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Occasionally I am asked what are the differences between a Formula 1 and Champ Car chassis. Yet how many people really know what a Champ Car is? (As Im frequently asked to explain what they are)

Unfortunately the majority of todays non-racing savvy public only knows what RASSCAR (Nextel Cup) is So my simple answer is: Do you know the cars that run at the Indianapolis 500? Those are Indycars, which a Champ Car loosely resembles.

Although technically speaking, the Indy 500 is the sole domain of the Indy Racing League, which is NOT Champ Cars. This is due to the current state of Open Wheel racing having been divided between two opposing sanctioning bodies when the CART-IRL split occurred back in 1996

The most noticeable visual difference between a Champ Car and IRL chassis is the rear engine cowling. Champ Cars being turbocharged do not utilize an overhead airbox. IRL cars feature a Formula 1-esque airbox to ram air into the engines induction buried inside the carbon fibre enclosure

And yet this years brand new Panoz DP-01 Champ Car will appear to be a hybrid of the series former Lola B2K chassis and a current spec Formula 1 contender with its new front wing treatment. The new Panoz will also utilize similar F1 steering wheel mounted paddle shifting and a host of new electronic engine management features including the removal of the ubiquitous pop-off valve

Providing an interesting twist on the subject of Open Wheel racing cars terminal velocity was the announcement that F1s BAR-Honda would attack the Bonneville Salt Flats in October 2006 in an effort to break 400kph

Further details were gleamed while watching last Julys Formula 1 Qualifying at Silverstone. (Sat, 7/09/06) when the SPEED Channels Bob Varsha made some interesting comments during the 5AM broadcast.

Varsha noted that the BAR-Honda jalopy was expected to max-out at 250+mph running a modified Formula 1 chassis with front and rear wings removed and utilizing a parachute

This leads back to another question Im often asked: Which is faster: The chicken or the egg. The Coyote or the Road Runner? ERR, Formula 1 or chUmp carZs?

This naturally leads to a comparison of rival machinery. The 2005 BAR-Honda 007 chassis is propelled by a 3.0 liter normally aspirated V-10, rumoured to be producing 955bhp @ 19,200RPMs... Yet in July 2005, BAR-Honda was in LAST place of the F1 Constructor's standings.

Meanwhile the 05 Champ Car, the Lola/Cosworth 2.65 liter turbocharged V-8 was producing 750bhp @ 37 of boost. Utilizing Cosworths Push-to Pass technology allows drivers 60 seconds of turbo boost creating an extra 50bhp to be applied for a maximum output of 800bhp.

During the waning years of Factory backed Champ Car (CART) racing, engines were fast approaching 900bhp. And in 2000 Gil de Ferran recorded Honda's fifth consecutive CART Drivers' championship while setting a new world closed-course speed record of 241.428 mph at California Speedway. (Fontana, CA: 2.5 mile Tri-Oval)

Meanwhile the F1 circus has hit terminal velocity speeds of 221+ mph along the front straight of Indianapolis while making the long blast down the straightaway by running full throttle for 21 seconds (Prior to the 2005 Michelin tire DEBACLE!!! Fortunately I was attending the Portland GI Joes Champ Car race instead)

This was prior to Formula 1s engine downsizing from 3.0 liter Normally Aspirated V-10s to 2.4 liter V-8s by lopping off two cylinders in an effort to reduce power outputs which were threatening to exceed 1,000bhp!

This had occurred in the mid 1980s during F1s Turbo era which had seen 1,100+ bhp during qualifying from the tiny 1.5 liter inline 4s and V-6 twin turbocharged motors. The spiraling horsepower increases led to the FIA (Formula 1s sanctioning body) choosing to return to normally aspirated engines with the introduction of 3.5 liter maximum displacement in 1989, with a reduction to 3.0 liters in 1990 (This engine formula stayed in place from 1990 to 2005)

The all time monsters were known as Can Am, which raced from 1966-1974. This saw the evolution of the all-conquering German Panzer, otherwise known as the Porsche 917/30 whose flat 12 turbocharged motor was rumoured to exceed 1,300bhp

Yet In the mid-90s Porsches direct descendant of the 917s: The 956s followed by the dominant 962s vs. Jaguar XJRs (Lemans prototypes) were both blasting down the 3.0 mile Mulsane straight just shy of 250mph. (246+ mph) This led to the addition of two chicanes being added to carve up the straightaway

Of course top speed is simply relative to the vehicles application

On Oct. 15, 1997 the British Thrust SSC became the first jet powered automobile to break the speed of SOUND! (Mach 1) The dual engine land jet blasted to a two way average speed of 766.609 mph...

And just where do the boundaries of ultimate speed end?

For example, the Lockheed SR-71 flies FASTER then a speeding bullet (3,000 mph), while the XB-70 Valkerie broke ALL records with a top speed of Mach 5! (3,700+ mph)

So which is ultimately faster: Formula 1 or Champ Cars? Unfortunately this will NEVER truly be answered as the two different forms of Open Wheel cruise missiles adhere to different engine formulas, rules packages, different tires, weights, fuels, gear ratios, etc. And the greatest limiting factor is the different aerodynamic rules enforced by Formula 1 vs. Champ Cars.

Even the racing is slightly different. While both race on traditional road circuits and apply the same Point N Squirt theory of racing. F1 chassis are more suited towards outright acceleration from corner to corner while Champ Cars were able to reach higher top speeds while continuously circling the banked super speedway ovals during the late 1990s or as exhibited by todays running of the Indy 500

Yet during the 2006 Champ Car World Series raced at Montreals Circuit Gilles Villenuve, site of the Canadian Formula 1 race, their lap times were nearly 7 seconds SLOWER then the F1 cars (Lap Time Comparison: F1 = 1:14.942 vs. Champ Car = 1:21.856)

Tomas Rotelli is an aspiring Motor sports writer along with having been an avid Racing fan for the past two plus decades. Living in Seattle, WA I have enjoyed a multitude of varying racing venues consisting primarily of permanent road courses and temporary street circuits.

I made my foray into writing in the mid 1990s while penning a monthly Ford Racing News Colum for WASAAC (Washington Shelby Automobile Club) for 6 years

I have been fortunate enough to attend a multitude of Vintage car races at various venues including: Monterey, Sonoma, Seattle and Portland. I have also enjoyed attending multiple Formula 1, Champ Cars (CART) and IMSA GTP & ALMS races over the preceding years

# posted by ffdxlnutk : 7:22 PM  0 comments

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in such an amazing event as the Iron Man Triathlon. I truly value living in a free and democratic country that is not only war free but beautiful beyond belief. To have 5000 volunteers for 2500 athletes is phenomenal and I commend the people of Penticton for continuing to do such an outstanding job of hosting this event.

The journey to the starting line of Iron Man Canada in Penticton started about a year ago. I had completed 14 marathons and a handful of Iron Man triathlons but the Iron Man always seemed so mind boggling and apparently out of my reach.

My Iron Man game plan was to:
Hope for the Best
Plan for the Worst and
Expect the Unexpected

The biggest obstacle in my mind was the gargantuan task of running a full 26 mile marathon after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112 miles. How did these people do it? My friend Don Henderson described the marathon in the Iron Man as a more of a pilgrimage or journey to the sacred land.

I chose to compete in the Iron Man because I knew it would be a sacred journey into the unknown. I dreamed about completing it ever since I saw Paula Newby Fraser and Mark Allen conquer the course in Kailua Kona, Hawaii in 1992.

1. Hope for the Best:

I recently researched and wrote about two people who recovered from life threatening illnesses. They learned to embrace the journey of recovery and transcended their tragic circumstances. The key for both of these people was to visualize the end result. They practiced visualization daily and saw themselves as healthy and leading happy productive lives. I followed in their foot steps and immediately started visualizing myself at the Iron Man finish line with my arms raised in victory and the crowd cheering loudly.

The obvious next step was to hire a coach and come up with a feasible training schedule.

I did not have to reinvent the wheel in preparing for the race as I hired my friend David Kazakoff a 9 time Iron Man finisher. He wisely gave me my schedule 1 month at a time so I could keep focused and not get too concerned about the rigorous training near the end. The four key components of my training were:

1. Balance --the 3 disciplines of swim, bike and run,
2. Focus --on the current workout only
3. Discovery --Enjoy all of the experiences and embrace this sacred journey
4. Fun --There is no point in doing all this training unless you enjoy the experience and have fun. I have observed many triathletes train for the Iron Man with vastly different approaches. My two 2 heroes are Leslie Riva and Lori Allin because they always looked so happy and seemed to love every minute of their training and the race itself. I wanted to be like them!

Plan for the Worst:

I was astutely instructed to prepare for something to go wrong during training sessions and on race day itself. I had my share of challenges including a fickle front derailleur, a rash of 10 flat tires and horrible cycling weather.

The most memorable training day occurred in late July. I was nicely on my way up island for my longest bike ride of the year (180km) when I got two flat tires in a row. I was only mildly annoyed and merrily on my way until I heard the dreaded thump of yet another flat tire. I was out of spare tubes, 70 kilometers away from home and it was about 34 degrees Celsius. Luckily I packed a cell phone and had memorized the local taxi companys number. However, my mouth dropped when the dispatcher said he could not pick me up for another 3 hours! I finally managed to contact my office manager Nancy who graciously saved me from walking home. Needless to say, I have a great respect and appreciation for loyal employees and cell phones.

Sunday August 27, 2006 was race day and I was ready. I was very fortunate and grateful to have the fantastic support of my girlfriend Laurie and her 12 year old son Taylor. They woke up with me at 4:30 and accompanied me to the start line for body marking and pre race preparation. Taylor supported me on my training runs by riding along side on his bike. I always wondered why he was always riding so far in front of me. Later I learned that he was embarrassed with me wearing my purple biking spanky pants. He couldnt let his friends see him with me!

When the cannon blasted to start the swim I was very excited along side the other 2500 competitors. I was going to have fun and treat this as just one long day of training. Within the first 300 meters of the swim, I was punched in the nose and kicked in the chin. I also heard a cry of, get off of me! I should have followed the swim strategy of the Iron Man triathlon author and expert Ray Fauteux and stayed totally to the left of everybody! However, I remained calm and focused and had a decent swim. As I exited the water, the announcer was boisterously calling out all our names. Before I knew it, I had my wet suit off and navigated my way to the change tent full of naked bodies and wet suits. I found my bike easily and was on the next stage of the journey. The bike ride was absolutely spectacular. The first 60 kilometers thru Oliver and Osoyoos was pretty easy and I felt very good.

I had driven the bike course 3 days ago so I knew that the challenging hills started at Richters pass and continued for another two to three hours. The view going up Richters pass was absolutely spectacular and I was actually talking to people as I rode along side them. The drafting police were very lenient as it was almost impossible to keep 4 bike lengths behind the other bikers in such a big pack. We had aid stations every 10 miles and I just loved pouring cold water on my face and body! The support of the fans along all parts of the course is totally awesome and I really appreciated Dave, Jennifer and Pheona cheering me on from their vehicle.

Aside: Even though I consumed about 5 bottles of Gatorade on the bike and the run I did not have to pee once! Apparently my body utilized all of these fluids.

The ascent up Yellow Lake reminded me of the Tour de France and I almost expected officials to let us take our helmets off. The winding downhill felt wonderful and I had tears of joy as I saw the view of Penticton and the airport. The bike portion was nearly over and I was pumped full of adrenalin and as high as a kite!

Expect the Unexpected:

I was extremely relieved to get off my bike and into my nice comfortable running shorts. I had a good transition and was fueled up and ready to go. Nothing could stop me now because the run was my strongest event.

However, a funny thing happened just after the 3 mile mark of the run.

I planned on running a mile and then walking thru each aid station. But after the 3rd aid station I could not run any more. I was exhausted, depleted and forced to walk. I had 20 miles left, struggling uphill, heading into the wind and it was 33 degrees Celsius! What was I going to do? It was at that point I heard the imaginary voice of my swim coach Malcolm telling me that I had gone out too hard on the bike and had nothing left.

But honestly, I was holding back!

I also remembered Paula Newby Fraser telling us that we better have a plan when something like this happened. My new plan was to get some different types of food inside me because I was absolutely sick and disgusted with power gel. I tried many grapes and water but that did not work. My last hope was the special needs station at the half way point. I had placed a container of apricot baby food and a spoon in my special needs bag and I hungrily devoured it; but most importantly my stomach approved. I slowly jogged to the next aid station and discovered oranges. My stomach liked them too! I was becoming stronger and in a few miles I was now able to run at a good pace for a mile at a time! My mood had drastically improved and I was no longer depleted and supercrabby.

By mile 24, I once again became very fatigued after a nasty uphill. However, I was so close to the finish line I could hear the cheering of the fans. I was going to keep running no matter what!

My legs were aching and my stride was shortened but I was magically pulled along by the cheers from the crowd and the voice of the finish line announcer! It was dark and I had difficulty seeing where I was supposed to run. Then suddenly a familiar voice yelled out my name and gave me a high five. It was Laurie! Her presence and support gave me a sudden burst of energy and it seemed as if I was sprinting to the finish line. I was so close to the finish line when the Gods played one last nasty trick on my fellow competitors and me.

We had to run past the finish line for half a mile, turn around and come back. I was so angry but even more determined not to stop. I made it to the turnaround and ran toward the finish line. The next few minutes reminded me of a near death experience. All I remember was the absolutely magnificent energy from the cheering spectators and the blinding bright lights at the finish line.

All I had to do was keep running to the bright lights and I would be home. The cheering got louder and the lights got brighter. It seemed as if everything was in slow motion as I neared the Holy Grail. Laurie snuck in front of the crowd to give me another high five as I neared the finish line. The announcer screamed out, Here is your next winner! I raised my arms in the air victoriously just as I had visualized a thousand times before and I felt the exquisite sensation of my torso pushing thru the finish line ribbon!

And then for one brief moment

Life was perfect.

Dr. Larry Smith Chiropractor and Author of:

Embrace the Journey of Recovery: From Tragedy to Triumph!

Are You Recovering From Alcohol or Drug Addiction?

If your answer is yes, then this book is for you!

Embrace the Journey of Recovery will passionately reignite your spirit and teach you how to confront, conquer and powerfully triumph over addiction, cancer or any other life threatening illness! Is addiction a genuine life threatening illness like cancer? If so, then why is it concealed behind a wall of shame and denial?

Discover the answer and experience the remarkable story of two courageous yet ordinary individuals and their astonishing recoveries from heartbreaking tragedy. Find out how a cancer survivor and an alcoholic mutually support each other and passionately embrace the journey of recovery.

Their message is simple. They transformed their lives and you can too!

To find out more about this exciting new book click here:

http://embracingthejourneybook.com/

# posted by ffdxlnutk : 3:19 PM  0 comments

The final race of the Formula 1 season is always a big event. All the efforts of each of the teams come down to this day where the realization is made of who has had a successful season and who is the racing equivalent of an Edsel. This season has been a close struggle for points and has shown that Formula 1 is not dead as some commentators have tried to make out.

The 4.309km Interlagos track in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is the scene for this years triumphant finale, and it looks set for a great close to the season by Ferrari as they strive for the all important final set of points to overcome Renault.

The Interlagos track was created by two local property developers who bought a huge plot of land in 1938 only to discover it would not be suitable for building houses, and so decided to build a race circuit instead. Following on from the great Emerson Fittipaldis phenomenal success on the international scene, interest within Brazil blossomed for the idea of Brazil hosting their own Grand Prix, a goal that was realized at Interlagos in 1973. Since this time the race has been hosted a couple of times in Rio, but since the death of local Sao Paulo legend Ayrton Senna, the race has remained at the Interagos track, and the sport remains as popular as ever in Brazil.

The high altitude anti-clockwise track is made up of two main long straights combined with a quick series of tight turns which make this a technically challenging circuit for the cars, drivers and team engineers on this 71 lap race, where speeds range from 81km/h for certain corners up to 316km/h on the straight. With Ferrari and Renault guaranteed to be fighting wheel to wheel through the Senna S, this will be a great spectacle for the famously enthusiastic fans who flock to the track.

While the city was once dominated by run down favellas and shanty towns, it is now definitely experiencing an upturn of fortune. Current local formula 1 racing superstar, Rubens Barrichello has said of the city, Yes there are favellas, but it is wrong that people should think of Sao Paulo as being horrid and dirty; every big city has its problems. He firmly believes that, There are some very beautiful parts of Sao Paulo, in which Im happy to leave my kids in the car - thats how safe it is.

The circuit itself is situated about 16km south of the centre of Sao Paolo in the Interlagos district, and is easy to access via the extensive public transport network from Guarulhos international airport, which lies 25km north-east of the city. Booking a flight to Brazil is easy and race tickets are available through the official Formula 1 website.

This is going to be a race that true race fans will not want to miss.

Andrew Regan is an online journalist who enjoys socialising at his local Edinburgh cricket club.

# posted by ffdxlnutk : 3:15 PM  0 comments