Motorsports Racing News & Blog Articles

The Monte Carlo Rally, often referred to simply as the "Monte," is one of the most prestigious and historic rallies in the world of motorsport. It takes place annually in the principality of Monaco and the surrounding region, including the French and Italian Alps. Here are some key details about the Monte Carlo Rally:

1. Origins and History:

• The Monte Carlo Rally was first held in 1911 and is one of the oldest rallies in the world. Its early history involved competitors starting from various European cities and converging on Monte Carlo, making it a true test of long-distance endurance.

2. Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo:

• The event is officially known as the "Rallye Automobile de Monte-Carlo" and is organized by the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM).

3. Unique Format:

• What sets the Monte Carlo Rally apart is its unique format. Unlike most rallies that are run entirely on a specific type of terrain, the Monte Carlo Rally is known for its mix of road conditions, which can include dry tarmac, wet tarmac, ice, snow, and even slush, all in a single event.

4. Special Stages:

Pirelli Motorsport Director Mario Isola announced that the tyre manufacturer has selected the C1, C2 and C3 tyres for the Dutch Grand Prix, describing the host venue, Circuit Zandvoort, as a notably “unique” track on the schedule. 

“The second half of the season gets underway with a unique race. The Dutch Grand Prix takes place in Zandvoort: one of the most traditionally demanding tracks on the calendar that returned to the Formula 1 schedule three years ago on the wave of all the local support for Max Verstappen, who repaid his fans amply with a pair of victories from the last two races. 

Circuit Zandvoort is characterised by its winding layout and heavily banked turns, making it a tough track on the tyres. Isola attributes this to the “higher speeds” reached by the cars on the banked portions. 

“It’s a very twisty track with two banked corners – Turn 3 and Turn 14 – that are steeper than Indianapolis, by way of comparison. On corners like this the stress on the tyres is greater than it would be through normal corners, as the vertical forces increase with the much higher speeds due to the banking.” 

Due to the high levels of stress placed on the tyres at Zandvoort, Isola explained that they will be bringing a hard, durable compound step as they did last year. The main change to be considered is that this year’s C1 is a new fixture, which is softer than that of last year’s C1, now labelled C0. 

Haas F1 Team’s Günther Steiner discussed the possibility of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship expanding to new and returning locations, and the chance of bringing Grands Prix to the home countries of Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.

Steiner said that with Formula 1 being as popular and influential as it is now, he would expect that they could feasibly race just about anywhere and have a sell-out crowd. However, he feels that a return to Hülkenberg’s home country of Germany would be an “appropriate” option. 

“With the popularity of Formula 1 right now, I think we could race everywhere and sell out the venue. Obviously, there are contracts in place and FOM is managing this, but I think a race in Germany would be appropriate in my opinion.”

A Grand Prix has not been hosted in Germany since the one-off Eifel Grand Prix in 2020, which was held at the Nürburgring. The Hockenheimring was a mainstay on the Formula 1 calendar up until the COVID-19 pandemic, but has not been a part of the schedule since 2019. 

Considering Germany’s long history in motorsport and the influence of German drivers on the championship, the return of the German Grand Prix has been awaited by many fans. Steiner feels that a return to Germany would be a strong move to both restimulate interest in the country and allow German fans to enjoy a home race once again. 

As the FIA Formula 1 World Championship revs back up, Haas F1 Team Principal Günther Steiner said that he looks forward to going racing again at the Dutch Grand Prix with updates coming down the pipeline after a relaxing Summer break.

“It was quite a good holiday, I went to Sicily for a few days and then I did some hiking – no big mountains this year, I didn’t have enough time to prepare – but it was a good time with the family, just trying to rest a little bit. 

“As always, there’s a little bit of work to be done and you’re following what is going on in Formula 1, but it was quite quiet except from I experienced some quite adventurous writing from some people, but it was entertaining, to say the least. Nevertheless, it was a good holiday.”

Steiner said that the brake ducts and front wing will be updated for Circuit Zandvoort, and that a host of other changes will be coming to the car in future races. 

“We have got some upgrades coming for Zandvoort, on the brake ducts and front wing, but the team is working flat out to make some modifications to the car which will be coming later on in the year and I can’t give an exact timeline because of the shutdown.”

GMS Racing was one of the premier organisations in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in the 2010s, winning two championships along with three in the ARCA Menards Series and its regional divisions. However, hoping to focus on his Cup Series operation Legacy Motor Club, team owner Maury Gallagher will close the book on GMS at the end of 2023.

Gallagher founded GMS in 2012 to support his son Spencer Gallagher‘s racing career, though the younger Gallagher retired in 2018 to become a team manager. The team won the 2016 and 2020 Truck titles with Johnny Sauter and Sheldon Creed, along with the 2015 ARCA championship with Grant Enfinger and a pair of ARCA East titles with Sam Mayer. GMS also fielded an Xfinity Series programme from 2016 to 2019; while not enjoying the same level of success as in the lower tiers, they still scored a win with Spencer Gallagher.

The team was Chevrolet’s de facto Truck Series factory outfit. In 2019, GMS partnered with JR Motorsports—the latter serving the same capacity at the Xfinity level—to create Drivers Edge Development for Chevrolet’s young drivers. Current GMS drivers and Truck rookies Rajah Caruth and Daniel Dye are Drivers Edge Development members.

Despite their successes, the team’s performance has waned in recent years. Kyle Busch Motorsports has effectively become Chevrolet’s top Truck programme, while sponsorship concerns plagued GMS even during Creed’s title defence. Legacy Motor Club has also struggled mightily in 2023, prompting a switch to Toyota for 2024 that does not include GMS doing the same; Gallagher bought into the team, formerly Richard Petty Motorsports, ahead of 2022.

GMS Fabrication, a fabrication shop independent of the team, will also be shuttered.

Toto Wolff says there is excitement to be returning to the race track this weekend as the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season resumes with the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break.

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team currently sit second in the Constructors’ Championship heading into the final ten races of the year, and Wolff says that everyone is working hard to ensure they finish the season as best of the rest behind Oracle Red Bull Racing.

The Team Principal at Mercedes also hints that a lot of their planned development between now and the end of the season will be aimed at their 2024 car, but Wolff insists the thrill of the competition and the desire to finish second will push them to improve the 2023 machine as well.

“It’s good to get back to work,” said Wolff.  “The summer break is important for everyone to take some well-deserved time off, but we’re racers and we love the thrill of competition.

“We return recharged and ready for the second half of the season. There is plenty to fight for and we won’t be letting up. We will push hard in the battle for second in the Constructors’ Championship.

Andrea Stella says it was important for everyone within the McLaren F1 Team to have a break ahead of the final ten races of the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season.

The McLaren team enjoyed a productive last few races of the first half of the campaign, with Lando Norris taking consecutive second place finishes in the British and Hungarian Grand Prix while Oscar Piastri took a second place finish of his own in the Sprint race in Belgium.

All this came after the team brought significant updates to the MCL60 ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix that turned them from a team struggling to score points to one fighting for podiums.

Stella, the Team Principal at McLaren, says the results in the past four events have given them both hope and confidence that they are on the right track with updates, but there is still work to be done in order to be truly competitive.

“Summer break is over and it’s time to go racing again,” said Stella.  “It’s been good for the Team to take some time off and reset ahead of the final 10 races of the season, after the efforts in the first half of the season.

Lando Norris says he is feeling the excitement to get back to racing this weekend at the Circuit Zandvoort as the FIA Formula 1 World Championship season resumes after the summer break with the Dutch Grand Prix.

The McLaren F1 Team made some big gains with the development of its MCL60 during the first half of the year, the team struggling to break into the points at all before updates brought to the car for the Austrian Grand Prix made it a contender for the podium.

Norris took two back-to-back second place finishes in the British and Hungarian Grand Prix, and although the pace of the car was not as strong in Belgium, he was still able to take home a seventh place finish to ensure the team were clear in fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship.

“We’re back! I had a great time over the summer break, spending time with friends and family, and of course I played some golf too,” said Norris.  “I’m now feeling refreshed and ready to go racing again as we head straight into a double-header.

“First up, Zandvoort. It’s a really fun circuit to drive with lots of banking allowing for different racing lines. There’s always a great atmosphere there as well, which makes the weekend even more exciting.

After a restful Summer break, Haas F1 Team’s Kevin Magnussen has his sights set on making a performance “comeback” with the team in the second half of the season— a goal he considers to be achievable when reflecting on the massive steps forward teams such as McLaren F1 Team and Williams Racing have made. 

“I think it’s clear that we didn’t finish the first half of the season the way we wanted, so we’re all super eager to make a comeback during the season. I think we can do that, we’ve seen some teams making good steps and that’s actually been motivating as much as it’s been annoying.”

With this objective in mind, Magnussen said that the Haas’ mindset as a team will be advantageous as they continue to develop VF-23. 

“It shows that if they can do it, we can do it too and I think that’s the mentality we’re going into the second half of the season with. I feel we as a team are in a good spot, but with the car, we’re a little behind so I’m looking forward to the challenge and looking forward to working hard to get to where we want to be.”

The Dutch Grand Prix marks the FIA Formula 1 World Championship’s return to the road after the Summer shut-down, and Magnussen looks forward to competing amidst the electric atmosphere that the Dutch fans bring to the “old-school” Circuit Zandvoort each year. 

Jim Dunn, often known as "Big Jim" Dunn, is a well-known figure in the world of drag racing. He's not only a successful drag racer but also a respected team owner and a prominent personality in the sport. Here are some key details about Big Jim Dunn:

1. Drag Racing Career: Jim Dunn began his drag racing career in the 1960s, competing in various classes and events. He quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and passionate racer.

2. Team Owner: In addition to his racing career, Jim Dunn is renowned for being a team owner. He founded the Jim Dunn Racing team, which has been a fixture in the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) drag racing series.

3. Funny Car Racing: Jim Dunn's team primarily competes in the Funny Car class, one of the most exciting and competitive categories in NHRA drag racing. His team has fielded various Funny Car entries over the years.

4. Family Involvement: Jim's family has played a significant role in his racing endeavors. His daughter, Joni Dunn, is a skilled drag racer who has driven for the team, and his wife, Arlene, has been actively involved in the sport as well.

Fernando Alonso ran his first and only Dakar Rally in 2020 before returning to Formula One on a full-time basis the following year. While his pursuit of a third World Championship remains his goal, he still has an itch to return to rally raid.

In an interview with the High Performance podcast published Sunday, Alonso discussed the mental side of career including how he has approached his return to F1. Although currently enjoying his best season since 2014 as he sits third in the standings, he revealed winning the F1 title is not necessarily at the top of his list since he has plenty that he wants to cross off his bucket list such as a Dakar Rally victory.

“I will try 99% Dakar again,” began Alonso. “It is not that the third world title is less of a priority—it is a priority, but winning Dakar one day, it is a high priority for me as well. I will maybe have to attempt that race eight, ten years or whatever until maybe one day I get lucky and I can fight for the win.

“But if I win in Formula One, in endurance racing, and Dakar, that will feel for me something special as a driver and as a person. Those kind of challenges are in my head at the moment.”

In the midst of his sabbatical from F1, Alonso entered the 2020 Dakar Rally with Toyota Gazoo Racing; to prepare for the start, he entered events like the Al Ula-Neom Cross-Country Rally in Saudi Arabia and Lichtenburg 400 in South Africa, finishing third overall in the former. Racing a Toyota Hilux with fellow Spaniard Marc Coma as his navigator, Alonso was knocked out of overall contention by suspension damage from hitting a rut in the ground during the second stage. He was able to continue the rally after repairs and otherwise showed quick pace that included a runner-up finish in Stage #8. Alonso rolled the truck two legs later, but reached the finish thirteenth in the general ranking.

Rusty Wallace is a former professional stock car racing driver who had a highly successful career in NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing). He is known for his aggressive driving style, strong competitive spirit, and numerous accomplishments in the sport. Here are some key highlights and information about Rusty Wallace:

Full Name: Russell William "Rusty" Wallace Jr.

Birthdate: August 14, 1956

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri, USA

NASCAR Career Highlights:

The Porsche Flat-12 engine is an iconic and powerful engine configuration that was used in Porsche's legendary racecars, most notably in the Porsche 917. The Porsche 917 and its flat-12 engine left a lasting legacy in motorsport history, especially in endurance racing and at events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Here's an overview of the Porsche Flat-12 engine and its impact:

Porsche 917 and the Flat-12 Engine: The Porsche 917 was a sports prototype racecar developed by Porsche for competition in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The car was designed to dominate endurance racing, particularly the 24 Hours of Le Mans. One of the most distinctive features of the Porsche 917 was its horizontally opposed 12-cylinder engine, commonly referred to as a flat-12.

Key Characteristics of the Porsche Flat-12 Engine:

• Configuration: The flat-12 engine features 12 cylinders arranged in a flat configuration, with each bank of cylinders opposing each other at 180 degrees. This layout contributes to a lower center of gravity and improved handling.
• Displacement: The engine's displacement varied over different versions of the Porsche 917, ranging from around 4.5 to 4.9 liters.
• Power Output: The Porsche Flat-12 engine was capable of producing impressive power outputs, with some versions producing around 600 to 700 horsepower.
• Sound: The flat-12 engine produced a distinct exhaust note that became synonymous with the Porsche 917. Its engine sound was characterized by a high-pitched wail, adding to the car's iconic presence on the track.
• Durability: The engine's durability and reliability were crucial for endurance racing. Porsche engineers worked to optimize the engine's performance while ensuring it could withstand the grueling demands of long-distance races.

Legacy and Achievements: The Porsche 917, powered by the flat-12 engine, achieved remarkable success in motorsport:

• The Porsche 917 won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 and 1971, cementing its status as one of the most dominant racecars in endurance racing history.
• The car set numerous speed records on long straights, thanks to its high power output and streamlined design.
• The Porsche 917 is often considered one of the most iconic racecars ever built, and its legacy continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors.

The Porsche Flat-12 engine's contribution to motorsport, especially through the Porsche 917, is a testament to the innovation, engineering excellence, and racing heritage of Porsche. It remains a symbol of Porsche's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and technology on the racetrack.

Juan Manuel Fangio, often referred to as "El Maestro" or "The Maestro," is one of the most revered and iconic figures in the history of Formula One racing. Born on June 24, 1911, in Balcarce, Argentina, Fangio's driving prowess and sportsmanship earned him a place among the all-time greats of the sport.

Here are some key highlights of Juan Manuel Fangio's F1 career:

1. World Championships: Fangio won an impressive five Formula One World Championships, which stood as a record for many years. He secured his titles in the years 1951, 1954, 1955, 1956, and 1957.

2. Teams: Throughout his F1 career, Fangio drove for several notable teams, including Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, and Ferrari. He had the ability to adapt his driving style to different cars, making him a versatile and successful driver.

3. Technical Mastery: Fangio was known for his exceptional technical understanding of racing cars and their mechanics. He could fine-tune his car's setup to suit the track and conditions, which contributed to his success.

Lando Norris says that whilst the new upgraded MCL60 has brought him into contention for big points, it still does not suit his driving style and remains something he has to adapt to.

The McLaren F1 Team began the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship season on the back foot and with struggles just to break into the top ten, but that all changed when updates were brought to the car for the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.

Norris was immediately on the pace and secured a fourth-place finish at the Red Bull Ring, and he followed that up by taking second place in both the British and Hungarian Grand Prix.

However, he and team-mate Oscar Piastri are both saying the same thing about the car, feeling it does not play to either of their strengths.

“It’s not just my liking, it’s also Oscar’s because we have pretty similar comments,” Norris is quoted as saying by Motorsport.com.  “Same as last year, even when Daniel [Ricciardo] was driving, we had a lot of similar comments, every day, every weekend.