Archive for the ‘Auto-Racing’ Category


Ayrton Senna Videos - A Lasting Legacy Of A Fallen Hero

Ayrton Senna videos are typically a grand homage to the great man himself. They can be found all over the internet but especially on user upload sites such as Youtube.

Why are Ayrton Senna videos so popular?

You will probably find more videos of Ayrton Senna on the internet than for any other driver. Like James Dean and Bruce Lee, Senna was a character and a hero cut down in his prime, thus immediately becoming an immortalised legend in memory and on celluloid.

But much more than that, Senna has been described as the most “human” of drivers. More articulate than many native English speakers, driven by passion and a will to win, and always willing to express his viewpoint, Senna drove like a man possessed and this brought him many fans.

By far the greatest Ayrton Senna videos are those featuring his wheel to wheel battles with his great adversary, Alain Prost. These include the infamous incidents at Suzuka in ‘89 and ‘90, the war of words at Imola, the near pit wall accident at Estoril and the “hard but fair” tactics at Hockenheim.

Other Ayrton Senna videos celebrate his first win at Brazil in ‘91 in a broken car, his mastery of the wet at Donnington and sadly, his death at Tamburello corner.

Ayrton Senna da Silva’s legacy lives on, in the joy and happiness that he brought to racing fans during his life, and in the legacy he leaves behind in the years since his passing away.

Want to see Senna’s battles in all their glory? Discover the best Ayrton Senna videos and footage of other F1 greats at Classic F1 Videos.


The Radio Controlled Car Madness?

There’s a little boy inside each gown up man. That saying is pretty much valid for all of the men on Earth.

Men like having a hobby. It might b fishing, sports or simply being a kid keen on rc cars. In fact the radio controlled cars madness is something very common nowadays. There are hundreds of men who spend long hours playing with their radio controlled vehicles.

Sounds interesting? Well, read on to see what it takes to step into the rc cars madness.

First of all you need to have enough free time. Unlike other hobbies that can be fitted in your busy schedule, radio controlled vehicles will take much of your time. Of course you are not obliged to spend it. It is just that your satisfaction will be incomplete if you only spend a few minutes with your rc toys.

The second important thing is the purely financial. RC vehicles hobby is expensive. Most of the good quality radio controlled vehicles are not cheap. Moreover you will be tempted get some improvements and upgrade your rc car as you go along. If you cannot afford it you better do not start as you will not be able to stop and your budget might suffer.

If both of the above are not a problem for you, you should start reading. Yes, rc cars require knowledge. You should be familiar about the way radio controlled vehicles work, the common types of vehicles and their specifics. Even though having knowledge is not obligatory this is what really makes the difference between “playing with an rc car” and being “mad about it”.

Start from learning the basic types of radio controlled vehicles. You will easily discover that the first choice you have to make is whether to buy an electric car or a nitro one. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages.

Once you get your first rc car you will have to learn how to operate it. In theory it looks very simple, but the reality will show you that it is not, especially if you want to participate in races. Soon you will catch yourself thinking about the upgrades available for your car.

The story can continue endlessly. Having a radio controlled car is much more obsessive than having a real car. The main reason behind it is that there is much more scope for fun with rc cars than with real vehicles. Another great advantage of being an rc fan is that you will meet a lot of new people - both in the neighborhood and online.

Keith Londrie II is a successful Webmaster and the owner and publisher of http://rc-mini-nitro-gas-electric-cars.info/ A website that specializes in providing tips on Radio Control Cars that you can research on the internet. Visit http://rc-mini-nitro-gas-electric-cars.info/ today!


NASCAR - The Backwoods Roots

NASCAR stands for the National Stock Car Auto Racing Association. The organization itself is a conduit for many companies to market their products while giving fans of auto racing a thrilling experience. The roots of NASCAR go back to the very thing that spawned the American Revolution: a disdain for excessive taxation. Yes, NASCAR roots actually begin around the year 1794 and at the heart of the Whiskey Rebellion.

The Whiskey Rebellion was spawned because the new United States Federal Government imposed a tax on farmers who distilled their extra grain so as to bring it to market as well. Back in those days, there were not sophisticated highways and rail systems to get grain to market and farmers did the best they could to deliver it. Any grain left over would be distilled into spirits rather than let it go bad. The spirits of course would be imported to the markets and sold in that form. It was this that Alexander Hamilton wanted to tax. Of course the farmers rebelled because this was part of their very livelihood.

Some farmers secretly distilled the spirits and transported the end product in secret and under cover of darkness to their end markets. Thus the seeds of NASCAR were planted although at this time there was no such thing as cars. Thus the spirit of NASCAR came to pass.

In the 1920s and early 1930s, the Federal government would again try to control the production and transportation of spirits through an amendment to the U.S. Constitution known as Prohibition. It was one thing that the farmers would manufacture the spirits in secret for personal use but that of course was unprofitable. So the “bootlegger” was born. Bootleggers were those who would run illegal spirits (also known as moonshine) to secret markets in high-speed cars under cover of darkness. The activity was characterized by Federal agents chasing and hunting them down. It was risky business and sometimes even mortal.

Bootlegging began to create competition among the drivers of the moonshine cars and it was sport to see who had the fastest car. Over time, they would even collectively get together and have races on Sunday afternoons. All the local people would come out and spend a Sunday afternoon watching the races and that night, the drivers would turn their sport into work and run the illegal moonshine to secret buyers.

In 1938, Daytona Beach Florida would become the place of the first NASCAR race. Daytona Beach was a good place for racing because the beach sands were firm and the beach area was wide. The prizes for the winners were simple and could be things like a case of motor oil, a bottle of spirits, or a box of cigars. The organizer and promoter of this event was a man named Bill France. Bill France would go on to build the organization we known as NASCAR today.

In the 1950s, the business model of NASCAR began to form and it continues today. Many promoters of products will pay drivers and car teams to carry their logo on their car and on driver suits. If the team is a winner it is a great position for a promoter to be in. Plus, many companies enjoy having the NASCAR logo associated with their businesses and products.

And for the fans of NASCAR, it is great fun and excitement.

Chris DiCicco is owner, senior editor and website developer for NASCARsupershop.com, a NASCAR Apparel and Memorabilia Store for every NASCAR Fan.

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Auto Racing at Gateway International

In 1995 it was but a dream, but in its 11th season, the Gateway International Raceway is one of America’s premier motorsports tracks. It all started on a 1/8 mile drag strip in 1967 and in 1971 it grew to ¼ mile track, and the Raceway began a series of renovations and restructures that brought to where it is today. The new Gateway Raceway opened with the Motorola 300 with a sold out crowd.

Today the Raceway holds a wide range of racing events to please every fan. Events include; NASCAR Busch, Craftsman Trucks, ARCA, IRL, Champ Cars, NHRA, Street Cars, Motorcycle Road Racing, SCCA Road Racing, Jr. Dragsters and much more. The host a variety of car shows, clubs and special events throughout the year. Tickets start at $10.00 for an adult single race pass and oval season passes start at $125.00 for an adult.

NASCAR isn’t the only racing at the Raceway. The Gateway is also home to a 1/8 mile drag strip that hosts the SX Performance Street Car Shootout, Quick Street Bike, MCRA Motorcycle Road Racing, Bracket racing and a variety of special events throughout the year. NHRA events include Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. RV Parking is available with Infield parking rented by the season for $700.00 and includes 4 Oval season race passes. General RV Parking is available on the south lot on a first come basis. Another option is the full service Casino Queen RV Park located nearby.

Those with a passion for cars will enjoy the St. Louis Car Museum. Cars have been hand selected and the impressive inventory that is not only on display, but for sale. Cars on display include 1969 Chevelle SS, a 1923 Cadillac Touring Phaeton, Vintage Harley Davidson to a 1997 American General Hummer.

The St. Louis Karting Association has a long history of providing safe fun since 1960. In June 2002 the new state of the art facility was completed and today Widman County Park is one of the country’s finest Kart tracks. The track is a .55 mile sprint track with 9 turns, hair-pin turns, banked monza and an 800ft straight away. It can be configured into multiple tracks to fit various needs. The club racing season starts in April and ends in October. Events at the track include Kid Kart Novice and Expert, Yamaha Junior and Rookie, Tag Novice, Junior Expert and Senior, Tag Masters and Heavy and Yamaha Sr. Sportsman.

Check out more information on the following raceways by clicking their name: Gateway International Raceway, Adrian Speedway, Central Missouri Speedway


A Great Day At The Firebird Raceway

The Firebird Raceway in Boise, Idaho is not just any track. In its 36th year the Raceway keeps fans happy and with the wide range of events each year. The Raceway’s schedule of events offers something for every race fan and includes; Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman, Junior Dragster, Pro Snowmobile and Motorcycles, High School program, NHRA Meets, Import Survival and Club Challenges. The Raceway also holds several special events throughout the year such as the Boise Roadster Show, the Oldies but Goodies Drags and the Hot Truck Nationals.

A fan favorite is the annual NAPA Auto Parts Halloween Classic that gives fans five days of racing fun, trick-or-treating for kids, Air Firebird Wheelstanding Super Show and much more. Admission to most events starts at $11.00 for adults with discounts for children. Camping is available for certain events.

The State Line Speedway in Post Falls is another of Idaho’s best tracks. The Speedway hosts an impressive schedule of events each year that keeps fans coming back for more. There scheduled events are; Hobby Cars, Street Stocks, Road Runners, Super Stocks, ICAR Series, Winged Sprints, Vintage Racers, INSSA Series, Legends, Modifieds and Foreign Stocks. They also host special events such as Bump to Pass, Fever 4’s, Demolition Derbies, Night Fever and much more. Admission varies by event with adult tickets starting around $13.00.Free camping is allowed on the grounds but no hook-ups are provided. The Suntree RV Park is a five minute drive from the Speedway and offers economical rates.

Motorcycle and Kart racing fans are not forgotten. The Owyhee Motorcycle Club in Boise operates a race complex that is home to a 1/6 mile dirt oval track. The track is used by motorcycles, karts and motocross racing. The OMC offers short track racing year round with events including; Peewee racing, Motorcycle and Kart, Outlaw Cart, 4-Wheeler and Midgets cars. During inclement weather the races are moved indoors in Caldwell, Idaho. Admission to most events starts at $8.00 for adults.

Since 1995 Idaho Heat Racing has been providing teens in Idaho a safe and legal venue for drag racing competition. This drag racing format gives youth the opportunity to test their skills against law enforcement and fire department teams. It also allows positive, fun interaction between teens and officers and helps to build trust and healthy relationships.

Races take place at the Firebird Raceway under the supervision of the Idaho Heat Racing Club. Teens not only get hands-on supervision and instruction, but they can also earn scholarships and trophies. The Club will participate in six High School Nationals, the Club Challenge Series and other major events at the Firebird Raceway as well as participating in car shows, parades and events on high school campuses.

Check out more information on the following raceways by clicking their name: Firebird Raceway, Chaparral Speedway, Magic Valley Speedway


Colorado National Speedway

The popularity of NASCAR racing continually grows at an incredible pace and the Colorado National Speedway in Dacono Colorado is one of the premier NASCAR facilities in the country. The Speedway has given fans high-speed thrills for over 44 years and they continue to improve their facilities to ensure fans the best adventure available. Every weekend from March to October is filled with events to please any car enthusiast. Events include Pro Truck, Late Model, Grand American Modified, Sportsman, Legends, Super Stock, Midget, Sprint, Coupes, NASCAR, Stock car and much more. The Speedway also hosts special events throughout the year. General admission tickets for regular events are $10.00 for adults and $20.00 for NASCAR events.

NASCAR isn’t the only race in Colorado. The Bandimere Speedway on Thunder Mountain in Morrison is home to NHRA Championship Drag Racing. The Speedway’s season is packed with racing thrills such as; Jr. Dragster, Quaker State E.T. events, Ultimate Street events, Xtreme Performance Snowmobiles, MOPAR events, Motorcycle challenges, High school drags, Corvette Connection events, Flathead Inline, NHRA events, RMSS Shootout, American Graffiti Stick-shift events and much more. The Track hosts different auto club events throughout the year and events by Quaker State, Dunlap, Ford, Chevrolet, Harley Davidson Pepsi and many other sponsors. Admission prices vary according to the event with a single day adult pass starting at $20.00 and there are several multi-day packages and pit pass options available.

The Western Colorado Dragway is located in Grand Junction just 32 miles from the Utah state line. The track sits at 4800 ft above sea level the high dessert climate is a popular tourist area. Events at the dragway include; Street Legal, Mopar Madness, Stick Shift Gear Grab, Top Gun Pro Modifieds, O’Reilly Jr. Dragsters, PowerAde National Dragster, VW Mania and many auto clubs events. All general admission tickets include pit passes and start at $6.00. Camping is available at the WC Dragway inside the gate on event nights for a gate fee of $6.00 or campers may park outside the gate for free the night of the event.

There are several Kart Tracks located throughout Colorado from the IMI Motorsports Complex in Dacono to Action Karting at the Bandimere Speedway and the Grand Junction Speedway, Kart fans have plenty of opportunities to enjoy racing. The IMI Motorsports Complex offers a range of racing options from Motocross, Super-Moto, Karts, Qtr Midget, Mini 50cc and Offroad. You can rent Karts in many sizes and styles and take to the oval course and test your skills. Prices vary according to selections.

Check out more information on the following raceways by clicking their name: Colorado National Speedway, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Hayden Speedway


NASCAR - The Driver’s Physical Conditioning

So does NASCAR driver physical conditioning matter? Some would debate that NASCAR drivers are not athletes but one must consider the conditions inside of a NASCAR stock car race vehicle. The interiors of these cars are not designed for driver comfort with air conditioning and surround sound. Everything about a NASCAR stock car is focused on speed—not on comfort. So NASCAR driver physical conditioning must be such that it builds a driver’s endurance to withstand some harsh conditions and G-forces. And, the NASCAR driver physical conditioning is very similar to athletes in other sports except different areas are built up.

The temperatures in the driver’s cockpit of a NASCAR race car can reach around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine this temperature with a 500-lap race at 200 mph along with lack of air flow and you will see that NASCAR driver physical conditioning to build in endurance is critical. Plus, a NASCAR driver will need to steer and maneuver a 3,400 pound vehicle around curves, other cars, and over bumps. This can cause a lot of impacting against the driver plus just the strain of controlling the steering wheel. Then there are the G-forces that will result from banking turns at speeds close to 200 mph causing pressure on the driver’s torso as it presses against the side of the vehicle.

Oxygen is a problem too. Since the cars are very aerodynamic so as to increase speed, the air is guided around the car but does not reach the inside. The driver’s cockpit is not pressurized like an aircraft. So, the driver has to be able to process what oxygen he gets very efficiently. Therefore, NASCAR driver physical conditioning will include aerobic exercises so as to optimize the processing of oxygen by the body.

Part of any good physical athletic training is the proper amount of nutrition and rest and NASCAR driver physical conditioning is no exception to this. By including the proper amount of nutrition and rest in NASCAR driver physical conditioning, the driver can maintaining alertness and quick reflexes which are crucial to a safe drive. Not getting the proper amount of rest can cause a driver to make mistakes which at 200 mph could be dangerous and even fatal.

Without the proper nutrition and rest in NASCAR driver physical conditioning, a driver can become confused and disoriented during the race. This is especially true when combining the lack of air in the cockpit mixed with carbon monoxide fumes and tremendous G-forces (which cause disorientation as well). G-forces can also affect vision but proper nutrition and vitamins combat against their effects.

NASCAR driver physical conditioning also includes weight training but not in order to build mass. The weight training performed by a NASCAR driver is to build up strength for steering and breaking. It is also so that the driver’s body can withstand the abuse from bouncing around and getting slammed from excessive G-forces.

NASCAR driver physical conditioning separates those who can make it for an entire racing event and those who would wear out during the qualification races. It is very important and the sport should be taken just as serious as any other professional sport.

Chris DiCicco is owner, senior editor and website developer for NASCARsupershop.com, a NASCAR Apparel and Memorabilia Store for every NASCAR Fan.

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Dirt Track Racing in Arkansas

It has been said that “dirt track racing is to NASCAR what minor league teams are to Major League Baseball” and Dirt track racing is the choice racing sport in Arkansas. Dirt tracks are located all over the state and as attendance continues to grow, the passion for the sport seems to be spreading.

The Batesville Speedway in Locust Grove is one of the larger dirt tracks in Arkansas. Located centrally between Memphis, Little Rock and Fayetteville, their events draw from all over. The track is Red Clay 3/8 mile oval and I situated in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The city of Batesville is the second largest in Arkansas and offers a large selection of activities and lodging choices.

The racing season starts in March and ends in October with almost every week in between is filled with racing events. Events at the Speedway include Street Stock, 4 Cylinder Championship, Mid-America Modifieds, SUPR Late Models, Modified Touring, Open Wheel Modifieds, Monster Trucks and much more. Ticket start at $10.00 for adults. Race fans will enjoy the new Mark Martin NASCAR Museum in Batesville. Mark started his career on the dirt tracks of Arkansas and quickly rose to the top of his sport as a motorsports hero. The state of the art museum features many of Mark’s past cars including his #6 Viagra Coca-Cola 600 winning car, 2005 IROC he won his fifth championship in and many more. Each car has a hi-tech mantron that tells of its story and history. The museum also displays trophies, suits, helmets, memorabilia and much more. Their gift store carries a huge selection of NASCAR and racing collectibles, clothing and hats. In his desire to promote the sport that has given him so much, he gives free admission to his museum.

Another popular track is the North Central Arkansas Speedway in Yellville. The IMCA sanctioned 3/8 mile track is situated in the beautiful Ozark Mountains . In addition to the beautiful setting, they offer fans a wide range of racing events such as Modified, Hobby Stock, Trucks, Pure Stock, Cruisers and Mini-Stocks. Tickets start at $10.00 for adults and $25.00 for a pit pass. Lodging can be found at the Brass Door Motel or the Ramada Inn.

The Mid-South Racing Association holds events throughout Arkansas as well as a few in Missouri throughout the year with 16 races taking place at the Batesville Speedway. Their goal is to provide a fair playing field for competitors while providing safe and exciting racing. Racing fans will find countless opportunities to enjoy motorsports throughout Arkansas where the roots of dirt track racing runs deep.

Check out more information on the following raceways by clicking their name: NASCAR Racing, Batesville Speedway, Mark Martin NASCAR Museum


Pit Stops During RC Racing

Driving vehicles have always been an exciting activity any person can get addicted to. Driving fast, is also one of the reasons why so many hobbyists are hooked to car racing. Driving a remote controlled car, however, is not as same as driving an actual car or being in one. Aside from the fact that it is much smaller in size, RC cars are manipulated by remote controls obviously.

Still, many people have come to enjoy driving RC cars as a hobby. Regardless of its size, RC cars do need attention. This means, proper care, maintenance and tune-ups should be regularly done to help lengthen the life of a RC car. Racing is another part of the excitement when you are a hobbyist for RC cars or RC racing. There are so many things that you need to check before racing and even during its run. It’s all part of the excitement!

But, of course, there are tips that you can always count on and try for yourself when racing. These tips vary from having your RC car conditioned the best way it should be before and during the race; another is the idea of learning how to drive your RC car faster than normal and others would still be in-line with the idea of how to keep your RC car on track during the race, yet fast.

Consider the pit stops in car racing. Observe anything? If you are really keen on all the details that are related to RC car racing, you’ll be aware that spending a second longer on pit stops slims your chance in winning the race, or even making it to the top position.

What it needs is a good pit stop practice and you can make sure that you are a winner. It does take a lot of practice and synchronization with your pitman because if you fail to communicate well with this man, then, expect to be seconds behind your opponents. In order to get a good synchronization procedure for your pit stops during the actual race, practice, practice and practice more. It doesn’t make you less of a racer if you do. You’ll even thank yourself when you have this part of racing out of the way. It means you can shift your focus to winning the race confidently when the right time comes.

Racing Radio Controlled Cars is a perfect site in the internet to learn all about RC cars, tips on racing and maintenance.


Lewis Hamilton’s Ultimate Test of Focus to Achieve Goal of World Title Bid

At the start of Grand Prix at Sinopec, China , James Allen, one of the commentators for ITV, said:

“To finish first you first have to finish.”

It proved to be a rather ominous warning for rookie Formula One driver Lewis Hamiliton (McLaren) who this weekend had the 2007 world championship in his sights.

He had the perfect setup for the race. He had clinched pole position and was leading for most of the race. However, Hamilton was on intermediates and his tyres were becoming increasingly worn. McLaren delayed bringing Hamilton in for new tyres, the weather was somewhat changeable and they didn’t want him to be on the wrong tyres. But better the wrong tyres than no tyres at all because as the race progressed his tyres became so degraded that his loss of grip was costing him valuable seconds and allowing second-placed Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) to ease closer and closer.

Raikkonen overtook Hamilton on lap 29 and Hamilton immediately started to fall behind with his control of his car diminishing. He finally made for the pits on lap 32 but, as he rounded the ninety degree left-hand corner in the entry lane, he slid off and ended up in the gravel. His race was over and his quest to win the world championship stretched further into the distance.

Raikkonen won convincingly with Hamilton’s team-mate Fernando Alonso in second and Felipe Massa (Ferrari) in third. Although Hamilton gained no points from this race, Raikkonen’s win was both a blessing and a curse as it means that he still had a four point lead over his nearest rival Alonso.

The race reminded me of the number goals that we set ourselves and never achieve simply because we do not finish them. Though this is not the case of Hamilton, who with disappointment etched upon his normally smiling face said, “I’m sorry for the team, but I can still do it,” we often give up when the going gets tough. We also lose focus of our goals as we allow distractions to get the better of us.

We may start to convince ourselves that the goal was not important or even not achievable in the first place. We start to rack up a series of incomplete goals and this starts to nibble away at our self-confidence so that each successive goal we set becomes harder and harder to achieve.

When we find ourselves confronted with obstacles or distractions this is a key time when we need to maintain our focus. We need to remind ourselves of what is at stake and by staying focussed on our goal we will be able to surmount any obstacle that comes our way. We need to remember that what we learn as we strive to achieve our goals is as important as achieving the goal itself. The obstacles you encounter are actually gifts placed in your path to strengthen you and help you to grow rather than to frustrate you.

“In every adversity there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage. In every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time.”
Robert Collier

Hamilton made a mistake going into the pits that arguably he would not have made if he were on better tyres. Still, as Henry Ford said:

“Even a mistake may turn out to be the one thing necessary to a worthwhile achievement.”

Hamilton can achieve his dream but his rivals will fight him to the very last lap at the last race in Brazil. He needs to place second or third to be assured of the title. It will not be an easy challenge. It will require him to use the best of his driving skills. The Brazilian track will again be unknown territory but Hamilton has raced and won on unfamiliar tracks during this season. He will need to draw upon all his experience and that of his team. He will need to be in the zone where there is no separation between man and machine.

The two weeks separating the Shanghai race and that of the one in Brazil could have been two of the happiest weeks in Hamilton’s life. Instead, they will probably feel like two of the longest. He will have to use his maximum powers of concentration to keep his focus on success and on his goal of becoming world champion. It will be his ultimate test of focus.

Racing driver Mario Andretti would perhaps repeat these words of wisdom to Hamilton:

“Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experience, so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs.”

Nickolove Lovemore is a Life Coach and sports enthusiast. She works with individuals to develop their personal success strategy for achieving their goals. Visit Achieve Life Success for special offers, gifts and news about upcoming events. Send an email with your details to Focus and receive free book and audio series to help you improve your concentration and become more productive and successful.