The Motorsport Thread 2011

Just boggles my mind...remember the 8 engine per season rule (not sure if it still exists) well the engines were just as reliable despite having to last so much more and there was an increase in power.

insane

Kimi Raikonen goes NASCAR.

Not even I saw that one coming. 

His first race, thankfully in trucks, is in May. His aim is to do Sprint, the top series, in 2-3 years time. 

NASCAR is a highly competetive series (all three of them) so Kimi will get his hands full with this challenge.     

Yeah, Kimi will be driving for Kyle Busch for a few races this year, beginning at Charlotte.  At least he'll start off with good equipment, because he'll need all the help he can get while he's adjusting to the different types of tracks and racing styles.  I'll be rooting for him, too, since he'll be racing for my favorite driver!

It's not that odd.  It's actually kind of becoming a trend.  Look at all of the other drivers from different motorsports who have or are coming to NASCAR: Travis Pastrana, Ricky Carmichael, Danica Patrick, and JPM just to name a few.  I could say Tony Stewart as well, since he won the IRL championship before coming over to NASCAR. 

He's also considering entering the IndyCar season final for the $5mil, maybe he's doing this to get oval racing experience.

MillsLayne wrote: It's not that odd.  It's actually kind of becoming a trend.  Look at all of the other drivers from different motorsports who have or are coming to NASCAR: Travis Pastrana, Ricky Carmichael, Danica Patrick, and JPM just to name a few.  I could say Tony Stewart as well, since he won the IRL championship before coming over to NASCAR.

Oh I know.
But it's just that I really like Kimi so it feels odd is all.

JPM started it all!
Well, the recent burst at least. I did forget about Stewart, it was just so long ago he did open wheel.

Edit: Side note, Stewart is one of my favorite drivers, of all. My definite fav in nascar. In terms of pure skill I thought he was right at the top and his experience in Indy and Sports Cars shows his versatility.
I remember watching him race the 24 hours of Daytona years ago (with Dale Jr) and they led the race for most of it, until mechanical issues stopped it. Something broke and one of the wheels wasn't even touching the track, and the car was getting worse. Stewart was driving that thing, in the rain, and doing well...until it finally just died.


Edited by JJLehto - April 05 2011 at 02:25

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/06/nascar-could-test-fuel-injection-as-early-as-july/

James wrote: David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher both went into DTM too.  As did JJ Lehto, of course.  I realise it's not NASCAR but it's still Saloon Car. Also remember Nigel Mansell was in Touring Car as well.  I happen to like Touring Car racing.  They certainly overtake a lot more and I find it far more interesting.

Hate to be a stickler but Touring Cars, and Sports Cars, are not the same as Stock Cars.
I guess maybe anything enclosed you consider "saloon cars"?

Though to be fair, I never knew what "touring cars" were...they seemed like sport cars to me.
Sleeper/anyone else who knows..please enlighten me!

JJLehto wrote: James wrote: David Coulthard and Ralf Schumacher both went into DTM too.  As did JJ Lehto, of course.  I realise it's not NASCAR but it's still Saloon Car. Also remember Nigel Mansell was in Touring Car as well.  I happen to like Touring Car racing.  They certainly overtake a lot more and I find it far more interesting. Hate to be a stickler but Touring Cars, and Sports Cars, are not the same as Stock Cars. I guess maybe anything enclosed you consider "saloon cars"? Though to be fair, I never knew what "touring cars" were...they seemed like sport cars to me. Sleeper/anyone else who knows..please enlighten me!

I know they're not the same.

But neither Touring Car or Sports Cars are open cockpit.  Touring Car isn't Stock Car either.  I prefer Touring Car to DTM, as you get a selection of different makes, rather than just Mercedes.

I love DTM.  SPEED used to show a lot of these races, but now I'm lucky to catch a couple a year.  Take off Barrett Jackson Auction and Pinks and put some actual racing back in!