Here's a short highlights reel from Friday's Indycar action in Edmonton:
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Fernando Alonso grabs pole in chaotic Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying
By Sean Chaney at the BBC:
Fernando Alonso grabbed pole position for Renault in a delayed final qualifying session for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.
The session was significantly delayed when Ferrari's Felipe Massa (pictured at left) crashed head on into a tyre wall.
Red Bull duo Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber finished second and third in a chaotic qualifying session in Budapest.
McLaren's Lewis Hamilton qualified in a season's best fourth position while Brawn's Jenson Button was eighth.
Williams's Nico Rosberg was fifth fastest at the Hungaroring ahead of Hamilton's McLaren team-mate Heikki Kovalainen who was sixth.
Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen will start Sunday's Grand Prix in seventh while Brawn's championship leader Jenson Button goes from eighth after his worst qualifying performance of the season.
News of the final results was delayed when timing and scoring at the track was lost toward the end of the session. Check here for more qualifying news.
Felipe Massa injured in high-speed wreck during qualifying for Hungarian Grand Prix
From the Associated Press: BUDAPEST, Hungary — Ferrari driver Felipe Massa crashed at high speed during qualifying for Formula One's Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday and was airlifted to a hospital in "stable condition."
The Brazilian driver was conscious and moving his arms before being evacuated from the Hungaroring's medical center by helicopter.
Ferrari team officials said Massa's condition was stable.
A spring that had fallen off Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP car flew up and struck Massa in the helmet, apparently dazing him as the Ferrari continued straight through a curb, across the track and through the gravel area alongside the circuit before slamming into a row of protective tires that line the circuit wall.
Massa appeared to regain control of the car just before the crash at turn No. 4 as his front brakes were locked upon the violent impact.
The Brazilian driver was conscious and moving his arms before being evacuated from the Hungaroring's medical center by helicopter.
Ferrari team officials said Massa's condition was stable.
A spring that had fallen off Rubens Barrichello's Brawn GP car flew up and struck Massa in the helmet, apparently dazing him as the Ferrari continued straight through a curb, across the track and through the gravel area alongside the circuit before slamming into a row of protective tires that line the circuit wall.
Massa appeared to regain control of the car just before the crash at turn No. 4 as his front brakes were locked upon the violent impact.
Camel GT visits Lime Rock Park
The latest from the archives is the 1991 IMSA Camel GT Toyota Trucks Presents The Lime Rock Grand Prix, held May 26, 1991. Check out the results from the race, in particular the number of manufacturers taking part -- Nissan, Toyota, Chevrolet, Jaguar, even some privateer Porsches and a couple of Ferrari-powered Spices in the Lights class.
There's also this interesting article from the New York Times on how the series was working to change its image.
There's also this interesting article from the New York Times on how the series was working to change its image.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Team Penske leads the way in practice in Edmonton
From the Canadian Press
EDMONTON — Team Penske dominated on practice day Friday for this weekend's Rexall Edmonton Indy.
Helio Castroneves finished first, hitting 115.405 m/ph on his final lap in practice at the 14-turn airport-road course at the City Centre Airport. Teammate Ryan Briscoe was second at 114.595.
"It's not over," said Castroneves. "We need to keep it up for qualifying."
Toronto's Paul Tracy was 10th in the 23-car field. He ran among the leaders for most of the session but dropped back after making some late adjustments.
"We made a shock and spring change on the last run with a new set of tires and it put an imbalance on the car," he said. "We'll just go back on it and figure what we have to do for qualifying."
Check out more coverage from the Rexall Edmonton Indy.
EDMONTON — Team Penske dominated on practice day Friday for this weekend's Rexall Edmonton Indy.
Helio Castroneves finished first, hitting 115.405 m/ph on his final lap in practice at the 14-turn airport-road course at the City Centre Airport. Teammate Ryan Briscoe was second at 114.595.
"It's not over," said Castroneves. "We need to keep it up for qualifying."
Toronto's Paul Tracy was 10th in the 23-car field. He ran among the leaders for most of the session but dropped back after making some late adjustments.
"We made a shock and spring change on the last run with a new set of tires and it put an imbalance on the car," he said. "We'll just go back on it and figure what we have to do for qualifying."
Check out more coverage from the Rexall Edmonton Indy.
From the vault: 1987 Trans-Am race from Lime Rock Park
There's been lots of requests for some Trans-Am action - so here is one from 1987 - the "Bendix Trans-Am Weekend" at Lime Rock Park. I don't want to spoil the results, so here's a link to the results.
And here's a news clipping from the race.
Also, found this interesting video clip of Barbara Walters getting a helluva ride from Paul Newman.
And here's a news clipping from the race.
Also, found this interesting video clip of Barbara Walters getting a helluva ride from Paul Newman.
Ganassi: We've talked to Danica Patrick but no deal right now
In advance of this weekend's Indycar race in Edmonton, Chip Ganassi talked about Danica Patrick. According to Fox Sports, Ganassi said on Friday that he'd "be lying" if he told the media he hadn't talked with Danica Patrick about her plans for next season or wasn't interested in her for the future.
Patrick, who is currently fifth in the IndyCar Series standings, is in the last year of her contract with Andretti Green Racing in the IndyCar Series and is currently weighing her options for 2010.
"Like a lot of teams, they've had discussions and she's on the market right now and she's ready to make the next step in her career — wherever that takes her. I wish I could tell you I'm a lot further down the road on that, but the fact of the matter is, like most other teams, we're at the top of the first inning on that subject. We're on the pace lap here. It's way early."
Ganassi senses that Patrick won't make her decision until the end of the season. He feels that it's premature to assume she'll venture to one series or the other. His initial advice to Patrick is to finish what she started in IndyCar as NASCAR will be waiting in the future.
Visit indycar.com for live coverage of practice and qualifying.
Patrick, who is currently fifth in the IndyCar Series standings, is in the last year of her contract with Andretti Green Racing in the IndyCar Series and is currently weighing her options for 2010.
"Like a lot of teams, they've had discussions and she's on the market right now and she's ready to make the next step in her career — wherever that takes her. I wish I could tell you I'm a lot further down the road on that, but the fact of the matter is, like most other teams, we're at the top of the first inning on that subject. We're on the pace lap here. It's way early."
Ganassi senses that Patrick won't make her decision until the end of the season. He feels that it's premature to assume she'll venture to one series or the other. His initial advice to Patrick is to finish what she started in IndyCar as NASCAR will be waiting in the future.
Visit indycar.com for live coverage of practice and qualifying.
Lewis Hamilton leads the way for McLaren during practice for Hungarian Grand Prix
From Reuters: "Happy Hamilton Puts McLaren on Top"
BUDAPEST - World champion Lewis Hamilton led a day of domination for McLaren at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday while Spanish teenager Jaime Alguersuari made a confident Formula One debut with Toro Rosso.
Hamilton was quickest overall with a lap of one minute 22.079 seconds, ahead of last year's winner and team mate Heikki Kovalainen in 1:22.126, in the afternoon. Kovalainen was fastest in the morning in 1:22.278.
There's also been lots of talk in the past few days about British Formula 3 champion Jaime Alguersuari. The Spaniard is set to become the youngest F1 racer in the sport's history at 19 years and 125 days - and his arrival has sparked lots of debate and fear that he will be a danger to the other drivers on the grid.
BUDAPEST - World champion Lewis Hamilton led a day of domination for McLaren at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Friday while Spanish teenager Jaime Alguersuari made a confident Formula One debut with Toro Rosso.
Hamilton was quickest overall with a lap of one minute 22.079 seconds, ahead of last year's winner and team mate Heikki Kovalainen in 1:22.126, in the afternoon. Kovalainen was fastest in the morning in 1:22.278.
There's also been lots of talk in the past few days about British Formula 3 champion Jaime Alguersuari. The Spaniard is set to become the youngest F1 racer in the sport's history at 19 years and 125 days - and his arrival has sparked lots of debate and fear that he will be a danger to the other drivers on the grid.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway still makes Jimmie Johnson say 'wow'
From Randy Covitz at the Kansas City Star:
"INDIANAPOLIS - He’s raced here seven times, winning twice. But each time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson pulls into historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he can’t escape the wow factor.
The Brickyard, celebrating its Centennial Era, is equal parts Fenway Park for its history; Lambeau Field for the tradition; Wimbledon for its reverence; Churchill Downs for its wall-to-wall crowds; and Daytona for its speed.
Johnson tried soaking it all in as he arrived this week to defend his Allstate 400 at the Brickyard title on Sunday.
<a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&playlist=videoByUuids:uuids:1a43b7dd-9c89-4bf1-ba3d-f2939d22106b&showPlaylist=true&from=IV2_en-us_foxsports_videosearch&fg=everyzing" target="_new" title="NASCAR on FOX: Brickyard preview">Video: NASCAR on FOX: Brickyard preview</a>
"INDIANAPOLIS - He’s raced here seven times, winning twice. But each time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson pulls into historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he can’t escape the wow factor.
The Brickyard, celebrating its Centennial Era, is equal parts Fenway Park for its history; Lambeau Field for the tradition; Wimbledon for its reverence; Churchill Downs for its wall-to-wall crowds; and Daytona for its speed.
Johnson tried soaking it all in as he arrived this week to defend his Allstate 400 at the Brickyard title on Sunday.
Heikki Kovalainen leads the way on Friday morning in Hungary
From Reuters/New York Times: Kovalainen Quickest In First Hungary Practice
BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Last year's race winner Heikki Kovalainen highlighted struggling McLaren's improved pace on Friday with the fastest time in opening Hungarian Grand Prix practice.
The Finn, whose only career victory came at the Hungaroring last August, put in a best lap of one minute 22.278 seconds right at the end of the session at the tight and twisty circuit near Budapest.
BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Last year's race winner Heikki Kovalainen highlighted struggling McLaren's improved pace on Friday with the fastest time in opening Hungarian Grand Prix practice.
The Finn, whose only career victory came at the Hungaroring last August, put in a best lap of one minute 22.278 seconds right at the end of the session at the tight and twisty circuit near Budapest.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
From the vault: Michael Andretti wins in Toronto
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The 'way back' time machine lands in Del Mar for the 1991 Camel GT finale
By request I have the 1991 IMSA Camel GT season finale on my You Tube page. You can go there to look at it, or, if you are really feeling lazy, check it out below.
Now, for a news junkie like me, I was looking for some "news" about the race to post on the blog and came across a cool Google service - seems the folks at Google are not only scanning and archiving books, but newspapers as well. So here's links to two articles on the race:
Article 1
Article 2
Now, for a news junkie like me, I was looking for some "news" about the race to post on the blog and came across a cool Google service - seems the folks at Google are not only scanning and archiving books, but newspapers as well. So here's links to two articles on the race:
Article 1
Article 2
Monday, July 20, 2009
Henry Surtees had hoped to 'emulate his father'
Henry Surtees dies after F2 race crash - from the BBC:
A teenage racing driver killed in a "freak" race crash set out at the age of eight to emulate his Formula One world champion father John Surtees.
Henry Surtees, who picked up his first major trophy at the age of nine, was hit by a wheel that flew off a car during a race at Brands Hatch, Kent. The 18-year-old had said his father had provided "fantastic support" for his career but he wanted to be his own man.
His motorsport legend father won the Formula One World Championship in 1964. John Surtees, now 75, is the only man to have won world titles on both two and four wheels.
In an interview earlier this month, the teenager said: "My father has been a fantastic support for me throughout my career. Ultimately I am the one driving, so it all comes down to me."
"Of course we fall out sometimes, and I'm the first to tell him he's wrong, but it is fantastic to have him alongside me at the races.
"He is a great source of advice, as he was an engineer before he was a driver, and he really knows his stuff.
"The main thing for me though is that I have to be my own man - ultimately I am the one driving, so it all comes down to me."
The Formula Two driver entered his first race at the age of eight and won his first major trophy the following year. Within three years, he had moved on to faster 125cc races.
His achievements were all documented on his father's official website.
His own website, which was taken down after his death on Sunday, had listed Brands Hatch as his favourite circuit. The teenager was flown to hospital after the crash at the weekend, but died later.
More coverage
A teenage racing driver killed in a "freak" race crash set out at the age of eight to emulate his Formula One world champion father John Surtees.
Henry Surtees, who picked up his first major trophy at the age of nine, was hit by a wheel that flew off a car during a race at Brands Hatch, Kent. The 18-year-old had said his father had provided "fantastic support" for his career but he wanted to be his own man.
His motorsport legend father won the Formula One World Championship in 1964. John Surtees, now 75, is the only man to have won world titles on both two and four wheels.
In an interview earlier this month, the teenager said: "My father has been a fantastic support for me throughout my career. Ultimately I am the one driving, so it all comes down to me."
"Of course we fall out sometimes, and I'm the first to tell him he's wrong, but it is fantastic to have him alongside me at the races.
"He is a great source of advice, as he was an engineer before he was a driver, and he really knows his stuff.
"The main thing for me though is that I have to be my own man - ultimately I am the one driving, so it all comes down to me."
The Formula Two driver entered his first race at the age of eight and won his first major trophy the following year. Within three years, he had moved on to faster 125cc races.
His achievements were all documented on his father's official website.
His own website, which was taken down after his death on Sunday, had listed Brands Hatch as his favourite circuit. The teenager was flown to hospital after the crash at the weekend, but died later.
More coverage
Kyle Busch wins at Gateway
By The Associated Press
"MADISON, Ill. — Kyle Busch continued his domination of the NASCAR Nationwide Series with a victory in the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250 Saturday night.
Busch, who leads the Nationwide standings, won for the sixth time in 19 races this season and also earned the 27th victory of his career."
"MADISON, Ill. — Kyle Busch continued his domination of the NASCAR Nationwide Series with a victory in the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250 Saturday night.
Busch, who leads the Nationwide standings, won for the sixth time in 19 races this season and also earned the 27th victory of his career."
Gurney, Fogarty enjoy victory in Birmingham
By Nancy Knapp Schilke at Motorsport.com
"It was a late dash between two of the top Grand-Am Rolex Series teams in the final 20 minutes of today's race at Barber Motorsports Park. Not only were they going for the win but in the long run, the two teams are aiming for the championship at season end.
"A late caution set the scene with Alex Gurney in the No. 99 Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley and Scott Pruett in the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing Lexus Riley for the eighth race of the 2009 season.
"We didn't want to see that last yellow," said Gurney. "We had a great strategy that kept us out front and our car was good enough to win. So it was a great day."
"It was a late dash between two of the top Grand-Am Rolex Series teams in the final 20 minutes of today's race at Barber Motorsports Park. Not only were they going for the win but in the long run, the two teams are aiming for the championship at season end.
"A late caution set the scene with Alex Gurney in the No. 99 Bob Stallings Racing Pontiac Riley and Scott Pruett in the No. 01 Chip Ganassi Racing Lexus Riley for the eighth race of the 2009 season.
"We didn't want to see that last yellow," said Gurney. "We had a great strategy that kept us out front and our car was good enough to win. So it was a great day."
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