Rally champ breaks four-wheel Isle Of Man record

Three-time British Rally Champion Mark Higgins broke the official Isle Of Man TT lap record for four-wheels in his Subaru WRX STI.

It’s not everyday you see a Subaru Rally car taking on the course of the Isle Of Man TT race, but Mark Higgins rose to the occasion, breaking the lap record for cars on the dangerous motorbike circuit.

Higgins managed a time in his Subaru WRX STI of 19m 26s, with an average speed of 187.44 kp/h.

The British Rally champion actually defeated and bettered his original lap record set in 2011 driving an earlier model Subaru WRX STI, breaking the original average speed of 185.65 kp/h.

The Snaefell Mountain Course will see the end of the Isle Of Man TT today, with the motorbikes reaching top speeds of 321 kp/h, with New Zealand rider Bruce Anstey racing around the course in 17m 6.6s.

Higgins believed he could have bettered his lap if he didn’t lose time over the top of the mountain.

“That was quite a wild lap, there’s definitely more time out there,” Higgins said.

“I probably dropped about 10 seconds going over the mountain, we lost some power, and locked up at Signpost.

“The first two thirds were perfect though – it’s a great feeling to break the record, but I want to break it by more.”

Higgins plans on coming back with Subaru to break his new record.

Written by Loren Hazelwood @LorenHazelwood

– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/rally-champ-breaks-four-wheel-isle-of-man-record/#sthash.Tp6XgpGj.dpuf

Loxton local has eyes on karting prize

ABC, Dirt Karts

Published by the ABC Riverland

Now that the summer of speedway has ended, the Riverland is ready to rumble with the Australian Dirt Kart Nationals heading to Loxton in October. One local racer in particular has his sights set on the big prize.

Loxton’s Brett Manuel is ready to race. Image: supplied

Brett Manuel has grown up racing dirt karts and is eagerly awaiting the competition on his home turf in Loxton over the October long weekend.

It will be the first time the event will be held at the Loxton Kart Club and the 21-year-old believes the home advantage will help him succeed over his rivals.

“I’ve probably done a lot more laps around this [Loxton] circuit than anyone else,” Manuel said.

“I know the track from the back of my head.”

The Riverland is renowned for producing strong racing talent, with V8 Supercars drivers Todd and Rick Kelly growing up outside the SA border in Mildura.

This weekend, Manuel will also be in action for the two-day Riverland Championships beginning at Renmark on Saturday and concluding on Sunday at Loxton.

There are more than 270 entries from across Australia for the championships.

The Loxton racer will be trialling three different go-karts and said he will be using this weekend’s championship to prepare the set-up, all the while getting to know his competition.

“All karts have different horsepower, and we’ll try and make the set-ups the same.”

The Riverland Championships begin on Saturday, 7 June.

Pastor “Crashdonado”

Formula 1, Spultured

Pastor ‘Crashdonaldo.’

A name used by many to describe Pastor Maldonado, a driver who could quite possibly be the most overrated Formula 1 winner of all time.

I don’t like bagging drivers – and I completely respect them for what they do for y’know, a day job. But seriously, after the incident at Bahrain, how dare you flip poor Esteban Gutierrez! And not to mention he flipped Gutierrez mid-corner just coming out of the pits? That’s simply not on.

I feel sorry for Esteban, and in his defence the rollover was very stylish. I completely agree with him in saying, “What was that!?”

Now what made me REALLY laugh, was this crash at Round Five of the Championship in Shanghai.

“I crashed,” Maldonado said.

“Oh,” Lotus said.

“I’m sorry,” Crashdonaldo continued.

But wait, it gets better. Check out how his pit crew at Lotus reacts right here.

Clearly, Lotus is ecstatic about Maldonado replacing their beloved Kimi Raikkonen.

Of course there’s more (yes, this is an article about Maldonado crashing). Check out Maldonado crashing out in Q1 at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Oh, but it couldn’t hold it in for the race despite only qualifying 22nd, so this happened.

By the way, here’s a fun fact. Maldonado was supposed to be banned from the Monaco circuit after a race when he was racing Formula Renault a few years ago. He didn’t obey a yellow flag, and he actually injured a marshal. Of course, his investors jumped in and paid for the injured to come good; therefore he got away with not being banned. What!

This year he actually made it around the Monaco circuit, his first time of not retiring since, ever.

We all have our point of view, but I’m sure this article may have made your point a little clearer. We are only halfway through the Formula 1 season, and he’s pretty much crashed at every race.

You could say this article made you LOLdonaldo.

You’ll never be forgotten, Sir Jack Brabham

Fiasco Sports, Formula 1

The loss of a legend in the motor racing world, Sir Jack Brabham passes away at 88 years of age.

He was not only a household name, but also a motor racing legend. An inspiration to many, and made Australia overly proud. His records will never be broken, and he will never be forgotten. Sir Jack Brabham, a legend in his time and a motorsport icon forever.

Brabham began his career in a different place to other racing car drivers, running a small engineering workshop and was a Royal Australian Air Force flight mechanic, before he started racing midget cars back in 1948.

The Australian’s natural knack for driving and strong success in midget racing events in Australia and New Zealnd pushed for Brabham to make the move to Europe to race with a team led by John Cooper, while he also engineering his own car in 1955.

Brabham formed a great friendship with Cooper, and was eventually given the keys to his transporter to take the cars to the events. Brabham made his Grand Prix debut in sports cars at the 1955 British Grand Prix, but later retired from the race due to a broken clutch.

Brabham later in the year ran a non-championship event for the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Australia, before selling his car to make a permanent move to England with his family.

The Australian then pointed his racing campaign towards Formula 2 in 1956, becoming the champion just two years later in 1958.

Sir Jack Brabham was unique, as no other driver worked on the mechanical side of their own racecar, and he also contributed to the design of the car that Cooper introduced into the world of Formula 1 in 1959.

Brabham went on to win his first world championship in 1959 with Cooper, going into the final round of the Formula 1 Drivers’ World Championship, the Australian was among two other drivers that could take out the championship – Ferrari’s Tony Brooks and Stirling Moss. Brabham was awake until 1am working on the car with the team, and they went on to win the final round of the championship in Sebring, US.

Despite winning his first world championship, he strived for more and believed he could achieve higher, winning his second Formula 1 Driver’s World Championship in 1960.

In 1962, Sir Jack Brabham left Cooper to race for his own team. He also asked his friend from Australia Rob Tauranac to come to the UK and build a Formula 1 car, producing the first of the Brabham cars – the Brabham BT-3.

Despite not winning a single Grand Prix in ’62, in which some teams felt was because Brabham was reluctant to spend money – he continued on with the team.

In 1965, Sir Jack Brabham stepped aside to manage his team and Dan Guerney took the lead driver role, winning the Brabham team their first Formula 1 World Championship. Towards the end of the season, Guerney announced his intentions to leave the team, with Sir Jack pushing on with his dream.

In 1966, a new 3-litre engine formula was introduced into Formula 1, with all engines having to be 12-cylinders and were difficult to develop because of the weight and unreliability. Sir Jack Brabham took on a different approach, and convinced an Australian Engineering Company called Repco to develop an engine for him.

The Repco-Brabham BT19 chassis went on to win the 1966 Formula 1 World Championship, with Brabham being the first – and only – man to win a Drivers’ and Constructors’ World title in a car that carried his own name.

Brabham won his last Grand Prix in Africa during 1970, retiring at 44 years of age.

The three-time world champion then made the move back to Australia, to raise his three sons Geoff, Gary and David on a farm for a life away from motorsport. Of course, this didn’t happen, with all three of his sons making a career out of motorsport.

In 1979, the Australian driver became the first person in motor racing history to be knighted by the Queen, being knighted for his services in motorsport.

Sir Jack Brabham has influenced the way we all look at motorsport, and the world of Formula 1 today would not be the same without Sir Jack Brabham’s determination and will to become one of the best.

The saddening news of Sir Jack’s passing has impacted the motor racing world, with tributes flowing from all over the world.

The Queensland Government will be holding a state funeral for Sir Jack, with the ceremony confirmed for June 11, 1:30pm at the Southport Church of Christ on the Gold Coast.

Sir Jack Brabham will never be forgotten, and will always be remembered as one of the great legends in world motorsport. Rest In Peace, Sir Jack Brabham.

Written by Loren Hazelwood. @LorenHazelwood

– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/youll-never-be-forgotten-sir-jack-brabham/#sthash.ycF23F6V.dpuf

Fourth Position Overall for Hazelwood at Perth

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood. Photo credit: Cam Waters

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood has finished an astounding fourth place for Round 3 of the Dunlop Development Series at Barbagallo Raceway in Perth.

The 18-year-old held off his more experienced rivals in the thrilling final race for the round, closely finishing in fifth position.

Hazelwood was only 12-points shy from his first Dunlop Series podium, but still managed his personal best result finishing fourth for the round.

“It was such an awesome feeling to have two top five finishes this weekend, there has been so much work going on behind the scenes to produce this result and I’m really proud to accomplish this,” Hazelwood said.

“I had some great battles throughout the race and it was tough to decide weather to push hard or conserve tyres, but with a great team behind me I was able to maximise both and have strong speed towards the end of the race.

“It’s great to race against ex-V8 Supercar drivers in this field, not only am I learning a lot but it also proves to myself that I have what it takes to mix it with some of the best.”

The youngster is now planning to find funding for the next round of the Dunlop Series at Townsville.

“With today’s great result, hopefully I have now proven to potential sponsors that I have what it takes to be racing in the V8 Supercars field,” Hazelwood continued.

“It would be great to find a major sponsor for Round 4 of the championship at Townsville.

“We would love to back-up our strong results produced in Perth, continuing our strong consistent form in both the rookie standings and the overall championship.”

Hazelwood currently leads the Dunlop Series rookie standings, and with today’s result the rookie has moved up to ninth in the championship on 510 points, with only 84 points separating ninth to third in the championship.

The next round of the Dunlop Development Series will be held as the Castrol Townsville 500 in conjunction with the V8 Supercars, over July 4-6.

Dunlop Series Personal Best for Hazelwood Finishing Fifth in Perth

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood. Photo: Naomi Maltby

TODD Hazelwood has finished his personal best in the Dunlop Development Series, coming home for Race 1 of Round 3 of the Dunlop Development Series in fifth position at Barbagallo Raceway.

The 18-year-old is ecstatic with today’s results, and believed it was only a matter of time before he could produce a top five result.

“What a fantastic way to start our weekend, with fifth place in Race 1,” Hazelwood said.

“It’s great to see all of the hard work we have all put in this year start to pay off and this is a great way to say thank you to everyone who believed in me, making this opportunity possible.

“It was quite a long race, I knew the key thing at the start was to look after my tyres to have something to work with at the end of the race.”

Hazelwood also set three fastest laps towards the closing stages of the race.

Tomorrow’s Race 2 will be a reverse-grid top ten, placing the teenager in sixth spot on the grid.

“Really looking forward starting from sixth position tomorrow in the reverse top-ten race,” Hazelwood continued.

“We know we have good car speed, so hopefully we can get a good start again and aim for another strong result.

The teenager is leading the rookie standings and with today’s result is now inside the top ten of the Dunlop Development Series Championship sitting in 10th position.

The second race for Round 3 of the championship will begin tomorrow at 11:40am (AWST), check your local guides for the television coverage of the race.

Race schedule – Perth 400 Barbagallo Raceway

Sunday: 11:40: Race 2 (38 laps) check local guides for television coverage

Championship ready to rumble in Perth

Australian V8 Supercars, Fiasco Sports

The V8 Supercars Championship is set to take off, with the series ready to race at the Perth 400 held at Barbagallo Raceway.

With the championship well underway and the Perth weather putting on a good show, the V8 Supercars drivers are race ready for the fifth round of the series.

Fabian Coulthard is looking like the favourite for the race win tomorrow in his Brad Jones Racing Holden, finishing fastest in both Practice 1 and Practice 3.

Volvo youngster Scott McLaughlin has also set the pace, finishing Practice 2 on top by one-quarter of a second.

Current championship leader Mark Winterbottom finished inside the top six in all three sessions, being in a consistent position to extend his championship lead in his Ford Peformance Racing Falcon.

Ford Performance Racing’s other drivers Chaz Mostert and David Reynolds are also looking on the money, finishing inside the top ten in all three open-practice sessions today.

Local driver Garth Tander struggled today on home soil, finishing a best of 13th position in Practice 1.

Holden Racing Team’s James Courtney was taking it up to Coulthard in the opening session, missing the fastest lap by only 0.0075s.

The first Mercedes driver was Will Davison, finishing in fifth in Practice 2.

Tomorrow’s race will see the split qualifying and race format, with two qualifying sessions and two 100km races, which can be seen live on Channel Seven’s coverage of the V8 Supercars Championship.

Written by Loren Hazelwood @LorenHazelwood

– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/championship-ready-to-rumble-in-perth/#sthash.0P97J9XB.dpuf

Todd Hazelwood Impresses with Fourth in Practice

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Todd Hazelwood has performed above his own expectations, finishing Practice 2 in an impressive fourth position during Round 3 of the Dunlop Development Series, held at Barbagallo Raceway in Perth.

The South Australian was sitting in second during the halfway mark of Practice 2, but after other teams putting fresh tyres on Hazelwood fell back to fourth.

Hazelwood is impressed with today’s practice efforts, and is looking forward to his first career race at Barbagallo Raceway tomorrow.

“It was a great day having my first laps at Barbagallo, after watching it for years on TV it was great to experience it behind the wheel for the first time,” Hazelwood said.

“Really enjoying the layout of the track, it has some really cool aspects and I am really looking forward doing more laps tomorrow.

“Very pleased to finish fourth overall in practice today, my team and I have looked through the data and there is more to be gained for qualifying and Race 1 tomorrow.

“Hopefully we can repay our supporters with a strong result tomorrow.”

Hazelwood finished 10th in Practice 1, despite never turning a lap at the Barbagallo circuit.

The teenager is also leading the rookie standings in the Dunlop Development Series championship, while currently placed 11th overall in the series.

Tomorrow Hazelwood will be on track for qualifying at 11:00am (AWST) for qualifying and 13:25pm (AWST) for Race 1, with the Dunlop Development Series race also televised live on Channel Seven (check your local guides for times).

Race schedule – Perth 400 Barbagallo Raceway

Saturday:11:00: Qualifying 1 (40 minutes)
13:25: Race 1 (38 laps) live on Seven

Sunday: 11:40: Race 2 (38 laps)

Hazelwood Race Ready for Debut at Perth 400

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

TODD Hazelwood is set for his debut at Barbagallo Raceway for Round 3 of the Dunlop Development Series, after having a successful test day at Queensland Raceway with Matt Stone Racing last week.

The South Australian is currently leading the Rookie standings in the Dunlop Series, and is currently 11^th overall in the championship, looking to further his championship status this weekend at the Perth 400.

“I cannot wait to get back into the car this weekend for the Perth 400, it will be my first time around the circuit so it will be a challenge to learn the track fast to get up-to-speed to my competitors,” Hazelwood said.

“The track at Barbagallo is one I’ve been looking forward to, as it has some unique aspects other Australian circuits don’t have and from what I’ve been told is tricky to look after the tyres.

“The team and I had a very successful test day last week at Queensland Raceway, and I am forever learning more about how to get the best out of the V8 Supercar and I feel I have made some key improvements that will help me greatly this weekend.”

The 18-year-old also has a sponsor coming on-board for the round at Perth – the Pool Shop Group who trade from two locations, Kalamunda in the Hills and Floreat in the Western Suburbs of Perth.

Todd’s new sponsor for the weekend

Owner of the Pool Shop Courtney Bishop said they are very excited to be sponsoring the teenager, and that they are not new to motorsport sponsorship, after partnering with the Perth Motorplex for many years.

“The Pool Shop Group is very excited to announce a new partnership with up-and-coming V8 Supercar racer Todd Hazelwood,” Bishop said.

“After contact with Todd and viewing his impressive resume and career plans, it was a no-brainer to get our brand behind this young star.”

Round 3 of the Dunlop Development Series Championship will begin Friday morning, with Hazelwood to hit the circuit for the first time for Practice 1 at 9:15am (AWST).

Race schedule – Perth 400 Barbagallo Raceway

Friday: 09:15: Practice 1 (40 minutes)
13:10: Practice 2 (40 minutes)

Saturday:11:00: Qualifying 1 (40 minutes)
13:25: Race 1 (38 laps) live on Seven

Sunday: 11:40: Race 2 (38 laps)

Australian Ambrose gets hit with 25k fine

Australian V8 Supercars, NASCAR, On The Record

Photo: Sangjib Min

Sprint Cup NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose has been fined $25,000 for punching fellow driver, Casey Mears, after an on-track altercation in last Saturday’s Toyota Owners 400 at the Richmond International Raceway in Virginia.

Mears was fined $15,000 after pushing and intimidating the Australian, enticing Ambrose to punch him in the face , after a disagreement about the result of a large crash.

Mears talked to Fox Sports 1’s Race Hub and said he and Ambrose are okay.

“At the end of the day, none of that should ever happen,” Mears said.

“But in the heat of the moment, when you get out of your race car, and some stuff just happened that you didn’t like, we started going at each other, and before we knew it, it escalated very quickly.”

Ambrose finished the race in 18th, alongside Mears in 19th place.

Both drivers have been put on probation until May 28, with neither suffering suspension for the post-race incident.

Ambrose, a former V8 Supercar champion, is known for his fiery attitude at the racetrack after having a similar altercation with New Zealand driver Greg Murphy at the Bathurst 1000 in 2005.

In an exclusive interview in 2012, a NASCAR journalist asked Ambrose if he had any regrets.

“Anything I regret? Yeah. There was this guy in Australia – Bathurst 2005 – and he took me out of the race.

“We had a bit of a shouting match, and I regret I didn’t punch him.”

Murphy later watched the video of Ambrose in America punching Mears.

“I didn’t think he had it in him,” Murphy said.

“Maybe he saw a picture of my head on Casey Mears’ shoulders, who knows?

“He obviously got a big shove from Casey for whatever reason that moved him aside and that was enough to get him riled up.”

Ambrose and Mears will come head-to-head at the next Sprint Cup race held at Talladega this weekend.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbsE2weoQ4w (video courtesy of Fox Sports)

Media by Loren Hazelwood

Motor sport media, marketing and content specialist

Author: Loren Hazelwood

Rally champ breaks four-wheel Isle Of Man record

Loxton local has eyes on karting prize

Pastor “Crashdonado”

You’ll never be forgotten, Sir Jack Brabham

Fourth Position Overall for Hazelwood at Perth

Dunlop Series Personal Best for Hazelwood Finishing Fifth in Perth

Championship ready to rumble in Perth

Todd Hazelwood Impresses with Fourth in Practice

Hazelwood Race Ready for Debut at Perth 400

Australian Ambrose gets hit with 25k fine