Be bold and mighty forces will come to you aid

Caption: Getting stuck on an island with absolutely nothing but a flare. What do you do?

Source:smallreview.blogspot.com

Oh no! We are sinking. Yes, my dear reader, this week we are going in a story direction. Imagine the following, actually happening to you. You have now finished your studies, and think of taking a break by sailing on a ship to your dream destination. You now board the ship and it takes off, and you now think about all the goals and achievements you have just achieved.

Caption: Believe me, if they see the flare they will come!

Source:blogspot.com

It’s now 10 days into the journey, and the ship begins to sink and the closest thing to your eye is an Island, 2 kilometres away. Bad sadly, the ship Captain forgot to turn-on the tracking device for Rescue Services, and this now leads to the Captain firing flares into the sky’s and no response was obtained from this. Without a thought, you jump into the water in order to save yourself.

You and 500 other passengers on the ship are now on this deserted Island, and its day 6 of being stuck on this Island......................

What happens next?

24 Hours of racing.......that’s awesome!

Caption: The 2012 Le Mans winning car.

Source: mirror.co.uk

The Le Mans 24 Hour race (French; 24 Heures du Mans) is the world’s oldest active sports car race in endurance racing, held annually in the Town of Le Mans. This event is commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have a balance speed against the cars ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining any mechanical damage to the car and manage the cars fuel, tyres and brakes.

The endurance of the drivers is likewise tested as the drivers frequently spend stints of 2/4 hours behind the wheel before stopping in the pits. It has become a rule that there are three drivers, which share each competing vehicle.

Competing teams have a wide a variety of organisations, ranging from road car manufacturers to professional racing teams who represent their commercial companies and brands (sponsors).

Would you be able to race for 24 hours? Or even participate within this competition?

Is it a bird or a plane?.....NO, it’s Truck Racing

Caption: This looks extremely awesome, doesn't it!

Source: tachoblog.com

You might be asking yourself, is he for real. Well, yes ladies and gentlemen, it is yet another week of schooling YOU my reader on motorsport across the globe. Let’s get into truck racing.

Truck racing involves modified versions of heavy duty tractor unites on racing circuits. This sport started in United States of America in the 1980’s. The races were mostly in Southern United States, and also the trucks used were actually real working trucks and used street tires. In England, truck racing has increased, and currently over 30 teams regularly compete.

Caption: One of the most nicest looking racing trucks.

Source: truckracing.de

The sporting regulations came under control by the International Motor racing Governing body (FIA) which ensured that the vehicles conform to the layout and original style of the truck, in where the safety standards were established. 

These trucks are restricted to 160km/h for safety reasons, and according to the FIA regulations the truck should weigh nothing less than 5500kg. On the day of a race, trucks are allowed to have a rolling start, in where the race commonly lasts from 8-12 laps.

Would you ever participate and this form of motorsport? (I would love to!)

If not now, then when?

Caption: It may seem hard, but think of the long run returns.

Source: thetechstorm.com

Save, Save and Save! What do I mean by this you might ask? Well this blog is about saving your money because ‘if not now, then when?’  What are you waiting for? Think about your future. Do you want to drive that (R Million) Ferrari or even own a Mansion?

You have to take responsibility for your life? If not, now then never. I suggest that you stop making excuses and start now to go for what you want in the future. The key word is: SAVE!!!!  Sadly, so in this day and age, there are so much temptations out there and influences, such as:

1. Peer Pressure,
2. Influence of being better than others,
3. Advertising,
4. Marketing.

These elements not only distract us from our ‘Saving Frenzy’, but makes us think! Why not spend a few (RAND) on that, it won’t cost a lot. In the end, you will be a multi-billionaire! Just believe in your will power and you can succeed!

Do it, do it Now!

The racing scene!

Caption: The construction of a world class truck>

Source: mkr-technology.com

We now take a look at the technical side of Truck Racing, because you might be asking. What do these trucks look like and what gets done differently from those we regularly see around use.

I will now dissect all the technical elements required for one to participate within this form of Motorsport. Trucks involved in this form of motorsport, needs to fit in line with the FIA requirements, and with this said, some trucks are built from ground up, with very stringent specifications.

The trucks are placed in a number of categories from A-F, with different regulations and specification, and to look closer at these trucks they pack a modified engine, which is able to accelerate faster, together with a better steering and braking system. There are also special tyres used and these vehicles are lightened for faster movements and speeds.

The safety elements:

• A cage (bull bar) on the rear of the truck.
• A roll cage inside the cabin.
• A racing seat.
• Racing seatbelts.
• And, ofcourse a racing helmet and driver wearing a racing suit.

I really hope you enjoyed the technical side of Truck racing!

Drag racing in South Africa.

Caption: Louis Lima launching his machine in 2002 with a time of 8.6 seconds.
Source: limapiping.co.za

In South Africa, Drag racing is an established sport, with a number of strips around the country including: Tarlton International Raceway, ODI Raceway and Killarney Racetrack to name a few. Drag racing is controlled by Motorsport South Africa (MSA) and all drivers are required to hold a valid Motorsport South Africa license. Drivers can compete in a number of categories including Top Eliminator, Senior Eliminator, Super Competition Eliminator, Competition Eliminator, Pro Street Bikes, Superbike Eliminator, Supersport Shootout (motorcycle), Street Modified, and Factory Stock. These events are hosted on a regular basis and a schedule can be found on their website: www.wpmc.co.za

Caption: The fastest BMW of its kind on this planet!
Source bimmerboost.com

The sad thing is that in South Africa, we do not have a set drag racing series for Top-fuel drag racing cars or funny cars, but at many national events, you would be able to see these machines, and impressive enough some of South African drag racers have world records, namely: Butler Motorsport with a record time of 7.69 seconds and the machine of choice is a BMW E20, which is South Africa’s first 7-second turbo car, followed by Louis Lima with 8.6-seconds in 2002, which has now been broken but his choice of weaponry was a Nissan Champ 1400 bakkie, which did some crazy wheelies when launching off this line.

If you like what you reading, grab a copy of Speed and Sound Magazine at any stockist and you can obtain the schedules of South African events and even get up to gate on currently events and upcoming monster machines. Grab it while its hot!

Watch this space.

Caption: Need I say more!
Source: blogs.bournemouth.ac.uk

Yes, I’m telling you my reader to watch this space..... because great things are set to happen, not only on this blog, but with the content. My passion for motorsport and writing has grown tremendously over this ‘schooling’ process, and YES from now on in my blogs will be improving on a content basis as well as on a motorsport update level.

A writer aims to please their readers, but in this instance, I’m trying to convert you into the fun side of life (motorsport). And, NO guy’s motorsport isn’t just about going around in circles; there is more that meets the eye, if you actually follow these sports. Therefore, I really hope that you will enjoy the content!

What is drag racing???

Caption: This is drag racing, but always remember to keep it safe!
Source:jalopnik.com

Yes, my fellow readers. It’s once again another awesome week of schooling you about the different forms of motorsport. I truly hope that you are enjoying it! Drag racing is a competition in which specially prepared car (vehicles) or motorbikes who compete, usually two at a time, to be the first to cross a set finish line. The race follows a straight course from a standing start over a measured distance, most commonly ¼ mile for most cars, where as a shorter distance of 300 m for some Top Fuel dragsters and funny cars. Electronic timing and speed sensing systems have been used to record race results since the 1960s.

Caption: This is a purpose top-fuel dragster, with common times of 5-6 seconds!
Source: dragracingonline.com

An example of a drag race: You are placed in your category from A-Z for normal cars, and you line up next to your competitors, you now have a minute to warm up your tyres to get the perfect traction (grip) off the line, which would assist you in gaining a faster time. Warming up your tyres in this sport is commonly known as burn-outs, following this process. You line up next to your competitor, and you wait for four white lights, which indicates, that you are lined up correct. The next step would be to raise the revv count, which would give you a perfect launch and with this you’ll have to react quickly because a set of red, amber and green lights will go off in a few seconds, which now unleashes you and it’s you and your competitor on track, until passing the finish line, and if you won (well done).

If you want to try this out (drag racing), Killarney Racetrack in Cape Town regularly hosts Street to Strip events, in where you would be able to race your vehicle in the confines of a safe environment.

Formula 1 – A technical background

Caption: In cockpit with Lewis Hamilton.
Source: dixonbaxi.com

Now that you know a bit about Formula 1 let’s move onto the technical elements, which separates this sport for the others. There are 15 elements, that ensures the successful running and participation of all teams in Formula 1, which will now be discussed. Read and enjoy!

Caption: Aerodynamics is extremely important in Formula 1.
Source:research-racing.de

1. Aerodynamics
The modern Formula One car has almost as much in common with a jet fighter as it does with an ordinary road car. Aerodynamics have become key to success in the sport and teams spend tens of millions of dollars on research and development in the field each year, which sets this sport apart from the other forms of motorsport.

2. Brakes
Formula One cars are surprisingly closely related to their road-going cousins, as ABS anti-skid systems have been banned from F1, but these brake systems and kits have been adapted to the stress and pressure that these machines place on them, for example the high corner braking heats up the brake pads, which then cause a red glow and normal cars would catch alight instantly, but this is a story for another day.

3. Cornering
Cornering is vital to the business of racing cars, and Formula One is no exception. On straights the battle tends to be determined by the power of engine and brakes, but come the corners and the driver's skill becomes more immediately apparent.

Source: Jenson Button showing you how fit you need to be.
Caption: yallaf1.com

4. Driver fitness
Formula One drivers are some of the most highly conditioned athletes on earth, their bodies specifically adapted to the very exacting requirements of top-flight single-seater motor racing. They are projected to forces that could snap a neck (break neck speeds).

5. Flags
Marshals at various points around the circuit are issued with a number of standard flags, all used to communicate vital messages to the drivers as they race around the track.

6. Fuel
The fuel it runs on is surprisingly close to the composition of ordinary, commercially available petrol.

7. Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems (KERS)
The acronym KERS stands for Kinetic Energy Recovery System. The device recovers the kinetic energy that is present in the waste heat created by the car’s braking process.

8. Logistics
Logistics plays a key role in Formula 1 because it deals with the transportation of these cars from country to country.

9. Overtaking
One driver can only occupy on pole position for a race, and the entire grid wants to finish on the top step of the podium, overtaking is of vital importance in Formula 1 not only for the championship, but also for the business side of Formula 1.

10. Pit stops
The precisely timed, millimetre perfect choreography of a modern pit stop is vital to help teams to turn their race strategy into success - changing a car’s tyres, which is the only thing that can be added to the car as the 2012 rules have stated that no refuelling can take place.

11. Race control
Overseas the entire weekend of motorsport (Formula 1).

12. Race strategy
The team employees’ key strategist, which solely works to improve the performance and chooses options that, would best suit the team.

13. Steering wheel
Modern Formula 1 cars steering wheels focus on elements to control parts of the car to create an advantage, to slowing the car or even turning up the motor, another famous gadget is the flappy paddle gearbox, which it uses.

14. Suspension
Suspension is what harnesses the power of the engine, the downforce created by the wings and aerodynamic pack and the grip of the tyres, and these elements are all controlled by the FIA with their strict rules and regulations.

15. Tyres
A modern Formula One car is a technical masterpiece. But the tyres are still a race car’s biggest single performance variable.

My favourite Cat in the Hat book is ‘How the Frinch stole Christmas!’; because.....

Caption: A very interesting story, which was converted into a movie.
Source: en.wikipedia.org

Honestly, who can’t remember this book even before the release of the movie, which started Jim Carey. The book discusses how the ‘Grinch hates Christmas’ and wants to stop it from coming by all necessary ways. So he forms a devious plan to impersonate Santa Claus and to steal the Christmas presents, which would be delivered on Christmas eve.

But on the Christmas morning, the Grinch is in for a shocking surprise. He did not stop Christmas from coming! And the Grinch realizes something new. That maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. That maybe Christmas . . . perhaps . . . means a little bit more!

This is bluck of the story, but other than that what is your favourite book, in the Dr. Suess collection?