Category: Featured

All of the latest stories from your favorite series located here!

Episode 46 – Open Paddock Podcast

Shaun

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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin 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 nicer to the series…

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IndyCar – Watkins Glen Photos and an Introduction.

Doug Patterson

Unfortunately, for reasons of scheduling, work, other commitments, and financial, (mainly financial) neither Shaun, Mike, nor I could make it to Watkins Glen International this past weekend for the Camping World Grand Prix. Fortunately for us, and for you, a fellow Indy Downforce member and brilliant photographer Joe Ferrall was able to attend, and in a moment of irrationality he has agreed to join us here at OpenPaddock expanding our on-site coverage of IZOD IndyCar Series events. Please join us in welcoming Joe to the site and enjoy his photos…

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IndyCar – It’s the fans, stupid!

Doug Patterson

Randy Bernard gets what no one else is the sport has for decades. To paraphrase James Carvalhal’s famous 1992 campaign slogan, “Its the fans, stupid!” For so long, the league participants and its leadership have been focused so much on pleasing sponsors and team owners, that fans and the on-track product has suffered. One great thing about having new blood in the leadership of the league is the lack of respect for how things have been done in the past. Seriously, let’s look at where the way things have been…

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IndyCar – Penske Power too Much

Shaun

Roger Penske has taken his first IZOD IndyCar victory at Watkins Glen. Not often you here that phrase, Penske’s first win at a facility. It was on this Independence Day that the legendary car owner saw his drivers Will Power and Ryan Briscoe take a rather convincing 1,2 and reassert their dominance on the series. The three Penske drivers would occupy the first three spots at the start of the race with Will Power never looking back. The first incident of the day would see Scott Dixon and Helio get…

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Episode 45 – Open Paddock Podcast

Shaun

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Mike and I as we try our best to disect the chaos that was the European Grand Prix. We talk F1 safety as well as pitch some ideas of our own. Don’t forget to stop by the forum and post your ideas for F1 safety. We also talk IndyCar chassis, 2011 calendar and some drivers who will be at the Glen this weekend. So sit back with a beverage of choice and enjoy as always!

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Rally – Ford Announce X-Games Drivers

Shaun

With the Rally America series all but over for this year, it is time for the drivers to turn their focus to X-Games 16 and Ford have announced an impressive array of talent for this season. The event which will take place the 29th of July through the 1st of August will see Ken Block heading the team with last year’s X-Games Rallycar gold medalist Kenny Brack. Also joining the team will be drifting and rally driver Tanner Foust as well as Brian Deegan. The Ford Fiesta was able to…

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F1 – Audi Says No Means No

Shaun

Recent reports have linked the Volkswagen family of auto manufacturers to a potential move to Formula 1 in the near future even perhaps assisting the likes of HRT. One brand name that was tossed into the circle was that of Audi. The ringed brand has told Formula 1 that they will not compete in the “pinnacle of motorsport” because it is not relevant to road car development. Wolfgang Ullrich had this to say in regards to the situation. “We believe formula one and Audi do not fit, so long as…

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IndyCar – Hello Loudon, Goodbye NASCAR

Shaun

With the news that the IZOD IndyCar Series (IICS) will be returning to Loudon next year, the dreaded NASCAR track disease that we here at Open Paddock said was a series debilitating syndrome may finally be going away. It is true that we here at the site have been very critical of the IICS and their schedule that consists mainly of the cookie cutter NASCAR tracks. For one, they show next to no attendance figures, and they also do not promote “drivers” racing but instead a true test of engineering…

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F1 – Ferrari…Seriously??

Shaun

Once again the FiA was able to make a dull pathetic race exciting by adding in the trump card of all F1 Grand Prix. The race steward. This card is a controllable means to making a race interesting when there is no chance of rain. So it happened this weekend in the bright sun of Valencia on a race weekend that even the most die-hard fans live to forget. Let’s face it, the race track itself is silly and the on track action is even worse. Yet that race has…

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Episode 44 – Open Paddock Podcast

Shaun

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Mike and I as we address the great race that was Iowa as well as talk rally news and all of the new Formula 1 regulations as well! Sit back and have a beverage as we ramble on about all things hot in motorsport this week and some things World Cup related.

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