OT: Racing 2010 (Spoiler Alert)

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Thu Feb 11, 2010 6:58 pm

I happened to read this article on Eddie Irvine over at ESPNF1 regarding his career. Funny part was when it got to the part of him unlapping himself from Ayrton Senna at Suzuka '93 because Senna was holding him up with his battle with Damon Hill.

http://en.espnf1.com/f1/motorsport/story/8509.html

So Ayrton goes to the Jordan Motorhome and clocks Eddie Irvine for lack of respect. Too bad that sh*t doesn't happen in F1 anymore.

So here's the Youtube video of Senna trying to justify why it was appropriate to clock Irvine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxCrh4NbYP8

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Thu Feb 11, 2010 7:12 pm

pk500 wrote:My immediate question upon first seeing the DeltaWing: How the hell is that thing going to get through the hairpin at Long Beach?

A three-point turn, I should imagine. Have a designated reversing zone off to the outside of the track, kind of like an autotest. I'd watch.

The seven people who used to watch A1GP might remember the Beijing race in 2006/07, when the track had to be modified after practice because the original design included a hairpin turn that the cars didn't have enough steering lock to get around. There is footage, and it's funny once you've got past the stupidity of it all, but unfortunately I can't find a link anywhere.

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Thu Feb 11, 2010 7:34 pm

While I'm here, for those trying to keep up with testing, here's a little video from today which includes the Virgin VR-01's front wing appearing to just fall off.

<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/h3n4ga35fSg&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed>

The wing failure starts at around 0:14, so not a lot of fast-forwarding to do for anyone interested. It's been a few years since we've seen cars having that kind of thing happen in pre-season.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 9:38 am

Kimi is currently 10th at the Rally of Sweden. That f##ker can drive anything you give him.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81447

Pos Driver Car Time/Gap
1. Mikko Hirvonen Ford 45m35.0s
2. Dani Sordo Citroen + 6.3s
3. Sebastien Loeb Citroen + 6.7s
4. Jari-Matti Latvala Ford + 28.0s
5. Sebastien Ogier Citroen + 47.2s
6. Marcus Gronholm Ford + 1m06.0s
7. Henning Solberg Ford + 1m17.3s
8. Matthew Wilson Ford + 2m16.8s
9. Mads Ostberg Subaru + 2m36.7s
10. Kimi Raikkonen Citroen + 2m53.7s

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 11:36 am

A nice, quick recap of the history of Lotus back to the beginning, along with some great photos of iconic Lotus cars:

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2010/02/ ... eam-lotus/

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 7:16 pm

Crossing two threads with this one but this seems like the sensible place to put the DeltaWing, rFactor style:

http://www.virtualr.net/deltawing-indyc ... ion-video/

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 7:31 pm

I LOL at one of the comments:

"I had to check the date, it’s getting dangerously close to April 1st. Christ, this is motor racing, not the Jetsons."

Smurfy · Post by **Smurfy** » Fri Feb 12, 2010 10:00 pm

That's sweet. I don't know what's funnier, the engine sounds or the avoidance of the curbs.

I wonder what would happen on the ovals should the drivers touch the apron.

fsquid · Post by **fsquid** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 3:40 pm

How can you have potholes in your course during your Super Bowl? That reeks of minor league.

By the way, is there a torrent of that Rally anywhere since I didn't see it on here in the states.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 3:51 pm

fsquid wrote:How can you have potholes in your course during your Super Bowl? That reeks of minor league.

By the way, is there a torrent of that Rally anywhere since I didn't see it on here in the states.

Squid:

Check your PM's.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 11:48 am

USF1 factory for sale. Interesting ...

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2010/02/ ... -for-sale/

fsquid · Post by **fsquid** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 1:11 pm

had no idea that a F1 shop was in Charlotte

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 2:55 pm

pk500 wrote:USF1 factory for sale. Interesting ...

http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2010/02/ ... -for-sale/

Irrespective of how Peter Windsor decides to spin this, the news is not encouraging. We have no news of a second driver signed, there's no news of them passing the FIA crash test.

All we hear is PR spin by Windsor and the only news we get is that the team is in trouble. My hunch is that once he was informed by the FIA that he had to show up for every race or face a penalty for each race missed he's rethinking about showing up at all.

USF1 = DOA

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 4:40 pm

Not sure the factory being up for sale is a sign of anything in particular. The lack of a second driver, the crash test not being passed, the uncertainty over whether or not they have a car to crash test at the minute...well, they're signs of trouble.

I'm aware a couple of parties are or were interested in Campos. Tony Teixeira's money was never going to materialise (look, if you haven't already done so, at how much debt A1GP is in, and how much of that is registered against his company Energem) but Carabante sounds serious enough and there's plenty of talk that Colin Kolles is involved in something, somewhere. His denials haven't exactly been strenuous.

What I don't know, though, is who might be interested in USF1. Joe Saward appears to be suggesting that there'll be someone. Who is it?

DChaps · Post by **DChaps** » Tue Feb 16, 2010 7:34 pm

I have enjoyed all types of motorsports most of my life, but Indycars will always be my one true love. In this economy I am concerned about the state of the sport and some of the more recent events. While I am glad "the split" is over and everyone is back to racing under one roof so to speak, I can't help but wonder where we are going to end up.

-The possibility was left open for a race at Milwaukee, however, ongoing issues involving unpaid sanctioning fees from the management have put the race, and the future of the facility, at risk.

-In November, Historic Mile, LLC. announced they were going out of business. It was announced on December 16 that no national racing series would race at the Milwaukee Mile in 2010 due to the inability for Wisconsin State Fair Park officials to find a replacement promoter for the season.

-The July 25 race in Edmonton will go ahead, despite event organizers losing $9.2 million on the race over the previous two seasons.

-IRL founder and IMS board member, Tony George, resigned from the IMS effective immediately on January 19, 2010.

-Tony George announced on January 28, 2010 that Vision Racing had suspended operations due to a lack of sponsorship.

-Former chief executive officer of the Professional Bull Riders, Randy Bernard, was announced as the new IRL CEO on February 2, 2010.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/35206788

Randy Bernard, the new CEO of the Indy Racing League, admits he knows next to nothing about auto racing. The longtime head of the Professional Bull Riders Inc. feels he can turn that into an advantage.

That sounds all too familiar and not in a good way. On a side note, it is interesting to compare the 2010 Indycar schedule to that of the 1995 schedule. I hated street courses back in 1995 and I still hate them now. I am excited to see Indycars at Barber Motorsports Park (my son and I have tickets) this year, but I would sure like to see them back at Laguna Seca, Road America, Michigan, Milwaukee, Phoenix, etc. However, I understand at this point you've got to go where the money is and that it is scarce these days.

2010 Izod IndyCar Series Season Schedule - 4 Street Courses, 4 Road Courses, 8 Ovals, 1 Airport, 4 non-US races

1 March 14 São Paulo Indy 300 - Streets of São Paulo (Street)
2 March 28 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg - Streets of St. Petersburg (Street)
3 April 11 Indy Grand Prix of Alabama - Barber Motorsports Park (Road)
4 April 18 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach - Streets of Long Beach (Street)
5 May 1 RoadRunner Turbo Indy 300 - Kansas Speedway (Oval)
6 May 30 94th Indianapolis 500 - Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Oval)
7 June 5 Bombardier Learjet 550 - Texas Motor Speedway (Oval)
8 June 20 Iowa Corn Indy 250 - Iowa Speedway (Oval)
9 July 4 Camping World Watkins Glen Grand Prix - Watkins Glen International (Road)
10 July 18 Honda Indy Toronto - Streets of Toronto (Street)
11 July 25 Rexall Edmonton Indy - Edmonton City Centre Airport (Airport)
12 August 8 Honda 200 - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Road)
13 August 22 Peak Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma County - Infineon Raceway Sonoma (Road)
14 August 28 Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 - Chicagoland Speedway (Oval)
15 September 4 Meijer Indy 300 Presented by Red Baron and Edy's - Kentucky Speedway (Oval)
16 September 18 Indy Japan 300 - Twin Ring Motegi (Oval)
17 October 2 Firestone Indy 300 - Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oval)

1995 PPG Indycar World Series Season Schedule - 6 Street Courses, 4 Road Courses, 6 Ovals, 1 Airport, 3 non-US races

1 March 5 Marlboro Grand Prix of Miami - Streets of Miami (Street)
2 March 19 Australian IndyCar Grand Prix - Streets of Surfers Paradise (Street)
3 April 2 Slick 50 200 - Phoenix International Raceway (Oval)
4 April 9 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach - Streets of Long Beach (Street)
5 April 23 Bosch Spark Plug Grand Prix - Nazareth Speedway (Oval)
6 May 28 79th Indianapolis 500 - Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Oval)
7 June 4 Miller Genuine Draft 200 - Milwaukee Mile (Oval)
8 June 11 ITT Automotive Detroit Grand Prix - Belle Isle Park (Street)
9 June 25 Budweiser/G.I. Joe's 200 - Portland International Raceway (Road)
10 July 9 Texaco-Havoline 200 - Road America (Road)
11 July 16 Molson Indy Toronto - Exhibition Place Toronto (Street)
12 July 23 Budweiser Grand Prix of Cleveland - Burke Lakefront Airport (Airport)
13 July 30 Marlboro 500 - Michigan International Speedway (Oval)
14 August 13 Miller Genuine Draft 200 - Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Road)
15 August 20 New England 200 - New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Oval)
16 September 3 Molson Indy Vancouver - Streets of Vancouver (Street)
17 September 10 Toyota Grand Prix of Monterey - Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (Road)

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 8:44 am

Well there maybe something into the sale of USF1 base of operation in Charlotte.

This is from ESPNF1.com http://en.espnf1.com/teamus/motorsport/story/8900.html

Time running out for US F1

"Further doubt has been cast over the future of US F1 after a key member of its management is believed to have left the squad.

It is reported Brian Bonner, the head of business development, is no longer working with US F1, amid further rumours that other staff are growing impatient about not being paid. There is also speculation that YouTube founder Chad Hurley has pulled the plug on his backing of the outfit, with some reports suggesting he is in talks with rivals Campos and F1 hopefuls Stefan GP about joining forces."

"Speaking to ESPNF1 Lotus technical chief Mike Gascoyne said it was incomprehensible how a Formula One team could be a serious prospect for this season without having a firm launch schedule.

"It was quite funny for us to hear some of the new teams saying they didn't know when they would fire up," Gascoyne said. "We knew from the day we submitted the entry when we could be ready. If you are a proper outfit, with a proper design and production schedule, you know exactly when you have to do these things."

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 10:22 am

Gascoyne may be an arrogant son of a b*tch, but he knows his stuff. He's experienced and successful at running an F1 team, something about which Windsor and Anderson have no grasp.

toonarmy · Post by **toonarmy** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 1:52 pm

Rodster wrote:"Speaking to ESPNF1 Lotus technical chief Mike Gascoyne said it was incomprehensible how a Formula One team could be a serious prospect for this season without having a firm launch schedule.

"It was quite funny for us to hear some of the new teams saying they didn't know when they would fire up," Gascoyne said. "We knew from the day we submitted the entry when we could be ready. If you are a proper outfit, with a proper design and production schedule, you know exactly when you have to do these things."

I agree with Gascoyne 100%, and what he says is precisely the impression I've had the past couple months. His last sentence hits the nail on the head. Gascoyne is one of my favorite people in F1. The man has swagger, but he can back it up. It doesn't hurt that he's a big Norwich City fan either

.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Wed Feb 17, 2010 9:14 pm

Discovery HD Theater will continue to televise WRC events this season, at about a two-week delay:

http://dhd.discovery.com/tv/world-rally ... about.html

I'm STOKED. Discover HD Theater looks GREAT on my set.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Thu Feb 18, 2010 9:04 am

http://en.espnf1.com/teamus/motorsport/story/9004.html

US F1 may be nearing end of the line

"US F1 has cancelled its crash testing and a number of press interviews, as it looks more and more likely that it won't make the grid for the season opener in Bahrain."

"There is still no sign of a completed chassis and no testing has been confirmed by the team, which last month said it was hoping to run the car on US soil at some point in late February. A report in the New York Times claims the team is plagued by financial trouble after a major sponsor deal fell through.

An anonymous insider said: "The bottom line is really simple: sponsor money didn't come through the way it was supposed to and it has grinded down the company to a halt. They're having trouble making payroll, they're having trouble paying suppliers and that's the situation they find themselves in,"

Officially the team has remained quiet, with boss Peter Windsor refusing to comment."

GB_Simo · Post by **GB_Simo** » Thu Feb 18, 2010 8:36 pm

Looks like a deal to keep Campos Meta on the grid has been finalised, with an announcement expected tomorrow. Part of that announcement looks likely to be a partner for Bruno Senna, and that partner is probably Jose Maria Lopez.

If that turns out to be the case, then surely USF1 can't maintain a silence for too much longer.

toonarmy · Post by **toonarmy** » Thu Feb 18, 2010 9:09 pm

I'd be interested to know exactly how far along USF1 got in actually designing and making a car. Even if they are able to pull a rabbit out of the hat (highly unlikely it appears) and put cars on the grid, their cars will be utter trash. Windsor has handled this process in the worst way imaginable.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 12:49 pm

News for all of you Villeneuve fans which is what, zero on DSP? The Stefan GP boss says a deal is close to signing the 1997 Champ.

Can I get an Amen everyone? Yeah just what I thought.

pk500 · Post by **pk500** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 2:00 pm

Finishing his career on the back of the grid. How fitting for Villeneuve, who has talked a better game than he has driven for the last 10 years.

In other F1 news, US F1 insists it's not dead:

http://www.racer.com/us-f1-vows-to-figh ... ACER_DAILY

I remain very skeptical.

Rodster · Post by **Rodster** » Fri Feb 19, 2010 2:14 pm

I love how he spins the website is down and is being repaired. Gee what a coincidence.

Peter Windsor reminds me of the guy in Monty Python who had both arms and legs chopped off as he yelled come back and fight you coward. Peter must have taken lessons from him on how to spin things in your favor, LOL.