Racing - John Jellinek

Tag: Racing (page 1 of 2)

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.

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.

May 19, 2015

Toyota Owners 400

Kurt Busch has taken home the Toyota Owners 400 in Richmond, Virginia this past weekend in an emotional win that is sure to give him great confidence moving forward in the racing season. After sitting out three races earlier this year from legal troubles, Kurt has returned to the drivers seat with a chip on his shoulder. Despite his absence, Busch has done well enough to likely earn himself a place at the Chase Cup table, pending he can remain in the top 30 for the remainder of the year.

Since a new crew chief has taken to his right hand, Busch has been able to be a major player in every race he starts. Tony Gibson as his chief helped Kurt to tie NASCAR Hall of Famer Fred Lorenzen with 26 wins in Cup Races.

Leading 294 laps of 400 is about as dominant a performance you can ask for from anyone taking the checkered flag. TAn emotional Busch was able to battle with troubles in his personal life, only to overcome them and find himself in the winners circle. Gibson places the credit solely on Kurt’s shoulders as the crew chief praised him for his attention to detail in car setup. Admitting that his car was “a fifth place car at best”, Gibson pointed out that Kurt has the eye of the tiger when it came to driving a sound, mistake free race.

Busch, ever humble, puts the win on his crack team of engineers Gibson who helped make overnight changes to the car in order to give him the best chances of winning. A total team effort is what it takes to win any Cup Race, and that is exactly what the Number 41 car had this past weekend.

Finishing the race in a one-two punch for Stewart-Haas Racing was Busch (1), Kevin Harvick (2), followed by Jimmie Johnson (3) and Jamie McMurray (4).

February 3, 2015

NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductees

Last month NASCAR issued in a new class of Hall-of-Famers, among them were 5 members who well deserve their place among racing’s greats. Bill Elliott, Wendell Scott, Fred Lorenzen, Joe Weatherly and Rex White all were honored in late January for their contributions to the sport where competition passion reigns.

Headlining the event was Elliott, who raced with a family team and little funding during his beginning years. he went on to race for 37 years, winning the Cup in 1988 while winning 44 races total. Bill was known as ‘Awesome Bill From Dawsonville’, a nickname that contributed to him winning 16 Most Popular Driver Awards.

Wendell Scott was a pioneer, being the first and only African-American to win a Cup race. He collected the checkered flag in 1963 at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Florida. His career lasted 13 years while battling the prejudice, and low funding. On the Virginia short track he tallied more than 100 wins.

Weatherly won the ‘62 and ‘63 titles in NASCAR’s top stock division while compiling 101 wins along with a modified championship. Weatherly finished top five in almost half of his 233 races, a feat that can be credited to his absolute knowledge of the car he was in.

All racers inducted speak of their hardwork and determination, how that is the key factor to the success they saw and their subsequent induction into the Hall of Fame. Without the appreciation of elbow grease and the joy of competition, they would most likely not have seen the inside of this storied Hall.

To read the original article, click here.

January 6, 2015

NASCAR Watch-list 2015

It is a new year, and that means we have much to think about for the coming 12 months, one thought being who will be the breakout drivers in NASCAR during the 2015 season. Last season’s dramatic end left many of us wanting more, not being able to sit still until the drop of the next starting flag. If you are wondering who will be making a splash in the leaderboards this year, here are some drivers on my NASCAR watchlist.

Carl Edwards
This past year Carl won two races, finished in the top five, seven times and finished 9th overall after making it to the third round of the Chase. With this disappointing finish to the year, he still remains chasing the success he had in 2011 when he lost in a tiebreaker for the championship to Tony Stewart. Look for Edwards to be driving with a fire in his foot this coming season to make up for a down year.

Tony Stewart
A tumultuous season last year regarding a driver on the raceway and Stewarts car, left Tony shaken. To see if Stewart can rebound and regain his place at the top of the racing world will be very interesting this coming year. Keep in mind this man has already won three Cup championships.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Dale Jr. has been named the sport’s most popular driver a dozen times in a row. This 40 year old has racing in his genes and had his best finish to a season since 2004. He won four races, making the Cup Chase but being eliminated in the second round. Recently his crew chief who has served him so well over the years has departed Hendrick Motorsports and is replaced by Greg Ives, a former engineer. To watch these two attempt a championship run this season will be fun to watch.

Kurt Busch
Kurt won a race, made the chase, but had an overall disappointing year as his numbers were sub-impressive. The experienced crew chief who took over the microphone late last season, Tony Gibson, will be an asset to Kurt who looks to be more consistent in 2015 on and off the track.

Kevin Harvick
The champ will return to the drivers seat to protect his crown, but can he live up to the pressures of a repeat? A back to back title run has not been completed since Jeff Gordon in ‘97-’98 and with the new playoff set up, it may be close to impossible to do so. It will be interesting to see what trick Harvick has up his sleeve to retain the title.

To read the full list click here.

November 3, 2014

The Sprint Cup Heats Up

The Chase for the Sprint Cup Championship has heated up in early November, tensions were flying as those still in the Chase jockeyed for position in points. A spoiler emerged from the field of cars to take the checkered flag from these contenders on November 2, 2014. Jimmie Johnson, already out of the Chase for the Cup, led 191 laps of 334 at Texas Motor Speedway on his way to earning his 4th win of the year and 70th in his career.

Jimmie Johnson has won the Sprint cup six times but this year will not mark his seventh. Johnson lost his Chase eligibility in the second round, followed a 40th place finish at Kansas and a 17th place finish at Charlotte. His elimination although, has not deterred his competitive nature. Johnson cites his yearning to win from his wanting to end the racing year on a high, fun note. Frustration with the results from this year could be felt prior to elimination, as neither Johnson or crew chief, Chad Knaus were satisfied with the way the races were playing out fueling the need for a win to lighten the bitter taste in the team’s mouth.

The current point standings in the Chase are as follows: Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin share the lead, tied, Ryan Newman is in third place while Jeff Gordon is in fourth. Pending a Cup contender does not win at Phoenix next weekend, the top four in points will advance to the Championship. The bottom four in contention is made up by Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski, and Kevin Harvick. As it has been throughout the eliminations, if one of the remaining eight contenders wins this coming weekend they will automatically advance to the Championship.

To read the original article that John Jellinek cited from, click here.

April 11, 2014

Motor Racing Welcomes Electric Cars

John Jellinek The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) announced in 2012 that it was considering developing a racing series for single seat, electrically powered cars. When the idea was first introduced, environmentalists were concerned that one of the gains they had made within the automotive industry had been exploited for recreational purposes. On the other hand however, racing enthusiasts were hesitant when they hear the news, understandably skeptical about a motorsport series without any of the sounds commonly associated with motor racing. Even the CEO of Formula E Holdings, Alejandro Agag, termed the new car “the silent revolution in motor racing” when the car was introduced during the 2014 Consumer Electronics show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

However, when former Formula 1 racer Jarno Trulli was entrusted with testing the Spark-Renault SRT_01E racing car, he was impressed with the sound of the motor behind the cockpit. Although the car was not on par with the sound of a the turbo V6 engines used in traditional Formula 1 racing, it was decidedly louder than an average passenger car.

FIA, hopes that the Formula E Championship, the electronically powered racing series Formula 1 equivalent, will create the peak of electric car development and competition, incorporating 10 two-driver teams that will compete in 10 races over the fall and winter racing seasons. Races are currently planned for in Beijing, Putrajaya (Malaysia), Rio de Janeiro, Punta del Este (Uruguay), Buenos Aires, Los Angeles, Miami, Monte Carlo, Berlin and London.

Each race will have a duration of 60 minutes on various city circuits ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 kilometers in length. In order to keep the cost of cars down, builders are required to make the cars available to at least two other teams with a capped cost of 480,000 U.S. dollars. Each team must enter four cars in a race and be prepared to engage in pit stops that will require each team’s two drivers to switch from a car with a depleted energy level to a fully charged one.

For more information about the new electric car racing please visit http://digitaljournal.com/sports/the-buzz-around-new-electric-car-racing-series/article/378684.

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