2019

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 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

No, it was not Dallas, as in today’s video; it was the Swiss Canton of Graubünden with its mountains, pass roads and tunnels – but it was the same klaxon of the German limousine belonging to John, a friend of The Castiron. The two spent holidays in this beautiful region and enjoyed the sound and melody of La Cucaracha, too. Yes, the child in the man.

It has been some time since this experience. Cars were not as reliable and safe as today. The limousine packed up before the journey home – defective differential, no longer mobile. John decided to leave the car to a garage on-site. Now remaining: two persons and their luggage, some hours away from home;

The Castiron calls his brother, asking him for help. He arrives the same evening, together with his girlfriend, with an Italian compact car. The situation now: the small hatchback car, four persons and luggage. Finally, everybody and everything in the car, the journey home begins.

Some hours later, still The Castiron’s brother behind the steering wheel, passing through a town. Around 40 miles per hour, deep darkness and almost no traffic. Suddenly John shouts: „watch it“ – a parked road trailer in the car’s light beam! The Castiron’s brother can avoid the crash in a split second. Nothing happens; on the other hand, a crash with this obstacle would have resulted with a very bad ending.

Call it guardian angel or whatever. Former blogposts and especially life experience show: some situations, some things we do not have in our own hands. And: often, there is a thin line between fortune and misfortune.

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

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

Last week’s blogpost focused on a racing driver and gentleman who reached quite an old age – more than 90 years. We all know: there is another side of the coin. Sometimes success and dark shadows are very close together.

The year 2015. For years, two friends had the same dream, the same goal: to become a Formula 1 driver. One of them, Jules Bianchi (3rd August 1989 – 17th July 2015) achieved this in 2013 and paid with his life; after his accident in the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Japan on October 2014, finally he did not awaken from the coma. The other one, Charles Leclerc, followed the course – also as a tribute to his friend and mentor Jules and in accordance with his attitude.

The year 2017. Another key person and supporter, Hervé Leclerc (7th March 1963 – 20th June 2017), was only 54 years old when he died; the decease of his father overshadowed again the life of the young Charles Leclerc. A few days after this sad incident, Charles reacted in his own way: he won the Formula 2 race in Azerbaijan. This would have complied his father’s will – and was also a tribute to him.

The year 2019. It was the weekend of the F1 Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps, including the Formula 2 race. Charles Leclerc has reached his goal as Formula 1 driver, a friend and sports companion of him started in the Formula 2 race on Saturday; Anthoine Hubert (22nd September 1996 – 31st August 2019) was killed in an accident. The next day, Sunday, Charles Leclerc won his first Formula 1 Grand Prix; he reacted in his own way – and it was also a tribute to Anthoine.

Charles was the victor of the next Grand Prix (in Italy), too. On his helmet and steering wheel: RIP Tonio. All of this a week after Spa-Francorchamps, when he said, on this extreme weekend he lost a friend on Saturday and on Sunday a boyhood dream came true.

A young man’s career and his major successes, again and again dramatically overshadowed. Charles Leclerc, mentally consolidated, extremely focused, got stronger through all of this, was changed for his whole life.

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

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

PS   Source reference: MOTORSPORT aktuell Nr. 38 and 39 / 2019; www.motorsport-aktuell.de and https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2019/may/19/charles-leclerc-ferrari-lost-father-early-changes-forever

PPS   Requiescat in pace – RIP (may he rest in peace), usually used on tombstones; https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/requiescat%20in%20pace

Clockwise or counter clockwise? Does this matter when you are driving on a circuit? You are looking from the inner side of a round course to determine whether it is clockwise or the opposite. There are both, clockwise predominates. So what?

In this context, it is worth to look at some items. Clockwise stands for a higher number of right-hand turns, too – with an impact on your car: mainly chassis, suspension, brakes, tyres. Unequal wear and tear is not unusual, most tortured is often the car’s front left part. Keep this in mind for your visual checks, if necessary when driving!

It has not to be just the car’s front left part. Also the nature of the curve has a tremendous impact: for instance Nürburgring Nordschleife’s „Fuchsröhre“ or the two „Karussell“ are left-hand turns with an immense stress for the vehicle. You know: Nordschleife is special – it is clockwise, too, but due to its length almost equal in curves to the right and to the left. Again: keep it in mind, be alert!

Overtaking opportunities have to be mentioned, too. Usually, clockwise means, most ways to pass another car are on the right – determined by the track’s layout. Overtaking on the left can stand for passing at the outside of a turn, seldom the best solution.

In a broader sense: no rule without exception – noteworthy Nordschleife, hill climbs and suchlike. On the other hand: oval circuits, either completely clockwise or counter clockwise.

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

Lido Anthony Iacocca, known as Lee Iacocca (15th October 1924 – 2nd July 2019), was also named the father of the Ford Mustang. A brief review on his life is a must.

The son of Italian immigrants graduated with a degree in industrial engineering in Bethlehem, PA and afterwards went to Princeton University. He then began a career at the Ford Motor Company as an engineer. His career flourished and he was called to the Dearborn, MI headquarters. Finally, Lee Iacocca was named president of the Ford Division in Detroit, MI.

Dreams come true – one of them is the Ford Mustang. Not least because of Lee Iacocca this dream came true – even affordable (do you see the four letters f o r d  in this word ...) for numerous people. Iacocca was significantly involved in the development of this icon in the world of automotive.  

The Castiron and Eleanor V, his Ford Mustang – just one of many, many examples: Ford Mustang is probably the ultimate synonym for individualism; one vehicle the same as the other? Please have a look at blogpost 62 and its video and pictures and you will have the answer.

This month, Lee Iacocca would have turned 95, but he passed away in July; one of the most outstanding personalities in the history of automobiles is no longer with us.

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

Photo: Tom van Egmond, Ersigen. Thank you Tom!

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

PS   Source reference: Wikipedia

Blogpost 153 dealt with the history of one of the great motorsport classics, the Grand Prix Suisse – and a related exhibition. Today, let us have a look at some side stories.

Technology and racing circuits speak their own language, at all times: in the early days, there were racing cars with hand cranks to start the engine and track surfaces partly made of cobblestone. And the driver, with the always valid aim: finishing first. Additionally a quite high risk of accidents; safety was not the main topic, rather heroes behind the steering wheels.

The Castiron’s father was associated with these events as part of the paramedic teams. Sometimes he told stories of racing drivers hanging in or falling from trees after accidents – often quite serious, sometimes fatal ones. He did not say a lot more.

Father knew of the bright and dark side of this fascinating sport. When one day his son, The Castiron, let him know his intentions to obtain a racing driver’s licence, the father was not amused – quite the contrary. It was a touchstone for both, the father and The Castiron – finally mastered mutually.

Less words, more pictures: the picture gallery will give you a short overview. Enjoy yourself – and you are invited to reflect, too. Not to forget: heroic stories are often inseparably linked with tragedy and death.

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

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

PS   The main picture from 1939 shows the crashed car of the German Rudolf Caracciola, who finished his career after this accident. It was also him, who established in the year 1938 a speed record for automobiles of 270 miles per hour.

What has the driving of a car and The Castiron’s ministry as a pastor on the occasion of a marriage in common? It was the wedding of a couple where both had a close relationship to horses – one horsepower, four legs, not for wheels.

Everything was ready, The Castiron prepared for the marriage service, waiting by the church. A man arrived, leading a horse on a long rein. The animal was intended to bring the bride to the church – and it was nervous and shied; a churchyard with strangers is not a horse’s natural territory. The man kept calm, allowing the horse a certain radius – and did not lose the control; he managed the situation perfectly, was always in charge of the situation.

The story had a happy end, the bride was brought to the wedding on the horseback, The Castiron held the service and the bride and the groom got married. One picture remained: the man who hold the nervous horse on the long rein, keeping the control. A sermon for itself.

This man was also a little bit a tamer. And as a driver of motorcars, mostly on racetracks, sometimes you are challenged to be more than just driver: when the car gets nervous, developing the own will, the driver has to be tamer, too.

It was a good and lasting lesson. The Castiron and Eleanor V, his Ford Mustang, work quite well together: on one hand the American muscle car, V8 engine, quite powerful, far from optimal traction (not very well-balanced, „light“ rear axle); on the other hand the man behind the steering wheel, a mixture of driver and tamer, holding the pony on the long rein, not losing control, hopefully.

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

Fear makes you uncertain. Uncertainty, lack of self confidence and little trust in the car and circumstances entail mistakes. All of this matters: in a nutshell, the highest level of trust, without arrogance – instead of fear. The event, the car and demanding sections on the track are in today’s focus.

The event. For today, let us concentrate mainly on rallies, hill climbs and drift contests. The video says everything. Not the slightest room left for fear and faults. Rallye sport in this extreme action – a matter of life and death, especially for reckless spectators. Hill climbs are similar, but usually safer for the enthusiastic crowd. Drift contest equally are mentally challenging; when you are afraid, that your drift will fail, usually it will: understeer instead of oversteer, false line, disharmonious drift, and so on. The inevitable happens: it won’t come out the way ist was supposed to. It will come out the way it is feared.

The car. Walter Röhrl, the driver of the car in the video, once said: „A car is only then fast enough, when you are afraid to unlock the door in the morning.“ The car in video is such a beast. No fear, just respect! When your car is scaring you, too powerful, too bad chassis or whatever: do not forget, fear is not helpful.

The demanding sections on the track. Nürburgring Nordschleife, „Schwedenkreuz“, „Fuchsröhre“, to name just a few. Passages, where for split seconds this feeling can arise: I am passenger, not pilot! Without fear, mentally prepared, you know directly before such key sections: a good outcome can be estimated, usually.

And again, what matters: self-confidence, trust in the car and circumstances; in a nutshell, the highest level of trust, without arrogance – instead of fear. Have a safe drive!

Next week: NO FEAR DOES NOT MEAN NO BRAIN

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

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

According to the English Wikipedia, the town of Zandvoort is one of the major beach resorts of the Netherlands and hosted the Dutch Grand Prix from 1952 to 1985, as part of the FIA Formula One World Championship. During its absence from the Grand Prix calendar, the circuit had been extensively modified.

The track of Zandvoort is as follows: the length is approximately 2,68 miles. It is really diverse – a challenging task for the racer. Some compare it with a roller coaster ride; nevertheless you are pilot, not just passenger.

The circuit is located in the dunes, very close to the sea. There are some key passages. One of them, the blind passage „Slotemakerbocht“ before „Scheivlak“ can be a dance on razor’s edge – the uneven surface does not help either.

Please have a look at the video. Impressive pictures from the good old days – not merely good, but also often quite dangerous.

Particularly noteworthy: it is a beautiful region, which invites you to stay for a few days and, Zandvoort will be again the host of the Dutch Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix, next year in 2020 – a special highlight for this World Championship.

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

Recommendation:       https://www.circuitzandvoort.nl/en/

It has now been 3 years since The Castiron published his very first blogpost. Today’s subject is primarily on one’s own account. And again, it is a good time to say thanks to everybody!

There is the only one, the one and only: The Castiron (your-real life blogger), the man. As well: his Ford Mustang, Eleanor V, the machine.

Grandfather, racing driver, instructor, pastor – all in one, one in all. The focus: sharing many things from many years and actual ones, with you! As life is, with daily business in different realms and topics – based on The Castiron’s life and biography. Or, in other words: the real-life blogger; real life with ups and downs, with victories and defeats, not only highlights!

More about the man and the machine: The Castiron – please see recommendation; Eleanor V – please have a look at former blogposts (such as blogpost 6 and 8). Enjoy yourself!

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

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

Today’s focus is on another hero of the past, Gerhard Karl Mitter, known as Gerhard Mitter (30th August 1935 – 1st August 1969). This blogpost is dedicated to this German, 50 years after his fatal accident at the Nürburgring. It is assumed, that a technical defect was the reason for this tragedy.

As a brilliant all-rounder, he was not only familiar with the Nürburgring, but also with extremely long and challenging road racing circuits, such as the famous Targa Florio: in 1969, the winning team was Gerhard Mitter / Udo Schütz – sadly one of the last highlights in the career of Mitter.

Also Gerhard Mitter was one of The Castiron’s heroes: successful in a broad sense, in varied race series on different tracks with really diverse vehicles – and last, but not least multiple winner of the European Hill Climb Championship.

Next week: THE INDESTRUCTIBLE

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

In 1954, both, The Castiron and his grandson Mickey, were not yet born. It is now 65 years since the engines finally falled silent on the road racing circuit in The Castiron’s hometown. When the Historical Museum in this city had the exhibition on the Grand Prix Suisse, grandfather and Mickey took the opportunity for a visit: history came alive.

Let us share a few impressions. Mighty racing cars, powerful and fast, on narrow wheels. With vehicles like this, the drivers raced on a road with different surfaces: mainly tarmac and cobblestone. Almost everywhere enthusiastic spectators, in possible and nearly impossible areas.

This circuit was known as one of the most beautiful, but also most challenging and most dangerous. This venue of different races was one of the most famous in international motorsports. By now, not too many words – have a look at the picture gallery. Enjoy yourself!

Last but not least some facts and figures: the capital of Switzerland, Berne and the Circuit Bremgarten, length of 4.52 miles, spectator record more than 120'000 fans; events from 1934 to 1954, as of 1950 one of the races of the new Formula 1 (F1) Championship and one of the great classics of motorsports, as well as Nürburgring and a few other.

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

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. Jackie Stewart (blogpost 112), Billy Graham (117), Paul Walker (120), Sebastian Vettel (127), Stefan Bellof (139), Jo Siffert (141). It is just a limited choice, based on The Castiron’s very personal dismay and 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 113, 114, 146.

Contributions from third parties. Blogposts 129 and 132 help to give a broader view,   PHOTO STORY - THE MONCH and BOOKS 201902: thanks a lot, your contributions are a great benefit!

Practical help for drivers. Blogposts 104, 108, 110, 115, 118, 124, 126, 133, 137, 138, 149 are mainly basic topics for road and track, such as   NOT LOSING CAN MEAN WINNING   /   DAILY ROUTINE HILL CLIMB /   SLIPPERY WHEN WET -   they mostly base on experiences and insights of The Castiron himself.

Finally, some pastor’s perspectives. Blogposts 106, 107, 116, 134 and 143 dealt with subjects as   LIVE FAST DIE SAVED   /   A TENTH OF A SECOND OR A DECADE   /   THE GRAND PRIX OF LIFE.   Further noteworthy, the blogposts 123 and 140 focus on   CHRISTMAS   and   EASTER   - two of the principal Christian festivals!

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

Wet – on one hand water; on the other hand different fluids, such as cooling liquid and oil. The latter two with big disadvantages: water on the road or the track is visible – the others meet you surprisingly and are extremly slippery, often unforeseeable incidents guaranteed!

Today, two experiences – the parties hereto: The Castiron, a light and quite easy to handle Suzuki Swift (from Rent4Ring, please see blogpost 24) and the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the historic site for races, trackdays and myriads of dramatic stories.

Scene left-hand „Kesselchen Mutkurve“ before „Klostertal“: close to 100 miles per hour, in the left-hand curve immediate oversteer (please see blogpost 95), a Lotus at the right crash barrier, the driver standing beside the car. Sudden inspirations: do not lighten the rear axle – meaning not taking back the accelerator pedal; otherwise you will fly off and hit both, the Lotus and the driver! Thankfully it works – leaving the bend, still full throttle and dosed counter-steering. The cause, later informed: cooling liquid on the ideal line.

Scene the crest „Pflanzgarten“: a little bit less than 100 miles per hour, on the top of the crest, all the wheels in midair, a steward waving the yellow flag – a good joke, no chance for any reaction! Landing, breaking, steering into the right-hand bend, no reaction; that’s why the yellow flag! Last and only chance: the gravel bed on the outside of the curve. Thoughts: let the car just roll, very little steering movements and everything smooth, smooth, smooth! After the bend, back on the track – everything went well. The cause, later informed: oil on the ideal line.

Personal conclusion: along with the Lotus several other cars significantly damaged, the drivers having an expensive experience more, but all of them uninjured – thank God. And: be vigilant, do not let take you by surprise, if possible!

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

Recommendation:       www.rent4ring.de/en

Also this week’s blogpost is from the period of life when The Castiron was a student. But this time, it is not a matter of 4 wheels but just 2 wheels.

Studying is one side of the coin, the other one is earning money. Holidays gave The Castiron the opportunity to work as a taxi driver. A loaned motorcycle made the journey to work to town easy; the clothing was a compromise: light for the summer temperature and nevertheless safe enough for the ride. Helmet and gloves, but sneakers instead of motorcycle boots – really the right choice?

Then, the journey home, after a really hot day. Much time spent in the taxicab, having drunk too little water during the whole day. A few seconds mental blackout; after that, a hatchback car close by being at a standstill – The Castiron still in the move. Major thoughts: do not hit this car, no chance to avoid the accident!

The Castiron brakes as hard as possible, the front wheel blocks and skids – the motorcycle hits the car, the rider flies past alongside. The tarmac passes by the eyes, then knocks on the helmet and meets the legs. The ankle feels like banged with a hammer. Ambulance, hospital, emergency department, medical examinations: no broken bones – just soft tissue injuries. Thank God! Finally, using crutches for several weeks.

In situations like this, you realize: you are closer to death than you would like. The Holy Bible presents in Luke 12 (please see recommendation) an interesting example, worth to reconsider: from verse 16, the story of wealth – and death just around the corner. It applies not only to the wealthy people, but to everyone.

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

Recommendation:       https://www.bibleserver.com/text/NIV/Luke12

According to the English Wikipedia, Red Bull Ring Spielberg was founded as Österreichring. It was later shortened and renamed the A1-Ring and hosted the Austrian Grand Prix initially from 1970 to 1987 and then from 1997 to 2003. After 2003 the circuit was unusable for several years and reopened 2011, renamed as Red Bull Ring. One highlight among many others is still the annual F1 Austrian Grand Prix, returned for the 2014 season.

The track of Red Bull Ring Spielberg is as follows: the length is approximately 2,68 miles. It can be split into two separate tracks, north and south. It is hilly and twisty - a challenging task for the racer.

The circuit is situated on a slope; thus, some key passages are particularly demanding. Bends followed by long straights are always very important. One really crucial passage on this track is the right-hand bend after the long start-finish straight: upwards, upwards, upwards – that means, if not correctly lined up, every driver loses speed and time.

Please have a look at the video, too. The new, present circuit is shown – with an on-board camera in a Formula 4 race car.

Last but not least: it is a beautiful region, which invites you to stay for a few days.

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

Recommendation:       https://www.projekt-spielberg.com/en/the-spielberg/red-bull-ring

By Alex Dias Ribeiro.   Life is a race. From the starting line, all of us are part of this race. It isn’t a circuit like Monza, Silverstone or Monaco, which characteristics we already know well. It’s a much more difficult circuit, as we never know whether the next curve will be to the left or right.

In The GP of Life, we are subject to the same alternatives offered in any race: Sensational overtakings, spins, accidents, joy, sorrow, great victories or tragedies.

„Races are races“. The only certain thing in motor racing is uncertainty. In the race of life, the only sure thing is the inevitable and sad fact that one day all of us will die. Death is the checkered flag of the race of life and we can only finish winners or losers. There are no intermediate positions. 

The reality of the matter is that each person carries inside himself the profound, sad emptiness of defeat. But you can win this race and gain perfect love and constant peace, like you’ve never known before. However, you’ll have to choose the right team and the right track.

You will never find the way that leads to victory by yourself. Without help, you’ll be racing in the dark, no headlights, no brakes and lost as a blind man in the middle of a shootout!

There is only one who will surely and safely take you to victory: Jesus Christ.

He grants: „I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.“ He is the only track that leads to peace, happiness and eternal life.

Come this way, without fear or resistance, and soon you will see the signs that will lead you to the checkered flag of victory. Win with Christ the GP of Life!

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

PS   Source reference: autograph card from Alex Dias Ribeiro, Former F1 Driver. Thank you Alex for these precious thoughts – worth to think about!

Today’s focus is on another hero of the past, Joseph Siffert, known as Jo Siffert (7th July 1936 – 24th October 1971). This blogpost is dedicated to this Swiss and the cheque book; it is said, that it was Jo Siffert, who interpreted the cheque book and accidents in motorsports concisely in a certain way.

A cheque book is a book with a determined number of pages – each standing for an equivalent value; any cheque can be pulled out separately. Usually, the value is an amount in a common currency; Jo Siffert’s version: the value is one accident in motorsports, one page removed for one accident. Every racing driver has such a personal cheque book – but he never knows, how many cheques are in there.

One day, just one last cheque is left – without the knowledge of the driver; for Jo Siffert was this the case, when he started in fall 1971 in Brands Hatch from the pole position. It was the day, when the last cheque became due – this unspeakable sad 24th October 1971 with that final accident.

Some days later: it was like a state funeral – tens of thousands of people paid their last respect to Jo Siffert. It was one of the grandest and most impressive funerals in the history of the whole country.

In the funeral service, the minister said: „Où il y a le risque, il y a la mort – où il n’y a pas de risque, il n’y a pas de vie“ (French; in English: Where there is a risk, there is the death – where there is no risk, there is no life).

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

Recommendation:       http://www.josiffert.com/en/about-jo-siffert/

Former blogposts dealt with the heroes of the past, such as Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart. Today, we have a look at another hero of the past, Stefan Bellof (20th November 1957 – 1st September 1985). This blogpost is dedicated to this German, 35 years after the season of his greatest sporting success.

In spring 1984, at the beginning of the racing season, Stefan Bellof did not know, what this World Sportscar Championship (today „WEC“) would hold. He participated with a Porsche 956 Group C and became world champion. A really historic moment for him and also in particular for the German motor-racing world.

One year after that, he was dead. It was again a Porsche (from the Swiss Brun Motorsport team), again the World Endurance Championship and the Circuit Spa-Francorchamps, the curve combination Eau Rouge; Stefan Bellof was not yet thirty years old. The championship in which he reached the peak, was also the site of the end of his life.

Especially noteworthy, too, is his Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record from 1983. It endured for 35 years. Essentially, this outstanding performance is a record for „eternity“ (considering the development of the racing cars).  

You do not know, what the present racing season brings along. Now we have seen two sides of the coins, in extreme. The Castiron recommends next week’s blogpost EASTER – food for thought and reflection, hopefully and an ongoing support.

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

Recommendation:      https://www.stefan-bellof.de/en/

Today’s video, first of all insignificant, unspectacular, even perhaps boring ? Really? It tells a story of pollen grains in a few simple impressions. When pollen grains and moisture meet up at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, and you as a driver are involved, too – things are changing rapidly to significant, spectacular, far from boring !

It has not necessarily to be the Nordschleife; it might happen somewhere else, in daily traffic on our roads, too. In any case: it is insidious and difficult to assess. Now let us have a look back at a trackday in last spring, Nordschleife.

April, white road surface: snow? No, pollen grains. After a short time of driving, the dry racing line is clean – but then very slight rain, every now and then. The scenario changes dramatically: not snow, but almost like snow. The pollen grains and the moisture interfere, it is an incalculable soft soap grip level. Reducing speed, trying to remain on the right track – not the best feeling!

Real rain would help, but does not come. In this case: preferably really wet than just humid! The day is coming to an end: drying road surface, a quite acceptable ideal line, at its side still white covered by pollen grains. Car and driver well, another lesson learnt – after decades behind the steering wheel. You live and learn!

Think and look around before you drive; when your environment and parked cars are powdered with pollen grains, your attentiveness should be turned in while driving – be it on track or on road. Do not forget: once, springtime is just around the corner, year after year!

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

Recommendation:       www.cbmcint.com/signup-now

A friend of The Castiron said it this way: it is inside of you. This is probably a key message. Meeting the human being: body, soul and spirit. It is inside of you – is it really just this way?

Mainly yes, but not only. Contribution from third parties, such as those on tractor pulling, mountain tours and others more, are a great benefit – thanks a lot!

It is inside of you – this means decades of experiences and sharing some of the latter, being alert for current and historical issues and remarkable characters. In addition, The Castiron invites you to propose subjects (please see recommendation); considering these is a must and if possible, The Castiron can help, if he can – maybe soon, a blogpost based on your suggestion!

The topics should not run out. The Castiron (your real-life blogger) is looking forward optimistically; you, too – hopefully! And last, but not least: as mentioned in blogpost 53, do not forget to differentiate, to interpret, to examine.

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

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Do you remember the blogpost 65 – the story of The Castiron’s first rendez-vous with the Nordschleife? It was the beginning of a great and ongoing love, associated with the insight of an existing great potential for improvement.

Improvement was needed, imperatively! The Castiron booked a so called intensive driver’s training. Then, the big day: Nordschleife, a sporty German four-door limousine, the instructor and just one single participant – The Castiron! On one hand 4 laps on the passenger seat, on the other hand 8 laps as driver, without any noticeable incidents.

Some essential insights: being aware of the long track’s basics, tangible reference points, racing line. The Castiron’s hill climb experience was very helpful in learning the track layout quite roughly.

Many years and hundreds of laps later, The Castiron is still learning – but also able to share much specific knowledge. Not least because of his extensive field of activity as an instructor (please see recommendation), too, he can impart many valuable hints – your future instructor maybe, once or repeatedly?!  

Nordschleife: even you do right quite a lot and just very little wrong – often, latter suffices for an unhappy ending (please see the video), somewhere between unpleasant and fatal. One essential conclusion: participating in driver trainings are very helpful and of great benefit, never worthless and sometimes lifesaving! Latter is not guaranteed, but you never have full guarantee in this world in matters of life and death.

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

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When I’m 64. The Castiron likes to share some focal points of this song’s content with you. According to Wikipedia, the Beatles recorded it in 1966 at the Abbey Road Studios; it was the year when the father of Paul McCartney grew 64 years old. When I’m 64 has been one of The Castiron’s favourite songs for quite a few decades.

When I get older losing my hair, will you still sending me birthday greetings?

Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?

You’ll be older, too and if you say the word, I could stay with you.

Send me a postcard, drop me a line, stating point of view, indicate precisely what you mean to say.

Give me your answer „Mine for evermore“. Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64?

Happy birthday to all who celebrated or will celebrate the 64th birthday this year! And: already in 2006, Paul McCartney reached the age of 64, he, the former Beatles’ band member.

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

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Main picture.   The Monch, as we know it from the north side, already slightly white powdered, but yet very well accessible. Here, the view from the station Eigergletscher. Our ascent route leads from the Jungfraujoch along the mountain ridge (right side of the picture) to the peak, via the west ridge. 

Picture gallery photo 1.   The west ridge revealed in all its splendour, as you enter from the Spinx-Stollen into the glistening morning light. What a beautiful tour, very diversified, an alpine tour with a quite challenging level of difficulty, with third level climbing sections.

Picture gallery photo 2.   The route goes partially across the north side (approximately 2200 yards of difference in altitude down to Wengernalp), or on the south side on a dry and slightly warm rock. Very often we find ourselves right on the ridge, which is all the times broader than my shoe soles.

Picture gallery photo 3.   The mountain guide demonstrates it works; often almost vertical sections, rocks in beautiful colours, well stepped with pleasant grip. The altitude marks its presence, we are close to 4400 yards. As we started the tour without acclimatization, now I need various pauses for breath.

Picture gallery photo 4.   Then we change definitely to the north side; upwards along the steep firn flank, anchoring some ice screws as safety device. Under the climbing irons, we feel the blank ice below the thin snow crust, step by step.

Picture gallery photo 5.   On the top of the mountain! In each direction the terrain descents steeply. Wonderful mountain scenery – all are present, neatly lined up. No big bang theory – made by the Creator. In the foreground the sharp ridge for the way down, on the northern side blank ice, southerly little corn snow. Going along both sides of the ridge, just on the front points of our climbing irons, we are secured by a short rope.  

Picture gallery photo 6.   Descent along the east and southeast ridge, the view towards the Jungfraujoch, on the left before the Sphinx-Stollen the trace of our friends from Far East, behind the Jungfrau and the Rotalhorn. On the right side of the Jungfrau further high mountains: Balmhorn, Altels, Doldenhorn, Blüemlisalp, and ...

Picture gallery photo 7.   Back on the Jungfrau’s corn snow, south of the Monch. Our ascent’s ridge with its typical bevelled tower (to the left in the figure) – to the right of it the entry. Despite the beauty of the glaciers and the firn, you can recognize the significant decline of the ice.

Picture gallery photo 8.   Downwards to Grindelwald by train. In the evening sun, the Schreckhorn shows itself from its most beautiful side; another reason for continuing to mountaineer. This might be a further project.

Many thanks from The Castiron to Ueli!

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

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PS   We were taken along to an alpine tour: traversing the Monch – one of the most well-known mountains of Switzerland (from the gigantic trio Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau).

First of all, please have a look at the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU5HG14_1Sk

Sebastian Vettel - a well-known driver! An overview on the past year caused The Castiron to award such a title to this driver; it is just a personal and unofficial choice. And: this is really not ironically, no malicious joy!

Vettel started his home race, the F1 German Grand Prix, as the leader of the current Formula One World Championship. He was leading the race most of the time - a difficult one, dry and wet conditions. After the middle of the race, once more he faced the challenge of the „Sachskurve“, one of the slowest curves in Hockenheim. 

Up to that date, Vettel could not win this race, his home race. Though, before the curve is the braking phase, sometimes quite tricky and rather erratic in wet weather. And you know, what happened. Due to a braking mistake, Vettel slid out and damaged his Ferrari - did not finish his home race.

The human dimension is today’s focus – therefore, the topic driver of the year from a different point of view; human dimensions, such as the pressure of the leader of the current championship and the great expectations on the occasion of the home race.

As it has been said by Vettel’s major opponent, Lewis Hamilton, also racing drivers are human beings who make mistakes - at least one in every race - and want to give 100 percent, neither 101 nor 99; the media should deal with Sebastian Vettel more respectfully.

Next week: The curse of the home race.

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

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