Formula 1, Malaysia. Rain and a wet track started the day. The indication was the rain would fade and the track would dry. The team strategists began their plan for tires. Wet tread to start, let the track dry out, trade over to slicks, hard, soft, medium…

The pre-race planning was likely a discussion of just that. Control the tires and control the race. It worked well for Red Bull, finishing up one and two with Mercedes grouped together at three and four.

The post race discussions were likely a bit intense. Formula 1 showcases the top of the pyramid for technology and speed. At this level, you might expect the brightest and the best to be at the front lines.

Perhaps not…

Fernando Alonso and Ferrari were the first to show off some less than average thinking. (more…)

Weather. What can you do?

Now, imagine you are shopping for a new automobile. A sedan, sports coupe… perhaps a convertible. The anticipation of the choice, the test drive… Perhaps the thoughts of that first getaway embraced by new car smell as scenery passes by fighting for your attention from the rolling road.

…And it is raining. There is little you can do. The schedule is set. You take what you can.

It just so happens your new car sports an engine producing around 800 horsepower, has no fenders, no top, no cup holders and only one seat. (more…)

The unmistakeable pitch of a Formula 1 race hasn’t been heard from tarmac in the United States since 2007. Now, it is back.

The opening run at the Circuit Of The Americas and the United States Grand Prix has been run with full grandstands and fanfare. The course proved to be a challenge not only because of the unfamiliar racing characteristics but also with brand new… everything.

Sebastion Vettel seemed to take to it just a little quicker than the others with fast practice times and the pole from qualifying. Lewis Hamilton also took to the new course with good laps and a 2nd position from the start. (more…)

Really!?

Yes… The schedules have been out for a while which is exactly the point.

The last NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race is Sunday, Nov. 18th at 2:00pm. (Eastern)

The first Formula 1 race in America since 2007 and the first ever on a track in the United States purposefully built to host F1 is also on Sunday, Nov. 18th at 2:00pm. (Eastern)

Really!?

Usually it is not a problem as Formula 1 mostly runs in Europe and other countries with unpronounceable cities. Such as it is they air around 7:00am or so with no conflict for other racing here in the U.S. However, you would think someone would have thought to stagger the schedule here just a bit… Even just a little bit…

OK… A Plan. (more…)

Mid-October and racing is going into the final laps. Indy was done a while ago. Grand-Am is done. American Le Mans closes this weekend. NASCAR has a hadfull of races left. Formula 1 also has a few left, including the return to America. NHRA still has a couple left…

Ryan Hunter-Reay won the IndyCar title. Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas won the Daytona Prototypes with Chip Ganassi Racing in Grand-Am. The GT title was driven away with Jeff Segal and Emil Assentato for AIM Autosport. The classes of American Le Mans have been mathematically clinched heading into an all out race to win for the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.

NASCAR is at Kansas this weekend, then on to Martinsville, Texas, Phoenix and Homestead. Brad Keselowski is currently edging the points. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is still nursing a concussion and should be back by Martinsville. (more…)

Formula 1 in America.

It is still several weeks away, November 16-18. Four races separate then from now. This weekend the speed is in Japan. Fernando Alonso carries a 29 point lead on the way to the Land of the Rising Sun, thanks to three season wins combined with other good finishes…

The American race is one before the finale in Brazil. If points are tight it could be a game changer. The track is not just new to the F1 schedule it is new to everything. Everything from the race surface to the bathrooms is shiny, brand new. It was just last week the facility was “race certified” by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), which is the sanctioning body that oversees international motorsport.

Racing on a brand new circuit, with unfamiliar characteristics, is bound to be interesting. Combine that with the possibility of a tight points situation with one more race to follow and the break-in period could break someone’s chances. (more…)

You’ve been looking forward to this party for a month. You’re all dressed up, new shirt, haircut, fresh undies… the works. Before you even get a chance to get your first cocktail or even a cocktail weenie, someone comes flying through the line trying to get forward before things settles in…

Now you are on the floor in a puddle of punch and spilled salsa. All of your prep and style gone before the first move even had a shot. The mess includes a pile of other people, cups, dishes, a chair or two and a scramble of folks dashing to avoid the splatter of salads and sundries.

All you can do is pick yourself up, gather your composure as best you can, bow to your host and make the exit. (more…)