Re: 2012 World Motorsports Discussion Thread

by **Kiskaloo** Wed 2 May 2012 - 19:06

Probably only at Monaco and only as a cover while she robs another casino.

by Alfisti Thu 3 May 2012 - 18:16

Professor Voodoo wrote:If there is an Australian in the Ferrari does this mean Alfisti will have Monty hanging out with Kara more?

Sadly, unlike her writer, Monty holds no loyalty to Australia or the citizenry thereof... and even if she did I doubt it would be enough to convince her to spend additional time with Kara. 2012 World Motorsports Discussion Thread - Page 2 61015

2012 World Motorsports Discussion Thread - Page 2 61015

...at least to do so of her own volition.

by **Kiskaloo** Mon 7 May 2012 - 11:53

Well they waited until the next to the last restart with 4 laps to go for "The Big One" at Talladega, though since they were all accelerating from the Green Flag and at around 100mph, the carnage was not as bad as when they're doing 200mph.

And it looks like Eric McClure is recovering well from his massive head-on crash in the Nationwide Series race at Talladega on Saturday. Good

by Professor Voodoo Mon 7 May 2012 - 18:37

Kiskaloo wrote:Well they waited until the next to the last restart with 4 laps to go for "The Big One" at Talladega, though since they were all accelerating from the Green Flag and at around 100mph, the carnage was not as bad as when they're doing 200mph.

And it looks like Eric McClure is recovering well from his massive head-on crash in the Nationwide Series race at Talladega on Saturday.

I for one vote that NASCAR just toss these stupid "green-white-checker" finishes. When the race is over it's over. I really shouldn't care since I rarely watch NASCAR anymore but I still do not want to see a driver injured or killed in one of these fuckwit crash generators.

Back to Europe...
Amelia is quietly working on a jigsaw puzzle when her room-mate Marisa trudges in, soaking wet.

Amelia: Welcome back. Did you enjoy the World Superbike races in Monza?

Marisa: (lays a towel down, begins stripping off wet clothes) Ugh...Elio & I got soaked in the grandstands...they cancelled race #1 because of the rain...
2012 World Motorsports Discussion Thread - Page 2 05071210

2012 World Motorsports Discussion Thread - Page 2 05071210

The senior riders take a lap in the safety cars to access conditions. Conditions were bad.

Amelia: Is it not standard procedure that motorcycles race in the rain?

Marisa: Usually, but Monza is a really fast track without much run-off area so it was just too risky. Anyway, they cancelled race #1 for the Superbikes...they ran the two 600cc races but cancelled the KTM Junior Cup...then ran only 8 laps of the second Superbike race before that was halted for rain too.

Amelia: It is unfortunate that you were not able to witness the full schedule of races.

Marisa: Yeah, and then Elio & I had a 6 hour ride back home...in the rain the whole way. My fault; I asked him if we could take his Ducati instead of the car. At least I could hide behind him from the wind & rain...poor Elio had to take the brunt of it head on.

Amelia: Perhaps the next weekend you and your handler have off will present more favorable weather conditions.

Marisa: (putting on her robe) I hope so. I gotta go hang this wet stuff down in the laundry room...see ya later.

by Officer_Charon Mon 7 May 2012 - 18:57

Elsewhere...

Elio: *staggering in, dropping his saturated riding leathers beside the door in a rapidly-expanding puddle* "'Lo."

Lorenzo: *hands over a snifter of brandy* "Bath's already drawn up. Told you that you were crazy."

Elio: *sneezes violently, downs the brandy, and shuffles off towards the bathroom* "I used to tell grown men of a violent variety to go to hell... why can't I do the same to an 11 year old?"

by MP5 Mon 7 May 2012 - 22:36

Kiskaloo wrote:Well they waited until the next to the last restart with 4 laps to go for "The Big One" at Talladega, though since they were all accelerating from the Green Flag and at around 100mph, the carnage was not as bad as when they're doing 200mph.

And it looks like Eric McClure is recovering well from his massive head-on crash in the Nationwide Series race at Talladega on Saturday.

Apparently, Ricky Bobby was there, too.

by Officer_Charon Mon 7 May 2012 - 23:06

MP5 wrote:
Apparently, Ricky Bobby was there, too.

Quick bit of trivia: that's my AKA here at the precinct. *headwheel*

by **Kiskaloo** Sat 12 May 2012 - 11:38

My first in-person Grand Prix of the year and I picked it well.

Grand Prix of Spain Qualifying

Spoiler:

by Professor Voodoo Sun 13 May 2012 - 3:21

Kiskaloo wrote:My first in-person Grand Prix of the year and I picked it well.

Where do you get your information while you're at the track? I love attending these things but admit I'm always better informed (on things like a 1 degree drop in track temp) while watching on TV.

Even on television you could hear the crowd erupting during Alonso's Q3 lap.

*EDIT*
Hamilton has lost the pole!

crash.net wrote:Lewis Hamilton has been stripped of pole position and will have to start from the back of the grid for Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix, after being found to have been too light on fuel at the end of today's qualifying session.

Williams F1 driver Pastor Maldonado will now start from pole position for tomorrow's race at the Circuit de Catalunya, with local hero Fernando Alonso starting alongside him in the Ferrari. Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen will make it an all-Lotus second row in Barcelona.

by **Kiskaloo** Sun 13 May 2012 - 12:01

An absolutely amazing race.

2012 Spanish Grand Prix Results

Spoiler:

Professor Voodoo wrote:
Kiskaloo wrote:My first in-person Grand Prix of the year and I picked it well.
Where do you get your information while you're at the track? I love attending these things but admit I'm always better informed (on things like a 1 degree drop in track temp) while watching on TV.

It's a good bit easier nowadays with my iPhone - between the Internet and iOS apps I can get a good bit of real-time data. I also can see the world feed on the TV screens, which helps keep me informed of what's going on with the rest of the track.

I will be downloading the BBC or SPEED coverage to watch on the flight home.

by Professor Voodoo Mon 14 May 2012 - 1:57

Kiskaloo wrote:An absolutely amazing race.

2012 Spanish Grand Prix Results

Bianchi: (shining a pen-light in Marisa's eyes) Subject unresponsive...totally catatonic. I have no idea what could have blown her circuit breakers like this.

Kara: She's got a running bet with her handler. They each have a favorite Formula One teaam and whichever team does best on a given weekend, the winner gets to choose the place they go to lunch on Monday. Unfortunately, Mari's Toro Rosso team lost big-time this weekend.

Kiskaloo wrote:It's a good bit easier nowadays with my iPhone - between the Internet and iOS apps I can get a good bit of real-time data. I also can see the world feed on the TV screens, which helps keep me informed of what's going on with the rest of the track.

Your phone works in Europe? What sort of data plan to you need to get that?

As for the race; terrific. Maldonado & Williams did not win that by luck...they earned it. It remains to be seen if they can repeat such a weekend this season. Another great race by Alonso has to make him a favorite for the title this year. Fernando always starts slow and puts on a hard charge at the end of the year, so if he continues to finish strong like this weekend he'll pull away when his late-season charge kicks in.

McLaren & Red Bull seriously need to pull their heads out of their asses...Lotus stands a good chance of knocking one or both down the pecking order. Mercedes showed a flash of brilliance in China but hasn't delivered in the last two rounds.

by MP5 Mon 14 May 2012 - 3:45

And then rather unfortunately, this happened to Williams:

http://jalopnik.com/5909888/f1-teams-garage-bursts-into-flames-after-victory-photo-injuries-reported

by **Kiskaloo** Mon 14 May 2012 - 10:42

Professor Voodoo wrote:Your phone works in Europe? What sort of data plan to you need to get that?

My iPhone is on AT&T, which is GSM, which is the cellular standard for Europe, so it works around the world. Mind you, with AT&T charging exorbitant fees, I generally use WiFi (either publicly available or a local's phone as a mobile hot-spot).

by **Kiskaloo** Wed 23 May 2012 - 11:57

Last weekend was the 2012 edition of the 24 Hours Nürburgring.

Spoiler:

And I still want to do the story, Alfisti. Smile

by Professor Voodoo Sat 26 May 2012 - 2:37

Kiskaloo wrote:Last weekend was the 2012 edition of the 24 Hours Nürburgring.

That's got to be one of the scariest/most challenging/coolest events in all sports. I've done a number of laps on the old circuit...wet and dry, but never in the dark. Much respect to anyone who can keep up their lap times all night at that place.

ElfenMagix has been conspicuously absent for a while. Wherever he is I hope he's keeping up on his beloved Indy 500.
2012 World Motorsports Discussion Thread - Page 2 Indy_q10

2012 World Motorsports Discussion Thread - Page 2 Indy_q10

The Chevrolet engined teams had their way in qualifying, but final "Carburetion Day" practice gave the Honda teams reason for hope.

Scott Dixon's Ganassi team won the pit crew competition, denying Oriol Servia's much smaller Panther/D&R team the giant-killer upset.

by Alfisti Sat 26 May 2012 - 2:48

Professor Voodoo wrote:
Kiskaloo wrote:Last weekend was the 2012 edition of the 24 Hours Nürburgring.
That's got to be one of the scariest/most challenging/coolest events in all sports. I've done a number of laps on the old circuit...wet and dry, but never in the dark. Much respect to anyone who can keep up their lap times all night at that place.

If you can find it, dig of Richard Meaden's story about doing it in a Maserati for EVO mag... great piece of writing.

Professor Voodoo wrote:ElfenMagix has been conspicuously absent for a while.

I was thinking I hadn't heard much out of Elfen for awhile. Anyone know where he is?

by Professor Voodoo Sat 26 May 2012 - 9:50

Monaco Grand Prix qualifying;

Spoiler:

by **Kiskaloo** Sat 26 May 2012 - 11:05

Professor Voodoo wrote:Monaco Grand Prix qualifying;

Looks like sundress or shorts weather for Kara. We have the same here in Seattle. cheers

Spoiler:

by **Kiskaloo** Sun 27 May 2012 - 1:52

American Conor Daly had a wild ride during the second GP3 race at Monaco today:

He was unharmed.

by Professor Voodoo Sun 27 May 2012 - 8:17

Kiskaloo wrote:American Conor Daly had a wild ride during the second GP3 race at Monaco today:
He was unharmed.

That loose right-front wheel flying down the track concerned me the most. Fans & marshalls are so close to the track edge at this race...it could have really caused a problem. I wonder if wheel-hub tethers are required in GP3?

by **Kiskaloo** Sun 27 May 2012 - 10:50

Grand Prix of Monaco results

Spoiler:

by Professor Voodoo Sun 27 May 2012 - 12:19

Kiskaloo wrote:Grand Prix of Monaco results

Spoiler:

Yeah, after that one year of Vettel dominanace it looks like 2010 all over again with a good points battle is shaping up.

The Indianapolis 500 just went green as I type this.

by **Kiskaloo** Sun 27 May 2012 - 13:03

The Monaco GP2 Sprint Race was something, with about half the field gone in the first half lap.

Professor Voodoo wrote:The Indianapolis 500 just went green as I type this.

Yeah, I hope it will be done before I have to head to work. While I wait for Tivo to queue it, I'm going to catch Day 2 highlights from the Acropolis Rally.

by **Kiskaloo** Sun 27 May 2012 - 15:19

Indianapolis 500 Results

Spoiler:

by **Kiskaloo** Mon 28 May 2012 - 9:14

WRC Acropolis Rally of Greece results:

Spoiler:

by **ElfenMagix** Tue 29 May 2012 - 13:45

Kiskaloo wrote:Indianapolis 500 Results

Spoiler:

I've always said that the Indy 500 was a chess game played with cars at speeds over 217 miles an hour. This race, it looks like the players got up and started throwing the chess pieces at each other. It was a better race than I have seen in years - considering that I have been seeing it since 1969 at the age of 6!

The DW12 is an awesome car, its safety features shown clearly through out the race in the fewest crashes I have seen in a race in a long time. But there is its flaw... In years past, cars would be able to get into the inside white line where the gravel and grass begins and be able to hold that inside line for as long as it could. The DW12 for some reason becomes slippery when a driver just hints at getting to that inside white line, and crashes ensues. But the aerodynamics and safety features of the car prevailed - cars that would normally slide into the wall, in this race, most didn't. This is good, at least for me. Strangely, the DW12 can hold its own on "No Man's Land", the area of grey track on turns, where in the past, Indy cars going in to this area would slide violently into the wall, in this race, DW12s were taking the turns at 2 & 3 abreast! DAMN!!!

Only drawback for me is the 2.2L V6 turbo engines pushing 500 - 700hp. (There goes MP5's statement of one not being able to push 100hp out of 1 liter per engine...). Its turbo lag was disgusting. If you let go of the gas pedal 1/2 way, it can take 1 - 2 laps for the turbo to get up to speed for you to make up the loss. In the past with Turbo cars in Indy, such a lag was maybe felt for 1/2 a track length.

by Professor Voodoo Tue 29 May 2012 - 18:05

Kiskaloo wrote:Ford continues to get their asses handed to them by Citroen. I guess they must get something out of competing, even though they'll never win a championship while Loeb is in the sport.

Just being out there is still good advertising. You've got buyers like me who will never buy a car from a company that didn't have some form of World Championship participation. I give Ford a lot of credit for sticking around where Mitsubishi, Subaru, Peugeot & Suzuki all bailed. Still wish they'd get back into F1 where they belong though...

As frustrating as being beaten year after year by Loeb must be for the other drivers, none of them want him to retire. The first World Championship after Loeb is gone will definately have an empty feeling to it...the current contenders would much rather beat Sebastian than wait for him to be gone.

ElfenMagix wrote: In years past, cars would be able to get into the inside white line where the gravel and grass begins and be able to hold that inside line for as long as it could. The DW12 for some reason becomes slippery when a driver just hints at getting to that inside white line, and crashes ensues.

I dare say that might have more to do with the recent re-configuration of the track apron...done to accomodate the NASCAR stock cars. A lot of the open wheel guys have complained about that.

(There goes MP5's statement of one not being able to push 100hp out of 1 liter per engine...).

When did he ever say that? MotoGP engines are pulling 250hp out of their 1 liter mills...and back during the turbo era of Formula One the qualifying engines were producing 1200-1500hp out of 1.5 liters.

(Torque x RPM) /5252 = Horsepower

by **Kiskaloo** Mon 4 Jun 2012 - 12:17

Triela and Kara could be tag-teaming Allison if the latest rumor du jour comes true.

Said rumor being Mark Webber will move to Ferrari in 2013 for a one-year tour at which point he'd vacate the seat for Sebastian Vettel in 2014 if the Prancing Horse was competitive in 2012 and 2013.

http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/7780998/Vettel-linked-with-Ferrari-move

by Officer_Charon Mon 4 Jun 2012 - 16:39

Kiskaloo wrote:Triela and Kara could be tag-teaming Allison if the latest rumor du jour comes true.

Saw this whilst eating wasabi almonds and mis-parsed the context.

Thanks, Kisk.

by MP5 Mon 4 Jun 2012 - 16:49

Kiskaloo wrote:Triela and Kara could be tag-teaming Allison if the latest rumor du jour comes true.

Said rumor being Mark Webber will move to Ferrari in 2013 for a one-year tour at which point he'd vacate the seat for Sebastian Vettel in 2014 if the Prancing Horse was competitive in 2012 and 2013.

http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/7780998/Vettel-linked-with-Ferrari-move

Allison: That's a recipe for my own personal misery.

by Professor Voodoo Mon 4 Jun 2012 - 21:27

MP5 wrote:
Kiskaloo wrote:Triela and Kara could be tag-teaming Allison if the latest rumor du jour comes true.

Said rumor being Mark Webber will move to Ferrari in 2013 for a one-year tour at which point he'd vacate the seat for Sebastian Vettel in 2014 if the Prancing Horse was competitive in 2012 and 2013.

http://www1.skysports.com/formula-1/news/12433/7780998/Vettel-linked-with-Ferrari-move

Allison: That's a recipe for my own personal misery.

Interesting possibilities but I wouldn't put much stock in them...especially the Vettel part. Ferrari already has Alonso...and Alonso has proven tempermental when he has a top-tier team mate to challenge his team #1 status.

Ferrari might want Sebastian sometime in the future, but he's 6 years younger than Fernando so there's still time when the day comes that Alonso falls off form or steps aside.

by Alfisti Tue 5 Jun 2012 - 5:17

Kiskaloo wrote:Last weekend was the 2012 edition of the 24 Hours Nürburgring.

Spoiler:

And I still want to do the story, Alfisti.

I'll do you a deal: you organise yourself to Brisbane and we'll spend a weekend smashing out an outline and the first thousand words or so over coffee and all-day breakfast.

by Professor Voodoo Mon 11 Jun 2012 - 1:19

Grand Prix du Canada

Spoiler:

by **Kiskaloo** Mon 11 Jun 2012 - 1:43

Spoiler:

by Professor Voodoo Fri 15 Jun 2012 - 2:47

The grid for this weekend's 24 Hours of Le Mans is set;

Spoiler:

by **Kiskaloo** Sat 16 Jun 2012 - 12:43

The 96th edition of the Targa Florio Rally was cancelled today after the death of Welsh navigator Gareth Roberts. The Peugeot 207, driven by Irishman Craig Breen, went off the road about five miles into the Cefalu leg (SS8), impacting a guardrail which penetrated the car on the right side (similar, if on the opposite side, to what happened to Robert Kubica).

by **ElfenMagix** Sat 16 Jun 2012 - 14:23

Kiskaloo wrote:The 96th edition of the Targa Florio Rally was cancelled today after the death of Welsh navigator Gareth Roberts. The Peugeot 207, driven by Irishman Craig Breen, went off the road about five miles into the Cefalu leg (SS8), impacting a guardrail which penetrated the car on the right side (similar, if on the opposite side, to what happened to Robert Kubica).

They'll both be missed.

by **Kiskaloo** Sun 17 Jun 2012 - 14:04

80° 24 Heures du Mans Results

Spoiler:

by Professor Voodoo Sat 23 Jun 2012 - 9:22

Grand Prix of Europe in Valencia; Qualifying

Spoiler:

by **Kiskaloo** Sat 23 Jun 2012 - 11:18

Spoiler:

by **Kiskaloo** Sun 24 Jun 2012 - 13:53

2012 European Grand Prix

2012 World Motorsports Discussion Thread - Page 2 HolyShitz

One of the most epic seasons in Formula One history has it's most epic race to date.

by Professor Voodoo Sun 24 Jun 2012 - 14:15

Valencia GP Results;

Spoiler:

Yeah, I'd agree...that's one to remember.

by **Kiskaloo** Sun 24 Jun 2012 - 14:34

2012 WRC Brother Rally New Zealand

I'll forgo the results since SPEED will show the highlights this evening, but I will say that New Zealand is right up there with Wales and Germany when it comes to amazing scenery on a rally course. Watching the cars actually dance through some of the stages due to the road conditions was amazing. And you have to give kudos to a rally with a stage named "Girl's High School". Very Happy

by **Kiskaloo** Fri 6 Jul 2012 - 10:15

Looks like the wettest summer in the last century continues to have it's grip on Britain and therefore Silverstone will be a wet weekend. So aero won't be much of a factor, which will make the Ferrari competitive (and Kara happy - doubly so as she'll be watching it from Michele's place in Milan and not having to trudge through muddy car parks and huge car queues).

by Professor Voodoo Fri 6 Jul 2012 - 15:49

Combined Friday Practice times;

Spoiler:

In other...less happy news, Marussia test driver Maria de Villota suffered a bizarre accident during straight-line areo testing in Cambridgeshire. Witnesses say the car has completed a high speed run and come to a complete stop...then took off again, striking the lift of her own hauler truck at about 30mph. de Villota is in critical but stable condition, but unfortunately it has been confirms that her right eye was lost.

Kiskaloo wrote: (and Kara happy - doubly so as she'll be watching it from Michele's place in Milan and not having to trudge through muddy car parks and huge car queues).

There's an idea for a short story...Kara experiences a race, Elio style. Instead of a VIP box with chilled champagne...trudging around the track in the hot sun (or cold rain) with a stopwatch, notebook and zoom-lens camera.

by **Kiskaloo** Fri 6 Jul 2012 - 23:07

Professor Voodoo wrote:
Kiskaloo wrote: (and Kara happy -
doubly so as she'll be watching it from Michele's place in Milan and not
having to trudge through muddy car parks and huge car queues).

There's an idea for a short story...Kara experiences a race, Elio style. Instead of a VIP box with chilled champagne...trudging around the track in the cold rain with a stopwatch, notebook and zoom-lens camera.

I'd be willing to co-write it, but having recently re-read Palermo RoundUp for some background for Hunters in the Dolomites, you write Kara so magnificently that I'd be 110% comfortable to let you run with it. Yes Indeed

by Professor Voodoo Fri 6 Jul 2012 - 23:42

Kiskaloo wrote:
I'd be willing to co-write it, but having recently re-read Palermo RoundUp for some background for Hunters in the Dolomites, you write Kara so magnificently that I'd be 110% comfortable to let you run with it.

Given my success rate at finishing stories lately I wouldn't hold your breath.

More likely is a Marisa/Elio episode (featuring all the usual guest fratelli) entitled Gran Premio di Roma. Remember back about a year ago when the idea was floated for a street race in Rome? It never got beyond hypothetical stages in real life but the story would assume that the race actually did take place. Of course, it would be a prime target for the FRF trying to embarrass the Republic on an international stage, so Section Two gets called in to provide clandestine security.

Kara & Michele get to cover the VIP parties & champagne receptions.

Elio holds a pre-race grid pass...Marisa spends more time hunting autographs than paying attention to her job.

Brian has a paddock pass...Allison makes an enormous pest of herself trying to see every technical aspect of every car.

Emilie thinks the whole thing is stupid and can't wait to go home.

by MP5 Fri 6 Jul 2012 - 23:46

Brian and Allison with a paddock pass? Hm. I think Allison would have basically done all her research on the various teams' cars, and instead be explaining to Jay what sets the teams apart, especially her favorite McLarens from their archnemesis Ferraris.

by Professor Voodoo Sat 7 Jul 2012 - 0:16

MP5 wrote:Brian and Allison with a paddock pass? Hm. I think Allison would have basically done all her research on the various teams' cars, and instead be explaining to Jay what sets the teams apart, especially her favorite McLarens from their archnemesis Ferraris.

Sure, but for comedy points there's nothing like Allison following Adrian Newey or Paddy Lowe around, asking questions about everything. Enter some big name VIP or sponsor...Allison unceremoniously butts him aside to ask about the rapid prototyping process for the rear suspension arms.

Also; I don't have male cyborgs in my stories. Hunters in the Dolomites is the exception because it's a collaborative where everyone is welcome.

by **Kiskaloo** Sat 7 Jul 2012 - 11:52

2012 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix Qualifying

As abysmal weather meant an extended Red Flag, my DVR only recorded Q1 and Q2 up until the Red Flag, so I had to hit the web to find out how qualifying went.

Spoiler:

by Professor Voodoo Sat 7 Jul 2012 - 13:26

Kiskaloo wrote:
As abysmal weather meant an extended Red Flag, my DVR only recorded Q1 and Q2 up until the Red Flag, so I had to hit the web to find out how qualifying went.

I set my own machine up for an extra hour of over-run and still didn't see the re-start of Q2. They did air the dry morning P3 session though, so it wasn't a total waste.

by **Kiskaloo** Sat 7 Jul 2012 - 14:52

Sad thing is I actually woke up ay 5:30AM so I almost just turned it on to watch live, but decided instead to go back to bed for three hours. sweat

by **Kiskaloo** Sun 8 Jul 2012 - 14:20

2012 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix Results

Spoiler:

by Professor Voodoo Tue 10 Jul 2012 - 16:15

Kiskaloo wrote:2012 Formula 1 British Grand Prix

If I was trying to explain to a person how much of a strategic "chess match" modern F1 is I would show them a review of this race. Webber & Red Bull played the tire game perfectly...even though I think Alonso had more outright speed.

Such a sharp contrast with last year; Mark is definite title contender, although if Red Bull really hits their stride and regains last year's advantage the pendulum could swing back to Vettel. Still, if I had to bet my money would be on Alonso for the drivers' title this year. He always comes on strong in the second half of the season...but this year he's laid down a good foundation during the first half.

by **Kiskaloo** Tue 17 Jul 2012 - 11:03

After talking with Ferrari, Mark Webber decided to extend his contract with Red Bull another year.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/18780239

by Professor Voodoo Sat 21 Jul 2012 - 20:17

German Grand Prix Qualifying:

Spoiler:

I attended a few races at Hockenheim in the late 90's (World Superbike Championship & FIA GT Championship). Not my favorite track in the world, but a terrific place to camp. It's surrounded by a huge old-growth forest...rare in Europe these days. Walk just a few hundred yards away from the world of ultra-modern racing and you could easily imagine yourself transported back 1000 years to Medieval Germany. Nice contrast after a day at the track.

I only got to run Hockenheim once, and not even a full session. Just when I was learning the track and getting up to speed some other rider fell and oiled the track down...ending my only session prematurely.

by Professor Voodoo Mon 23 Jul 2012 - 1:30

German Grand Prix, Results;

Spoiler:

by **Kiskaloo** Mon 23 Jul 2012 - 1:59

Spoiler:

by **Kiskaloo** Fri 27 Jul 2012 - 21:02

What is it with rain and motorsport in 2012?

For Forumla One, it pours during the Malaysian Grand Prix as well as practice and qualifying for the British, German and Hungarian (at least for practice - we shall see how qualifying turns out) Grands Prix. Now watching Grand Am at Indianapolis and it's pouring there.

There was the Sibiu Rally Romania on 20–22 July where it was so dry that only the lead car could put in a competitive run as the rest of the field had to slow for dust, but that seems the aberration this season.

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