Author: Shaun

Rally America – Leg 1 Complete at 100AW

Shaun

It was finally time to see cars on stage and driving in anger for the Rally in the 100 Acre Woods. There were at least five cars on hand with a chance to win the event overall. All eyes were on three drivers however. Ken Block, David Higgins, and Antoine L’Estage were the leaders for their respected manufacturers. When the first car went live at 2:01pm, all gloves were off and the battle dubbed “Clash of the Titans” was under way. Ken Block and his HFHV would take the first…

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Rally America – Thursday Notes From 100 Acre Wood Rally

Shaun

The OpenPaddock.net crew has finally landed in Salem, MO for the 100 Acre Wood Rally! While action does not start until tomorrow at 2:01 pm central time, the cars were out and about today for tech inspection. This weekend’s event boasts a large number of cars and some unbelievable driving talents which is sure to make the event one to remember! Ken Block’s Ford Fiesta had already passed through tech this morning before we were able to get on scene for photos, but Antoine L’Estage and David Higgins entries along…

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Episode 126 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast

Shaun

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadThis week the OpenPaddock trio prepare for their home event in southern Missouri. The 100 Acre Wood rally is back and better than ever with a great entry list of crews and cars. We give our opinions on Formula 1 including Trulli getting canned, and the launch of the new Mercedes W03. We discuss the Sarah Fisher engine situation and Doug gives us the weekly wrap up on the Mazda road to Indy. As always, thanks for the download and enjoy the show!

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IndyCar – Devolping Talent vs. Quick Fix

Shaun

The season opening Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a mere 30 days out give or take. The first time that we will see the DW12 in action and new drivers in new places. Oriol Servia and James Hinchcliffe are two big names that have wound up in new cars, but there are a large crop of up and coming drivers that are still searching for rides. Names like Plowman and Mann are big fan favorites. The big news at the moment is the fate of Formula 1 names like…

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Episode 125 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast

Shaun

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Shaun and Doug as they cover all of this week’s great motorsport news. We cover Rally Sweden and finally hash out the MINI situation. We also address INDYCAR’s Stat of the Series speech. There is plenty of Mazda Road to Indy as well! Thanks for the download and we hope you enjoy the show!!!

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IndyCar – State of the Series Rebuttal

Shaun

It was just around an hour ago that Randy Bernard and the heads of INDYCAR delivered their State of the Series address. The event was a little bit cheesy but at the end of the day was a fan experience. The main purpose of this address was to layout the very short term goals and accomplishments the series has been able to achieve. I will say that seeing the leadership and some drivers/team owners was a breath of fresh air given the way we left them in 2011. While in…

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WRC – Sandell Completes Fine Debut in MINI WRC

Shaun

Patrik Sandell has finished eighth at Rally Sweden today and the highest placed local driver on his debut in the MINI John Cooper Works WRC. The Swedish driver finished the day in the same position he started and extended his lead over the chasing driver, Prokop. It has been a very strong debut for the Swede in his first outing in a World Rally Car with only established and far more experienced WRC drivers ahead of him. Sandell was in eighth position after stage one and, except for one stage,…

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WRC – Ford and M-Sport Secure 50th World Rally Victory in Sweden

Shaun

Ford World Rally Team drivers Jari-Matti Latvala and Miikka Anttila won Rally Sweden today by 16.6sec after a tense finale to this second round of the FIA World Rally Championship. Victory in a Ford FiestaRS World Rally Car was Ford’s sixth consecutive success at the only true winter rally of the season. It was Latvala’s second win in Sweden, and it came despite his comfortable lead being slashed when he hit a rogue rock and punctured a tyre with just two more speed tests remaining before the finish. Team-matesPetter Solberg…

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Episode 124 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast

Shaun

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin the guys this week as they present the weekly roundup for all of your favorite motorsport series. We talk car launches and day 1 of testing for Formula 1. Honda is up to its old tricks again with engine failures in IndyCar. We also try and make sense of all the bad things happening in the WRC. IndyCar fans beware, this may be a prophetic look into your future as well, or at least how fast good momentum can come apart. Mike brings…

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