Category: OP-Ed

Check out the opinions of the guys on the site and you the fans!! Post your own article here!

RallyCast Episode 05 – OpenPaddock.net

Mike Shaw

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this week’s episode Mike and Matt begin the first hour with special guest Jeff Seehorn of Seehorn Motorsports who finished on his first Rally America national podium at The Rally in the 100 Acre Wood.  Jeff gives us a drivers perspective of the event and what his plans are for the rest of the season.  Then Matt and Mike give their detailed breakdown of all the happenings from 100 Acre Wood.  Finally at the 1:39 mark we finish with our second special guest Kito Brielmaier of the…

Read More

F1 – It’s Come To This

John Olsakovsky

I’m not one to rant on Twitter. But it needed to be said.   Come on @F1. The joke is over. You know the new qualifying format sucks. Put the idea out of its misery. Sincerely, F1 Fans. #F1 #BahrainGP — John The Race Fan (@JohnTheRaceFan) April 2, 2016 /micdrop OK, maybe not. But I’m one of many who has similar things to say about the effect of Formula One Strategy Group’s decision to retain the elimination-style qualifying system for Bahrain.  The Twisttersphere is awash with enough hate to make…

Read More

Episode 292 UMMM-Cast – OpenPaddock.net

John Olsakovsky

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadEverything is UMMM this go round! Formula One goes full stupid with the new qualifying format and suddenly recants.  ABC had the most woeful coverage of Verizon IndyCar Series at St. Petersburg, while Fox butchered IMSA’s 12 Hours of Sebring. John & Mike lament the US viewing offerings as we compare what our friend Tom has to offer across the pond and alcohol-fueled jealousy ensues.

Read More

F1 – Bubble Wrap in Albert Park

John Olsakovsky

I didn’t stay up to watch qualifying fo the opening round of the Australian Grand Prix.  My regular sleep schedule has me up around five in the morning, so a start time of 1:00 isn’t in the cards.  I did randomly wake up at 12:30, but any idea of attempting to stay awake was beaten into submission by the sandman. My DVR was put to good use as soon as I woke up, though.  I fired up the F1 app and set to see how F1’s ridiculous new qualifying format…

Read More

Episode 291 RallyCast – OpenPaddock.net

Mike Shaw

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadWe have a massive show this week starting off with two special guests, Tino Fortunato of the All Fours Rally Team and Nick Roberts of the Nick Roberts Global Rally Team!  Then we move on to a preview of the Rally in the 100 Acre Wood, followed by a special review of the rejuvenated British Rally Championship from our good friend Tom Firth in the UK.  Then we finish it off with a bit of WRC Mexico. It’s a long show and I hope you…

Read More

IndyCar – ABC and mostly “WHY?!”

John Olsakovsky

If you tuned into ABC’s broadcast of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, you saw a race.  A good race. A case could be made for a great race. Regardless of where it ranks on anyone’s personal excitement scale, the point is that you saw a race. Granted, this was on ABC, which may as well stand for Always Bad Commentating. The delivery and timing of Scott Goodyear and Eddie Cheever certainly lived down to expectation.  Fortunately, Allen Bestwick and Dr. Jerry Punch were able to elevate the race…

Read More

Episode 291 UMMM-Cast – OpenPaddock.net

Mike Shaw

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this week’s UMMM-Cast, John is at the helm as we talk everything Open Wheel.  Formula One is done testing and en route to Australia while the Verizon IndyCar Series finally gets underway at St. Pete this weekend.  We finish off in full jealousy mode as John also gives us a first hand recap of the Pirelli World Challenge opener from the Circuit of the Americas.  Oh to live so close to track like that!

Read More

Episode 290 RallyCast – OpenPaddock.net

Mike Shaw

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadIn this week’s RallyCast we kick things off with special guest Anders Green of NASA Rally Sport!  NRS is known for their focus on grassroots rallying, but what you may not know is that they are also technical innovators when it comes to rally timing, scoring, registration, and organization.  Anders gives us the lowdown on all their new tech goodness as well as a preview of the upcoming Sandblast Rally which is only 8 days away!  Also in the program, Mike and Matt review WRC Sweden and…

Read More

The View From the Right (err..Left?) Seat by Niall Burns – Part 3

Mike Shaw

In his latest in his series of “The View From The Right Seat” , our Irish co-driver friend Niall Burns tells us what it’s like back home where tarmac rallying on narrow roads at insane speeds is king!  Sit down, strap in, and enjoy the read!   The View From the Right Seat – Part 3 A couple weeks ago I was asked, “Hey Niall, I want to hear what it’s like rallying down those famous Irish tarmac lanes!”  This question is actually from Mike Shaw himself so I guess I better answer…

Read More