be seeking to wrestle best Frenchmen (right Jeffie? Since it?s plural; Hya!) Err Frenchman away from compatriots Bianchi and Pic, albeit Bianchi probably has the best bloodlines towards achieving F1 Stardom...
Thus, here?s a very quick take upon the past Champions, Runners-up and ?Second losers? (Third-place) finishers - as second place has been referred to as FIRST LOSER; Aye Karumba! And I?ve also included the other Formula 1 drivers graduating from the series who finished outside of these positions.
GP2 ChampionsYear/Team/Driver/Country2005 ART Grand Prix: Nico Rosberg; Germany2006 ART Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton; United Kingdom2007 I-Sport International: Timo Glock; Germany2008 Racing Engineering: Giorgio Pantano; Italy2009 ART Grand Prix: Nico Hulkenberg; Germany2010 Rapax: Pastor Maldonado; Venezuela
GP2 Championship PodiumYear/Runner-up/Third place2005 Heikke Kovalainen; Scott Speed2006 Nelson Piquet Jr., Alexandre Premat2007 Lucas di Grassi; Giorgio Pantano2008 Bruno Senna; Lucas di Grassi2009 Vitaly Petrov; Lucas di Grassi2010 Sergio Perez; Jules Bianchi
Other Formula 1 GraduatesKazuki Nakajima, Sebastien Buemi, Romain Grosjean, Kamui Kobayashi, Karun Chandhok, Jerome d'Ambrosio.
GP2 TriviaInterestingly to date, albeit not so much for himself, only one former GP2 Champion has managed to not be part of the F1 Fraternity?s automatic inclusion upon winning the title; as this dubious honour falls upon the shoulders of Italian Giorgio Pantano. Sadly Pantano was dismissed due to his relative ?OLD? age ? at the time of his triumph, whilst The Cheepster, nee Chip ganassi didn?t exactly give him much of a chance in the Indy Racing League either...
Meanwhile the six Champions to date have garnered one Formula One Drivers World Champion, two Grand Prix race winners along with multiple Podium recipients and even a vaunted Pole-position in this ?Uber echelon of Motorsport!
2011 PrognosisAs part of the ongoing struggle over the Group Lotus Pretenders, the Malaysian backed PROTON has done a dealio to see the perennial GP2 Champions ART Grand Prix powerhouse become renamed Lotus-ART; Whatever Dudes! As it?d be funny to see newcomers Team Air Asia ? Tony Fernandes squad leapfrog Nicolas Todt?s ART outfit this season, eh? (Although I DON?T expect to see that happen...)
Returnning to Loti-ART for his sophomore season is Jules Bianchi, the Scuderia Ferrari Third Driver, who presumably is a title contender, with some pressure upon him to capture the crown this season in his hoped for progression upstream...
Joining Bianchi is Mexican Esteban Gutierrez ? who I?ve tipped as one of my three picks for future F1 Graduates, along with ?Thee Young Wicky,? nee Canada?s Robert Wickens and America?s Alexander Rossi; which I suppose aren?t exactly long shots, eh?
Obviously Gutierrez hopes to emulate fellow countryman Sergio Perez?s path into Formula One, albeit hopefully not at the expense of Japanese Hard-charger ?K-Squared? (Kamui Kobayashi) who?s currently racing for ?Slim Junior?s? TelMex backed Sauber F1 entity.
I-Sport International seems to have stepped up its game with the arrival of Britain?s Sam Bird and Sweden?s Marcus Ericsson, who?ll be looking forward to improving upon last year?s disappointing season, albeit both Bird and Ericsson won one race apiece for their former GP2 teams.
And I suppose I cannot ignore Rapax Team, who after all won last year?s Drivers Championship, as I was unaware that this is the team formerly known under the multiple guises of Minardi and Piquet... As Rapax will see two unknowns join the team with Switzerland?s Fabio Leimer ccampaigning the No. 1 plate with Italian teammate Juli�n Leal aalongside him.
Also probably remiss if I didn?t mention the Barwa Addax Team which features drivers Charles Pic and Giedo van der Garde; not to mention Racing Engineering?s Daniel Clos and DAMS Romain Grosjean.
Perhaps you?ll recall the Netherlands van der Garde from his abortive F1 Test Driver days when the Dutch ?Schue was involved in a ?Mega Tug ?O War between ?Super Best Friends? (Super Aguri) and Spyker ? reputedly a candidate for this year?s second Virgin F1 seat, albeit ultimately losing out to fellow GP2 competitor Jerome d'Ambrosio.
Also of interest is Christian Horner?s Arden International concern with Czech driver Josef Kral and Great Britain GP2 debutant Jolyon Palmer, as you may recognize the last name ? as in son of ex-Formula 1 driver and Founder/Organizer of the current FIA Formula 2 Championship.
I?d assume that the young bloke Jolyon will have a better outcome in his inaugural GP2 campaign then past F2 participants Henry Surtees, who unfortunately was killed during an Formula Two race during its inaugural 2009 season; whilst 2010 F2 Champion Dean Stoneman is currently upon a racing sabbatical due to having been diagnosed with cancer; SHEISA!
And I see that much unheralded ex-Renault F1 driver Romain Grosjean is back again, presumably trying to revive his Formula 1 aspirations, as he?ll be seeking to wrestle best Frenchmen (right Jeffie? Since it?s plural; Hya!) Err Frenchman away from compatriots Bianchi and Pic, albeit Bianchi probably has the best bloodlines towards achieving F1 Stardom...
A look back at 2010: Hendrick Motorsports
The 2010 Sprint Cup Series season was both good and bad for Hendrick Motorsports, with varying degrees of good and bad depending on the Hendrick Motorsports team in question. Overall, the organization claimed $22,023,180 in winnings with six wins, 38 top-fives and 59 top-10 finishes across its four teams.
It was the best season possible for [...]
It was the best season possible for [...]
Hamster racing at the UK
International Online Zhuangao: According to “Daily Mail” reported on August 20, recently, in Durham in the vicinity of Valley Children’s Adventure Playground held a spectacular racing. Participating in the “driver” is a cute fluffy little hamster only. In this interesting game, each has its own small hamster racing, this trait is installed on the car [...]
Agendas differ as season hits halfway mark
The 2010 Sprint Cup Series season has reached the halfway point, and there are eight races remaining until the cutoff prior to the start of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, including Saturday night’s Lifelock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway.
With the Chase approaching, drivers have differing goals in mind for the eight races remaining in what [...]
With the Chase approaching, drivers have differing goals in mind for the eight races remaining in what [...]
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.”
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Top 10 Reasons Why Indy Car ratings are Down?
Apparently Randy Bernard was overheard on the flight home Monday from Sao Paolo lamenting his recent Versus television ratings and came up with the following reasons...
No. 10) Hello, Hello? Oh SHIT! They?re using the Indycar.com live Timing & Scoring to keep track of the race...
9) Who in the HE-LL told TK to HUG Castroneves in the Pitlane? Robin Miller sez we need MORE HATE!
8) Perhaps this wasn?t a good weekend to run all of those GoDaddy Danica Shower commercials?
7) Wait ? hold the phone... What do you mean Versus was busy showing the PBR live from Seattle?
6) Oh Gawd! They?ve hired Robin Miller to work on the Versus TV broadcasts...
5) Whadda Yuhs means we?re at the Porto Alegre Airport right now, I thought Sao Paolo was 700-miles North of there?
4) Who forgot to have the Tecate Girls show up...
3) How come The Donald wasn?t driving the 2X-seater this weekend?
2) Helio Castroneves didn?t H-I-T anybody on the race track. I thought I TOLD ?lil Al to Text him and remind Helio he?s on Double Secret Probation and we?re watchin? him!
And the Number One reason is... What do you mean NOBODY will be watching the broadcast on a Monday morning at 5AM PACIFIC ? I thought they?re ALL Sleepless in Seattle?
No. 10) Hello, Hello? Oh SHIT! They?re using the Indycar.com live Timing & Scoring to keep track of the race...
9) Who in the HE-LL told TK to HUG Castroneves in the Pitlane? Robin Miller sez we need MORE HATE!
8) Perhaps this wasn?t a good weekend to run all of those GoDaddy Danica Shower commercials?
7) Wait ? hold the phone... What do you mean Versus was busy showing the PBR live from Seattle?
6) Oh Gawd! They?ve hired Robin Miller to work on the Versus TV broadcasts...
5) Whadda Yuhs means we?re at the Porto Alegre Airport right now, I thought Sao Paolo was 700-miles North of there?
4) Who forgot to have the Tecate Girls show up...
3) How come The Donald wasn?t driving the 2X-seater this weekend?
2) Helio Castroneves didn?t H-I-T anybody on the race track. I thought I TOLD ?lil Al to Text him and remind Helio he?s on Double Secret Probation and we?re watchin? him!
And the Number One reason is... What do you mean NOBODY will be watching the broadcast on a Monday morning at 5AM PACIFIC ? I thought they?re ALL Sleepless in Seattle?
INDYCAR news - 26 car fields, lucky dogs, Bourdais, and more
[caption id="" align="alignright" width="110" caption="Sebastian to Coyne? / Image by Getty Images via @daylifeof "][/caption]
There's some nice bits of INDYCAR news floating around the web this week, so here is the latest edition of short-shifts. The definition of "full field" was redefined this week by Randy Bernard, as INDYCAR ...
There's some nice bits of INDYCAR news floating around the web this week, so here is the latest edition of short-shifts. The definition of "full field" was redefined this week by Randy Bernard, as INDYCAR ...
Morris prepared for bounty issued by SoBo to stop six-race winning streak
SoBo officials issued a $500 bounty to the driver who wins tonight’s Bojangles 150. The challenge will be dethroning Morris, who has won six consecutive races at the track and built at 70-point lead in the standings.
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.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
X Games star on slow tack in NASCAR
He's famous, he has sponsors with deep pockets and he arrives with a history of success in all forms of racing.
Goody?s and BC Powders Give Fans a Voice for the Goody?s Fast Relief 500
httpv://www.youtube.com/v/mjCuMyc59Bw?fs=1&hl=en_US
Fans Can Select Favorite Wounded Warrior Project- and Victory Junction-Designed Paint Schemes MEMPHIS, Tenn. (March 11, 2011) ? For nearly a week beginning March 11, fans of Goody's and BC Powders can help choose a race car paint scheme designed by wounded hero from Wounded Warrior ...
Fans Can Select Favorite Wounded Warrior Project- and Victory Junction-Designed Paint Schemes MEMPHIS, Tenn. (March 11, 2011) ? For nearly a week beginning March 11, fans of Goody's and BC Powders can help choose a race car paint scheme designed by wounded hero from Wounded Warrior ...
Ed Puleo Continues Hot Streak With Third Street Stock Victory Of The Season At The Waterford Speedbowl
WATERFORD - It's rare to hear a driver say that destroying a racecar can help a season.
But that's the case for Waterford Speedbowl Street Stock driver Ed Puleo.
Puleo of Branford continued a fiery hot 2011 Saturday by winning the 25-lap Street Stock feature at the Waterford Speedbowl.
It was Puleo's second consecutive win and third victory in five events this year. Norm Root Jr. of Old Saybrook was second and Al Stone III of New Haven third.
But that's the case for Waterford Speedbowl Street Stock driver Ed Puleo.
Puleo of Branford continued a fiery hot 2011 Saturday by winning the 25-lap Street Stock feature at the Waterford Speedbowl.
It was Puleo's second consecutive win and third victory in five events this year. Norm Root Jr. of Old Saybrook was second and Al Stone III of New Haven third.
NASCAR Soundtracks: Darlington
The big names certainly put up some fireworks, but it was Regan Smith taking the checkers at the end Related Blogs Related Reading: Speedway Electric Auto Racing My Greatest Day in Nascar: The Legends of Auto Racing Recount Their Greatest Moments Matt Kenseth NASCAR Auto Racing 8x10 Photograph 20
Stolen Taxbrain Nascar
Stunt Details: A fan attempted to steal the taxbrain nascar. he snuck in behind the bikini models and took off for half a lap before being stopped. He got rocked on his way to the ground. *so there is no more confusion, this was fake. Related Blogs Related Reading: Elliott Sadler Large NASCAR Auto Racing [...]
Monday, May 16, 2011
Low Numbers For The SK Modifieds On Opening Night Of Weekly Racing At Thompson International Speedway
THOMPSON - After a month dark following the season opening Icebreaker, the roar has returned to Thompson International Speedway.
Although the roar in the track's premier division seems dwindling down to something more like an angry growl.
Under sunny skies, Thompson International Speedway kicks off their weekly racing schedule this evening with a six division NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing card.
That's the good news. The bad news is that the track is in desperate need of competitors for their top level NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified division.
Although the roar in the track's premier division seems dwindling down to something more like an angry growl.
Under sunny skies, Thompson International Speedway kicks off their weekly racing schedule this evening with a six division NASCAR Whelen All-American Series racing card.
That's the good news. The bad news is that the track is in desperate need of competitors for their top level NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified division.
Biever Fever?
Apparently both Andy ?GranaBelly? Granatelli and Justin ?I?ve Got A Fever? (FOR MORE COWBELL...) Biever have both written to Jeff ?I?m the Walrus? Belskus regarding why they should be this year?s Pace Car replacement for The Donald...
Biever, a Better Choice
And Inquiring Minds Wanna Know... Just who?ll be giving ?Ol Super Tex his Pace Car refresher laps; Hmm? I CANNOT think of anyone better then The Flying Dutchman, a.k.a. Arie Luyendyk; Hya!
Biever, a Better Choice
And Inquiring Minds Wanna Know... Just who?ll be giving ?Ol Super Tex his Pace Car refresher laps; Hmm? I CANNOT think of anyone better then The Flying Dutchman, a.k.a. Arie Luyendyk; Hya!
Steady Bowyer seeks more wins
Even if he wanted to get away from thinking about one of the closest finishes in NASCAR history, Clint Bowyer couldn't.
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 [...]
Sunday, May 15, 2011
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.
500 Festival Princesses: Meet Brooke!
The 2011�500 Festival princesses represent 11 Indiana colleges and universities and 24 cities and towns across the state. The young women were selected from 278 applicants based on communication skills, poise, academic performance, and community and volunteer involvement. The�500 Festival has narrowed the field [...]
AMA SBK: Not A Bad Debut For Hayes' #2
Josh Hayes' 15th career AMA Superbike win was taken on a racebike that have never previously turned a wheel.
VIR
Memo Rojas drives his No. 01 TELMEX BMW/Riley on to pit road Friday at Virginia International Raceway in Alton. Rojas went off course during his qualifying run, forcing him and teammate Scott Pruett to start sixth in Saturday's Bosch Engineering 250.
Fan of the Day Presented by Cholula Hot Sauce
There are many times where I am convinced I am living someone else’s dream by working at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Today is no different as I am incredibly pleased to share that four of my very favorite things in the world have collided this month: Racing, Sports Fandom, Web Content, and — wait [...]
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Agendas differ as season hits halfway mark
The 2010 Sprint Cup Series season has reached the halfway point, and there are eight races remaining until the cutoff prior to the start of the Chase for the Sprint Cup, including Saturday night’s Lifelock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway.
With the Chase approaching, drivers have differing goals in mind for the eight races remaining in what [...]
With the Chase approaching, drivers have differing goals in mind for the eight races remaining in what [...]
Keith Rocco Finds His Way Back To Thompson Speedway Victory Lane In SK Modified Feature Thursday
THOMPSON - Last year's NASCAR short track racing national champion is showing that all the celebration of the off season hasn't slowed him one bit.
The torrid pace set by Keith Rocco on the way to the 2010 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series has clearly carried over to 2011.
Rocco rolled easily to victory in the 30-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified feature Thursday at Thompson International Speedway.
The toughest competition Rocco faced all night at the track was trying to weave through pit carts in the post-race inspection area.
"It was a good race," Rocco said. "The car was awesome tonight. You can't ask for much more. I've got [crew chief] Shane Hopkins back on board. He kind of gave me a lot of education over the years. Just when you think you know a lot, he still knows more. He's one of the best."
The torrid pace set by Keith Rocco on the way to the 2010 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series has clearly carried over to 2011.
Rocco rolled easily to victory in the 30-lap NASCAR Whelen All-American Series SK Modified feature Thursday at Thompson International Speedway.
The toughest competition Rocco faced all night at the track was trying to weave through pit carts in the post-race inspection area.
"It was a good race," Rocco said. "The car was awesome tonight. You can't ask for much more. I've got [crew chief] Shane Hopkins back on board. He kind of gave me a lot of education over the years. Just when you think you know a lot, he still knows more. He's one of the best."
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