Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Michael Schumacher quickest in Barcelona today, McLaren getting a lot of practice changing engines
Michael Schumacher put up the quick time in Barcelona testing today,� as the the Mercedes crew tried out some new trick parts on their car before heading out to Melbourne.� Nico Rossberg also took the Mercedes for a spin and was third quickest. McLaren had a dismal ...
Wrecks ? and effects
Accidents to be expected, but keeping cars stuck to track of utmost importance
Leave it to Ryan Newma to cut to the core of the issue.
Always quick to remind everyone that he earned an engineering degree (Vehicle Structure Engineering, to be precise) from Purdue University, Newman sometimes has a way of talking down to questioners. He [...]
Leave it to Ryan Newma to cut to the core of the issue.
Always quick to remind everyone that he earned an engineering degree (Vehicle Structure Engineering, to be precise) from Purdue University, Newman sometimes has a way of talking down to questioners. He [...]
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
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 [...]
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.”
Monday, February 27, 2012
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.
Indy race as the world?s first high-risk events killed had refused to fight F1 talent
Indy car racing is a competition venue, with the World Championships. The racing originated in the United States, formerly the American Automobile Association-sponsored tournament. 1978 by 18 IndyCar team co-founded the “Indy Championship Racing Team Ltd”, established a series of organized racing event management, has developed unique rules of the game. 1979 organized the first [...]
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Indy race as the world?s first high-risk events killed had refused to fight F1 talent
Indy car racing is a competition venue, with the World Championships. The racing originated in the United States, formerly the American Automobile Association-sponsored tournament. 1978 by 18 IndyCar team co-founded the “Indy Championship Racing Team Ltd”, established a series of organized racing event management, has developed unique rules of the game. 1979 organized the first [...]
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
Saturday, February 25, 2012
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 [...]
NASCAR This Week ends operations today
It's been a hoot, but we gotta scoot.
NASCAR This Week is ending operations on Monday, December 6, and will go offline on Dec. 17.
While traffic to the site has continued to grow since April 2008 when we came online, NASCAR This Week failed to meet its financial expectations.
We’d like to thank Monte for his generous permission to feed all his stories to this site. We still believe he’s the best NASCAR journalist out there, and wonder if the NASCAR heat we got last summer was due more to Monte’s voice than the few bucks we were making off advertising.
Keep giving ‘em hell, Monte!
Monte will continue to cover NASCAR. You can find his stories on the NASCAR page at the Gaston Gazette where he works, as well as his blog, also located on the Gaston Gazette website. Monte also posts blogs on his personal MySpace page, and he also maintains a music MySpace page where you can hear his songs and find out where he’s performing next. He also has a page on Facebook.
We also want to thank all of you for stopping by over the past few years to catch Monte’s latest, join in the comment conversation or just enjoying some NASCAR octane.
Please leave us a message of farewell if you care to in the comments section below.
For the next couple of weeks we’ll leave up some of Monte’s best stories from the season. We think they offer ample evidence of why you should continue to follow Monte where you can. As we said, we think he’s the best around.
Here’s to great racin’ in the years to come!
-- Ovalscream
Friday, February 24, 2012
Women on Wheels: Meet LaTanya!
This year?s Red Bull Indianapolis GP will take the time to recognize women motorcycle riders. Many events have been organized throughout the race weekend that are just for women. Some selected lady riders have been kind enough to share their riding stories with us. They come from different riding groups and [...]
Gypsy season ends
Monday was just a great day. I worked all morning, as is the case with every Monday, then just did little things all afternoon.
I read. I went out back of the motel, where the water laps up to a sandy area walled off from the water, and played my guitar, once in the afternoon and then at dusk. A guy I saw at MFB (motel's free breakfast) asked if I was the guy who was playing guitar last night. I told him yes, and he said, "You were good. Really good."
Hah. What does he know?
I was on Mojo Nixon's NASCAR show last night on Sirius XM. "Manifold Destiny." We talked about what sets Jimmie Johnson (and crew chief Chad Knaus) apart from the rest in NASCAR.
Mainly, though, I didn't think about NASCAR on Monday. Well, I mean, other than writing all the copy for "NASCAR This Week," our syndicated page that appears in newspapers across the U.S. and Canada. And a day-after column. And a blog.
I had my encounter with the little sea bird (see video blog here). I had a good supper. I read a few of the stories about Sunday's Ford 400 written by colleagues.
Remember: I didn't think that much about NASCAR. Who am I kidding? It takes over your life.
I needed Monday. It's been a while since I had "one of those days" that brought my temper up close to a boil. I didn't completely lose it, hence the notation "up close to a boil." Things piled up on me, though. I was detained in the lobby because I didn't have the proper sticker affixed to my NASCAR hard card. When I finally got to the press box, it was very hot and I discovered its location had been changed and its size greatly diminished. Because it was so boxed in on either side by luxury suites -- and because it was so narrow, and because there was a large column right in the middle -- the only place to see was on the front row, and until shortly before the race started, the sun was multiplying through the glass and causing that front row to sizzle a bit (not literally).
There were other aggravations but no need to waste excessive words here, lest I come across as just another spoiled journalist.
So I spent a good deal of the day pissed off and trying to control myself. It's not altogether a bad thing. I usually write best when mildly aggravated. The sarcasm bites more.
On Monday, though, I was happy, relaxed and unworried. The season was over (though I'm going to be very busy for at least the next week). I'd had a night to sleep on the frustration. The little bird gave me some perspective. Playing guitar is my refuge from the maddening world.
I finished off a book and stopped by a local bookstore to buy another. I had a nice conversation with the lady at the bookstore about literature. If I'm here (as in "staying in the Keys," as opposed to Miami), I guarantee I'll stop by her store again next year.
The three video blogs offer some evidence of the range of my moods. The first was shot in the Homestead-Miami Speedway infield. I'm really relaxed and content. The second was after all the pre-race frustrations. I'm talking to the air out on the stairwell, more for therapy than entertainment. The third was the next afternoon (Monday), when I felt as content and philosophical as some mystic. Or ascetic. Or some other word that ends with "-tic." I would think none was "lunatic."
One side of me wishes I had a few more days to clear my mind here in Key Largo. Another can't wait to get home.
I'll be co-hosting NASCAR shows on Sirius (NASCAR Channel 128) on Wednesday (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), Saturday (noon-3 p.m.) and Sunday (noon-3 p.m.).
I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. As a general rule, Thanksgiving is all good. The family gets together and it's pleasant. Christmas can get petty. Or maybe it's just that I get tired of normal life.
I've been a gypsy too long.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thee Fluffy, Happy, Poufy Time of Year!
Gabriel ?Fluffy? Iglesias
And that?s before we even get to Mr. CandyMann?s Rah-Rah Cisk-cuh-boom EVERYTHINGS GURR-REAT!!! In Indy Cars speech; Hoohah!
As the other day I had a great chuckle reading Grizzled ?Journo Joe Saward?s story about this being the FLUFFY time ?O year in F1, albeit the word Fluffy makes me immediately think of the very funny comedian Gabriel Iglesias who coined the phrase ?I?m NOT Fat, I?m Fluffy!? As Gabriel shouldn?t be Cornfuzed with ?HULIO; NO, NOT that ?HULIO as in ?Castro-nervous,? but that great singer Julio Jos� Iglesias; Hya!
But back to the Grand Prix rant, as in this fluffy speak is in regards of you know when ALL of the Formula 1 Constructors release the balloons with great lors ?O pontification about how this could be the year they GO ALL THE WAY... But the funny thing is - there are twelve teams all blowing Hot Air as currently there?s really only three Constructors who have a realistic shot at the title; which I?d decree is Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari... And henceforth, as Joe sez; DON?T get too excited over the times posted during the mini-winter Olympics, nee Winter Testing.
The Fluffy time of year
And speaking ?O Fluffy, whilst I know that thee Rhythm Professor, aka Neil Peart has stated that ?KanaDuh only has two seasons; winter and road construction; Hya! Cymbol crash; Err Drum solo please Mr. Peart!
Thus I was genuinely surprised on my recent ?Walkabout to go buy some overpriced ink cartridge for ze printer; hey, don?t they always run out when Yooze needs to print ?Somme-thun important, eh?
And thus, I was taken off guard when the sidewalk suddenly seemed to disappear; WTF? As I swear there had been a bevy ?O telephone poles freshly installed in the middle of what once was the sidewalk... As I bumbled my way along thru the restricted space with my trusty ?Ol white cane at a reduced rate ?O speed to the far away store and then made the return trip only to run into a section of sidewalk obnoxiously covered with a multitude ?O orange traffic cones with fresh ?Ash-fault being laid, before a construction worker took pity upon me after I started to walk towards the fresh tar since I had NO idea if the cones meant the sidewalk was closed? Before I mused to the Bank teller I thought road construction wasn?t supposed to begin until summer?
As its funny how I used to look exceedingly forward to this time of year, when all of the ne Formula 1 cars were unveiled, yet I really cannot say I?m overly excited - as I seemingly tire faster of everybody?s PR-Speak these days, although I guess I?ve still got ?Formel-ein-itus coursing thru my veins as I still rush to attempt seeing what the new cars look like online, whilst its very early Dazes indeed, yet nice to see thee ?Kimster?s name atop the time sheets...
KIMI & his ?OOMPHLATTS lead the way on Day-1 of the First Test
And that?s before we even get to Mr. CandyMann?s Rah-Rah Cisk-cuh-boom EVERYTHINGS GURR-REAT!!! In Indy Cars speech; Hoohah!
As the other day I had a great chuckle reading Grizzled ?Journo Joe Saward?s story about this being the FLUFFY time ?O year in F1, albeit the word Fluffy makes me immediately think of the very funny comedian Gabriel Iglesias who coined the phrase ?I?m NOT Fat, I?m Fluffy!? As Gabriel shouldn?t be Cornfuzed with ?HULIO; NO, NOT that ?HULIO as in ?Castro-nervous,? but that great singer Julio Jos� Iglesias; Hya!
But back to the Grand Prix rant, as in this fluffy speak is in regards of you know when ALL of the Formula 1 Constructors release the balloons with great lors ?O pontification about how this could be the year they GO ALL THE WAY... But the funny thing is - there are twelve teams all blowing Hot Air as currently there?s really only three Constructors who have a realistic shot at the title; which I?d decree is Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari... And henceforth, as Joe sez; DON?T get too excited over the times posted during the mini-winter Olympics, nee Winter Testing.
The Fluffy time of year
And speaking ?O Fluffy, whilst I know that thee Rhythm Professor, aka Neil Peart has stated that ?KanaDuh only has two seasons; winter and road construction; Hya! Cymbol crash; Err Drum solo please Mr. Peart!
Thus I was genuinely surprised on my recent ?Walkabout to go buy some overpriced ink cartridge for ze printer; hey, don?t they always run out when Yooze needs to print ?Somme-thun important, eh?
And thus, I was taken off guard when the sidewalk suddenly seemed to disappear; WTF? As I swear there had been a bevy ?O telephone poles freshly installed in the middle of what once was the sidewalk... As I bumbled my way along thru the restricted space with my trusty ?Ol white cane at a reduced rate ?O speed to the far away store and then made the return trip only to run into a section of sidewalk obnoxiously covered with a multitude ?O orange traffic cones with fresh ?Ash-fault being laid, before a construction worker took pity upon me after I started to walk towards the fresh tar since I had NO idea if the cones meant the sidewalk was closed? Before I mused to the Bank teller I thought road construction wasn?t supposed to begin until summer?
As its funny how I used to look exceedingly forward to this time of year, when all of the ne Formula 1 cars were unveiled, yet I really cannot say I?m overly excited - as I seemingly tire faster of everybody?s PR-Speak these days, although I guess I?ve still got ?Formel-ein-itus coursing thru my veins as I still rush to attempt seeing what the new cars look like online, whilst its very early Dazes indeed, yet nice to see thee ?Kimster?s name atop the time sheets...
KIMI & his ?OOMPHLATTS lead the way on Day-1 of the First Test
NASCAR This Week ends operations today
It's been a hoot, but we gotta scoot.
NASCAR This Week is ending operations on Monday, December 6, and will go offline on Dec. 17.
While traffic to the site has continued to grow since April 2008 when we came online, NASCAR This Week failed to meet its financial expectations.
We’d like to thank Monte for his generous permission to feed all his stories to this site. We still believe he’s the best NASCAR journalist out there, and wonder if the NASCAR heat we got last summer was due more to Monte’s voice than the few bucks we were making off advertising.
Keep giving ‘em hell, Monte!
Monte will continue to cover NASCAR. You can find his stories on the NASCAR page at the Gaston Gazette where he works, as well as his blog, also located on the Gaston Gazette website. Monte also posts blogs on his personal MySpace page, and he also maintains a music MySpace page where you can hear his songs and find out where he’s performing next. He also has a page on Facebook.
We also want to thank all of you for stopping by over the past few years to catch Monte’s latest, join in the comment conversation or just enjoying some NASCAR octane.
Please leave us a message of farewell if you care to in the comments section below.
For the next couple of weeks we’ll leave up some of Monte’s best stories from the season. We think they offer ample evidence of why you should continue to follow Monte where you can. As we said, we think he’s the best around.
Here’s to great racin’ in the years to come!
-- Ovalscream
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Second NASCAR Hall Of Fame Class Officially Enshrined
Pager item text:
NASCAR Hall Of Fame
Slide text:
<p>
With each win, and each championship, a legend grew. And now, those legends have a permanent home.</p>
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 23, 2011) ? With each win, and each championship, a legend grew. And now, those legends have a permanent home.
The second class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame ? champions all ? captured over 350 victories and a dozen championships in NASCAR?s premier series. The five inductees ? Bobby Allison, Ned Jarrett, Bud Moore, David Pearson and Lee Petty ? make up the second class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., which was officially inducted tonight, Monday, May 23.
read more
NASCAR Hall Of Fame
Slide text:
<p>
With each win, and each championship, a legend grew. And now, those legends have a permanent home.</p>
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (May 23, 2011) ? With each win, and each championship, a legend grew. And now, those legends have a permanent home.
The second class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame ? champions all ? captured over 350 victories and a dozen championships in NASCAR?s premier series. The five inductees ? Bobby Allison, Ned Jarrett, Bud Moore, David Pearson and Lee Petty ? make up the second class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, N.C., which was officially inducted tonight, Monday, May 23.
read more
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 ...
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Supercarz on the Prowl!
33 Indy Supercarz lined up on Indy?s main drag (Meridian)with the Circle (Monument) in background. (32 cars representing each NFL team plus one "SuperBowlIndyCar)
(Photo Courtesy of No Fenders ?Offical Photographer ?CARPETS)
(Photo Courtesy of No Fenders ?Offical Photographer ?CARPETS)
Woody Pitkat Fills Out Busy 2012 Schedule With New NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Ride
As usual, Woody Pitkat will be a busy racer in 2012, and that business will include a return to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Pitkat, of Stafford, has finalized a deal to compete on the Whelen Modified Tour this season for car owner John Lukosavage.
"At this point it's nice to have anything, even if it's five races," Pitkat said. "You're talking about the guy that won the Tour championship two years ago [Bobby Santos III] doesn't even know if he has a ride this year. For me to even have this car for five races I would be ecstatic."
Pitkat, of Stafford, has finalized a deal to compete on the Whelen Modified Tour this season for car owner John Lukosavage.
"At this point it's nice to have anything, even if it's five races," Pitkat said. "You're talking about the guy that won the Tour championship two years ago [Bobby Santos III] doesn't even know if he has a ride this year. For me to even have this car for five races I would be ecstatic."
Monday, February 20, 2012
Another No. 3 heads to Goodwood
For the second-consecutive year, a No. 3 driven by the late Dale Earnhardt will be a part of the festivities at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Earnhardt’s daughter Taylor drove the famed No. 3 in the festival last year. This year, the car Earnhardt raced to his 1995 Brickyard 400 win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway [...]
Cavallino Classic 2012
The 21st Annual Palm Beach Cavallino Classic is a convention for Ferrari enthusiasts that sees some 400 of these remarkable cars coming to Palm Beach.
Related posts:2011 Palm Beach Cavallino ClassicNorth American International Auto Show 2012Classic Car Show 2010
Related posts:2011 Palm Beach Cavallino ClassicNorth American International Auto Show 2012Classic Car Show 2010
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Women on Wheels: Meet Tamara!
This year?s Red Bull Indianapolis GP will take the time to recognize women motorcycle riders. Many events have been organized throughout the race weekend that are just for women. Some selected lady riders have been kind enough to share their riding stories with us. They come from different riding groups and [...]
Upon further review, Firestone will remain the INDYCAR tire supplier
After much hand-wringing and worry, it turns out that "everything's gonna be alright". Firestone is staying with INDYCAR through 2013.�
Firestone seems to have successful in their negotiating tactic to get more actually dollars for the sale of their race tires to race teams.
From VERSUS.com:
"Bernard said he and ...
Firestone seems to have successful in their negotiating tactic to get more actually dollars for the sale of their race tires to race teams.
From VERSUS.com:
"Bernard said he and ...
Saturday, February 18, 2012
TEAM SEATTLE set once again to race for Children at Rolex 24 with Dempsey Racing
Dempsey Racing Mazda RX8, source: teamseattle.com
Once again, in what?s now a very long standing tradition; Team Seattle will take up its yearly challenge in the Rolex 24 at Daytona - running under the Dempsey Racing banner... Yeah, as in ?Dr. McDreamy,? aka Patrick Dempsey of Grays Anatomy; although unlike years past, where Team Seattle ran a two-car operation, nevertheless, they?ll be running the No. 41 Mazda RX8 with drivers Ian James, Don Kitch Jr, Scott Maxwell and Dan Rogers who?ll be raising money for our local Seattle Children?s Hospital for each lap completed...
While Dempsey will co-drive with his business partner Joe Foster plus Charles Espenlaub and Tom Long in the lead Dempsey Racing No. 40 rotary powered Mazda - which by all accounts the two cars tested very well recently.
Team Seattle Daytona Test Report
Dempsey you may recall was part team owner in Vision Racing and also drove the Pace Car at Indianapolis before settling into his guest driver Gig - whenever his acting schedule permits. As he?s raced at Daytona several times and not only will drive his team?s Mazda, but also an Aston Martin Vantage in the support series...
Patrick has also raced at Circuit de la Sarthe in 2009, once again for Team Seattle behind the wheel of a Ferrari 430 in the GT2 category and also has plans to graduate to the LM2/LMC category sometime this year, potentially debuting at Le Mans once again? Although it?s interesting to note that his insurance policy forbids any open cockpit machinery...
Dempsey confirms LM2 program
So good luck numbers 40-41, especially the Team Seattle No. 41 this weekend!
Once again, in what?s now a very long standing tradition; Team Seattle will take up its yearly challenge in the Rolex 24 at Daytona - running under the Dempsey Racing banner... Yeah, as in ?Dr. McDreamy,? aka Patrick Dempsey of Grays Anatomy; although unlike years past, where Team Seattle ran a two-car operation, nevertheless, they?ll be running the No. 41 Mazda RX8 with drivers Ian James, Don Kitch Jr, Scott Maxwell and Dan Rogers who?ll be raising money for our local Seattle Children?s Hospital for each lap completed...
While Dempsey will co-drive with his business partner Joe Foster plus Charles Espenlaub and Tom Long in the lead Dempsey Racing No. 40 rotary powered Mazda - which by all accounts the two cars tested very well recently.
Team Seattle Daytona Test Report
Dempsey you may recall was part team owner in Vision Racing and also drove the Pace Car at Indianapolis before settling into his guest driver Gig - whenever his acting schedule permits. As he?s raced at Daytona several times and not only will drive his team?s Mazda, but also an Aston Martin Vantage in the support series...
Patrick has also raced at Circuit de la Sarthe in 2009, once again for Team Seattle behind the wheel of a Ferrari 430 in the GT2 category and also has plans to graduate to the LM2/LMC category sometime this year, potentially debuting at Le Mans once again? Although it?s interesting to note that his insurance policy forbids any open cockpit machinery...
Dempsey confirms LM2 program
So good luck numbers 40-41, especially the Team Seattle No. 41 this weekend!
Women on Wheels: Meet LaTanya!
This year?s Red Bull Indianapolis GP will take the time to recognize women motorcycle riders. Many events have been organized throughout the race weekend that are just for women. Some selected lady riders have been kind enough to share their riding stories with us. They come from different riding groups and [...]
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 [...]
Allmendinger and Wilson: The RuSPORT Years
I?ve been a ?Mega fan of Justin ?BIG UNIT Wilson?s ever since he came Across-thee-Pond to Champ Car and joined RuSPORT in 2005, although I?d actually first witnessed him in action at Suzuka Circuito back in 2003 when he was Mark ?Handlebarz Webber teammate at Jaguar, next taking a shine to the lanky Englishman driving the wheels off of the MiJack Champ Car in 2004...
Thus I seem to recall that Justin had been brought into RuSport to mentor a fresh faced Californian named A.J. Allmendinger towards potentially becoming America?s next great F1 Hope... As Carl Russo had lofty ambitions for Allmendinger after AJ had won the 2003 Champ Car Atlantics title along with the ?04 Champ Car World Series (CCWS) Rookie of the Year, ironically ahead of eventual teammate Wilson, who began his CCWS career with Eric Bachelart.
Yet it was Wilson instead of AJ who gave RuSport its first Champ Car victory, as Justin simply ?waxed? Allmendinger in their first year as teammates with his two victories to the ?Dinger?s Goose-egg...
Yet it was quite shocking when Carl Russo effectively fired AJ in the summer of 2006, replacing him with ?Shorty, aka Cristiano da Matta - with Allmendinger being hired to replace Mario ?Boom-Boom? Dominguez at Forsythe five days later...
Thus it was with great glee that I witnessed Allmendinger?s first major (CCWS) Open Wheel Racing victory at none other then... Wait for I-T ?Carpets. Drumroll please; Tuh Duh! Portland International Raceway! Hmm? Which means I may have his John Hancock from that year?s Autograph session? The year that Champ Car left me fuming! Oh whait a ?My-nute, never mind! We?re supposed to be all slap happy heres in Bloggerland now, right Mr. Bernard?
Champ Car sends Devoted Fan Fuming
Upon his initial victory for Gerry ?WHHHAAAA!? Forsythe, Allmendinger reeled off a victory Hat-dance; Err Hat-trick of victories standing atop the Podium?s top step at Portland, Cleveland and Toronto - before going onto take another two victories at Denver and Elkhart Lake whilst outshining some elder teammate named ?PT, thee Thrill from the West Hill, aka Paul Tracy...
Yet AJ jumped ship to ?RASSCAR with the promises of a three-year $9m contract from Red Bull for ?07, where he struggled mightily, tearing up equipment in not only the Nextel Cup, but Craftsman Trucks too - where I?d guess the tag ?WallDinger came from?
Meanwhile Wilson continued on with RuSport which although reportedly saw its founder leaving for ?Business Reasons,? I believe it ultimately floundered after Da Matta?s freak collision with a runaway Deer during a test session at Road America in August, 2006.
Yet, I really enjoy how Justin & AJ seemed to have formed a really deep rapport with each other, as it was Allmendinger who requested Justin?s services for Michael Shank Racing as a co-driver of its Daytona Prototype at the Rolex following his Chip Ganassi drive - and the two drivers just really seem to enjoy jousting verbally with ?Juan-another. Like when AJ said he?d ?LUV to have ?Two Tall Jones? (Justin Wilson) as his driver for MSR Indy, the IndyCar team he co-owns with Mike Shank ?cause then he?d OWN Justin!
And I?ve wanted Wilson to win a Rolex wrist-piece at Daytona ever since he seemingly got crucified for pulling his then leading Chip Ganassi DP into the garage when he thought he?d heard ?somme-thun go bang! Ultimately finishing runner-up and summarily not being invited back to drive for the ?Cheepster in Florida. Not to mention this was effectively his first drive back since breaking his back last year at Mid-Ohio...
While Allmendinger seems to have blossomed as a driver, having just won his first major race in nearly six-years, along with having landed a ride with Roger Penske as Curt Busch?s replacement (GOOD RIDDENCE!) in RascarLand... As I DON?T watch that series; BUTT! I?ve just gotten a new favourite driver in Fenderzland, and his first name is AJ!
Thus I seem to recall that Justin had been brought into RuSport to mentor a fresh faced Californian named A.J. Allmendinger towards potentially becoming America?s next great F1 Hope... As Carl Russo had lofty ambitions for Allmendinger after AJ had won the 2003 Champ Car Atlantics title along with the ?04 Champ Car World Series (CCWS) Rookie of the Year, ironically ahead of eventual teammate Wilson, who began his CCWS career with Eric Bachelart.
Yet it was Wilson instead of AJ who gave RuSport its first Champ Car victory, as Justin simply ?waxed? Allmendinger in their first year as teammates with his two victories to the ?Dinger?s Goose-egg...
Yet it was quite shocking when Carl Russo effectively fired AJ in the summer of 2006, replacing him with ?Shorty, aka Cristiano da Matta - with Allmendinger being hired to replace Mario ?Boom-Boom? Dominguez at Forsythe five days later...
Thus it was with great glee that I witnessed Allmendinger?s first major (CCWS) Open Wheel Racing victory at none other then... Wait for I-T ?Carpets. Drumroll please; Tuh Duh! Portland International Raceway! Hmm? Which means I may have his John Hancock from that year?s Autograph session? The year that Champ Car left me fuming! Oh whait a ?My-nute, never mind! We?re supposed to be all slap happy heres in Bloggerland now, right Mr. Bernard?
Champ Car sends Devoted Fan Fuming
Upon his initial victory for Gerry ?WHHHAAAA!? Forsythe, Allmendinger reeled off a victory Hat-dance; Err Hat-trick of victories standing atop the Podium?s top step at Portland, Cleveland and Toronto - before going onto take another two victories at Denver and Elkhart Lake whilst outshining some elder teammate named ?PT, thee Thrill from the West Hill, aka Paul Tracy...
Yet AJ jumped ship to ?RASSCAR with the promises of a three-year $9m contract from Red Bull for ?07, where he struggled mightily, tearing up equipment in not only the Nextel Cup, but Craftsman Trucks too - where I?d guess the tag ?WallDinger came from?
Meanwhile Wilson continued on with RuSport which although reportedly saw its founder leaving for ?Business Reasons,? I believe it ultimately floundered after Da Matta?s freak collision with a runaway Deer during a test session at Road America in August, 2006.
Yet, I really enjoy how Justin & AJ seemed to have formed a really deep rapport with each other, as it was Allmendinger who requested Justin?s services for Michael Shank Racing as a co-driver of its Daytona Prototype at the Rolex following his Chip Ganassi drive - and the two drivers just really seem to enjoy jousting verbally with ?Juan-another. Like when AJ said he?d ?LUV to have ?Two Tall Jones? (Justin Wilson) as his driver for MSR Indy, the IndyCar team he co-owns with Mike Shank ?cause then he?d OWN Justin!
And I?ve wanted Wilson to win a Rolex wrist-piece at Daytona ever since he seemingly got crucified for pulling his then leading Chip Ganassi DP into the garage when he thought he?d heard ?somme-thun go bang! Ultimately finishing runner-up and summarily not being invited back to drive for the ?Cheepster in Florida. Not to mention this was effectively his first drive back since breaking his back last year at Mid-Ohio...
While Allmendinger seems to have blossomed as a driver, having just won his first major race in nearly six-years, along with having landed a ride with Roger Penske as Curt Busch?s replacement (GOOD RIDDENCE!) in RascarLand... As I DON?T watch that series; BUTT! I?ve just gotten a new favourite driver in Fenderzland, and his first name is AJ!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Formula One Chinese Grand Prix 2012
The UBS Chinese Grand Prix is the third race of the F1 Championship season. It consists of 56 laps of 5.451 km, totalling 305.066 km. The lap record for the race was set in 2004 by Michael Schumacher at 1:32.238. Practice sessions will be on Friday and Saturday, with qualifying on Saturday afternoon.
Related posts:Formula One Australian Grand Prix 2012Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix 2012Hamilton Wins Chinese Grand Prix
Related posts:Formula One Australian Grand Prix 2012Formula One Malaysian Grand Prix 2012Hamilton Wins Chinese Grand Prix
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, February 15, 2012
Another No. 3 heads to Goodwood
For the second-consecutive year, a No. 3 driven by the late Dale Earnhardt will be a part of the festivities at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Earnhardt’s daughter Taylor drove the famed No. 3 in the festival last year. This year, the car Earnhardt raced to his 1995 Brickyard 400 win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway [...]
Rolex 24 Postscript - Thee ?B-I-G UNIT gets his watch...
Justin Wilson - Anne Proffit-photo
So how ?bout Dat No Fenders Feel Good Mojo, Eh! As apparently I picked the wrong weekend to not place some hard earned Dinero on the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Riley-Ford DP in Los Wages, as shockingly, not only did I predict the Overall winner but also the runner-up! (Although my GT pick?s weren?t even close...)
On Friday afternoon I made the mistake of taking the bus to beautiful Tacoma - during REAL rush hour traffic Danny! Hence missing my Downtown Seattle connection; Yada-yada-yada... As I was off to attempt watching another car race with the esteemed ?Aunty Harriet; OH-H-H-H??? You mean we get to watch a car race? Where?s it at? Oh goody, the Daytona 500; when does it start? And thus the countdown began to the 11:30AM Preamble; Err Pre-race show; ?Dat?s Pacific/Seattle/West Coast time for Yuhs ?CARPETS; Hya!
Now the funny part of this is, ?Whale Yuhs see, your humble No Fenders scribe cannot see worth SHIT and ?Aunty Harriet doesn?t hear real good which means following the 24hrs of Daytona instead of the DayToner 500 became most comical; who?s that ?Juan? Who?s that car? What?s a Daytona Prototype, who?s that car, where?s the race at? Oh you mean the Daytona 500??? Who?s that car?
Yet I hadda agree with ?Aunty H after sitting down Justin-time, get IT? For an overly LONG Preamble, as Harriet kept asking when?s the race gonna start? Before attempting to read her newspaper and then promptly falling asleep just ?My-nutes before the green flag finally flew... As I was happy to see Justin Bell get some Facetime whilst I couldn?t help but chuckle over Mikey ?Aw Shucks!? Waltrip?s interview; claiming he just folded his legs in half to get behind the wheel of his Ferrari 458 Italia GA racer; Yuck-yuck-yuck... Although for GAWD?s sake Mikey, LOOSE the ?RASSCAR sales pitch lingo will Yuhs! Hmm? May be they should replace that 56yr old ?doctor? whose in better shape then his 26 & 24 year old sons with Mikey eyes cans SELL anything instead, eh? Hee-hee-hee... As apparently testosterone boostin? has become the new Viagra?
Thus, I mostly sat ?N listened in the big white easy chair with a ?FURR-rocious lap ?Hoond named Molly expertly positioned to take up my entire lap and keep her rival Pixie from absconding any real estate; YIKES! You?re probably sayin? what about the race, I thought this was a FREAKIN? Racing ?BLOB (blog) right? Hoohah! As this was before I moved another chair just scant feet from le Telescreen, closed the shades and rejoiced in being? able to actually make out the shapes of the racecars onscreen - especially the Porsches with there classical 911 silhouettes, albeit I couldn?t make out any car numbers, etc. Before ?aunty woke up and said is it over yet? Who?s that car? Blah-blah-blah, as it seemed nothing really happened during the opening hour-plus stint I watched until getting up for a semi-late lunch, before we went upon our really B-I-G adventure of grocery shopping... Although I thought I?d heard Leigh Diffey say that the No. 41 had been involved in a crash and spin before leaving.
And thanxs solely to Tacoma Bureau chief Mary Ellen, who inquired Sunday morning, do you wanna watch some of the Daytona 24-hours race? I got to watch far more of the race live then I?d expected; as I?ve currently got 7+ hours ?O Memorex awating my perusal this week - as I still don?t think the No. 60 was leading yet when I took up station in front of thee ?Telie, as it appeared to now be a three horse race between the two ?Feurds of Starworks lead ship No. 8 piloted then by Ryan ?Razzle Dazzle? Dalziel and MSR?s lead gun - the No. 60 with Ozz Negri Jr. driving vs. that always at the forefront No. 01 ?Cheepster-mobile with Scott Pruett at the keyboard, whilst it sounded like a raspy Booby Ruble in the commentator booth? As the senor Rahal waxed on eloquently - even musing the same story that co-driver Brian Redman had waxed-on ?bout the day prior...
And then the calm was shattered by ?Aunty?s awakening, whom after breakfast saw the 92-years ?young? Harriet standing in-front of the ringing telephone with her walker guarding it ferociously like Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver ?KuhNucks YELLING is anybody gonna answer the phone - imploring Mwah to attempt scoring a goal via the five-hole whilst I sat transfixed to the race...
Oh? Is there a race today? Who?s that car? Where?s it at? Oh? The Daytona 500? And So-on and So-on, as hence, from thereon until the chequered flag flew I mostly listen too thee Donnybrook brewing over who?d win ?Somme-Oh-Dem Rolex wrist-pieces... Although I got a good chuckle over the in-car radio transcript SPEED played of the Starworks crew telling Alan thee Scottish Terrier McNish it?s ?WallDinger? in the car so just keep applying pressure - HE WILL CRACK! Before switching to Pitlane where Ozz Negri was asked what he thought ?bout ?Dat? To which Ozz coolly replied AJ?s our Ace of Spades...
Then apparently the gloves came off as Allmendinger practiced his ?Boyz Have at IT?? Rasscarland Racin? is Rubbin? with McNish - whilst Diffey?s voice went up an octave over the beatin ?N bangin? a la Mike ?Yippee-Aye-Eh? King...
And with two laps to go and AJ leading the race, I pronounced out loud to myself that I?d NO longer call ?em WallDinger, a tag AJ had earned during his Champ Car Dazes I believe... As it was absolutely FANTASTIC to watch Allmendinger cross the line victoriously, giving the well deserving Mike Shank his first Rolex24 victory as a Team Owner - along with the most deserving Justin Wilson, Ozz Negri and Jonathan Pew! As I cannot really sum it up any better then that evening?s celebratory interview AJ & Justin shared with duh Freaks...
Speed Freaks: Justin Wilson & A.J. Allmendinger interview
And adding to Mike Shanks joy after nine years of trying to win the Daytona 24-hours was the fact that his other mount, the No. 6 ?Junior Mint? car with thee ?Yak, aka Gustavo Yacaman and Jorge Goncalvez from Indy Lights with Leigh O?Gorman?s? Boy Felipe Nasr and the OLD man of the quartet Michael ?Double Zero? McDowell completed a Ford clean sweep of the podium, with the Starworks Boyz being the filling in Michael Shank Racing sandwich... As it was Ford?s first win at the Rolex in 13-years...
Meanwhile my GT choices faired to resemble any sorta DP predictions as the Team Seattle No. 41 Mazda RX8 did indeed get PUNTED by a Porsche and after lengthy repairs soldiered home 27th in class. While I have NO idea what happened to my second choice, the No. 22 Porsche? And apparently the No. 62 done BLOWN UP! As Porsche swept the GT podium with the apparent Aero Brick No. 57 Camaro of Stevenson Motorsports and drivers Ronnie ?Sonny?s BBQ? Bremmer, John Edwards and Robin Liddell ?Best-of-thee-Rest in fourth place in the GT category...
GT: Dempsey Racing - Rolex 24 Race Report
So how ?bout Dat No Fenders Feel Good Mojo, Eh! As apparently I picked the wrong weekend to not place some hard earned Dinero on the No. 60 Michael Shank Racing Riley-Ford DP in Los Wages, as shockingly, not only did I predict the Overall winner but also the runner-up! (Although my GT pick?s weren?t even close...)
On Friday afternoon I made the mistake of taking the bus to beautiful Tacoma - during REAL rush hour traffic Danny! Hence missing my Downtown Seattle connection; Yada-yada-yada... As I was off to attempt watching another car race with the esteemed ?Aunty Harriet; OH-H-H-H??? You mean we get to watch a car race? Where?s it at? Oh goody, the Daytona 500; when does it start? And thus the countdown began to the 11:30AM Preamble; Err Pre-race show; ?Dat?s Pacific/Seattle/West Coast time for Yuhs ?CARPETS; Hya!
Now the funny part of this is, ?Whale Yuhs see, your humble No Fenders scribe cannot see worth SHIT and ?Aunty Harriet doesn?t hear real good which means following the 24hrs of Daytona instead of the DayToner 500 became most comical; who?s that ?Juan? Who?s that car? What?s a Daytona Prototype, who?s that car, where?s the race at? Oh you mean the Daytona 500??? Who?s that car?
Yet I hadda agree with ?Aunty H after sitting down Justin-time, get IT? For an overly LONG Preamble, as Harriet kept asking when?s the race gonna start? Before attempting to read her newspaper and then promptly falling asleep just ?My-nutes before the green flag finally flew... As I was happy to see Justin Bell get some Facetime whilst I couldn?t help but chuckle over Mikey ?Aw Shucks!? Waltrip?s interview; claiming he just folded his legs in half to get behind the wheel of his Ferrari 458 Italia GA racer; Yuck-yuck-yuck... Although for GAWD?s sake Mikey, LOOSE the ?RASSCAR sales pitch lingo will Yuhs! Hmm? May be they should replace that 56yr old ?doctor? whose in better shape then his 26 & 24 year old sons with Mikey eyes cans SELL anything instead, eh? Hee-hee-hee... As apparently testosterone boostin? has become the new Viagra?
Thus, I mostly sat ?N listened in the big white easy chair with a ?FURR-rocious lap ?Hoond named Molly expertly positioned to take up my entire lap and keep her rival Pixie from absconding any real estate; YIKES! You?re probably sayin? what about the race, I thought this was a FREAKIN? Racing ?BLOB (blog) right? Hoohah! As this was before I moved another chair just scant feet from le Telescreen, closed the shades and rejoiced in being? able to actually make out the shapes of the racecars onscreen - especially the Porsches with there classical 911 silhouettes, albeit I couldn?t make out any car numbers, etc. Before ?aunty woke up and said is it over yet? Who?s that car? Blah-blah-blah, as it seemed nothing really happened during the opening hour-plus stint I watched until getting up for a semi-late lunch, before we went upon our really B-I-G adventure of grocery shopping... Although I thought I?d heard Leigh Diffey say that the No. 41 had been involved in a crash and spin before leaving.
And thanxs solely to Tacoma Bureau chief Mary Ellen, who inquired Sunday morning, do you wanna watch some of the Daytona 24-hours race? I got to watch far more of the race live then I?d expected; as I?ve currently got 7+ hours ?O Memorex awating my perusal this week - as I still don?t think the No. 60 was leading yet when I took up station in front of thee ?Telie, as it appeared to now be a three horse race between the two ?Feurds of Starworks lead ship No. 8 piloted then by Ryan ?Razzle Dazzle? Dalziel and MSR?s lead gun - the No. 60 with Ozz Negri Jr. driving vs. that always at the forefront No. 01 ?Cheepster-mobile with Scott Pruett at the keyboard, whilst it sounded like a raspy Booby Ruble in the commentator booth? As the senor Rahal waxed on eloquently - even musing the same story that co-driver Brian Redman had waxed-on ?bout the day prior...
And then the calm was shattered by ?Aunty?s awakening, whom after breakfast saw the 92-years ?young? Harriet standing in-front of the ringing telephone with her walker guarding it ferociously like Roberto Luongo of the Vancouver ?KuhNucks YELLING is anybody gonna answer the phone - imploring Mwah to attempt scoring a goal via the five-hole whilst I sat transfixed to the race...
Oh? Is there a race today? Who?s that car? Where?s it at? Oh? The Daytona 500? And So-on and So-on, as hence, from thereon until the chequered flag flew I mostly listen too thee Donnybrook brewing over who?d win ?Somme-Oh-Dem Rolex wrist-pieces... Although I got a good chuckle over the in-car radio transcript SPEED played of the Starworks crew telling Alan thee Scottish Terrier McNish it?s ?WallDinger? in the car so just keep applying pressure - HE WILL CRACK! Before switching to Pitlane where Ozz Negri was asked what he thought ?bout ?Dat? To which Ozz coolly replied AJ?s our Ace of Spades...
Then apparently the gloves came off as Allmendinger practiced his ?Boyz Have at IT?? Rasscarland Racin? is Rubbin? with McNish - whilst Diffey?s voice went up an octave over the beatin ?N bangin? a la Mike ?Yippee-Aye-Eh? King...
And with two laps to go and AJ leading the race, I pronounced out loud to myself that I?d NO longer call ?em WallDinger, a tag AJ had earned during his Champ Car Dazes I believe... As it was absolutely FANTASTIC to watch Allmendinger cross the line victoriously, giving the well deserving Mike Shank his first Rolex24 victory as a Team Owner - along with the most deserving Justin Wilson, Ozz Negri and Jonathan Pew! As I cannot really sum it up any better then that evening?s celebratory interview AJ & Justin shared with duh Freaks...
Speed Freaks: Justin Wilson & A.J. Allmendinger interview
And adding to Mike Shanks joy after nine years of trying to win the Daytona 24-hours was the fact that his other mount, the No. 6 ?Junior Mint? car with thee ?Yak, aka Gustavo Yacaman and Jorge Goncalvez from Indy Lights with Leigh O?Gorman?s? Boy Felipe Nasr and the OLD man of the quartet Michael ?Double Zero? McDowell completed a Ford clean sweep of the podium, with the Starworks Boyz being the filling in Michael Shank Racing sandwich... As it was Ford?s first win at the Rolex in 13-years...
Meanwhile my GT choices faired to resemble any sorta DP predictions as the Team Seattle No. 41 Mazda RX8 did indeed get PUNTED by a Porsche and after lengthy repairs soldiered home 27th in class. While I have NO idea what happened to my second choice, the No. 22 Porsche? And apparently the No. 62 done BLOWN UP! As Porsche swept the GT podium with the apparent Aero Brick No. 57 Camaro of Stevenson Motorsports and drivers Ronnie ?Sonny?s BBQ? Bremmer, John Edwards and Robin Liddell ?Best-of-thee-Rest in fourth place in the GT category...
GT: Dempsey Racing - Rolex 24 Race Report
Earnhardt Jr. on pole for Daytona 500
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s pole for Saturday night’s Budweiser Shootout may have just been credited to the luck of a draw, but he hit Daytona International Speedway on Sunday and turned in the fastest lap in Daytona 500 qualifying to claim his first pole at Daytona in a points-paying race.
“Obviously, it gives you good ideas that [...]
“Obviously, it gives you good ideas that [...]
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Women on Wheels: Meet Lynda!
This year?s Red Bull Indianapolis GP will take the time to recognize women motorcycle riders. Many events have been organized throughout the race weekend that are just for women. Some selected lady riders have been kind enough to share their riding stories with us. They come from different riding groups and [...]
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.”
Monday, February 13, 2012
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
Balderdash?
So, if the Weathermen were correct... Cymbal crash please! As what?s that saying ?bout the Weather-people being correct 50% of the time, eh? Thus, on Wednesday, there were early predictions of rain turning to SNOW forecasted for Sunday, which then was pushed forward to Saturday afternoon instead - when those upstart San Francisco 49ers were en route to defeating the Nawlin?s Saints Pre-Souper Dooper bowl XL VI...
Which if Y?all aren?t familiar with, when it snows in Seattle, we become not only Sleepless; BUTT! Totally unable to drive in the white stuff, i.e.; SNOW; as our city comes to a virtual standstill; CRIKEYS! As after all, how can you expect Ye Mayor ?McSchwinn? to ride his bicycle in the snow, right?
And although the buses are theoretically safer due to their metal canopies; they certainly DON?T slide nearly as well as sleds or toboggans! As I inadvertently titled my riveting weather story Snow-Muh-Getton; Hya!
Thus, what better way for me to craftily weave my long neglected Swedish Speed Merchants stories into my ?lil ?BLOB? thingy - according to the great ?Aunty Harriet, eh?
Since while being ?Snowed IN? for ?Juan-week, I flashed back to my most amusing adventure of going to Sweden for the very first time, when some ?lil Volcano activity made life exhilarating for thousands of Air travelers! And since it was even cold when I went there in May, therefore this just re-enforced my typical thoughts towards Sweden; as in gobs ?O white stuff, i.e.; snow, snow and more snow: Ya Sure Yuh Betcha!
Not to mention ?Proper? World Rally Cars pinballin? therez ways off of endless Snow banks while induced in ?Mega four wheel drifts... Of which I?ll be most interested to read about how Nasser Al-Attiyah does this weekend in the Swedish Rally, his debutant WRC outing - which seems pretty amusing since I DON?T think they ever get SNOW in Qatar, eh?
So there?s the set-up; Err wind-up and here?s duh pitch... Or is that Snowball, eh? As let it SNOW in Sweden - but NOT in Seattle; Hya! As I?d better go play in the snow before it melts; since Seattle just recorded its WARMEST day of the year with an unseasonably balmy 58deg-f on Feb 4th; Oh-Oh, I?M MELTING...
NOTEThis riveting story about Seattle?s Snow Blindness was obviously scribbled before your humble No Fenders scribe read about the sub ZERO Arctic weather currently causing havoc, death & mayhem in Russia and Europe...
Which if Y?all aren?t familiar with, when it snows in Seattle, we become not only Sleepless; BUTT! Totally unable to drive in the white stuff, i.e.; SNOW; as our city comes to a virtual standstill; CRIKEYS! As after all, how can you expect Ye Mayor ?McSchwinn? to ride his bicycle in the snow, right?
And although the buses are theoretically safer due to their metal canopies; they certainly DON?T slide nearly as well as sleds or toboggans! As I inadvertently titled my riveting weather story Snow-Muh-Getton; Hya!
Thus, what better way for me to craftily weave my long neglected Swedish Speed Merchants stories into my ?lil ?BLOB? thingy - according to the great ?Aunty Harriet, eh?
Since while being ?Snowed IN? for ?Juan-week, I flashed back to my most amusing adventure of going to Sweden for the very first time, when some ?lil Volcano activity made life exhilarating for thousands of Air travelers! And since it was even cold when I went there in May, therefore this just re-enforced my typical thoughts towards Sweden; as in gobs ?O white stuff, i.e.; snow, snow and more snow: Ya Sure Yuh Betcha!
Not to mention ?Proper? World Rally Cars pinballin? therez ways off of endless Snow banks while induced in ?Mega four wheel drifts... Of which I?ll be most interested to read about how Nasser Al-Attiyah does this weekend in the Swedish Rally, his debutant WRC outing - which seems pretty amusing since I DON?T think they ever get SNOW in Qatar, eh?
So there?s the set-up; Err wind-up and here?s duh pitch... Or is that Snowball, eh? As let it SNOW in Sweden - but NOT in Seattle; Hya! As I?d better go play in the snow before it melts; since Seattle just recorded its WARMEST day of the year with an unseasonably balmy 58deg-f on Feb 4th; Oh-Oh, I?M MELTING...
NOTEThis riveting story about Seattle?s Snow Blindness was obviously scribbled before your humble No Fenders scribe read about the sub ZERO Arctic weather currently causing havoc, death & mayhem in Russia and Europe...
Sunday, February 12, 2012
INDYCAR: Schmidt, Hamilton Working On Partnership
SPEED.com has learned that Davey Hamilton and Sam Schmidt are close to expanding the SSM operation from one car to two this season.
HRT confirms Karthikeyan, leaving Barrichello without any F1 seats now...
On the heels of Rubens Barrichello successful and enjoyable two-plus day test with KV Racing Technology at Sebring aboard its new Dallara-Chevrolet IndyCar, alongside his good friend, ?brother? and fellow countryman ?TK ?follow-your-Schnoz? Kanaan; the ageless ?Rubino?s debutant outing in such machinery - comes word that Hispania F1 has confirmed Narain Karthikeyan, dubiously dubbed thee ?Speediest Indian by Dr. Colin Kolles; NOT our bee ?Luv-ed No. 90 Seahawks player Colin Cole; Hya! Which see?s Karthikeyan taking HRT F1?s second seat, also the final open race seat for the 2012 Formula 1 season - which means it appears the doors have firmly closed upon Barrichello?s Grand Prix career.
Thus, with this announcement, I for ?Juan certainly hope that ?Rubino will indeed decide to come stateside and take up residency aboard the No. 5 KVRT IndyCar mount!
And with Narain?s signing, apparently the Spanish team will pay off Vitantonio Liuzzi, who is reportedly under contract for 2012, who I guess is now looking for either a Reserve Driver role, although I still think he?d be a good fit at Caterham, or perhaps rejoining his ex-boss in Sports Cars?
Meanwhile, the esteemed Dentist; Err, Dr. Colin Kolles has turned his attentions to Sports Car racing with his new venture Kolles?s Kodewa just having been named the Lotus ?Works? LMP2 effort for 2012 and will campaign a Lola coupe with ?Lotus-by-Judd? power in the now overly used black & gold livery? Hmm? Perhaps ?Tonio ?N Jerome d'Ambrosio could be its pilots when not busy flogging virtual miles in simulators, eh?
Thus, with this announcement, I for ?Juan certainly hope that ?Rubino will indeed decide to come stateside and take up residency aboard the No. 5 KVRT IndyCar mount!
And with Narain?s signing, apparently the Spanish team will pay off Vitantonio Liuzzi, who is reportedly under contract for 2012, who I guess is now looking for either a Reserve Driver role, although I still think he?d be a good fit at Caterham, or perhaps rejoining his ex-boss in Sports Cars?
Meanwhile, the esteemed Dentist; Err, Dr. Colin Kolles has turned his attentions to Sports Car racing with his new venture Kolles?s Kodewa just having been named the Lotus ?Works? LMP2 effort for 2012 and will campaign a Lola coupe with ?Lotus-by-Judd? power in the now overly used black & gold livery? Hmm? Perhaps ?Tonio ?N Jerome d'Ambrosio could be its pilots when not busy flogging virtual miles in simulators, eh?
Saturday, February 11, 2012
F1: 2012 Winter ?Olympics set to Begin
McLaren MP4/27 under wraps at Woking; source: joesaward.wordpress.com
It seems somewhat disturbing that the only place I could actually find the 2012 Formula 1 Winter Testing dates & places was from the Hindustan Times of India... As why is F1 making it harder ?N harder to get info for those of us who despise TWIT-ER ?N Facebook, eh? But I digress...
As this year, there will only be three Pre-season winter tests vs. the traditional four, with the fourth test session being moved to an In-season test in hopes to make up for the abysmal lack of testing allowed currently - although I have NO idea when that date will be either... And that?s before I even begin ?Wingeing on ?bout how difficult I?m finding it to sluice out all of the F1 Constructors Car Launches - which is starting to feel like trying to pull teeth; aye Karumba! While my favourite quip was ?Somme-thun ?bout getting an UGLY STICK out for the 2012 F1 cars...
First testDate: February 7-10Venue: Circuito de Jerez; 13-turn, 4.428km(Clockwise)
Second testDate: February 21-24Venue: Circuit de Catalunya; 16-turn, 4.655km(Clockwise)
Third testDate: March 1-4Venue: Circuit de Catalunya
It seems somewhat disturbing that the only place I could actually find the 2012 Formula 1 Winter Testing dates & places was from the Hindustan Times of India... As why is F1 making it harder ?N harder to get info for those of us who despise TWIT-ER ?N Facebook, eh? But I digress...
As this year, there will only be three Pre-season winter tests vs. the traditional four, with the fourth test session being moved to an In-season test in hopes to make up for the abysmal lack of testing allowed currently - although I have NO idea when that date will be either... And that?s before I even begin ?Wingeing on ?bout how difficult I?m finding it to sluice out all of the F1 Constructors Car Launches - which is starting to feel like trying to pull teeth; aye Karumba! While my favourite quip was ?Somme-thun ?bout getting an UGLY STICK out for the 2012 F1 cars...
First testDate: February 7-10Venue: Circuito de Jerez; 13-turn, 4.428km(Clockwise)
Second testDate: February 21-24Venue: Circuit de Catalunya; 16-turn, 4.655km(Clockwise)
Third testDate: March 1-4Venue: Circuit de Catalunya
Tony Stewart is a Throwback to a Better NASCAR
There have been an incredible amount of changes over the past decade in NASCAR betting as the sport has abandoned its roots and much of what made it great and unique as it has instead sold its soul in the attempt to go ?mainstream.? But there is one element of NASCAR today that [...]
Friday, February 10, 2012
Super Girl An open too fast and racing experience Cry Qi nearly distress
20, “Automotive and Sports” magazine, near the airport in Beijing held a “F3 car will be a new experience.” Super Girl organizers invited the new division champion, to race through signing day concurrent film entertainment media to experience the safety and Qi. According to organizers, the reason why they Qi An invitation to experience the [...]
Thursday, February 9, 2012
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 [...]
Sprint Cup Series Driver Joey Logano To Make Fund Raiser Appearance Sunday In Wallingford
Sprint Cup Series driver and Middletown native Joey Logano will be appearing Saturday at On Track Karting in Wallingford as part of a fund raiser for the Silver City Quarter Midget Club of Meriden.
The 21-year old Logano, who is readying for his fourth full-time series in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, got his start in competitive racing competing with the club.
Special events will take place at the On Track Karting facility from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The festivities Sunday will include an autograph signing period with Logano, a celebrity race and a silent auction.
The 21-year old Logano, who is readying for his fourth full-time series in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, got his start in competitive racing competing with the club.
Special events will take place at the On Track Karting facility from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The festivities Sunday will include an autograph signing period with Logano, a celebrity race and a silent auction.
ROLEX 24: Three Amigos out of this year?s race...
Just saw the news that ?TK ?Follow-your-Schnoz? Kanaan, EJ ?What Me, Worry?? Viso and Bully Boy Ryan Hunter-Reay will not be taking part in this year?s Rolex 24 at Daytona aboard the No. 2 Starworks Riley-Ford DP due to their sponsor backing out at the last moment... As Kanaan was looking forward to making his Rolex 24 debut this weekend; so better luck next year ?TK!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Greg Zipadelli To Host Annual Charity Snowmobile Ride This Weekend
Berlin native and Sprint Cup Series championship winning crew chief Greg Zipadelli will host the sixth Zippy's Crusade for Kids Charity Snowmobile Ride Friday and Saturday at the Ole Barn in Inlet, N.Y.
The event raises funds for numerous charitable organizations.
Zipadelli, the competition director for Stewart-Haas Racing, will take part in the ride, along with his boss and reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart.
A number of other well known members of the Stewart-Haas Racing team as well as personalities from all the NASCAR ranks. will take part in the event.
The event raises funds for numerous charitable organizations.
Zipadelli, the competition director for Stewart-Haas Racing, will take part in the ride, along with his boss and reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart.
A number of other well known members of the Stewart-Haas Racing team as well as personalities from all the NASCAR ranks. will take part in the event.
Wrecks ? and effects
Accidents to be expected, but keeping cars stuck to track of utmost importance
Leave it to Ryan Newma to cut to the core of the issue.
Always quick to remind everyone that he earned an engineering degree (Vehicle Structure Engineering, to be precise) from Purdue University, Newman sometimes has a way of talking down to questioners. He [...]
Leave it to Ryan Newma to cut to the core of the issue.
Always quick to remind everyone that he earned an engineering degree (Vehicle Structure Engineering, to be precise) from Purdue University, Newman sometimes has a way of talking down to questioners. He [...]
Another No. 3 heads to Goodwood
For the second-consecutive year, a No. 3 driven by the late Dale Earnhardt will be a part of the festivities at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Earnhardt’s daughter Taylor drove the famed No. 3 in the festival last year. This year, the car Earnhardt raced to his 1995 Brickyard 400 win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway [...]
NASCAR Notebook: Johnson ?qualified? to win
Four-time and defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson has cameras follow his every move in the garage during practice Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla. for Sunday's Ford 400. Johnson qualified sixth, well ahead of Kevin Harvick (28th) and Denny Hamlin (37th). (Photo: Getty Images)
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – For the two contenders seeking to deprive Jimmie Johnson of a fifth straight Sprint Cup championship, qualifying was no cause for celebration.
Johnson qualified sixth at176.482 mph. It was a nice solid run, leaving him well situated for the start of Sunday’s Ford 400.
Kevin Harvick qualified 28th, which wasn’t that unusual. Denny Hamlin qualified 37th, which was. Hamlin’s previous low in qualifying was 34th at Auto Club Speedway on Oct. 8. On the positive side, Hamlin did manage to salvage top-10 finishes in each of his previous qualifying performances that were 30th or worse, and he won after starting 30th just two weeks ago at Texas Motor Speedway.
A poor qualifying performance is also a poor predictor of race-day success, but starting deep in the field adds a certain amount of pressure to an already overheated championship battle.
Johnson held a press conference before qualifying, but what he said seemed pertinent: “I slept great. I don’t know if Denny (Hamlin) did, but I know I did.”
Hamlin’s response? “I feel the same as I do every week. No, I’m never uptight.”
* * *
SPEECHLESS--If Foster Gillett meant to quiet rumors regarding the future of Richard Petty Motorsports, this wasn’t the way to do it.
Gillett, whose father George is the official owner of the team that carries the seven-time champion’s name, was at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday. His presence spread quickly, but he refused to responded to any questions posed by media members.
Rumors have the team going out of business, going out of business temporarily while other investors are acquired and being sunk by the reputed mountain of indebtedness faced by the Gillett family.
Foster Gillett’s presence reportedly did nothing to allay fears among team members that their jobs are endangered.
* * *
STEWART’S TAKE-- Tony Stewart is the only driver who has won championships under both the “season-long” and current “Chase” format. Long relegated to the nether regions of the Chase field, Stewart offered his analysis of the three-way battle for the title.
“I think they’re all playing mind games with each other,” he said. “You don’t get this far in the season and be in this position by racing guys dirty. I don’t see it coming down to the last race with guys racing each other dirty.”
* * *
TITLE MAY GO THROUGH HIM--As expected, Carl Edwards established himself as a contender to win the race. He ended a 70-race winless streak last week at Phoenix and qualified second. Edwards won this race in 2008 and has finished eighth or better in five straight races at Homestead.
Referring to Hamlin, Johnson and Harvick, Edwards said, “They’re all going to be aggressive. That’s the way it’s going to be, no matter what they say. That’s how they got in the position they’re in, and now it’s going to be a great race for everyone to watch.
“I hope I’m watching the whole thing in my rear-view mirror, though.”
Fast To The Front: 18-Year Old Whelen Modified Tour Crew Chief Brian Ross Gets First Win In Second Race On The Job
On Oct. 2 at Stafford Motor Speedway Brian Ross served for the first time as a NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour crew chief during the CarQuest Fall Final 150.
In his next event as a crew chief the 18-year old from Southington celebrated in victory lane.
When Glen Reen pulled into victory lane Sunday at Thompson International Speedway following the Whelen Modified Tour season ending World Series of Speedway Racing 150, it proved to be one of the most stunning upsets in recent history in the division.
In his next event as a crew chief the 18-year old from Southington celebrated in victory lane.
When Glen Reen pulled into victory lane Sunday at Thompson International Speedway following the Whelen Modified Tour season ending World Series of Speedway Racing 150, it proved to be one of the most stunning upsets in recent history in the division.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
TV Alert: 12 Hours of Sebring Recap on ABC
In case you didn't spend 12 hours sitting in front of the laptop watching the ESPN3 stream-cast of the 12 hours of Sebring, you can catch a 90 minute recap of the race today on ABC. Since this is not a live broadcast, it is uncertain about what ...
Woody Pitkat Fills Out Busy 2012 Schedule With New NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Ride
As usual, Woody Pitkat will be a busy racer in 2012, and that business will include a return to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
Pitkat, of Stafford, has finalized a deal to compete on the Whelen Modified Tour this season for car owner John Lukosavage.
"At this point it's nice to have anything, even if it's five races," Pitkat said. "You're talking about the guy that won the Tour championship two years ago [Bobby Santos III] doesn't even know if he has a ride this year. For me to even have this car for five races I would be ecstatic."
Pitkat, of Stafford, has finalized a deal to compete on the Whelen Modified Tour this season for car owner John Lukosavage.
"At this point it's nice to have anything, even if it's five races," Pitkat said. "You're talking about the guy that won the Tour championship two years ago [Bobby Santos III] doesn't even know if he has a ride this year. For me to even have this car for five races I would be ecstatic."
Mystic Missile Mystery? Bob Garbarino Unsure Of Racing Plans This Year On NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour
Bob Garbarino has won three NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championships as a team owner over the last five years.
With a little less than three months to go before the start of the 2012 Whelen Modified Tour season, Garbarino isn't sure if he'll be gunning for his third title in six years this year with his Mystic Missile racing team.
"I'm kind of in neutral right now," Garbarino said. "I don't have any real plan put together yet. I'm hoping to have a plan put together, but I don't right now."
With a little less than three months to go before the start of the 2012 Whelen Modified Tour season, Garbarino isn't sure if he'll be gunning for his third title in six years this year with his Mystic Missile racing team.
"I'm kind of in neutral right now," Garbarino said. "I don't have any real plan put together yet. I'm hoping to have a plan put together, but I don't right now."
Monday, February 6, 2012
The state of the art is messy
Jeff Burton wrecked at ‘Dega, and he wrecked again at Texas … (photo: Getty Images)
AVONDALE, Ariz. – Have at it, boys. Those words, spoken back in January by NASCAR’s Robin Pemberton, might as well have been the slogan of the season.
Oh, by the way, remember the Maine, the Alamo and Joe Hill, too.
Once, when I was in high school, our team paid a visit to a conference rival we’d beaten 62-0 the year before. That school normally wore orange, but when we trotted out on the field for warm-up, we immediately noticed the other team was wearing red and white T-shirts, matching our school colors. The T-shirts read:
WE REMEMBER! 62-0!
We remembered, too. We won, 34-6, and there weren’t any T-shirts the next year.
While pro football implements rules that limit the capacity of overgrown physical specimens to, uh, play football, NASCAR tumbles into old-fashioned laissez-faire.
If a driver doesn’t like the way another driver is racing him, he can just duke it out, by gosh. Unlike a beanball in baseball, NASCAR doesn’t eject or issue warnings, anything like that.
Have at it, boys. The three R’s are rubbin’, retaliatin’, and wreckin’.
The august ruling body must, of course, prevent an outbreak of anarchy. It can’t have these cocky, rich whippersnappers just rioting in the streets (uh, tracks). They can be scrapping among themselves all they want, but don’t be “sassing” a NASCAR official. Kyle Busch didn’t need words to “sass,” but he would have been no better off had he launched into a profanity-laced diatribe.
One reason modern racers can “have at it” is that they have few limitations.
In the old days, when a driver wrecked a car, he had to fix it, and if he didn’t fix it, he paid to have it fixed. Nowadays that’s the domain of millionaire owners with accompanying millions from sponsors. Now a dozen cars, just like the wrecked one used to be, sit back at the shop. They’ll send a transporter to pick another one up, if need be.
More than 20 years ago, Darrell Waltrip was kidding when he suggested that a car owner’s advice to a driver was, “If you can’t win the race, at least tear up the car.”
That’s no longer a joke. That’s the state of the art now.
4th Annual Fifth Avenue Auto Showcase
The 4th Annual Fifth Avenue Auto Showcase is a free to view event that car enthusiasts will really enjoy, showcasing high-performance vehicles, from classics to modern luxury automobiles. This car show combines history with the latest technology.
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Sunday, February 5, 2012
Ted Christopher Readies For Usual Aggressive Schedule Of Racing In 2012
Age is doing nothing to slow down to Ted Christopher when it comes to setting his schedule of competition in racing.
The 53-year old Christopher will set forth once again with an aggressive schedule that will see him run full-time on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour while also possibly chasing another NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national short track title.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Christopher said his Ed Whelan owned Whelen Modified Tour team is ready to return to full-time competition in the series this year.
The team split briefly last year mid-season but came back together to finish 2011 strong. Christopher finished ninth in the Modified Tour standings last year, despite missing two events.
The 53-year old Christopher will set forth once again with an aggressive schedule that will see him run full-time on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour while also possibly chasing another NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national short track title.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Christopher said his Ed Whelan owned Whelen Modified Tour team is ready to return to full-time competition in the series this year.
The team split briefly last year mid-season but came back together to finish 2011 strong. Christopher finished ninth in the Modified Tour standings last year, despite missing two events.
Ted Christopher Readies For Usual Aggressive Schedule Of Racing In 2012
Age is doing nothing to slow down to Ted Christopher when it comes to setting his schedule of competition in racing.
The 53-year old Christopher will set forth once again with an aggressive schedule that will see him run full-time on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour while also possibly chasing another NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national short track title.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Christopher said his Ed Whelan owned Whelen Modified Tour team is ready to return to full-time competition in the series this year.
The team split briefly last year mid-season but came back together to finish 2011 strong. Christopher finished ninth in the Modified Tour standings last year, despite missing two events.
The 53-year old Christopher will set forth once again with an aggressive schedule that will see him run full-time on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour while also possibly chasing another NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national short track title.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Christopher said his Ed Whelan owned Whelen Modified Tour team is ready to return to full-time competition in the series this year.
The team split briefly last year mid-season but came back together to finish 2011 strong. Christopher finished ninth in the Modified Tour standings last year, despite missing two events.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Sprint Cup Series Driver Joey Logano To Make Fund Raiser Appearance Sunday In Wallingford
Sprint Cup Series driver and Middletown native Joey Logano will be appearing Saturday at On Track Karting in Wallingford as part of a fund raiser for the Silver City Quarter Midget Club of Meriden.
The 21-year old Logano, who is readying for his fourth full-time series in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, got his start in competitive racing competing with the club.
Special events will take place at the On Track Karting facility from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The festivities Sunday will include an autograph signing period with Logano, a celebrity race and a silent auction.
The 21-year old Logano, who is readying for his fourth full-time series in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for Joe Gibbs Racing, got his start in competitive racing competing with the club.
Special events will take place at the On Track Karting facility from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The festivities Sunday will include an autograph signing period with Logano, a celebrity race and a silent auction.
SFHR New Speedway Headquarters in the Pipeline
With this year's NASCAR racing season at an end, the auto racing industry will be looking forward to 2012, and making plans to promote this exciting sport despite the gloomy outlook for the U.S. economy. The recent ceremonial ground-breaking for the new Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing headquarters to be built on Speedway's main street, can be seen as a vote of confidence that auto racing will maintain its place as one of the country's most popular sports.
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Daytona 500
The popular Daytona 500 will see 43 NASCAR drivers competing in this highly prestigious event. A highlight this year will be the US Air Force's Thunderbirds performing a thrilling fly-over. The race is heald annually anc covers a distance of 500 miles, consisting of 200 laps.
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NASCAR Advocates Return to Pack Racing
Two-car tandem racing has become a feature at Daytona and Talladega, with drivers working together to gain the highest speed possible around the track. In this two-car collaboration the trailing driver pushes the lead car around the track.
Related posts:NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests 2010Ryan Newman Wins the Daytona 500Tayler Malsam Gets Ready To Hit NASCAR
Related posts:NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests 2010Ryan Newman Wins the Daytona 500Tayler Malsam Gets Ready To Hit NASCAR
Friday, February 3, 2012
Bruton Smith on prize money in NASCAR, says Bristol probably not a sellout
Bruton Smith weighed in on how NASCAR is parsing out price money in a story from NASCAR.com:
"I would like to take half of the money from the points fund and give it to the winners of the races. I'd like to see a $300,000 to $400,000 difference between ...
"I would like to take half of the money from the points fund and give it to the winners of the races. I'd like to see a $300,000 to $400,000 difference between ...
Ogier said the King of Kings Challenge, only F1 driver Schumacher into the first 4
NEW YORK, Dec. 5 report: The annual King of Kings Challenge race in Dusseldorf, Germany came to an end, in the personal group areas, WRC driver Ogier beatChrisTeng Sen kings. King of Kings this year’s Challenge race held in Germany in Saturday’s team event, the pair Schumacher and Vettel once again the defending champion, came [...]
Thursday, February 2, 2012
When the NFL collides with Indy Cars
I first heard ?bout this on last week?s Trackside with Kevin & Cavin, when Kevin Lee mentioned how he?d just driven down Main Street in Speedway, Indiana for the first time in awhile and was pleasantly surprised to see a bevy ?O specially prepared Dallara racing cars adorned in National Football League liveries? PEAK-in thru the front windows of the newly completed Dallara Automobili building - the anchor tenant of the Speedway redevelopment project.
Thus, mentioning this to Dave; Dave?s NOT here! Err, ?Offical No Fenders Photographer ?CARPETS... He was kind enough to drop by the Dallara building ?N check IT out for Mwah... As these Series I-II (2003-09+) Dallara Racecars will be utilized during the upcoming Superbowl XL VI in Indianapolis, with one car apiece specially ?wrapped? in each cities respective National Football League Franchise?s colours, with one extra chassis representing this year?s Superbowl...
Super Cars Race into Indy for the Big Game
And if you?re in Indy either before, during or after? The Superbowl and are curious what all?s going on then you may wish to click here for more info regarding Superbowl XL VI.
Hmm? 32 NFL Franchises + 1-Superbowl Car = 33 Fire-breathin?, Ethanol belchin? Dallara Indy Cars! Uhm, thee Indy 500, Speedway, Brickyard, Rows of Three; co-inky-ence?
Kudos to 'CARPETS for ALL of the Pictures...
Thus, mentioning this to Dave; Dave?s NOT here! Err, ?Offical No Fenders Photographer ?CARPETS... He was kind enough to drop by the Dallara building ?N check IT out for Mwah... As these Series I-II (2003-09+) Dallara Racecars will be utilized during the upcoming Superbowl XL VI in Indianapolis, with one car apiece specially ?wrapped? in each cities respective National Football League Franchise?s colours, with one extra chassis representing this year?s Superbowl...
Super Cars Race into Indy for the Big Game
And if you?re in Indy either before, during or after? The Superbowl and are curious what all?s going on then you may wish to click here for more info regarding Superbowl XL VI.
Hmm? 32 NFL Franchises + 1-Superbowl Car = 33 Fire-breathin?, Ethanol belchin? Dallara Indy Cars! Uhm, thee Indy 500, Speedway, Brickyard, Rows of Three; co-inky-ence?
Kudos to 'CARPETS for ALL of the Pictures...
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