A mostly uneventful S1 ended with chart-topper Tristan Vautier sliding off in Turn 2, across the gravel trap and into a rather muddy fence area. Vautier ends the session atop the speed charts at 1:09.0120 after 15 laps of running. Honda made a strong showing during the first session with Vautier finishing P1, Scott Dixon in P2, Charlie Kimball in P3 and Will Power as the fastest Chevy in p4. Dario Franchitti rounds out the Top Five with a 1:09.3202. The top 10 times were evenly split between Chevrolet and…
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Episode 182 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast
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Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadOpen Paddock #182 – April 1st, 2013 All is quiet in motorsports we care about… Preview Indycar oval rookie testing & barber preview Loeb helping Kubica with WRC debut and Loeb takes on Pikes Peak Thailand for 2015 F1 date? Miscellaneous other stuff to keep us entertained…. Formula E says “a race in Monaco is going to happen” Michelin to supply Formula E LE MANS: Conway Lands WEC Drive With Delta-ADR GRAND-AM: Series Confirms DTM/ITR Agreement IndyCar Oval Rookies Turn Laps At Texas Daly…
Read MoreIndyCar-Round 2: Honda Grand Prix of Alabama Preview
What: Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Where: Grand Prix Circuit, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, AL Who: Will Power looks to repeat as race winner, taking three of four visits to the circuit by IndyCar. Power’s teammate, Helio Castroneves, is the only other former winner at Barber, and comes off a strong second place finish at St. Pete. Points leader James Hinchcliffe ran well at Barber last year and in preseason testing. Hinch looks to extend his points lead early in the season. When: Race time is 3pm EDT on…
Read MoreIndyCar – Barber Test Wrapup
Any shock at who finished at the top of the speed charts? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? Once again, Verizon Team Penske’s Will Power was the machismo of the circuit by dominating all sessions at the magnificent 2.3 mile Barber Motorsports Park circuit. Will finished the two day testing session with a fast time of 1:07.1329 (123.337 mph for you speed junkies.) Power turned a total of 128 laps in two days in the #12 Verizon Chevrolet. Second in combined testing was James Hinchcliffe in the #27 GoDaddy Andretti Autosport Chevrolet with…
Read MoreIndyCar-Preseason Test Day 2: Driver Talk
Sebastien Bourdais, driver of the #7 McAfee Dragon Racing Chevrolet Open Paddock: Sebastien, how’s the car feeling to you today? Sebastien Bourdais: We’re slowly starting to get some direction, but it’s been a challenging test so far. It’s a really different animal than last year. The track is about three seconds faster. Whether it’s the track, the tires or the combination, I really don’t know what’s going on. It really is a different game and we’re struggling. I’ve never experienced high levels of grip like that, ever! OP: Actually everybody…
Read MoreIndyCar-Preseason Test Day 1: Driver Talk
Interviews recorded on the first day of IZOD IndyCar Series testing at Barber Motorsports Park Will Power, driver of the #12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet OpenPaddock: You were fastest in the morning session today. What have you gathered from the track today? Will Power: I’ve got unbelievable grip right now. These cars are so…. I’ve never felt so much grip in my life. It’s phenominal! I hope they (the photographers) get some good outside shots because I’m sure these things look so fast in the corners. OP: What are you looking for in…
Read MoreIndyCar-IZOD IndyCar Series Preseason Test: Day 1-The Morning
When I woke up this morning and headed to my car, there was a thin layer of frost on the good ol’ PT Cruiser. This is Alabama! It’s supposed to be close to spring. There shouldn’t be frost anywhere. Oh well, just crank up the heater and head to the track. Making the right turn off Rex Lake Road onto the drive leading to the track was a bit surreal. There was a very thin haze blanketing the ground as frost clung to the blades of grass on the side of…
Read MoreIndyCar – IZOD IndyCar Series Power Rankings
By: Kevin Neely After 2 of 16 Rounds 1. Helio Castroneves #3 Team Penske Chevrolet In two races, Helio has a win, two podium finishes, a pole and two top five starts. After a dismal 2011 season, Castroneves has really turned things around by leading the Penske charge. He’s blazing quick on streets and roads this year, but can he finally get that 4th Indy 500 win? Can Helio win the championship which has eluded him for his entire career? 2. Scott Dixon #9 Target Chip Ganassi Racing Honda He’s…
Read MoreStar Mazda Championship racing at Barber Motorsports Park
Star Mazda – New Faces on the Podium at Barber
While a little moist at times, the Barber Motorsports Park featured some great racing in the Star Mazda Championship Presented by Goodyear, and a bit of a mixup in regards to who we saw on the podium and especially on the top step. Unfortunately, Barber gets a bad wrap for a course that doesn’t permit much in the way of passing. I think every series there this weekend proved that Barber could support some great racing action. Rain on Friday delayed Race #1 for the Star Mazda Championship, after Team…
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