F1 Silverstone

[Spiddy]

Firstly, I trust all you lucky people that went to FFO had a truly great time.

Being there, you would have missed an astonishing drive by Louis Hamilton in the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. In awful wet conditions, from 4th on the grid, he took 1st after just a few laps and went on to win with a 66 sec. lead!!! The man is an absolute genious behind the wheel It is now a 3 way tie (Hamilton, Massa and The Ice Man) for the championship. During the race, Massa spun 5 times and The Ice Man twice.

[ga.spyder]

Spiddy ,FFO is actually this coming weekend.It was an amazing drive for Hamilton! Even though I am an avid Ferrari fan ,it is hard not to admire his prowess behind the wheel.Poor Felipe Massa couldnt keep his car on the track. Do you think he hears the approaching footsteps of Fernando Alonso ,coming to take his ride?? I am one of these crazy Americans who gets up at 6:00 am on Sunday to see the F1 live.
Craig

[Spiddy]

Looks I like I goofed on the FFO date

Craig, delighted to make the aquaintance of a fellow F1 nut from across the pond.
Yes, there is talk of Alonso going to Ferrari, but I don't think it will happen. Another possibility is that Red Bull are throwing money at their team and now DC is retiring at the end of the season, they may offer Alonso enough to join them and do a Micheal Schuey. Ferrari took Schuey on to help turn the team from 3rd division to Numero Uno - which of course he did, superbly

A shame Silverstone is loosing the F1 circus from 2010. When I lived in the UK, Silverstone was my local circuit which I have driven many times, and it is regarded as the home of British motor racing and the F1 Championship. Bernie Ecclestone may appear a bit of a joke, but in reality he's a tough and greedy negotiator and if BRDC, the trustees of Silverstone, can't come up with the readies, then it's bye bye time It's the hipocracy that gets me. One of the smoke screen reasons he used was "Accessability is not up to scratch". I was there for last years GP (with the hope of seeing Hamilton win) and had no problem with access. EVER TRIED TO GET INTO MONACO ON RACE WEEKEND!!!!? DON'T EVEN TRY.

[ga.spyder]

There are quite a few F1 fans here in the States.I was fortunate enough to attend the U.S. Grand Prix 2 years running.I have been to many big events(Daytona 500,Indy 500,U.S. Nationals,etc..),but nothing compares to the sound of 20,000 rpms at full song in a F1 car.I am hoping the Alonso to Ferrari rumors are true! Imagine what he could do in the best equipment.I have heard that KImi might retire to open the Scuderia door for Fernando.There is also talk that the powers in Marranello have their eyes on young Sebastian Vettel. I am also glad to talk w/ an F1 fan.I live in the heart of Nascar country,so there arent many open wheel fans around here. I would think a ticket to Monaco G.P. would be hard to come by.Have you ever been? I have always wanted to go over and see the race at Spa. That track is awesome.
Craig

[Spiddy]

Craig, that's interesting what you've heard about Ferrari. If it happens it will be simply brilliant We'll have to wait and see. Pity you didn't get a F1 race this year - maybe next year.

No, never been to Monaco. One day perhaps. I tend to stick to the UK for my racing treats, although I did once go to watch the German F1 at Nurburgring. Crickey, I just realised, that was 30 years ago! Where has the time gone But like you I would like to experience Spa as it's probably the best circuit in the world.

I'm also an avid follower of The British Touring Car Championship. Now, that really is wheel to wheel racing at it's very best!

Do you have twisty circuit racing (as is the above) in the States or is it all charging around a giant oval? I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to American racing but I'd love to attend one of your big races sometime, the atmosphere must be fantastic. You Yanks sure know how to put on a show

[So Cal Mark]

yes, we have sports car racing on road circuits but it's completely overshadowed by Nascar.

[ga.spyder]

Hey Spiddy,we have some great road courses ,some of which have hosted F1 in the past.Some notables; Watkins Glen,Sebring(which I have driven several times!),Road Atlanta,Lime Rock,Laguna Seca...Our main sanctioning bodies are SCCA(Sports Car Club of America),ALMS(American LeMans Series),and Rolex Grand Am Series.A lot of the cars you see in Europe ,especially endurance racing,run full schedules here.We have factory teams from Porsche,Audi,BMW,Ferrari,Aston-Martin,Chevrolet, etc..all competing weekly.As Mark said they are overshadowed by Nascar but have plenty of hard core followers.Its funny but I think the best Nascar and open wheel races of the year are on the road courses.Check http://www.theracesite.com for photo galleries and updates on allsports car racing on this side of the pond.
Craig

[Spiddy]

Thanks. I took a look at theracesite. Oooooh Yesssssssss, now that's what I'm talking about!!!