Episode 189 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast
The whole gang preview the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race as Doug gets sauced on Fuzzy’s Vodka, Mr. Shaw goes on a rant about the epic failure of Global Rallycross to deal with a bit of rain, Mr. Patterson finally has Mazda Road to Indy news as we look forward to the Firestone Freedom 100 and the Night Before the 500, and Mr. Whitesell and Mr. Neely preview the Monaco Grand Prix. Podcast: Play in new window | Download Show Notes for Episode... [Read More...]
World’s First? – Gravel Spec GT86 to Compete in Nameless Performance Rally
The rally world has been moving towards compact and fuel efficient 2wd cars in the last few years. This makes the sport more affordable for teams and are more relevant to what the manufacturers are selling. A good example would be the Ford Fiesta ST. As good as these cars are, many fans have said that this new era has taken away some of the “ spectacle” of rally racing and long for the days in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s when the rear... [Read More...]
Rally America’s Verena Mei Surprises With New Co-Driver for STPR
As the days to STPR (Susquehannock Trail Performance Rally) rapidly approach, rally driver Verena Mei suddenly learned that her regular co-driver Leanne Junnila would not be available for the event. Leanne has been working hard at school and won a scholarship which gave her a rare opportunity to present at an International Design conference. As it would happen this conference that is only held once a year is the same weekend as the next round of... [Read More...]
Global Rallycross Championship Round 2 – Epic Fail!
Well this quickly became the GRC event that wasn’t. After spending a bit of time this morning writing up a somewhat lengthy intro for the GRC X-Games Barcelona event, I sat down in front of the TV to watch the action unfold. What greeted me wasn’t roaring 600HP rally cars, but instead a rain delay. Excuse me? Did they really just say that? Rally cars were sidelined because of rain? Okay, even a rally stage can be cancelled because... [Read More...]
2013 Oregon Trail Rally – Day 3
I’m finally getting around to finishing this up. Taking the time off for a rally means having to make it up when you get back. Still very much worth it though! Day 3 of the Oregon Trail Rally is all about speed. Those teams that survived to make it to the final day of the rally would be treated to the open rolling hills east of the Mt. Hood forest. Here the roads are smooth, fast, and flowing with hardly a tree in sight. Drivers should be... [Read More...]
Episode 188 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast With Justin Wilson
The boys are proud to welcome Justin Wilson, driver of the #19 Boy Scouts of America car for Dale Coyne Racing, to this week’s show! Mr. Neely shares his observations from the opening weekend of practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Mr. Whitesell reviews the Spanish Grand Prix which surprisingly didn’t suck, and Mr. Shaw takes a look at the proposed revamping of the power stage and contemplates the future of stage rally. Podcast:... [Read More...]
2013 Oregon Trail Rally – Day 2
Day 2 of the Oregon Trail Rally is where the real test of vehicle strength and driver endurance would occur. Just outside of the picturesque town of Hood River, the forest roads here are some of the most technical and the most dangerous on the Rally America calendar. The surface is rough with large stones that can be pulled out. A wrong pacenote here can be a very dangerous thing with giant trees and large drop offs around every corner. Ken... [Read More...]
2013 Oregon Trail Rally – Day 1
Wow, what an event! It is hard to even know where to start with all that went on this weekend. Once again the Oregon Trail Rally featured drama, danger, and hard fought victories. The weekend activities actually started Thursday morning with a fan appreciation show at Pioneer Courthouse Square in downtown Portland. This show and tell of the cars and drivers in the heart of the city draws in spectators that might not know that the Oregon Trail... [Read More...]
Episode 187 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast
Kevin has the plague this week, so Mike, Doug, and Mike are given free reign of the controls! Whitesell and Patterson debate Sato’s driving and Barfield’s non-call, we recap Indy Lights testing at IMS, BRIEFLY preview F1′s return to Europe, and Shaw brings us all the gory details of the Oregon Trail Rally and Loebs return and dominance at Rally Argentina. Podcast: Play in new window | Download Show Notes Preview IndyCar –... [Read More...]
Oregon Trail Rally – Preview Part 2
In this part I’m going to discuss the drivers and teams gearing up for the Oregon Trail Rally, and are they ever plentiful. At last check there were 79 entrants on the start list. Sorry for the lack of images, but have been short for time. I’ll be taking plenty out on the stages though! The favorites are of course going to be David Higgins and Craig Drew in the Subaru Rally Team USA Impreza WRX STi. Team Subaru has a good lead in the points... [Read More...]
