Author: Mike Shaw

Episode 289 RallyCast – OpenPaddock.net

Mike Shaw

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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadWe continue our segregated podcasts with episode #289, what we’re calling the Rally-Cast.  This week for your listening pleasure Doug Patterson joins Mike Shaw and Matt Kalish as we interview special guests Troy Miller and Steve Harrell who showed just how close a rally can be decided, and that sportsmanship among competitors can be more important than a victory.  We also discuss the rest of the results from Sno*Drift as well as other Rally America news.  We finish off with a short preview of WRC Sweden which…

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All Fours Rally Team – Marathon Rallying Across The Continent

Mike Shaw

One of the stories you probably haven’t heard from Sno*Drift was about a Pacific Northwest entrant Agatino (Tino) Fortunato of All Fours Rally Team.  You may recall when we discussed on our podcast the 2016 Subaru Contingency Program.  The program centers around the Super Production Class and encourages competitors to purchase and race the newer Subaru WRX and WRX STI platforms.  It offers a combination of discounts for entry fees, a start bonus, as well as cash rewards for podium finishes.  All Fours Rally Team are the first to take full…

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Rally America – The View From the Right Seat and Across the Pond by Niall Burns

Mike Shaw

Irish rally co-driver extraordinaire and friend of the show Niall Burns wanted to give us Americans some insight into how he sees rallying in the USA as both a co-driver and as a rally fan.   The View From the Right Seat and Across the Pond by Niall Burns As it is Super-Bowl weekend, I feel it is only fitting to start this article with a field sport image. You have built the best stadium in the world and you have got the top players in the sport ready to do…

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Episode 289 UMMMMCast – OpenPaddock.net Podcast

Mike Shaw

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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadContinuing with our segregated shows this week is Episode 289 of UMMMCast focusing on what we like to call the Unexplainable Mixed Malgamation of Motorsports Mayhem.  John takes the helm as we review the 24hrs of Daytona which saw close battles in damn near every class. In F1 news there’s a thankful driver change at Renault and finally engines get the development time they need.  We wrap it up with IndyCar news where they had a media day that apparently barely made the media.

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Former Subaru Rally Team USA Driver Dave Mirra Dies at 41

Mike Shaw

We are sorry to report that multiple X-Games gold medalist and frankly BMX God, Dave Mirra has passed away due to an apparent suicide in Greenville, North Carolina.  Dave made the transition from pedal power to Subaru Rally Team USA and competed in both Rally America and the earlier years of Red Bull Global Rallycross.  Mirra was known as one of the most approachable guys in professional motorsports.  As many have probably already said, he seemed like “your average Joe” and was very easy to talk to.  I remember spectating at Oregon…

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Six Tenths. Six Tenths Gave Them The Story of a Lifetime

Mike Shaw

This Year’s Sno*Drift Rally had the closest finish that you’ll unfortunately never see.  This is where my bitterness in the lack of media from Rally America hits a boiling point.  Beyond the interviews on Rally America Radio, there has been little to no effort in detailing what happened out on the stages.  It sadly feels like the organization just doesn’t really care anymore.  Even their social media was lacking this weekend with a handful of tweets, and some pictures here and there on Facebook and absolutely nothing on their web…

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Sno*Drift 2016 Day 1 Complete, on to Day 2

Mike Shaw

  Results from Day 1 of Sno*Drift National Rally show what we all typically expect from the slippery snowy event. Staying on the road and out of the snowbanks is key, as is using the right tire, especially since studs are not allowed. Top seed SP driver Lauchlin O’Sullivan and co-driver Scott Putnam used their advantageous first on road position to good use and lead the overall standings by almost 3 minutes.  Last year’s 2WD champion Troy Miller has moved to SP class and has a new co-driver in Steven…

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Episode 288 – OpenPaddock.net Rally Podcast

Mike Shaw

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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadA little bit of a change up as we split off the rally podcast into it’s own episode.  Our sportscar and open-wheel podcast will be recorded later in the week.  This week hosts Mike and John are joined by “The Professor” Doug Patterson, and a special guest and friend of the show from across the pond Tom Firth.  In this episode we wrap up our views on the Dakar Rally and Robby’s DNF.  We have a lot from WRC Monte Carlo, give a quick preview Sno*Drift,…

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PR – Travis Nease and Krista Skucas at Portland International Auto Show

Mike Shaw

Portland, OR (25 January, 2016) – The #81 Open Class Stage Rally car of Travis Nease and Krista Skucas will be joining the Oregon Rally Group/Subaru booth at the Portland International Auto Show this weekend, January 28-31st with driver and co-driver in attendance.   Travis Nease and Krista Skucas will be contending all eight rounds of the 2016 Cascadia International Rally Championship in their 2004 Open Class Subaru WRX STi.   Krista brought her five years of co-driving experience when she joined the team on Travis’ sixth event of his…

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