Historics: VIR loses trademark landmark

[Photo: Iconic oak tree at VIRginia International Speedway.  Credit:  www.virnow.com].

America's Motorsport Resort - VIRginia International Speedway - has lost an old friend. According to VIR officials, the iconic oak tree that became a trademark for racers and fans at the scenic track and even appears on the track's logo and in the name of its signature tavern, fell on Tuesday, broken at the base.

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[Muse:  I can imagine how this lovely tree became so iconic at this road course, especially as it shades the cars briefly as they race by on this sharp turn, as shown in the photo above.  Kind of a wonder it has not suffered an accident from being struck by a vehicle.  Too bad about the loss...].

COTA will host the inaugural SVRA U.S. Vintage National Championship, Oct. 25-27, 2013

[Photo:  COTA logo.  CircuitoftheAmericas.com].

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) and the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) confirmed on Friday that the inaugural United States Vintage Racing National Championship will be held at the home of the FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX in Austin, Texas, Oct. 25-27, 2013.

According to both COTA and SVRA, entries are coming in quickly for the unique series featuring hundreds of historically significant vintage racing cars from the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe. The first U.S. Vintage Racing National Championship will feature approximately 500 vintage race cars that will compete in 12 classes with a national champion crowned in each class. Each race will be run on the full 3.4 mile Grand Prix circuit.

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[Muse:  Well, now -- this should be a good one, don't you think?  Just one month before the 2013 Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix!].

Formula 1: Sir Stirling Moss, Lewis Hamilton swap Mercedes cars, stories at Silverstone

(Photo:  Legendary British Formula 1 racer Sir Stirling Moss met up with current F1 Mercedes driver and 2008 world champion, Lewis Hamilton, at Silverstone, May 31, 2013.  Credit:  Getty Images.)

If there's one thing the British know about their place in the world it's that they can count on their history to impress people. That was the case on Friday as well when two British Formula 1 drivers from very different eras in racing met at Silverstone and traded places and stories with their respective Mercedes race cars and adventures in them.

In a photo opportunity Friday designed to promote the British Grand Prix at Silverstone June 28-30, the 2008 world champion and current Mercedes driver, Lewis Hamilton, met up with the 1955 British Grand Prix winner, Sir Stirling Moss. They even brought their cars, parked beside each other. While Moss, now 83, did not get into the Mercedes W04, Hamilton did try out the W196 from the earlier days.

READ MORE, PLUS SEE A SLIDESHOW OF THE EVENT, RIGHT HERE......


[Muse:  Love Formula 1 history, so I enjoyed writing this one!]. 

Historics: Lime Rock Park announces race groups and descriptions for Historic Festival 31, 2013

[Photo:  Action at Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, CT.  Credit:  Lime Rock Park.].

Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT announced on Thursday its race groups for the Historic Festival 31 to be held over Labor Day weekend.

According to Murray Smith, Chairman of Lime Rock Park'’s Historic Festival 31, more than 300 historic cars are due to compete in the event that takes place August 30 through September 2nd.

READ MORE RIGHT HERE.........


[Muse:  Car people seem as excited to see notable cars as they are to see notable racers, but while I enjoy looking at cars, I guess I'm more of a racer fan than a car fan, overall.  Which are you, dear reader?].

Formula 1: Webber, Alonso could tie Moss, Stewart at 2013 Grand Prix de Monaco

(Photos:  Top -- Fernando Alonso of Ferrari and bottom -- Mark Webber of Red Bull practice on the challenging road course at Monaco before the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix.  Credit:  Getty Images).

The Grand Prix de Monaco sends lots of motor sports enthusiasts, participants, and writers alike looking back at the history of Formula 1. In looking over the multiple winners' listing in the 70 races held on the tricky street circuit in glamorous Monte Carlo, one finds there are only 13 racers in the history of motor sport to have won this particular Grand Prix more than once. Two of those racers compete again this Sunday -- Mark Webber of Red Bull and Fernando Alonso of Ferrari. In doing so, either racer has a chance to tie his number of Monaco wins with two knights of the track -- Sir Stirling Moss and Sir Jackie Stewart.

READ MORE RIGHT HERE............

[Muse:  I love the history of Formula 1, and I get especially excited reading and learning about the races at Monaco.  Such a beautiful location with such a challenging circuit.  No near misses!  It seems like if this was the one race you ever won, it would be worth many losses elsewhere!].

Formula 1: 2013 Monaco Grand Prix TV schedule, practice results

(Photo:  Felippe Massa of Ferrari practices before the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix.  Credit:  Bryn Lennon / Getty Images).

  

Nico Rosberg of the Formula 1 Mercedes team topped both practice sessions on Thursday for the 2013 Monaco Grand Prix. According to Formula 1, Rosberg posted times of 1m 16.195s in the morning session and 1m 14.759s in the afternoon. Red Bull drivers Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel, who have, between the two of them, won the last three consecutive contests at the historic street circuit, posted 1m 15.404s and 1m 16.014s, respectively.

READ MORE HERE...........

[Muse:  Love the Monaco Grand Prix -- so tricky; little room for error, etc. and an atmosphere that's hard to beat for its beauty and exotics.  My favorite of the season to watch!  Do you have a favorite F1 track?].