Paying my respect to motorsport: maybe you should too

One major racing incident occurs and suddenly every second person is an expert on racing.

Motorsport is something that is barely covered in the media, but once a surreal incident occurs, way too many keyboard warriors jump on board the blame wagon.

The incident that occurred Saturday night involving NASCAR driver Tony Stewart and 20-year-old Kevin Ward Jnr was an absolutely devastating situation, making news around the globe and within minutes of the catastrophic event happening. Police immediately investigated Stewart about the death of young sprint-car driver Ward Jnr, but have ruled out that the NASCAR regular will be charged with manslaughter. The incident is however still under investigation.

A completely heart-breaking situation, yet people are still quick to judge saying crude and disgusting comments involving the beauty of hindsight. And if you were one of those who quickly jumped to a conclusion and started to blame – shame, shame, shame. Just to let you know, your face wasn’t inside either of the drivers’ helmets.

This was an incomprehensible tragedy, but this has happened before. Motorsport is dangerous, and it needs to be treated with respect. People involved in the sport are fully aware of the dangers, and so should the audience in order to fully understand the big picture.

I’m also not attaching the incident to this article, just to pay my respects to both drivers in this shocking situation.

My prayers go out to Kevin Ward Jnr, Tony Stewart and their families during this difficult time. Rest In Peace Kevin Ward Jnr; another racer taken too soon.

Tough Weekend for Hazelwood Bouncing Back in Race 2

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood charging his way from 23rd to tenth. Photo: Dirk Klynsmith

ROOKIE DRIVER Todd Hazelwood managed the best out of bad situation, finishing an astonishing tenth place starting from 23^rd on the grid after not finishing yesterday’s Race 1 due to an alternator wire failure.

The Thomas Steel Racing/All Purpose Pest Control Falcon showed great pace, moving up thirteen positions in a strong field of the Dunlop Series during Round 5 of the championship.

“The Ipswich 400 was a tough weekend for us, we had good race pace and kept out of the carnage all weekend but we didn’t get the result that we deserved,” Hazelwood said.

“Race 1 was a huge disappointment for the team and myself. I had low voltage on the screen from lap two and I was trying to manage the issue the best I could, the radio, cool suit, fans and lights were all turned off and I was just trying to bring the car home to gain some valuable points.

“Knowing were I was placed was a big disappointment as I would have started pole position for Race 2 and moved towards the top four in the championship standings, but that’s racing and we moved on straight after it had happened.”

The South Australian said he enjoyed coming through the field, having some great battles with far more experienced drivers in the series.

“I battled tough with Chris Pither, Andrew Jones and Tim Blanchard throughout the whole race and personally it was great to show that I could race from 23rd to tenth with pressure from behind … the guys who I had behind me were fast and very experienced and it’s always good for me to learn from tough race situations like this.” Hazelwood continued.

“The car was fast the whole race and I felt we deserved to be inside the top five with the package we had … it was a great fight back and I really enjoyed it.

“The guys at Matt Stone Racing did a fantastic job with the car all weekend and we will work even harder in preparation for Round 6 at Bathurst.

“I can’t thank my sponsors and supporters enough for getting behind me and making all of this happen, I wouldn’t be racing without them!

The 18-year-old is currently leading the rookie standings and is now eleventh in the championship on 744 points, with the teenager looking to bounce back at Round 6 of the Dunlop Series held at Bathurst on October 9-12.

Set-up changes the key for today’s Qualifying and Race 1

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood in Practice yesterday. Credit: Matthew Paul Photography

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood is ready for his race debut at Queensland Raceway in the Dunlop Series, and believes after yesterday’s practice the car will be great for Qualifying and Race 1 for Round 5 of the championship.

Yesterday saw the teenager finish Practice 1 in fifth place, and in Practice 2 a respectable twelfth.

“In practice I was very happy with the amount of set-up combinations we tried throughout the two sessions yesterday,” Hazelwood said.

“The key aspect we achieved was to understand what set-up to run in Qualifying and also in Race 1 today.

“It was good to go out in the first session and finish inside the top five … it is great for the team and myself to be on the front foot from the first session and to continue towards the right direction.”

The Thomas Steel Fabrication/All Purpose Pest Control Falcon currently leads the rookie standings in the series and is seventh in the championship on 666 points, with the 18-year-old looking to extend his rookie lead after today’s results.

“The field was separated by a small margin throughout practice yesterday, and it will be even closer in Qualifying,” Hazelwood continued.

“It’s going to be a crucial session … fingers crossed we can put it all together for today!”

The Matt Stone Racing driver will hit the Willowbank circuit at 10:35 (AEST) this morning for the first Qualifying session for Round 5 of the Dunlop Series.

Round 5 V8 Supercars Dunlop Series – Queensland Raceway (AEST)
Saturday: Qualifying 1 – 10:35 (30 minutes), Race 1 – 15:25 (29 laps) live on Seven/7mate
Sunday: Race 2 – 13:55 (29 laps) live on Seven/7mate

Hazelwood Prepared for Home Track Test Debut

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Hazelwood is keen to race at Queensland Raceway. Photo: Dirk Klynsmith

MATT STONE Racing driver Todd Hazelwood is ready for his Dunlop Series race debut at Queensland Raceway, which is the team’s testing circuit.

The 18-year-old has previously raced at the Willowbank circuit, having competed in National Formula 3 a year ago.

The South Australian says that he cannot wait to turn his first race laps at this circuit, and believes this weekend he can further his current seventh position in the championship.

“Really looking forward to having another crack behind the wheel of the Thomas Steel Fabrication V8 Supercar this weekend,” Hazelwood said.

“Last Wednesday we had a great test day trying a couple of things with set-up which will hopefully give us a bit more speed.

“Three out of the four previous rounds this year I had never raced at before. … Ipswich is Matt Stone Racing’s home track and I have also raced here in the past.

“It will be good to jump in the car for first practice tomorrow and solely focus on car setup and getting the most out of myself.”

Hazelwood is currently seventh in the Dunlop Series on 666 points, and is currently leading the rookie standings in the championship.

“In the last two rounds we have been consistently running inside the top ten and close to the podium at times and it would be good to have another strong weekend and maintain my lead in the rookie standings,” Hazelwood continued.

“It will be a tough weekend though, as there are over 30 cars nominated to race for Round 5.

“Every round this year we have moved forward in the championship standings so hopefully we can keep the momentum rolling.”

The teenager will hit the circuit this morning at 11:15am (AEST) for his first practice session.

Round 5 V8 Supercars Dunlop Series – Queensland Raceway (AEST)

Friday: Practice 1 – 11:15 (40 minutes), Practice 2 – 13:20 (40 minutes)
Saturday: Qualifying 1 – 10:35 (30 minutes), Race 1 – 15:25 (29 laps) live on Seven/7mate
Sunday: Race 2 – 13:55 (29 laps) live on Seven/7mate

Rosberg cruises to maiden home victory

Fiasco Sports, Formula 1

German driver Nico Rosberg has claimed his first ever German Grand Prix victory, cruising to the chequered in a battle-filled race.

Mercedes pilot Nico Rosberg has extended his world championship lead, winning his first ever home Grand Prix at Hockenheim.

Rosberg never looked back from his pole position, leading all 67-laps of the German Grand Prix.

Valterri Bottas held a strong race in second, defending his race position to British driver Lewis Hamilton who drove from 20th to a credible third place.

Redbull Racing struggled with horsepower with the Renault-powered cars battling throughout the race with Ferrari. Last year’s winner Sebastian Vettel finishing fourth, Fernando Alonso fifth and young Australian Daniel Ricciardo in sixth.

The race was full with incidents starting on Turn 1 where McLaren’s Kevin Magnussen clipped the rear of Felipe Massa, sending the Williams’ driver up-side-down, resulting in the first retirement of the race and a two-lap safety car.

Ricciardo’s race position was harmed because of the incident, forcing the Redbull driver back down to 15th position, Magnussen was also able to continue in the race finishing in ninth.

Ricciardo and Hamilton drove through the back-end of the field, marching their way towards the top-end of the race.

Lap 28 saw the second retirement of the race, with Lotus driver Romain Grosjean having his fourth retirement for the season at no fault of his own – his car stopping due to an electrical fault.

A few laps later, Hamilton made contact with former teammate Jenson Button, ending with a damaged front wing for the Mercedes driver which potentially cost Hamilton second place towards the final laps.

Daniil Kvyat was the third non-finisher for the Grand Prix, retiring after his car caught on fire.

Only four laps later, Adrian Sutil spun his #99 car on the exit of the final corner, resulting with his car stopping on the start/finish straight.

Teams predicted a safety car to remove the Sauber from the straight, but instead marshalls waved double-yellow flags and pushed the car towards the wall while the race continued.

Hamilton changed his pit strategy half-way through the race, making three-stops throughout the Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver pushed forward, making time on Bottas but unfortunately could not pass due to the straight-line speed of the Williams.

Rosberg has extended his championship lead from his German Grand Prix win by 14 points to his teammate Hamilton.

The next round of the Formula 1 championship will be held next weekend at Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

2014 German Grand Prix race results
Pos Driver Team Laps Time/Retired Grid
1 Nico Rosberg Mercedes 67 Winner 1
2 Valtteri Bottas Williams-Mercedes 67 +20.7 secs 2
3 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 67 +22.5 secs 20
4 Sebastian Vettel Red Bull Racing-Renault 67 +44.0 secs 6
5 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 67 +52.4 secs 7
6 Daniel Ricciardo Red Bull Racing-Renault 67 +52.5 secs 5
7 Nico Hulkenberg Force India-Mercedes 67 +64.1 secs 9
8 Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 67 +84.7 secs 11
9 Kevin Magnussen McLaren-Mercedes 66 +1 Lap 4
10 Sergio Perez Force India-Mercedes 66 +1 Lap 10
11 Kimi Räikkönen Ferrari +1 Lap 12
12 Pastor Maldonado Lotus-Renault +1 Lap 18
13 Jean-Eric Vergne STR-Renault +1 Lap 13
14 Esteban Gutierrez Sauber-Ferrari +1 Lap 16
15 Jules Bianchi Marussia-Ferrari +1 Lap 17
16 Kamui Kobayashi Caterham-Renault +2 Lap 19
17 Max Chilton Marussia-Ferrari +2 Lap 21
18 Marcus Ericsson Caterham-Renault +2 Lap 22
Ret Adrian Sutil Sauber-Ferrari +20 Laps 15
Ret Daniil Kvyat STR-Renault +23 Laps 8
Ret Romain Grosjean Lotus-Renault +41 Laps 14
Ret Felipe Massa Williams-Mercedes + secs 3

Written by Loren Hazelwood @LorenHazelwood
– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/rosberg-cruises-to-maiden-home-victory/#sthash.3ymuNDgG.dpuf

Successful Townsville Debut for Hazelwood Moving to Seventh in Series

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood in Townsville. Photo: Dirk Klynsmith

DUNLOP SERIES rookie Todd Hazelwood has moved to seventh in the championship, after a successful debut at the Reid Park circuit held on the streets of Townsville.

The 18-year-old had a challenging weekend, finishing Race 1 in eighth and Race 2 an impressive 13th, after being taken out on the final corner early in the race, recovering from a bad situation to finish towards the top ten.

The Thomas Steel Racing driver was also setting some of the fastest times in the race, despite being in traffic.

“Yesterday I was unfortunate to be turned around during the early stages of the race … it was a shame as the car was well balanced and we were one of the fastest cars on the track,” Hazelwood said.

“That’s racing though, when you’re racing hard unfortunately these things happen but we made the most out of a bad situation.

“I was pleased to finish 13th after falling back to 26th, it was fantastic to use sheer pace and determination to drive through the pack and pass cars left, right and centre.

“I was hoping the race was five laps longer, as I caught up to the tail end of the top ten.”

The South Australian managed to finish tenth for Round 4 of the Dunlop Series, and is looking to further his championship position at the next round in Ipswich.

“Overall, we must remain positive and use this to our advantage to bounce back stronger at Ipswich in a months’ time,” the teenager continued.

“We will have a test day in-between now and the next round, hoping to find more car speed.

“Ipswich will be a strong round as I have done plenty of testing laps around there, unlike every other circuit I’ve raced at this year.”

Hazelwood is currently seventh in the Dunlop Series on 666 points, and is currently leading the rookie standings in the championship.

The next round of the Dunlop Series will be held at Matt Stone Racing’s home circuit Queensland Raceway, on 1-3 August.

Hazelwood Moves to Fifth in Series After First Race at Townsville

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood. Image credit: Digital Realism

AFTER REMAINING consistent throughout the series this year, Todd Hazelwood has moved to fifth in the Dunlop Development Series after finishing an impressive eighth in Race 1 for Round 4 of the championship at Townsville.

The 18-year-old stayed out of trouble and climbed his way through the field, and the teenager is looking to further his way through the field again in today’s Race 2.

“After a disappointing qualifying, we were aiming to move into the top ten and gain crucial championship points,” the South Australian said.

“It was a crazy race filled with safety cars, making it tough to stay out of trouble, but we did well to keep moving through the pack and gaining positions.

“Throughout the race I really struggled to get the car balanced, we spent all night looking through the data after Race 1.”

The Thomas Steel Fabrication driver will be on-track today at 1:15 (AEST), starting from position eight after today’s qualifying session.

“Really pleased with the changes we made for qualifying today, which really suited the track’s conditions,” Hazelwood continued.

“It’s always nice to beat my personal best in qualifying, hopefully in today’s race we can get a good start and move closer to the front.”

Hazelwood has moved from ninth to fifth in the championship currently on 600 points, whilst leading the rookie standings in the Dunlop Series.

Round 4 Dunlop Development Series Townsville 500 (all times AEST)

Sunday:
Qualifying 2: 9:25
Race 2: 13:15 (Race 2 live on Seven/7mate)

Hazelwood Tops Rookie Standings in Practice

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood has set the quickest time in the rookie standings in today’s two practice sessions, setting the eighth fastest time overall for Round 4 of the Dunlop Development Series at Townsville.

The 18-year-old was pleased with his practice result, considering the teenager has never set foot on the Reid Park street circuit before.

“Going into today we just wanted to gain great track knowledge and get a good feel for the car,” Hazelwood said.

“After our test day there were a few things we wanted to try which fortunately worked in our favour.

“Looking forward to a strong qualifying session tomorrow morning, hopefully we can produce fast laps and put us in a good starting position for Race 1.”

The Matt Stone Racing driver will be on track tomorrow morning for the first qualifying session, to then race later in the afternoon for the first race of the Townsville championship round.

“I’m pleased to be in the mix with some seasoned campaigners from the V8 Supercars field, and this puts me in a good position to battle with experienced drivers,” Hazelwood continued.

“We’re currently looking through data and hopefully we can unlock more speed for tomorrow’s race and qualifying.”

Hazelwood is currently ninth in the Dunlop Series sitting on 510 championship points, while leading the rookie standings in the series.

Round 4 Dunlop Development Series Townsville 500 (all times AEST)

Saturday: Qualifying 1: 8:45, Race 1: 15:30 (Race 1 live on Seven/7mate)

Sunday: Qualifying 2: 9:25, Race 2: 13:15 (Race 2 live on Seven/7mate)

Hazelwood Focused on Debut in North Queensland

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Todd Hazelwood has never raced up north of Queensland, and after Perth’s success he is ready for his debut at the Townsville street circuit for Round 4 of the Dunlop Development Series.

The South Australian also had a successful test day a week ago at Queensland Raceway, believing he has what it takes to consistently remain inside the top-ten.

“I cannot wait to get out on track and cut some laps around this tricky street circuit … there is some really cool aspects about the Townsville circuit that I believe will suit my driving style well,” Hazelwood said.

“We had a very successful test day last Wednesday and I’m feeling confident that we can keep moving up through the field.

“Perth was a dream weekend, everything went to plan and we were able to capitalise on every situation.

“If we can qualify strong again it will help set-up our weekend perfectly, and hopefully we can bank some good points and move forward in the championship.”

The teenager is currently inside the top-ten of the championship in ninth on 510 points, and is currently leading the rookie standing in the Dunlop Series.

Hazelwood has also picked up some great Queensland sponsors who will be supporting him throughout the round at Townsville.

“I’m really excited to start new partnerships with Thomas Steel Fabrication, ACS Engineering, City Generators and Protile for this weekend,” Hazelwood said.

“Without the support from these businesses we would be unable to race.

“With what we have installed for our sponsors this weekend they are sure to enjoy a great weekend and hopefully we can get some good results for them too. “

Hazelwood will hit the circuit today for practice; check the schedule below for television and racing times.

Round 4 Dunlop Development Series Townsville 500 (all times AEST)

Friday: Practice 1: 9:00, Practice 2: 13:25

Saturday: Qualifying 1: 8:45, Race 1: 15:30 (Race 1 live on Seven/7mate)

Sunday: Qualifying 2: 9:25, Race 2: 13:15 (Race 2 live on Seven/7mate)

Dan Ricciardo = Australia’s New Hero

Formula 1, Spultured

He’s the young pup who started out in Formula 1 with his teeth covered in braces and his ambitions high to make it to the top. Well, four years later and this rising star has clinched his maiden Grand Prix win in Montreal, with his dentist gifting Ricciardo the biggest smile any racer has ever had, making Aussies more proud than ever.

The world was not ready for his smile, let alone the skill and determination this Australian has to offer. Many non-believers thought he would end up in the same position as Mark Webber being defeated by his four-time world champion teammate Sebastian Vettel.

Oh boy, were they wrong.

Of course the Merecedes’ Silver Arrows have dominated the 2014 season so far, but Ricciardo has been the talk of the pits with his dominance in the Infiniti Red Bull team this year. He also broke the Mercedes winning streak, being the first driver this year to defeat the victorious Nico Rosberg and the swag of Lewis Hamilton.

Not only is the rookie sitting third in the championship, he’s out-performing Vettel. VETTEL! The guy who was booed every time he was on the podium last year. Just, wow.

Only two Australians have tasted Formula 1 world championship glory – Sir Jack Brabham and Alan Jones – I wouldn’t mind betting$1,000 that Ricciardo makes that tally three.

Ricciardo may have an Italian last name, but his heart is full of Aussie gold. He has the Australian fighting spirit and has blood the colour of wattle. This bloke is going to break history, and eventually will give us the Formula 1 championship that Webdog was so close to claiming.

And you know what, who cares about the Queen’s fake birthday. Let’s make this public holiday dedicated to Daniel Ricciardo and his firstFormula 1 victory. Happy Daniel Ricciardo Day people, hope you had a lovely long weekend.

And Dan, cheers to your maiden victory at the Canadian Grand Prix!

Published by Spultured

(Image source: ABC)

Media by Loren Hazelwood

Motor sport media, marketing and content specialist

Paying my respect to motorsport: maybe you should too

Tough Weekend for Hazelwood Bouncing Back in Race 2

Set-up changes the key for today’s Qualifying and Race 1

Hazelwood Prepared for Home Track Test Debut

Rosberg cruises to maiden home victory

Successful Townsville Debut for Hazelwood Moving to Seventh in Series

Hazelwood Moves to Fifth in Series After First Race at Townsville

Hazelwood Tops Rookie Standings in Practice

Hazelwood Focused on Debut in North Queensland

Dan Ricciardo = Australia’s New Hero