F1 – Mercedes Trumps Media

Shaun

The last couple weeks have been interesting for Mercedes GP. The potential return of seven time champion Michael Schumacher, and a possible sponsorship issue. Many in the media thought that the Henkel-gate situation would really hurt the Brawn/Mercedes and their aspirations to defend their title. Ross Brawn has proved to be one step ahead with the announcement that Petronas will join the team for a long time sponsorship. This is really out of left field in my opinion. The Malaysian oil giant was originally thought to be connected with the…

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Firestone Indy Lights – 2009 Season Review – Battle for the Championship

Doug Patterson

Battle for the Championship Kentucky Speedway: The Kentucky 100 at the Kentucky Speedway was the 100th race for the Indy Racing League sanctioned Firestone Indy Lights series, although it looked like weather might put a damper on the celebration. The track was dry for the race, but qualifications were rained out resulting in the grid being determined by points. That gave the AFS/AGR team the front row. Wade Cunningham started from P4, right behind his nemesis from Iowa and championship contender Sebastian Saavedra in P2. JR Hildebrand, although being awarded…

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F1 – Kobayashi Joins 2010 Grid!!

Shaun

What a difference two races can make for a kid out of Japan. In what has to be classified as a feel good story for the sport, Kamui Kobayashi has EARNED a spot on the 2010 grid with the Sauber F1 Team. The Japanese pilot was Toyota’s reserve driver for 2009 and was put into active duty for the team during the last two races for the injured Timo Glock. His performance was magical and a real joy to watch on the circuit, and his personality was equally good. All…

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Le Mans – ORECA Choose Peugeot

Shaun

As customer cars become even more popular in the realm of Le Mans, ORECA have announced today that they will now run with the Peugeot 908 for the 2010 season. ORECA who typically run their own car in a variety of motorsport disciplines, have teamed with Peugeot to create the French manufacturers second customer team behind Pescarolo. The 908 is currently at the end of its development phase is a proven winner that won both the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as well as the Petit Le Mans here in…

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Rally – Block Confirms WRC Ambitions

Doug Patterson

The hope of seeing Ken Block competing in the WRC in a Monster-sponsored Ford isn’t dead yet. RallySport Magazine put out an article today stating that Ken Block and Chris Atkinson are still working very hard on a WRC program with M-Sport for 2010. “We are still negotiating all contracts,” Ken Block told RallySport Magazine today. “We should have everything wrapped up and announced in early January.” I’m already excited enough about the 2010 WRC season, but Block getting into a Ford would just put it over the top for…

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Featured – Check out the Forum!

Shaun

The off season is a trying time for us racing fans as we look to any headline to keep in the loop for the next season. There is no better remedy than the forum! Register for the forum today and join the conversation with fellow racing fans about your series…your team…your driver! All of that and then some can be found on the openpaddock.net forum. Register today and join the conversation!

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IndyCar – Back to the Short Schedule

Doug Patterson

Curt Cavin reported this morning in the Indianapolis Star that the Month of May would be shortened to the Two Weeks of May. The track will open on May 15th for practice and rookie tests, but qualifying will be condensed to a single weekend. Pole Day will be on Saturday, May 22, and Bump Day will be on Sunday, May 23. The reasoning behind the change is to reduce the operating costs for all parties associated with the event. The teams will spend less money on room and board, the…

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