Bernie E. behind a new Stockcar series!!

[chocmonster7]

From the press stuff I've read they are still doing support race stuff for the Aussie V8's in Bahrain this weekend. It's not surprising that they've cut the number of races down, there hasn't been much testing going on.

[Valker]

Yep. Results from Bahrain here: http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/re...03/11/2007.BIC

[kelvin88]

Why was it only 7 laps?

[chocmonster7]

Thanks for the link Valker, it says the race was red flagged so something must have happened! There are some photos on the Speedcar website.

[Bostik]

I understand that the FIA wont let these cars race until safety issues are sorted. Nascar style stock cars are unlikely to meet FIA regs and local marshals are probably not trained in specialised extrication from window-only cars.
Kinda strange then that their qualifying session was timed and the 'demonstration race' was started with a rolling start behind the pace car as normal. They really went for it and it was a crash and burn spectacular - great for the spectators - but the safety car was back out after a couple of laps whilst they cleared the carnage. Safety back in and the race was back on again. Rumour has it the organisers got it red flagged to save further embarrasment / equipment as they are due to do the same thing in Dubai two weeks later. With transponders on the cars, a normal race start and timing on the monitors, how would the FIA differentiate between a demo and a race? They were even quicker than the Oz V8 Supercars. Louder too. Given all this, I just wondered if the drivers were still insured in the event of a serious accident?

[duke_toaster]

Originally Posted by Bostik

I understand that the FIA wont let these cars race until safety issues are sorted. Nascar style stock cars are unlikely to meet FIA regs and local marshals are probably not trained in specialised extrication from window-only cars.

It seems like they will need to put doors in.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by Bostik

I understand that the FIA wont let these cars race until safety issues are sorted. Nascar style stock cars are unlikely to meet FIA regs and local marshals are probably not trained in specialised extrication from window-only cars.
Kinda strange then that their qualifying session was timed and the 'demonstration race' was started with a rolling start behind the pace car as normal. They really went for it and it was a crash and burn spectacular - great for the spectators - but the safety car was back out after a couple of laps whilst they cleared the carnage. Safety back in and the race was back on again. Rumour has it the organisers got it red flagged to save further embarrasment / equipment as they are due to do the same thing in Dubai two weeks later. With transponders on the cars, a normal race start and timing on the monitors, how would the FIA differentiate between a demo and a race? They were even quicker than the Oz V8 Supercars. Louder too. Given all this, I just wondered if the drivers were still insured in the event of a serious accident?

So ASCAR/SCSA was/is illegal?

Last week I had a look on the results and I too was surprised these cars have the same pace as V8 Supercars.

[Jimmy Magnusson]

Originally Posted by FIRE

So ASCAR/SCSA was/is illegal?

Last week I had a look on the results and I too was surprised these cars have the same pace as V8 Supercars.

Most likely different regs for oval racing though, and the Rockingham marshals is trained for it I assume.

[chocmonster7]

They are at Dubai tomorrow & Saturday doing more demo races.
Timing available via www.mstworld.com

[R59]

Originally Posted by Bostik

I understand that the FIA wont let these cars race until safety issues are sorted. Nascar style stock cars are unlikely to meet FIA regs and local marshals are probably not trained in specialised extrication from window-only cars.

If that's the excuse from the FIA, it's hogwash!! The marshalls will use the same techniques to extract drivers from their cars as normal - if they can't get him out through the door (which won't open), or the window, they'll cut the roof off!

OR is it that the FIA don't want anything like NASCAR operating in it's "homeland" just in case it takes off and NASCAR move in and take over the world!

[Matt]

http://www.speedcarseries.com/videos.php

Watch the Dubai video. Looks like quality racing.

[Bostik]

I agree - it does. But that's just the problem - a race in every sense except no 'published' results.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by racing59

OR is it that the FIA don't want anything like NASCAR operating in it's "homeland" just in case it takes off and NASCAR move in and take over the world!

Bingo!!!!

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by Matt

http://www.speedcarseries.com/videos.php

Watch the Dubai video. Looks like quality racing.

Looks great racing (to be honest I didn't expect it). This looks much better as DTM. I think it's fun to drive these cars.

Come on Dodge Europe, Toyota Europe, Ford Europe and Chevrolet Europe invest each a few millions and start a stock car series in Europe. A single make car with different engines.

[duke_toaster]

Originally Posted by FIRE

Looks great racing (to be honest I didn't expect it). This looks much better as DTM. I think it's fun to drive these cars.

Come on Dodge Europe, Toyota Europe, Ford Europe and Chevrolet Europe invest each a few millions and start a stock car series in Europe. A single make car with different engines.

No need ... couldn't they just ship pre-COT NASCAR kit over or even send over some COTs?

Although it would be better to change the stickers on the COTs to European models, make the Fusions in to Mondeos etc.

[FIRE]

Originally Posted by duke_toaster

No need ... couldn't they just ship pre-COT NASCAR kit over or even send over some COTs?

Even better but also more expensive. In the US cars are available so manufacturers don't need to develop cars. Allow only private teams. So instead of developing and running cars they could use the money for prize money and series promotion.

Originally Posted by duke_toaster

Although it would be better to change the stickers on the COTs to European models, make the Fusions in to Mondeos etc.

Agree or run just as a 'Ford', 'Dodge', 'Toyota' or 'Chevrolet'. I mean in F1 Renaults car is a 'Renault' not a 'Renault Scenic' or 'Renault Laguna'.

[R59]

Originally Posted by FIRE

I mean in F1 Renaults car is a 'Renault' not a 'Renault Scenic' or 'Renault Laguna'.

Y. y . yy... you mean it's not?

I'd better sit down. I'm shocked. I thought that all Renaults had 2.4L V8's revving to 19000 and were bathed in plastic and stickers.....

Oh! Sorry, that's the kids around here with their Clio's!!

[FIRE]

You know what I mean.

[FIRE]

SPEEDCARS REV ENGINES FOR DEBUT SEASON 17/01/2008 -


Speedcar Series stock cars will line the grid on the 25th and 26th of this month at the Dubai Autodrome for its inaugural season. Last week the V8 620 brake horse power identical stock cars passed the FIA dynamic crash tests in Europe and are preparing to race in their debut 2008 series as part of the FIA calendar.

The FIA testing came with a price however, causing a delay in the stock cars being ready for the first race in a little over a week. The rain, unprecedented and unexpected in Dubai, recorded as the highest nationwide for January blocked most major roads and highways as well as access to the circuit while flooding a few of the garages. In addition, delays in shipments of parts have slowed work down further despite mechanics working around the clock.

Fourteen stock cars will be ready in time for the Grand Racing events this month which will also feature GP2 Asia. Due to the fact that all 18 competitors currently registered with Speedcar Series will not have their race cars ready in time for the event in Dubai, the first race that allocates points towards the overall Speedcar Series Champion title will be held on the 16th and 17th of February at the Sentul International Circuit in Indonesia.

The drivers participating in the first event in Dubai are as follows:


* Jean Alesi (France) – car no. 27
* Nico Caldarola (Italy) – car no. 12
* Fabien Giroix (France) – car no. 17
* Johnny Herbert (United Kingdom) – car no. 69
* Stefan Johansson (Sweden) – car no. 07
* Narain Karthikeyan (India) – car no. 05
* Ukyo Katayama (Japan) – car no. 06
* Mathias Lauda (Austria) – car no. 21
* Hasher Al Maktoum (United Arab Emirates) – car no. 85
* Ananda Mikola (Indonesia) – car no. 18
* Gianni Morbidelli (Italy) – car no. 10
* Nicolas Navarro (France) – car no. 71
* David Terrien (France) – car no. 20

The Technical Manager of Speedcar Series, Benjamin Durand said, “Having decided to have the stock cars FIA approved ensures the highest level of driver safety. The Speedcars being housed in Dubai are in the process of being modified by experienced teams of mechanics according to the specifications put forward by data gathered during the testing.”

Benoit Lamonerie, General Manager of Speedcar Series is extremely pleased with the outcome of the crash tests saying, “The event in Dubai will give spectators a taste of the adrenalin, excitement and family-day-out atmosphere they can expect from all our races to come.We are confident of making an impact in the Middle East and Asia by providing a racing platform that is growing in popularity everyday in these regions.”

Source: Speedcar PR

[R59]

Originally Posted by Speedcar PR

The event in Dubai will give spectators a taste of the adrenalin, excitement and family-day-out atmosphere they can expect from all our races to come.

In Dubai..... what spectators exactly. There will probably be more at Brands Hatch on a clubbie weekend.

[FIRE]

Uwe Alzen enters Speedcar. His car is entered by Phoenix Racing.
Source: http://www.racing1.de/web/mix_racing...c84cf76ff30fbe

Alzen and Phoenix are both big names in international motorsport.

[chocmonster7]

I just wish there was some online coverage of this, even some live timing would do!
Have found some photos on the Sutton Images site but that's it so far.

[Olive]

Very small field, which will look even worse with this type of car.

[chocmonster7]

Seems they had quite an evenful race today!

GIANNI MORBIDELLI WINS INAUGURAL RACE

25/01/2008 -
Gianni Morbidelli triumphed in the inaugural Speedcar race this afternoon at the Dubai Autodrome with an 8 second lead over the two other podium drivers – German, Uwe Alzen and Austrian, Mathias Lauda.

With the exception of Gianni, starting from pole position and dominating the race through all of the 20 laps, the race was thrilling and close with drivers battling for position down to the last lap.

Mathias Lauda qualified second, however, had to concede his position to Uwe Alzen who started fourth on the grid. The German’s handling of the V8 stockcar was impressive considering that this morning was the first time he drove the car.

David Terrien drove with heart and won fans with his performance when his car went into a spin causing him to fall to 8th position. He still battled his way back up the order to finish in 4th. David’s team mate Hasher Al Maktoum followed 7 seconds behind.

Apart from Gianni Morbidelli who stole the show, the other ex-F1 drivers did not fare as well. Johnny Herbert managed to finish all 20 laps with engine trouble that slowed him down. He will have the engine replaced in time for tomorrow’s second race. Ukyo Katayama retired after 7 laps in which he and Stefan Johansson collided twice. Jean Alesi finished in 6th place and admitted to making a few mistakes that cost him some positions.

Gianni said at the press conference, “It was an excellent inaugural race and gave us all a chance to size up our competition. It was hard though and long, but exciting and I can’t wait for the next one.”

[kerrmanningjarv]

Anyone know why Narain and Nico Caldarola didn't race?

There weren't a lack of cars, there were 14 cars but only 12 drivers raced.