Archive for the ‘Auto Racing’ tag
The Le Mans Prototype gets brought back to America
The story of Scott Tucker’s career is what some would call a Cinderella story. A successful private equity investor from Kansas enters his first professional motorsports race at age 44, and five years later, he’s constantly atop the podium after races in multiple series-Grand-Am, Ferrari, American Le Mans Series and the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. Earlier this year, Tucker made podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in his debut season in the LMP2 class.
Clearly, not just any person could pull off the kind of late-bloomer success Tucker has achieved. His skill level, endurance, technique and depth of knowledge would not exist if not for an enormous passion for the sport. Scott Tucker loves cars-before he had the opportunity to race, he built a sort-of car museum in his Leawood, Kansas home. So it’s fitting that Tucker, the unlikely American Le Mans hero, would be the first American to enter his team in the Le Mans Prototype class in nearly 25 years.
“Breaking into the Le Mans series has always been on my mind,” Tucker said. “I could wait another 10 years for the time to be right, but we got an opportunity and decided to go for it.”
The Le Mans Prototype, or LMP, are the fastest closed-wheel racing cars on circuit racing tracks. Their cost and technology are comparable to that of Formula One cars, but LMP vehicles top out at even higher speeds than Formula One cars. No wonder Tucker couldn’t wait to get in one. After he barreled through the LMP series, Tucker moved into the LMP2 class. Mid-season, a Honda Performance Development/Wirth Research partnership was finishing work on a cost-capped prototype that would allow for increased speeds compared to other LMP2 engines. It wasn’t any wonder when Tucker reserved the first 2 out of development.
The Le Mans Prototype was used for the first time at the 1992 24 Hours of Le Mans, when a small field of competitors caused the race to be open to small, open-cockpit race cars using production road car engines in an attempt to expand the field. At the end of that year, the World Sportscar Championship and the All Japan Sports Prototype Championship organizations dissolved, which left expensive Group C prototypes without much competition beyond Le Mans races, which were few and far between. As Group C became obsolete, the Le Mans Prototype class was created. In 1999, the American Le Mans Series was created, allowing for a much broader competitor base because more Le Mans races would be held each season.
A driver can race in an LMP, LMP2 or LMP1 class, in two of which Tucker has made his mark. In 2010, during his debut season in the Le Mans series, Tucker took the LMP championship and won rookie of the year. Moving forward in to LMP2 for the 2011 season, Tucker started racking up podium finishes at breakneck speed, with impressive finishes at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, Infineon and 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Tucker and his Level 5 Motorsports team might be just what the United States needs to bring more attention to racing. With NASCAR largely dominating motorsports interest and not even a single Le Mans Prototype entry coming from the nation in a quarter century, there’s been a lack of depth in auto racing coverage. Tucker’s compelling story, his own obvious excitement for the sport and his unwavering success are a verifiable formula for a figure whom the public could get behind.
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Study Details with regards to Go Cart Tires
The thrill of sharply skidding close to a blind corner in your go cart is an experience that is difficult to surpass. Racing down the track in one particular of your speedy go carts, maneuvering around curves and slower gocart drivers, is exciting at its finest. Pressing down tricky on the accelerator as you move by slower drivers is about as thrilling as it gets. Now that is recreation! It’s just too poor not every person can encounter the enjoyable and excitement of go carting.
The smell of the filth observe and the distinctive aroma of the fuel and oil burning in the gocart motor is plenty of to excite any fanatic, even when viewing from the stands. If you have at any time watched an Indy Automobile or Components One particular race in human being or on Tv you know how interesting it can be. But envision climbing into a person of people off road or racing gocarts your self. Starting out gradual, taking out to the track, the anticipation is almost unbearable. But then, the moment on the monitor, you press the accelerator on your gocart to the flooring, feeling an fast thrust forward, and your adrenaline pumping just as rapidly. What a thrill. Go carts are not able to be beat.
Go carts are how you can knowledge the thrill of Formulation A single racing devoid of the hazard. At least with the newbie go carts. And if you are genuinely serious, it really is a excellent way to get commenced toward a career in qualified racing. After you master driving go carts it can be time to take the following move into the arena of professional racing. But if you’re not fairly so brave remaining in a go cart can however be fascinating.
Go carts are geared towards novices in both off street or paved monitor racing. Newbie go carts are simple to generate and handle. And if you do drop manage there are usually not critical outcomes to offer with afterward. No, it is just plain enjoyment racing go carts. Go carting is a simplified version of Indy Car or truck or Formula A single racing. But like anything else there are distinct amounts that you can become concerned in.
From total newbies at amusement parks and entertaining centers to skilled go cart racing. From the least experienced drivers to types that are teaching to grow to be qualified motorists. You can choose your very own competitiveness. No require to get involved around your head. The key objective is to have exciting. And after you get into your very own go cart, no make any difference what amount you are competing in, the enjoyable just never ever ends.
As soon as you get addicted to go carting there is no restrict as to what you can do. You can acquire a model new gocart all set for racing, or you can obtain low-cost kits and develop your own gocarts. Putting in rack and pinion steering to shifting tires will turn into simple more than time. Or how about the set up of a model new engine made for strengthening the pace of go carts? Maybe you will be right after a brand name new frame that will be the envy of all about. Conceivably you may want to get into electric go carts instead of gas powered go carts. The way fuel prices are climbing these days that may be a superior strategy.
But the bottom line is this: velocity is exactly where the excitement arrives in. And these go carts can reach speeds up to ninety MPH or far more. That is quick. But when yet again, there is no require to begin obtaining nervous just nevertheless. There are prospects for thrills at every single stage. You don’t want to go 80 MPH to experience a thrilling experience. So if you have at any time imagined about acquiring concerned with go carts it is in no way also late and you happen to be never ever much too aged. Go out and expertise the thrill of go carting now.
Steve is a pro on Go Cart Tires and Go Cart Tires for Sale , so stop by his web page nowadays for more info.
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NASCAR Legend David Pearson: The Silver Fox
South Carolina’s Darlington Raceway is an egg shaped terror that has become known as the track too tough to tame. If thats true, David Pearson came pretty close–during his illustrious career, he posted 10 victories and 12 poles at Darlington. These are both records for one of NASCAR’s most unforgiving tracks. Pearson’s ability at Darlington bordered on the unreal, and he was able to follow the conventional wisdom about performing well there better than anyone. The old saying is that you need to race the track, not the other drivers, but that’s a lot easier said than done. Pearson, however, made it look easy.
David Pearson was born on December 22,1934 in Whitney, SC–a textile town near Spartanburg. Like most of the locals, his parents worked in the local cotton mill and did their best to provide. David dropped out of school after the 10th grade to work in the mill, but soon quit that life as well–he was drawn to racing cars and began running at short tracks in the Carolinas. He ran his first race on 9/19/52 in Woodruff South Carolina. Within a few years, he won his first championship at the Greenville/Pickens Speedway in’59.
Pearson never sought out stock car racing immortality, but some of his friends had other ideas. They began raising money to buy a car to race in the NASCAR Grand National series (the forerunner to today’s Sprint Cup). With a patchwork of financial backing, David began racing a limited schedule on the Grand National circuit and was named the’60 rookie of the year. In’61,he attracted sponsors and started to race a full time schedule. Not long after, he was considered among the best in the sport winning Grand National titles in’66,’68 and’69.
The’70s saw Pearson cut back his schedule somewhat, focusing on superspeedways. In’72, he started driving for the Wood Brothers in the #21 car that he was to make a legend. In’73, he won 11 races in’ starts”an incredible feat even by today’s standards. Through the end of the’70s, Pearson won 43 races. In addition to his mastery of Darlingon, he posted remarkable numbers all over the circuit. He is one of two men to have won more than 100 races, and his 105 is second only to The King Richard Petty’s 200 wins. Hes also second on career poles (113) to Petty. Head to head, however, he has a slight edge over NASCARs legendary King: in races where he and Petty finished 1-2, Pearson won 33 to Petty’s 30. His 11 consecutive poles at Charlotte is a feat that will likely never be matched. Another record that may never be broken is his’.29% winning percentage, as well as his record of starting from the pole in 20% of the races he ran.
In March, 2000, SC Highway 221 through Spartanburg County was renamed David Pearson Boulevard in his honor. He lives in Spartanburg to this day. Pearson still takes to the track occasionally–he and current NASCAR driver Carl Edwards were the first to race on the newly repaved Darlington Raceway last Spring. We should all hope to be able to run with a 20 something NASCAR driver when we’re in our mid 70′s. Incidentally, he got the nickname Silver Fox due to his prematurely gray hair and cunning style behind the wheel.
Ross Everett is a freelance sports writer and noted authority on football betting. His writing has appeared on a variety of sports sites including sports news and sportsbook directory sites. He lives in Las Vegas with three Jack Russell Terriers and an emu. He is currently working on an autobiography of former interior secretary James Watt.
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Debaufre Watches, Official Timepiece of SPEED Racing Series.
As the 2009 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge Toyo Tires season opener at Sebring approaches, WC Vision is pleased to announce two new partnerships with Debaufre Watches, and AutoWeek.
AutoWeek has been a long-time supporter of the SPEED series, the bi-weekly publication will become the SPEED World Challenge number board sponsor for the 2009 season. What has become a staple in many SPEED World Challenge fans mailbox, AutoWeek is the place to go for the latest automotive and motor-sports news. Additionally, AutoWeek will present an award at each event, in each class, for the best pass of the race.
Debaufre offers high-end luxury and style Swiss made watches at a price that’s within reach. So who better to sponsor the SPEED World Challenge Fastest Lap Of The Race Award than Debaufre watches (pronounced Day-boh-fray). Debaufre is a U.S.-based family owned Swiss watch company and a producer of quality Swiss timepieces.
Debaufre has been announced as the Official Timepiece of the 2009 Speed World Challenge racing season. As sponsor of the fastest lap of the race award, Debaufre will present a beautiful Swiss watch to the GT and Touring Car race driver with the fastest lap of the race at each round. To cap off the season, Debaufre will award each 2009 Drivers’ Champion with a custom-designed Debaufre watch.
“The partnership with SPEED World Challenge is a perfect match, we aim to unite two of the oldest collaborations in the world, the passion and precision of racing with Swiss time-keeping,” said Alldaron, president of Debaufre watches, “we are excited to work with them as the Official Timepiece of SPEED World Challenge.”
Peter Cunningham, the SPEED World Challenge Vision Co-Chair, had this to say, “Obviously Debaufre Swiss Watches and AutoWeek recognize the value in SPEED World Challenge. It feels great to have this kind of support for the 2009 season.”
“There will be plenty to race for in 2009 and I would expect several more announcements about new partnerships as our season unfolds. We thank Debaufre watches and AutoWeek for what they’ll each bring to the SPEED World Challenge season and what it allows us to give back to our fans.”
The 2009 SCCA Pro Racing SPEED World Challenge season will begin at Sebring International Raceway, March 18 ” 20, as part of the 57th Annual Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring Presented by Fresh From Florida.
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NASCAR: Humble Beginnings
NASCAR began in back yards and back streets. It began in Daytona Beach, Florida, in the early 1900′s. By 1935, its renown had spread to Washington, D.C. A mechanic from that area named William France, Sr., became aware of the street racing going on in Daytona, and just had to become a part of it. He relocated for that purpose, and by 1936, had placed fifth in a local race. Shortly thereafter he called a meeting of those who supported racers and raced in the National Association of Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) because he sensed its already significant fan base was beginning to expand, and because he felt the current drivers were being taken advantage of by the “supporters” of the sport, who would often simply refuse to pay their drivers, and the winners of the races. That meeting was held in the Ebony Bar, in the Streamline Hotel of Daytona Beach, and was memorialized by notes taken on a bar napkin.
Since its inception in 1948, NASCAR has grown, involving itself in various types of racing in various locations across the country. Likely a portion of NASCAR’s incredible success has been its versatile ticketing system. Not only does a fan with a NASCAR ticket have access to the largest stock car race in the country, that fan also gets to have fun at a national racing series, of which there are three: the Sprint Cup, the Nationwide Series, and the Craftsmen Truck Series. That same ticket also allows access to regional fun, such as the Whelen All-American Series (amateur auto racing); the Whelen Modified Tour (NASCAR modified division); and the NASCAR Local Racing (four geographic series).
NASCAR: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
NASCAR’s popularity has driven itself quite literally around the world. This sport is currently broadcast in over 150 countries and has held exhibition races in both Australia and Japan. Based on popularity, and in large part on its estimated three billion dollar product and ticket sales, NASCAR has parked itself in the number two spot for most popular sports watched on TV – second only to the National Football League. It would seem, however, that there is no place quite like home. NASCAR has several offices in North Carolina, and two international cities, but nothing at all like you might expect from such a profitable and popular sport. Despite its profits, and its popularity, NASCAR’s roots remain right where they were first planted – in Daytona Beach, Florida.
NASCAR: BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE, YOU CAN NOT WATCH IT FROM HOME
NASCAR knows why it is what it is: the fans. The fans even know why NASCAR it what it is: THE FANS! It’s why a race must be seen at the track: THE FANS! They’re loud, they’re proud, and they make NASCAR what it is.
The fans truly are NASCAR. They create the excitement, because it’s real for them. They create the anticipation, because it’s real for them. They’ve waited an entire off-season for the chance to buy their hot dogs and beer, and holler with their fellow fans. No matter the weather, a real NASCAR fan will be there. It’s a way of life.
You call yourself a NASCAR fan – so where’s your ticket? The season starts on February 12, 2009 at Daytona Beach, and the tickets are going fast. If you’re truly a fan, then you’d better buy your ticket now. Be where the sport itself started, when the season starts. Don’t be the only one sitting at home.
Because you can bet that all the REAL fans will be where the action is. In fact, you can bet that most of the REAL fans have already purchased their tickets. They’ll be watching the Sprint Cup, the Nationwide, or the Craftsmen Truck – whichever one they want. Because they’ll have the ticket!! It’s the ONLY way to see it ALL!
BE who everyone wants to be – a NASCAR ticket holder; BE where everyone wants to be – in Daytona on February 12th; BE the envy of EVERYONE – BUY your tickets, and BUY them NOW!
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What You Should Know On Supercross Racing
Supercross motorcycle racing is known as a popular sport. In fact, when it comes to racing, it closely follows NASCAR in terms of popularity. For that reason, a large number of individuals, including children, have decided that they want to participate in the sport. This means becoming involved in supercross motorcycle racing, often at an amateur level.
Supercross motorcycle racing, as you likely already know, is racing that occurs on a man-made track or surface, with off-road motorcycles. In a way, that track is compared to an obstacle course. This is due to the fact that it is traditionally decked out with amazing jumps, smalls hills, and numerous corners. With supercross motorcycle racing, the goal of the race is to not only make it through the tough course, but to finish first. This goal typically takes place in the final feature, often known as the main event; however, the main event is not all that supercross motorcycle racing has.
Once all of the qualifying racings have taken place, many supercross racers then participate in heat races. Heat races are sometimes substituted for qualifying races, especially during amateur supercross motorcycle races. After the field has been set, whether it be by heat races or qualifying races, the main event will begin. The main event is the most well known portion of all supercross motorcycle racing events. It often draws in the largest crowds, not only in person, but with televised events.
Before examining how you can go about making your dream of becoming a supercross motorcycle racer a reality, it is important to know that supercross racing comes in a number of different formats. Of courses, like all other popular sports, there is a professional team. Professional supercross riders are often backed by well-known sponsors, such as Honda. Although you may wish to become a professional supercross racer, the chances of that happening are relatively small. That doesn’t mean that you still can’t participate in supercross racing. As previously, mentioned supercross racing comes in a number of different forms, including amateur racing.
In addition to taking a motorcycle course, you may even want to research and learn as much as you can about supercross motorcycle racing. You could do this by watching instructional videos or reading books on the subject. Online, in your local video store, as well as in your local sports store, you should be able to find instructional or informational videos on supercross racing. For printed materials, you are advised to also check out the internet, your local sports stores, as well as your local book stores. One of the best ways to learn about supercross racing is to experience it first hand; however, the previously mentioned resources may be able to provide you with valuable information on supercross motorcycle racing.
When it comes to things that are harder than you may have imagined, such as off-road racing, it is important that you do not give up. A lot of things in life are hard to do, but that does not mean that you should go ahead and throw in the towel. Instead, it means that you may have a little bit of practice and hard work ahead of you. However, it is important to remember that just about any sport, including supercross motorcycle racing, requires a little bit of practice and hard work.
Of course, in addition to taking a motorcycle training course, you have the ability to practice on your. There is a good chance that this practice will take place right in your own backyard. If you are interested in doing this, it is okay, but you need to make sure that you proceed with caution. First-time riders are always encouraged to practice around others. In the event that an accident does occur, you will want someone there to assist you. It may also be a good idea to deck yourself out in safety equipment. This equipment should include a helmet, as well as protective padding. After you gain more experience, you may be able to eliminate some of the equipment, such as large amount of protective padding; however, it is always advised that you wear a helmet.
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Environmentally Friendly NASCAR Used Tires Turned Racecoolers
Ever think about the problem that is created by all of the used and worn out tires that a NASCAR race creates? They have now become a great collector’s piece of NASCAR memorabilia , providing a great new item for NASCAR merchandise lovers. The NASCAR race itself is very exciting. The event can bring up to a hundred thousand fans out to cheer on their favorite driver and race team. The paid advertisers adore the races because of all the publicity it creates for their products and for the brand awareness that is built. It is all good for business and I love it. Then the flag is dropped and the race is over.
The NASCAR race cars that have been going up to two hundred MPH have multiple sets of tires that have been used and abused on the track. They are worthless at this end point in their life. Most times the tires get so hot that are rendered completely useless , making them potentially dangerous and giving them virtually no use at all. The tires are collected and placed at the end of pit row, stacked 4 high. Each NASCAR event will create almost six hundred used tires.
The tire design makes them unusable on any other type of vehicle. They are designed to fit only high performance race vehicles which are very limiting for any additional uses. They cannot get retread for safety fears that they will not be as safe and secure when travelling around a race track at speed exceeding two hundred miles per hour. These used NASCAR tires can lay in a trash dump for more than 400 years prior to completely degrading. This is an issue for all of us to consider but one that should especially be taken under consideration if you are among the many that enjoy the races, like me, and one that we needed to find a solution to in a short term time frame.
The idea was thought through by an inventor and entrepreneur who thought that he would be able to brainstorm a way to have the issues put behind us. He began with the set of ideas that included the fact that people loved all things NASCAR, the tires should not have to be reprocessed and that the landfill should not have the tires for the next 400 years, the people should.
That is when the idea of the Race Cooler was born. He believed the used NASCAR tire resembled a cooler that he had used when he was a younger man and that the tire could be adapted to make use of the natural insulation that the rubber provided. A design was constructed, a template built, then a prototype was created. It was awesome. The race cooler featured a used NASCAR tire complete with the actual race markings, a special polyethylene inner shell was formed providing dual layers of insulation to keep beverages cold, a water sprout to allow for easy draining of the cooler and lid that would keep everything cool for days. The end result would allow up to 4 bags of ice and up to 144 beverages to be stored inside of the cooler. The coolers have quickly become one of the most perfect NASCAR gifts for the biggest of NASCAR fans. The wonderful impact that the NASCAR race cooler has is that the used tires now find a second useful life rather than taking up space in our landfills.
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