On Pole

[gttouring]

Perhaps this has been discussed, but after hearing that checkers at the finish flag are there because a french table cloth was waved, where did the term 'Pole position' come from? (I am assuming that the podium is an Olympic type carryover.)

[paulzinho]

I remember reading about this somewhere but all my books are at home! I'm sure theres someone who can give us an answer!

[D-Type]

Pure speculation
On a horse race course the finish is marked by the "winning post" - apole with a circle on the top.
As early motor racing followed horse racing (at Brooklands drivers originally wore jockey's colours) early tracks might have been a similar post or pole and the car nearest it would have been in "pole position"

[HiRich]

I'm pretty sure D-Type is right, and Goodwood has such a pole. (which, funnily enough, is on the start line, if you want to find it...)

[gttouring]

so how;d that pole get there in the first place? and in auto racing?
by the way where does the term RedMist come from- I suffer from it often...

[D-Type]

I knew I had seen the answer somewhere! Here's the link

As for red mist - I think the story goes that when you're extremely angry your blood pressure rises and everything appears as if in a red mist. I have come across a couple of websites dedicated to derivations but I,m afraid I can't give a link.

[gttouring]

great link That!
I see where Pits and paddock came form too.
ahh the world is good again.