As is the tradition, I have scoured the internet in order to find the cutting edge…
I think these clips aired on the same episode of Top Gear. I don’t know what to say… you just have to watch… both.
Tag Archives: cars
It’s Sunday and I’m almost speechless
- Sunday, 23 March 2008 22:08
- Written by Lane Bailey
- 0 Comments
POV Sunday.
- Sunday, 16 March 2008 21:42
- Written by Lane Bailey
- 0 Comments
This Sunday I decided to go with a little POV (Point of View). So, there are two videos and a bonus video.
The first video is a cult classic. In the days before internet videos, it was only available on VHS… and VERY rare. So, if you were lucky enough to know someone that knew someone else that had a friend who’s cousin’s boyfriend had a copy… you might get to see it.
The soundtrack was later dubbed in from a Ferrari 275GTB… and oh what sound. Through independent verification by analyzing the sites, it is verified that the car reached 136mph. Keep in mind that the director was unable to get a permit and the roads were open. He was also arrested when the film was shown. The driver has never been identified. Claude Lelouch – C`était un Rendezvous (1976)This video is 8:39.
The next clip is a POV from one of the most insane motorcycle races in the world.
The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT)
The IOMTT is a timed event. While there is passing, the bikes are released at intervals and run the course. This video is a lap. It spans 18:46, and includes pulling out of the pit area. The single lap record is 17:22, and that is an average speed of just over 130mph. If you have ever thought of taking a full on racing motorcycle and run through average roads… you are going to like this. This isn’t an antiseptic course with run-off areas and soft barriers. And the sound…
The bonus is a view of a 130mph lap from aerial and location cameras around the course. It runs just over 7 minutes. What I find amazing is to see the front wheel wobble under braking or after the jumps. It truly would scare the poop out of me. But it is amazing to watch.
Sunday Video Sunday…
- Sunday, 09 March 2008 21:42
- Written by Lane Bailey
- 0 Comments
As per usual, it’s video day.
The first video is an old video of Road Atlanta. It is from the 1985 IMSA event. There are a few things that are interesting here. The first is that they open with Stone Mountain, where I live. It is only a few minutes from my home and office (which is in Tucker). The next thing that is interesting is that the narrator of the driver’s point of view on the TV lap is Wally Dallenbach, Jr. I photographed him for a sponsor in the early 1990’s. Finally, and the reason I included this clip is the footage of the old configuration of Road Atlanta.
In the old layout, pay close attention to the last part of the track, specifically what they refer to as “the hollow” and the bridge turn. It was one of the most famous and difficult sections of any track in the world. Coming off of the mile long back straight, the car falls into the dip. It really feels like the car has dropped off of the planet. As the road surface comes back up, the car buries its suspension, as it enters the braking zone. Because of the G-load (coming up the hill), the brakes can be applied VERY hard. Then comes the bridge turn… I’ve heard it referred to as driving into a two car garage at 100mph… slightly sideways… blind.
As the car approaches the turn, you move to the left side of the track under braking. Turn back to the right and point the car at the right side bridge abutment. As the car crests the hill under the bridge, apply the throttle. It should drift out away from the abutment. Stay on the gas over the hill. The corner workers should wave the flag if there is anything bad on the track. Pray and stand on the gas.
The next video is more recent… It is from last November. Again, pay attention after the straight (which isn’t exactly straight)… Because of the high degree of danger of turn 11 (the bridge turn), it was changed to be safer. A lot of long time road A fans don’t like the change. But, I love the sound of a big V8 on the track.
The final (and bonus) video is also based in Atlanta…This one is an Atlanta Region SCCA Autocross. This is a very approachable motorsport. Take a “normal” street car, and strap on a helmet and then run it through a cone course in a parking lot against a clock. While the speeds are generally under 70mph (in a parking lot), it is quite exciting as a driver. It requires a very good touch and understanding of racing lines.
Dakar moving to South America
- Tuesday, 04 March 2008 16:26
- Written by Lane Bailey
- 0 Comments
Shocker to me…
Let me catch up those that aren’t fans yet. The Dakar Rallye started as the Paris-Dakar Rallye 30 years ago. It has always been a high performance, cross-country event. A few years ago, the Paris part of the name was dropped
photo credit: Omer Simkha.
And, yes, it has been through Timbuktu…
Traditionally, the race has run in the first couple of weeks of January. It is a stage race, and the competitors race almost every day for almost two weeks. The coolest thing, I my ever so humble opinion, is that the “support vehicles” have to be entered in the race. The “Truck Class” is incredible. It is just unnatural to see a 40,000 pound truck drifting through a turn at high speed… or launching through the air in the desert.
photo credit: .Robert.
This year’s event (2008) had to be canceled due to terrorist threats. This is the first time the organizers didn’t feel they could guarantee the safety of the competitors from outside forces (the racing is dangerous enough).
Instead of damaging the even further, by having a similar cancellation for 2009, the organizers have decided to move the event to South America. Competitors will race in Argentina and Chile. Those countries have been talking with event organizers for quite some time. Understandably, their is significant economic impact from hosting an event of this magnitude.
Aside from the terrific exposure, the tourism dollars and money spent by the teams in support of the race can be considerable. Just to give an idea, American Desert Racer and NASCAR racer Robby Gordon lost $1M because of the cancellation of the 2008 event. That wouldn’t include things like parts and such that could be used for a future event.
The real losers in this move are the people of Northern Africa. They will no longer be the beneficiaries of the Dakar Rallye.
Here are a couple of bonus videos. The first is a highlight from one of the truck brands. The second is highlights from the 2007 event.
If you are in the mood to showcase your tough vehicle… I could probably locate a couple of guys that would be happy to take it to South America and race it for you… It’s only money, right?
Sunday is video day…
- Sunday, 24 February 2008 13:36
- Written by Lane Bailey
- 0 Comments
There is fast on TV, so I thought I would post up slow here…
While getting ready to watch the NASCAR Race in CA, I thought I would post up a little bit of 4wheeling in Moab, UT. The first clip is a Hummer H1 in Pritchett Canyon. H1s are very capable vehicles. The part that I think is kind funny is that the suspension barely moves. On a stock H1, that is more of a problem, but this one has air lockers front and rear, so he keeps going. Stockers need some brake dancing to send power to the wheels with traction.
The next one is a newish Jeep Wrangler JK Rubicon Unlimited playing on various trails around Moab. Please note… the suspension actually moves. Rubicons are locked front and rear from the factory…
Moab is my “Happy Place”. I can’t wait to get my project done so I can take the boys out there.