Formula One Champion Kimi Raikkonen

When the final Formula One race for the 2007 season kicked off in Brazil, many spectators were almost certain that the race favorite Lewis Hamilton was going to walk away with the championship title. But victory evaded the McLaren Team, as Kimi Raikkonen drove his way to the winning position in the calm and collected style that has earned him the nickname, Iceman.

Fortunately for Ferrari, Kimi Raikkonen had enough faith in his own abilities and his determination not to allow racing predictions and leader points affect his positive outlook on the race. He knew that if he was to stand any chance in winning, he needed to move himself ahead of Hamilton, who was in second position at the starting line. And that is exactly what he did, before the first corner. With Raikkonen’s Ferrari teammate, Felipe Massa, leading the field and Raikkonen behind him, Hamilton was caught behind the two Ferraris. Raikkonen eventually took the lead away from Massa to go on and win the Formula One 2007 title.

It seemed as if bad luck just kept on following Hamilton around the track. After being caught in fourth position, the car suffered a series of gearbox problems, landing him into 18th position. Not only was Hamilton fighting his gearbox problems, but he also got forced off the track. During the race, other drivers also headed into trouble, adding to the frustration and adrenalin of an already nail-biting race. Giancarlo Fisichella managed to fight his way back onto the circuit after venturing off the track, but his joy was short lived as Sakon Yamamoto, from the Spyker team, drove into the back of him. Kazuki Nakajima also managed to create chaos in the pits when he literally drove into his mechanics, injuring two.

With Raikkonen winning the race, Alonso finishing in 3rd position and Hamilton being able to fight his way back up to 7th position, Raikkonen ended the season with 110 points, with both Alonso and Hamilton tied at 109. Ferrari had won both the Drivers’ Championship and the Constructors Title, after a season that had not exactly been kind to them. Their victory was felt in the hearts of every fan, and even Raikkonen, who is usually quiet and unemotional, could not hide the joy and pride of becoming the Formula One 2007 Champion.

Schedule for the Exciting SCORE Desert Series

With the 2007 desert racing season drawing to a close, auto racing fans will no doubt be pleased to know that SCORE International is looking ahead, with the 2008 SCORE Desert Series schedule already in place. This six-race schedule is set to start on 24 January 2008 and will take place at the same exciting venues as the 2007 series with three races in Mexico and three in Southern Nevada.

SCORE International was established in 1973 by the late Mickey Thompson and, running under the direction of Sal Fish since 1974, continues to be the leading desert race sanctioning body. The SCORE Desert Series has always offered well organized events with great variety and excitement for fans, racers, sponsors and the media, resulting in an ongoing increase in the popularity of these events with many races drawing in crowds of over 300,000 spectators.

The SCORE Desert Series, featuring 28 Pro and six Sportsman classes for trucks, cars, motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATV), will start off on 24 January in the city of Laughlin. The SCORE Laughlin Desert Challenge is considered to be the most unique as well as the most popular desert race in the United States, with over 200 racers and thousands of spectators enjoying the hospitality of this resort city on the banks of the Colorado River.

Mexico will host round 2 and 3 of the 2008 SCORE Desert Series, with the Tecate SCORE

Baja 250 taking place on 12 to 15 March. This will be followed on 30 May by the extremely popular Tecate SCORE Baja 500, a 40th anniversary event to take place in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico.

The SCORE Desert Series returns to Southern Nevada, with the SCORE Las Vegas Terrible’s Cup IV taking place on 17 July at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This is a closed-course event with select classes participating. Round 5, the SCORE Terrible’s Primm 300, is to be held on Sept 5 in Primm, Nevada.

The grand finale of the season is one of the most recognized and oldest desert races in the world – the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. This unique and memorable race never fails to thrill spectators and drivers alike and has always been a fitting end to every season.

Desert racing, with different vehicles participating and varied terrain is a very exciting form of auto racing and is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of auto racing fans. Find out first hand what it is all about by being a spectator at the 2008 SCORE Desert Series.

Alex Wurz Retires from Formula One Racing

The announcement that Alex Wurz was retiring from Formula One, is said to have been expected. Speculation around Wurz has been rife since the beginning of the season. Fans were a little shocked at his decision, as he has been enjoying a rather successful season with the Williams Team, crossing the finish line in third place at the Canadian Grand Prix and taking fourth position at the European Grand Prix. His retirement from Formula One was with immediate effect, so Kazuki Nakajima was in the driver seat at the season’s final race in Brazil on 21 October 2007.

To become a racing driver was in his genes, as his father, Franz Wurz, was a European Rallycross Champion during his career. Alex Wurz was born on 15 February 1974 and started his racing career the same way most drivers do, karting. By 1993, Wurz was driving in the German Formula Three, after which he joined the Joest Racing Team in 1996. One of his greatest achievements was winning the Le Mans 24 Hour, together with Manuel Reuter and Davy Jones.

Alex Wurz made his debut on the Formula One circuit in 1997 as a replacement driver for Gerhard Berger, on the Benetton Team. He returned to his position as a test driver after Berger returned, but was given a full-time driving position with partner Giancarlo Fisichella in 1998. Wurz started with the McLaren Team in 2001, as a third driver and once again had the opportunity to show his worth in 2005, when a injured Juan Pablo Montoya could not drive, Wurz brought a respectable fourth place home at the San Marino Grand Prix. And it was not an easy drive. Wurz was so much bigger than the other drivers that fitting his large physique into the cockpit, forced him to only use one hand while driving, most of the way. McLaren held onto Alex Wurz for as long as they could, as he was extremely talented and skilled with development and technical problems. But in 2006, he moved over to the Williams F1 team as reserve driver and a test driver. In 2007, he started to drive as the full-time racing driver for the team.

He is driver that will be sorely missed by the racing industry and by his fans. When Alex Wurz spoke to the media, he had this to say: “In such a hard-fought environment as Formula One, I have always maintained that if you have a moment’s doubt about what you are doing then it is time to stop. Privately I began to have these thoughts earlier this year and so have decided that now is the time to make my announcement. Racing this season has been a real pleasure, especially securing the podium in Canada – which was pretty sweet, along with a number of other strong races – but now it is time to call it a day. I’d like to thank the team for accepting my decision – and I wish them all the best for the last race of the year.” And with that, Alex Wurz bowed out, as the gentlemen he will always be remember for being, both on and off the track.

The Multi-Talented Dario Franchitti

From the outside, Dario Franchitti seems to be just another success story and hero to many. But this racing driver has a special quality about him and the ability to achieve. He had a magnificent racing career in CART and IndyCar, and is now moving to another popular auto racing sport, NASCAR. Dario Franchitti has become a favorite amongst fans, on and off the racetracks, as his down-to-earth mannerisms and his humility are respected and admired.

Born in Bathgate, Scotland, on 19 May 1973, Dario Franchitti started his racing career in the kart arena. He proved that he was naturally talented at driving by winning the 1984 Scottish Junior Championship. After winning the British Junior Championships consecutively in 1985 and again in 1986, it was only a matter of time before he moved onto bigger things. By 2007, Dario Franchitti found himself signing with the Andretti Green Racing Team for his tenth season. It would be a season of nail-biting action and victory. During his 2007 season, Franchitti had managed to survive two auto racing crashes, win the Indianapolis 500, win the 2007 IRL Championship and end 1st in the points rankings.

But since September, rumors and speculation grew over the possibility that Chip Ganassi Racing would approach Franchitti to join them for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. On the 3rd of October, Dario Franchitti confirmed everyone’s suspicions and announced that he would be driving the #40 Dodge Avenger full-time next year. Even though his move was expected, his IndyCar fans and supporters will sorely miss him. Franchitti is a magnificently skilled driver and he is anticipated to ease his way into the NASCAR industry as well as his teammate, Juan Pablo Montoya, did during his transition. Dario Franchitti’s first challenge as a Chip Ganassi Racing team driver will be the stock car development program.

At home, however, Franchitti spends his time reading, working out, piloting his helicopter and spending time with his world famous wife, Ashley Judd. But one thing is for certain – his past is only a glimpse of what is to come. He is a racing driver that excels in every form of auto racing, and it is predicted that he will take NASCAR to the next level. His dedication to the sport and determination to achieve will definitely see him conquering NASCAR championships in the future.

F1 Championship 2007 Season Round up

The F1 Championship for 2007 has been a racing season filled with rivalry, disappointment, elation, shocking events and pleasant moments of surprise. It has been a year for F1 Grand Prix like no other. Many fans were concerned when the legendary Michael Schumacher announced his retirement, wondering if the famous tension between Ferrari and McLaren would slip into the pages of history. But those fears were laid to rest during the 2007 F1 racing season.

On 21 October 2007, at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the F1 racing season will come to a dramatic end. The points log for the Drivers’ Championship has not been this close in years, and it cannot be judged or ruled at this time who will walk away victorious. The second last race for the season, held in Shanghai, made the predictions for the Brazilian Grand Prix much more interesting. Felipe Massa, once the supporting driver for Michael Schumacher and now the teammate for Kimi Raikkonen, has shown his worth consistently throughout the season. In the Chinese Grand Prix, Kimi Raikkonen won the race with great ease, while his main rival, Lewis Hamilton of team McLaren, was less fortunate by crashing out of the race after thirty-one laps. Many of the Formula 1 drivers struggled in the wet weather in Shanghai. Kovalainen of Renault was having difficulty with his tires, and if that was not enough, he collided with Nico Rosberg from the Williams team. Rosberg later suffered a setback with a punctured tire during the 29th lap.

What makes this last race so interesting is the Drivers’ Championship log. At present, Lewis Hamilton is in first position with 107 points. In second and third position is Fernando Alonso with 103 points and Kimi Raikkonen with a 100. Coming in fourth is Felipe Mass with 86 points, pitting Ferarri and McLaren against each other, yet again. The worst-case scenario for Lewis Hamilton would be if he gets caught behind both Ferraris, with Alonso in the lead. If Massa were in the lead, with Alonso second, then his victory would be secured.

Due to the F1 Grand Prix industry being rocked by the spy allegations between Ferrari and McLaren, it leaves the Constructor’s Championship open for Ferrari that has accumulated 186 points so far, with BMW in second place with 93 points. Another upset, which took the F1 racing world by surprise, was the retirement announcement of Alexander Wurz from the Williams Team. The Brazilian Grand Prix will be his last race, and his replacement is still to be announced. The 2007 F1 Championship has definitely been one of unexpected events and nail biting excitement. The 21st of October is going to be even more gripping, if this season is anything to go by.

The 12th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals

From the 1st to the 3rd of November 2007, auto racing fans will be heading to the Perris Auto Speedway to watch the 12th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals. This popular racetrack situated close to the Lake Perris Fairgrounds in Southern California has earned a reputation for hosting successful events, and the 12th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals is sure to live up to the expectations of auto racing fans.

The festivities kick off on 30 October at the Moreno Valley Ranch Golf Course, where participants will compete in the 2nd Annual ITI Performance Motorsports Oval National Golf Classic, which is followed that evening by a banquet. On the 31st of October fans will have free access to the grandstands to watch the practice sessions which are open to all automobiles entered in the Budweiser Oval Nationals. So take advantage of this opportunity to check out the line up for the races.

Thursday 1st November is the first night of racing and will feature qualifying for all cars. This will be followed by heats, semi mains and an A main. Friday will feature the same program as Thursday, but the results are sure to be different as the competition heats up.

At noon on Saturday the very popular Annual Pick-a-Part Auto Recyclers Corn Hole Tournament will take place inside the main spectator gates with $1,000 in prize money being given away. Entrants for this competition can sign up on the Thursday and Friday night of the Budweiser Oval Nationals and if there are any additional spots open, they will be filled on Saturday morning. In addition to the grand prize of $1,000 that goes to the fan with the deadliest aim and accuracy with a bean bag, a variety of other prizes can be won, so make sure that you sign up early.

Saturday night promises to be exhilarating for fans and drivers alike, with competitors fighting for first place in the main auto racing events – with $30,000 in prize money up for grabs.

Auto racing fans would not want to miss one of the most exciting events of the year – the 12th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals. So book your tickets today!

2007 Road to the Future Award

The Automobile Club of Southern California has always been synonymous with vehicle safety, driving projects and overall dedication to anything automobile related. Since being founded in 1900, they have been actively involved in road improvements and increasing safety on public roads. They also gained great popularity with the NHRA Street Legal Program that they ran, through AAA, to lure illegal street racers off the public roads into safe and controlled environments, such as abandoned runways and deserted dry lakes. Annually, the Automobile Club of Southern California awards the prestigious Road to the Future Award to a promising rookie driver. This year there are five nominees who are equally worthy of the honor.

Remaining true to their belief in safety, commitment to the automotive industry and integrity to the association, the Road to the Future Award is presented to the rookie driver of the NHRA PowerAde Drag Racing Series who has shown the most potential for the future during their first racing season. Just being nominated for this award is a wonderful honor, as it proves to the drivers that they have exhibited noteworthy performances and have achieved the recognition of associations such as the Automobile Club of Southern California. The Road to the Future Award is also a magnificent motivational tool, encouraging rookies to excel and work hard at a successful career, not only in drag racing, but in whatever form of racing they pursue and in the automotive industry.

This year the nominees for the 2007 Road of the Future Award are: Barry Henson (Pro Stock Motorcycle), Ashley Force (Funny Car), Matt Scranton (Pro Stock), Justin Humphreys (Pro Stock) and Craig Hankinson (Pro Stock). One of these names will be added to the long list of racing legends who have also been awarded this title, including Doug Kalitta, Gene Wilson, Jason Line, Tony Pedregon, J.R. Todd and Melanie Troxel. In 1998, the Automobile Club of Southern California presented the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum to the public, in which they celebrate the lives and careers of famous drivers, unforgettable racing events and cars that will be etched into the memories of all racing enthusiast. Not only do rookie drivers long for their name to be added to list of Road to the Future Award winners, but to secure a place for themselves in the annals of racing history.

Shelby American Collection’s 11th Annual Holiday Gala

The 11th annual holiday gala for the Shelby American Collection will be held on 1st December 2007 at its museum in Boulder and promises to be a very special occasion. This annual event serves to honor Carroll Shelby’s memorable race history, as well as his legendary Shelby American Team of the 1960s and the automobiles they built. Among the racing heroes to headline the event will be Carroll Shelby, Phil Remington, Lew Spencer and Bob Bondurant.

This year’s celebration takes on an additional dimension as it marks the 40th anniversary of the Shelby American Team’s victory in 1967 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The auto racing event is expected to draw a crowd of 400 attendees. One of the highlights of the evening will be the unveiling of an original painting by the automotive fine artist, Bill Neale. The painting will be sold during the celebration, with the proceeds of the sale going to the auto museum ‘s endowment fund.

Carroll Shelby enjoyed overwhelming success during the mid 1950s, earning him the reputation of being one of America’s greatest race car drivers. Sports Illustrated as “Driver of the Year” named him twice. Due to a heart condition, Shelby had to retire from racing in 1960. His retirement did not mean the end of his fascination with fast cars though. Shelby went ahead to forge a mutually beneficial relationship with Ford Motor Company. Sourcing talented individuals from within the aerospace community and making use of Ford’s resources, Carroll Shelby established Shelby American and created the legendary Cobra sports car. Some memorable wins for Team Shelby include the Grand Touring Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans – both in 1965. The team won the 24 Hours of Le Mans again in 1967 after taking second place in the 1966 Le Mans.

The Shelby American Collection was founded in 1966 and is dedicated to preserving the Shelby automobiles and representing the history of the 1960s Shelby American racing team. This non-profit museum situated in Boulder, Colorado, is home to one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Shelby American racing cars. The exhibitions at the auto museum also include a number of rare, developmental and prototypical parts, historical records, race trophies, driver uniforms, crew uniforms, vintage models and artwork.

You may not have been invited to attend the Shelby American Collection’s 11th annual celebration, but you can visit and explore this unique museum which is open to the public.

Development of the New Jersey Motorsports Park

Exciting times are ahead for the residents of Milville, New Jersey in the United States, and especially for motorsport enthusiasts. The construction of the New Jersey Motorsports Parkis well underway. Situated on more than 500 acres of land at the intersection of Dividing Creek Road and Buckshutem Road, the New Jersey Motorsports Park will feature two separate world-class racetracks and a first class carting circuit. In addition, there will be a clubhouse and all the amenities necessary to cater in style to the needs of auto racing fans as well as the drivers.

The Southern Road Circuit will be called “Thunderbolt Raceway” and will be the nucleus raceway of the New Jersey Motorsports Park, with over 2,25 miles of track, a half a mile straightway, fourteen challenging turns plus more than forty acres of service paddock space. The amenities available on this circuit will include event garages, banquet rooms, twenty VIP suites and a three storey timing tower complete with media center and VIP facilities.

The Northern Circuit has been named “Lightning” and this 1.9 mile racetrack promises to be fast and challenging, with ten dramatic corners as well as exciting elevation changes. With a twenty acre paddock area, four acre skid pad and autocross area, timing towers, concession areas, as well as meeting room facilities, the Lightning circuit is a fully self-contained racetrack.

The 1.1 mile carting track will be connected to the Lightening circuit. This exceptional facility will feature eight configurations, with many that can run simultaneously. All eight configurations can be run either counter clockwise or clockwise, providing drivers with constant challenges to improve their driving skills.

A members-only Driver’s Club will be a prominent feature of the New Jersey Motorsports Park. Members will have the opportunity to enjoy the exclusive, spacious clubhouse with facilities that include a tennis court, swimming pool, restaurant and comfortable bar area. What better way to end an exciting day than to relax and enjoy all the luxuries that the Driver’s Club has to offer.

Apart from the excellent facilities available to all auto racing fans, the New Jersey Motorports Park will also feature amenities for companies to use as corporate hospitality venues and for team building. The New Jersey Motorsports Park is scheduled to open in June 2008, so start making your plans now to enjoy this exciting new auto racing venue.