We here at open paddock have yet to really comment about the ongoing tax evasion trial of Helio Castroneves. Taxes are a boring subject and one that I am loathe to comment on this time of year since I just sent my check in to the government this week. But now that the trial is over and jury deliberations have been taking place since last Friday, it is time for us to break our silence. Jury deliberations are over for the day, but the jury has returned verdicts an several…
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Dennis Quits Formula 1
Ron Dennis has just announced he will be quiting all Formula 1 operations effective immediately. In a press conference outside Woking, the long time McLaren supremo stated he “had no problem with Martin taking over the team.” This press conference came as a result of mounting pressure in regards to the current scandal McLaren find themselves in. This is the second scandal of this size in the last two years which have shaken the foundations of the silver team. Some believe this move also came at the request of Anthony…
Read MoreChinese Grand Prix Preview
The F1 traveling circus has left the WMSC and is now heading to Shanghai, China for the Chinese Grand Prix. This event has been moved from the end of the year and now settles in as the third stop on tour. The race has been struggling as of late and attendance is not what it was before. So much so, that the race has been mentioned as being scrapped if numbers do not improve. Where have I heard that before? Brawn GP and Jenson Button will be the favorites…
Read MoreDiffuser is Ruled Legal
After a day full of testimony and saber rattling, the diffuser row has finally come to an end. The Times Online is reporting that the double diffuser that many teams stated were illegal have been given the thumbs up by the WMSC. While keeping the championship standings the same, we now will see who will have a new diffuser lined up for Shanghai this weekend and if those without can keep pace. I am happy to see that the WMSC made the right decision. However, I am also still very…
Read MoreF1 – WMSC Rulings to Overshadow GP’s
Shanghai is the next stop on the world circus, and yet with only two flyaway races left before the European leg begins, the entire F1 world is overshadowed by imminent decisions from the World Motorsport Council. First up is the diffuser row to be settled by the WMSC tomorrow. Brawn, Toyota and Williams are running a double decker diffuser design which meets the letter of the regulations, but they somewhat defy the intent. While the other teams charge that these diffusers are illegal, Max Mosely rendered his opinion on the…
Read MoreThe Straw that Broke the Camel’s Back
This Formula 1 Season has seen a number of events that one could call extraordinary. Brawn GP and the little private teams taking it to the big factory funded giants. Some teams up to the same old dirty tactics and a young world champion on the verge of a mid life crisis ten years too early. Yet through all of this, a storm has been brewing in Maranello that few have really focused on and the relationship that brought title after title could finally be over. The world was not ready after 2006 to see…
Read MoreVolkswagon Returns to IRC Competition
The German manufacturer Volkswagen is making a return to the IRC competition with its latest installment of the Polo Super 2000. Rene Georges Rally Sport will be the team and young Frenchman Julien Maurin will be the driver. The car has ran paces in tarmac testing and will be put to the gravel in a final test before the debut in the Sata Rally Azores from 7-9 May. The team have been developing the car nearly all offseason and hope to bring home some solid points and great developmental information as…
Read MoreRally America- Olympus Preview
The Rally America series will be running next weekend in the Olympus Rally out in the great state of Washington. It is scheduled to be a three day event and the competition is sure to be tough. This will be the third round of the championship and if this round is anything like the 100 Acre Rally that I attended earlier this year, then the Washington fans are in for a real treat. The site of the Olympus Rally was once frequented by the WRC and is always a fan favorite on the…
Read MoreIndyCar – Sharp Returns to Indy
Panther Racing announced today that Scott Sharp will be driving a second car for them at Indy this year in the #16 Tequila Patrón Panther Racing Honda Dallara. If you recall, Scott has had some success at Indy, sitting on the pole in 2001. Don’t investigate that one too much though because you will uncover the fact that he wrecked on the first lap going into turn 1. His best result at Indy came in 2007 driving for Rahal when he finished 6th overall. Scott has started 146 IndyCar races…
Read MoreIndyCar – Counting to 33
It has become a tradition over the last decade or so. After the dust has settled from the first race of the IndyCar season, we all start to do complex math in our heads to try and get a sum that is greater than or equal to 33. In past years, we have started the with 18 or 19 full time cars but yet still managed to keep the numeric reputation of the world’s most famous oval untarnished. While this year we have a shorter hop to the magic sum,…
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