Author: Loren Hazelwood

Dick Johnson: I’m in the Sh*t

Australian V8 Supercars, Spultured
Dick Johnson at his workshop in Stapylton, Queensland

Dick Johnson at his workshop in Stapylton, Queensland

Most 68-year-olds would be celebrating their success and settling down to retire, but for V8 Touring Car legend Dick Johnson, things have taken a turn for the worst.

Johnson, who has been involved in the V8 Supercar industry for over three decades, recently came out and told the media that he is broke, simply putting it as he is ‘in the shit’, having lost $9.1m dollars in recent years due to dodgy deals surrounding sponsorship for his team Dick Johnson Racing.

A company called Westpoint came on-board with Dick Johnson Racing after Shell Helix ended their sponsorship contract with the team, with the company later becoming bankrupt and costing Dick Johnson Racing millions.

Since Westpoint’s failed sponsorship, Dick Johnson and his team have struggled to make it by. Johnson then decided to create a phone company called Firstrock, with the company one year later falling to pieces.

Jim Beam then came to DJR’s rescue, sponsoring the team until the 2013 season. Things were looking up for the team here, with Dick Johnson Racing securing their first V8 Championship in decades with James Courtney, who later moved to Holden Racing Team.

Since Courtney’s departure, Dick Johnson Racing is yet to pick up another race win. Steven Johnson (Dick Johnson’s son) was forced to leave the team this year and opted for the Porsches in the Carrera Cup series, as another driver was able to bring more money to the team.

John Reid was the driver set to replace Junior Johnson (Editor’s note: *muted laughter*) at the start of the year, but not long after the first couple of races was replaced by young Ford Performance Racing driver Chaz Mostert.

Dick Johnson is currently living on $365 per week, just getting by. Johnson also noted that he is paying his employees correctly and the only thing he owns a part of in the company is the workshop.

A new book will be released soon, highlighting the struggles of Dick Johnson Racing and also his personal life. You ought go out and buy it and give the old fella a hand!

Tragedy Unfolds as Andrea Antonelli Dies in WSBK Race

Fiasco Sports, World Super Bike Championship

25 year-old Andrea Antonelli has sadly passed away during the early stages of the second World Supersport race held at Moscow Raceway. 

Italian World Superbike rider Andrea Antonelli was involved in a collision at Moscow Raceway on Sunday.

The rider tragically succumbed to his injuries in the aftermath of the fatal crash.

The accident was caused through Antonelli losing control of his Kawasaki in the wet weather between turns 13 and 14, before being hit by fellow Superbike rider Lorenzo Zanetti.

The race was immediately red flagged and was later cancelled by officials for safety reasons.

The FIM issued this statement:

“During today’s FIM Supersport World Championsip race, at 1.32pm Italian rider Andrea Antonelli (Team Goeleven Kawasaki) suffered a serious accident on the straight between Turn 14 and Turn 15 wherein he sustained critical injuries.”

“The race was stopped with the red flag and the rider was immediately taken to an ambulance where the medical staff worked to resuscitate him.

“Despite their efforts, Andrea sadly succumbed to his injuries at 2.10pm local time.

“FIM, Dorna and YMS Promotion decided to cancel the activities scheduled for the rest of the day.

“The FIM and everyone involved in motorcycle championships extends its deepest condolences to Andrea’s family, friends, team and Italian Federation at this tragic loss.”

Written by Loren Hazelwood 

– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/tragedy-unfolds-as-andrea-antonelli-dies-in-wsbk-race/#sthash.SVodW5EJ.dpuf

Maxwell Impresses in Darwin Finishing Second at States

Sprint Karting, Thomas Maxwell
Thomas Maxwell leading the way in Darwin

Thomas Maxwell leading the way in Darwin

15-YEAR-OLD Thomas Maxwell has achieved his career best result to date in sprint karting, finishing second at the Open State Titles in Junior National Light at his home circuit at Hidden Valley.

The Dino Kart driver impressed from day one, qualifying pole position in both sessions by nearly two-tenths to his Australian champion rival.

Maxwell backed up his speed and set the fastest lap both heats, winning comfortably in heat one.

Heat two saw Maxwell race hard with Bryce Fullwood, passing Fullwood with two-laps to go and taking his second win for the weekend.

Maxwell once again had a tight battle with Fullwood, making a spectacular finish in the pre-final crossing the line in second by one-tenth of a second.

With the racing being close throughout the whole weekend, Maxwell started second for the final. At the start Maxwell was pushed back to fifth, but fought back passing his opponents one-by-one.

The teenager then managed to regain second position, hunting down his rival and pulling away from the rest of the field.

As the laps went on, Maxwell started to catch the Australian champion by nearly one-tenth a lap.

After lap 9, the kart started to go off after making the wrong technical change to the kart, allowing the times to drop a tenth a lap, allowing Fullwood to maintain the margin.

Thomas Maxwell finished in second place in the final to Bryce Fullwood, with the gap back to third over two-seconds.

“I was extremely happy with our results over the weekend,” said Maxwell.

“Being able to break through for my maiden pole position and podium really shows that all our hard work over the last few weeks has really paid off.

“The Dino kart showed great pace throughout the whole weekend setting numerous fastest laps throughout the races and I look forward to the next title.”

Maxwell’s next race meeting is at Darwin, then will head to Melbourne in a few weeks time to back-up his great results and race at the City of Melbourne event.

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Round Four Win for Todd Hazelwood at Sydney

Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Todd Hazelwood Racing
Todd Hazelwood wins the Forpark National class

Todd Hazelwood wins the Forpark National class

17-YEAR-OLD Todd Hazelwood has achieved his career best in Formula 3, winning the Forpark National Formula 3 class for the fourth round of the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship.

Hazelwood was consistently quick throughout the whole round, qualifying pole position, winning race one and winning the all-important 14-lap feature race, defeating his current championship rival.

The round win didn’t come easy for Hazelwood, with the Fujitsu Racing driver being pushed all the way by the championship contenders.

“The race was unreal, it was a tight race between Arrie and myself and it was great to back it up with a great result,” said Hazelwood.

“It’s been by far my best weekend in racing in open wheel racing, and it’s finally good to see the hard work and dedication paying off.

“This weekend would have not been possible without my supporters and I’d like to thank Fujitsu Racing, R-Tek Motorsport and my sponsors.”

Todd Hazelwood is now looking forward to back up his great results from this weekend at Queensland Raceway in three weeks time.

“Hopefully we can maintain our consistent run in the championship and have a good round at Queensland Raceway,” said Hazelwood.

“I’ve never raced at the Queensland circuit so it will be good to once again test my ability and learn a new track on the Formula 3 calendar.”

Hazelwood’s round win helps the South Australian’s championship campaign, closing the gap to the current series leader.

Todd Hazelwood currently sits second on 119 points in the Forpark National class, with the championship leader on 161.

The next round of the championship is held at Queensland Raceway, a part of the Shannons Nationals series on August 2-4.

Australian F3 Driver on the Road to Recovery

Fiasco Sports, Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship

Despite being involved in a monstrous crash at Hidden Valley in Darwin a few weeks ago, Steel Guiliana will be racing his Formula 3 at Sydney Motorsport Park this weekend. 

Australian Formula 3 driver Steel Guiliana is set to race at this weekend’s round of the championship at Sydney Motorsport Park despite being involved in a crash at Hidden Valley a few weeks ago.

The 22-year-old endured the effects of a high impact crash at turn one, hitting the tyre barriers at the end of the 1.2km straight reaching speeds of 230 k/ph.

Fortunately Guiliana walked away unhurt due to the safety standards of the Formula 3 cars, however his car was too damaged to continue the rest of the round at Hidden Valley.

Guiliana climbed into Team BRM’s car for this weekend’s round of the championship at Sydney Motorsport Park, with the team at R-Tek Motorsport working tirelessly to prepare the car in a short period.

“The team have done a great job to turn this car around ready for Sydney and have been very supportive after my big accident,” said Guiliana.

“It certainly knocked me around but shortly after the race I felt fine and was keen to get back out there.”

“I hope we can have a strong return to the front at my home race and get our championship back on track.”

Guiliana will be racing at his home circuit this weekend, with the Sydney driver currently sixth in the Australian Formula 3 championship.

 

Written by Loren Hazelwood @LorenHazelwood

– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/australian-f3-driver-on-the-road-to-recovery/#sthash.4svSM40C.dpuf

Hazelwood Breaks Through for Maiden Race Win

Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Todd Hazelwood Racing

1002767_538348702868679_198163458_nSOUTH Australian Todd Hazelwood has had a great start to round four in the Australian Formula 3 championship, qualifying first position and winning race one at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Hazelwood continued his good form from practice yesterday, gaining a one-tenth gap on his teammate in qualifying to grab his first ever pole position in the Forpark National class.

The Fujitsu driver then had a good start in race one, gaining a jump on the series leader to take his maiden win in the Formula 3 category.

Hazelwood then had a race later on in the day, holding third position for the 9-lap race.

“It’s been an incredible day for myself, I achieved a lot more than I had expected,” said Hazelwood.

“It’s a great credit to my team, family and supporters to make this happen, I would have not done it without them.

“It’s difficult to get a good start here without rolling as the starting grid is on the hill. Hopefully tomorrow we can get it nailed and produce great results in race three tomorrow.”

Tomorrow’s racing includes one 14-lap race for the final race of the round.

“It’s going to be a long race so it is going to come down to who can manage their tyres the best.”

“The top three is very close, it is going to be a very spectacular 14-lap race tomorrow.”

To follow Todd Hazelwood’s progress throughout this weekend for the fourth round of the Australian Formula 3 Championship, like Todd Hazelwood on Facebook or follow Todd on Twitter.

Sunday’s schedule: Shannons National’s Sydney Motorsport Park

11:40 Race 3 (14 laps)

Day One Review: Round Four of the Championship

Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Todd Hazelwood Racing
Todd in practice at Sydney

Todd in practice at Sydney

TODD Hazelwood has started his fourth round debut in the Ausrtralian Formula 3 championship at Sydney Motorsport Park in style, registering the second quickest time in practice today.

Today’s practice included two 30-minute sessions, giving the Fujitsu Racing driver enough time to adapt to the circuit in readiness for tomorrow’s racing.

“It’s been a great learning curve driving around the Sydney Motorsport Park circuit today,” said Hazelwood.

“I’m happy with how I adapted to the track, but there are still some areas I need to improve on.

“We have showed some great signs of speed today, hopefully tomorrow we can challenge for pole position and breakthrough for a race win.”

Todd Hazelwood is currently second in the Forpark National class, hoping to close the gap on the championship leader.

Tomorrow’s racing includes one 20-minute qualifying session and two 9-lap races.

To follow Todd Hazelwood’s progress throughout this weekend for the fourth round of the Australian Formula 3 Championship, like Todd Hazelwood on Facebook or follow Todd on Twitter.

Saturday’s schedule: Shannons National’s Sydney Motorsport Park

10:15 Qualifying (20 minutes)
13:25 Race 1 (9 laps)
15:30 Race 2 (9 laps)

Todd Hazelwood Ready for Debut at Sydney

Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship, Todd Hazelwood Racing
Todd Hazelwood Ready for Sydney Motorsport Park. Picture source: Dirk Klynsmith

Todd Hazelwood Ready for Sydney Motorsport Park. Picture source: Dirk Klynsmith

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood has had a great start to his rookie season in the Formula 3 Australian Driver’s Championship, and is looking to continue that form for the fourth round of the series held at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Hazelwood is yet to race at the circuit, but has tasted success in the state of New South Wales, becoming state champion a few years ago in his sprint karting career.

The Fujitsu Racing driver is currently second in the Forpark National Formula 3 Championship, and is looking forward to tasting more success and to get on the top step of the podium.

“After showing good pace at Darwin having never raced at Hidden Valley before, hopefully we can continue our strong form facing a new track again,” Hazelwood stated.

“The main goal for this round is to continue to collect strong championship points and remain consistent throughout the whole weekend.

“I’d love to have a win, but we have to be realistic and see how the racing goes.”

The teenager is looking forward to the great challenge to learn the grips of the circuit, as he believes it will be an exciting track in a Formula 3 race car.

“I can’t wait to test my ability on a great track, as the fast corners and fast braking is very demanding in a Formula 3.”

Todd Hazelwood will first hit the Sydney circuit on Friday (12 July) for practice.

To follow Todd Hazelwood’s round four progress of the Formula 3 Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park, like his Facebook page or follow Todd Hazelwood on Twitter.

Racing schedule: Shannons National’s Sydney Motorsport Park

Friday (12 July)

09:25 Practice 1 (30 minutes)
13:05 Practice 2 (30 minutes)

Saturday (13 July)

10:15 Qualifying (20 minutes)
13:25 Race 1 (9 laps)
15:30 Race 2 (9 laps)

Sunday (14 July)

11:40 Race 3 (14 laps)

1-2 Finish for Holden Racing at Townsville

Australian V8 Supercars, Fiasco Sports

Garth Tander wins in the streets of Townsville leading home his teammate James Courtney for a 1-2 Holden finish.

James Courtney. Photo source: Daniel Attema

James Courtney. Photo source: Daniel Attema

Holden Racing’s Garth Tander has achieved his first win since Bathurst in 2011, with teammate James Courtney holding on in second place for a 1-2 finish.

 

A race full of strategy saw Holden pit its two VF Commodores, giving the drivers a soft-tyre advantage over most of the field.

 

Holden Racing decided to run a two-stint strategy, making its drivers pit for second-hand soft tyres.

 

Despite sustaining damage after kissing the wall at Turn 10 in making a move on Scott McLaughlin, Tander still managed to bring home the win.

 

The start saw Ford’s Mark Winterbottom get a great jump on the rest of the field, but later his decision not to pit under the Lap 9 safety car caused him to fall to fourth place.

 

Shane van Gisbergen took third place after running a similar pit-strategy to Holden Racing, making great progress starting closer to the rear of the field.

 

Russell Ingall and Tony D’Alberto made it a top six effort for Walkinshaw Performance built Commodores, with Craig Lowndes, Tim Slade, McLaughlin and Will Davison rounding out the top 10.

 

The race’s only retirement was Lee Holdsworth, who had engine dramas with his Erebus Motorsport Mercedes and stopped into the run of Turn 11.

 

After Race 21 of the championship at Townsville, the current championship standings see Jamie Whincup leading Lowndes by 111 points, with Ford’s Davison and Winterbottom closing in on the series lead.

 

 

1 Holden Racing Team Garth Tander Holden Commodore VF 01:30:04.1639 1:14.0127
2 Holden Racing Team James Courtney Holden Commodore VF 01:30:04.4830 1:13.9505
3 TEKNO Team VIP Shane Van Gisbergen Holden Commodore VF 01:30:13.5491 1:13.9319
4 Pepsi Max Crew FPR Ford Mark Winterbottom Ford Falcon FG 01:30:25.7667 1:14.3657
5 Supercheap Auto Racing Russell Ingall Holden Commodore VF 01:30:31.6601 1:14.1909
6 Team HIFLEX Tony D’Alberto Holden Commodore VF 01:30:31.9113 1:14.0973
7 Red Bull Racing Australia Craig Lowndes Holden Commodore VF 01:30:32.5797 1:14.2647
8 Heavy Haulage Australia Racing Tim Slade Mercedes E63 AMG 01:30:34.2168 1:14.0378
9 Fujitsu Racing GRM Scott McLaughlin Holden Commodore VF 01:30:38.6971 1:14.4242
10 Pepsi Max Crew FPR Ford Will Davison Ford Falcon FG 01:30:41.0017 1:14.3212
11 Red Bull Racing Australia Jamie Whincup Holden Commodore VF 01:30:41.1436 1:14.3661
12 Tekno Autosports Jonathon Webb Holden Commodore VF 01:30:41.7028 1:14.4280
13 Wilson Security Racing Chaz Mostert Ford Falcon FG 01:30:50.6356 1:14.3521
14 Norton 360 Racing James Moffat Nissan Altima 01:30:51.9295 1:14.4995
15 Jack Daniel’s Racing Todd Kelly Nissan Altima 01:30:53.7465 1:14.4089
16 Team BOC Jason Bright Holden Commodore VF 01:30:56.0802 1:14.3670
17 Lockwood Racing Fabian Coulthard Holden Commodore VF 01:30:56.7994 1:14.5728
18 Jeld-wen FPR Ford Alex Davison Ford Falcon FG 01:30:59.3225 1:14.2479
19 Fujitsu Racing GRM Alexandre Premat Holden Commodore VF 01:30:59.7491 1:14.4371
20 Jack Daniel’s Racing Rick Kelly Nissan Altima 01:31:03.8867 1:14.5206
21 ekol Racing Scott Pye Holden Commodore VF 01:31:04.1821 1:14.4103
22 Norton 360 Racing Michael Caruso Nissan Altima 01:31:12.7810 1:14.4376
23 Wilson Security Racing Tim Blanchard Ford Falcon FG 01:31:12.8491 1:14.3125
24 Dodo Insurance Racing Dean Fiore Holden Commodore VF 01:30:14.2590 1:14.6014
25 Wilson Security Racing David Wall Holden Commodore VF 01:30:41.8085 1:14.1332
26 The Bottle-O FPR Ford David Reynolds Ford Falcon FG 01:31:03.2834 1:15.4498
27 SP Tools Racing Maro Engel Mercedes E63 AMG 01:30:48.6833 1:16.2359
DNF Irwin Racing Lee Holdsworth Mercedes E63 AMG     7:49.4783 1:15.960

 

Written by Loren Hazelwood @LorenHazelwood

– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/1-2-finish-for-holden-racing-at-townsville/#sthash.ZVmWIWyF.dpuf

Race Preview: The British Grand Prix

Formula 1

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This weekend will embark the 64th annual British Grand Prix, held at the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire England, marking the eighth round of the 2013 Formula 1 championship.

Last year’s race winner Mark Webber is looking strong, having claimed two British Grand Prix under his belt. The Australian is yet to win a race this season.

The odds are on Ferrari and Red Bull Racing this year for the victory, with Fernando Alonso stating the Ferrari’s are very good on the Silverstone circuit. Sebastian Vettel believes that Red Bull’s aerodynamic excellence will work in their favour.

After tyre degredation issues in Bahrain, Mercedes have modified the brakes on Lewis Hamilton’s car, but Hamilton believes with the high-speed nature of the circuit this could intensify the issue.

McLaren celebrate their 50th anniversary this weekend, with Jenson Button yet to claim a home Grand Prix victory at the Silverstone circuit.

The 5.891 kilometre circuit features two DRS zones, including one on the Wellington straight with the detection just prior to Turn 3 and the second zone is located at Hangar straight, with detected at Turn 10.

This year’s British Grand Prix will be held over 52 laps, or 306.747 kilometres.

The race will begin at 13:00 local time.