Le Mans – Initial Thoughts on the R18

German marque Audi has released its 2011 challenger the R18. While 2010 was a bittersweet year for the squad and its R15 challenger, the team has vowed to impress not only the fans but its French rivals as well. I will preface the article by saying I am in no way a car designer or engineer but did want to comment on this car. I waited and waited Friday as I followed my tweet stream of the press conference provided by @dsceditor. The coverage was excellent and it was a…

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OpEd – Top Five Most Influential Race Cars

In keeping with the Top-Five series of posts, we now turn our attention to the cars. What do you think were the top five most influential race cars throughout motorsports history? We’ve taken a stab as some we think were true game-changers in their time. Lotus 38 Being a life-long fan of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, I might be a bit prejudice, but the Lotus 38 that Jimmy Clark drove to victory in 1965 changed how Americans viewed race cars. Prior to the Lotus 38, the cars that ran…

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Episode 57 – Openpaddock.net Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin all three of the Openpaddock boys this week as we review Motegi. We also talk a little F1 as we get ready for Singapore. Rally has some interesting news as well as information on a MINI test video that you can view on our main page.

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F1 – Audi Says No Means No

Recent reports have linked the Volkswagen family of auto manufacturers to a potential move to Formula 1 in the near future even perhaps assisting the likes of HRT. One brand name that was tossed into the circle was that of Audi. The ringed brand has told Formula 1 that they will not compete in the “pinnacle of motorsport” because it is not relevant to road car development. Wolfgang Ullrich had this to say in regards to the situation. “We believe formula one and Audi do not fit, so long as…

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Episode 43 – Open Paddock Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Mike and I as we discuss the weekend that was the Canadian GP. We also cover a little Le Mans as there was the greatest sports car in the world last weekend. We talk a little Rally and a little IndyCar as well. So as is standard operating procedure, sit back with your favorite beverage and enjoy the random gripes and complaints that make up this weeks show!

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Episode 31 – Open Paddock Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin myself and Mike as we get into the lack of news this week. We wrap-up Sebring and get into a small portion of rally news. We talk about the IndyCar 2012 panel as well as some news regarding the potential Baltimore Grand Prix. F1 is on tap and we preview both St. Pete and Melbourne. McLaren “snorkel” debate is heated!!! Grab your favorite adult beverage, sit down and enjoy! Be sure to post your opinion on the McLaren “snorkel” debate…we are going to…

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IndyCar – Bad News from the VW Conglomerate

The VW group has indicated that they will not be providing an engine for the as yet undetermined new specifications for 2012. Autosport quotes VW Motorsports Director Kris Nissen regarding a new IRL program, “I am not 100 per cent sure of the latest status. But I think it is not realistic for the moment that the VW group will do it.” Kris goes on to indicate that the whole US market needs to stabilize and the IndyCar series needs to grow and develop before they would be interested in…

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Le Mans – Kolles to Contest International Cup

Our Force India friend Collin Kolles will contest the International Cup in 2010 with two Audi R10s. This is the second entrant into the new championship, and the second squad of Audis. Audi Sport and now Kolles Audi make up the lineup as of now. The ACO made special breaks to allow the R10 to compete, however the new R15 must conform to new regulations if it hopes to run in ACO sanctioned races. This will see at least two more LMP cars at the Petit Le Mans as the…

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