Suzuka Qualy’s: Schumacher On Pole!
October 8, 2005
Yes Ferrari fans, once again there is a Schumacher on pole, unfortunately it isn’t Michael!
From Fernando’s Lips To Ron’s Ear!
October 7, 2005
The newly crowned 2005 Drivers Champion Fernando Alonso has been remarkable this year for many reasons, but in particular one: His lack of controversial statements and news items creating fodder for competing teams. I think that just changed!
Williams fails to sign up with Manufactuers!
October 7, 2005
While this story can be construed as a silly season beat up, it has a ring of truth to it & hold serious long term implications for the direction of the sport. The failure of Sir Frank Williams to sign to the 2008 Manufacturers led break away “binding agreement” last Wednesday & his release of a statement placing himself as a fence sitter for the time being shows the precarious position that both sides & individual teams have placed themselves in. With Williams being the only independent team not to have committed to the FIA series & Bernie Ecclestone offering teams that sign a guaranteed 50% increase on existing income, the scoreboard reads FIA 4 teams vs GPMA 5 teams.
Champ Car, Grand Am Double at LBGP, 2006
October 5, 2005
Just when many fans are lamenting the loss of the Korean race, and the lack of positive PR for the beleagured Champ Car Series, comes a ray of good news.
Harvick’s Crew Chief Suspended After Talladega Inspection
October 4, 2005
Todd Berrier, crew chief for Kevin Harvick’s No. 29 Chevrolet, was suspended for two weeks, fined $10,000 and is on probation until the end of 2005, following multiple infractions uncovered in post-qualifying inspections last Friday. Both DEI crew chiefs and Morgan Shepherd’s crew chief joined Berrier in receiving penalties after Talladega. Here is the text of NASCAR’s press release detailing the penalties levied after the weekend.
Humpy Wheeler and 30 Years Thinking ‘Outside the Box’
October 4, 2005
Known as the “P.T. Barnum of Auto Racing,” H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler will celebrate his 30th year at the helm of Lowe’s Motor Speedway during UAW-GM Quality 500 Week Oct. 12-15.
Hired in 1975 by track owner Bruton Smith, Wheeler, 66, has utilized his innovative style of entertainment promotion and extensive motorsports background to transform the 1.5-mile superspeedway into one of the world’s leading sports facilities.
Slow and Steady Wins the Race
October 4, 2005
Well it may not be exactly slow but the Audi R8 is certainly steady. Sense it’s Debut the R8 has virtually won every race it’s entered and some times over and over again. Of course a good machine has to have good drivers to get it there; Emanuele Pirro and Frank Biela are no exception to the rule.
On Saturday the duo won again for their 4th time this season in 9 attempts and they have yet to not finish in the top 3. By winning the event they were also able to clinch the driver’s championship in LMP1.
Of course several of the competitors made it easier for the Champion team as the pole winning car driven by Hayanari Shimoda and Tom Chilton was involved in an accident with the other Champion car and the #16 Dyson car. Apparently someone forgot to inform these drivers that it is a 10 hr race not 10 second race.
In other news, Clint Field may very well become the youngest driver to win an IMSA championship. After taking the class win in LMP2 he now leads the standings by 22 points with just one race remaining.
American Muscle once again took it to the Brits in GT1 as the Corvette driven by Olivier Beretta, Oliver Gavin and Jan Magnussen (well the car is American anyway) beat the Aston Martin DBR9 driven by David Brabham, Darren Turner and Jonny Kane.
In GT2 Patrick Long and Jorg Bergmeister took the class victory, also their 4th of the season in the Porshe.
Honda Takes 100% Ownership For 2006
October 4, 2005
Honda has accquired the remaining 55% stake of the BAR Honda F1 team effective Tuesday. The team will be run entirely by the auto maker starting with the 2006 season.
Dodge Talladega Notes
October 2, 2005
NOTE: Ryan Newman led the Dodge Chargers at Talladega, finishing fourth on Sunday
Ford Notes From Talladega
October 2, 2005
MARK MARTIN - No. 6 Viagra Taurus (Finished 41st) - “Somebody spun the 38 out. That’s about all I saw - the 38 spun. I just want to say one thing, the fans are the only ones that can do something about this. No one else can - the drivers can’t, the owners can’t and NASCAR’s not gonna do anything about it. I doubt if the fans can either. I know that it’s exciting racing to watch, but I didn’t even get a sweat worked up. You just can’t go against God’s will. I’d have a championship by now if it was God’s will. I’m OK and we’ll finish this one off and worry about next year next year.”