Feel free to slot this under “what the hell are they thinking”, but it appears through some reporting out of England that Lotus may be set to go rally. I should say ahead of time that I don’t see this happening whatsoever. The level of involvement Lotus has put forth in GT/Le Mans/INDYCAR makes sense. The British company has a circuit racing pedigree with their tiny and very nimble cars. Taking them off road onto the gravel is a business era of mammoth proportions in my mind. Stick to what…
Read MoreMonth: July 2011
Episode 98 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Shaun and Mike this week as they talk everything motorsport. We recap the German Grand Prix as well as Edmonton. Are we harsh this week like we were with the Toronto show? We also prepare for Rally Finland and the high speed/crest a plenty event as Ford looks to rebound and assert themselves back into the title hunt. As always, sit back and enjoy the show….Episode 99 next week….
Read MoreINDYCAR – $5Million Contenders…So Far
It looks like Randy Bernard has achieved a portion of what he has set out to do with the Las Vegas $5 Million challenge this fall. The aim was to bring in some big names from outside of INDYCAR to compete against the sport’s best for a shot at a big payoff. Travis Pastrana has thrown his name in the hat as has BMW Le Mans ace Joey Hand. So we have a Rally/NASCAR/action sports icon and an ALMS star that has been untouchable thus far in 2011. While the…
Read MoreIndy Hump Day Report: Things get rough in Canada,eh?
BREAKING NEWS: First I would like to inform everyone, A.J. Foyt’s team will be powered by Honda in 2012. So Ganassi and Foyt are the only 2012 Honda teams confirmed. A.J. says he would like a second car for 2012, but there is no deal at this time. Foyt also said he will be officially retired when they “…lower my casket into the grave.” Not sure what A.J. will still have to do for the first few days after the Coroner declares him deceased. But, we know A.J., he may…
Read MoreEpisode 97 – OpenPaddock.net podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Shaun and Doug as they recap this past weekend’s rally action as well as rumors surrounding Subaru and the WRX. Doug has all of the Firestone Indy Lights news from the week as well as a look ahead to Edmonton. We cover Foyt and Honda as well as who else will pick what. As always, sit back and enjoy the show!
Read MoreRally – Subaru to Return?
Rumors and reports have surfaced that show Subaru may be keen to return home in the WRC. The Japanese rally icon has been absent for the last few years after the economic downturn forced many companies to halt motorsport operations to ensure financial security. Subaru was one such brand that chose to withdraw its machine due to what some called financial issues and what others called lack of competitiveness. It is no secret that Subaru looked really really bad towards the end of their time in WRC. However, now it…
Read MoreInside The Helmet – Stefan Rzadzinski
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this episode of Inside the Helmet, we get to know Firestone Indy Lights’ newest addition, Stefan Rzadzinski. Stefan is an Edmonton native currently racing in the Skip Barber Summer Series on a full scholarship resulting from his outstanding performance at the most recent Skip Barber Karting Shootout. He has a one-event deal with Davey Hamilton Racing to run both races this coming weekend in front of his home crowd at the newly reconfigured Edmonton City Centre Airport Circuit.
Read MoreRally – L’Estage Wins New England Forest Rally
From: RallyCar – NEWRY, ME (July 17, 2011) — One of the most spectacular seasons in Rally America Championship history came to an end at the New England Forest Rally with Antoine L’Estage and co-driver Nathalie Richard atop of the NEFR podium for the second consecutive year. The privateer Rockstar Rally Team took the lead from the start and held it for the entire duration of the event, winning eight of the eleven special stages. L’Estage finished 48 seconds ahead of Subaru Rally Team USA driver David Higgins. Higgins and…
Read MoreIndyLights – O2 Racing Technology Appeal Denied
O2 Racing Technology Appeal Denied From uplifting to tragic, we switch gears to talk about the ugly business surrounding the conflict between INDYCAR and the O2 Racing Technology team and its owner and president Mark Olson. Earlier this month, O2RT withdrew from the Milwaukee event after growing concerns over favouritism being showed by the INDYCAR technical inspection officials. Allegations of cheating were leveled against Sam Schmidt Motorsports specifically in regards to their race-winning car at Indianapolis, and at Team Moore’s #22 machine at Barber Motorsports Park. O2 Racing Technology’s driver…
Read MoreIndyLights – Time For a Little Razzle Dazzle
Edmonton native and Skip Barber stand-out, Stefan Rzadzinski (aka “Razzle Dazzle”), gets his opportunity to race in front of his hometown crowd next weekend Edmonton’s City Centre Airport with Davey Hamilton Racing in their #32 Firestone Indy Lights car. Stefan was awarded a full scholarship in the Skip Barber Summer Series based on his performance at the Skip Barber Karting Shootout last Fall and currently sits in third place in the championship at the halfway point in the season, but he’s putting that aside for now, skipping the next Skip…
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