The 2014 Formula One Thread
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,474
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From: California
Ecclestone planning Historic Formula One series
If you're one of the legions of racing fans disappointed by the lack of noise from the new turbo V6s in Formula One and nostalgic for those old-school V10s, we have good news for you. According to reports, a new racing series is in the works that would bring back not only retired F1 cars, but also retired F1 stars.
The project , according to European trademark applications, is called Historic Formula One, and it's already gaining support and potential participation from the likes of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, former champ Nigel Mansell, race winner Gerhard Berger and Martin Brundle (a former F1 driver, Le Mans winner and race commentator).
The series is being organized by none other than Bernie Ecclestone himself, the controversial and embattled billionaire in charge of Formula One. Ecclestone also runs the GP2 and GP3 series that give potential future F1 drivers a ladder to climb. The addition of the Historic Formula One championship to the portfolio would give those on their way out a chance to continue competing.
While it may be too early to say what cars they would be driving and what format the races would take, the signs at present seem to be pointing towards the V10 racers that reigned supreme in the 1990s and into the new millennium. As for the events in which they'd compete, we could be looking at support races for the existing grands prix to give fans an extra spectacle on the same ticket.
This wouldn't be the first time we'd see a racing series for old F1 cars and drivers, but could emerge as the most successful. The last was the Grand Prix Masters series ran one race at Kyalami in 2005 and another two (Qatar and Silverstone) in 2006 before shutting down. There are many other individual events at which owners of retired F1 cars compete, but seldom in an organized series with retired stars at the helm.
The project , according to European trademark applications, is called Historic Formula One, and it's already gaining support and potential participation from the likes of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, former champ Nigel Mansell, race winner Gerhard Berger and Martin Brundle (a former F1 driver, Le Mans winner and race commentator).
The series is being organized by none other than Bernie Ecclestone himself, the controversial and embattled billionaire in charge of Formula One. Ecclestone also runs the GP2 and GP3 series that give potential future F1 drivers a ladder to climb. The addition of the Historic Formula One championship to the portfolio would give those on their way out a chance to continue competing.
While it may be too early to say what cars they would be driving and what format the races would take, the signs at present seem to be pointing towards the V10 racers that reigned supreme in the 1990s and into the new millennium. As for the events in which they'd compete, we could be looking at support races for the existing grands prix to give fans an extra spectacle on the same ticket.
This wouldn't be the first time we'd see a racing series for old F1 cars and drivers, but could emerge as the most successful. The last was the Grand Prix Masters series ran one race at Kyalami in 2005 and another two (Qatar and Silverstone) in 2006 before shutting down. There are many other individual events at which owners of retired F1 cars compete, but seldom in an organized series with retired stars at the helm.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,205
Likes: 219
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Sorry, folks. I'm not an F1 fan. Too boring for me 
.....a lot like watching a road-rally, except without the drifting.
Racing?.....THIS is what I consider TRUE racing.....everybody bunched up on a super-speedway, fender-to-fender, at 200 MPH.
.....a lot like watching a road-rally, except without the drifting. Racing?.....THIS is what I consider TRUE racing.....everybody bunched up on a super-speedway, fender-to-fender, at 200 MPH.
Last edited by mmarshall; Apr 23, 2014 at 11:36 AM.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,474
Likes: 320
From: California
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,205
Likes: 219
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I agree, BTW, that NASCAR is probably not very popular on CL, but much of that is probably due to its (outdated) redneck Southern image and of the also-inaccurate idea of it being a sport of simple monkeys behind the wheel making endless left turns. Many people don't know how difficult that driving actually IS.
Last edited by mmarshall; Apr 23, 2014 at 04:19 PM.
Don't let the geometric simplicity of those tracks fool you. NASCAR driving is FAR more difficult than it looks on the surface, especially when many drivers are bunched up at high speeds. A split-second error could wipe out a dozen cars and drivers. I have enormous respect for those drivers.
I agree, BTW, that NASCAR is probably not very popular on CL, but much of that is probably due to its (outdated) redneck Southern image and of the also-inaccurate idea of it being a sport of simple monkeys behind the wheel making endless left turns. Many people don't know how difficult that driving actually IS.
I agree, BTW, that NASCAR is probably not very popular on CL, but much of that is probably due to its (outdated) redneck Southern image and of the also-inaccurate idea of it being a sport of simple monkeys behind the wheel making endless left turns. Many people don't know how difficult that driving actually IS.
However, don't get me started on the 2014 rule changes!
Aside from some basic specs (dimensions, weight, safety, etc), I think F1 should be unlimited in the technology that teams can use! 
-Mike
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,474
Likes: 320
From: California
Don't let the geometric simplicity of those tracks fool you. NASCAR driving is FAR more difficult than it looks on the surface, especially when many drivers are bunched up at high speeds. A split-second error could wipe out a dozen cars and drivers. I have enormous respect for those drivers.
I agree, BTW, that NASCAR is probably not very popular on CL, but much of that is probably due to its (outdated) redneck Southern image and of the also-inaccurate idea of it being a sport of simple monkeys behind the wheel making endless left turns. Many people don't know how difficult that driving actually IS.
I agree, BTW, that NASCAR is probably not very popular on CL, but much of that is probably due to its (outdated) redneck Southern image and of the also-inaccurate idea of it being a sport of simple monkeys behind the wheel making endless left turns. Many people don't know how difficult that driving actually IS.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,553
Likes: 3
From: Californ-i-a
Just found this thread... Awesome!
You can add me as a NASCAR fan as well. How are we feeling about Gene Haas getting involved with Formula One? I for one am excited because you know... 'murica.
So the Ecclestone bribery trial begins... Should be interesting.
You can add me as a NASCAR fan as well. How are we feeling about Gene Haas getting involved with Formula One? I for one am excited because you know... 'murica.
So the Ecclestone bribery trial begins... Should be interesting.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,474
Likes: 320
From: California
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 281
Likes: 3
From: CA
Thanks for this thread, it's a good one.
Well since we're comparing F1 to other race venues, I will say I am a fan of F1 but not so much of NASCAR.
I like endurance sports car racing best - IMSA TUSCC in the US (includes 24 hours of Daytona) and FIA WEC in Europe (includes 24 hours of Le Mans). A little less slick and more real and gritty than F1, NASCAR or Indy with mixed classes (including pro and amateur, prototype and GT), all-night parties in the paddock and race-prep'd factory (GT) cars so you can route for your favorite(s) (Porsche, Ferrari, Austin, SRT Viper, Corvette, etc.). The cars have to be fast for a long time and so must be durable. Some of the venues, like Daytona, put the race on the NASCAR banks and then into curvy road courses in the infield - best of both worlds - flat out then onto the brakes for the infield curves - for 24 hours. Prototype Le Mans cars run on the street / track (not banked curves) Le Mans course for 24 hours at average speeds of 120 MPH - including pit stops. That means routinely they're up around 200 MPH.
My biggest frustration right now is finding decent, complete TV coverage of the FIA WEC races in the US but, on the other had, I have tickets for the IMSA races at Laguna Seca coming up in early May and so will watch it live then go home and watch again on DVR.
I also follow F1 but not NASCAR or Indy.
So, when will we see Lexus RC-F GT cars at the 24 hours of Daytona or Le Mans? Bet that would stir up some interest around here.
Well since we're comparing F1 to other race venues, I will say I am a fan of F1 but not so much of NASCAR.
I like endurance sports car racing best - IMSA TUSCC in the US (includes 24 hours of Daytona) and FIA WEC in Europe (includes 24 hours of Le Mans). A little less slick and more real and gritty than F1, NASCAR or Indy with mixed classes (including pro and amateur, prototype and GT), all-night parties in the paddock and race-prep'd factory (GT) cars so you can route for your favorite(s) (Porsche, Ferrari, Austin, SRT Viper, Corvette, etc.). The cars have to be fast for a long time and so must be durable. Some of the venues, like Daytona, put the race on the NASCAR banks and then into curvy road courses in the infield - best of both worlds - flat out then onto the brakes for the infield curves - for 24 hours. Prototype Le Mans cars run on the street / track (not banked curves) Le Mans course for 24 hours at average speeds of 120 MPH - including pit stops. That means routinely they're up around 200 MPH.
My biggest frustration right now is finding decent, complete TV coverage of the FIA WEC races in the US but, on the other had, I have tickets for the IMSA races at Laguna Seca coming up in early May and so will watch it live then go home and watch again on DVR.
I also follow F1 but not NASCAR or Indy.
So, when will we see Lexus RC-F GT cars at the 24 hours of Daytona or Le Mans? Bet that would stir up some interest around here.
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 42,474
Likes: 320
From: California
Thanks for this thread, it's a good one.
Well since we're comparing F1 to other race venues, I will say I am a fan of F1 but not so much of NASCAR.
I like endurance sports car racing best - IMSA TUSCC in the US (includes 24 hours of Daytona) and FIA WEC in Europe (includes 24 hours of Le Mans). A little less slick and more real and gritty than F1, NASCAR or Indy with mixed classes (including pro and amateur, prototype and GT), all-night parties in the paddock and race-prep'd factory (GT) cars so you can route for your favorite(s) (Porsche, Ferrari, Austin, SRT Viper, Corvette, etc.). The cars have to be fast for a long time and so must be durable. Some of the venues, like Daytona, put the race on the NASCAR banks and then into curvy road courses in the infield - best of both worlds - flat out then onto the brakes for the infield curves - for 24 hours. Prototype Le Mans cars run on the street / track (not banked curves) Le Mans course for 24 hours at average speeds of 120 MPH - including pit stops. That means routinely they're up around 200 MPH.
My biggest frustration right now is finding decent, complete TV coverage of the FIA WEC races in the US but, on the other had, I have tickets for the IMSA races at Laguna Seca coming up in early May and so will watch it live then go home and watch again on DVR.
I also follow F1 but not NASCAR or Indy.
So, when will we see Lexus RC-F GT cars at the 24 hours of Daytona or Le Mans? Bet that would stir up some interest around here.
Well since we're comparing F1 to other race venues, I will say I am a fan of F1 but not so much of NASCAR.
I like endurance sports car racing best - IMSA TUSCC in the US (includes 24 hours of Daytona) and FIA WEC in Europe (includes 24 hours of Le Mans). A little less slick and more real and gritty than F1, NASCAR or Indy with mixed classes (including pro and amateur, prototype and GT), all-night parties in the paddock and race-prep'd factory (GT) cars so you can route for your favorite(s) (Porsche, Ferrari, Austin, SRT Viper, Corvette, etc.). The cars have to be fast for a long time and so must be durable. Some of the venues, like Daytona, put the race on the NASCAR banks and then into curvy road courses in the infield - best of both worlds - flat out then onto the brakes for the infield curves - for 24 hours. Prototype Le Mans cars run on the street / track (not banked curves) Le Mans course for 24 hours at average speeds of 120 MPH - including pit stops. That means routinely they're up around 200 MPH.
My biggest frustration right now is finding decent, complete TV coverage of the FIA WEC races in the US but, on the other had, I have tickets for the IMSA races at Laguna Seca coming up in early May and so will watch it live then go home and watch again on DVR.
I also follow F1 but not NASCAR or Indy.
So, when will we see Lexus RC-F GT cars at the 24 hours of Daytona or Le Mans? Bet that would stir up some interest around here.
Yes very excited to see the RC F GT in action
