To kick off our supercar mini theme, let’s go back to the origins of the genre and the decade where the first generation of supercars emerged: the 1970s. It might be the period that time wants to forget in terms of fashion, but it’s the place to go for the exotics that set the scene [...]
I had always wanted to visit one of the classic rallies for a chance to see classic rally cars that competed in the ’70s and the Group B years that followed. Luckily, I didn’t have to go abroad, as two of those legends came to my home town of Prague to participate in an event [...]
I expected some impressive vintage racing cars for sure at Race Retro, the UK’s big historic racing meet, but not the staggering range and quality of metal that was on show, or the variety of events that were being promoted. In every set of circuit racers, rally machines and single seaters there would be at [...]
It’s often hard to comprehend just how vast and deep automotive culture and passion spans in Japan. Last year I had the chance to help put together a program that attempted to show just this, looking at some of the biggest names out there. It was a pity it was only shown in Japan, but we all knew it wouldn’t be long before it was released online. It’s over forty minutes long so sit back and enjoy the show.
-Dino Dalle Carbonare
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I can’t quite explain it, but I’ve always been fascinated with turbocharged engines. I have always found the idea or harnessing exhaust gasses to help force-feed the intake side of the engine such an ingenious solution. While we are currently living through a massive comeback of the turbocharger as more and more modern engines, big [...]
The Le Mans 24 Hours is part of the holy trinity of motor races alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianoplis 500. It’s the race that the drivers want to win – but more importantly, perhaps even more than the other two, it’s the race that the manufactures want to win. That’s why major [...]
Following on from our introduction, this montage shows off some perfect video examples of the cars in question: on the edge, over the edge. Dust, fire, snow, smoke, cheering. Wings and bodywork barely held on. Battling oversteer, barriers, the elements, the crowd.
If you want to see just how dangerous Group B was, go to 1m20 in and the Lancia 037 jumping over a crest and into a sea of people, who organically open up as the car lands before closing in behind. Or at 2m36s when the T16′s tail drift causes fans to nonchalantly jump out of the way. It was expected! You’re up front for the best view, you take your chances.
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My favorite event ever. I suppose that’s a strong statement considering how many great automotive gatherings I’ve had the pleasure to visit, but if someone asks me what my single favorite event is I’d easily answer with “the JCCA New Year Meeting”. There are so many different words I could use to describe the New [...]
What is it about inanimate lumps of metal, glass and rubber that can stir such emotion? And why is it only certain lumps of metal? Why should an old red car from Italy stand out more than a new red car from Italy? Or a name-badge with particular letters – G, T and O for instance [...]
The Brooklands Autumn festival wasn’t called Motorsport Day for nothing: the sounds of competition engines echoed off the banking and buildings of the 100-year-old oval track. And what better sound than the scream of a Formula 1 Benetton taking to the Mercedes-Benz World test track in the middle of the oval? It was enough to [...]
It’s time wrap up the InterClub coverage from this past Sunday now as we take a final look at some more cars that were roaming the paddock that day. I would have loved to do a second Spotlight-o-rama but with constant sessions and everyone moving around it was tough, so I think a final general [...]
The rally stage at the Goodwood Festival Of Speed provides a complete contrast to the buzzing, packed areas around the hill-climb course and the car companies’ enormous marketing stands. At the top of the hill-climb, just the other side of the finish-line grandstands, is the Forest Rally Stage paddock – and winding its way through [...]
This year the Group C sportscar rules are celebrating 30 years since their inception, and the organisers of the Le Mans 24 Hours invited the Group C/GTP historic series to be the hors d’oeuvre for the 24 Hours this year. This being the natural home of these big sports prototypes, drivers jumped at the chance [...]
Although it’s not exactly rocket science, there are a few key elements that make up a great photograph beyond technical understanding and skill. For petrolheads these ingredients are pretty basic, a great car and a great location – Berg Cup provided both in spades. Regardless of lens selection or the cost of the camera body [...]
The Auto Italia show at Brooklands was a treasure-trove of all things automotive and Italian – the first thing you were greeted at when entering the legendary circuit via the old Campbell Circuit hill was the Abarth stand: snapping scorpion versions of Fiat originals. Carlo Abarth started breathing on Fiats in 1952, so the name [...]
