Episode 45 – Open Paddock Podcast

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

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

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

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??

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

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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Rally – Why Toyota/Prodrive is Rumor Only

There seems to be some confusion on what exactly Prodrive are doing in terms of their rally program as of late. Is it MINI or is it Toyota or is it even Formula 1??? I can assure you as will Prodrive that they are not entering Formula 1. However, the rally program has been thrown into question with rumor that the British firm may be working with Toyota in a return to the WRC. Guess what? Not gonna happen. There are a number of things that make this a non…

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IndyCar – Saturday Wrap-up from Iowa

Saturday was a busy day at the Iowa Speedway. The qualifying session and races for the US F2000 National Championship presented by Cooper Tires powered by Mazda, the Star Mazda Championship presented by Goodyear, and the Firestone Indy Lights were all held on Saturday, which made for a packed schedule of on-track activity. I would report on the qualifying sessions for the US F2000 and the Star Mazda, but I didn’t see them. I COULDN’T see them! The track didn’t open its gates until 1:00pm, and since I was tardy…

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