Coming up is the 2007 WRC season finale, the 63rd edition of the Wales Rally Great Britain. Sébastien Loeb is coming off a victory two weeks ago in Ireland that vaulted him to a six point lead over his championship rival, Marcus Grönholm. A fifth place finish or better for the Frenchman will result in his fourth consecutive World Title. In the Production Car WRC, championship leader Toshihiro Arai has not nominated this event for points, so he will be watching the progress of his only title rival, Gabriel Pozzo. The Argentine driver trails by 9 points in the standings, so he can take the crown with a class victory in Wales. For complete 2007 points click here.
Rally Great Britain has been included in the WRC 33 times and part of the Drivers’ Championship 27 times, dating back to 1973. It was rotated to 2-Litre status for 1996. The Rally has been known by 5 different names:
Daily Mirror RAC Rally (1973)
Lombard RAC Rally (1974-1992)
Network Q RAC Rally (1993-1997)
Network Q Rally of Great Britain (1998-2001)
Wales Rally of Great Britain (2002-present)
Debut WRC wins in Great Britain:
Roger Clark (GBR) – 1976 in Ford Escort RS1800
Henri Toivonen (FIN) – 1980 in Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
Pentti Airikkala (FIN) – 1989 in Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
Petter Solberg (NOR) – 2002 in Subaru Impreza WRC
Notable WRC debuts in Great Britain:
Louise Aitken-Walker (GBR) – 1979 in Ford Fiesta (retired)
Richard Burns (GBR) – 1990 in Peugeot 309 GTI (finished 28th)
Barry Clark (GBR) – 2003 in Ford Puma Super 1600 (retired)
Justin Dale (GBR) – 2002 in Mitsubishi Lancer WRC (retired)
Gwyndaf Evans (GBR) – 1987 in Ford Sierra RS Cosworth (retired)
David Higgins (GBR) – 1994 in Peugeot 106 Rallye (retired)
Mark Higgins (GBR) – 1990 in Suzuki Swift GTI (retired)
Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) – 2002 in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6 (finished 17th)
Alister McRae (GBR) – 1991 in Subaru Legacy RS (retired)
Jimmy McRae (GBR) – 1976 in Vauxhall Magnum Coupe (finished 12th)
Niall McShea (GBR) – 1999 in Citroën Saxo VTS (retired)
Kris Meeke (GBR) – 2002 in Ford Puma Super 1600 (retired)
Andreas Mikkelsen (NOR) – 2006 in Ford Focus RS WRC (retired)
Armin Schwarz (GER) – 1988 in Audi 200 Quattro (finished 5th)
Malcolm Wilson (GBR) – 1977 in Ford Escort RS2000 (finished 12th)
Matthew Wilson (GBR) – 2004 in Ford Focus RS WRC (finished 13th)
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Did You Know?
With a victory this weekend Sébastien Loeb will knock off one of the three current WRC events that he has yet to attain victory. The other two are Rally Norway (run only once) and the Scandinavian dominated Rally Finland. However, remember Loeb had the 2005 Rally GB in hand before tragedy struck. Following the death of Michael Park in an accident, Loeb took a penalty to avoid a title clinching victory on the somber day. Last season, the Frenchman sat out Rally GB recovering from a broken arm, yet still won the WRC crown.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
WRC Rally Ireland Preview
Coming up is the 15 round of the 2007 WRC - the all new Rally Ireland. The championship chase is heating up for the drivers as Marcus Grönholm clings to a four point advantage over Sébastien Loeb. In the Manufacturer’s championship, Ford can clinch a repeat title if they can muster at least 3 points on this weekend’s event.
Also in the Production car championship, Toshi Arai has not nominated this penultimate round. He has only two championship rivals and will clinch another PWRC crown if he can maintain an 11 point advantage. To keep their respective hopes alive Mark Higgins must win and/or Gabriel Pozzo finish 2nd or better.
Since this is the debut of Rally Ireland there are no stats to post. So I decided to put some interesting tidbits together. Enjoy!
This is the 3rd running of Rally Ireland. The first event was won by Matthew Wilson and Michael Orr in a Ford Focus. Last year Eugene Donnelly and Paul Kiely won the WRC candidate event in a Toyota Corolla WRC. Both events were based in Sligo, which is also the host of this year’s WRC Rally Ireland.
This rally will feature 20 stages, with 14 different stage locations. 8 of those will be held in the Republic of Ireland and six will be across the border in Northern Ireland. This event joins Monte Carlo and Rallye Sanremo as the only cross border WRC rallies.
Ireland Drivers Statistics
World Champions: none
Rally Victories: none
Podiums: none
Points: 13 – 30th all-time
Billy Coleman (10)
Gareth MacHale (3)
Point Finishes: 2 – tied for 32nd all-time
Billy Coleman (1)
Gareth MacHale (1)
Did You Know? The best finish by an Irishman was Billy Coleman’s 4th place drive on the 1985 Tour de Corse in a Porsche 911 SC RS. His co-driver was Ronan Morgan who is now a promoter for Rally Ireland.
One to Watch: Eugene Donnelly (IRL) – Although it will be his WRC debut, this Irishman is the defending race winner. He also won the 2006 Irish Tarmac Championship and will be in a Skoda Fabia WRC run by Reid Motorsport. With so few tarmac specialists, a solid run by Donnelly could see him score on native soil.
Also in the Production car championship, Toshi Arai has not nominated this penultimate round. He has only two championship rivals and will clinch another PWRC crown if he can maintain an 11 point advantage. To keep their respective hopes alive Mark Higgins must win and/or Gabriel Pozzo finish 2nd or better.
Since this is the debut of Rally Ireland there are no stats to post. So I decided to put some interesting tidbits together. Enjoy!
This is the 3rd running of Rally Ireland. The first event was won by Matthew Wilson and Michael Orr in a Ford Focus. Last year Eugene Donnelly and Paul Kiely won the WRC candidate event in a Toyota Corolla WRC. Both events were based in Sligo, which is also the host of this year’s WRC Rally Ireland.
This rally will feature 20 stages, with 14 different stage locations. 8 of those will be held in the Republic of Ireland and six will be across the border in Northern Ireland. This event joins Monte Carlo and Rallye Sanremo as the only cross border WRC rallies.
Ireland Drivers Statistics
World Champions: none
Rally Victories: none
Podiums: none
Points: 13 – 30th all-time
Billy Coleman (10)
Gareth MacHale (3)
Point Finishes: 2 – tied for 32nd all-time
Billy Coleman (1)
Gareth MacHale (1)
Did You Know? The best finish by an Irishman was Billy Coleman’s 4th place drive on the 1985 Tour de Corse in a Porsche 911 SC RS. His co-driver was Ronan Morgan who is now a promoter for Rally Ireland.
One to Watch: Eugene Donnelly (IRL) – Although it will be his WRC debut, this Irishman is the defending race winner. He also won the 2006 Irish Tarmac Championship and will be in a Skoda Fabia WRC run by Reid Motorsport. With so few tarmac specialists, a solid run by Donnelly could see him score on native soil.
Thursday, November 8, 2007
IRC China Rally Preview
The season finale for the 2007 Intercontinental Rally Challenge is upon us. The China Rally, originally scheduled for the last weekend of the month, was just recently confirmed and moved up three weeks. Couple that with the distance for most IRC regulars and Peugeot already clinching the Manufacturer's Championship and you have a very scant IRC crowd. None of the championship contenders or familar faces will be in China. Hideaki Miyoshi, finished third on the Safari rally, is the only participant to make a previous IRC start this season.
Personally, I think the IRC got it all wrong putting the China Rally as the series finale. Due to lack of participation, there will be no dramatic title fight between Enrique García-Ojeda and Nicolas Vouilloz. The Peugeot team mates performed well this season to help their marque to the makes title, and were just five points apart heading to the final round. Honorable mention goes to the lead Abarth driver, Andrea Navarra who notched a victory in the opening round and lead the championship for a good portion of the season until a string of 4 starts were he scored a total of only 3 points. For the complete 2007 IRC point standings through 8 events, click here.
Still there are many interesting stories on the China Rally. It is also the 7th and final round of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. There will be a big fight in the APRC for the Manufacturer's title (Subaru leads 74-72). Jussi Välimäki and Kastuhiko Taguchi will lead the way for Mitsubishi while battling for second in the championship. Meanwhile Cody Crocker, who can win his second title just by starting the race, will head the Subaru attack. For the complete 2007 APRC point standings through 6 events, click here.
Add in the Chinese Rally Championship fights where David Higgins and Martin Rowe (former BRC champs) are looking to aid their respective team's push for a title. There is also all the locals as they fight for the Chinese drivers championship.
This rally will deterimine a number of titles in multiple rally series, so stay tuned to the Official IRC website for all the results this weekend.
Personally, I think the IRC got it all wrong putting the China Rally as the series finale. Due to lack of participation, there will be no dramatic title fight between Enrique García-Ojeda and Nicolas Vouilloz. The Peugeot team mates performed well this season to help their marque to the makes title, and were just five points apart heading to the final round. Honorable mention goes to the lead Abarth driver, Andrea Navarra who notched a victory in the opening round and lead the championship for a good portion of the season until a string of 4 starts were he scored a total of only 3 points. For the complete 2007 IRC point standings through 8 events, click here.
Still there are many interesting stories on the China Rally. It is also the 7th and final round of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. There will be a big fight in the APRC for the Manufacturer's title (Subaru leads 74-72). Jussi Välimäki and Kastuhiko Taguchi will lead the way for Mitsubishi while battling for second in the championship. Meanwhile Cody Crocker, who can win his second title just by starting the race, will head the Subaru attack. For the complete 2007 APRC point standings through 6 events, click here.
Add in the Chinese Rally Championship fights where David Higgins and Martin Rowe (former BRC champs) are looking to aid their respective team's push for a title. There is also all the locals as they fight for the Chinese drivers championship.
This rally will deterimine a number of titles in multiple rally series, so stay tuned to the Official IRC website for all the results this weekend.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
WRC Rally Japan Historical Stats
Round 14 of the World Rally Championship heads to Asia for the relatively new Rally Japan. This is just the fourth WRC inclusion for the event. Last year Sébastien Loeb crossed Japan off his hit list, winning for the first time in three tries here. He is looking to repeat that victory, coming off back to back wins (7 on the season) that pulled him within 4 points Marcus Grönholm in the championship chase. We will also see the return of the Production Car World Championship after a long break, including local drivers Toshi Arai and Fumio Nutahara. For complete 2007 points click here.
Rally Japan debuted in 2004 and has been included three times. It has been know by the same name all three events. Previously it was Rally Hokkaido and part of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and Japanese Rally Championship for years. Now that regional rally has split off (still Rally Hokkaido) and is know usually run over the summer, but on many of the same stages.
There have been no maiden WRC victories in Japan (yet). For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Notable WRC debuts in Japan:
Yoshio Ikemachi (JAP) - 2006 in Subaru Impreza WRX STI (finished 27th)
Masayuki Ishida (JAP) - 2004 in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII (finished 13th)
Eiichi Nakamura (JAP) - 2004 in Toyota Starlet (retired)
Daisuke Yamada (JAP) - 2004 in Subaru Impreza WRX STI (finished 20th)
Did You Know?
Sébastien Loeb & Marcus Grönholm are the only WRC drivers to score points in all three WRC events hosted by Japan. Loeb has a slight edge by collecting a podium finish in all three starts.
Part II: With over 700 starts by Japanese drivers, the country is eighth all-time in WRC participations, but they have collected just two wins and three podiums. All of those belong to Kenjiro Shinozuka via victories in 1991 & 1992 at Rallye Côte d'Ivoire Bandama and a 2nd place finish in the 1994 Safari Rally. Toshi Arai does have a couple of 4th place results, most recently in 2001.
Rally Japan debuted in 2004 and has been included three times. It has been know by the same name all three events. Previously it was Rally Hokkaido and part of the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and Japanese Rally Championship for years. Now that regional rally has split off (still Rally Hokkaido) and is know usually run over the summer, but on many of the same stages.
There have been no maiden WRC victories in Japan (yet). For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Notable WRC debuts in Japan:
Yoshio Ikemachi (JAP) - 2006 in Subaru Impreza WRX STI (finished 27th)
Masayuki Ishida (JAP) - 2004 in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII (finished 13th)
Eiichi Nakamura (JAP) - 2004 in Toyota Starlet (retired)
Daisuke Yamada (JAP) - 2004 in Subaru Impreza WRX STI (finished 20th)
Did You Know?
Sébastien Loeb & Marcus Grönholm are the only WRC drivers to score points in all three WRC events hosted by Japan. Loeb has a slight edge by collecting a podium finish in all three starts.
Part II: With over 700 starts by Japanese drivers, the country is eighth all-time in WRC participations, but they have collected just two wins and three podiums. All of those belong to Kenjiro Shinozuka via victories in 1991 & 1992 at Rallye Côte d'Ivoire Bandama and a 2nd place finish in the 1994 Safari Rally. Toshi Arai does have a couple of 4th place results, most recently in 2001.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
IRC Rally International du Valais Preview
After a month off, the Intercontinental Rally Challenge heads to Switzerland for the Rally International du Valais. This premier Swiss event will be the penultimate round of the 2007 season. There are a total of 118 entries on the preliminary entry list with 78 IRC competitors. Of that group there are 8 Super 2000 cars, split between Abarth & Peugeot.
With two rounds left, there are three drivers in the hunt (Luca Rossetti is within 19 points but will miss Valais). The top two are the Peugeot Sport España duo of Enrique García-Ojeda and Nicolas Vouilloz. García-Ojeda leads his French team mate by 7 points, but is still looking for his first win of the year. Vouilloz is coming off a podium finish in Sanremo and has two wins on the season. Joining them in the Peugeot camp is Bernd Casier, who sits 7th overall in the championship and local Swiss driver Christian Jaquillard.
The other 4 Super 2000's are Abarths headed by the factory entries of Andrea Navarra and Umberto Scandola. Navarra sits tied with Vouilloz on 32 points, but has scored just 3 points in the last three rounds. This slump has cost him the series lead, but a strong result here could put him back in front. His Italian team mate Scandola is 8th overall in the points. Former WRC works driver Freddy Loix will be in his private entry. Philippe Roux, experienced on the WRC, especially Monte Carlo will also be in a Grande Punto S2000.
Luca Betti will be looking for success in his Honda Civic Type-R R3 in his last IRC appearance of the season. In addition of couple of Swiss drivers familiar to WRC followers head the local contigent of drivers. Olivier Burri in a Subaru Impreza N12, and Philippe Camandona in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI will be joined by the best drivers the country has to offer.
In the makes chase, Peugeot can clinch the title if they gain two or more points on Abarth. Mitsubishi is fading in third and won't catch the leading pair. For the complete 2007 IRC point standings, click here.
This rally will go a long way to determine the 2007 IRC champions, so don't miss any of the action. Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Rally du Valais website for all the results this weekend.
With two rounds left, there are three drivers in the hunt (Luca Rossetti is within 19 points but will miss Valais). The top two are the Peugeot Sport España duo of Enrique García-Ojeda and Nicolas Vouilloz. García-Ojeda leads his French team mate by 7 points, but is still looking for his first win of the year. Vouilloz is coming off a podium finish in Sanremo and has two wins on the season. Joining them in the Peugeot camp is Bernd Casier, who sits 7th overall in the championship and local Swiss driver Christian Jaquillard.
The other 4 Super 2000's are Abarths headed by the factory entries of Andrea Navarra and Umberto Scandola. Navarra sits tied with Vouilloz on 32 points, but has scored just 3 points in the last three rounds. This slump has cost him the series lead, but a strong result here could put him back in front. His Italian team mate Scandola is 8th overall in the points. Former WRC works driver Freddy Loix will be in his private entry. Philippe Roux, experienced on the WRC, especially Monte Carlo will also be in a Grande Punto S2000.
Luca Betti will be looking for success in his Honda Civic Type-R R3 in his last IRC appearance of the season. In addition of couple of Swiss drivers familiar to WRC followers head the local contigent of drivers. Olivier Burri in a Subaru Impreza N12, and Philippe Camandona in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI will be joined by the best drivers the country has to offer.
In the makes chase, Peugeot can clinch the title if they gain two or more points on Abarth. Mitsubishi is fading in third and won't catch the leading pair. For the complete 2007 IRC point standings, click here.
This rally will go a long way to determine the 2007 IRC champions, so don't miss any of the action. Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Rally du Valais website for all the results this weekend.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
SWC Mazada Laguna Seca Preview
The 2007 Speed World Challenge GT championship has gone down to the wire. It's the final race and the battle is tight at the top with several drivers still in contention for the title. The season finale is at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. The track has hosted the final round each year since 2004. This is is the 8th time the track has been part of the GT championship. Click here for a list of SWC GT winners at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
There are 34 drivers on the entry list for the final weekend of the 2007 season. The only former winner to participate this weekend will be points leader Randy Pobst. The Porsche driver has two victories, one last season and the other in 2002.
Pobst is clinging to a four point advantage after seeing Lawson Aschenbach pick up 26 points over the last two rounds. The young Cadillac driver is coming off a victory at Road Atlanta and looking to defend his Series Title from a year ago. Also in the hunt is Aschenbach's team mate Andy Pilgrim, the 2005 Series Champion, who sits 17 points adrift of the leader. Pobst's K-Pax team mate Michael Galati is fourth overall, a further ten points off Pilgrim. Any of these four can bring home the title with a good result on Sunday.
In the manufacturer's championship, Cadillac extended their lead to 10 points over Porsche with the win at Road Atlanta. That means the Cadi-boys need to score just one point, or have Porsche score less than the maximum ten points to clinch their second makes title in 3 years. In order to help the regulars (Aschenbach and Pilgrim) Cadillac has tapped Ron Fellows to run the third car this weekend.
Porsche's resistance will be headed up by the K-PAX team of Pobst, Galati and Robb Holland. They will be joined by James Sofronas (11th in points) and rookie Eric Olberz. Click here for complete points standings through 9 rounds.
Chevrolet will try to play spoiler and look for a fifth win on the season. There are seven Corvettes entered, lead by the Whelen Engineering team of Eric Curran (5th overall & 4 victories) and Sonny Whelen. In addition Rob Foster (10th overall) and Brian Kubinski (13th) will look for solid finishes.
Fourth place among manufacturers is Dodge, and as usual, they have the highest turnout. Jeff Courtney sits 8th overall and wants to move up in the final standings and he will be joined by Michael McCann (14th) and many more. Also notable Vipers are the Woodhouse Perfomance duo of Jeffrey Robbins (12th overall) and fifth place finisher last round, Jeff Altenburg.
Dane Moxlow will be joined by Paul Bonaccorsi this weekend for Pontiac, driving GTO's and veteran Mike Davis and son Brandon will visit the series with the elder in a Ford Mustang Cobra and the younger a Saleen SR.
Every point counts, so do miss any of the qualifying or race action from Laguna Seca at www.world-challenge.com.
There are 34 drivers on the entry list for the final weekend of the 2007 season. The only former winner to participate this weekend will be points leader Randy Pobst. The Porsche driver has two victories, one last season and the other in 2002.
Pobst is clinging to a four point advantage after seeing Lawson Aschenbach pick up 26 points over the last two rounds. The young Cadillac driver is coming off a victory at Road Atlanta and looking to defend his Series Title from a year ago. Also in the hunt is Aschenbach's team mate Andy Pilgrim, the 2005 Series Champion, who sits 17 points adrift of the leader. Pobst's K-Pax team mate Michael Galati is fourth overall, a further ten points off Pilgrim. Any of these four can bring home the title with a good result on Sunday.
In the manufacturer's championship, Cadillac extended their lead to 10 points over Porsche with the win at Road Atlanta. That means the Cadi-boys need to score just one point, or have Porsche score less than the maximum ten points to clinch their second makes title in 3 years. In order to help the regulars (Aschenbach and Pilgrim) Cadillac has tapped Ron Fellows to run the third car this weekend.
Porsche's resistance will be headed up by the K-PAX team of Pobst, Galati and Robb Holland. They will be joined by James Sofronas (11th in points) and rookie Eric Olberz. Click here for complete points standings through 9 rounds.
Chevrolet will try to play spoiler and look for a fifth win on the season. There are seven Corvettes entered, lead by the Whelen Engineering team of Eric Curran (5th overall & 4 victories) and Sonny Whelen. In addition Rob Foster (10th overall) and Brian Kubinski (13th) will look for solid finishes.
Fourth place among manufacturers is Dodge, and as usual, they have the highest turnout. Jeff Courtney sits 8th overall and wants to move up in the final standings and he will be joined by Michael McCann (14th) and many more. Also notable Vipers are the Woodhouse Perfomance duo of Jeffrey Robbins (12th overall) and fifth place finisher last round, Jeff Altenburg.
Dane Moxlow will be joined by Paul Bonaccorsi this weekend for Pontiac, driving GTO's and veteran Mike Davis and son Brandon will visit the series with the elder in a Ford Mustang Cobra and the younger a Saleen SR.
Every point counts, so do miss any of the qualifying or race action from Laguna Seca at www.world-challenge.com.
Friday, October 12, 2007
DTM Hockenheim Preview
We have reached the final weeked of the 2007 Deutsche Tourenwagens Masters Series and the title is still up for grabs. The season finale at Hockenheim will feature a 3-way battle for the championship. Mattias Ekström is the only former DTM champ in the fight and he leads young Canadian Bruno Spengler by 2 points and young German (and Audi team mate) Martin Tomczyk by just 4 points. All three are gunning for the win.
Last round in Barcelona there was a lot of contact and both Audi's of Ekström & Tomcyzk were knocked out of the race, eventually leading to the remainder of the Audi contigent's withdrawal Spengler on the other hand was able to steer clear and finish 2nd, behind Jamie Green (the Briton's first DTM victory). Paul di Resta finished 3rd to jump Bernd Schneider for 4th place in the championship standings.
Those results have kept the Original Teile/DC Bank Mercedes team with a slim hope of over coming their Audi Sport Team Abt rivals in the teams championship chase. Trailing by 14.5 points, Spengler and Schneider need to work a one-two finish to give their team a chance for the title. Click here for the full 2007 points standings.
With 3 drivers fighting for the championship, this is a race you won't want to miss. Mix in several battles lower in the points as well as drivers looking to impress for 2008 and the action will be fast and furious. Visit www.dtm.de for real time results.
Last round in Barcelona there was a lot of contact and both Audi's of Ekström & Tomcyzk were knocked out of the race, eventually leading to the remainder of the Audi contigent's withdrawal Spengler on the other hand was able to steer clear and finish 2nd, behind Jamie Green (the Briton's first DTM victory). Paul di Resta finished 3rd to jump Bernd Schneider for 4th place in the championship standings.
Those results have kept the Original Teile/DC Bank Mercedes team with a slim hope of over coming their Audi Sport Team Abt rivals in the teams championship chase. Trailing by 14.5 points, Spengler and Schneider need to work a one-two finish to give their team a chance for the title. Click here for the full 2007 points standings.
With 3 drivers fighting for the championship, this is a race you won't want to miss. Mix in several battles lower in the points as well as drivers looking to impress for 2008 and the action will be fast and furious. Visit www.dtm.de for real time results.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
WRC Rallye de France - Tour de Corse Historical Statistics
This weekend, the WRC will visit the island of Corsica. It has been a part of the WRC since the series’ inception and this year is round 13 of the campaign. Rally de France – Tour de Corse is the back-end of consecutive tarmac rallies. Last week in Spain, defending world champion Sébastien Loeb made it 3 consecutive Spanish conquests and clawed back 4 points in the title chase. Still Ford’s Marcus Grönholm has a 6 point advantage. Also there is drama in the Junior Rally Championship where Per-Gunnar Andersson and Urmo Aava are tied atop the points table with 38 heading into the final JRC event of the season. For complete 2007 points click here.
The Tour de Corse has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 27 times, dating back to the 1979 season. It was rotated to 2-Litre status for 1996. The Rally has been known by 4 different names:
Tour de Corse – Rallye de France (1979-1999)
V-Rally Tour de Corse – Rally de France (2000)
Playstation Rally of France – Tour de Corse (2001-2002)
Rallye de France – Tour de Corse (2003-2006)
Debut WRC wins in France:
Jean-Pierre Nicolas (FRA) – 1973 in Alpine-Renault A110 1800
Bruno Saby (FRA) – 1986 in Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 E2
Bernard Béguin (FRA) – 1987 in BMW M3
Didier Auriol (FRA) – 1988 in Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Gilles Panizzi (FRA) – 2000 in Peugeot 206 WRC
Jesús Puras (ESP) – 2001 in Citroën Xsara WRC
Notable WRC debuts in France:
Didier Auriol (FRA) – 1984 in Renault 5 Turbo (retired)
Bernard Béguin (FRA) – 1974 in Alfa Romeo Alfetta (retired)
Alexandre Bengué (FRA) – 1999 in Peugeot 106 S16 (retired)
Guy Fréquelin (FRA) – 1973 in Audi 80 (retired)
Simon Jean-Joseph (FRA) – 1993 in Ford Escort RS Cosworth (retired)
Achim Mörtl (AUT) – 1997 in Subaru Impreza 555 (finished 17th)
Michèle Mouton (FRA) – 1974 in Alpine-Renault A110 1800 (finished 12th)
Alain Oreille (FRA) – 1984 in Renault 11 Turbo (finished 21st)
Brice Tirabassi (FRA) – 1999 in Peugeot 106 S16 (retired)
Auguste Turiani (MC) – 1975 in Opel Commodore GS/E (finished 16th)
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Did You Know?
In 2003 Petter Solberg claimed his first (and so far only) victory on tarmac in Corsica. He was the first Norwegian and only the second Scandinavian to taste victory on the French Island. The other was the great Markku Alén of Finland. By contrast, Frenchmen have won 19 of the 27 WRC Drivers Championship events in Corsica.
Part II: With a win Sébastien Loeb can equal Didier Auriol’s 3 consecutive wins in France (1988-1990). Still Loeb would be only halfway to Auriol’s record 6 Corsica victories.
The Tour de Corse has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 27 times, dating back to the 1979 season. It was rotated to 2-Litre status for 1996. The Rally has been known by 4 different names:
Tour de Corse – Rallye de France (1979-1999)
V-Rally Tour de Corse – Rally de France (2000)
Playstation Rally of France – Tour de Corse (2001-2002)
Rallye de France – Tour de Corse (2003-2006)
Debut WRC wins in France:
Jean-Pierre Nicolas (FRA) – 1973 in Alpine-Renault A110 1800
Bruno Saby (FRA) – 1986 in Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 E2
Bernard Béguin (FRA) – 1987 in BMW M3
Didier Auriol (FRA) – 1988 in Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
Gilles Panizzi (FRA) – 2000 in Peugeot 206 WRC
Jesús Puras (ESP) – 2001 in Citroën Xsara WRC
Notable WRC debuts in France:
Didier Auriol (FRA) – 1984 in Renault 5 Turbo (retired)
Bernard Béguin (FRA) – 1974 in Alfa Romeo Alfetta (retired)
Alexandre Bengué (FRA) – 1999 in Peugeot 106 S16 (retired)
Guy Fréquelin (FRA) – 1973 in Audi 80 (retired)
Simon Jean-Joseph (FRA) – 1993 in Ford Escort RS Cosworth (retired)
Achim Mörtl (AUT) – 1997 in Subaru Impreza 555 (finished 17th)
Michèle Mouton (FRA) – 1974 in Alpine-Renault A110 1800 (finished 12th)
Alain Oreille (FRA) – 1984 in Renault 11 Turbo (finished 21st)
Brice Tirabassi (FRA) – 1999 in Peugeot 106 S16 (retired)
Auguste Turiani (MC) – 1975 in Opel Commodore GS/E (finished 16th)
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Did You Know?
In 2003 Petter Solberg claimed his first (and so far only) victory on tarmac in Corsica. He was the first Norwegian and only the second Scandinavian to taste victory on the French Island. The other was the great Markku Alén of Finland. By contrast, Frenchmen have won 19 of the 27 WRC Drivers Championship events in Corsica.
Part II: With a win Sébastien Loeb can equal Didier Auriol’s 3 consecutive wins in France (1988-1990). Still Loeb would be only halfway to Auriol’s record 6 Corsica victories.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
WRC Rally Catalunya Historical Stats
The 12th stop of the 2007 WRC campaign is in Spain for the Rallye RACC Catalunya – Costa Daurada. This will be the first of back-to-back weekends on tarmac (followed up by Corsica) and will go a long way to determining the 2007 championships. Defending world champion Sébastien Loeb is the king of sealed surfaces and looks to make it 3 consecutive Spanish conquests. More importantly, he needs to take advantage and close the 10 point gap to current points leader Marcus Grönholm.
Spain has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 15 times, dating back to the 1991 season. It was rotated to 2-Litre status for 1994. The Rally has been known by 3 slightly different names:
Rally Catalunya – Costa Brava (1991-2002)
Rallye Catalunya Costa Brava - Rallye de España (2003-2004)
Rally de Catalunya - Costa Daurada (2005-2006)
Debut WRC wins in Spain:
Armin Schwarz (GER) – 1991 in Toyota Celica GT-Four
Philippe Bugalski (FRA) – 1999 in Citroën Xsara Kit Car
Notable WRC debuts in Spain:
Luís Climent (ESP) – 1991 in Opel Corsa GSI (retired)
Fabio Frisiero (ITA) – 2000 in Renault Clio Williams (finished 47th)
Oriol Gómez (ESP) – 1992 in Peugeot 309 GTI (finished 21st)
Daniel Sordo (ESP) – 2003 in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII (finished 18th)
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Did You Know?
Loeb is not the only Frenchman with success on the asphalt of Catalunya; François Delecour, Didier Auriol (twice), Philippe Bugalski, and Gilles Panizzi (twice) have also tasted victory in Spain. The French have won more than half the WRC events held here, including 7 of the last 9. The only two to break that trend both drove Fords – Markko Märtin in 2003 and the late Colin McRae in 2000. Loeb has history on his side, but so do the non-French Ford drivers Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen.
Spain has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 15 times, dating back to the 1991 season. It was rotated to 2-Litre status for 1994. The Rally has been known by 3 slightly different names:
Rally Catalunya – Costa Brava (1991-2002)
Rallye Catalunya Costa Brava - Rallye de España (2003-2004)
Rally de Catalunya - Costa Daurada (2005-2006)
Debut WRC wins in Spain:
Armin Schwarz (GER) – 1991 in Toyota Celica GT-Four
Philippe Bugalski (FRA) – 1999 in Citroën Xsara Kit Car
Notable WRC debuts in Spain:
Luís Climent (ESP) – 1991 in Opel Corsa GSI (retired)
Fabio Frisiero (ITA) – 2000 in Renault Clio Williams (finished 47th)
Oriol Gómez (ESP) – 1992 in Peugeot 309 GTI (finished 21st)
Daniel Sordo (ESP) – 2003 in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII (finished 18th)
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Did You Know?
Loeb is not the only Frenchman with success on the asphalt of Catalunya; François Delecour, Didier Auriol (twice), Philippe Bugalski, and Gilles Panizzi (twice) have also tasted victory in Spain. The French have won more than half the WRC events held here, including 7 of the last 9. The only two to break that trend both drove Fords – Markko Märtin in 2003 and the late Colin McRae in 2000. Loeb has history on his side, but so do the non-French Ford drivers Grönholm and Mikko Hirvonen.
SWC Road Atlanta Preview
It’s been over a month so, the Speed World Challenge GT drivers are itching to get back to racing and they will do so at the Road Atlanta track in Braselton, GA. This will be the 12th championship race held at the track (two rounds each in 1999, 2001 & 2003). Click here for a list of SWC GT winners at Road Atlanta.
This weekend’s entry list consists of 27 drivers, including 3 former winners: Michael Galati (2001), Randy Pobst (2003) and Andy Pilgrim (2006). Pobst is nursing a slim lead over a pair of Cadillac drivers, with just 2 rounds remaining, while his teammate – Galati, sits in 4th overall. This pair will be driving Porsche 911’s and are rejoined by Robb Holland in the third K-Pax entry.
Cadillac has won the last 3 races held at Road Atlanta and hopes to extend that streak this weekend. Pilgrim sits 4 points off the overall lead and his teammate and defending series champion Lawson Aschenbach is 3rd, just 6 points behind Pobst. They will again be joined in the third entry by veteran road racer Ron Fellows. With this strong line-up the team hopes to also extend their lead in the manufacturer’s chase.
The hottest driver coming in is Eric Curran, who won the last round in Mosport giving him back-to-back wins and series high four triumphs this season. However bad luck has also gotten the best of him several times and that is why he sits 5th overall with an outside chance at the championship. Joining him in the Chevy camp is the only other driver with a mathematical chance at the title, Lou Gigliotti. He needs wins and looks to do that at Road Atlanta, already posting the fastest times in both practices.
Chevrolet is currently just 3 points behind Cadillac in the makes title race and will have Curran & Gigliotti heading the way. They will be joined in Chevy’s by Doug Peterson (8th overall), Rob Foster (10th), Brian Kubinski (12th), Tony Gaples (13th) and Sonny Whelen (15th).
Third in the makes chase is Porsche, 7 points off the lead. In addition to the 3 K-PAX entries, James Sofronas (11th overall), Tim McKenzie and John Bourassa will also be on the starting grid.
9 drivers represent Dodge at Road Atlanta, lead by Jeff Courtney and Rob Foster (9th & 10th in points) and Michael McCann. In addition, Naykid Racing will send Cindi Lux and Scotty B. White into the fray while Woodhouse Performance will have two cars in the hands of Jeffrey Robbins and Jeff Altenburg.
In the Pontiac camp, a pair of GTO’s will be guided by Dane Moxlow (14th overall) and Gerardo Bonilla who is making his series debut.
Click here for complete points standings through 8 rounds. Check out the action from Road Atlanta at www.world-challenge.com.
This weekend’s entry list consists of 27 drivers, including 3 former winners: Michael Galati (2001), Randy Pobst (2003) and Andy Pilgrim (2006). Pobst is nursing a slim lead over a pair of Cadillac drivers, with just 2 rounds remaining, while his teammate – Galati, sits in 4th overall. This pair will be driving Porsche 911’s and are rejoined by Robb Holland in the third K-Pax entry.
Cadillac has won the last 3 races held at Road Atlanta and hopes to extend that streak this weekend. Pilgrim sits 4 points off the overall lead and his teammate and defending series champion Lawson Aschenbach is 3rd, just 6 points behind Pobst. They will again be joined in the third entry by veteran road racer Ron Fellows. With this strong line-up the team hopes to also extend their lead in the manufacturer’s chase.
The hottest driver coming in is Eric Curran, who won the last round in Mosport giving him back-to-back wins and series high four triumphs this season. However bad luck has also gotten the best of him several times and that is why he sits 5th overall with an outside chance at the championship. Joining him in the Chevy camp is the only other driver with a mathematical chance at the title, Lou Gigliotti. He needs wins and looks to do that at Road Atlanta, already posting the fastest times in both practices.
Chevrolet is currently just 3 points behind Cadillac in the makes title race and will have Curran & Gigliotti heading the way. They will be joined in Chevy’s by Doug Peterson (8th overall), Rob Foster (10th), Brian Kubinski (12th), Tony Gaples (13th) and Sonny Whelen (15th).
Third in the makes chase is Porsche, 7 points off the lead. In addition to the 3 K-PAX entries, James Sofronas (11th overall), Tim McKenzie and John Bourassa will also be on the starting grid.
9 drivers represent Dodge at Road Atlanta, lead by Jeff Courtney and Rob Foster (9th & 10th in points) and Michael McCann. In addition, Naykid Racing will send Cindi Lux and Scotty B. White into the fray while Woodhouse Performance will have two cars in the hands of Jeffrey Robbins and Jeff Altenburg.
In the Pontiac camp, a pair of GTO’s will be guided by Dane Moxlow (14th overall) and Gerardo Bonilla who is making his series debut.
Click here for complete points standings through 8 rounds. Check out the action from Road Atlanta at www.world-challenge.com.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
IRC Rallye Sanremo Preview
Round 7 of this season’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge is a historic tarmac event, Rally Sanremo. The former WRC stop will make its second appearance in the IRC. A total of 123 cars were on the preliminary entry list, including a record 99 IRC competitors. Of that group there are 18 Super 2000 cars, split into two camps: Abarth and Peugeot.
Peugeot is riding high, having taken the lead in the drivers and manufacturer’s championship last month in the Czech Republic. Enrique García-Ojeda holds a 5 point lead and will be joined by his team mate and 2-time winner this year, Nicolas Vouilloz (3rd overall). Another winner, Luca Rossetti will be in a 207 Super 2000 as well as 7-time WRC rally winner Gilles Panizzi. A total of 12 Peugeot 207 S2000’s are entered and include former JWRC Champ Brice Tirabassi, Bernd Casier (5th overall) and Bruno Magalhães (9th overall).
Abarth will counter will 5 entries, headed by the factory entries of Giandomenico Basso (7th overall) and Andrea Navarra (2nd overall) - both have won this year. Former WRC works driver Freddy Loix will be joined by another pair of Italians, Renato Travaglia and Umberto Scandola . After a tough result at Barum Rally, Abarth faces a 14 point deficit with 3 rounds to go
Several local stars will be out including Paolo Andreucci, Andrea Dallavilla and Luca Cantamessa in Mitsubishis and Subarus for Andrea Aghini and Piero Longhi. All are threats for the podium. Daniel Solá and Luca Betti will be in the JAS Motorsport Honda Civics.
With three rounds left García-Ojeda and Peugeot are looking to pull away in their respective championship chases. The drivers titles has turned into a three horse race with the Spainard leading Navarra by 5 and Vouilloz by 10. No one else is within 20 points of the leader. For the complete 2007 IRC point standings, click here.
With significant championship implications, you don’t want to miss any of the action. Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Rally Sanremo website for all the results weekend.
Peugeot is riding high, having taken the lead in the drivers and manufacturer’s championship last month in the Czech Republic. Enrique García-Ojeda holds a 5 point lead and will be joined by his team mate and 2-time winner this year, Nicolas Vouilloz (3rd overall). Another winner, Luca Rossetti will be in a 207 Super 2000 as well as 7-time WRC rally winner Gilles Panizzi. A total of 12 Peugeot 207 S2000’s are entered and include former JWRC Champ Brice Tirabassi, Bernd Casier (5th overall) and Bruno Magalhães (9th overall).
Abarth will counter will 5 entries, headed by the factory entries of Giandomenico Basso (7th overall) and Andrea Navarra (2nd overall) - both have won this year. Former WRC works driver Freddy Loix will be joined by another pair of Italians, Renato Travaglia and Umberto Scandola . After a tough result at Barum Rally, Abarth faces a 14 point deficit with 3 rounds to go
Several local stars will be out including Paolo Andreucci, Andrea Dallavilla and Luca Cantamessa in Mitsubishis and Subarus for Andrea Aghini and Piero Longhi. All are threats for the podium. Daniel Solá and Luca Betti will be in the JAS Motorsport Honda Civics.
With three rounds left García-Ojeda and Peugeot are looking to pull away in their respective championship chases. The drivers titles has turned into a three horse race with the Spainard leading Navarra by 5 and Vouilloz by 10. No one else is within 20 points of the leader. For the complete 2007 IRC point standings, click here.
With significant championship implications, you don’t want to miss any of the action. Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Rally Sanremo website for all the results weekend.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
DTM Barcelona Preview
This weekend, the DTM action heats up with the penultimate round of the season in Spain as the series makes its second trip to the Circuit de Catalunya. There are just five drivers mathematically remaining in the hunt and we could see some, if not all, of Mattias Ekström's championship pursuers eliminated.
The Swede is coming off a 3rd place finish at the Nürburgring, giving him a series best 44 points. His team mate and defending winner in Barcelona is Martin Tomczyk. The young German has pulled to within four points, thanks to back to back race victories. The double podium finish gave the Audi Team Abt Sportsline a lead of 12.5 over their Mercedes rivals at Original Teile/DC Bank. Canada's Bruno Spengler is lurking in 3rd overall, 10 points off the championship leader.
Needing to get of the "Schnide" is Bernd Schneider; with just 2 point in the last three rounds, his hopes of another DTM title are slipping away. He trails Ekström by 16.5 points coming into Round 9. The longshot of the bunch is the young Brit Paul di Resta, who is in fifth overall, 19 points back. Click here for the full 2007 points standings.
Will Tomczyk make it three in a row or will Spengler and the Mercedes bunch strike back? You could see the 2007 title be decided so don't miss any of the action. Visit www.dtm.de for real time results.
The Swede is coming off a 3rd place finish at the Nürburgring, giving him a series best 44 points. His team mate and defending winner in Barcelona is Martin Tomczyk. The young German has pulled to within four points, thanks to back to back race victories. The double podium finish gave the Audi Team Abt Sportsline a lead of 12.5 over their Mercedes rivals at Original Teile/DC Bank. Canada's Bruno Spengler is lurking in 3rd overall, 10 points off the championship leader.
Needing to get of the "Schnide" is Bernd Schneider; with just 2 point in the last three rounds, his hopes of another DTM title are slipping away. He trails Ekström by 16.5 points coming into Round 9. The longshot of the bunch is the young Brit Paul di Resta, who is in fifth overall, 19 points back. Click here for the full 2007 points standings.
Will Tomczyk make it three in a row or will Spengler and the Mercedes bunch strike back? You could see the 2007 title be decided so don't miss any of the action. Visit www.dtm.de for real time results.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
DTM Nürburgring Preview
Back to Germany and its a DTM classic; the Nürburgring hosts Round 8 of the 2007 DTM series. This will be lucky #13 race for the new DTM at the Eifel track, and Mercedes leads all makes with 6 victories (4 for Audi and 2 for Opel). Mattias Ekström, the series point leader won here in 2005 and two of his rivals, Bernd Schneider (both races in 2000) and Bruno Spengler (2006) have also tasted victory. Another former winner will be on the grid, Mercedes driver Gary Paffett (2004). For a complete list of winners at the Nürburgring, click here.
The championship won't be decided this weekend, but the Mercedes boys could be eliminated by the Audis of Ekström and Martin Tomczyk. The 2004 champ, Ekström leads his younger team mate by 8 points following a 3rd place finish in Zandvoort. The young German was on top of the podium with a victory to vault into second place. If Ekström can extend his lead to 21 points over Bruno Spengler and Bernd Schneider, it will clinch the 3rd Driver's Championship for Audi.
However, Spengler, the defending race winner, could also get back in the mix with a win and a bad result for the Audis. Just 12 points back, the Canadian could pull real close with a maximum result. Defenind Champ Schneider is just a half point behind his teammate in fourth, so the Original Teile/DC Bank team is not giving up yet. However, the 4-time Champion needs to bounce back from back to back zeros if he wants any chance at title #5.
Alexandre Prémat and Timo Scheider were the feel good stories of Round 7, finishing 2nd and 4th respectively as Audi shut Mercedes out of the top 4 slots. Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline extended their lead in the Teams Chase to 16.5 points with the double podium finish. Click here for the full 2007 points standings.
Will Mercedes keep their championship hopes alive, or can Mattias Ekström strengthen his grip on a second DTM title? Keep up with all the action at www.dtm.de.
The championship won't be decided this weekend, but the Mercedes boys could be eliminated by the Audis of Ekström and Martin Tomczyk. The 2004 champ, Ekström leads his younger team mate by 8 points following a 3rd place finish in Zandvoort. The young German was on top of the podium with a victory to vault into second place. If Ekström can extend his lead to 21 points over Bruno Spengler and Bernd Schneider, it will clinch the 3rd Driver's Championship for Audi.
However, Spengler, the defending race winner, could also get back in the mix with a win and a bad result for the Audis. Just 12 points back, the Canadian could pull real close with a maximum result. Defenind Champ Schneider is just a half point behind his teammate in fourth, so the Original Teile/DC Bank team is not giving up yet. However, the 4-time Champion needs to bounce back from back to back zeros if he wants any chance at title #5.
Alexandre Prémat and Timo Scheider were the feel good stories of Round 7, finishing 2nd and 4th respectively as Audi shut Mercedes out of the top 4 slots. Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline extended their lead in the Teams Chase to 16.5 points with the double podium finish. Click here for the full 2007 points standings.
Will Mercedes keep their championship hopes alive, or can Mattias Ekström strengthen his grip on a second DTM title? Keep up with all the action at www.dtm.de.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Rally New Zealand Historical Stats
The WRC visits the Southern Hemisphere for the second and final time of the season with this weekend's Rally New Zealand. The classic event has seen many top drivers compete and only the best have won. Defending world champion Sébastien Loeb is coming off a victory in Germany, coupled with a late mistake by Marcus Grönholm, dropping the Finn from 2nd to 4th in the rally. The gain for Loeb brought him within 8 of the lead and he looks to add his second Rally NZ title.
New Zealand has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 26 times, dating back to the 1979 season. It was left out of the 1981 WRC calendar and rotated to 2-Litre status for 1996. The Rally has been known by 7 names:
Motogard Rally New Zealand (1979, 1980, 1982)
Sanyo Rally New Zealand (1983 & 1984)
AWA Clarion Rally New Zealand (1985-1988)
Rothmans Rally New Zealand (1989-1994)
Smokefree Rally New Zealand (1995-1997)
Rally New Zealand (1998-2000 & 2007)
Propecia Rally New Zealand (2001-2006)
Debut WRC wins in New Zealand:
Franz Wittmann (AUT) - 1987 in Lancia Delta HF 4WD
Sepp Haider (AUT) - 1988 in Opel Kadett GSI 16V
Colin McRae (GBR) - 1993 in Subaru Legacy RS
Notable WRC debuts in New Zealand:
Possum Bourne (NZ) - 1983 in Subaru RX Coupe (finished 14th)
Yoshio Fujimoto (JAP) - 1991 in Nissan Pulsar GTI-R (retired)
Rod Millen (NZ) - 1977 in Mazda RX 3 (finished 5th)
Fumio Nutahara (JAP) - 1999 in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V (retired)
Malcolm Stewart (NZ) - 1977 in Ford Escort Mexico (retired)
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Did You Know?
Malcolm Stewart is back, having entered this year's Rally New Zealand in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6.5. The Kiwi driver has started 21 of the 26 WRC Drivers Championship events in New Zealand. The only times he missed was in 1987, a break from 1990 to 1992 and then last year's event. He has finshed 18 times, including 6 times in the points. The highlight of his WRC career was a third place finish on the 1998 Rally New Zealand, driving an Audi Coupe Quattro.
New Zealand has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 26 times, dating back to the 1979 season. It was left out of the 1981 WRC calendar and rotated to 2-Litre status for 1996. The Rally has been known by 7 names:
Motogard Rally New Zealand (1979, 1980, 1982)
Sanyo Rally New Zealand (1983 & 1984)
AWA Clarion Rally New Zealand (1985-1988)
Rothmans Rally New Zealand (1989-1994)
Smokefree Rally New Zealand (1995-1997)
Rally New Zealand (1998-2000 & 2007)
Propecia Rally New Zealand (2001-2006)
Debut WRC wins in New Zealand:
Franz Wittmann (AUT) - 1987 in Lancia Delta HF 4WD
Sepp Haider (AUT) - 1988 in Opel Kadett GSI 16V
Colin McRae (GBR) - 1993 in Subaru Legacy RS
Notable WRC debuts in New Zealand:
Possum Bourne (NZ) - 1983 in Subaru RX Coupe (finished 14th)
Yoshio Fujimoto (JAP) - 1991 in Nissan Pulsar GTI-R (retired)
Rod Millen (NZ) - 1977 in Mazda RX 3 (finished 5th)
Fumio Nutahara (JAP) - 1999 in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V (retired)
Malcolm Stewart (NZ) - 1977 in Ford Escort Mexico (retired)
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Did You Know?
Malcolm Stewart is back, having entered this year's Rally New Zealand in a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 6.5. The Kiwi driver has started 21 of the 26 WRC Drivers Championship events in New Zealand. The only times he missed was in 1987, a break from 1990 to 1992 and then last year's event. He has finshed 18 times, including 6 times in the points. The highlight of his WRC career was a third place finish on the 1998 Rally New Zealand, driving an Audi Coupe Quattro.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
SWC Mosport Preview
The Speed World Challenge GT series turns to another classic road racing circuit, Mosport International Raceway. The Ontario track will host a championshiop round for the 10th time (click here for a list of SWC GT winners at Mosport).
23 cars are on the entry list including Canadian hero and 2 time Mosport winner Ron Fellows. He will be in the #16 Cadillac teaming with Andy Pilgrim (2nd in points) and Lawson Aschenbach (3rd). The team is leading the manufacturer's chase by 4 points over Chevrolet and Porsche and hopes the addition of Fellows will grow that margin.
Series points leader Randy Pobst brings an 18 point advantage over Pilgrim and 30 points over Aschenbach into the race. Pobst has been on the podium four straight times, including 2 wins to surge to the lead, but is still looking for his first win at the track. His teammate Michael Galati (4th in points) has two victories here, including a win last year driving a Volvo.
In addition to the K-PAX team, James Sofronas (11th in points) and John Bourassa will also be piloting Porsche 911's this weekend.
Chevrolet's charge will be lead by Eric Curran. It has been feast or famine for the 5th placed driver in the championship, with 3 wins (including last round at Mid-Ohio) and 3 DNF's. He will be joined by Lou Gigliotti (7th in points), Doug Peterson (8th), Tony Gaples and Brian Kubinski (coming off career best 7th @ Mid-Ohio). Curran has a large gap to the top four and needs a top finish to help himself as well as Chevy in the makes chase.
As usual, the most plentiful car on the entry list is the Dodge Viper, with 9 this weekend. Tommy Archer (6th in points) will carry the marque banner and try to bounce back from a disqualification last round. Other notable Dodge entries include Rob Foster and Jeff Courtney (9th & 10th in points), Michael McCann and local driver Nick Majors.
Click here for complete points standings through 7 rounds. Check out the action from Mosport at www.world-challenge.com.
23 cars are on the entry list including Canadian hero and 2 time Mosport winner Ron Fellows. He will be in the #16 Cadillac teaming with Andy Pilgrim (2nd in points) and Lawson Aschenbach (3rd). The team is leading the manufacturer's chase by 4 points over Chevrolet and Porsche and hopes the addition of Fellows will grow that margin.
Series points leader Randy Pobst brings an 18 point advantage over Pilgrim and 30 points over Aschenbach into the race. Pobst has been on the podium four straight times, including 2 wins to surge to the lead, but is still looking for his first win at the track. His teammate Michael Galati (4th in points) has two victories here, including a win last year driving a Volvo.
In addition to the K-PAX team, James Sofronas (11th in points) and John Bourassa will also be piloting Porsche 911's this weekend.
Chevrolet's charge will be lead by Eric Curran. It has been feast or famine for the 5th placed driver in the championship, with 3 wins (including last round at Mid-Ohio) and 3 DNF's. He will be joined by Lou Gigliotti (7th in points), Doug Peterson (8th), Tony Gaples and Brian Kubinski (coming off career best 7th @ Mid-Ohio). Curran has a large gap to the top four and needs a top finish to help himself as well as Chevy in the makes chase.
As usual, the most plentiful car on the entry list is the Dodge Viper, with 9 this weekend. Tommy Archer (6th in points) will carry the marque banner and try to bounce back from a disqualification last round. Other notable Dodge entries include Rob Foster and Jeff Courtney (9th & 10th in points), Michael McCann and local driver Nick Majors.
Click here for complete points standings through 7 rounds. Check out the action from Mosport at www.world-challenge.com.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
IRC Barum Rally Zlín Preview
This weekend is the 6th round for the 2007 IRC, the Barum Rally Zlín. The Czech round sees another tarmac rally to follow up Rally Vino da Madeira. This is the first inclusion in the IRC for the Barum Rally, which has been part of the European Rally Championship for the past several years.
A total of 122 cars were on the preliminary entry list, including a record 70+ IRC competitors. Of that group there are 15 Super 2000 cars, split into two camps: Abarth and Peugeot.
The Abarth contingent of 9 is headed by the factory entries of IRC point leader Andrea Navarra and Rally Russia winner, Anton Alén (4th in Championship). Former ERC champion Renato Travaglia moves to the Abarth camp and will drive the #2 Grande Punto instead of his usual Mitsubishi Lancer. Former WRC works driver Freddy Loix of Belgium will be joined by Corrado Fontana, Michał Sołowow, Volkan Işik, Tomasz Czopik, and local driver Roman Odložilík in the other Abarth Super 2000 entries.
Peugeot will throw 6 cars at the Czech roads, lead by the Peugeot Sport España team of Enrique García-Ojeda (2nd in championship) and Nicolas Vouilloz (3rd). Joining them are Bernd Casier (7th), Jimmy Joge of Sweden, János Tóth of Hungary and Marco Caviogli (16th overall).
Several local stars will be out including Václav Pech, Karel Trojan, Václav Arazim and Miroslav Jandik all driving Mitsubishi Lancers. They will be joined by another former WRC works driver, Roman Kresta, also in a Lancer Evo IX. Mix in Simon Jean-Joseph in a Citroën C2 Super 1600 to head up the 2 wheel drive class and the Honda Civics of Daniel Solá and Luca Betti and you have a very deep and exciting field.
The points chase tightened in Portugal when García-Ojeda was on the podium for the 4th straight rally to pull within 1 point of the championship leader Navarra. Vouilloz remained in third, 13 points adrift. He has his own battle with Alén and Casier brewing.
On the manufacturer’s front, Abarth’s win pushed them back into first, but by the slimmest of margins. The Peugeot 207’s continued to be strong, putting 2 drivers on the podium to keep within 1 point in the title chase. Mitsubishi failed to score after due to the DQ of Travaglia, who appeared in line for a 2nd place finish. That setback caused the Japanese maker to fall to 31 points out of first. Citroën continues to be a one man team and a distant fourth. For the complete 2007 IRC point standings, click here.
With significant championshiop implications, you don’t want to miss any of the action Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Barum Rally Zlín website for all the results weekend.
A total of 122 cars were on the preliminary entry list, including a record 70+ IRC competitors. Of that group there are 15 Super 2000 cars, split into two camps: Abarth and Peugeot.
The Abarth contingent of 9 is headed by the factory entries of IRC point leader Andrea Navarra and Rally Russia winner, Anton Alén (4th in Championship). Former ERC champion Renato Travaglia moves to the Abarth camp and will drive the #2 Grande Punto instead of his usual Mitsubishi Lancer. Former WRC works driver Freddy Loix of Belgium will be joined by Corrado Fontana, Michał Sołowow, Volkan Işik, Tomasz Czopik, and local driver Roman Odložilík in the other Abarth Super 2000 entries.
Peugeot will throw 6 cars at the Czech roads, lead by the Peugeot Sport España team of Enrique García-Ojeda (2nd in championship) and Nicolas Vouilloz (3rd). Joining them are Bernd Casier (7th), Jimmy Joge of Sweden, János Tóth of Hungary and Marco Caviogli (16th overall).
Several local stars will be out including Václav Pech, Karel Trojan, Václav Arazim and Miroslav Jandik all driving Mitsubishi Lancers. They will be joined by another former WRC works driver, Roman Kresta, also in a Lancer Evo IX. Mix in Simon Jean-Joseph in a Citroën C2 Super 1600 to head up the 2 wheel drive class and the Honda Civics of Daniel Solá and Luca Betti and you have a very deep and exciting field.
The points chase tightened in Portugal when García-Ojeda was on the podium for the 4th straight rally to pull within 1 point of the championship leader Navarra. Vouilloz remained in third, 13 points adrift. He has his own battle with Alén and Casier brewing.
On the manufacturer’s front, Abarth’s win pushed them back into first, but by the slimmest of margins. The Peugeot 207’s continued to be strong, putting 2 drivers on the podium to keep within 1 point in the title chase. Mitsubishi failed to score after due to the DQ of Travaglia, who appeared in line for a 2nd place finish. That setback caused the Japanese maker to fall to 31 points out of first. Citroën continues to be a one man team and a distant fourth. For the complete 2007 IRC point standings, click here.
With significant championshiop implications, you don’t want to miss any of the action Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Barum Rally Zlín website for all the results weekend.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
WRC Rallye Deutschland Historical Stats
Its time for Round 10 of the 2007 WRC and defending world champion Sébastien Loeb is looking to cut into his 13 point deficit to Marcus Grönholm. There would be no better place as Loeb has won all 5 of the previous editions of the OMV ADAC Rallye Deutschland.
Germany has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 5 times, dating back to the 2002 season and has been known by 2 names:
ADAC Rallye Deutschland (2002-2003)
OMV ADAC Rallye Deutschland (2004-present)
Debut WRC wins in Germany:
Sébastien Loeb (FRA) – 2002 in Citroën Xsara WRC
Notable WRC debuts in Germany
Aaron Burkart (GER) – 2003 in Volkswagen Polo GTI (retired)
Jan Kopecky (CZE) – 2002 Toyota Corolla WRC (retired)
Stéphane Sarrazin (FRA) – 2004 in Subaru Impreza WRC 2003 (finished 9th)
Štĕpán Vojtĕch (CZE) – 2005 in Peugeot 206 WRC (finished 27th)
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Did You Know?
Of course we know Loeb is 5 for 5 in Germany, but you may not have noticed that his championship rival Grönholm has been on the podium in 4 of the 5 events, including 2nd place in 2003. The only time he was off the podium was in 2004 when he crashed out on the first corner of the rally. The Finn hopes to keep that record alive and defend his 13 point advantage in the chase for the World Championship.
Germany has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 5 times, dating back to the 2002 season and has been known by 2 names:
ADAC Rallye Deutschland (2002-2003)
OMV ADAC Rallye Deutschland (2004-present)
Debut WRC wins in Germany:
Sébastien Loeb (FRA) – 2002 in Citroën Xsara WRC
Notable WRC debuts in Germany
Aaron Burkart (GER) – 2003 in Volkswagen Polo GTI (retired)
Jan Kopecky (CZE) – 2002 Toyota Corolla WRC (retired)
Stéphane Sarrazin (FRA) – 2004 in Subaru Impreza WRC 2003 (finished 9th)
Štĕpán Vojtĕch (CZE) – 2005 in Peugeot 206 WRC (finished 27th)
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Did You Know?
Of course we know Loeb is 5 for 5 in Germany, but you may not have noticed that his championship rival Grönholm has been on the podium in 4 of the 5 events, including 2nd place in 2003. The only time he was off the podium was in 2004 when he crashed out on the first corner of the rally. The Finn hopes to keep that record alive and defend his 13 point advantage in the chase for the World Championship.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
WRC Finland Historical Stats
The second half of the 2007 WRC gets under way after a long summer break. Round 9 will be the Neste Oil Rally Finland. In the points, Mr. Finland (Marcus Grönholm) has a 9 point advantage in the championship and looks to add to it, as well as another Finnish victory.
Finland has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 27 times, dating back to the inaugural 1979 season. The rally was rotated to 2-Litre Championship in 1995. Rally Finland has been known by four names:
1000 Lakes Rally (1979-1994)
Neste 1000 Lakes Rally (1996)
Neste Rally Finland (1997-2005)
Neste Oil Rally Finland (2006-present)
Debut WRC wins in Finland:
Timo Mäkinen (FIN) – 1973 in Ford Escort RS1600
Hannu Mikkola (FIN) – 1974 in Ford Escort RS1600
Tommi Mäkinen (FIN) – 1994 in Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Notable WRC debuts in Finland
Urmo Aava (EST) – 2002 in Ford Focus WRC (retired)
Pentti Airikkala (FIN) – 1973 in Opel Kadett Rallye (retired)
Markk Alén (FIN) – 1973 in Volvo 142 (finished 2nd)
Grégoire De Mévius (BEL) – 1988 in Mazda 323 4WD (finished 22nd)
Toni Gardemeister (FIN) – 1996 in Opel Astra GSI 16V (retired)
Marcus Grönholm (FIN) – 1989 in Lancia Delta Integrale (finished 23rd)
Pasi Hagström (FIN) – 1993 in Toyota Corolla GT (finished 26th)
Mikko Hirvonen (FIN) – 2002 in Renault Clio S1600 (finished 21st)
Juha Kankkunen (FIN) – 1979 in Ford Escort RS (finished 14th)
Kosti Katajamäki (FIN) – 2001 in Volkswagen Polo GTI (finished 53rd)
Tommi Mäkinen (FIN) – 1987 in Lancia Delta HF 4WD (retired)
Markko Märtin (EST) – 1997 in Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD (retired)
Jani Paasonen (FIN) – 1997 in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III (finished 21st)
Juuso Pykälistö (FIN) – 1996 in Opel Astra GSI 16V (retired)
Harri Rovanperä (FIN) – 1993 in Opel Manta 2.0 E (retired)
Timo Salonen (FIN) – 1974 in Mazda 1300 (finished 22nd)
Rudi Stohl (AUT) – 1975 in Lada 1500 (finished 54th)
Henri Toivonen (FIN) – 1975 in Simca Rallye 2 (retired)
Janne Tuohino (FIN) – 1996 in Opel Astra GSI 16V (retired)
Ari Vatanen (FIN) – 1974 in Opel Ascona 19 (retired)
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
History in the Making
With a win, Grönholm will have seven victories in Finland. That would be a new record for wins (in the WRC Driver’s Championship Era) on one rally. Currently Magic Marcus is tied with Didier Auriol who dominated France to the tune of 6 WRC wins.
Did You Know?
Finns rule Finland, everyone knows that, but did you know that 3 of the 4 times a non-Finn won here happened within a four year span? That’s right, the first foreigner to conquer Finland was Mikael Ericsson of Sweden in 1989. The next year Carlos Sainz was victorious and in 1992 it was Didier Auriol. No one could match it until Markko Märtin prevailed in 2003 following retirement from the rally by Grönholm.
Finland has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 27 times, dating back to the inaugural 1979 season. The rally was rotated to 2-Litre Championship in 1995. Rally Finland has been known by four names:
1000 Lakes Rally (1979-1994)
Neste 1000 Lakes Rally (1996)
Neste Rally Finland (1997-2005)
Neste Oil Rally Finland (2006-present)
Debut WRC wins in Finland:
Timo Mäkinen (FIN) – 1973 in Ford Escort RS1600
Hannu Mikkola (FIN) – 1974 in Ford Escort RS1600
Tommi Mäkinen (FIN) – 1994 in Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Notable WRC debuts in Finland
Urmo Aava (EST) – 2002 in Ford Focus WRC (retired)
Pentti Airikkala (FIN) – 1973 in Opel Kadett Rallye (retired)
Markk Alén (FIN) – 1973 in Volvo 142 (finished 2nd)
Grégoire De Mévius (BEL) – 1988 in Mazda 323 4WD (finished 22nd)
Toni Gardemeister (FIN) – 1996 in Opel Astra GSI 16V (retired)
Marcus Grönholm (FIN) – 1989 in Lancia Delta Integrale (finished 23rd)
Pasi Hagström (FIN) – 1993 in Toyota Corolla GT (finished 26th)
Mikko Hirvonen (FIN) – 2002 in Renault Clio S1600 (finished 21st)
Juha Kankkunen (FIN) – 1979 in Ford Escort RS (finished 14th)
Kosti Katajamäki (FIN) – 2001 in Volkswagen Polo GTI (finished 53rd)
Tommi Mäkinen (FIN) – 1987 in Lancia Delta HF 4WD (retired)
Markko Märtin (EST) – 1997 in Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD (retired)
Jani Paasonen (FIN) – 1997 in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo III (finished 21st)
Juuso Pykälistö (FIN) – 1996 in Opel Astra GSI 16V (retired)
Harri Rovanperä (FIN) – 1993 in Opel Manta 2.0 E (retired)
Timo Salonen (FIN) – 1974 in Mazda 1300 (finished 22nd)
Rudi Stohl (AUT) – 1975 in Lada 1500 (finished 54th)
Henri Toivonen (FIN) – 1975 in Simca Rallye 2 (retired)
Janne Tuohino (FIN) – 1996 in Opel Astra GSI 16V (retired)
Ari Vatanen (FIN) – 1974 in Opel Ascona 19 (retired)
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
History in the Making
With a win, Grönholm will have seven victories in Finland. That would be a new record for wins (in the WRC Driver’s Championship Era) on one rally. Currently Magic Marcus is tied with Didier Auriol who dominated France to the tune of 6 WRC wins.
Did You Know?
Finns rule Finland, everyone knows that, but did you know that 3 of the 4 times a non-Finn won here happened within a four year span? That’s right, the first foreigner to conquer Finland was Mikael Ericsson of Sweden in 1989. The next year Carlos Sainz was victorious and in 1992 it was Didier Auriol. No one could match it until Markko Märtin prevailed in 2003 following retirement from the rally by Grönholm.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
IRC Rally Vino da Madeira Preview
The 2007 championship returns to a familiar venue, Rally Vino da Madeira. In the first season, the series visited the Portuguese island as the third round. There the Abarth of Giandomenico Basso was victorious, and the maximum points helped him to the IRC and European titles. The route is fairly similar, with many of the same tarmac stages from 2006.
In the points chase Andrea Navarra leads Enrique García Ojeda by 7 points and Nicolas Vouilloz by 13 points after Russia. The Peugeot boys were able to gain ground on Navarra in the drivers chase and pull Peugeot into a tie with Abarth in the manufacturer's chase.
The entry list consists of 80 crews, including 13 Super 2000 cars. Headlining the field will be Basso and Navarra in their Abarth Grande Punto S2000 machines. Private Puntos have also been entered by fast Freddy Loix (coming over from Volkswagen) and Corrado Fontana. Poland's Tomasz Czopik will make his first start in a Punto and be joined by Volkan Işik as well as local stars Vitor Sá and José Pedro Fontes.
Peugeot will put up a strong fight with 5 entries of its own. The Peugeot Sport España cars of García Ojeda and Nicolas Vouilloz want to continue to gain ground in both title chases. Local Bruno Magalhães wll also drive a 207 S2000, as well as Bernd Casier (4th in Belgium) and Marco Caviogli (5th in Russia).
Mitsubishi lies third in the manufacturer's standings and has 15 crews entered, including former ERC champion Renato Travaglia (11th in IRC points), current ERC points leader Dimitar Iliev, and a host of local drivers, including Fernando Peres, who finished 3rd here last year. 4th place Citroën is also very well represented with 19 cars. Another former ERC champ, Simon Jean-Joseph will lead the charge.
Other notables include the Honda Civics of Daniel Daniel Solá & Luca Betti, as well as Vitor Pascoal in a Subaru Impreza WRX.
This is the second inclusion in the IRC for Madeira. Check out the 2006 results or Rally Stats on my webpage.
Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Rali Vino da Madeira website for all the action this weekend.
In the points chase Andrea Navarra leads Enrique García Ojeda by 7 points and Nicolas Vouilloz by 13 points after Russia. The Peugeot boys were able to gain ground on Navarra in the drivers chase and pull Peugeot into a tie with Abarth in the manufacturer's chase.
The entry list consists of 80 crews, including 13 Super 2000 cars. Headlining the field will be Basso and Navarra in their Abarth Grande Punto S2000 machines. Private Puntos have also been entered by fast Freddy Loix (coming over from Volkswagen) and Corrado Fontana. Poland's Tomasz Czopik will make his first start in a Punto and be joined by Volkan Işik as well as local stars Vitor Sá and José Pedro Fontes.
Peugeot will put up a strong fight with 5 entries of its own. The Peugeot Sport España cars of García Ojeda and Nicolas Vouilloz want to continue to gain ground in both title chases. Local Bruno Magalhães wll also drive a 207 S2000, as well as Bernd Casier (4th in Belgium) and Marco Caviogli (5th in Russia).
Mitsubishi lies third in the manufacturer's standings and has 15 crews entered, including former ERC champion Renato Travaglia (11th in IRC points), current ERC points leader Dimitar Iliev, and a host of local drivers, including Fernando Peres, who finished 3rd here last year. 4th place Citroën is also very well represented with 19 cars. Another former ERC champ, Simon Jean-Joseph will lead the charge.
Other notables include the Honda Civics of Daniel Daniel Solá & Luca Betti, as well as Vitor Pascoal in a Subaru Impreza WRX.
This is the second inclusion in the IRC for Madeira. Check out the 2006 results or Rally Stats on my webpage.
Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Rali Vino da Madeira website for all the action this weekend.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
DTM Zandvoort Preview
Round 7 of the 2007 DTM series will be at Circuit Park Zandvoort, just a hop skip and a jump from Amsterdam. The Dutch track, with its signature sand dunes will host a DTM round for the seventh straight year. This is the earliest (calendar wise) the event has been contested, as it moves up a month. Mattias Ekström, the series point leader has won here twice (2002 & 2004). Audi and Mercedes have split in the previous six events, three wins for each marque. Two other former winners are in the field, 2005 victor, Gary Paffett and defending race champion Tom Kristensen. For a complete list of Zandvoort’s winners, click here.
The championship got quite a shake-up in the last round at Mugello. Ekström retook the points lead thanks to a strong 2nd place showing coupled with a disappointing run for Bernd Schneider. The reigning champion had an early incident was only able to finish 11th. That snapped a streak of 17 straight finishes in the points for Schneider, whose deficit is now 6.5 points.
Still, there was a lot of success for Mercedes as Mika Häkkinen used a brilliant pit strategy to pick up his 2nd win of the year. First place points boosted the Finn’s total to 20 and pulled him even with Martin Tomczyk for 5th in the championship. Paul di Resta bounced back from his recent woes to finish third, followed by Bruno Spengler and Daniel La Rosa, all in Mercedes machinery. Those points for Spengler show him in third place in the championship with di Resta tied on 22 points and within 10 of the leader.
Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline picked up some breathing room thanks to Ekström and the plight of Scneider, extending their Team Title lead to 4.5 points. Click here for the full 2007 points standings.
Who will taste Dutch victory? Look for Schneider and Spengler to be strong (2nd and 4th last year) as well as the 3 former winners. Maybe even a first time winner, like say Jamie Green or Mike Rockenfeller. Keep up with all the action at www.dtm.de.
The championship got quite a shake-up in the last round at Mugello. Ekström retook the points lead thanks to a strong 2nd place showing coupled with a disappointing run for Bernd Schneider. The reigning champion had an early incident was only able to finish 11th. That snapped a streak of 17 straight finishes in the points for Schneider, whose deficit is now 6.5 points.
Still, there was a lot of success for Mercedes as Mika Häkkinen used a brilliant pit strategy to pick up his 2nd win of the year. First place points boosted the Finn’s total to 20 and pulled him even with Martin Tomczyk for 5th in the championship. Paul di Resta bounced back from his recent woes to finish third, followed by Bruno Spengler and Daniel La Rosa, all in Mercedes machinery. Those points for Spengler show him in third place in the championship with di Resta tied on 22 points and within 10 of the leader.
Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline picked up some breathing room thanks to Ekström and the plight of Scneider, extending their Team Title lead to 4.5 points. Click here for the full 2007 points standings.
Who will taste Dutch victory? Look for Schneider and Spengler to be strong (2nd and 4th last year) as well as the 3 former winners. Maybe even a first time winner, like say Jamie Green or Mike Rockenfeller. Keep up with all the action at www.dtm.de.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
SWC Mid-Ohio Preview
An American road racing classic, the Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course, is the site of Round 7 of the Speed World Challenge GT. This will be the 6th time the series visits Mid-Ohio (click here for a list of SWC GT winners at Mid-Ohio).
28 cars are on the entry list which is headed by the hottest driver in the series, Randy Pobst. The 2003 series champion has been on the podium three straight races, including wins in the last two races, Watkins Glen & Toronto. That surge has moved Pobst into the championship lead, by 9 points over Andy Pilgrim. Joining Pobst in the K-PAX Porsche team is Michael Galati (4th overall) and Robb Holland. Galati is the only two time winner at Mid-Ohio under the Speed banner.
Leading the manufacturer's championship is Cadillac. The team holds an advantage of 6 points over Porsche. Their drivers, Pilgrim and Lawson Aschenbach are 2nd and 3rd overall in the championship and looking to close ground on the leader.
Chevrolet lies third in the makes race and looks to make up for a zero at Toronto. The only other former winner in the field is Lou Gigliotti. He took his #28 Chevrolet to victory lane last year and currently lies 6th in the championship. His team mate Doug Peterson is in 9th place. This pair is joined by two cars for Marsh Racing, Eric Curran (7th overall) and Sonny Whelen, and the duo from Blackdog Racing, Brian Kubinski and Tony Gaples.
12 Dodge Vipers are on the entry list, headlined by Tommy Archer (5th overall in the championship), Rob Foster (8th overall) & Jeff Courtney (10th overall). James Ducote is making his series debut in the #02. In addition Stu Hayner returns to the series is his #21 Pontiac GTO, teamed with Jason Daskalos.
Click here for complete points standings through 6 rounds. Check out the action from Mid-Ohio at www.world-challenge.com.
28 cars are on the entry list which is headed by the hottest driver in the series, Randy Pobst. The 2003 series champion has been on the podium three straight races, including wins in the last two races, Watkins Glen & Toronto. That surge has moved Pobst into the championship lead, by 9 points over Andy Pilgrim. Joining Pobst in the K-PAX Porsche team is Michael Galati (4th overall) and Robb Holland. Galati is the only two time winner at Mid-Ohio under the Speed banner.
Leading the manufacturer's championship is Cadillac. The team holds an advantage of 6 points over Porsche. Their drivers, Pilgrim and Lawson Aschenbach are 2nd and 3rd overall in the championship and looking to close ground on the leader.
Chevrolet lies third in the makes race and looks to make up for a zero at Toronto. The only other former winner in the field is Lou Gigliotti. He took his #28 Chevrolet to victory lane last year and currently lies 6th in the championship. His team mate Doug Peterson is in 9th place. This pair is joined by two cars for Marsh Racing, Eric Curran (7th overall) and Sonny Whelen, and the duo from Blackdog Racing, Brian Kubinski and Tony Gaples.
12 Dodge Vipers are on the entry list, headlined by Tommy Archer (5th overall in the championship), Rob Foster (8th overall) & Jeff Courtney (10th overall). James Ducote is making his series debut in the #02. In addition Stu Hayner returns to the series is his #21 Pontiac GTO, teamed with Jason Daskalos.
Click here for complete points standings through 6 rounds. Check out the action from Mid-Ohio at www.world-challenge.com.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
DTM Mugello Preview
The German Touring Car Series kicks off its second half this weekend in Italy. The site will be the Circuito de Mugello which winds through Tuscany, and marks the return of the DTM to Italy for the first time since 2004. That year, the series visited Adria Raceway and the winner was current championship contender Mattias Ekström.
Speaking of Ekström he is coming off a 3rd place finish at the Norisring and currently lies just 1.5 points behind championship leader Bernd Schneider. His Audi team mate Martin Tomczyk is third. The points tally of the duo has given Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline a 1.5 point advantage in the Teams Championship.
Their rivals, for both the drivers title and teams title is the Original Teile/DC Bank Mercedes squad of Schneider and Bruno Spengler. At the Norisring, it was a 1-2 finish for the team, with Spengler winning his first race of the year. Those points moved him up to 4th in the championship, but more importantly his team mate took over the lead in the drivers chase. Schneider is looking to pick up his 5th title in the "New" DTM.
Other drivers to watch include 2005 champion Gary Paffett, Mercedes driver Jamie Green and Audi driver Tom Kristensen. The Dane is coming off a 5th place finish at the Norisring, his first race since a big crash in the season opener at Hockenheim. Paul di Resta is looking to get back on track after scoring no points the last two races. Still he sits in 6th overall.
There have been 5 winners in five races so far, and 6 drivers within 10 points of the championship leader. Although Mugello is still a relative unknown, we do know that the title chase could receive a serious shakeup in Italy this weekend. Don't forget to check out all the action at www.dtm.de.
Speaking of Ekström he is coming off a 3rd place finish at the Norisring and currently lies just 1.5 points behind championship leader Bernd Schneider. His Audi team mate Martin Tomczyk is third. The points tally of the duo has given Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline a 1.5 point advantage in the Teams Championship.
Their rivals, for both the drivers title and teams title is the Original Teile/DC Bank Mercedes squad of Schneider and Bruno Spengler. At the Norisring, it was a 1-2 finish for the team, with Spengler winning his first race of the year. Those points moved him up to 4th in the championship, but more importantly his team mate took over the lead in the drivers chase. Schneider is looking to pick up his 5th title in the "New" DTM.
Other drivers to watch include 2005 champion Gary Paffett, Mercedes driver Jamie Green and Audi driver Tom Kristensen. The Dane is coming off a 5th place finish at the Norisring, his first race since a big crash in the season opener at Hockenheim. Paul di Resta is looking to get back on track after scoring no points the last two races. Still he sits in 6th overall.
There have been 5 winners in five races so far, and 6 drivers within 10 points of the championship leader. Although Mugello is still a relative unknown, we do know that the title chase could receive a serious shakeup in Italy this weekend. Don't forget to check out all the action at www.dtm.de.
IRC Rally of Russia Preview
Round four of the 2007 Intercontinental Rally Challenge stops in Russia and is the first international rally competition in the country since 1914. The series returns to gravel and the roads are very similar to Finland, tree lined with rolling hills and jumps. Racing takes place July 13th and 14th.
After Ypres' large turnout of Super 2000 cars, there are just 5 in Russia. Drivers' championhip leader, Andrea Navarra has the #1 plate in his Abarth Grande Punto. His team mate Anton Alén is coming off a strong showing in Turkey where he lead the rally after Leg 1 before problems dropped him to 4th overall. The young Finn hopes the conditions, similar to his home country, will favor his driving style.
Peugeot has 3 cars from two teams heading to Russia. Peugeot Sport España has helped put the French marque into the manufacturer's championship lead. However it is by a solitary point, so good results are needed to maintain their advantage. Their drivers are also tracking the drivers championship. Enrique García Ojeda, coming off a second place finish in Belgium, lies 2nd in the chase, 10 points behind Navarra. Nicolas Vouilloz won in Turkey, but retired in Belgium, and sits in 3rd with 10 points. The other Peugeot is driven by Jimmy Joge of Peugeot Team Sweden. Joge debuted the 207 Super 2000 earlier this year on his native Swedish round of the WRC.
Third in the makes chase is Mitsubishi, within 9 points of Peugeot. Renato Travaglia, Marco Caviogli and several experienced local drivers bring their Lancers to the event. Due to the lack of experience on these roads by the international drivers, we could see one of these locals take victory. There are also several Russians in the field driving Subaru Imprezas, most notably Alexander Jeludov & Evgeniy Vertunov. Another WRC experienced driver, Alexandr Nikonenko will be in a Vaz.
Don't forget the Hondas of Daniel Solá & Luca Betti or former ERC champion, Simon Jean-Joseph in his Citroën C2 R2. The provisional entry list has 86 crews. For results and point standings check my Rally of Russia results page after the completion of the rally.
Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Rally of Russia website for all the action this weekend.
After Ypres' large turnout of Super 2000 cars, there are just 5 in Russia. Drivers' championhip leader, Andrea Navarra has the #1 plate in his Abarth Grande Punto. His team mate Anton Alén is coming off a strong showing in Turkey where he lead the rally after Leg 1 before problems dropped him to 4th overall. The young Finn hopes the conditions, similar to his home country, will favor his driving style.
Peugeot has 3 cars from two teams heading to Russia. Peugeot Sport España has helped put the French marque into the manufacturer's championship lead. However it is by a solitary point, so good results are needed to maintain their advantage. Their drivers are also tracking the drivers championship. Enrique García Ojeda, coming off a second place finish in Belgium, lies 2nd in the chase, 10 points behind Navarra. Nicolas Vouilloz won in Turkey, but retired in Belgium, and sits in 3rd with 10 points. The other Peugeot is driven by Jimmy Joge of Peugeot Team Sweden. Joge debuted the 207 Super 2000 earlier this year on his native Swedish round of the WRC.
Third in the makes chase is Mitsubishi, within 9 points of Peugeot. Renato Travaglia, Marco Caviogli and several experienced local drivers bring their Lancers to the event. Due to the lack of experience on these roads by the international drivers, we could see one of these locals take victory. There are also several Russians in the field driving Subaru Imprezas, most notably Alexander Jeludov & Evgeniy Vertunov. Another WRC experienced driver, Alexandr Nikonenko will be in a Vaz.
Don't forget the Hondas of Daniel Solá & Luca Betti or former ERC champion, Simon Jean-Joseph in his Citroën C2 R2. The provisional entry list has 86 crews. For results and point standings check my Rally of Russia results page after the completion of the rally.
Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Rally of Russia website for all the action this weekend.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
SWC Toronto Preview
Speed World Challenge GT series starts the second half of the season this weekend in Toronto. It is the first time the series visits the Toronto Street Course and a field of 22 entrants will battle for victory in Round 6 of the 2007 season.
Cadillac is riding high, leading Chevrolet for the Manufacturer's Championship and Andy Pilgrim leading the drivers' chase. Pilgrim came back from a penalty for jumping the start last time out to finish 4th at Watkins Glen. Teammate and defending series champion Lawson Aschenbach is 3rd in the points and guest driver for the team this weekend will be Canadian hero, Ron Fellows.
Porsche is coming off a victory in the last race, thanks to Randy Pobst. The win vaulted Pobst to second, just 5 points behind Pilgrim. Randy's K-Pax team mate Michael Galati moved up to fourth in the championship chase. He turned the fastest lap in practice on Friday. The duo will be joined by Robb Holland.
Chevrolet is looking to make up their deficit in the manufacturer's championship this weekend. Leading the charge will be Lou Gigliotti, coming off a podium at Watkins Glen to move to 6th overall and the Whelen cars of Eric Curran and Sonny Whelen. Curran was leading at the Glen until mechanical failures gave him his 3rd straight DNF. Whelen is headed in the opposite direction thanks to back to back Top 10 finishes.
In addition there are several Dodge Vipers, notably Tommy Archer (5th overall in the championship), Jeff Courtney (10th overall), Michael McCann and the Team Naykid cars of Cindi Lux and Scotty B. White. Nick Majors will make his SWC debut in the Woodhouse Performance #13 Dodge.
Click here for complete points standings through 5 rounds. Check out the action from Watkins Glen at www.world-challenge.com.
Speed World Challenge GT series starts the second half of the season this weekend in Toronto. It is the first time the series visits the Toronto Street Course and a field of 22 entrants will battle for victory in Round 6 of the 2007 season.
Cadillac is riding high, leading Chevrolet for the Manufacturer's Championship and Andy Pilgrim leading the drivers' chase. Pilgrim came back from a penalty for jumping the start last time out to finish 4th at Watkins Glen. Teammate and defending series champion Lawson Aschenbach is 3rd in the points and guest driver for the team this weekend will be Canadian hero, Ron Fellows.
Porsche is coming off a victory in the last race, thanks to Randy Pobst. The win vaulted Pobst to second, just 5 points behind Pilgrim. Randy's K-Pax team mate Michael Galati moved up to fourth in the championship chase. He turned the fastest lap in practice on Friday. The duo will be joined by Robb Holland.
Chevrolet is looking to make up their deficit in the manufacturer's championship this weekend. Leading the charge will be Lou Gigliotti, coming off a podium at Watkins Glen to move to 6th overall and the Whelen cars of Eric Curran and Sonny Whelen. Curran was leading at the Glen until mechanical failures gave him his 3rd straight DNF. Whelen is headed in the opposite direction thanks to back to back Top 10 finishes.
In addition there are several Dodge Vipers, notably Tommy Archer (5th overall in the championship), Jeff Courtney (10th overall), Michael McCann and the Team Naykid cars of Cindi Lux and Scotty B. White. Nick Majors will make his SWC debut in the Woodhouse Performance #13 Dodge.
Click here for complete points standings through 5 rounds. Check out the action from Watkins Glen at www.world-challenge.com.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
DTM Norisring Preview
The DTM visits one of its long time venues, the Norisring, for Round 5 of the 2007 DTM season. In the eight previous races, there have been 7 different winners. The only repeated conquest was by Gary Paffett in 2004 & 2005. 3 former winners will be on the grid, Paffett, Bernd Schneider, and Bruno Spengler.
Schneider is coming off his first win of the year at Brands Hatch and has moved to third with 17.5 points. DTM leader Martin Tomczyk was second last round and holds a slim 2 point advantage over his Audi team mate Mattias Ekström. The pair is looking to give Audi their first win at the Norisring since 2002.
Paul di Resta tumbled from the championship lead down to fourth after going off course and not finishing at Brands Hatch. Defending race winner Bruno Spengler would like to jump start his campaign with a podium, or maybe even a win. Click here for complete points standings through 4 rounds.
The series will welcome back Tom Kristensen after a 3 race absence due to a violent crash at Hockenheim. Kristensen will be back in the #7 Audi A4 07
For a list of winners at the Norisring, click here. Don't forget to check out all the action at www.dtm.de.
Schneider is coming off his first win of the year at Brands Hatch and has moved to third with 17.5 points. DTM leader Martin Tomczyk was second last round and holds a slim 2 point advantage over his Audi team mate Mattias Ekström. The pair is looking to give Audi their first win at the Norisring since 2002.
Paul di Resta tumbled from the championship lead down to fourth after going off course and not finishing at Brands Hatch. Defending race winner Bruno Spengler would like to jump start his campaign with a podium, or maybe even a win. Click here for complete points standings through 4 rounds.
The series will welcome back Tom Kristensen after a 3 race absence due to a violent crash at Hockenheim. Kristensen will be back in the #7 Audi A4 07
For a list of winners at the Norisring, click here. Don't forget to check out all the action at www.dtm.de.
IRC Ypres Westhoek Rally Preview
The IRC Travels to Belgium for Ypres Rally for round 3 of the 2007 season. The rally takes place June 22nd & 23rd and will be the first venture onto tarmac for the IRC competitors. The drivers will have to shake off over a month of rust and be on their toes in the potential tricky conditions.
A large contigent of Super 2000 cars will be in action. The Abarth Grande Puntos of Andrea Navarra (points leader), Volkan Isik, Corrado Fontana, Michael Solowow, Pieter Tsjoen and Umberto Scandola look to keep the marque ahead of Mitsubishi in the manufacturer's standings. Other S2000 teamms include Volkswagen (Freddy Loix and Tomasz Czopik in the Polo S2000's IRC debut) and Peugeot with six 207's for Nicolas Vouilloz, Enrique Garcia Ojeda, Bernd Casier and others.
Others among the entry list of 107 include the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX's of Renato Travaglia, Larry Cols and Dimitar Iliev. Other notables include Simon Jean-Joseph in a Citroen C2, Dani Sola in a Honda Civic, Urmo Aava in a Suzuki Swift and Kris Princen in a Renault Clio R3.
In the points chase Navarra leads Vouilloz (winner in Turkey) by 8 points and Ojeda by 12. With over 20 IRC entrants in this year's event, points will be much more difficult to come by.
This is the second inclusion in the IRC for Belgium Ypres. Check out the 2006 results or Rally Stats on my webpage.
Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Ypres website for all the action this weekend.
A large contigent of Super 2000 cars will be in action. The Abarth Grande Puntos of Andrea Navarra (points leader), Volkan Isik, Corrado Fontana, Michael Solowow, Pieter Tsjoen and Umberto Scandola look to keep the marque ahead of Mitsubishi in the manufacturer's standings. Other S2000 teamms include Volkswagen (Freddy Loix and Tomasz Czopik in the Polo S2000's IRC debut) and Peugeot with six 207's for Nicolas Vouilloz, Enrique Garcia Ojeda, Bernd Casier and others.
Others among the entry list of 107 include the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX's of Renato Travaglia, Larry Cols and Dimitar Iliev. Other notables include Simon Jean-Joseph in a Citroen C2, Dani Sola in a Honda Civic, Urmo Aava in a Suzuki Swift and Kris Princen in a Renault Clio R3.
In the points chase Navarra leads Vouilloz (winner in Turkey) by 8 points and Ojeda by 12. With over 20 IRC entrants in this year's event, points will be much more difficult to come by.
This is the second inclusion in the IRC for Belgium Ypres. Check out the 2006 results or Rally Stats on my webpage.
Stay tuned to the Official IRC website or Ypres website for all the action this weekend.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
DTM & SWC in action this weekend
Both series are in action this weekend, with DTM round 4 and Race 5 of the season for the Speed World Challenge GT Series.
DTM
Last round, at EuroSpeedway went to Mercedes as they swept the top four positions, and 7 of the 8 points scoring spots. Audi looks to rebound in England with the second DTM race at Brands Hatch. Last season Audi's Mattias Ekström was victorious and is looking to repeat that feat and jump back into the championship lead.
So far, after three races, we have seen eight different drivers claim the nine available podium positions. The only driver with multiple podiums is DTM newbie, Paul di Resta. Thanks to back-to-back runner up finishes, the Brit leads the DTM with 20 points. Ekström, Gary Paffett and Martin Tomczyk all have 12 points, and EuroSpeedway winner Mika Häkkinen and defending DTM champ Bernd Schneider have 10 points. Click here for complete points standings through 3 rounds.
Injury Update: Markus Winkelhock will continue to drive #7 Audi A4 DTM 07 in place of injured Tom Kristensen. Last round, Winkelhock was unable to finish the race in his debut with the team.
For a list of winners at Brands Hatch, click here. Don't forget to check out all the action at www.dtm.de.
SWC
After 2 races in less than a week, the Speed World Challenge GT teams have been able to regroup as the series heads to the halfway mark, Round 5 at Watkins Glen. It will be the first trip by the series to the famous road course.
Two old faces will pop up this weekend, with Chip Herr making a return to the series, driving the #90 entry for Tiger Racing and Jeff Altenberg making his first start since 2002. Altenberg will drive the #13 Woodhouse Auto Family Dodge Viper. He has to work hard to keep up the good momentum of the team, which has scored 3 top tens with 3 different drivers, including Kasey Kahne's 6th place finish at Charlotte.
Andy Pilgrim, fresh of victory at Lowe's Motor Speedway, has surged to the championship lead, with his team mate Lawson Aschenbach 12 points behind in 2nd overall. Their 1-2 finish in round 4 boosted Cadillac in to the lead of the manufacturer's title chase, by one point over Chevrolet.
The K-Pax Porsches of Randy Pobst and Michael Galati are 3rd and 5th in the championship respectively and both are hungry to return to victory circle. Miller Motorsports Park winner Tommy Archer is sandwiched between them in fourth place coming into round 5.
Eric Curran, 2 time winner this year and the early points leader, looks to bounce back from back-to-back DNF's. Those setbacks saw his lead of 22 points over Pilgrim turn into a 28 point defecit and he tumbled to sixth in the standings. His team mate Sonny Whelen looks to build on his 8th place finsish at Lowe's.
Click here for complete points standings through 4 rounds. Check out the action from Watkins Glen at www.world-challenge.com.
DTM
Last round, at EuroSpeedway went to Mercedes as they swept the top four positions, and 7 of the 8 points scoring spots. Audi looks to rebound in England with the second DTM race at Brands Hatch. Last season Audi's Mattias Ekström was victorious and is looking to repeat that feat and jump back into the championship lead.
So far, after three races, we have seen eight different drivers claim the nine available podium positions. The only driver with multiple podiums is DTM newbie, Paul di Resta. Thanks to back-to-back runner up finishes, the Brit leads the DTM with 20 points. Ekström, Gary Paffett and Martin Tomczyk all have 12 points, and EuroSpeedway winner Mika Häkkinen and defending DTM champ Bernd Schneider have 10 points. Click here for complete points standings through 3 rounds.
Injury Update: Markus Winkelhock will continue to drive #7 Audi A4 DTM 07 in place of injured Tom Kristensen. Last round, Winkelhock was unable to finish the race in his debut with the team.
For a list of winners at Brands Hatch, click here. Don't forget to check out all the action at www.dtm.de.
SWC
After 2 races in less than a week, the Speed World Challenge GT teams have been able to regroup as the series heads to the halfway mark, Round 5 at Watkins Glen. It will be the first trip by the series to the famous road course.
Two old faces will pop up this weekend, with Chip Herr making a return to the series, driving the #90 entry for Tiger Racing and Jeff Altenberg making his first start since 2002. Altenberg will drive the #13 Woodhouse Auto Family Dodge Viper. He has to work hard to keep up the good momentum of the team, which has scored 3 top tens with 3 different drivers, including Kasey Kahne's 6th place finish at Charlotte.
Andy Pilgrim, fresh of victory at Lowe's Motor Speedway, has surged to the championship lead, with his team mate Lawson Aschenbach 12 points behind in 2nd overall. Their 1-2 finish in round 4 boosted Cadillac in to the lead of the manufacturer's title chase, by one point over Chevrolet.
The K-Pax Porsches of Randy Pobst and Michael Galati are 3rd and 5th in the championship respectively and both are hungry to return to victory circle. Miller Motorsports Park winner Tommy Archer is sandwiched between them in fourth place coming into round 5.
Eric Curran, 2 time winner this year and the early points leader, looks to bounce back from back-to-back DNF's. Those setbacks saw his lead of 22 points over Pilgrim turn into a 28 point defecit and he tumbled to sixth in the standings. His team mate Sonny Whelen looks to build on his 8th place finsish at Lowe's.
Click here for complete points standings through 4 rounds. Check out the action from Watkins Glen at www.world-challenge.com.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
BP Ultimate Acropolis Rally of Greece Preview
The first half of the season wraps up in Greece. Round 8 of the WRC is the BP Ultimate Acropolis Rally and Marcus Grönholm, the defending rally winner, will try to repeat in his BP sponsored Ford.
Greece has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 27 times, dating back to 1979. The rally was rotated to 2-Litre Championship in 1995. The Greek WRC round has had three names:
Acropolis Rally (1979-1993, 2000-2004)
Acropolis Rally of Greece (1994, 1996-1999, 2005)
BP Ultimate Acropolis Rally (2006)
Debut WRC wins in Greece:
Walter Röhrl (GER) - 1975 in Opel Ascona pre drivers championship
Harry Källström (SWE) - 1976 in Datsun 160J pre drivers championship
Ari Vatanen (FIN) - 1980 in Ford Escort RS1800
Carlos Sainz (ESP) - 1990 in Toyota Celica GT-Four
Markko Märtin (EST) - 2003 in Ford Focus RS WRC 03
Notable WRC debuts in Greece
Alexandros Maniatopoulos (GRE) - 1975 finished 5th in Audi 80 GT
Ioánnis Papadimitríou (GRE) - 1996 (retired) in Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Bruno Thiry (BEL) - 1989 finished 13th in Audi 90 Quattro
Aris Vovos (GRE) - 1993 (retired) in Lancia Delta HF Integrale
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Did You Know?
Ford leads all manufacturers with 10 wins in the 27 events since 1979 and Finland's 7 wins is also tops in that span. This bodes well for defending rally winner Marcus Grönholm, from Finland and driving for Ford.
Greece has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 27 times, dating back to 1979. The rally was rotated to 2-Litre Championship in 1995. The Greek WRC round has had three names:
Acropolis Rally (1979-1993, 2000-2004)
Acropolis Rally of Greece (1994, 1996-1999, 2005)
BP Ultimate Acropolis Rally (2006)
Debut WRC wins in Greece:
Walter Röhrl (GER) - 1975 in Opel Ascona pre drivers championship
Harry Källström (SWE) - 1976 in Datsun 160J pre drivers championship
Ari Vatanen (FIN) - 1980 in Ford Escort RS1800
Carlos Sainz (ESP) - 1990 in Toyota Celica GT-Four
Markko Märtin (EST) - 2003 in Ford Focus RS WRC 03
Notable WRC debuts in Greece
Alexandros Maniatopoulos (GRE) - 1975 finished 5th in Audi 80 GT
Ioánnis Papadimitríou (GRE) - 1996 (retired) in Ford Escort RS Cosworth
Bruno Thiry (BEL) - 1989 finished 13th in Audi 90 Quattro
Aris Vovos (GRE) - 1993 (retired) in Lancia Delta HF Integrale
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
Did You Know?
Ford leads all manufacturers with 10 wins in the 27 events since 1979 and Finland's 7 wins is also tops in that span. This bodes well for defending rally winner Marcus Grönholm, from Finland and driving for Ford.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
WRC Sardinia Historical Rally Stats
This weekend is the 4th inclusion of Sardinia in the World Rally Championship Calendar. In 2004 it replaced San Remo as the Italian round of the WRC. It has been know by three slightly different names:
Rally Italia – Sardinia (2004)
Supermag Rally Italia – Sardinia (2005)
Rally d’Italia Sardegna (2006 & 2007)
Petter Solberg won the inaugural event in 2004 (one of his career high 5 rally wins that season) and Sébastien Loeb has won the next two rallies in Sardinia.
Numbers Game
If Loeb can pull off victory on the gravel of Sardinia this weekend, it will be his 3rd consecutive win on this event. It would be his 33rd career win and give him his second straight trifecta (he won his third straight Rally Argentina earlier this month).
A notable career began in Sardinia. Alessandro Bettega (son of Attilio) debuted on the 2005 Supermag Rally Italia. He retired in his Subaru Impreza WRX STI. In the following year he drove a Ford Fiesta ST en route to the Fiesta Sporting Trophy championship, winning entry to this year’s Junior Rally Championship.
For a complete list of winners click here. Don’t forget to check Sardinia’s Historical Rally Stats.
For history buffs, you can also check out the previous Italian round, Rally Sanremo by clicking here.
Rally Italia – Sardinia (2004)
Supermag Rally Italia – Sardinia (2005)
Rally d’Italia Sardegna (2006 & 2007)
Petter Solberg won the inaugural event in 2004 (one of his career high 5 rally wins that season) and Sébastien Loeb has won the next two rallies in Sardinia.
Numbers Game
If Loeb can pull off victory on the gravel of Sardinia this weekend, it will be his 3rd consecutive win on this event. It would be his 33rd career win and give him his second straight trifecta (he won his third straight Rally Argentina earlier this month).
A notable career began in Sardinia. Alessandro Bettega (son of Attilio) debuted on the 2005 Supermag Rally Italia. He retired in his Subaru Impreza WRX STI. In the following year he drove a Ford Fiesta ST en route to the Fiesta Sporting Trophy championship, winning entry to this year’s Junior Rally Championship.
For a complete list of winners click here. Don’t forget to check Sardinia’s Historical Rally Stats.
For history buffs, you can also check out the previous Italian round, Rally Sanremo by clicking here.
Preview of DTM & Speed World Challenge
Both series are in action this weekend, each with their respective 3rd races of 2007. The DTM will be at EuroSpeedway in Lausitz and SWC will race at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah.
DTM
So far, after two races, we have seen six different drivers claim the six available podium positions. Also a tribute to parity was the victory by Gary Paffett last race in Oschersleben which he won driving a 2006 spec Mercedes.
In the points chase, Mattias Ekström, Paul di Resta and Martin Tomczyk all sit with 12 points atop the leader board. Paffett is just 1 point behind that trio in 4th.
Injury Update: Following a hard crash at Hockenheim, Tom Kristensen and Alexandre Prémat were unable to compete at Oschersleben. This weekend Prémat has been cleared to drive and will return to the #17 Audi Sport Team Phoenix Audi A4 DTM 06. Kristensen is still not fully healed and Audi Sport Team Abt has signed Markus Winkelhock sub in the #7 Audi A4 DTM 07.
For a list of winners at EuroSpeedway Lausitz, click here. Don't forget to check out all the action at www.dtm.de.
SWC
The 2007 Season turns to Miller Motorsports Park for round 3. All eyes will be on championship leader Eric Curran to see if he can go 3 for 3 in 2007. Curran has a 22 point advantage over Andy Pilgrim in the points standings. 2006 series champion Lawson Aschenbach looks to bounce back from his first finish outside the top ten and make up ground in the championship chase.
In the manufacturer's standings, Chevrolet leads thanks to Curran's success. Cadillac is lurking in second, just 5 behind. Then there is a sizable gap to Porsche and Dodge in 3rd and 4th.
Last year's race was won by Lou Gigliotti in a Chevy Corvette. It was the first inclusion in the series for the new facility. Gigliotti will try to defend his victory in the #28 LG Motorsports Corvette.
Joining The K-Pax team will be Rob Holland. He will drive the #24 and team with Michael Galati (#23) and Randy Pobst (#22) in Porsche 911 GT-3's.
For all the action check www.world-challenge.com and click here for Miller Motorsports Park information and results.
DTM
So far, after two races, we have seen six different drivers claim the six available podium positions. Also a tribute to parity was the victory by Gary Paffett last race in Oschersleben which he won driving a 2006 spec Mercedes.
In the points chase, Mattias Ekström, Paul di Resta and Martin Tomczyk all sit with 12 points atop the leader board. Paffett is just 1 point behind that trio in 4th.
Injury Update: Following a hard crash at Hockenheim, Tom Kristensen and Alexandre Prémat were unable to compete at Oschersleben. This weekend Prémat has been cleared to drive and will return to the #17 Audi Sport Team Phoenix Audi A4 DTM 06. Kristensen is still not fully healed and Audi Sport Team Abt has signed Markus Winkelhock sub in the #7 Audi A4 DTM 07.
For a list of winners at EuroSpeedway Lausitz, click here. Don't forget to check out all the action at www.dtm.de.
SWC
The 2007 Season turns to Miller Motorsports Park for round 3. All eyes will be on championship leader Eric Curran to see if he can go 3 for 3 in 2007. Curran has a 22 point advantage over Andy Pilgrim in the points standings. 2006 series champion Lawson Aschenbach looks to bounce back from his first finish outside the top ten and make up ground in the championship chase.
In the manufacturer's standings, Chevrolet leads thanks to Curran's success. Cadillac is lurking in second, just 5 behind. Then there is a sizable gap to Porsche and Dodge in 3rd and 4th.
Last year's race was won by Lou Gigliotti in a Chevy Corvette. It was the first inclusion in the series for the new facility. Gigliotti will try to defend his victory in the #28 LG Motorsports Corvette.
Joining The K-Pax team will be Rob Holland. He will drive the #24 and team with Michael Galati (#23) and Randy Pobst (#22) in Porsche 911 GT-3's.
For all the action check www.world-challenge.com and click here for Miller Motorsports Park information and results.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
WRC Rally Argentina Historical Stats
After a month off, the WRC is back in action. This weekend it makes the only trip to South America on the championship calendar. Rally Argentina achieves some of the highest altitudes in the series and has had several dramatic finishes.
Argentina has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 25 times, dating back to 1980. No event was held in 1982 due to the Falklands War. The rally was rotated to 2-Litre Championship in 1995. Rally Argentina has had three names:
Rally Codasur (1980-1981)
Marlboro Rally Argentina (1983-1988)
Rally Argentina (1989 to present)
Debut WRC wins in Portugal:
Guy Fréquelin (FRA) - 1981 in Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
Massimo Biasion (ITA) - 1986 in Lancia Delta S4
Jorgé Recalde (ARG) - 1988 in Lancia Delta Integrale
Mikael Ericsson (SWE) - 1989 in Lancia Delta Integrale
Notable WRC debuts in Portugal
Marcos Ligato (ARG) - 1998 (finished 14th) in Subaru Impreza WRX
Luís Pérez Companc (ARG) - 2001 (finished 13th) in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI
Gabriel Pozzo (ARG) - 1998 (retired) in Subaru Impreza WRX
Juan Pablo Raies (ARG) - 1992 (retired) in Renault 18 GTX
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
History in the Making
With a win, Sébastien Loeb can tie Tommi Mäkinen's Argentine record with 3 consecutive victories.
Did You Know?
Of the 16 drivers to win in Argentina, all but three of them have also won world championships. The last winner who has not achieved a WRC crown was in 1989, the late Mikael Ericsson. This bodes well for Loeb, Grönholm and Solberg, but we could see a FUTURE WRC champ, like Hirvonen or Sordo as well........
Argentina has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 25 times, dating back to 1980. No event was held in 1982 due to the Falklands War. The rally was rotated to 2-Litre Championship in 1995. Rally Argentina has had three names:
Rally Codasur (1980-1981)
Marlboro Rally Argentina (1983-1988)
Rally Argentina (1989 to present)
Debut WRC wins in Portugal:
Guy Fréquelin (FRA) - 1981 in Talbot Sunbeam Lotus
Massimo Biasion (ITA) - 1986 in Lancia Delta S4
Jorgé Recalde (ARG) - 1988 in Lancia Delta Integrale
Mikael Ericsson (SWE) - 1989 in Lancia Delta Integrale
Notable WRC debuts in Portugal
Marcos Ligato (ARG) - 1998 (finished 14th) in Subaru Impreza WRX
Luís Pérez Companc (ARG) - 2001 (finished 13th) in Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VI
Gabriel Pozzo (ARG) - 1998 (retired) in Subaru Impreza WRX
Juan Pablo Raies (ARG) - 1992 (retired) in Renault 18 GTX
For complete list of Winners and Historical Stats click here.
History in the Making
With a win, Sébastien Loeb can tie Tommi Mäkinen's Argentine record with 3 consecutive victories.
Did You Know?
Of the 16 drivers to win in Argentina, all but three of them have also won world championships. The last winner who has not achieved a WRC crown was in 1989, the late Mikael Ericsson. This bodes well for Loeb, Grönholm and Solberg, but we could see a FUTURE WRC champ, like Hirvonen or Sordo as well........
Thursday, April 19, 2007
2007 DTM Preview
This weekend will be the season opening race for the 2007 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters Series, which is the premiere racing series in Germany.
As with last season, there are 20 entrants for the 2007 season. The top two drivers from 2006, 4-time series champion Bernd Schneider and young Canadian Bruno Spengler, are back and this year they are teammates. They will be driving for Mercedes, along with the young Briton Jamie Green and experienced Formula 1 star Mika Häkkinen. The Audi squad will be lead by 2004 champion Mattias Ekström, Martin Tomczyk, Tom Kristensen, and Timo Scheider.
We will also see the return of 2005 champ Gary Paffett in a 2006 Mercedes and the debut of experienced road racers Lucas Luhr and Mike Rockenfeller with Audi Team Rosberg. For the complete 2007 entry list, click here.
The 2007 DTM calendar is similar to last year. Once again Hockenheim will bookend the series, hosting the opening and final races of the year. Mugello is in for the first time, replacing the Le Mans Bugatti Circuit. Oschersleben and Lausitz flip-flopped as rounds 2 and 3. The Nurburgring date moved back to September, while Zandvoort will now be in the end of July.
Check in the to DTM section of Lazio Racing Stats, for results, Points, Stats and more. You can catch all the live race scoring at www.dtm.de
As with last season, there are 20 entrants for the 2007 season. The top two drivers from 2006, 4-time series champion Bernd Schneider and young Canadian Bruno Spengler, are back and this year they are teammates. They will be driving for Mercedes, along with the young Briton Jamie Green and experienced Formula 1 star Mika Häkkinen. The Audi squad will be lead by 2004 champion Mattias Ekström, Martin Tomczyk, Tom Kristensen, and Timo Scheider.
We will also see the return of 2005 champ Gary Paffett in a 2006 Mercedes and the debut of experienced road racers Lucas Luhr and Mike Rockenfeller with Audi Team Rosberg. For the complete 2007 entry list, click here.
The 2007 DTM calendar is similar to last year. Once again Hockenheim will bookend the series, hosting the opening and final races of the year. Mugello is in for the first time, replacing the Le Mans Bugatti Circuit. Oschersleben and Lausitz flip-flopped as rounds 2 and 3. The Nurburgring date moved back to September, while Zandvoort will now be in the end of July.
Check in the to DTM section of Lazio Racing Stats, for results, Points, Stats and more. You can catch all the live race scoring at www.dtm.de
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Preview of Speed WC GT Long Beach
This weekend is the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach and the Speed World Challenge GT race will be on Sunday (4/15). It will be the second round of the championship for 2007. There are 32 entries for this race, including all the top teams. Sebring Winner Eric Curran will try to hold off Lawson Aschenbach in the points.
2006 race winner Ron Fellows is back with Cadillac. Looking to finish what he started in 2006 is Tommy Archer in the #5 Dodge Viper. After being fastest in practice and qualifying, an electrical problem held him back and he finished 2nd.
Season Debuts for Team Naykid with Cindi Lux (R) and Scotty B. White. Also, making his first career WC GT start is Thomas Glenn in the #55 Dodge Viper.
For Long Beach Track info and Race Results, click here.
Check out all the action at www.world-challenge.com or watch on the Speed Channel.
2006 race winner Ron Fellows is back with Cadillac. Looking to finish what he started in 2006 is Tommy Archer in the #5 Dodge Viper. After being fastest in practice and qualifying, an electrical problem held him back and he finished 2nd.
Season Debuts for Team Naykid with Cindi Lux (R) and Scotty B. White. Also, making his first career WC GT start is Thomas Glenn in the #55 Dodge Viper.
For Long Beach Track info and Race Results, click here.
Check out all the action at www.world-challenge.com or watch on the Speed Channel.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Rally Portugal Historical Stats
Portugal is back in the World Rally Championship. After being replaced in 2001, it has been a long road back as a candidate rally and now included in the 2007 championship as Round 5 of the WRC.
Portgual has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 22 times, dating back to 1979. It was rotated to 2-Litre Championship in 1996. The rally is on its fourth name. It has been known as:
Rallye of Portugal Vinho do Porto (1979-1990)
Rallye of Portugal (1991-1993)
TAP Rallye of Portugal (1994-1995, 1997-2001)
Vodafone Rallye de Portugal (2007)
Debut WRC wins in Portugal:
Markku Alén (FIN) - 1975 (pre Drivers Championship) in a Fiat Abarth 124 Rallye
Joaquim Moutinho (POR) - 1986 in a Renault 5 Turbo
François Delecour (FRA) - 1993 in a Ford Escort Cosworth
Notable WRC debuts in Portugal
François Duval (BEL) - 2001 in a Ford Puma Super 1600
Rui Madeira (POR) - 1992 in a Citroën AX GTI (retired)
Andrea Navarra (ITA) - 1995 in a Toyota Celica GT Four
Jorgé Recalde (ARG) - 1980
Carlos Sainz (ESP) - 1987 in Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
For complete list of Winners (1979-2001) and Historical Stats click here.
Portgual has been included in the WRC Drivers Championship 22 times, dating back to 1979. It was rotated to 2-Litre Championship in 1996. The rally is on its fourth name. It has been known as:
Rallye of Portugal Vinho do Porto (1979-1990)
Rallye of Portugal (1991-1993)
TAP Rallye of Portugal (1994-1995, 1997-2001)
Vodafone Rallye de Portugal (2007)
Debut WRC wins in Portugal:
Markku Alén (FIN) - 1975 (pre Drivers Championship) in a Fiat Abarth 124 Rallye
Joaquim Moutinho (POR) - 1986 in a Renault 5 Turbo
François Delecour (FRA) - 1993 in a Ford Escort Cosworth
Notable WRC debuts in Portugal
François Duval (BEL) - 2001 in a Ford Puma Super 1600
Rui Madeira (POR) - 1992 in a Citroën AX GTI (retired)
Andrea Navarra (ITA) - 1995 in a Toyota Celica GT Four
Jorgé Recalde (ARG) - 1980
Carlos Sainz (ESP) - 1987 in Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
For complete list of Winners (1979-2001) and Historical Stats click here.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
2 new items
Hi everyone!
I hope you are enjoying the 2007 racing season.
My website is been updated and now has two exciting new areas.
First, I have created the Speed World Challenge arm of my webpage. Currently the 1999, 2006 & 2007 are online. I am currently working to fill in the gap and hope to do so very soon. Keep checking for all the stats on the Speed World Challenge GT Series.
Secondly, I have also been pounding away on my "bread & butter" - WRC Rallies Historical Stats. All rallies have their own main page with a link to the historical stats. All Historical Stats pages are up and running. On the main pages, I have results back to at least 2001, some even earlier and I am also working to bring all events up to date.
Please check these out and let me know what you think.
I hope you are enjoying the 2007 racing season.
My website is been updated and now has two exciting new areas.
First, I have created the Speed World Challenge arm of my webpage. Currently the 1999, 2006 & 2007 are online. I am currently working to fill in the gap and hope to do so very soon. Keep checking for all the stats on the Speed World Challenge GT Series.
Secondly, I have also been pounding away on my "bread & butter" - WRC Rallies Historical Stats. All rallies have their own main page with a link to the historical stats. All Historical Stats pages are up and running. On the main pages, I have results back to at least 2001, some even earlier and I am also working to bring all events up to date.
Please check these out and let me know what you think.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
2007 Speed World Challenge Preview
This weekend is the opening race for the Speed World Challenge GT series. It all kicks off at historic Sebring International Raceway. Other famous North American road racing venues will grace the 2007 calendar, including Long Beach, Watkins Glen, Mosport, Road Atlanta and the season finale at Mazda Laguna Seca. The series will return to Lowe's Motorspeedway and take a second crack at the new Miller Motorsports Park. GT cars will take to the streets in Toronto as well another venue to be announced.
Cadillac is back in full force to try and reel in the manufacturer's title. Defending series champion Lawson Aschenbach has signed with the team to be the lead driver. He will be teamed with 2005 champ Andy Pilgrim in the #8 and a host of others in the third Cadi, #16.
2 of the most successfull World Challenge GT drivers, Michael Galati (2001 & 2002 champ) and 2003 GT champion Randy Pobst return as members of the K-Pax/3-R racing team. Former Winner Scotty B White returns with rookie team mate Cindi Lux for Team Naykid racing (#2 & #3).
Other notables running races in 2007: Tommy Archer (2004 champ), Mike Davis, Brian Kubinski (R), James Sofronas, Tomy Drissi, Lou Gigliotti, Michael McCann and many more. Check out all the action at www.world-challenge.com or watch race coverage on the Speed Channel.
Cadillac is back in full force to try and reel in the manufacturer's title. Defending series champion Lawson Aschenbach has signed with the team to be the lead driver. He will be teamed with 2005 champ Andy Pilgrim in the #8 and a host of others in the third Cadi, #16.
2 of the most successfull World Challenge GT drivers, Michael Galati (2001 & 2002 champ) and 2003 GT champion Randy Pobst return as members of the K-Pax/3-R racing team. Former Winner Scotty B White returns with rookie team mate Cindi Lux for Team Naykid racing (#2 & #3).
Other notables running races in 2007: Tommy Archer (2004 champ), Mike Davis, Brian Kubinski (R), James Sofronas, Tomy Drissi, Lou Gigliotti, Michael McCann and many more. Check out all the action at www.world-challenge.com or watch race coverage on the Speed Channel.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Rally Mexico Historical Stats
Mexico joined the World Rally Championship as part of the 2004 WRC expansion. It has been run three times and all three times it was dubbed Corona Rally Mexico
2007 is the first time Mexico is not round 3 of the WRC; this year is round 4.
Firsts in Mexico:
Jussi Välimäki collected his first career WRC points finish in 2004 (7th)
Gareth Mac Hale scored his first career WRC points finish in 2006 (6th)
Recent Mexican struggles for Ford:
Since Markko Märtin & François Duval gave Ford a 1-2 finish in the inaugural event, Ford has not scored a podium finish. Their best result: 6th.
Numerology:
2004 - Markko Märtin’s 3rd WRC win, 2005 - Petter Solberg’s 12th WRC win, 2006 - Sébastien Loeb’s 21st WRC win. All wins are divisible by 3.
This bodes well for Ford because Marcus Grönholm’s next win would be his 27th career, and Mikko Hirvonen’s next triumph would give him his 3rd career win.
Did You Know?
When Gareth Mac Hale had a surprise 6th place finish last year in Mexico, it was the first time an Irishman scored a WRC point since Billy Coleman in 1985 (4th in France).
For complete Rally Mexico Historical Stats, click here.
2007 is the first time Mexico is not round 3 of the WRC; this year is round 4.
Firsts in Mexico:
Jussi Välimäki collected his first career WRC points finish in 2004 (7th)
Gareth Mac Hale scored his first career WRC points finish in 2006 (6th)
Recent Mexican struggles for Ford:
Since Markko Märtin & François Duval gave Ford a 1-2 finish in the inaugural event, Ford has not scored a podium finish. Their best result: 6th.
Numerology:
2004 - Markko Märtin’s 3rd WRC win, 2005 - Petter Solberg’s 12th WRC win, 2006 - Sébastien Loeb’s 21st WRC win. All wins are divisible by 3.
This bodes well for Ford because Marcus Grönholm’s next win would be his 27th career, and Mikko Hirvonen’s next triumph would give him his 3rd career win.
Did You Know?
When Gareth Mac Hale had a surprise 6th place finish last year in Mexico, it was the first time an Irishman scored a WRC point since Billy Coleman in 1985 (4th in France).
For complete Rally Mexico Historical Stats, click here.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
IRC - 2006 Review/2007 Preview
With the new season fast approaching, lets take a look back at the 2006 International Rally Challenge.
As one of the first hotbeds of the S2000 category, South Africa was the perfect way to kick off the IRC. The “Year 0” season started with the Zulu Rally South Africa. Alister McRae won the first stage in his Mitsubishi Lancer and dueled locals Serge Damseaux & Enzo Kuun throughout Leg 1. The Scot lead Damseaux’s Toyota by eleven seconds with Kuun’s Volkswagen in tow.
Day 2 saw Damseaux attack with a win on the opening stage, but a costly error would later drop him over ten minutes behind. With a couple more stage wins, McRae cruised to victory over Kuun for the first IRC rally victory.
The Fiat Punto S2000 mades its IRC debut on the Belgium Ypres Westhoek Rally and was dominant. Umberto Scandola won the opening stage, but it was his team mate Giandomenico Basso that dominated the rally. The Italian won 9 straight stages to open up an insurmountable gap of the pack of Belgians. Defending rally winner Kris Princen was second, with a host of WRC faces in tow, lead by Larry Cols and Freddy Loix.
Round 3, Rally Vino da Madeira was much of the same. After Portuguese national champion Armindo Araújo won the opening stage, Basso took over. He won 7 of 10 stages on Leg 1 to build a lead of over a minute on Araújo. The Italian cruised through the second leg for back-to-back victories. Local Fernando Peres finished third. The win gave Basso the first ever IRC Driver’s Championship and was en route for the European Rally Championship.
The final round in Sanremo experienced severe weather that cancelled all four stages of the opening leg. Another Fiat Punto was the class of the field. Paulo Andreucci took 3 of the 6 remaining stage wins to nip another experienced Italian, Andrea Aghini, for the final win of the year. 2005 ERC Champ Renato Travaglia was third.
For complete 2006 results, stats and point standings, click here.
In 2007, the name has been changed to Intercontinental Rally Challenge but the action should be even hotter. The calendar has been expanded to 9 rounds. Ypres, Madeira and Sanremo return for 2007 and are joined by some former WRC rallies: Safari Rally Kenya, Rally of Turkey, and Rally China (pending confirmation). In addition the famed Barum Rally Zlin, Rally of Russia and Rally du Valais will round out the season.
Peugeot confirmed that they will participate in 8 rounds with a pair of 207 Super 2000’s for Nicolas Vouilloz of France and Enrique Garcia-Ojeda of Spain. Back from last year’s success with beat Fiat, with two Fiat Grande Punto S2000. The team leader will be Italian Andrea Navarra and the second car will be shared by Scandola and Finland’s Anton Alen. Toyota, Skoda, Volkswagen all have Super 2000 cars and we could see some of them on board as the season progresses.
In addition to the factory teams, Bernd Casier of Belgium and Luca Betti of Italy have thrown their hats into the IRC. Both former Junior World Rally competitors will be privateers; Casier in a Peugeot 207 S2000 and Betti in an undisclosed S2000 car. Also 7 time WRC winner Gilles Panizzi is looking to put together funds for a drive. Couple all these drivers with local talent and there should be some great fights in 2007.
The season will open this weekend on the Safari Rally Kenya. The Fiat Puntos of Navarra and Scandola will be challenged by the best Africa can throw at them. Not only the tough conditions, but the skilled drivers of the African Rally Championship will stand in the way of victory. Reigning ARC champ Patrick Emontspool, Conrad Rautenbach and many others are on the entry list. In addition several familiar faces from the Safari’s WRC past are present: Azar Anwar, Emmanuel Katto, Sammy Aslam, Peter Horsey to name a few.
As one of the first hotbeds of the S2000 category, South Africa was the perfect way to kick off the IRC. The “Year 0” season started with the Zulu Rally South Africa. Alister McRae won the first stage in his Mitsubishi Lancer and dueled locals Serge Damseaux & Enzo Kuun throughout Leg 1. The Scot lead Damseaux’s Toyota by eleven seconds with Kuun’s Volkswagen in tow.
Day 2 saw Damseaux attack with a win on the opening stage, but a costly error would later drop him over ten minutes behind. With a couple more stage wins, McRae cruised to victory over Kuun for the first IRC rally victory.
The Fiat Punto S2000 mades its IRC debut on the Belgium Ypres Westhoek Rally and was dominant. Umberto Scandola won the opening stage, but it was his team mate Giandomenico Basso that dominated the rally. The Italian won 9 straight stages to open up an insurmountable gap of the pack of Belgians. Defending rally winner Kris Princen was second, with a host of WRC faces in tow, lead by Larry Cols and Freddy Loix.
Round 3, Rally Vino da Madeira was much of the same. After Portuguese national champion Armindo Araújo won the opening stage, Basso took over. He won 7 of 10 stages on Leg 1 to build a lead of over a minute on Araújo. The Italian cruised through the second leg for back-to-back victories. Local Fernando Peres finished third. The win gave Basso the first ever IRC Driver’s Championship and was en route for the European Rally Championship.
The final round in Sanremo experienced severe weather that cancelled all four stages of the opening leg. Another Fiat Punto was the class of the field. Paulo Andreucci took 3 of the 6 remaining stage wins to nip another experienced Italian, Andrea Aghini, for the final win of the year. 2005 ERC Champ Renato Travaglia was third.
For complete 2006 results, stats and point standings, click here.
In 2007, the name has been changed to Intercontinental Rally Challenge but the action should be even hotter. The calendar has been expanded to 9 rounds. Ypres, Madeira and Sanremo return for 2007 and are joined by some former WRC rallies: Safari Rally Kenya, Rally of Turkey, and Rally China (pending confirmation). In addition the famed Barum Rally Zlin, Rally of Russia and Rally du Valais will round out the season.
Peugeot confirmed that they will participate in 8 rounds with a pair of 207 Super 2000’s for Nicolas Vouilloz of France and Enrique Garcia-Ojeda of Spain. Back from last year’s success with beat Fiat, with two Fiat Grande Punto S2000. The team leader will be Italian Andrea Navarra and the second car will be shared by Scandola and Finland’s Anton Alen. Toyota, Skoda, Volkswagen all have Super 2000 cars and we could see some of them on board as the season progresses.
In addition to the factory teams, Bernd Casier of Belgium and Luca Betti of Italy have thrown their hats into the IRC. Both former Junior World Rally competitors will be privateers; Casier in a Peugeot 207 S2000 and Betti in an undisclosed S2000 car. Also 7 time WRC winner Gilles Panizzi is looking to put together funds for a drive. Couple all these drivers with local talent and there should be some great fights in 2007.
The season will open this weekend on the Safari Rally Kenya. The Fiat Puntos of Navarra and Scandola will be challenged by the best Africa can throw at them. Not only the tough conditions, but the skilled drivers of the African Rally Championship will stand in the way of victory. Reigning ARC champ Patrick Emontspool, Conrad Rautenbach and many others are on the entry list. In addition several familiar faces from the Safari’s WRC past are present: Azar Anwar, Emmanuel Katto, Sammy Aslam, Peter Horsey to name a few.
Lazio Racing Stats is Improving
Hi everyone!
I have done a lot lately, I hope you like it.
First was to get a new blog, you asked me to do it, so I did. I have pasted the old entries in below in case you want to see them.
I have also switched to using Cascading Style Sheets to make my pages cleaner and more efficient. However, if you have an older browser that does not support CSS, you will see white pages with lits. Sorry about that!
Please give me any feedback you think is appropriate.
Thanks
I have done a lot lately, I hope you like it.
First was to get a new blog, you asked me to do it, so I did. I have pasted the old entries in below in case you want to see them.
I have also switched to using Cascading Style Sheets to make my pages cleaner and more efficient. However, if you have an older browser that does not support CSS, you will see white pages with lits. Sorry about that!
Please give me any feedback you think is appropriate.
Thanks
Rally Norway Stats
Originally posted 2/15/2007
Coming up is the 3rd round of the WRC - the all new Rally Norway. Since this is the debut of Rally Norway, there are no stats to post. So I decided to put some interesting tidbits together. Enjoy!
This is the 22nd running of Rally Norway and last year's winner was Henning Solberg in a Peugeot 307 WRC.
Norway Drivers Statistics
World Champions: 1 - 8th all-time
Petter Solberg (2003)
Rally Victories: 13 - 7th all-time
Petter Solberg (13)
Podiums: 33 - 8th all-time
Petter Solberg (32)
Henning Solberg (1)
Points: 368 - 13th all-time
Petter Solberg (324)
Henning Solberg (42)
John Haugland (2)
Point Finishes: 73 - 13th all-time
Petter Solberg (61)
Henning Solberg (11)
John Haugland (1)
Did You Know? Even though Petter Solberg is the first Norweigian to score a rally win, podium, and championship, the first man from Norway to score a WRC point was John Haugland in 1979 (9th place - Sweden).
One to Watch: Thomas Schie (NOR) - 2 time defending national champion makes his 7th WRC start. He debuted at 2002 Swedish Rally (retired) and scored his best result of his career last weekend in the 2006 Swedish Rally (14th). Now he is on home soil, and has shown skill on his native land. With a flawless drive he could be in position to steal away a point from some of the big boys.
Coming up is the 3rd round of the WRC - the all new Rally Norway. Since this is the debut of Rally Norway, there are no stats to post. So I decided to put some interesting tidbits together. Enjoy!
This is the 22nd running of Rally Norway and last year's winner was Henning Solberg in a Peugeot 307 WRC.
Norway Drivers Statistics
World Champions: 1 - 8th all-time
Petter Solberg (2003)
Rally Victories: 13 - 7th all-time
Petter Solberg (13)
Podiums: 33 - 8th all-time
Petter Solberg (32)
Henning Solberg (1)
Points: 368 - 13th all-time
Petter Solberg (324)
Henning Solberg (42)
John Haugland (2)
Point Finishes: 73 - 13th all-time
Petter Solberg (61)
Henning Solberg (11)
John Haugland (1)
Did You Know? Even though Petter Solberg is the first Norweigian to score a rally win, podium, and championship, the first man from Norway to score a WRC point was John Haugland in 1979 (9th place - Sweden).
One to Watch: Thomas Schie (NOR) - 2 time defending national champion makes his 7th WRC start. He debuted at 2002 Swedish Rally (retired) and scored his best result of his career last weekend in the 2006 Swedish Rally (14th). Now he is on home soil, and has shown skill on his native land. With a flawless drive he could be in position to steal away a point from some of the big boys.
WRC Sweden Statistics
Originally posted on 2/7/2007
I am moving all my rally stats to this website. This is the first time for this so I hope it works.
Swedish Rally Historical Stats
Sweden has been included in the WRC Drivers' Championship 26 times, beginning in 1979. It was skipped in 1990 and rotated to a Formula 2 event in 1994.
It has been Round 2 of the WRC 24 times, but twice was the opening event: 1989 & 1986.
Sweden has been dominated by Scandanavians; Frenchman Sebastien Loeb is the only non-Scandanavian to win (2004).
It has had 2 names:
International Swedish Rally (1979-2001)
Uddeholm International Swedish Rally (2002 - 2006)
8 Drivers picked up Maiden WRC wins in Sweden:
before WRC Drivers' Championship
Stig Blomqvist (1973) Bjorn Waldegard (1975)Per Eklund (1976)
Anders Kullang (1980)
Ingvar Carlsson (1989)
Mats Jonsson (1992)
Marcus Gronholm (2000)
Harri Rovanpera (2001)
Did You Know? : Colin McRae's WRC debut came on the 1987 Swedish Rally in a Vauxhall Nova, co-driven by Derek Ringer (GBR).
For complete stats, click here.
Getting Started
Originally Posted on 2/7/2007
Good morning internet!
I am LazioCenturion or as my friends call me Matt. I started this webpage a week or so ago to share all my racing stats with the world.
Growing up I always loved playing with cars and then I started to love keeping track of the pretend races I had. That soon turned into a hobby of keeping statistics for anything and everything.
Auto racing became my main statistical pursuit, and being from the United States, NASCAR was the natural fit. That was until 2001 when I discovered the World Rally Championship. Not only was it the most entertaining thing I had ever seen, but it also has a huge amount of stats associated with it.
After building up Excel spreadsheets for all 361 World Rallies dating back to 1979, I moved onto other things. There is an American series called Speed World Challenge. The GT portion of the series is similar to FIA GT in the type of cars. Currently, SWC GT has Cadillacs, Chevrolets, Dodges and Porsches as the main cars, but there are also Volvos, Aston Martins, and more. I quickly sucked up the stats for this series, dating back to 1999.
This past year, 2006, when there was down time from Speed World Challenge and between the last couple rallies of 2006, I was bored. So I decided to find another series and it was Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, aka German Touring Cars. I followed basically the same format as the SWC and put together results and stats dating back the inception of the "new DTM" in 2000.
Of course, when I saw the official release about the 2007 IRC, my interest was peaked, so I decided to collect the 2006 results from the "0 season" and bring along the 2007 results in the same fashion as the WRC.
It was this last piece that really spurred the website. Until then, I had been posting rally statistics and such on the motorsport forum. But in my research, I could not find any good sites for the IRC. This gave me an idea to put all my data out there for everyone to enjoy.
I originally was building it using Yahoo! Page Builder, but not exactly happy with the results, so I decided to use HTML. The only problem was I knew no HTML. But I found some good tutorials on the web and now I have some very simple pages with a few images, but mostly text and links.
I am still working on putting all the pages in the same format and updating all my links, so I apologize for any errors you receive. But I hope in the coming weeks to have everything in order and uploading lots of files for you to check out.
Have fun!
Good morning internet!
I am LazioCenturion or as my friends call me Matt. I started this webpage a week or so ago to share all my racing stats with the world.
Growing up I always loved playing with cars and then I started to love keeping track of the pretend races I had. That soon turned into a hobby of keeping statistics for anything and everything.
Auto racing became my main statistical pursuit, and being from the United States, NASCAR was the natural fit. That was until 2001 when I discovered the World Rally Championship. Not only was it the most entertaining thing I had ever seen, but it also has a huge amount of stats associated with it.
After building up Excel spreadsheets for all 361 World Rallies dating back to 1979, I moved onto other things. There is an American series called Speed World Challenge. The GT portion of the series is similar to FIA GT in the type of cars. Currently, SWC GT has Cadillacs, Chevrolets, Dodges and Porsches as the main cars, but there are also Volvos, Aston Martins, and more. I quickly sucked up the stats for this series, dating back to 1999.
This past year, 2006, when there was down time from Speed World Challenge and between the last couple rallies of 2006, I was bored. So I decided to find another series and it was Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, aka German Touring Cars. I followed basically the same format as the SWC and put together results and stats dating back the inception of the "new DTM" in 2000.
Of course, when I saw the official release about the 2007 IRC, my interest was peaked, so I decided to collect the 2006 results from the "0 season" and bring along the 2007 results in the same fashion as the WRC.
It was this last piece that really spurred the website. Until then, I had been posting rally statistics and such on the motorsport forum. But in my research, I could not find any good sites for the IRC. This gave me an idea to put all my data out there for everyone to enjoy.
I originally was building it using Yahoo! Page Builder, but not exactly happy with the results, so I decided to use HTML. The only problem was I knew no HTML. But I found some good tutorials on the web and now I have some very simple pages with a few images, but mostly text and links.
I am still working on putting all the pages in the same format and updating all my links, so I apologize for any errors you receive. But I hope in the coming weeks to have everything in order and uploading lots of files for you to check out.
Have fun!
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