Motorsports posts have not made it into the blog much this year due to a lot of riding and driving. A good thing. However, that does not mean that we have not been following the action closely. So let’s start with Formula 1.
Sebastian Vettel has been on pole 11 times this season and has won 9 of the 13 races. The Renault powered Red Bull with Vettel at the wheel is consistently a half second per lap or more faster than anything else. Ferrari with Fernando Alonso at the wheel and McLaren with Button and Hamilton are the nearest competitors, but when I say near, I mean far. Vettel has all but clinched the driver’s championship, and Red Bull has all but clinched the Constructor’s championship. It is reminiscent of another driver/constructor combination that seemed unstoppable; Schumacher and Ferrari of just a few years ago. Speaking of Schumacher, his return to F1 has not been kind. Just driving these cars competitively at 40 is impressive, but he has been consistently beaten by his younger team mate Rosberg. In some ways the more interesting racing is among the rookies toward the rear of the field. It has been interesting to watch Diresta, Peres, Maldonado, and now Senna put on some interesting drives.
In Moto GP, Honda holds 3 of the 5 top points positions. Australian Casey Stoner is on top after impressive performances. 2010 world champion Jorge Lorenzo is not far behind on his Yamaha. Rossi and Hayden on the Ducatis are down in 6th and 7th. They are obviously fighting a bike that is not at the top tier yet. As usual, Rossi has put in some inspired rides. One Ducati that is working well, is the one belonging to Carlos Checa in World Superbikes. He is well ahead of Marcus Melandri on points in that championship. The top BMW is Leon Haslam in 5th, but the non-factory BMW Italia team is doing surprisingly well with Ayrton Badovini in 9th.
The WRC is always great racing to watch, and this year is producing a cliff-hanger again. Sebastian Loeb is leading the championship, but this is no runaway as in past years. Loeb and his Citroen lead by a mere 15 points over Mikko Hirvonen and his Ford. Only 14 points back from Hirvonen is the other Citroen of Sebastian Ogier. All this with just three rallies to go. The championship is truly up for grabs. Independent Petter Solberg is the best of the non-works teams in 5th place in the championship, which is pretty impressive. Sitting in 10th is the Mini of Dani Sordo, which has only entered a few races, so we look forward to a full campaign next year.
Dear Wayne:
My favorite competitive rider is the Mac-Pac's Tom Cutter, who has a very successful season, nailing down points to secure championship positions. The Cutter/Bare Racing Team, backed by Hermy's BMW and Triumph is an endeavor I can really cheer for, considering I know all these guys.
Fondest regards,
Jack/Reep
Twisted Roads
Wayne,
While I like racing and the machines, performance and racers, I've never actually sat down and watched a race. Of course, stock car racing is all that was available in my neck of the woods. Interesting update about Shu-ey, though, even with my lack of knowledge, I know a bit about him. Too bad he's getting kicked around, but the young blood deserves their time in the sun, too.
Also, I just read your article on scotch and slash twos. As an owner of a GS bike and an old Honda, I agree, the old metal has another appeal entirely – although my Honda has disk brakes. People who get it, really get it. That was a fine piece of writing, by the way.
Brady
Behind Bars – Motorcycles and Life
Dear Jack,
Good point, i read about Tom from time to time, but he is our local racing (and wrenching) guru. I test rode the S1000RR, and thought it was insanely fast. He makes it go even faster. Quite mad. Cheers
Dear Brady,
Thanks for your comments. I enjoy some forms of modern racing, but I am obviously biased toward older metal. Sounds like you enjoy some of the same stuff. Getting and keeping it running are not passive activities, and there is a risk of not making it to where you are going without some wrenching intervention. You can't get that from a new Honda or BMW. Some would say thankfully …..but not I. Cheers
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Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comments.