September 2018

111 DRIFT TRAINING WITH A RALLYE CHAMPION

Have you ever had the opportunity to have a German Rallye Champion as an instructor, when you participated at a drift training? It was Armin Schwarz, one of the few also internationally successful German-speaking rallye drivers (also winner of the European Championship 1996 and the Race of Champions 2000), when The Castiron took part in a driver training on the Boxberg proving ground in Germany, some time ago.

The Boxberg proving ground is a very generous facility, impossible to describe in a few words. For further information have a look at today’s recommendation!

One highlight of this thrilling day with many precious experiences was the simulation of the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife’s passage „Adenauer Forst“, a fast left-right-left-combination, where you have to decelerate from corner to corner. This means often a confrontation with oversteering.

And it happened later once to The Castiron, when he drove the first time with his Ford Mustang, Eleanor V, on the Nordschleife. Unexpected, but not unprepared, he was able to handle this unintended quite huge drift, from the first to the second bend.

Not for the first time this conclusion: each driver training has a benefit; not just thinking about - participation is a good idea! Why not as a Christmas gift? No success without continuous training, a truth for professional racing drivers and for people like you and me.

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

Recommendation:       https://www.bosch-mobility-solutions.com/en/products-and-services/mobility-services/proving-grounds/proving-ground-boxberg/

110 INTREPID BUT RESPECTFUL

Intrepid but respectful, in relation to racetrack and competitor. It is a matter of finishing a race or not, winning or loosing it, in extreme cases of life and death.

Some thoughts on the competitor. He is not your mortal enemy, he is your opponent. When the race takes place on a circuit, sometimes your competitor is very close to you; when both drive their race in an intrepid and respectful way, usually tragic incidents can be avoided. In one word: sportsmanship!

Some thoughts on the racetrack. On one hand the modern race circuits; huge run-off areas provoke disrespect. One advantage: space for the driver to experiment, optimize, practice various alternatives without the really big risks. On the other hand, the so-called classic tracks, such as Nürburgring Nordschleife and natural race courses as the hill climbs. Walls, trees, abysses, crash barriers – as reminders and aids, to find the perfect mixture between intrepidity and respect.

Today’s video: the very special motorsport category of side car racing combined with the really unique Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) race is a good example on this subject – absolutely breathtaking! This race is probably the biggest challenge for sportsmen on motorized vehicles in contemporary sport.

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

Recommendation:       https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Man_TT

109 RENT4RING 201809

Germany, 53520 Nürburg, The Lounge powered by Rent4Ring, Burgplatz 1 - ready to welcome you! The Lounge is located just at the foot of the castle Nürburg, very close to the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife.

It is the place with the certain something. It is for petrolheads, racing drivers, motor sport enthusiasts in general, business travellers and many more. The host makes every effort for the well-being of the guests.

Video analysis, petrol talks about speed, lap times, racing line, braking points, tyre pressure, freak weather, track conditions, incidents on the track, the good old days or talking about „God and the world“ - all this and much more, it is up you!

The Lounge gives you the opportunity to close an unforgettable day in a dignified manner. Come and see, enjoy the inspiring atmosphere, good company and a drink!

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

Recommendation:       http://theloungenuerburg.de/

108 HEAT AS ENEMY

Heat kills performance and damages equipment – your car likes it cool! The goal is, to keep the systems running cooler hence giving them a longer life.

Just a few major cues: engine, powertrain in general, brakes and liquids as oil, cooling fluid, fuel. Under high stress, all those tend to overheat – but no one likes decline in efficiency and damaged equipment. This is primarily behalf of track use, but also for daily rides.

Thus briefly, some preventing measures must be mentioned. For the liquids, filling capacity and bigger or additional radiators; especially for the brakes, high-quality adequately dimensioned material. Above all, enough cool air! To avoid critical circumstances, it is very helpful to have the car properly prepared and well equipped.

In extreme cases, a vehicle can go up in flames – be it during the drive or after stopping. The Castiron would not wish anyone to experience such a situation! Whenever possible, try to give your car from time to time a rest. A cool down lap on the track is a must – similar during covering the daily drive’s very last route.

Today’s video: instead of a burning car, something different, with a twinkle in the eye. Better the heart on fire than a burning car!

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

Recommendation:       http://thecastiron.ch/en/links-en.html