Episode 295 UMMM-Cast – OpenPaddock.net

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadThis is likely the last UMMM Cast until after Indy. Tom and I share morning beverages (for once!) as we discuss the great Red Bull driver swap going into the the Spanish Grand Prix. The Angie’s List Grand Prix of Indianapolis was a great race, but it’s overshadowed by our excitement about the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Tickets are in hand, hotel is reserved and Bronze Badges are waiting at the IMS credential office. Marshall Pruett speculates about the end…

Read More

Episode 294 UMMM-Cast – OpenPaddock.net

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadThe “better late than never” UMMM-Cast! It’s May and we’re all agog about our collective trip to Indianapolis! That’s not going to stop John, Tom and Mike from probing the end of Formula 1’s Asian swing and Vettel/Kvyat feud, IndyCar in both Long Beach and Barber (guess which one was exciting…) and Tom’s first-hand account of the WEC opener from Silverstone. Oh yeah.  IT’S MAY!

Read More

Episode 292 UMMM-Cast – OpenPaddock.net

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadEverything is UMMM this go round! Formula One goes full stupid with the new qualifying format and suddenly recants.  ABC had the most woeful coverage of Verizon IndyCar Series at St. Petersburg, while Fox butchered IMSA’s 12 Hours of Sebring. John & Mike lament the US viewing offerings as we compare what our friend Tom has to offer across the pond and alcohol-fueled jealousy ensues.

Read More

F1 – Bubble Wrap in Albert Park

I didn’t stay up to watch qualifying fo the opening round of the Australian Grand Prix.  My regular sleep schedule has me up around five in the morning, so a start time of 1:00 isn’t in the cards.  I did randomly wake up at 12:30, but any idea of attempting to stay awake was beaten into submission by the sandman. My DVR was put to good use as soon as I woke up, though.  I fired up the F1 app and set to see how F1’s ridiculous new qualifying format…

Read More

F1 – FiA Gets One Right

A lot is being made of the FiA’s recent decision to allow Formula One teams choice among three available compounds of Pirelli tires.  It’s a huge change, no matter how you slice it, but on that I like.  OK, I don’t advocate slicing tires, but I do advocate options that result in differing team strategies and, ideally, better racing on track. I even appreciate the idea of keeping teams’ compound selection secret, at least from other teams.  If a team knew another teams strategy, they could counter it, and it…

Read More

Episode 273 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadPodcast #273 for Wednesday, June 24, 2015 Tonights rally segment is condensed almost as much as the IndyCar schedule, but only because Mike had to rush to a meeting for work. Doug and John pick up the slack and cover the 24 Hours of LeMans and Austian Grand Prix in the UMMMMM segment.  We recap the Toronto IndyCar race and discuss Walker’s vision for 2018 and the Best Driver ESPY nominees.  Who do you think deserves one?

Read More

OpEd – Expressing Your Fandom

A fan of any sport at some point crosses a threshold from casual enjoyment into loyalty and support, sometimes to an unhealthy extreme. Fans show off pride in their favorite team or athlete in different ways, from t-shirts to stickers to flags and memorabilia. Sports merchandising is big business, as we all know. If you’ve been to any major racing event, the teams have merchandise for sale, as well as the venue and/or the event. As a fan, buying a t-shirt or ball cap helps connect you to the event…

Read More

F1 – Suzuka: The race didn’t matter

Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix was preceded by the threat of typhoon Phanfone, which wound up being a part of the action on Sunday. Then Alonso drops his bombshell that he’ll leave Ferrari after this season. Not to be outdone, Sebastian Vettel announces that he’s leaving Infiniti Red Bull Racing. While not an official proclamation, Christian Horner let an F-bomb slip: Seb is headed to Ferrari. Phanfone didn’t show up until Sunday, with the race starting on wet tires behind the Safety Car. Rain came in and a red flag was…

Read More

Formula 1 – Simona Gets Closer to the Goal

Simona De Silvestro impressed many of us when she was in the IndyCar Series. We were simultaneously thrilled and bummed when we heard she was leaving IndyCar to pursue an opportunity as a reserve driver for Sauber. She is continuing to build partners and sponsors, and recently signed with DigitasLBi. While no official deal for a full-time drive has been announced yet, this certainly does take another step closer to the goal. We at OpenPaddock.net certainly wish Simona the best of luck and hope to see her on the grid…

Read More

The Missed Shift – Running a Marathon

I know I’m not the one that reveres the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend as a holy day. It is the single greatest day of racing, encompassing the Monaco Grand Prix, Indianapolis 500 Mile Race and Coke Zero 600. I love all three races for what they are, and each is a challenge that is unique with their genre. Monaco is antiquated and woefully ill-suited for the style of racing that is modern Formula 1.  But it’s history, it’s glamor and the money keep the circus coming back. Indianapolis is… …

Read More