Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/its-vet-vet-vet/
George Connor George Constantine John Cordts David Coulthard
Saturday
It?s Vet, Vet, Vet
Sebastian Vettel set the fastest lap of the Q1 session at Silverstone with a lap that was less than a tenth ahead of Nico Hulkenberg’s Force India in a session that was disrupted by intermittent rain at various parts of the track. Pastor Maldonado was third, ahead of Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso with Michael [...]
2012 Sachsenring Moto2 and Moto3 Friday Press Releases
Press releases from the Moto2 and Moto3 teams after the first day of practice at the Sachsenring:
Year:
2012
A London GP? How about one on Mars?
It is no great surprise that on the morning after the sentencing in Germany of Dr Gerhard Gribkowsky to a lengthy prison term for accepting a bribe in the sale process of the Formula One group – and the obvious questions that arise from that verdict – there is a story in the English newspapers, [...]
Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2012/06/28/a-london-gp-how-about-one-on-mars/
Friday
Happy Hour: The Kurt Busch response roundup
It's swim team season, and if you've got kids, that means you're going to big four-hour neighborhood meets. I train my kids to work sponsor mentions (Yahoo! Sports, of course) into regular conversation and put their opponents into the wall, which really doesn't go over too well with the other teams. But I recommend against trying tandem racing in the pool. And for heaven's sake, don't try interviewing my kids right after they finish the race. Those are some foul-mouthed munchkins. Say, that reminds me of something ... let's do a roundup of KuBu responses, shall we? DJ, give me a beat ...
I am a Kurt Busch fan. [After last fall] I decided to stick with the driver, thinking he was smart enough to keep his cool, and maybe contend for a win or so. Come to find out, he is the same Kurt. Now that he is out of Pocono for the weekend, is it cool to change drivers midseason now? (Rickie Hodges, Norfolk, VA)
James Finch certainly seems to think so. And if the owner of Phoenix Racing, who's currently writing Kurt's checks, is willing to make a change if Busch doesn't shape up, why shouldn't fans? I say disaffected Kurt fans should start rooting for Trevor Bayne. It'll be a wondrous change for all involved.
Jay, what are the odds that Kurt Busch gets fired before the end of the season? (Michael George Koltuniak)
Vegas sets the line at 3-1. But if Kurt plays his cards right, he could bet on his own firing, get himself fired, and cash in. Money!
Why do you who don't do, get to control those few that can? Reporters are the vultures of all who produce. (Alan)
I had to get out the industrial-strength grammar cleaner for a few of these emails. If the media was REALLY as evil as some of you seem to think, I'd let you hang yourselves with your own start-and-park spelling. Anyway, here's a thought to all of you who hate the media so much: don't watch/read/listen. We're all biased vultures, so why do you want to spend any time with us? Just drive to each race yourself, buy tickets and lodging, and observe what's happening on-track. Shouldn't cost you more than about $100,000 a year. Per person. No problem, right? Not when the alternative is, you know, reading/watching and then forming your OWN opinion.
Mr. Busch needs to remember to think twice before stepping outside the box. It's ugly mob rules. Not worth the trouble! Media, please stop provoking. Treat others as you want to be treated. (Troy)
This was a common thread, that the media somehow "provoked" Kurt Busch. Let's break this one down, shall we?
1. If a driver can't handle being simply asked questions, even "provocative" ones, without losing his mind, it might be time for him to consider an alternative line of work ... one where he's not paid a ton of money to drive a car in a circle.
2. Busch is in this predicament because of his own actions. Nobody else's. And in December, he took responsibility for that and promised to conduct himself more professionally. That seems to have been lost in the rush to defend Kurt.
3. Sporting News' Bob Pockrass asked a question in a professional manner and, like so many before him, got back a smarmy, sarcastic answer. Let's apply "treat others as you want to be treated" equally, shall we?
4. It's funny how drivers love the media when they want us around to promote their latest sponsor initiative/charity event, but then slag the media as "tabloid" when the off-track stories don't break their way. Just, you know, an observation.
5. The media didn't fire Kurt Busch twice from Chase-level teams. And the media didn't GET Kurt fired. Another observation.
You should have a mic stuck in your face after you drive home from the race. Leave the drivers alone and report on the crap NASCAR puts them through. You must be a Dem. Only half the story! (James Liptrap)
Leave the drivers alone? Really? Not sure their sponsors would like that. And if you're looking for someone to "report on the crap" of NASCAR, few can match Pockrass, FYI. Man ... talk about telling only "half the story." (Also, let's be honest: both sides have their problems telling the whole story. But NO MORE POLITICS.)
One other thing: NASCAR holds the top-five drivers after each race to do on-track interviews. It wasn't like Pockrass ambushed Kurt. And even if he did, the burden is on the driver to act like a professional. If a member of the media is REALLY being unprofessional, go on Twitter and call 'em out. Make it public. There are those in the NASCAR media pool who would gleefully jump on one of their own if it meant getting in better with the drivers. But be specific. Hurt feelings are not evidence.
Does NASCAR have favorite sons? Why is this hothead still racing? They come down hard on some and others skate by, is it because NASCAR likes the drama? They need to [expletive] can this guy. (racefanmich)
You think NASCAR is favoring Kurt Busch? There's proof that we all see the world the way we want to. (Yes, NASCAR does like the drama, as long as it doesn't make the sport look too bad. As we've seen, that can be a devil's bargain.)
If stupid people ask stupid questions, they deserve stupid answers and the notion that everyone has to be on best behavior all the time because of a fan with a cell phone is ludicrous. It's almost as if they really, really wanted to get him, and in turn it makes NASCAR look childlike, almost grade-schoolish. (Chris H, St. Louis)
"Stupid people asking stupid questions and getting stupid answers" ? sounds like this whole mailbag right here. (I kid! Not all your questions are stupid.)
If I was going to make a list of people who make NASCAR look "childlike and grade-schoolish," it'd probably be different from yours. And yes, there is absolutely no middle ground between "best behavior" and throwing out f-bombs and screaming at everyone around you. That's not a stupid statement at all.
Jay, you must admit that was a stupid question that the reporter asked. All he was trying to do was egg Kurt on. There are some reporters that don't belong in the business. (Jim Lewis)
Bob Pockrass absolutely belongs, and anybody who says differently needs to educate themselves on his work. (I'd actually like to see some legitimate examples of the "unprofessional" and "tabloid" journalism that drivers and fans seem to think is so prevalent in NASCAR. Send me links. Trust me, compared to, say, college football, the journalism in NASCAR is like a gentle backrub to the drivers and teams.)
This whole "stupid question" angle mystifies me. What was stupid about it? In December, Kurt promised to behave better. He was on probation and got challenged, ON THE TRACK, by Allgaier. Pockrass was, in effect, asking Busch how he was handling RACING while under probation. Both Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski have mentioned the chilling effect of probation on their on-track style. Despite what Busch (and some fans) seem to think, that's the very DEFINITION of a racing question.
And finally, if he WAS trying to "egg Kurt on," so what? You mean to tell me Busch lacks the self-control to be able to handle a freaking QUESTION? Some of you are giving these drivers less accountability than a dog that's not housebroken. "Dog peed on the rug? IT'S THE RUG'S FAULT FOR BEING THERE!"
We done with this story? Obviously not, but let's move on to something far less controversial ... like Danica Patrick.
____________________
People are asking why was Danica Patrick invited to the Prelude to the Dream. They claim she has no business there and that she is unqualified. Let's be serious, this is an exhibition race for a great cause. This is about getting some of the most popular drivers from a variety of disciplines to compete, Saturday night style, for the benefit of fans and more importantly to raise money for charity. If Danica's presence can sell a few more pay-per-view orders or put another few backsides in the stands then she is doing exactly what she and every other driver there was invited to do. If it was purely about the race, then most of the drivers invited would be exchanged for the top dirt late model stars.
? Bill
Yeah, that Kurt Busch is ... wait, what? That wasn't a Kurt question. Oh. Too bad. Anyway, yeah, I agree with what Bill said about Danica's participation. Far as I'm concerned, she's still got goodwill to burn, based on the eyeballs and revenue she's bringing to NASCAR. At some point, that won't be the case, but if you're begrudging her participating in a charity event, it's probably time to reassess your life.
Wow, negativity left and right today! Let's wrap with a high note. Someone praised ... Pocono? Really? Huh.
____________________
I'm tired of people [expletive]ing on Pocono. Big Bill begged Doc Mattioli to take a second race and Doc was very reluctant. And the actual racing is a hell of a lot better than a lot of other tracks. Five-wide on restarts there is awesome. Going to 400 miles is a plus, too. I've been to 10-15 races there and was never disappointed. Maybe it was the naked chicks in the infield! By the way, if you like beer, the area from Long Pond to Williamsport has great microbreweries. Beautiful area, as well.
? Mike Deppen
Naked chicks? Beer? That's not about racing, Mike! Kurt Busch would NOT approve! (Thanks. Good recommendations.)
And on that note, we're out. Thanks to all our writers this week. You want in? Fire up the computer and hit us with whatever's on your mind, NASCAR-wise, at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com. You can find Yahoo! Sports' NASCAR coverage on Facebook right here, and you can follow me on Twitter at @jaybusbee and on Facebook here. Make sure to tell us where you're from. We'll make you famous!
Colin Davis Jimmy Daywalt JeanDenis Deletraz Patrick Depailler
Power Rankings: Oh, this?ll make everyone happy
The race is done, and that means it's time for Power Rankings. Each week throughout the season, we'll size up who's rising and who's falling, based on current standings, behind-the-scenes changes, expected staying power, recent history and general gut feelings. It is not scientific, nor is it meant to be. And remember, whoever your favorite driver is, we're biased against him and like someone else better. We continue with a guy who's back again...
1. Nobody: Every single week, hordes of people scream about these rankings and what a horrendous miscarriage of justice it is that their guy is ranked too low. (Never too high. You never see anyone saying their guy is ranked too high.) So we could go two ways: the Little League way, where everyone gets a #1 ranking and a juice box, or the angry-dad "I'm turning this car around" way. We're taking the latter, not just to prove a point but because no driver really deserves the No. 1 spot right now. Tony Stewart flamed out, Matt Kenseth and Jimmie Johnson were good but not good enough, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. ... well, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Last week: NR.
Dropping out of the rankings: Marcos Ambrose, Kevin Harvick.
Lucky Dog: AJ Allmendinger. A ninth-place finish for the Dinger, and he continues to hold out hope of better days ahead. If nothing else, Shell has to be happy he's not dragging their corporate image through the foxing mud.
DNF: Carl Edwards. We are in dark days for the 99 team. They need a win, desperately, and they're farther than they have been in years from top-flight status. Edwards is as cool a customer as they come, but these are the times that could try anyone's soul.
All right, your turn. Fire away, friends.
Video: Motor Trend pits 2013 Ford Mustang GT500 against Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
 |
Up until this point, we?ve seen many online magazines pit the incredible 2013 Ford Mustang GT500 against its underpowered rival, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, but until now, we haven?t seen either of the two in depth, until MotorTrend recently released the following video of the two.
Conducted by Australian journalist, Angus MacKenzie, the video depicts the two together in an in-depth review for all-out muscle car supremacy. Rather than simply heading to the quarter mile, seeing which one is faster, and being done with it, the following video looks at three crucial aspects of these two insane cars.
The first test involves some quick blasts through Mulholland Drive where the real-world abilities of the two cars are truly tested, due to the undulations in the road as well as the average traffic conditions one may experience when going canyon carving in one of these two cars.
The second, and arguably most important, test conducted in the review, is a series of high-speed runs around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to see which car is consistently faster around the infamous track, and the result may surprise you.
The test concludes with a good-old fashioned quarter mile drag race and even through the result from that discipline may seem obvious, don?t ever underestimate the 580HP Camaro ZL1 as it turns out to be quite the performance car.
Video: Motor Trend pits 2013 Ford Mustang GT500 against Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 6 July 2012 04:00 EST.
The London Grand Prix ? PR stunt or the real deal?
A month ago McLaren sponsor Santander invited the media to an event in London today with the premise “Ever imagined what a London Grand Prix might look like? Jenson and Lewis have.” The company followed up with the promise of … Continue reading 
Source: http://adamcooperf1.com/2012/06/28/the-london-grand-prix-pr-stunt-or-the-real-deal/
Thursday
The accident at Duxford
Maria de Villota drove a Renault Formula 1 car at Paul Ricard last year. She had no obvious qualifications to be a Formula 1 driver and no Superlicence, but private testing does not require the same rules and regulations as “official” activities. What she did have was some money and a dream and that made [...]
Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2012/07/04/the-accident-at-duxford/
Two drivers injured in practices for X Games RallyCross event
Practicing for RallyCross during this summer's X Games is proving to be a very dangerous, uh, practice.
The RallyCross track in Los Angeles has received lots of publicity for its life-size orange Hot Wheels loop, but two drivers have been taken to the hospital after crashes that didn't involve the loop. (The loop was used for a world record stunt Saturday. It's not part of the regular course.)
On Friday, Toomas Hekkinen (in the video above) was making a ramp jump and wasn't carrying enough speed. Because of that, his car crashed head on into the landing ramp and landed on the ground below upside down. Hekkinen fractured his left ankle.
Saturday, Marcus Gr�nholm was knocked unconscious and taken to the hospital after crashing. Gr�nholm had safely navigated a ramp jump and looked to be arcing out for the next turn and hit the base of a lightpole with the left-front side of his car. According to X Games officials, Gr�nholm is awake and alert and was undergoing further tests.
The X Games event is the third of five on the 2012 Global RallyCross schedule.
Jimmy Daywalt JeanDenis Deletraz Patrick Depailler Pedro Diniz
Aerodynamics Case Study: Engine Covers at the Indy 500
Even though we are living in a spec world during 2012, there are still many things that teams can do to make a car perform better at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway and beyond. The majority of these tweaks and tricks … Continue reading 
Wednesday
Happy Hour: Which driver is next to break a long winless streak?
Welcome to the latest Happy Hour mailbag! You know how these work: You write us with your best rant/ joke/one-liner at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com or on Twitter at @jaybusbee, we respond to your messages, everyone goes away with a smile on their face.
Admit it. You felt just the tiniest bit good for Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Sunday. Even if you hate the guy, you have to feel for him. And oh, Junior Nation: you have every right to rub it in our faces ... for a week.
And now, your letters. Guess what the topic is!
Congrats to Dale Jr. on his win. He becomes the second driver (Joey Logano) this year to snap a multi-year winless streak. This brings me to wonder if any other drivers with long dry spells can break out this year. The list of active drivers that have gone 2+ years without a win are:
Jamie McMurray - 56 races
Juan Montoya - 65 races
David Reutimann - 66 races
Mark Martin - 93 races
Jeff Burton - 128 races
Casey Mears - 177 races
Martin Truex Jr - 182 races
Joe Nemechek - 267 races
Bobby Labonte - 303 races
? John Davis
Great list there. Some of those surprised me a bit. It's really been 128 races since Burton won? Anyway, let's break it down. Of these guys, the only ones you'd seriously say are theoretically at the peak of their skills are McMurray, Montoya and Reutimann. Nemechek isn't going to win a race; he needs to start finishing them first. Labonte, Mears and Reutimann lack the equipment. Martin just doesn't seem to be able to finish. Burton has been on a long, long slide.
So that leaves Truex and the Ganassi boys. Both McMurray and Montoya have been a total mess for about the last three years. So I'm thinking Truex is the one most likely to break out and get that win. Of course, rain could throw all that into chaos. Expect these guys to stay out in anything short of a hurricane. And you? Which of these drivers do you project as the best bet to win next?
____________________
Junior has been really consistent and being very careful on his positions. Do we now consider him a title contender? He has the makings of one this year. I say he could be depending on winning more. but would like your opinion on it.
? Matt P.
Wynne
My opinion is that he's absolutely a title contender. Think of it this way: ironically, for a guy derided for so long as unable to escape the accolades of his name, he's now unable to escape the derision attached to it. If it were anybody, and I mean anybody, else with Junior's numbers this year, we'd be talking about him as a championship contender. But since it's Junior, we're waiting for the other shoe to drop ... and for him to run over his bare foot. I don't think he's a lock yet for the Cup; I'd put Johnson and Kenseth ahead of him, at least. But he's going to be in the Chase, he's going to have bonus points, and that's good news for Junior fans indeed.
____________________
Everyone has noticed that whenever a car gets out ahead of the pack by 2 or 3 seconds, then holds that lead the mysterious "debris caution" comes out. We've all talked about it, for good or bad it's really hard to deny that it happens. Junior was out in front by 4 seconds near the end of the race.... he was maintaining the lead.... Where was the flag?
In a weird way, it almost proves the damn things exist. ;-)
? Tim Palmer
Weeeeellll ... yes and no. There's an old line in the law about absence of evidence not being the same thing as evidence of absence. In other words, just because they didn't throw a caution flag this time doesn't mean the others weren't legit. (Stop laughing!) We've had several long-green-flag finishes this year, so this isn't entirely a surprise. But yes, short of a thermonuclear warhead going off in Turn 3, this race was going under green to the finish.
Jay? we need some investigative reporting here. Who was the hottie Dale Jr. kissed in victory lane? Inquiring NASCAR fans HAVE to know?
? No Name Given
Well, I don't know that I'd call Jimmie Johnson a hottie, but ... oh, you mean the girl. That was Junior's girlfriend. She does exist. We've covered her in these pages before. But we're finding out all this new info about Junior now! One day, we'll look back on the days when he was a goofy loser with some nostalgia, won't we?
____________________
What's wrong with NASCAR? Denny Hamlin asking his crew chief, "How hard do you want me to go for this win" with about 7 laps to go at Pocono should tell everyone clearly enough. The emphasis on winning races simply does not exist. I hate to single out Denny, but TNT broadcasting the driver-crew chief conversation should let everyone know where the priorities of the drivers are at.
? Lee Anderson
Fort Worth, TX
Yep, no two ways about it: points racing is the way of the future. Unless, of course, NASCAR were to jack up the points for winning/placing top 10 and/or reduce the penalty for finishing so low. Other than that, smart points racing is going to dominate.
_____________________
What on earth is wrong with Tony Eury Jr? He complained after the NNS race that the drivers weren't respecting Danica Patrick because "they hate losing to a girl." Far be it from me to point this out, but she hasn't beaten anybody. She has not once contended for a win yet. I watched the race and saw everything I usually see. Sure, in her second spin Austin Dillon took the air off her spoiler, but I think Tony Jr is just frustrated that she doesn't know how to do that to anybody else. There is a lot to learn about these cars aerodynamically and I think she is doing fine in her progression. But come on, Tony Jr - don't give her excuses like that!
S. Bilger
Seattle, WA
I get what you're saying, but technically speaking, every time she doesn't finish dead last, she IS beating somebody. That said, I would be surprised if Patrick didn't cringe a bit at those comments. The last thing she wants is to be judged as, is as a "girl racer." You're right, she doesn't need those excuses, and if she'd made them herself, she'd have been blasted. Anyway, there's an easy solution: start trading some paint and winning some races, Danica.
____________________
About Junior's victory at Michigan all I have is this to say, Jay: Please cover golf more often. You clearly have been the jinx all along.
Jeff "The Real Slim Sarge" Smith
Statesboro, GA
Seeing as how I was covering the US Open the last time Junior won, there might be something to that. Hey, 88: call me. I'm more than willing to play sick on weekends you need a win.
And on that note, we're out. Thanks to all our writers this week. You want in? Fire up the computer and hit us with whatever's on your mind, NASCAR-wise, at happyhournascar@yahoogroups.com. You can find Yahoo! Sports' NASCAR coverage on Facebook right here, and you can follow me on Twitter at @jaybusbee and on Facebook here. Make sure to tell us where you're from. We'll make you famous!
Into The Crystal Ball? The Beertown Edition
First Indianapolis, then Milwaukee? or it should be that way. It absolutely pains me that this race is not in its rightful place on the schedule;�talk about date equity. However in other news, WE ARE COMING TO MILWAUKEE!! This event … Continue reading 
Source: http://anotherindycarblog.wordpress.com/2012/06/14/into-the-crystal-ball-the-beertown-edition/
2012 Assen Moto2 Race Report: Triple Victory At Assen For M�rquez, Massive Disappointment For Esparag�
Watching how Marc Márquez was totally eclipsed by Pol Espargaró and Briton Scott Redding at the British Grand Prix, it was to be expected that the Catalunya Caixa rider would make a fast return two weeks later at the Dutch TT. However, Moto2 started at Assen as it finished at Silverstone, with Espargaró the fastest man on the track from the start of free practice one to the end of FP3 in Holland.
While all this was happening Márquez was already taking an unusual first win of the weekend, when the FIM finally confirmed the Spaniard’s controversial 16 points earned in Barcelona.
We recently wrote at Motomatters.com about how baffling this Moto2 season could become because of the two possible outcomes of the FIM’s decision. Actually, this had already happened in Barcelona when the FIM Stewards decided to uphold the Catalunya Caixa Team’s appeal against the one minute penalty imposed on Márquez by Race Direction’s for his dangerous move on Espargaró that ended with the Kalex rider literally eating the dust.
Marquez’s win # 1
The FIM decision was Marquez’s first victory of the weekend at Assen, because sixteen points mean much more of an advantage over Espargaró in such a highly competitive Moto2 class, as the 2012 season has turned out to be until now. On the other hand, giving Márquez sixteen points he could possibly have lost, and you can be sure that it will have a profound affect on the fight for the title – even if Marquez wins the title at the end of the season by more than those same sixteen points. Clearly, it is not exactly the same as giving sixteen points to Elena Rosell.
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