November 2017

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67 CIRCUIT DIJON-PRENOIS PART II 24.11.2017 15:29

Circuit Dijon-Prenois: one of the motorsport tracks with a long illustrious history. From The Castiron’s perspective, one highlight among many other was the F1 Swiss Grand Prix in 1982. Yes, the Swiss Grand Prix was held in France, because such circuit races are not allowed in Switzerland. Please have a look at the video, it speaks louder than many words.

According to http://www.paddys-races-days.ch/paddys-races-days-strecken-info the track of Dijon-Prenois is as follows:

The length is approximately 2,35 miles. It is one of the quite fast tracks, hilly and twisty - an exciting task for the racer. There are 5 right-hand and 3 left-hand turns. Everyone who knows Dijon-Prenois also knows the long, long start-finish straight with its first upward part. The crucial passage is just before: the long-drown downhill bend, where the driver recognizes in the last split second, if everything fitted or not.

Last but not least: it is a beautiful region, which invites you to stay some days and furthermore, Dijon is the home of the well-known Dijon mustard.

See you next Friday. - God bless you, all the best! The Castiron

Recommendation: https://www.circuit-dijon-prenois.com/

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66 CIRCUIT DIJON-PRENOIS PART I 17.11.2017 15:20

It is interesting and quite fast. These were The Castiron’s informations, before he visited this racetrack.

Some years ago, The Castiron was invited to start at a race of the Swiss Championship in Dijon-Prenois, on this occasion with an American Race Truck (Craftman’s Truck / Pickup). It was a very good experience, thrilling and overall a succesful race day, honoured with a trophy.

Some weeks ago, The Castiron and Eleanor V, his Ford Mustang, were back in Dijon-Prenois to participate at a trackday. Both enjoyed also this day. Very well organized, not to many participants, a lot of track time, nice people, good weather - this is the summary of a memorable high-speed day in France.

Please have a look at the video, too. A former Swiss professional racing driver will present you two on-board laps, one to become more familiar with the track and one with race conditions.

Part II will bring you closer to the Circuit Dijon-Prenois.

See you next Friday. - God bless you, all the best! The Castiron

Photos: Nico’s Photostudio. Thank you Nico!

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65 LONG TIME AGO 201711 10.11.2017 15:35

You remember, this year was the 90th Nürburgring Anniversary. For 2017, this is the last blogpost on this topic (after blogposts 24, 39, 46, 49, 60). It is the story of The Castiron’s first rendez-vous with the Nordschleife, 25 years ago – also a small anniversary.

It was love at first sight – after the first lap. Track open for the tourist traffic, late autumn – therefore little traffic. The Castiron arrived and drove with a German road car; a rear-wheel driven sedan with a manual 4-speed transmission with overdrive. The conditions had been appropriate: partly humid, partly dry and later on partly humid and partly wet. Best requirements for a novice on the Nordschleife! The Castiron succeeded in overcoming also this additional difficulties and completed 7 laps without any noticeable incidents. What he knew: I do not know this track and to achieve this route knowledge, many more laps will be needed.

It was the beginning of a great and ongoing love. The Nordschleife met many of The Castiron’s preferences: upward, downward, fast, hilly and twisty, with crests; in other words a very, very special track with a unique character – probably the most demanding circuit throughout the world.

See you next Friday. - God bless you, all the best! The Castiron

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64 MARTIN LUTHER PART II 03.11.2017 15:20

Germany, on 31 October 1517, Martin Luther published his Ninety-Five Theses. Now, 500 years later, it is a good moment to have again a closer look at it.

Today’s topic is on the motivation of Martin Luther, what he was aiming for and what he did. According to Wikipedia, the theses debated and criticised the Church and the papacy, but concentrated upon the selling of indulgences and doctrinal policies about purgatory, particular judgement, and the authority of the Pope.

Martin Luther recognized many problematic issues and he intended to initiate a reformation of the Church. Ultimately, he saw no other approach than publishing this Ninety-Five Theses, on 31 October 1517.

Sadly, there was almost no insight, a reformation seemed unnecessary – but it was really necessary! In this context, many sad stories are reported in the history books, too.

All this lead to a point, where a schism was inevitable. Contrary to the intention of reforming the Church, that led to another one instead, with a fast and comprehensive spreading throughout the world.

Last, but not least, The Castiron invites you to have a look at today’s impressive video; probably, the performed song of Amazing Grace can reflect somewhat of Martin Luther’s person and his concerns, finally named the Protestant Reformation.

See you next Friday. - God bless you, all the best! The Castiron

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