Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

Though high speed car chases and hot heads filled with adrenaline have often graced the silver screen, it’s not every day that a movie comes out about NASCAR racing – Days of Thunder with Tom Cruise is one, but what else? This much-loved American sport is the central theme of the movie Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. The following write-up reveals the plot.

Whether you enjoyed Talladega Nights or not will depend on your personal taste in movies. The movie tells the story of a fairly regular guy, Ricky Bobby (played by Will Ferrell) who rises to the top of his profession, only to plummet to the depths of despair after one bad race. Ricky Bobby lives his life according to the motto: “If you ain’t first, you’re last” – the only ‘words of wisdom’ that his estranged father ever imparted to him.

As a youngster Ricky suffers some trial and error races before shooting to the top at rocket speed. Working with his best friend since childhood, Cal Naughton Jr. (played by John C. Reilly) the two men team-up and work together to ensure that Ricky Bobby wins every single race. Of course winning also brings with it wealth and Ricky Bobby not only becomes rich, he ends up with a very beautiful wife (Leslie Bibb) and two very spoiled children who are never restrained (presumably so as not to inhibit their ‘winning potential’). However one fatal day Ricky Bobby’s life hits a massive speed bump when European race driver Jean Girard (Sacha Baron Cohen) defeats him.

After a somewhat unusual ‘mental breakdown’ on the track, Bobby suffers a short period of denial where he claims to be paralyzed from the waist down. After realizing that he has no excuse, he becomes depressed, feeling that he can never race again. His wife leaves him for his best friend who is only too happy to be able to cross the finish line first for a change and he is left to look after his two hellish children. After getting his mom to sort out his two children, Bobby slowly climbs his way back to the top.

While the story line of Talladega Nights is a bit far fetched, and filled with typical Will Ferrell slap-stick humour, it is an entertaining movie that features some interesting race scenes. It may not be a believable story about NASCAR drivers but it worth the price of admission whether you are a auto racing fan or simply wanting to see another Will Farrell movie.

The American Solar Challenge

Once every two years, teams from various research establishments and universities across America get together to participate in the American Solar Challenge (“ASC“). In order to enter each team has to design, build and race (or ‘rayce’ in solar race terminology) a solar-powered car in this exciting and fun cross-country event.

The inaugural race was held in 1990 and was originally called a “Sunrayce“. The first Sunrayce was organized and sponsored by General Motors and the continued existence of the race is a testament to the success of this historic event. Thus far the Sunrayce has been held on a regular basis every two years with the exception of the first two races which had a three-year time gap between them.

In 2001 the race was renamed the ‘American Solar Challenge’ and it has since been sponsored by the United States Department of Energy as well as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The benefits of this prestigious event have become apparent over the years because each year the competition reveals new inventions, concepts and designs that are exhibited and carefully evaluated for their scientific and commercial potential. Since 2005 the race has gained the additional sponsorship of Natural Resources Canada and it has been renamed the ‘North American Solar Challenge’.

Most team participants are from universities throughout United States and Canada. These universities offer ideal testing grounds since students are often able to devise with creative, new and inspiring concepts and they are unconstrained by the limitations of commercial entities.

For 2005, the North American Solar Challenge requires concept cars to travel across the United States and well into Canada – which tests all design and mechanical aspects of the entrants. The cars are required, not only to travel long distances, but also judged according to efficiency.

Over the years, the performance of the automobiles has drastically improved. The first winner of the event was “Sunrunner” – built by the University of Michigan. The Sunrunner recorded an average speed of 24.7 mph over 1800 miles.

In 2005, the race spanned an impressive 2494.9 miles and was won yet again by the University of Michigan. That year, the average race speed 46.2 mph. Rules limit that maximum speed of the vehicles to 65 mph and both of the top two teams in the 2005 race managed to reach and maintain this speed.

Event organizers, participants and industry sponsors hope that this competition will improve the research and design of cars and will one day allow consumers to enjoy solar power automobiles without polluting the earth’s atmosphere, negatively impacting global warming or degrading our limited natural resources.

NASCAR’s Diversity and Mentorship Program

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (“NASCAR“) has developed a Diversity Internship Program that is full-time and fully supported by corporate sponsors and specifically focuses on college and university students who want to learn about career opportunities in the auto racing and motor sports industry in the United States.

The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program is a 10-week, full-time, paid summer internship program. As part of the internship program, there is a mentorship program during the weekends that shows students the inner workings of NASCAR and various business opportunities at different speedways on the NASCAR racing circuit. To be considered for this Program, only full-time students are eligible to enroll. Applicants must have references and have maintained a 3.0 or better more grade point average.

Once accepted, students spend their time shadowing employees from various departments like the NASCAR Series Operations as well as accessing sponsor commercial areas created by Sprint Nextel, NASCAR Images and XM Satellite Radio. One of the most impressive aspects of the Internship Program is that students can see “behind the scenes” of motor sports and how NASCAR operates. The Diversity Internship Program also provides scholarships and a tour of Black Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions and Black Universities.

The NASCAR mentorship program also aims at developing and diversifying the off-track and business side of the industry. The exposure that the students received during the course provides participants with insights into possible career opportunities with NASCAR and real-life experience working for one of the most successful auto racing organization in the world. Each student will placed in a different race “market” depending on availability.

The Program takes place over five different weekends and at five different race tracks such as the Texas Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, Daytona International Speedway, Dover International Speedway and at the Richmond International Raceway.

In 2007 there will be openings for twelve male and female students to receive training as NASCAR pit-crew members. Students selected to participate will also receive both PIT Instructions and learn about the complexities of auto racing both on and off the race track.

The Great American Automobile Race of 1908

Ever since the invention of the wheel, mankind has been searching for better ways to travel faster and more effectively. This process has taken many thousands of years yet one competition has helped to speed it up rapidly: The Great Race which took place nearly a century ago. It spawned a generation of auto racing events that have captured the imagination of car enthusiasts in the United States and internationally.

“The Greatest Auto Race of 1908” consisted of six teams driving the most modern vehicles of the time around the world. The race covered an amazing distance of 22,000 miles and took seven months to complete with only the three teams and vehicles arriving at the finish line in Paris, France. The race created incredible enthusiasm for the automobile and raised the visibility of the sport of racing to unimaginable popularity.

The Great Race captured the imagination of the public and car manufacturers and spurred developments in the automotive industry. In America, a race known as the Great American Race began to be held annually and this year the event is celebrating its 25th year anniversary. Today the race is seen as being the ultimate automotive adventure and participants proudly display and drive their antique motor vehicles over impressive distances to not only win prizes but also to prove the value and robustness of their antique motor vehicles.

Today there are many different versions of the race which all stem from the same origins – the Great Race of 1908. There are coast-to-coast competitions for Muscle Cars and Hot Rods and technology races where the emphasis is on higher performance fuels rather than on the cars themselves. Interestingly enough, in the 2003 race it was discovered that the 80-year-old Ford’ Model T proved to be more fuel-efficient than the current Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicle. This proved the value of the competition and resulted in design changes and driver habits (as well as acceptable standards) of fuel consumption.

The specialty classic automobile events and vintage races attract visitors from across the country that enjoys watching this great annual event. So why try it yourself? The next Great American Race will be held from June 30 to July 14 2007, so be sure to add it to your calendar!

Schumacher On the Brink of Buying Out Toro Rosso

There has been a lot of speculation and rumors in regard to the intentions Michael Schumacher might have to purchase the Formula One Team Scuderia Toro Rosso. Schumacher’s manager has been hinting at the possibility for months. For Michael Schumacher to have an interest, in a different role, in the sport he loves does not come as a big surprise. After his retirement from Formula One as a driver, the legendary seven-time world champion has been an adviser for his former Ferrari team.

The Scuderia Toro Rosso Team is owned by Gerhard Berger and Dietrich Mateschitz. Together they purchased the outfit from Paul Stoddart in 2005. The outfit raced under the name of Minardi from 1985, but due to budget restraints, Stoddart made the decision to sell the outfit to new owners that would be capable of ensuring a future for the team. And so the Red Bull car launched onto the circuit in 2006.

While the multi-million deal still has most people guessing and wondering, the entire Formula One community has already welcomed the idea with open arms. With such a brilliant reputation and a profound knowledge of the sport, most insiders feel that such a move can only be an asset to the Formula One Industry. As a team owner, Schumacher will still be able to be a part of the world that he took by storm and hopefully carry on doing so.

It has also been said, that not only does Michael Schumacher have his eyes on the Scuderia Toro Rosso outfit, but has also targeted Ross Brawn to assist him. Ross Brawn is known as a technical genius and was also the driving force behind Schumacher’s successful championship titles. Together they will definitely be a team to be reckoned with and breathe new life into the Formula One circuit, from a different point of view.

As the world waits in anticipation, for the truth to be revealed, fans and friends in the Formula One circles, eagerly look forward to welcoming Michael Schumacher back. And to support the loved and respected World Champion in his new seat, as team boss and owner.