OpEd – Blocking in Modern Motorsports

The Blocking Problem Blocking is certainly nothing new in motorsports, or racing in general for that matter. As soon as two people raced each other on foot, I’m sure that the leader blocked the person behind and probably violently. In various types of horse racing, we see blocking and crowding a competitor against the rail, and given that automobile racing is simply an extension of horse racing, its no surprise that we see blocking in modern motorsports. The challenge of the various sanctioning bodies of modern motorsports series is to…

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Episode 50 – Openpaddock.net Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Doug and I as we take a look back at last weekends races. We also discuss the ususal news that has surfaced as a result of the events. We also look ahead to Mid-Ohio as that is where the whole OP crew will be this weekend! Hope to see all of the readers and supporters out there! Sit backa nd enjoy the show and prepare yourself for the siege of information that will be Mid-Ohio.

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Episode 49 – Openpaddock.net Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Doug and I as we talk all things blocking and team orders. Was the block right or wrong? Find out with this latest installment. We toss around ideas on Ferrari could have done better and not been so obvious as well as what the points look like in both Indy and F1. We make mention to something we have been following with MINI announcing their joint effort with Prodrive in the WRC as well as this weeks XGames. So as always, sit back…

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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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F1 – Fourth Team Would Hurt Mercedes

Simply put, 2010 has not been the year that Mercedes was hoping for. The team that was once Brawn GP, a team that took both the drivers title and the constructor’s title received a huge boost when they signed Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher, but both drivers have struggled up to this point. Along with trying to field their own manufacturer effort, Mercedes has supplied McLaren and Force India with power plants for their challengers over the last couple years. Speculation had the German team also perhaps supplying Red Bull…

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Episode 43 – Open Paddock Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Mike and I as we discuss the weekend that was the Canadian GP. We also cover a little Le Mans as there was the greatest sports car in the world last weekend. We talk a little Rally and a little IndyCar as well. So as is standard operating procedure, sit back with your favorite beverage and enjoy the random gripes and complaints that make up this weeks show!

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Episode 41 – Open Paddock Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Mike and I this week as we return from Indianapolis. We review the greatest race on the planet as well as cover Sebastian Ogier’s surprise win. We also breakdown the Vettel/Webber incident as I (Shaun) rain down scorn on Mark Webber. Good times to be had by all so sit back with your favorite adult beverage and enjoy the random rants this week!

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Episode 40 – Open Paddock Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadJoin Mike and I as we recap all of the time trials from Indy and look ahead to the 94th Indianapolis 500. We also get into Rally Portugal and F1 in Turkey. We also sit and heap scorn at the Austin GP…I mean USGP. Sit back with your favorite beverage and enjoy the show and hopefully we will see you this weekend!

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F1 – USGP Returns in 2012

The United States Grand Prix is set for yet another return as the traveling circus trades in their glitz in glamour for cowboy hats. The event was announced to day by Formula 1 and will be held in Austin Texas from 2012 to 2021. The race is slated to be held on a new fixed circuit that will be purpose built for the event. This is the first time since 1980 that the race will be held on a purpose built, fixed road course and the first time ever a…

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