July 2018

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102 SWISS NATIONAL DAY 27.07.2018 09:22

Coming Wednesday, on August 1, The Castiron’s homeland will celebrate the Swiss National Day, 727 years after the foundation of the Swiss Confederation. Today’s subject deals with the major celebration on the „Rütliwiese“ (the founder’s meadow of Rütli), folk customs and looks back at previous related blogposts.

One year ago, blogpost 50 PHOTOSTORY BLÜEMLISALP SWITZERLAND gave a small impression of this country’s outstanding beauty. Additionally, blogpost 40 THE THREE, mentioned the legend of the founders of the Swiss Confederation, amongst others.

Some folklore customs have to be mentioned: crossbow shooting, rock throwing, playing hornussen, Swiss wrestling („Schwingen“), flag twirling, yodelling, alphorn blowing; may someday be more about these topics.

Last but not least, the celebration on the „Rütliwiese“ as this day’s traditional highlight: it is a meeting for everyone – from children to members of Federal Council; main contents are celebratory speeches, folkloristic customs and performing the national anthem – enjoy listening today’s video, read its lyrics!

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

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101 REVIEW ON 52 TO 100 20.07.2018 18:32

It is a good time for a short review, an overview emphasizing some points: memorable personalities, around the big family, contributions from third parties, practical helps for drivers (be it road or track) and last, but not least some pastor’s perspectives.

Memorable personalities. Alex Dias Ribeiro (blogposts 73, 89), Jim Clark (86), Sébastien Buemi (61), Vaidotas Zala (76). It is just a limited choice, based on The Castiron’s very personal point of view.

Around the big familiy of Eleanor V, The Castiron’s Ford Mustang. Some facts and figures on a remarkable brand, as well as related persons, are presented in blogposts 62, 84, 92, 96, 97, 98.

Contributions from third parties. Blogposts 83 and 100 help to give a broader view, FULL PULL - ON MISSION WITH TEAM KAISER and HOCKENHEIM 1991 : thanks a lot, your contributions are a great benefit!

Practical help for drivers. Blogposts 52, 55, 56, 60, 70, 72, 77, 78, 82, 88 are mainly basic topics for road and track, such as THE PEDAL TO THE METAL / WHEN THE DRIFT POUNCES UPON YOU / THE LATER YOU BRAKE THE LONGER YOU’RE FAST - they mostly base on experiences and insights of The Castiron himself.

Finally, some pastor’s perspectives. Blogposts 63 and 64 dealt with Martin Luther and the reformation of the Christian Church. Further noteworthy, the blogposts 71 and 85 focus on CHRISTMAS and EASTER - two of the principal Christian Festivals!

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

Photo: Nico’s Photostudio. Thank you Nico!

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100 HOCKENHEIM 1991 13.07.2018 18:16

As a motor sport enthusiast, the visit of a Formula 1 Grand Prix is an extraordinary experience - especially with the unique opportunity to follow the preparations for the start at close proximity. Experienced in 1991.

Through business relations with a high-level Formula 1 official, I received 2 pit lane tickets for the F1 German Grand Prix - a special occasion! My brother and I started by motorcycle in Switzerland, Saturday morning at 05:00 am, heading towards Hockenheim. We arrived on a bright morning, just in time for a pit walk at 09:00 o'clock: very close to racing teams as McLaren, Williams, Ferrari, Brabham, Benetton!

Keeping an eye on the racing drivers, too: Nigel Mansell, Jean Alesi, Gerhard Berger, Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost or Nelson Piquet in preparing for the final qualifying practice session; all of them so close, usually quite far away on television and magazines! As well as the team members, such as the mechanics who make the final modifications and the officials.

Suddenly deafening noise, bringing us back from all that astonishment: the first engine starts, the practice session begins. Again and again the drivers return to the pit for improving car adjustments. In particular interesting is the Japanese engine supplier’s direct computer connection, which should enable to set free some additional horsepowers.

After about an hour the hustle and bustle comes to its end. The monitor shows the achieved times, relevant for the race’s starting grid. Everybody cleans up everything, the tools are moved back in their place. All must be ready for the race.

Finally, some facts: Nigel Mansell, Williams Renault, on the pole position; he also was the victor of Sunday’s Grand Prix, followed by his team mate Riccardo Patrese and Jean Alesi, Ferrari.

That weekend, July, 27 and 28, 1991, went into my personal history - full of emotions and unforgettable impressions!

Many thanks from The Castiron to Peter!

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

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PS. Next Formula 1 German Grand Prix (GP): July 22, 2018, Hockenheim

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99 CALL IT KEEP-THE-SMILE-ON-YOUR-FACE DRIVING-STYLE 06.07.2018 18:05

The way human beings differ, so do driving-styles. Circumstances and situations are not always the same, too. There are various ways to keep on track - successfully, fast and safely.

Please have a look at the video. It is the Swiss St. Ursanne - Les Rangiers race, part of the FIA European Hill Climb Championship, section „Les Grippons“. Top speed around 160 miles per hour, curve speed approximately 140 miles per hour – hill climb, nota bene! Watch out for the crash barriers, for the walls, too. Even as a spectator, very close to this passage: it is plain and hauntingly breathtaking.

When you have faced such a challenge successfully, it is the moment for the smile on your face and to keep it! The Castiron participated once in this race with a competition touring car: flat out, „Les Grippons“, maintaining flat out also for this curve; it works barely, top speed with these types of touring cars is a little bit less than 120 miles per hour – mastered a courage requiring key passage completely at the point!

Decisive moments! To have the utter grasp of a very challenging situation gives you a feeling of contentment – be it a hill climb’s key passage, be it after a blind crest on the Nordschleife, be it in a similar life situation. Often, it is on the razor’s edge and separates the men from the boys.

The Castiron wishes you many situations with a keep-the-smile-in-your-face experience; keep the smile and stay relaxed and concentrated!

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

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