Motorsport - John Jellinek

Category: Motorsport

March 8, 2019

Top Gear’s Take on NASCAR vs. F1

It seems that there are pretty solid stances on which is best: Formula One versus NASCAR. Fans typically pick their choices and stick with them. It’s either “Formula One (F1) is boring,” or it is on the opposite spectrum of “NASCAR doesn’t require talent.” No matter the stance, conversation on the topic rarely goes further than that.

However, there are conversations had on the differences between the two and which is better that help take a deeper look into Formula One and Nascar. This article will focus on Top Gear’s take of the two.

First, it is important to recognize that both of the sports emerged around the same time. Emerging in the 1950s, it was ultimately the environments, the styles of tracks, and the differences in groups that shaped these sports into what they are today. Or in Top Gear’s words, “ It’s cheap versus elite. Hot dogs vs. hors d’oeuvres.”

In NASCAR, drivers push and force their way through the mass of cars; even though starting in the back have a chance to finish first. In Formula One, that is not the case.

In Formula One, drivers are allowed laptops and can fine-tune their cars on the go. Whereas telemetry is banned for NASCAR drivers, and once on the road, the only adjustment that can be made is the altitude.

NASCAR cars leave behind clean pockets which allow the rear driver to gain a few miles per hour while the front driver also gets an extra push. Meanwhile, the rear driver also has a car on their tale gaining and pushing those extra miles. On the other hand, Formula One drivers fight with the atmosphere leaving behind bad turbulence, a problem for any drivers who get to close.

Formula One fans are just as intense as their counterparts; however, NASCAR is backed by three major car chains: Chevy, Ford, and Toyota. Fans of this sport can purchase cars similar to their favorite racer. In fact, there is an old saying to back it, “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.”

Formula One requires more effort and brainpower that ultimately subtracts from the display of it all, while NASCAR puts on a good show with a little less work. When everything is all said and done, whether Formula One or NASCAR is the better sport all comes down to a matter of preference.

March 8, 2019

Motorsport Gear for Beginners

Motorcycle gear is crucial for all motorsport and motorcycle riders, even experts. Gear can help in all conditions, from wind to rain and hot to cold temperatures. More importantly, however, motorsport gear keeps riders safe. According to NHTSA data, motorcycling is 33x more dangerous than driving a car. But at this point, all motorists should be aware of the danger. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ride. It merely means be smart and be safe.

Helmets

Arguably the most important aspect of motorcycle gear is the helmet. While some states do not have any laws on helmets, it is still extremely crucial for safety that every rider wears one. Outside of protecting your face and head from accidents, helmets also protect your eyes from wind, your face from bugs, and newer helmets come with Bluetooth. What’s more, a study published by Dietmar Otte shows that nearly half of all impacts of motorcycle helmets occur around the face, a fact that strongly encourages using a full face helmet. However, many helmets come with full-face lids (the safest option for any open face design) for those who’d like to feel the wind in their face at times.

Try these high-quality helmets to ensure that you are fully protected when on the go.

-HJC CL-17 Full Face Helmet
-Bell Qualifier Unisex-Adult Full Face Street Helmet
-Scorpion EXO-00 Solid Full Face Helmet

Jackets

The second most popular piece of gear, the jacket, protects the arms and torso. It also provides warmth on colder rides. While fashion leather and jackets could offer the same warmth, they aren’t designed to withstand wind or crashes like motorcycles jackets are. To be sure you have found a legit motorcycle jacket, look for its CE safety rating. Motorcycle jackets are all made different, so double check the make of each jacket to ensure it is best for your bike and riding style.

As with all gear bought to keep you safe, it is best not to cut costs. For those looking for more affordable jackets, stick to textile materials. Here are a few top-rated jackets to get started:

-Icon Textile Jacket with full D30 Armor
-Speed and Strength Stars and Stripes
-ScorpionExo 1909 Leather Jacket

Boots

While these aren’t as popular as prior listed gear, motorcycle boots are great support for the ankle and are sure to stay on the foot in any case of a crash. Those looking to save money here can check in their closets. High top sneakers won’t provide support, but any steel toe work boots or sturdy hiking boots could do the trick.

Check out these high-rated motorcycle boots:

-Sedici Ultimo Race Boots
-Forma Adventure Low Boots
-Rothco 8” GI Type Jungle Boots

February 14, 2019

Top Gear’s 8 Greatest Racing Models of All Time

Top Gear has reviewed a variety of racing cars during their several years of broadcasting. From models like the Porsche 956 to the Peugeot 205 T16, Top Gear has experienced the many thrills that racing models have to offer. With the experience of driving a vast array of cars under their belts, Top Gear has chosen only a select few as their favorites of all time.

McLaren MP4/4

The McLaren MP4/4 was the model that was famously driven by Ayrton Senna. Both the MP4/4 and Senna made F1 history as a powerful duo. The MP4/4 won 15 of 16 races during the peak of Senna’s rivalry with Alain Prost.

Peugeot 205 T16

The Peugeot 205 T16 was a strong competitor in the Group B rally group. This model was driven by Juha Kankkunen, a four-time World Rally Challenge champion.

Maserati 250F

The Maserati 250F is a F1 model that houses a straight-six engine. The car was driven by Juan Manuel Fangio and he clinched two world championships racing with this model. The 250F also received praise from Stirling Moss as one of the best front-engined cars that he ever drove.

Lancia Stratos

Lancia primarily designed the Lancia Stratos as a rally car. Lancia made history with the model since it was the first purpose-built rally car.

Tyrrell P34 Six Wheeler

The Tyrrell P34 Six Wheeler was a very original idea during its time. The model competed with 6 wheels but was later taken out of service due to Goodyear’s end to the production of the model’s front tires.

BMW E30 M3 Touring Car

The BMW E30 M3 Touring Car won many championships during 1987. With its adaptability the BMW E30 M3 Touring Car was able to win two hillclimb championships, seven touring car championships, two rally championships, and a Rally Corsica title.

Mazda 787B

The Mazda 787B is a three-rotor beast that dominated the 1991 24 Hours of Le-Mans. The only issue that the 787B faced during the endurance race was a blown headlight.

Audi 90 IMSA GTO

The Audi 90 IMSA GTO was developed by Audi after Group B rally racing had ended. The model produces 720 brake horsepower and maintains traction through 14-inch wide tires.

February 5, 2019

The Latest Tech Regulations for F1 Racing 2019

With newer seasons in Formula 1 racing comes newer regulations regarding the cars’ technical standards. These are not only for improved performance by the vehicles themselves, but also, and more importantly, for the drivers’ safety.

The first and, perhaps, biggest change going into 2019 models is a thinner tire tread. This is actually to prevent drivers from being able to finish the entire race without having to make more than one or two pit stops, as these races had become fairly predictable. With thinner tire treads, cars will have to stop more often, but not at the risk of their own safety. They also come with decreased heat held within them, reducing the risk of blistering.

The amount of fuel allowed per race is another big change as well, with drivers now receiving an additional 5 kilograms, totaling 110kg. This gives drivers the freedom to worry less about the amount of fuel being burned per race, but also gives them the option of intentionally short-fueling their cars to then rely on coasting, lift, or safety cars to reach the finish line.

The design of the mirrors has been adjusted to improve aerodynamics after an increase in drivers modifying their own rear-views, too. Many teams bent the rules to increase their cars’ top speeds, leading to this fairly significant tech change. The mirrors are now positioned in smaller areas which improves both vision and drag.

Another change with the goal of increasing aerodynamics is a small adjustment of the sidepods. The area where the barge boards are located and the free space behind them should now be utilized more by most teams, though some restrictions still exist in accordance with older regulations.

For Formula 1 racing to remain an exciting, safe sport for all to enjoy, these technological adjustments are absolutely necessary. If you’re looking to prepare for the upcoming 2019 F1 season, check out the latest schedule here.

August 29, 2018

NASCAR’s Most Iconic Tracks

With NASCAR season in full swing, the various tracks around the country are seeing a lot of racing action. These races are run on privately owned racetracks, all of which are constructed with either asphalt or concrete. Here are seven of the most famous NASCAR tracks:

INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY: Although this track may be most known for the racing of the Indianapolis 500, this venerable venue also hosts a variety of big NASCAR events including being an official site of the popular Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Boasting a total capacity of up to 400,000 spectators, it is the highest capacity sports venue on the planet.

CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY: This motorsports complex located in Concord, North Carolina, hosts a myriad of famous events including the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day Weekend and the NASCAR All-Star Race. The complex features 2,000 acres of track and facilities designed to impress even the most discerning NASCAR fans and drivers.

ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY: This 1.5-mile oval racetrack in Hampton, Georgia takes center stage on Labor Day Weekend as it hosts NASCAR’s premier holiday race.

MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY: Located in Henry County, Virginia, the Martinsville Speedway is the oldest track in NASCAR. The storied history is felt at every turn, making it a haven for drivers wanting to be part of the tradition of the sport.

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY: Also known as “Thunder Valley”, Bristol Motor Speedway carries the distinction of being one of NASCAR’s shortest tracks. Located in Bristol, Tennessee, the track also is known for its steep banking and all concrete surface area. Racing enthusiasts delight in how loud the venue becomes during the biggest races on the circuit.

TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY: Formerly named Alabama International Motor Speedway (AIMS), Talladega is known for its reputation of being the longest and fastest track in the sport. Located in Talladega, Alabama, drivers race hard but take special care to avoid what is dubbed as the possible “Big One” multi-car accident.

DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY: The granddaddy of them all, this track hosts the most prestigious race in the sport, The Daytona 500. Located in beautiful Daytona Beach, Florida, this 2.5-mile speedway is one of the most famous venues in all of sports.

August 21, 2018

The Best NASCAR Drivers On the Circuit Today

Many fans and sports writers debate every week about who is currently the best NASCAR driver on the circuit. Every fan has their own preference on who they think is the best NASCAR driver. However, some drivers are consistently mentioned as the best because they are successful. Here is a look at today’s current crop of NASCAR drivers who stand out from their peers.

Kevin Harvick

Harvick drives the number 4 Ford Fusion for Stewart-Haas Racing. Harvick won The 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Harvick holds the all time record for Cup Series wins at Phoenix International Raceway with 9 wins. Harvick was the 2001 NASCAR Rookie Of The Year. Harvick is a 3 time Coca-Cola 600 winner, as well as a former winner of The Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400.

Kyle Busch

Kyle Busch drives the number 18 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing. Busch is the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion. Busch became NASCAR’s youngest ever pole winner in a cup series by starting a race at the front at the California Speedway when he was just 19 years old. Busch was also the first driver to win 4 consecutive spring races at Richmond International Raceway. Busch was The 2005 NASCAR Rookie of The Year.

Matt Kenseth

Matt Kenseth drives the number 6 Ford Fusion for Roush Fenway Racing. Kenseth was The NASCAR Rookie of The Year in 2000. Kenseth won The NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship in 2003. Kenseth is a two time winner of The Daytona 500. Kenseth is also a two time winner of The Budweiser Duel.

Martin Truex Jr

Martin Truex Jr drives the number 78 Toyota Camry for Furniture Row Racing. Truex Jr won The 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Championship. Truex Jr won The 2016 Coca-Cola 600 and Southern 500. Truex Jr is a two time winner of The NASCAR All Star Race. Truex Jr recently won The 2018 ESPY Award for Best Driver.

Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson drives the number 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Hendrick Motorsports. Johnson was won 7 NASCAR Cup Series Championships. Johnson is a 4 time winner of The NASCAR All Star Race. Johnson is a 2 time winner of The Daytona 500 and a 4 time winner of The Coca Cola 600. Johnson has over 200 top 5 finishes in his career.