When modern technology meets tradition

Not many people know that Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb is the oldest active Motorsport venue in the UK. Even fewer know it’s the oldest on the planet….

 

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Shelsley Walsh in Worcestershire was opened in 1905 and has been used for hillclimb events ever since. You would struggle to find a more traditional form of Motorsport anywhere in the world. Weirdly however, if you wanted to see some of the quickest, lightest, and most technically advanced single seat racing cars in action, you need look no further.

Brilliant Brack

Many people may not remember Kenny Brack. A quiet swede, he was destined for Formula 1 in the early 21st century. In 2003, that all changed…

Kenny raced his way successfully through the ranks of junior Motorsport in the 80’s and 90’s. By 1994 he was racing in F3000, the main support series for Formula 1 at  the time. After a strong rookie campaign he finished 3rd in the ’95 championship and would have won the coveted trophy the next year had it not been for a controversial stewards decision in the final round demoting him to runner up. It was after this that his career really began to blossom.

Moving to America in 1997 saw Brack win the ’98 Indy Racing League and he followed this up by winning the legendary Indianapolis 500 the next year.

Brack won the Indy 500 on only his third attempt.

Lest We Forget.

Mission Motorsport is no ordinary organisation….
This unique motorsport charity is incredibly special, and inspirational.

Their objective is to inspire army veterans and provide them with various platforms to get involved in racing.

“The Aim of Mission Motorsport is to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of those affected by military operations, by providing opportunities through Motorsport.”

Manor F1 Team – A fine example of plucky Britain

On the 27th of January, It was officially announced that the Manor F1 Team dream was at an end. The administrators had failed to find a buyer, and that was that.

Some people will remember Manor as a back marker team, simply there to make up the numbers. Others may not remember them at all. I will remember them as a team with limited budget, limited experience and unlimited heart.

Manor (known as Virgin Racing at the time) entered the sport in 2010 alongside Hispania and Lotus. Hugely limited testing and recent major regulation changes meant the teams were unable to get up to competitive speed in time for their arrival. This resulted in all three teams being hugely off the pace, and point scoring results were nowhere near achievable.

From arcade fun to Vegas

In 1974, the arcade game ‘speed race’ was released by Japanese developers, Taito. It was the first known motor racing game with scrolling graphics, and allowed consumers to dream of a future filled with virtual racing.

Over 40 years have passed since then, and finally the world of sim-racing is beginning to leave its mark (and a sizeable one at that) on the Motorsport industry.

Advances in technology have allowed racing fans a path into the sport different to anything seen before. In the 20th century, the only viable option for a youngster hoping to reach the lofty heights of Formula 1 was to go Kart racing. It was where kids could prove their talent, hone their skills behind the wheel and work on their race craft.

Five Gp2 Drivers who should have made it to Formula 1

 

1. Sam Bird

Bird during his year away from Gp2 in 2012.

This talented Englishman raced in the series for 3 years, winning 6 races. In 2013, he finished as series runner up whilst also helping his team ‘Russian Time’ to the Constructors Championship in their rookie season. Sam now races successfully in both the Formula E championship and the World Endurance Championship for Ferrari.

Leave Nico Rosberg alone…

Nico Rosberg has surprised many people in recent months, and for more than one reason.

After clinching the 2016 F1 World Drivers Championship in fine style at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Nico Rosberg had achieved his dream. After 25 years of incredible hard work and dedication, he had reached the summit.

Is the WRC truly back to its best?

A massive shake up in the technical regulations have changed the face of the WRC heading into the 2017 season.

The cars have been transformed from understated hatchbacks with a lot of attitude into full blown, aerodynamic missiles. The speeds have never been faster, and with the sudden shock withdrawal of reigning champions Volkswagen, the competition is wide open.

Anybody who has (or in many cases, had) an interest in the championship would say the same thing if questioned about the state of the sport in recent years:

“Its lost it’s magic.”
“Bring back Group B cars!”
“The drivers are no longer superheroes.”

And they would be right, the WRC has definitely been somewhat out of character since the glory days of the 20th century. But now, I feel it’s back.