The 33 year old Indy 500 Champion was killed on lap 11 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway due to a severe head injury. The world of open-wheel racing had seen lots of safety upgrades in the past decade but it is evident that death is still a possibility. Wheldon's car was traveling at nearly 200MPH at the time of the accident involving 15 cars. The car slammed a wall cockpit-first causing for Wheldon to die instantly. Dan was a great driver, man, and father who did not deserve to lose his life in this accident. A fund has been opened for his family following his death. Indy Car and the FIA need to take note on this accident as it is clear that it can happen to any of us. The cars need to be reinforced and our surroundings need to be better on impact. This will save lives.
New to the world of motorsports in 2014 came the Formula E series for all-electric cars. These cars are very fast and pack a lot of torque. FIA is running the electric series to help promote the move to cleaner and more efficient racecars. In 2013, Formula One changed from their usual V8/V10 engine layouts to a much smaller V6 and 4 cylinder turbocharged engines. This radically changed the sport. Teams like Mercedes-Petronas had the advantage last year in winning nearly all of the races and having very few retirements. I prefer the old ways of high horsepower and snarling brute engines like those of the old V10 Ferrari cars. These are what I raced and loved throughout my career. Today's cars are much more efficient, and the electric cars are even more as they do not make any emissions. The issue I have with formula E is that the soul of the car has been removed. Halfway through the race, you must come in and swap to your backup car because they run out of batteries. The use of battery powered cars are great for the environment, but not for the world of motorsports.
In an interview nearly 20 years ago, I told the world that my young cousin Bruno would be the star to watch. Bruno drove in Formula One for the past few years and managed to get very respectful finishes throughout his career. Like myself, Bruno raced karts as a young boy and climbed the ranks with the help of his family. It was announced that Bruno would be leaving Formula One and going on to race in the sports car series as well as the Formula E series for electric cars. Bruno has done very well as the series has raced 6 times so far this year. His friend and former team mate Nelson Piquet Jr., who's father I once race with, won the most recent race. I am excited to see how Bruno does as I am here coaching him not just as an uncle but as a champion driver.
My good friend and competitor, seven time World Champion Michael Schumacher, is still fighting for his life following a nasty skiing accident in December 2013. Schumi remains in bed due to his medically induced coma but is slowly awakening. His family and friends continue to stay at his bedside waiting for Michael to wake. Michael remains in my prayers and I wish him a quick recovery.
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SennaWith most of my influences in opinions coming from experience in the world, I tend to have an opinion for anything. ArchivesCategories |