Full Throttle

Robby Gordon is infamous wherever you go in the world, but in the States he is known as a NASCAR driver and frequent Indianapolis 500 competitor. Where he has enjoyed his most success has been off-road having competed on the Baja 1000 on numerous occasions.

His off-road desires finally took him to the Dakar last year with Volkswagen, putting on a very respectable display, but this year, Robby Gordon has gone one better and has created his very own team - Robby Gordon Team USA - from which he has built the Hummer H3.

“The thought of building cars and support vehicles here to race in Europe and Africa is intimidating,” Gordon says. “I like to tell people it’s like running 16 Daytona 500s or Indy 500s in a row, but you don’t have a garage to work from.

“You have to think of every possible item that can break on a car, and bring four of them with you,” he adds.

Despite the logistical nightmare, Gordon believes that he has everything in place to be able to challenge the mighty Mitsubishi and Volkswagen for the outright victory. “I will be disappointed with anything other than a win,” he said.

“Our people have given so much of themselves over the last few months to get us ready to compete, and our sole focus is to become the first American’s to win Dakar,” he added. “We finished the race last year, this year we’re going there to win.”

In other Dakar news, organisers have taken heed from the fatal accidents of Fabrizio Meoni and Richard Sainct last year by introducing an array of safety regulations for the Moto category. Speeds will be limited to 150kph, fuel tanks are reduced by approximately 14 litres and starting orders are reversed.

Also as a result of the domination of the three major major manufacturers Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Nissan and the KTM armada of two wheelers the event has returned to the days of route books, navigators and less dependence on GPS systems.

Checkpoints will only be found by those taking the right track, and once within a radius of three kilometres, the GPS system will confirm its presence. For those getting lost, a de-blocking code can be entered to show the way back onto the track, incurring a penalty. Abusive use of this code will bring about sanctions that can go as far as exclusion from the race.

Two-wheel drive cars will be allowed to introduce the automatic deflation/inflation systems that were outlawed last year, while the automated air admission systems have now been made fixed.

Also, cars will be restricted to a pre-determined top speed in certain sections of the rally, which will be monitored by the GPS system. Severe penalties will be handed out for any competitor caught speeding.

This years Dakar Rally begins New Years Eve¹ and runs through 15 January 2006² covering 15 stages over 9,000km’s before hitting Parc Ferme in Dakar.

del.icio.us tags:( Dakar,, NASCAR,, Auto Racing) | Technorati Tags: Dakar, NASCAR, Auto Racing

1. Stages 1 thru 5 analyzed [back]
2. Stages 6 thru 15 analyzed [back]

American Sprintcar stars, Jason Meyers, Joey Saldana, Lucas Wolfe, Shane Stewart and Brandon Wimmer flew into Sydney this past Tuesday and have wasted no time in getting their Sprintcars built and prepared, ready to do battle against some of Australia

There are a lot of things that could be listed as being part of a NASCAR crime wave. Dale Earnhardt Jr “stealing the hearts” of fans for consecutive years as the Most Popular Driver comes to mind. Jim Hunter’s recent “disappointment” with Dale Jr. and J. Gordon over missing the awards banquet and the silence following the Gordon revelation he spoke with NASCAR officials previous to his Paris appearance is worthy of listing on the “police blotter.” As is the other Gordon’s ill advised stunt when he decided tossing his helmet was the “right thing to do.”

But there is “crime” and then there is Crime, as in the case of Chief Deputy Patrick Taylor of the Cocke County (Tenn.) Sheriff’s Department. He has been caught dealing in stolen NASCAR apparel.

Chief Deputy Taylor and his brother, Jarrod Taylor, were arrested on a two-count federal indictment accusing them of conspiring to traffic in more than $5,000 worth of NASCAR apparel believed to have been stolen in another state. According to the indictment, their receipt of the stolen property in May was part of an undercover FBI sting operation.

Despite that fact Taylor brothers weren’t required to post bond and are free this Christmas Eve I think it’s safe to say they won’t be receiving anything, with the exception of a truck load of coal, from Saint Nick this Christmas.

In other legal news, Kurt Busch was scheduled to appear in Tolleson Justice Court on Thursday but changed the court date to 9 a.m. Jan. 27, according to court officials.

Technorati Tags: NASCAR, Auto Racing, Sports | del.icio.us tags:( NASCAR, Sports)

There are many ways to add content to a blog aside from using your installed blog software. Both WordPress and MovableType offer a bookmarklet feature that is very handy if you desire to remain within that software. Outside venders also offer services, w.Blogger is one example.

For those of us that have long since stopped drinking Bill Gates Kool-aid - and as a result cut our virus count to a minimum - there is a new extension for Firefox 1.5 called Performancing.

It is very easy to setup (here is a “dummies guide” for those with an interest), easy to use, gives you full selection of all your blog categories and also a “note function” that you can save quotes, url’s etc and it’s saved for later use within the Performancing software.

If you are a “blog-aholic” like myself and own or post to more than one blog, have at it, it allows that function as well.

At this point, admittedly only about 48 hours of use, I have noted no problems and would recommend at least giving it a test drive, or a few Hot Laps if you prefer.

Blogging, Firefox, Performancing Extension

This according to Pitpass, whose staff must have sharper eyes than most of us, or have absolutely nothing to occupy their time. In any case they found this little nugget buried among the new rules adopted for the 2008 F1 season

“At least 5.75% (m/m) of fuel must be from biological sources (Article 19.4.5)”;.

The reason being, according to the FIA, is to “keep ahead of developments in fuel for road cars”

A little investigation has revealed that these “biological sources” will include agricultural waste such as fish oil and even manure, from cows.

It was just over a month ago BAR Honda

It won’t be such a Merry Christmas around the Bobby Hamilton Jr’s household this season. The Grinch owner of #32 PPI Motorsports Chevrolet, Cal Wells, “announced today that Bobby Hamilton Jr. will no longer be the driver of the Tide/Downy Chevrolet” in NASCAR’s NEXTEL Cup Series.

Travis Kvapil is replacing Bobby Hamilton Jr. who was recently released from the #77 Penske Racing Dodge after a joint decision was made by Penske and sponsor Kodak not to field the #77 car in 2006.

John Newsom has called Hamilton Jr “the worst full-time driver in the Cup series this year.” I’m not sure I’d go that far, but with only one top ten finish all year, with a replacement driver on the road course at Sonoma, it’s an argument hard to dispute.

In the Stick & Ball sports it’s always the manager/coach that usually gets the pink slip. In NASCAR the driver takes the first hit. Whether warranted or not Hamilton is out, three days before Christmas, but Wells better make a New Years resolution to have a deeper look than just his driver. PPI had a starting/finishing performance of 16.7/19.2 respectivly in 2002 and hasn’t come within shouting distance of that record since.

Kvapil in thanking Wells for the opportuniy said, “I want to thank Cal for giving me the chance to drive one of the most recognizable race cars in NASCAR.”

Aside from driver/crew chief changes that Tide logo adds additional presure on the team. Tide has been in NASCAR since 1987 when they formed “The Super Team,” that included 3 time [then] Winston Cup Champion driver Darrell Waltrip, auto mega dealer Rick Hendrick and the most revered engine builder, Waddell Wilson.

Under the direction of 3 different team owners, 4 drivers the Tide car has always been a contender, until 2003, but the wheels have come off since.

In the end it’s a Merry Christmas for Travis Kvapil who gets a second full season on the top rung of NASCAR’s ladder. For Bobby Hamilton Jr it’s a lump of coal from Grinch Cal Wells.

Putting on my “Nostradamus Hat” I’d be willing to bet Hamilton Sr. will have a self owned car in the works shortly and Hamilton Jr. will be installed as driver before May ‘06.

NASCAR, Auto Racing

The Roush range of big power, high-performance V8 engines, derived from its legendary success in racecars, is now to be marketed throughout Europe.

The company makes its debut appearance at the annual Kit and Performance Car Show at Donington this weekend, where it unveils the first three fully calibrated engine packages, which will spearhead their entry into this growing specialist market.

Roush Europe managing director, John Mitchell said:

“Throughout motorsport - particularly in the US, where our teams dominate NASCAR, the Roush name is synonymous with the best in big performance engine technology, build quality and reliability.

“The replica industry has already immortalised cars such as the Cobra and GT40. Now, the owners and builders of these replicas - and others - will be able to buy a complete Roush engine package for their cars.”

Entry point in the engine range is represented by the 342 RE, based on the 5.0 litre small block 302 engine and developing 430 bhp and 546 Nm of torque. The engine is supplied complete with ECU, Roush calibration, a dyno power certificate and a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty.

Next up the scale is the Roush 402 IR, already the standard fit in the Le Mans Daytona coupe. The unit, which features eight-stack fuel injection, is based on the 5.7 litre 351 Windsor small block engine - and develops 550 bhp with a mammoth 650 Nm of torque. As with other units, the engine is supplied complete with ECU, Roush calibration, dyno power certificate and manufacturer’s warranty package.

Representing the same sheer brute power derived for the legendary Cobras, is the 7.5 litre Roush 451RFE. This lightweight aluminium block unit is effectively a road-going race engine - developing 455 bhp and delivering a stunning 682.5 Nm of torque.

NASCAR, Auto Racing, Sports

After months of uncertainness it appears Super Aguri will be on the Formula One grid in 2006. The hurdles they have faced such as the $48m entry fee and the 10 signatures needed by every other team have been completed. Honda have apparently paid the $48m and all teams have signed the agreement authorizing Super Aguri

Good riddence!

NASCAR will cut down the number of NEXTEL Cup impound events from 21 to only 5 events for 2006.

The impound rule is not dead yet, but the number of races where it will be used will be drastically reduced for 2006.

NASCAR will impound the Nextel Cup cars at five races in 2006: Both Talladega events, both Richmond events, and the Pepsi 400 at Daytona, according to a memo sent to teams last week.

I repeat, good riddence.

But why was Talladega added as an impound when it wasn’t in 2005? Common sense (please keep the laughing to a dull roar) would seem to dictate the teams would need all the track time possible at the fall event due to the surface being green after repaving. Impound has meant no Happy Hour, which equals less track time.

Add to the mix a potential debut for the Car of the Future at the same event and I smell trouble with a capital “T,” and “T” spells Talladega.

But who am I to question those with common sense in Daytona Beach. Commence laughter now.

NASCAR, Auto Racing, Sports

All this time I thought Elvis was alive and well, living in South America somewhere.

Oh, wait I’m mistaken. Guess I better read beyond the headline next time. I’m thinking of the wrong “King.” The King Is Coming To Iowa Speedway

NASCAR fans in the mid-west will be happy to hear that Richard Petty Driving Experience (RPDE) has just announced they will be visiting the brand new Iowa Speedway next summer. The visit will mark the first time RPDE has been to Iowa and the first time a driving program has been offered at the new facility.

The inaugural visit to Iowa Speedway will take place August 10th and run through August 13th, as students get the opportunity to challenge the 12-14 degree banking on this brand new 7/8-mile tri-oval layout. Participants can ride-along with professional drivers making a 3 lap mock qualifying run and/or drive themselves around the speedway in 3 different programs to be offered; the 8 lap Rookie Experience, the 18 lap Kings Experience and a 30 lap Experience of a Lifetime program.

I would highly recommend the 30 lap option if you can afford it and at over a thousand dollars it ain’t cheap.

But well worth it. I’ve done my 90 total laps at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and Lowe’s Motor Speedway. There is something to be said for military re-enlistment bonuses when they can be turned into so much fun in such a short time.

On a Related note: Dale Jarrett Racing Adventure has announced a dramatic rise in the number of people taking part in his program.

NASCAR, Iowa Speedway, Auto Racing