F1 Soap Box – Car Launch Edition
Caterham Launch Caterham is the only team so far to unveil their 2012 challenger. They appear to be taking some design cues from Red Bull with their engine cowling, which isn’t too unexpected since RBR were indomitable last year and since Caterham is using RBR’s KERS system and gearbox. What immediately stands out is Caterham’s solution to the FIA’s new regulations on the nose. First, the nose had to be higher this year, also there are regulations... [Read More...]
F1 Soap Box – Everybody Loves the 2013 Engines…. Right?
Jean Todt’s FIA has been getting pushback from some of the teams and the current commercial rights holder regarding the plan to introduce 1.6L 4-cylinder power plants in F1 for 2013. Bernie Ecclestone has made claims that the unique noise generated by the current V8 is one of the prime things that keep people coming back for more, while Ferrari has taken every opportunity to indicate that 4-cylinder engines do not fit F1 or Ferrari’s... [Read More...]
F1 Soap Box – Changing the Goalposts
The world of F1 has an interesting argument brewing. The FIA is reinterpreting their rulebook and is now in the process of banning some of the exotic engine mapping techniques that the teams are using to gain downforce in the corners. Last year, Red Bull stunned the paddock by venting their engine exhausts directly onto their rear diffuser. In qualifying, they would use a different engine map that would keep engine revs high, even when the driver... [Read More...]
F1 Soap Box – The Gathering Concorde Storm
If you thought the last round of Concorde Agreement talks were wild and wooly, with a threatened breakaway series and posturing galore from FOTA, well aren’t you in for a treat in the coming months. Some strange forces are aligning as we hear more details about the supposed News Corp interest and with Ferrari sounding off about their displeasure with the current state of F1 and the future technical package. The Timeframe and Players The current... [Read More...]
F1 Soap Box – 2012 Venues Under Threat
Bahrain The May 1 deadline imposed by the FIA for Bahrain to reapply for a 2011 race date is upon us. But don’t look for a grand reshuffling of the season finale races to take place to allow Bahrain to slot in around Abu Dhabi. The situation continues to worsen in the tiny kingdom as Saudi troops have been blowing up Shia mosques and similar such things. While it is in Formula One Management’s (FOM) best interests to get this race rescheduled,... [Read More...]
OP-ed – Looking Forward to Sebring 60th Next Year
An OP-ed submitted by Barry Foster, aka “MisterMedia20″, aka “trackside”, detailing plans for next year’s 60th running at Sebring. We can start to look forward to it now and make our 2011 plans accordingly. It may seem like a long time away, but 2012 is actually right around the corner for a number of those preparing to celebrate landmark anniversaries in Sebring. Next year represents the centennial anniversary for... [Read More...]
IndyCar – Track Layout for Edmonton Indy 2011
The IZOD IndyCar Series released the revised track layout for the 2011 Edmonton Indy race. In our Open Paddock exclusive marked up google map image, you can see the new track layout compared with the old track layout. Interesting that you can see the rubber laid down from the past exploits of the Champ Car and IndyCar visits. As you can see, it appears that no additional pavement will need to be laid for the racing circuit. However, the same cannot... [Read More...]
Video – IZOD IndyCar “Brave New World” Commercial Shoot Highlights
Dirt 3 Preview Video – Apparently Gymkhana is Included
INDYCAR – An American Revolution, Rahal and Kimball to Drive for Chip
This morning, Chip Ganassi Racing Teams announced that Graham Rahal and Charlie Kimball would be their drivers in 2011. As has been rumored, this will be a satellite team in addition to Target Chip Ganassi Racing which will continue to field Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon as their drivers. Don Prudhomme’s former NHRA shop out of Brownsburg, Indiana will play host to this newly formed team. Rahal Graham Rahal found himself in utter turmoil... [Read More...]
