IndyCar – Wheldon Signs at Panther

The last 2 weeks have been an absolute drought when it comes to IndyCar information. The only thing we have had to talk about was the press release that the IRL accidentally leaked on their website and quickly took down claiming that Brazilians hacked their website. (Look for a Rio announcement on Friday by the way. That cat is well and truly out of the bag.) But today Panther put an end to that by announcing that Dan Wheldon has been signed for the 2010 season. This also ended speculation…

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F1 – Defend Spa via Petition

As I have detailed on the podcast, my own personal quad-fecta of F1 tracks is Spa, Suzuka, Melbourne & Montreal. Unfortunately all of them have been under assault from FOM over the last few years with Spa, Suzuka and Montreal all going missing at times. But FOM isn’t at the heart of the noise complaints that temporarily shut down Spa this year after its GP. Spa-Francorchamps lost their operating license due to a decision by the local Council of States decision to suspend it until 2026. This was due to…

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F1 – Bernie’s Epic Fail

The British GP is in jeopardy for next year due to the schemes hatched by F1’s very own dottering old man. This saga has taken a few twists and turns over the last year, but we will do our best to lay out the process that started with Bernie’s displeasure with Silverstone and ends with Bernie making the statement earlier this week: “The contract they have is the contract we like. We are not prepared to charge less. Do we need a British Grand Prix? No. I want a British…

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Rally – Day 1 of GB!

So it all comes down to this. One point separates the two title contenders and we are at the season finale, Rally Great Britain. Day 1 was everything I was hoping for and then some. The battle to this point is so intense its conclusion may lead to the destruction of planet earth! Sebastian Loeb currently leads day 1 of the rally by a very slim 5.3 seconds. Loeb began the day by winning the opening three stages with Hirvonen performing poorly. The stages were a nice gravel/mud mix with…

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F1 – Button/McLaren Picking up Steam

2009 has seen Jenson Button and Brawn GP rise from the ashes of Honda to claim both championships and impress the critics who it couldn’t happen. However, according to Motorsport.com, this match made in heaven may be over after only one year. Recent reports of a rift in the championship camp, and Martin Whitmarsh adding fuel to the fire may see the champ in at McLaren with fellow Brit Lewis Hamilton for an all British lineup. While this rumor has been out and about, only recently have comments from Martin…

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Episode 12.1 – Open Paddock Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadPlease join me as I welcome our resident rally champion to the show! John Cassidy, driver and owner for Last Ditch Racing. John and his team have captured the last three east regional championships including the 2009 crown. Tune in as we discuss the future of Rally America as well as John helps with questions regarding a certain Rally America driver that could be going to Europe. All this and a Great Britain preview as well. A special thanks to John and all the…

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IndyCar – IRL to Sanction a Revived F2000

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding many things involving the Indy Racing League (title sponsor, Brazil race, new engine/chassis specs), one more iron is added to the fire: F2000. The Indy Racing League has recently signed an agreement to be the sanctioning body for the U.S. F2000 National Championship. This is certainly an interesting move, and an uplifting one in some respects. If successful, the new F2000 series could provide a solid ladder sequence for young drivers to make their way to Indianapolis. Last year, the IRL supported the Snap-On Stars of…

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