Episode 187 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadKevin has the plague this week, so Mike, Doug, and Mike are given free reign of the controls! Whitesell and Patterson debate Sato’s driving and Barfield’s non-call, we recap Indy Lights testing at IMS, BRIEFLY preview F1’s return to Europe, and Shaw brings us all the gory details of the Oregon Trail Rally and Loebs return and dominance at Rally Argentina. Show Notes Preview IndyCar – Sao Paulo has a new Mayor, despite incumbent’s attempts to block his election, and yes Virginia, it’s May!…

Read More

IndyCar – Sato: Blocking or Fair Play?

Takuma Sato of A. J. Foyt Racing team

I don’t think you’ll find anyone who watched today’s Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 that didn’t think it was one of the best IndyCar races in a very long time. What you will find is a lot of controversy over A.J. Foyt Racing’s Takuma Sato and his driving style in the final laps of the race. While defending his position first against Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing’s Josef Newgarden and finally Andretti Autosport’s James Hinchcliffe, it appeared to many that he actively blocked and chopped in front of his competitors. To…

Read More

Oregon Trail Rally – Preview Part 2

In this part I’m going to discuss the drivers and teams gearing up for the Oregon Trail Rally, and are they ever plentiful. At last check there were 79 entrants on the start list.  Sorry for the lack of images, but have been short for time.  I’ll be taking plenty out on the stages though! The favorites are of course going to be David Higgins and Craig Drew in the Subaru Rally Team USA Impreza WRX STi. Team Subaru has a good lead in the points after getting second at…

Read More

Episode 186 – OpenPaddock.net

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadMr. Shaw gets ready for his weekend of rally goodness as Rally America visits his stomping grounds for the Oregon Trail Rally. Doug recaps the first SCCA Midwest Division Solo event of the year, and Kevin and Mike Whitesell preview the Sao Paulo IndyCar race, and recap all the news from IndyCar and Formula 1. Show Notes Preview Weekend of Rally goodness – Rally America Oregon Trail, WRC Argentina IndyCar building up to the 500 (It’s almost MAY!!!!), but first Sao Paulo Why F1…

Read More

IndyCar – Round 4: Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 preview

What: 4th Annual Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 Where: Anhembi Sambadromo Circuit, Sao Paulo, Brazil Who: Will Power. In three races at the circuit, Power has three poles and three wins. Granted Power’s not having quite the start of the season he’s used to, you have to put him at the top of the list here simply because of his domination. Teammate Helio Castroneves enters the event as points leader, so being in front of the home crowd is sure to energize. Takuma Sato has been quick all season, but…

Read More

Oregon Trail Rally – Preview Part 1

Considering all that is about to go down at the Oregon Trail Rally this year, I’m breaking this up into a couple of articles. To start off with I’ll discuss the event itself, and then I’ll go into the drivers and teams to watch, and I’ll finish with a little bit about what I’m going to be doing as a volunteer and why its great to get involved in rallies in your area. The Oregon Trail Rally is the only 3 day event on the Rally America calendar, and this…

Read More

IndyCar – Dreyer & Reinbold Racing to Suspend Operations

INDIANAPOLIS, IN- News broke today that long time IZOD IndyCar team Dreyer & Reinbold Racing plans to suspend operations after this year’s Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Fighting a lack of funding, the team plans to suspend operations after the race unless new investors or sponsorship can be found. Team Principle Dennis Reinbold, owner of Indianapolis’ Dreyer & Reinbold Automotive Group, said earlier today “It’s disappointing, obviously, but financially it has to make sense. IndyCar racing is getting more and more affordable and it needs to continue that way but we just…

Read More

IndyCar – Neely’s Nine: Field Rankings after Toyota GP Long Beach

Three rounds into the 2013 season, and we’re all still scratching our heads. No wins by Ganassi or Penske. Will Power has no podiums. Down is up. Left is right. The world is a flat out nutty place! As always, these rankings are purely subjective. If you disagree with my opinions, then we’ll pray for you. 1. Helio Castroneves #3 AAA/Turbo Team Penske Chevrolet (Previously #1) Helio leaves Long Beach with his points lead intact, which is all he could really ask for anyway. He wasn’t as quick as he’s…

Read More

Episode 185 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIndyCar leaves the Streets of Long Beach littered with bent metal and shards of carbon fiber from both the big cars and the Lights cars! Kevin and Mike Whitesell review the Grand Prix of Long Beach, Doug goes on his yearly rant about unrestrained aggression and reviews the Indy Lights race, Mike and Mike review the Formula 1 Bahrain GP, and Mr. Shaw wraps up the show with a review of the Global Rallycross event at the Brazil X-Games. Show notes and outline OP…

Read More

GRC X-Games – Brazil Review

      The first round of the re-invigorated Global Rallycross Championship made its debut at the X-Games in Brazil last weekend. Quite a few drivers are committing to the full GRC season this year, as well as a number of one-off drives. Notably missing are Rhys-Millen and Hyundai after Hyundai pulled out of all motorsports in the USA at the end of last year. Also missing was the Subaru Puma team. It appears they are doing only the American events and skipping the more expensive long distance events. The…

Read More