OpEd – Blocking in Modern Motorsports
The Blocking Problem Blocking is certainly nothing new in motorsports, or racing in general for that matter. As soon as two people raced each other on foot, I’m sure that the leader blocked the person behind and probably violently. In various types of horse racing, we see blocking and crowding a competitor against the rail, and given that automobile racing is simply an extension of horse racing, its no surprise that we see blocking in modern... [Read More...]
Episode 46 – Open Paddock Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Join Mike and I as we rehash the Armco at the Glen, I mean the IZOD IndyCar race at Watkins Glen. We also get into some of the statements made over the weekend by one Randy Bernard. There are close to a million statements. We cover rally and prepare for the WRC round in Bulgaria as well as announce a German manufacturers future in the Dakar Rally. Last but not least we get into some Formula 1. We are slightly... [Read More...]
IndyCar – Flaming Texas Failure and the Decline of Safety in the IndyCar Series
Silvestro on Fire in Texas Simona de Silvestro’s effort at Texas came to an inglorious end on Saturday night. After an accident that left her stranded on track with the right sidepod spouting flames, it took the IndyCar travelling safety crew 40 seconds to extract her from the car. Apparently, the fire hose that they have attached to the safety truck failed and the fire bottles that they brought to bear on the blaze proved insufficient for... [Read More...]
Episode 35 – Open Paddock Podcast
Podcast: Play in new window | Download This week Mike and I jump into the results from Turkey, China, and Long Beach as well as offer our opinion on Formula 1 stewards, the lack of tactics in Turkey as well as the awesomeness that is Ryan Hunter-Reay. We also discuss offer some conspiracy theories on Tony George and Bernie Ecclestone paling around China with…wait for it…investors??? As always, sit back with your favorite beverage and... [Read More...]
IndyCar – Augusta of Racing and the Beauty of Road Courses
Kaanan and Wheldon at BarberIn the past, I have made no secret that I prefer a good road course to street course racing. Problem has been that the road courses currently on the IndyCar schedule have not provided much in the way of interesting racing or overtaking. Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio and Sonoma may provide a picturesque background (some more than others) and a technically challenging drive, but the racing has been less than stellar. So now we... [Read More...]
IndyCar – Barber Motorsports Park Preview: The Track and Story Lines
Pre-Season Testing: Although this is the first time the IZOD IndyCar Series will actually compete at Barber Motorsports Park, it won’t be the first time drivers have seen the track. The league has been there several times for testing since their first visit in October of 2007. The drivers and teams have raved about the beauty of the circuit and grounds and facilities, and the drivers are quick to mention how much fun the course is to drive... [Read More...]
IndyCar – St. Petersburg Practice 3
Despite a rocky start, the Timing and Scoring on IndyCar.com finally came online, although the video was more of a slideshow than smooth video. Here’s hoping that the online coverage improves over the season. The ontrack action, however was pretty dicey. Ryan Hunter-Reay narrowly avoided being hit by Duno, Viso, and apparently just about everyone else on the grid. EJ Viso ready for practice. - Photo by Dan Helrigel, IndyCar.com Once again,... [Read More...]
IndyCar – St. Petersburg Practice 2
The second practice session for the IZOD IndyCar Series offered some surprises and some similarities to the morning practice. Once again, Will Power was at the top of the time sheets, throwing down a blistering 1:02.3200 sec lap time! Will Power at St. Petersburg - Photo by Chris Jones, IndyCar.com That’s close to the 1:02.1355 sec ICS record time he set in 2008 in his first IndyCar race in 2008. To put it more into perspective, the closest... [Read More...]
IndyCar – St. Petersburg Practice 1
Pit Lane at St Pete for FP1 - Photo by Ron McQueeney, IndyCar.comWill Power picked up right where he left off by setting the top time during this morning’s first practice session for the IZOD IndyCar Series on the Streets of St. Petersburg. Will won the season opener on the new street circuit in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and this morning continued to display his mastery of the art of street racing. On Trackside With Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee, Mr.... [Read More...]
