2018

The Castiron shares some of the content of the song Silent Night with you. Here, two verses of this song, performed for the first time in Oberndorf / Salzburg by Franz Xaver Gruber (melody) and Joseph Mohr (text) in 1818.

Silent night, holy night. Son of God, love’ pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face. With the dawn of redeeming grace. Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth. Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Silent night, holy night. Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar. Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia. Christ, the Saviour is born. Christ, the Saviour is born.

For those, who want to know more: The Castiron invites you to read in the Holy Bible, Luke 2 (see recommendation).

Christ, the Saviour is born. Merry Christmas!

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

Many thanks to all who made the video possible!

Recommendation:       http://www.bibleserver.com/text/NIV/Luke2

Some months ago, The Castiron took part in a driver training in Lignières in Switzerland, more precisely a drift training. According to the event organizer, one major goal was the enhancement of the driving ability, a better vehicle control. So far, so good.

What has an attendance at such an event to do with today’s subject – humble? Especially, please have a look at the first picture and the pictures below, too. Not everything went quite well. Pride goes before a fall – was this the case?

The tarmac was varyingly wet, the switching from a right hand bend to a left hand bend went wrong: instead of changing in direction, the oversteering Ford Mustang, Eleanor V, spun to the inside of the curve. This came unexpectedly fast and The Castiron had no opportunity for any reaction – such a situation he never experienced, in all the decades before!

Eleanor V crashed with the left front and with both left wheels against an earth wall, raised the two right wheels and landed abruptly and safely on the wheels. Just rideable, but violated! The Castiron uninjured, but rather grief-stricken.

A few days later, he saw a picture in a journal: the multiple Rallye World Champion Sébastien Loeb and his Citroën, Corsica 2018 – the back of the car buried in gravel. Failures are a part of life and help to keep you humble. The Castiron was no longer grief-stricken and Eleanor V, the Ford Mustang, was brought to the doctor, who restored her.

Pride goes before a fall – you decide, if this was the case or not. Being humble helps, also avoidance of self-doubt. The former is a good basis in general, the latter can make you insecure, which is seldom helpful. In any case, have a safe drive!

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

Recommendation:       http://thecastiron.ch/en/instructor.html

From today’s persepctive perhaps a little bit strange: „Made in Trollhättan by Trolls“. This is probably the best known catchphrase in connection with Saab – a former Swedish vehicle and aircraft manufacturer. Quite a long time ago, The Castiron was the proud owner of such a slightly bizarre car, a Saab 96 with a 2-stroke engine.

A quick one on the automobile manufacturer. The first production model, the Saab 92, was launched in 1949 and in the late seventies the Saab 900; a very contemporary car, becoming Saab’s best-selling model. It is not a story with a happy end: in the year 2012, it was announced that the company NEVS had bought the bankrupt firm Saab Automobile.

The Saab 96. It was an important model for Saab: the first Saab to be widely exported out of Sweden, down in the sixties! Unlike American cars, the 96 all featured the 3-cylinder 2-stroke engine, which required adding oil to the gasoline tank.

The Castiron’s turtle. Due to its shape, The Castiron’s friends named his used car Saab 96 just „the turtle“ – with a loving, silent mockery; this car was exceptional, even back then! Some characteristics made a lasting impression: the manual transmission (steering wheel gearshift) combined with freewheeling, the very special engine sound and the refuelling procedure: a baby bottle served as measuring vessel for the 2-stroke oil – every refuelling asked for mental arithmetic to add the appropriate percentage of oil to the gasoline.

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

PS   Source reference: Wikipedia

A remarkable statement: „Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.“ This message actually came from Dwight Lyman Moody, one of Graham’s legendary idols; over a century later, it was quoted from Billy Graham. Two exceptional men – one remarkable statement.

William Franklin Graham, known as Billy Graham (7th November 1918 – 21st February 2018), was especially known for his words, which brought the good news of the Gospel to millions of people. For this most prominent preacher and evangelist of the 20th century, the Gospel was real and herewith the eternal hope became factual. One on his desire was, to reach as many people as possible. „The Bible says ...“ was one of his key messages. For him, the Holy Bible was the trustworthy word of God.

This week, Billy Graham would have turned 100, but he passed away last February – it was his last and final change in address. Around 2000 people attended the memorial service in the USA, several millions took part around the world by the media.

Franklin Graham, one of his sons, mentioned in his eulogy: “If he could speak to you today, he would ask: ‘Will you be making this journey to heaven someday?’ - My father’s greatest longing has been granted.”

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

Recommendation:       http://thecastiron.ch/en/pastor.html

PS   Source reference: ideaSpektrum, https://www.ideaschweiz.ch/startseite.html

PPS   As an encore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffdiKbSgdTU

Easier said than done – please have a look at today’s video! What an example! Would you have stayed cool? In this context, let us have a closer look at the start of a motor-race on a circuit.

Especially in the heat of the moment during the turbulent start-up phase, it is helpful to stay cool. But you are not the only one, many opponents are very close to you - all with one common goal: to win immediately as many positions as possible. Sometimes it works quite well, sometimes rather not.

Also The Castiron experienced starts on the occasion of motor races on a circuit - and he loved it! In an ideal situation, it is a matter of having a plan, thinking ahead and a proper, customized implementation. When everything fits together perfectly, a gain of up to 10 positions is possible; achieving the same during a normal race is almost impossible, to lose these 10 positions during a normal race happens very, very seldom.

To stay cool helps, staying cool mentally and physically! Take a break if needed, in daily traffic - in motorsport hardly possible. On one hand, sportsmanship and fairness are also terms worth to be mentioned; on the other hand, sometimes it can be simply irrevocably too late to stay cool.

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

Once upon a time there was a family: father, mother, The Castiron and his brother. They made an excursion and visited a friend of the father, a garage owner, located on the top of a Swiss pass.

You had a look at the picture, and you know: one certain car caught the boys eye’s instantaneously - the Generation 1 Ford Mustang, an ancestor, a relative of Eleanor V, The Castiron’s present Ford Mustang. It was the mid-sixties, in other words, shortly after the launch of this fascinating automobile.

Not only taking a seat, but also the invitation for a test drive made this day a perfect day. The garage owner and the two went for a test drive – on this occasion the man with the driving licence behind the steering wheel.

Thus basically indescribable, one thing stands out: most likely, it was the day when the love of The Castiron for sporty cars, melodious and powerful engines and speed must have been awakened! The day, when The Castiron met this Generation 1 Ford Mustang – and a garage owner, who knew how to deal with future customers.

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

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/

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/

It was invented at a radio-telegraphic conference in Berlin, Germany, in 1906 and internationally adopted in 1908, exactly 110 years ago. It means „I am in extreme danger. Help me!“ and it is a signal sent by radio, when something (usually vessels) - and thus human beings - is in serious trouble.

Why the letters SOS? Radio signals at that time consisted of Morse Code - patterns of short sounds (dots) and long sounds (dashes). SOS in Morse Code is dot-dot-dot-dash-dash-dash-dot-dot-dot. The thinking at the conference was, that it was a distinctive pattern, that could not be misinterpreted.

People often assume that it must be an acronym - three words starting with these letters. They say that it is a short for „save our ship“ or „send out succour“ or „save our souls“. In fact it never was.

Nonetheless, The Castiron is favouring the latter, „save our souls“, because it focuses on the essential - on this and  the other side of life. See today’s recommendation for further aspects on these significant basics!

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

Recommendation:       http://thecastiron.ch/en/pastor.html

PS. Source reference: https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-meaning-of-SOS

Today’s blogpost retrospectively focuses primarily on one’s own account and on a conclusion of the different driving-styles, mentioned in former blogposts.

Exactly 2 years ago, The Castiron presented the very first blogpost. Although from a real-life perspective, one major aim was to create something unique - it is up to you to decide whether this has been achieved or not!

Former blogposts’ subject was on the issue of driving-style. Unique is also in this context a keyword. There are many possibilities to be under way, be it behind the steering wheel, be it generally on your road of life - in any case with the aim of a happy ending.

And remember: Seemingly each person has less than 10 lookalikes, if at all. Almost equal or quite similar, everyone is different, is unique! Just be yourself.

Next week The Castiron (your real-life blogger) will bring you closer to SRS.

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

No, it is not the FIA Formula One World Championship. It is the FIA European Hill Climb Championship; its first edition dates back to 1930. It is the scene of many, many different stories, from extremely sad ones to heroic ones!

A general description can be found on www.fia.com; in short: „It is an extremely intensive race for the driver, albeit a short one – a race against time on a narrow, winding road. The driver is very much alone – and his concentration is paramount, as well as his confidence in his vehicle and his knowledge of the snaking asphalt track. The slightest hesitation can seriously affect overall performance, as the timer seems to tick quicker than elsewhere. Race strategy is clear cut – a ‚maximum attack’ approach is required from the very first to the last centimetre of the route, as for an athlete running 100 metres. Hill climb offers authentic charm, with its natural setting, difficult roads, drivers who are truly driven, intrepid racing, finely honed engineering and proximity with the public.“

Hill climb was one of The Castiron’s great loves in his motorsport activities. The feeling to be very much alone, the loneliest man in the world for a few minutes: it is apparently impossible to describe. His heart still beats for that. And: it is helpful to know what challenges you are facing, sometimes in speed ranges from close to 100 miles per hour, sometimes even significantly more – depending on the vehicle and external conditions.

In a few days, the fearless drivers meet again in Switzerland, at the St. Ursanne - Les Rangiers race, August 18 - 20, 2018, for the FIA European Hill Climb Championship. It is one of the mountain races with frequently changing weather conditions; in combination with the horrendous speed, a highly explosive mixture!

Next week: Not losing can mean winning.

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

Recommendation:       http://thecastiron.ch/en/racingdriver.html

PS. Source reference: https://www.fia.com/events/european-hill-climb-championship/season-2017/fia-european-hill-climb-championship

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!

Recommendation:       https://nico-photostudio.jimdo.com/

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

Ford Performance (formerly Ford Racing), a long and ongoing exciting story! It is the multinational name used for Ford’s motorsport and racing activity. The products are performance cars, supercars, performance parts and racing parts. 

Some highlights from the beginning till today. In 1901, Henry Ford defeated Alexander Winton (the most accomplished automobile racer of that era) in a race on a one-mile oval in Michigan. Years later, 1932, with the V8-Flathead, Ford brought V8 power into mass production with the slogan: „Everyman’s power for the road, and Everyman’s power for racing.“

In 1967, Jim Clark (particulars on his person see blogpost 86), driving a Lotus-Ford-Cosworth V8, won the F1 Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort; this was Ford’s first Grand Prix victory. The last great global triumph was in 2017, when the M-Sport World Rally Team with the Ford Fiesta WRC won both titles, the FIA World Championship for Drivers / Co-Drivers and the Championship for Manufacturers.

Next week: Something special on the topic Ford - more than just salvaged from the scrap yard.

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

PS. Source reference: Wikipedia

When you just felt the tree and did not see it - then it was oversteer. Probably that sounds cool at first sight, often the end is fatal - hitting a tree with a vehicle is one of the worst accidents. Finally, it is a matter of speed.

Oversteer means, that your vehicle’s rear is sliding to the outside of the turn. The advantage is, that your car still obeys your steering commands. Disadvantages: considerably more space is needed (up to the full length of the automobile transversely to the lane) and it is challenging to handle; your hands on the steering wheel are getting busy and very often your feet on the pedals, too.

From a time with less traffic and greater freedom, The Castiron likes to share a personal experience. A tree is worst case, a wall often less severe. An overland journey, curves, straights, curves, good road conditions. One corner, speed and external circumstances did not fit together; the vehicle oversteered unexpectedly and unintentionally and The Castiron was taken by surprise.

The Castiron felt the wall, the reaction had been a little bit too late. Blessing in disguise: it was a wall and not a tree and after hitting the wall, The Castiron was able to control the car; although it was damaged, it was still driveable – and thank God, all car occupants were uninjured.

The least what you can do in such a situation is to countersteer – instantaneously, as fast as possible, as much as necessary (easier said than done)! Additionally, disengaging the clutch and braking at the correct dosage can have supporting effects.

To avoid such situations or to learn how to deal with them: participating in driver training is very helpful. On one hand it is also a matter of driving pleasure and on the other hand, it can be lifesaving, when you are able to handle difficult situations – all about a great personal benefit.

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

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 - succesfully, fast and safely.

Today’s topic focuses on an ideal state. Close to this is one matter, to reach it, another one! For the racing driver it is measured by his sensation, ultimately by position and time.

During a circuit race the driver always knows what is going on. All opponents behind you and the feeling everything goes by itself, the checkered flag and you won the race. Hill climbs are different, also in this realm. You cross the finish line with the same feeling that everything went by itself - did it really perfectly? Only after your last competitor finished the race, you know if you are the winner.

Often, when your sensations were so superb, you really competed in an outstanding manner. This may mean, that your victory is accompanied by the fastest lap, a new course record or other additional excellent performances.

Eventually, you finished a race first, mastered perfectly every challenge during it, ideally combined with new records - and above all confirmed by your sensations, your feelings of happiness, all this during the race. Congratulations!

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

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

Keep an eye on your competitor, but do not stare at him – drive your own race! Although this is easier said than done.

Today, let us share a few main thoughts on this topic, mainly aspects of victory, fairness and safety. The latter leads us back to a basic insight: to finish first first you must finish. Without finishing a race all this is obsolete.

Victory, fairness and safety are meshing. The video speaks for itself: the definition of safety is mainly determined by the circumstances. Fairness goes hand in hand with safety and should be self-evident. But the racer’s aim above all is the victory.

You should know your strengths and possible weaknesses, as well as those of your opponents. A fighting spirit and patience should be in good balance – it has not to be fifty-fifty! In some races is just one chance to overtake a competitor: can you take this opportunity or are you not ready at this instant? Often, that determines winners and losers, decides on victory or defeat.

All this is a main aspect of motor sport, which makes it so thrilling and fascinating for drivers and spectators. The Castiron hopes, these thoughts are helpful to draw your own conclusions. And once again: do not forget, helmet on does not mean brain off!

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

Recommendation:       http://thecastiron.ch/en/all_blogs.html?year=2016

This blogpost is based on a firsthand report by Alex Dias Ribeiro on the occasion of the SRS Motorsportwochenende in January 2018 in Germany. It is the story of one of the most thrilling races from this past epoch, the International ADAC-Eifelrennen, Formula 2 European Championship, 40 years ago, at the end of April 1978. Alex said: „The race of my life.“

Looking forward to a 9 lap race of more than one hour, in the morning Alex had the inner certainty, that he would win this race. So he asked a team member to put his cap with the label „Jesus Saves“ to the podium. He did so based on his Christian faith, not on an arrogant attitude.

It was a highly dramatic race from the beginning until the very end. Alex took the lead directly after the start, holding it for several laps. Despite the pressure of the opponents, he was always among the top three. In the last lap, Eddie Cheever and Alex competed for the victory; they arrived at the last corners, over 170 miles per hour, side by side, wheel to wheel.

Normally, this passage allows just one car at this speed, not two at the same time. Alex knew this and he prayed: „Lord, please receive my soul“ – knowing, that the next seconds could bring along a fatal accident. Both passed the last few corners side by side, somehow it went well. When they left the very last corner, Cheever’s car got a little bit unstable and Alex finished first, second Keke Rosberg, third Eddie Cheever.

Some facts are worth to be mentioned: the first three cars crossed the finishing line within less than a second, the average speed was more than 120 miles per hour, the average lap time significantly less than seven and a half minute.

A French magazine’s headline was „RIBEIRO EN ETAT DE GRACE“. Or, in other words, as Ribeiro said: „I drove as never before.“ His outstanding performance in this race was honoured with a special award and the record in the list of names of the Nürburgring’s most glorious racing drivers, at the historical wall.

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

Photo: Alex Dias Ribeiro. Thank you Alex, also for the precious sharing of the experiences!

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

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, quickly and safely.

Today’s topic focuses primarily on driving pleasure on the road, be it a beautiful country road or a challenging mountain pass. In particular, it is a question of enjoyment and percipience of the surroundings. This time, the tiny fraction of a second or the really perfect cornering do not matter.  

One evening before dusk, The Castiron and Eleanor V, the Ford Mustang, were on their way home – seemingly nobody else. The sound of the V8 engine, accelerating, shifting, braking, cornering. A pass road, many curves, some of them hairpin bends: braking before such a bend, suddenly The Castiron had a rainbow in his view – repetitive every second hairpin bend.

It was not just a rainbow – it was the  rainbow, never seen before and never seen to this day. The attempt of a description: The Castiron and Eleanor V almost all alone, the pass road for oneself, the mighty mountains, the view to other mountain passes and this unique rainbow! It seemed to be fixed in the valley between two mountains in a supernatural sublime manner, unique and very, very impressive. Breathtaking, all in all: singing behind the steering wheel!

Naturally, similar experiences are also possible on the occasion of a trackday, for instance on the Nordschleife – beautiful weather, best conditions and one lap, where you have the fantastic track and the wonderful environment seemingly just for yourself. And: do not forget to sing behind the steering wheel, when you are in the mood for it!

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

Recommendation:       www.highspeedfotos.de

Were you there when they crucified my Lord? The Castiron likes to share the main content of this impressive hymn with you. According to the English Wikipedia, this American spiritual was composed by African-American slaves and firstly published in William Eleazor Barton’s 1899 Old Plantation Hymns. It is the story of Good Friday and Easter, of the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Were you there when they crucified my Lord? Were you there when they nailed Him to the cross? Were you there when they laid Him in the tomb? Oh! Sometimes it causes me to tremble, tremble, tremble!

Were you there when the stone was rolled away? Were you there when He rose up from the dead? Oh! Sometimes I feel like shouting Glory! Glory! Glory!

Essential questions. What are the answers, your answers?

For those, who want to know more: The Castiron invites you to read in the Holy Bible, Luke 24, verses 45-48 (see recommendation).

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

Recommendation:       https://www.bibleserver.com/text/NIV/Luke24

As people of motor sport we are interested in everything that stinks an rattles. No surprise, that on a Monday in October 2015 we sat in front of the TV, watching on DMAX – the men’s Monday. Filled with excitement and curiosity, we watched what these men did with their hp-monsters in the telecast „Full Pull“. After that, I talked to my wife: The Kaisers, they are different; due to the way they are dealing with each other, they might be Christians. 

After the third telecast we contacted the Team Kaiser. Marcus answered and we got along well immediately. So I invited them to the yearly SRS Motorsport meeting in January 2016. The same year, we visited some pulling events. So we witnessed their winning of the German championship – impressive! 

In 2017 we visited almost all competitions of the German championship to support the Team Kaiser. Now for two years, DMAX broadcasted „Full Pull“. That gave a never expected boom to the scene and the events were much better attended; more people were coming to the team truck in the open paddock, asking for autographs, selfies and ... talking with the team members. 

There is an African saying: „People are listening to winners!“ Through the conversations in the paddock you can reach the people, talking about the sport and anything and everything and finally about God. It is very important for the Kaisers to live their Christian faith in sport. Therefore, Thomas the team leader campaigned for SRS Motorsport with an info point during their home event in Holzheim. Furthermore, we could hand over a sportsman Bible named MORE to the ones on the winners’ podium; the same was possible at the season final in Berghausen. 

For the Team Kaiser the season 2017 was better than expected, better than the year before. They reached the German title already two events before the end of the season. Despite the success, there have also been backstrokes, for instance, the serious gear box damage during the show pull in Grimmen. 

There was not only the champion’s trophy at the season final in Berghausen. No, the Team Kaiser itself provided a trophy, made from a bush and a piston rod, out of a scrapped engine. It was auctioned in support of SRS-Werteoffensive (see recommendation) for a good cause. 

It’s a fascinating story. And one thing is for sure: The Team Kaiser will get going again in 2018 for their 25 years jubilee! 

Many thanks from The Castiron to Rainer! 

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

Recommendation:       http://www.werteoffensive.de/

PS. You can read more in blogpost 38 TRACTOR PULLING.

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. 

Often, the cause of the mean sneering was a critical situation; the racing driver lost time and knows his last chance is: now more than ever! You know the two basic thoughts: I still get you, too and there is no way for you to overtake me. At this point, you are close to doggedness. 

In these cases, you are mentally right at the limit, you drive all the time at the limit or even a little more. In other words, you drive with the knife between your teeth. And: what about fairness? Too aggressive? Under all these circumstances it might go wrong, but not necessarily. 

The result of such a driving-style can be a best effort (he made the impossible possible) or several additional critical situations lead to a race to forget. 

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

Recommendation:       www.highspeedfotos.de

On the occasion of grandson’s Mickey birthday, The Castiron had the opportunity to visit the Kindergarten. It seemed to be a normal day with a special hour for the birthday boy. 

All together sung several songs, one of them with special wishes for a guardian angel for Mickey. He got some presents and the children played together, too. Everyone was in a good mood, and also this seemed to be normal – not least because of the committed nursery school teachers. 

Of course, the birthday cake had to be present. Baked by Mickey’s dad, shape of a car, orange-coloured, this chocolate cake was big enough for everyone (also for The Castiron) and was quickly eaten. 

Today’s blogpost picture, a sunrise, is meant to be a symbol for these children. Often, they show some similarities: like a rising sun, they represent brightness and lightness, to name a few aspects. The Castiron hopes and wishes, that all children always have the sunshine and the guardian angels with them. 

This was mainly grandfather’s view. You will read more in Part II next week, from the pastor’s perspective. 

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

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Long shadows - low sun. This is your business, too, when you are one the move – be it on the road or on the racetrack. What does it mean, what speaks against you and what can help? 

Long shadows are always related with low sun, in the early morning or in the early evening. The consequence is distracting glare. At worst combined with a wet and reflecting road, it turns close to getting almost blind. But you keep on driving, on the road in most countries up to 80 miles per hour, on the track sometimes up to 130 miles per hour or even more. 

Some typical situations show what speaks against you. Low speed on the road combined with a traffic light; when you cannot recognize its specific colour, be extremely cautious. Higher speed on the highway combined with a tunnel; when you are leaving the tunnel and looking directly at the sun you should be prepared by knowing the traffic situation (keyword: concentrated and anticipating). It is quite similar for driving on the track combined with a knoll or after a bend. 

In all these cases keep in mind what all this means for everyone else on the move. Sunglasses and the car’s sun visors are helpful to shield your eyes from the blinding rays of the sun. Be protected and again: be prepared, also mentally - thinking for you and others is not only recommended, it is a must! 

On no account staring at the sun does not help; this applies to you as a driver and also to many, many spheres of life. Have an enjoyable and safe motoring! 

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

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The way human beings differ, so do driving-styles. There are various ways to keep on track - succesfully, fast and safely. 

The Castiron shares his point of view on engineers, based on gained experiences as racing driver and instructor. Best preparation and precise execution are likely keywords. 

Usually, the engineer’s driving-style is very precise, brake point and cornering line are identical lap after lap – the exception proves the rule. That means a constant high speed level and very little room for faults. Route and line knowledge are a matter of fact. 

The basics for a clean driving-style are important to him, too. Obviously he likes to answer questions about technical themes and has a close connection to the vehicle components. That goes as far as either treating the car with great care or just opposite, testing and stressing the components to the uttermost limits of their strength. 

The Castiron guess is that the engineer and the engine are like old relatives: the one artefacted the other and usually both work quite perfectly. And: it does not mean, that all this is just the case for engineers. 

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

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