Rally – Monte Will Open IRC
The FiA has done the WRC in yet again as it was announced that the Monte Carlo Rally will again open the 2011 IRC championship. There was much speculation that the event would move back to the World Rally Championship for 2011 but the FiA has stood by its rally rotation theory and that has seen the event turn down the invite from Jean Todt and the boys. The event which will be run for the 100th time next season has seen a number of WRC drivers participate.... [Read More...]
Rally – Skoda 1.6T in WRC
There are now reports surfacing out of the Czech Republic that home automaker Skoda will now develop a 1.6T engine and continue development on the Fabia S2000 chassis. While the details are a little thin at the moment, it would appear that the WRC will have at least the four manufacturers it was hoping for. There is currently no news on whether this will be a supply to privateers or a factory effort, but the Czech team has shown itself very well in... [Read More...]
Episode 31 – Open Paddock Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Join 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... [Read More...]
Rally – Skoda Dominates Argentina
The third round of the IRC championship was held this weekend in the beautiful settings of Argentina. The stages that usually play host to the WRC would be ran with names like Meeke, Hanninen, and al-Attiyah and cars like Peugeot and Skoda. All eyes would be on Kris Meeke after a dominant win in Brazil a couple weeks ago, but it was not to be for the British star. Skoda, who has put together a very formidable effort would take a dominating 1-2-3 in... [Read More...]
Episode 29 – Open Paddock Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Join Mike and myself this week as I call in from Washington DC and we discuss the Carl Edwards drama (make fun of it is a better description) and recap Rally Mexico. We also touch on the IRC and another victory for Kris Meeke. We also talk Rahal to Fisher for a short stint as well as offer our insight into Brazil and Bahrain for the grand kickoff of open wheel racing. Read More →
Episode 28 – Open Paddock Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Join the crew from Open Paddock this week as we discuss the 100 Acre Wood Rally in detail. No shortage on discussion with points of view from the photographer, a returning fan, and a first time rally attendee. Here from Travis Pastrana on what went wrong for his event as well as a number of interviews from John Cassidy on his adventure through the stages. We also get into the IndyCar silly season as things... [Read More...]
Rally – Proton Closes in on Driver Selection
Malaysian based Proton is reportedly close to signing another driver for its 2010 IRC campaign. Alister McRae delivered a solid finish for Proton at last year’s Rally Scotland and is set to be one of the drivers in the car this year. The question then remains who is in line for the second seat? Francois Duval is one of the names mentioned as well as former factory Subaru ace Chris Atkinson. The latter of the two has just completed a test for... [Read More...]
Rally – Skoda Sending Cars to South America
The factory Skoda team has decided to send two cars to South America for the next events on the IRC calendar. This shows an increase in Skoda’s rally program for 2010 and its intentions to push for the manufacturers title. The Czech team currently has the lead by four points over the M-Sport Fiesta team and more importantly a seven point advantage over Peugeot. Both Juho Hänninen and Jan Kopecký will contest both South American gravel events... [Read More...]
Rally – Monte Day 2 Video
Rally – Hirvonen Strikes Gold at Monte
The third and final day of the legendary Monte Carlo Rally has come to an end and Mikko Hirvonen has won in fine fashion. The WRC driver claimed his first victory in the IRC and made a statement for M-Sport and Ford in the process. The Ford Fiesta S2000 has tasted victory in its very first outing and did it easily after an exciting third day seen some of the best driving to date from Frenchman Sebastian Ogier. WRC Citroen Junior driver Ogier proved... [Read More...]
