The Motorsport Thread - 2012
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Topic: The Motorsport Thread - 2012
Posted By: JJLehto
Subject: The Motorsport Thread - 2012
Date Posted: January 28 2012 at 16:32
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Feels so early, but it's almost February and racing is already here! The 24 hours of Daytona is currently going, almost missed it! Brian Johnson, vocalist of AC/DC is apparently racing in it  Lets not forget the Daytona 500 is less than a month away, with the F1 season not terribly far behind and its return to the US. I really like the track and am excited to see it in action. Also sports cars, Indy and whatever other motorsport tickles your fancy! To continue from the last thread
Awesome  Lotus was of course a backmarker the last 2 seasons and while Kimi may be on the best drivers out there, only he can do so much with that sh*t. I hope they can up their game for 2012. |
sleeper wrote:Replies:
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: January 29 2012 at 11:27
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Shameless self bump 3 hours left in the 24 of Daytona. Alan McNish battling for the lead, looks like Rahal is chillin in 3rd biding his time. I like Rahal, would be cool if he could pull of a well executed win. |
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: January 29 2012 at 16:25
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Damnit. Completely missed the 24hrs. Was looking for something to watch last night as well... ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: January 29 2012 at 16:54
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Well that's what you get for having family and a social life! Congrats to the winners of the 24, I only recognize two of the names but cool to see AJ Allmendinger win. He had a promising open wheel career but took the $$ route in NASCAR. Also good ol Justin Wilson! Nice to see. Of course well done to fellow co drivers Oswaldo Negri and John Pew  |
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: January 29 2012 at 17:55
It's true.  I'll blame Speed though. Their winter programming is so terrible I haven't had the station on since November. I knew it had to be soon just not when. Oh well. At least this means the racing season is upon us, which is good enough.
And yay to the Ding! ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: January 30 2012 at 07:18
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Yeah Daytona 24 was early this year as its normally in February. Congrats to Wilson for winning his first race back since braking his back at Mid-Ohio last year. This guy destroyed AJ in RuSports in Champ Car and belongs in a Penske or Ganassi, but it looks like he'll be in Dale Coynes car again this year.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005 
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: January 30 2012 at 07:22
Wrong Lotus Brian! Hint, witch car was black and gold last year?The team formerly known as Lotus, now Caterham, launched their new car last week, see my last post in the old thread for it. There have been drawing out of Italy of the new Ferrari. If they're accurate, it looks good, much more aggressive and adventureous than the lst two. It should be launched, along with the McLaren, later this week. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: January 31 2012 at 11:06
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O wow! Renault is now Lotus? Kind of a shame, I always liked Renault. Though I was a fan of their blue & yellow car, everything from 2007 on looked weird to me. It makes more sense now, I was like wtf? Why would Kimi go to that crap team (the former Lotus)? He should have more success in...the new Lotus |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 01 2012 at 06:27
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^Having said that, if Lotus/Caterhamdont score a couple of points this year I'll be very disapointed. Sutil was convicted yesterday for injuring Renault/Lotus team manager Eric Lux in China last year, and has received an 18 month suspended sentance. This court case was no doubt the reason why no one signed him up for this year. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 01 2012 at 06:57
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As in you'd be disappointed if it was only a few, or you'd be if they score any at all? I guess I like Lotus, new Lotus, now since it's the vestige of Renault and will have my favorite driver back! Also yikes! Things have not gone well for Sutil. I felt bad for the guy ever since he lost that brilliant drive at Monaco when Kimi used him as a break...and he was making progress with Force India, I believe in the last thread I had him on my "drivers I'd like to see promoted list" then you have to go attacking people with champagne bottles! Well, we've all been there I mean...what? Damn, that does suck..right when you're making a good name for yourself on track. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 01 2012 at 07:06
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New McLaren: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/16831074" rel="nofollow - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/16831074
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 01 2012 at 07:25
Well that sure does look sleek and sexy, oh and the car isn't bad... Nothing against Button of course! I guess every sport is a copy cat league...there's that "tightly packaged rear end" Vettel loves so much As usual, I'm expecting McLaren to be strong and have a good season with their drivers. I like to be fair (and offset all the Alonso hate!) so I'll say again I was wrong about Button. Well, I still am not terribly impressed with his title but since then, and especially last year, he had that "oomph" the drive I never saw before, so kudos Needless to say, I would like to see Ferrari up their game. Bit of a let down especially being the whole 150 ani of Italy thing, and Alonso really pulled some wonder out of his ass but they were never really a threat to the top 2 consistently. Oh and am of course curious how Kimi will do. Schumi had a longer hiatus and returned to about as good a form with his situation as you'd hope, but Kimi is notorious for his lazy ways...wonder how he'll fare with the time away, and not in the best of rides. Edit: Gah! And the USGP is back! I like the looks of the track a lot. Unless something crazy happens financially I have no chance of making it to Texas to watch (I would) and they scrapped the NJ race  There I go again, this season needs to start! |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 01 2012 at 12:32
There's supposed to be a space between "Caterham" and "dont". I have to agree with what you said in the other post, the new Austin track looks great, theres some serious elevation changes that are on Spa level of crazyness. As far as I know the NJ race is still on, havent seen anything to say otherwise yet. As for the "tight rear end", the teams have been trying to get tighter and tigter back there for over a decade, its amazing that people are still banging on about it. I've seen that Barichello was testing for the KV racing IndyCar squad yesterday and was streight on the pace of Kanaan. Apparently he'll have to ask his wife permission to race at Indy first before he signs up with a team in the series though. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 01 2012 at 19:14
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Oh, I coulda sworn I remember seeing an article that more or less said it wasn't happening. It also said proposed F1 races are never guaranteed either way until it gets to its scheduled day so we'll see! It would certainly be a much easier hike for me than to Texas. I just remember that was Vettel's favorite part of one of his kinky cars, that tightly packaged rear end. To think some say he's drab... |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 02 2012 at 05:45
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^Nothings turned up in the specialist press over here, but your right that until the tracks been built and all the money's been payed to Bernie nothings set in stone.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 02 2012 at 14:38
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And of course I'm hoping! The idea of an F1 race half an hour from me...an easy drive away, feels like a dream. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 04 2012 at 07:15
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The Ferrari and Force Indias have been unveiled now as well. The front wing on the Ferrari is a bit weird... http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/16869320" rel="nofollow - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/16869320   Looks like it has a skinny back end as well. That rear wing is really low.  http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/16870313" rel="nofollow - http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/formula1/16870313 -------------
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 04 2012 at 10:42
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That is a pretty weird front wing and yeah, guess the whole paddock is sharing Vettel's love for those tightly packaged rear ends! The colors on Force India are pretty cool as well, not that it's different this year just that I like them. |
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: February 05 2012 at 03:26
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That Ferrari will certainly stand out in crowd. Can't say it looks sleek and sexy. ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 05 2012 at 11:56
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Quite but hey long as it performs better. I realize now Ferrari didn't have a bad year in 2011, just for their standards For it being the 150 anniversary of Italy car too, what a let down! I expect better this year. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 05 2012 at 11:59
And here's another new car. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 05 2012 at 12:27
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They're all adopting that similar nose design, I notice.
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 05 2012 at 14:21
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^Thats because the maximum height of the nose cone has been lowered by 50mm, but the monocoque front bulkhead hight has remained the same. Going with the step allows for more space under the nose for the airflow.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 05 2012 at 15:35
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Ah yes I do love to see the yearly changes designed to slow the cars down, increase overtaking, or anything just to see them always fail because of those crafty engineers! Of course the KERS and DRS helped but in terms of aerodynamics and stuff the results are the same every year Those damn engineers are just too smart! |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 05 2012 at 16:20
The new McLaren seems to not have that step though. -------------
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 05 2012 at 16:30
No but they've made their chassis lower at the front anyway. It'll be the best looking car out there, but it might be compromised. @Brian. This change is for safety. Somebody things that in the case of a t-bone crash the high nose mightgo over the side of the cockpit and impact with the drivers head, and that it might reduce the risk of a car riding over the back of one infront in an accident. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 05 2012 at 16:38
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Not all of the cars have been announced yet. Maybe one of the others won't have the stepped front either?
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 05 2012 at 23:03
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Oh that's good but I do mean in general. Like the engine rules, and not only are they still consistent but still gain power. Or how they just always find a way to keep the car fast, stable, and difficult to pass no matter what the FIA tries. It's part of why I love F1 honestly! |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 07 2012 at 05:39
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F1 testing starts again today. Mercedes and HRT the only teams running 2011 cars and Marussia not running this week. Raikkonen is making the early running at Jerez with 1:19.6, which is comparable to the best time set last year, thouhg apparently Lotus have a lot of sponsors in the paddock today. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 07 2012 at 17:44
| Awww yeah can't wait! |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 07 2012 at 18:20
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Very early days yet in terms of testing. I expect it to be different when the season starts and even before that once all the cars are in race trim. -------------
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 08 2012 at 02:11
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I meant a general can't wait But naturally, I also can't wait to see Kimi back. Honestly (I must've said this at some point) my confidence isn't exactly soaring given his time off and the team not being that good, but I always said I thought in terms of pure skill he was the best out there (deff post schumi) so I look forward to seeing the challenge. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 08 2012 at 10:08
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^Well, judging by his form yesterday I'm going to guess he's lost none of his out right pace and I wouldnt underestimate Lotus, they went the wrong way with the front blowing exhaust last year but the rest of the car was pretty sound.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 08 2012 at 10:14
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Schumacher and Rosberg are in 2011s car, so I wouldn't look at today's times too much although was I right in seeing that they've made modifications?
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 08 2012 at 13:57
Cautiously hopeful. I agree he doesn't seem to have lost any speed but also as James said, the race is a whole different beast. And I don't know, just so I'm not confused this Lotus is the team that used to be Renault, correct?They weren't bad by any means in 2011 but not too hot either, and before that they were better but Kubica and especially Alonso really outpaced teammates. Hey, I'll say Kimi will do fine! I expect nothing less from the flying finn |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 08 2012 at 15:10
Yes, this is the team that Kubica and Alonso used to drive for. The team that was Lotus is now Caterham, though both have kept the same colour schemes from last year. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 08 2012 at 15:12
Yeah, Mercedes are running a 2011 car with some 2012 parts on it. Rumour has it that they've got a trick front wing they dont want anyone to see too soon, hence the late arrival of the new car. Could of course be a complete load of nonsense. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 08 2012 at 15:21
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So we shall see. A battle between Alonso and Kimi for the title would pretty much make my life I got some taste of it years ago but if I recall that was when McLaren had major reliability issues. I also remember the team filling his car to the brim with fuel to go as long as possible and he would still crank out fast quali laps and poles. What a beast! Damn, those 05, 06 seasons feel like sooo long ago now. Good times. |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 08 2012 at 17:43
I may have mistaken the car I saw but I'm sure I saw the stepped wing (dubbed Batman's Headgear by someone on the BBC) on the 2011 car, is that correct? What on earth could they possibly pull out the bag that nobody else has thought of? -------------
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 09 2012 at 04:47
Havent seen any mention of Batmans Headgear myself so I couldn't say. As for what they could pull out of the bag, thats what everybody else is worried about! ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 09 2012 at 09:58
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Lotus seem to be putting in good times. Both Raikkonen and Grosjean. They seem the quickest of the new cars whilst Schumacher and Rosberg in the 2011 Mercedes are only setting times to test tires. Webber was quickest yesterday, however, so it's looking like Red Bull are quick again. -------------
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 09 2012 at 18:14
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Lotus were definitely on a low fuel run today, but its still a good time. Ferrari not looking too good at the moment, apparently it's proving to be a difficult car to set up. Hamilton and Vettel almost neck and neck on the timing screens today.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: KoS
Date Posted: February 10 2012 at 04:27
 Hopefully this season will be a little more exciting, as much as I like Vettel, I want to see some racing. also, Ferrari needs to cut Alonso's salary and focus on getting a good car this year.
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 10 2012 at 04:38
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^Actually a good chunk of Alonso's pay comes from Santandare.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 10 2012 at 10:46
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I have an account with Santander. Where's my pay?
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 10 2012 at 11:50
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Your not Spanish, amigo.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 15 2012 at 00:22
Oh goodness I also like Vettel but it's only natural to want some more racing up front. Thankfully the field is loaded with talent and enough decent teams that these races are still damn good, even if you know Vettel will be running the table. We'll see if McLaren can bring any more fight, also curious how Webber will fair. If he can dice it up a bit more with Vettel there'd be...less of a runaway |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 20 2012 at 09:30
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We've had our first driver change of the year. Caterham have dropped Trulli, despite him having already driven the new car, for Petrov over money reasons (Petrov brought sponsorship from Russia's biggest petrochemichal company with him).
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: February 20 2012 at 11:30
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That's a bit of a drop for Petrov. Having said that, he's hardly set the world alight, so it'll be interesting how he does.
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 20 2012 at 11:43
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Sort of, yes. There was certainly a few races last year where he was fighting with the green cars anyway.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 21 2012 at 18:06
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Major problem for Lotus as they've had to cancel the entire weeks testing after only 7 laps. Seems they have some sort of mounting problem with the chassis and found that it also effects the chassis they used in the Jerez test a couple weeks ago. The suggestion is that it might be some sor of manufacturing fault with the engine mounts but they're being tight lipped abnut it at the moment. Whatever it is, it's got to be pretty serious to make them pack up and go home, certainy wont do Raikkonen and Grosjean any favours thats certain.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 21 2012 at 18:54
| Is it a bit of a drop for Petrov but we'll see. He definitely didn't set the world alight but I liked him and thought he was pretty good. Looking forward to see what he's got this year. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 26 2012 at 12:11
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My NASCAR days are pretty behind me, honestly the few I catch are still fine but just isn't the same to me. Still, have to at least catch the big one! I'll be pulling for Tony Stewart as I do every year, maybe he will finally get that elusive 500 victory. Naturally the story of the year is already Danica Patrick, more known for her sex appeal than driving skill, we shall see. Still has only one win in her entire career, (which I believe was a fuel mileage victory). I would really love to see her actually earn her name. Hey, you can do whatever you want with your body, but I wasn't a fan of how she's let herself be marketed. I just would like to see her earn some of that fame. Also March 18, finally F1 begins and I get more stoked thinking about it. Especially the return of the USGP, track looks cool and I'm still game for a road trip to Texas |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 26 2012 at 15:58
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She got poll for the Nationwide race I see, after dcrashing out of her first Sprint Cup race. It has to be said though, I think the quality of female drivers in IndyCar has gone up this year with Patrik leaving, I believe Katherine Legg has got a drive in the series again and Simona de Silvestra was definitely a better driver and now in the main Lotus car. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 26 2012 at 16:06
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Can't say Patrick has been terrible by any means, but nowhere worth the massive quantity of fame she's gotten. Largely built off her looks, but hey she is entitled too and if she's comfortable not really being taken seriously... Hope so man! I will have to catch more Indy this year to boot. And lol the 500 has been on rain delay for 4 hours now. I even took a nap at one point and it's still going on. I don't find NASCAR as exciting as it once was but I prefer it over watching water dry! edit: Moved to noon tomorrow. Monday, when I will be much more likely to do things. haha well I tried to watch it! |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 27 2012 at 05:16
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^The dangers of racing on ovals.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 27 2012 at 09:22
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I find it ironic is all. Again, missing it isn't exactly gunna make me lose sleep. They actually did race in the rain once, on a road course. I missed that one and it kind of upset me, at least just to see how terribly it went down hah edit: heh it's gotten delayed again, to 7 pm. By the time it's over we'll have another 24 hours of Daytona! Maybe the rain won't stop and they'll do what I always thought should be the case, have the race as the season finale! Or the middle of the season, since I don't want in the chase...maybe before the July race? Imagine 2 Daytona races in a row! TV would go berserk. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 27 2012 at 10:07
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I thought it was only Nationwide cars that have held a wet race (at Montreal I believe) rather than Sprint Cup.
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 27 2012 at 10:10
It was. I reckon I was pretty non specific there. edit: ha, delayed again, 7 pm. Now it'll be the 24 hours of Daytona #2. Maybe the rain won't stop and they'll do what I used to want, have it to finish the season. Though I'd hate that these days...maybe they could do it mid season, in July. Two Daytona races in a row...oh TV would go berserk. What an event that'd be. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 27 2012 at 18:22
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Well, 1.05 laps into the race and Danica Patrick's race is over Wasn't her fault at all but how anti climactic! IDK how familiar you really are with it but these Daytona races really are kind of suicidal. 200 laps in a pack of 25 cars, at a steady 200 mph and obviously any slight mistake or bobble can cause a huge pile up. Hell a twitch can trigger a huge wreck. As someone who doesn't so much care for crashing, honestly Daytona can be boring... It's either constant passing and nail biting excitement, or running in place for 199 laps. And lots of caution to fix the messes  edit: Well, I have never seen this. Good ol Juan Pablo Montoya spun under yellow and crashed into a jet drier (blows debris off the track) causing a huge fire to break out, as oil is perpetually leaking out... So now this massive, continuous fire is burning. This is like the Daytona weekend from hell Reminds me of that Monaco GP when, under yellow, Montoya accidentally crashed Schumi. He has a knack for unusual, slow accidents! |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 28 2012 at 00:00
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Well that is over! The 36 hours of Daytona...shame one of my least favorite drivers won it. Tony Stewart got spun out of any chance and Dale Jr finished 2nd. Kudos to Greg Biffle, talk about the ultimate team player...biggest race of the year, fast car behind him, but Biffle did not attack, just stuck to his teammate like glue keeping, anyone away. Congrats to Matt Kenseth. He did have a strong car all race long. Now let's get to F1 |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: February 28 2012 at 05:02
I watched the 2007 running when Harvick won, I dont see the point of racing for 200 odd laps when it's only the last 20 that count. Montoya has certainly had his share of unusual accidents, though to be fair that one at Monaco was Schumy's fault (breaking hard in the tunnel with someone right behind you is bloody stupid). ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: February 28 2012 at 06:00
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Well NASCAR can and usually is more interesting, it's a race long battle, lots of strategy and subtle progression. Jimmie Johnson was the master of not being around all race long but slowly tweaking things and BAM! There to contend at the end. Daytona, and Talladega are different though because of the packs... You seriously might as well catch the last 20 laps because ideally they are fine to let you lead for the first 180. For the "big" races they tend to be bloody boring and/or wreck fests. Though in these days I only catch the few big races and the road courses. This one was also not Montoya's doing, we found out something broke and he had 0 control. Just happened right where the truck was...pretty much the sh*ttiest luck you can have right there. |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 01 2012 at 13:06
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Barichello has signed to drive for KV Racing in IndyCar this season, I expect he'll win races, he's too good not to be towards the sharp end of the grid. I just feel sorry for Joseph Newgarden, his chances of winning rookie of the year just got a lot smaller!
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 05:57
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Practice times from Australia, first session started wqet but quickly dried, the second session was wet for most of it but dried out for the last few minutes. Mercedes definitely look much better this year and the whole field seems to have closed up some (except HRT, who are having their usual shambolic start to the year).
First PracticeFriday, 16 March 2012
Second PracticeFriday, 16 March 2012
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Posted By: KoS
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 06:40
courtesy of
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/member.php?u=59761" rel="nofollow - SunhiLegend on neogaf.  |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 08:03
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^Great new avy KoS! I love that helmet camera Webber's using, hope we see it used in the race. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 11:06
F1 is finally here!  What will be more exciting James? Vettel's third title, Alonso's third title, or Hami crashing every other race?  Oh and Kimi |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 12:16
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^Button beating the lot of them!
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 13:37
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Eh you know I've given up my hatred of Button. I tried to force it (with some success) but it couldn't stick. I don't even wish his seat would be given to someone else anymore. Though I wholeheartedly feel so with Massa, that bum |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 14:01
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I agree with Andy. Button hopefully will be awesome. Are these Free Practice times worth taking seriously? 'cause Schumacher has done well in both and Vettel has done poorly. Are Red Bull still testing? -------------
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 14:03
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I don't see why Button won't be good. Unless McLaren has one of their off years, but that was years ago...they seem to have ironed out the inconsistencies. Ya never know, that first race of the season tends to be a little nutty...and even RBR can have issues (like those weird KERS problems). Though naturally I assume Vettel will have another 10+ wins and have his third title locked up early |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 14:06
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So I gather that a couple of teams could be using some kind of tech they're not supposed to... there's a chance they could be reported to the FIA. Hmm. Hopefully Andy can go into further detail as I wasn't paying attention to Inside F1 earlier. -------------
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 17:34
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^It doesnt look like there's going to be any major controversy at the first race on the technical side of things, at least since the FIA have said the passive F-duct system (not operated by any mechanical devices or the driver like the versions a couple years ago were) is completely leagal. I wouldn't read too much into the practice times, it was wet and Red Bull were definitely running a lot of fuel. Juust look at Glock, he was 12th in P2 in a Marussia which hasnt even tested. I will say this though, testing showed that Red Bull are still just about top, but McLaren are going to be starting much closer this year, probably the closest they've started a year to the front since 2008. And Mercedes have definitely made a jump forward, some think it might be enough to get them on terms with McLaren. Ferrari are uncertain, they look quick over a lap but the car is difficult to drive and eats it's tyres, its been suggested that they might even struggle to score points at the first few races. Of course, as Brian said, Melbourne is well known for throwing up nutty races. Also, Sebring 12 Hours this weekend, first World Endurance Championship race to be held in 20 years. Audi will win this race easy since Toyota dont make their debut till the next race at Spa, but I'm glad to see Sportscars have their own world chamiponship again. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 18:47
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I think they said it was the Mercedes and one other team that they were questioning. It'd be nice to see Mercedes return to the form they had when Button won the World Championship (although they were Brawn back then). I really rate Nico Rosberg and would like to seem him win a few races and get podium finishes this year. There's definitely issues with the Ferrari. Massa went into the gravel and Alonso almost lost it too. By the way, did you see the BBC 1 programme about Lewis' brother the other week? That was really interesting. I haven't kept track of things but is he racing again this year? -------------
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 22:03
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Massa didnt seem to realise he'd put the wheel on the wet grass. I don't know about Nick, I havent read anything about him continuing for a second year but then I dont follow the Clio cup much anyway. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 16 2012 at 22:37
| Ah Sebring! This is gunna be a good weekend. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 17 2012 at 01:23
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Glad I was realistic in not expecting greatness from Kimi right out of the box...eliminated in round 1 Though he was slowed up a bit by going off. Still plenty of year to go before I start getting angry at his lack of performance Edit: Holy sh*t, that off by Alonso was insane. Watching these cars is really like nothing else! Those things can snap around in a heartbeat. Must've been pushing to the absolute limit. They've been saying both drivers were not pleased with Ferrari during testing Also that supposedly the McLarens are hot and we're not quite sure about RBR....I won't believe that yet but maybe 2012 will be an even more exciting year than the past few!! And it's been some damn good seasons in recent times. |
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: March 17 2012 at 02:08
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Kimi out in Q1, both Ferrari out in Q2. Good to see Hamilton and Button in the first row, let's see if Vettel can improve that 6th place. A great qualy for Romain Grosjean! ------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 17 2012 at 02:14
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No doubt, this is going to be an epic year! Maybe the most balanced, competitive field yet. Lots of driver talent and good equipment in the mid field and at top. So what's the deal with this Mercedes "special piece" that seems to be borderline legal? Not sure if it's all the reason but they certainly look to be a front runner! 2012 will be great.
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Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: March 17 2012 at 02:26
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Great result for Grosjean. Was pulling for a merc there at the end to take it. Should be a fun race. Viva la f1. ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 17 2012 at 11:19
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Renault is always mid pack (sometimes higher sometimes lower) and maybe this year they will be on the higher side. Mercedes is looking strong, though it may be due to this....maybe illegal body work McLaren is certainly going to be very strong (Hami claims to have put his 2011 demons aside and feels fresh) RBR might have to fight and Ferrari is looking down. 2012 will be f**kin crazy! |
Posted By: KoS
Date Posted: March 17 2012 at 12:52
 I predict much use for this in the future. Argentina's planned circuit  |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 17 2012 at 14:18
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These drivers are never amused with interviews...only ones to ever seem not depressed to be there are Schumi, Vettel, and Hami. Yet only the first two are "smug" hmmmm.......... That's a pretty cool looking track. Quite blatant Monaco homage, has some twisty sections, long straights, that roundabout. Pretty much like all the others Didn't know Argentina was hoping for one. Goodness are we going ot have like 24+ races in the future?? |
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: March 17 2012 at 16:30
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^ Good! The more races the better IMO. Pretty alright it seems. Doesn't look like there will be alot of elevation change but I like the circle/spiral thingy. ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 18 2012 at 00:54
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A lot of races and a lot of talent in the field, both equipment and driver. Man I'm excited. Also tired...will most likely pass out when this is done and shall comment later tomm Only been off season testing (and one quali session) but certainly looks like another down year for Ferrari Strong start for Mercedes, McLaren may be the team to beat and the Wunderkind will need to really fight for his third titleHere's to a great 2012 season blokes edit: Oh! And James...you do know that if McLaren dominates and they win all their races by starting on the front row, building a huge 2 lap lead and coasting to victory (a la Vettel) you lose pretty much any credibility in criticizing him :P |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 18 2012 at 01:30
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Also the difference good equipment makes My first few years of F1 Button was known as the guy who had talent but blew it with bad moves and couldn't get a win...and now he seems to be the class of the field. Vettel also seems to be doing quite well working through the field. And I thought he couldn't do anything when not leading, Juris! |
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: March 18 2012 at 02:01
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Button is driving like a god. Hamilton and Vettel are having a great battle for the 2nd place. What a pity Schumi and Grosjean had to retire so soon. Edit: Safety Car now. Let's see their tricks in the restart.
------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: March 18 2012 at 02:43
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What an amazing race by Sergio Pérez, a one-stop strategy gave him the eighth position. Button did a superb work, his first place was actually never in risk. And poor Maldonado, he threw away a wonderful race. ------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 18 2012 at 02:43
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Congrats to Button on the very Vettel-esque win. Quite evident who the top 4 are going to be this year. Huge congrats to Alonso for his herculian effort to nab 5th. I was gunna eat my words and say the pay driver (who stumped around in GP2) Maldonado had a brilliant drive until he crashed himself on the last lap! Still not sure what happened with all that madness in the very end. Congrats to Kam and Kimi who negotiated the shuffle to get 6th and 7th. Of course I am ecstatic about Kimi's great drive. Perez nabs some points and Di Resta rounds it out. Edit: Ricciardo in 9th?? Wow, Maldonado f**ked everything up! 6th to 12th thrown into total madness. Good race, and with that...time to pass out! |
Posted By: Man With Hat
Date Posted: March 18 2012 at 04:26
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Quite a nice race indeed. Great result for Perez and Kimi especially. Massive shame for Grosjean and Hulky. Guess it was because I haven't seen it in so long...but damn...those pit stops are blazing. Great race by Button as well of course. And the best news...race number two in a weeks time. Wahoo! ------------- Dig me...But don't...Bury me I'm running still, I shall until, one day, I hope that I'll arrive Warning: Listening to jazz excessively can cause a laxative effect. |
Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 18 2012 at 11:49
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Yeah the 16 race season feels like so long ago, not sure why back in the day I thought it crazy to exceed 20. More the better! Looks like the 12 hours of Sebring has been condensed into 2 hours..... Well, really no point...I just looked up the winners on Wikipedia |
Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 19 2012 at 05:31
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My internet connection has been down since Saturday Morning so this is the first chance I've had to post in over two days. Crazy race, thats why I love Melbourne. That midfield from Ferrari down looks really tight, I think we're in for some good racing. Anyone know what happened to Rosberg on the last lap? The replay's showed him going fine into the chicane but the next time we saw him he was coming out of the chicane going very slowly. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 19 2012 at 12:09
What? Nope. Hamilton and Button are better drivers than Vettel. -------------
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 19 2012 at 12:13
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I completely missed the race due to having a life but did look up the result. Nice win for Jens! Well deserved. I kind of feel a bit sorry for Schumy, as he's my pick to be a top 5 finisher this season. Also unlucky for Grosjean. It should be a great season though. Come on, Jens. Keep this form up for the rest of the season and rub that smug face off of Vettel. -------------
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Posted By: JJLehto
Date Posted: March 19 2012 at 12:15
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Don't get me wrong James, you already had no credibility with your hatred but now it'd really be thrown out the window! Edit: It's especially irnoic because I see Hami as the worst attitude in the paddock. What a f**kin lil baby he seems to have become. w**ker. For sure Sleeper, this field is great. Supposedly there was debris from Maldonado's wreck which is why Rosberg got messed up and that whole back 6 got all jumbled. Right when everyone was about to give Pastor some kudos he had to muck it up! |
Posted By: KoS
Date Posted: March 19 2012 at 16:49
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Yeah, yeah, yeah huge gifs, your hate is noted James.... The end of the Brazilians...  f**king Kobi!  MaldonaLOL  and Button fingering the competition?  Also, goddam it Sauber get Perez in the pits!
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 20 2012 at 06:36
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I feel sorry for Brunno with Massa's kack handed defence, he would have been in the thick of the fight for the last points on the last lap without that. Did anybody see the Sebring 12 Hours, those GT cars really got their elbows out for the last lap. ------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: March 20 2012 at 10:22
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I don't hate Vettel as a person. I just don't think he's as amazing as people say and he is somewhat arrogant. I kind of agree about Lewis too. He seems to have a real chip on his shoulder. He needs to relax and just race and not get so annoyed. This is why I like Jens. He's mostly always laid back but does naturally have moments when he needs to be outspoken too. Plus he's British. -------------
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Posted By: sleeper
Date Posted: March 23 2012 at 05:21
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Practice times for Malaysia. I like this race, the best of all the Tilke tracks and with Turkey now gone thats by some way. I'm not certain but I've heard that the start time has been moved back by an hour this year. The last time it started this late was 2009 and that race got red flagged on lap 35, which will almost certainly happen again since thje rain turns up like clockwork everyday in the early evening there.
First PracticeFriday, 23 March 2012
Second PracticeFriday, 23 March 2012
------------- Spending more than I should on Prog since 2005
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