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Grand Prix Circuits Everyone Should Experience

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Watching a Grand Prix race on television is quite an experience as you get to see all of the best camera angles with up-to-the-moment commentary. However, nothing compares to being there. Even though you may not always have the best overall vantage point, you will get to experience the race in a manner few ever will: seeing the cars up close, smelling, and hearing the unique elements of races.

Which Grand Prix circuits should you see? A few stand out.

  Circuit de Monaco

The Circuit de Monaco is an interesting, challenging course for drivers, who often need to slow down significantly while navigating turns and other challenging areas. Of course, its locale attracts many, as Monaco is one of the most beautiful places in the world. The Monaco Grand Prix is also viewed by many as Formula One’s most historic and revered competition, and that alone is enough reason to visit this course.

  Circuit of the Americas

The Formula One capital of the United States is this gorgeous course, which was the first built in this country that was designed especially for Formula One races. It’s located in Austin, Texas, and has been hosting Formula One races since 2012. Race fans get to enjoy watching drivers navigate challenges such as an uphill run to the first turn as well as the course’s fascinating technical layout.

  Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit

This one encircles Australia’s Albert Park Lake, providing a cool aesthetic element to the festivities. As far as the racing goes, the track is fast, faster than most races being held on public roads, while also providing many challenges to be navigated. If you can situate yourself near one of its more difficult portions, you can enjoy a great view of how the different racers navigate those sections.

  Red Bull Ring

Much of what makes Red Bull Ring, which is in Spielberg, Austria, such a destination race for many Formula One fans are its aesthetics. It’s set amidst incredible countryside while the course itself has a fascinating blend of classic and modern designs. Visitors also report that it’s a well-organized experience for fans and that the energy level amongst spectators is high.

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3 Ways to Properly Vet a Non-Profit Before Donating

Check out Carl Turnley’s most recent blog post!

For companies today, philanthropy has become widely popular. It is easier than ever for a business to donate their time, money, and resources to help local charities and events.

However, when it comes down to your donation, you want to make sure they are a worthy cause. Not all non-profit organizations are run effectively, and before you vet the cause, you’ll want the details.

  What is Their Track Record?

Looking at the history of the non-profit can give you a good indication of whether they will be a worthy cause. Knowing the history of the organization, which other companies donate to the cause, and their overall public reputation speaks volumes.

Word of mouth goes a long way. What do companies they have worked with in the past have to say? There may be no better way to gauge your decision than to discuss it with previous donors or volunteers. If they are in good standing with those they are involved with and have proven themselves, they may be worth your time.

  Do Your Research

Non-profits will state how much per donation goes directly toward their cause. To check their validity, you can use GuideStar. You can view their public financial statements. Form 990 will give a breakdown of money going in and out. It can explain the funding as well as explain precisely what the non-profit does. Additionally, you can look into how beneficiaries feel about the organization.

Also, when looking at the mission they spread, are they following through? You can look at their social media presence to see how they present themselves. You can also look to see where they are vesting their resources to serve the community in their area better.

Social media platforms, organization reviews, and published articles about them can be helpful. It can help you to filter the organizations you are interested in and find the one that you feel will benefit the most from your contribution.

  Find Out Firsthand

In addition to online research, you can look for ways to become involved with charities that aren’t so time-consuming. There is no better way to validate an organization’s transparency and authenticity than experiencing it for yourself.

If you utilize your research, you are sure to find an organization you will feel empowered supporting.

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The Differences Between F1 Racing and Indy Car Racing

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Different Races

IndyCar, Formula One (F1), and NASCAR are three of the most popular racing series in the world. These three franchises attract automotive enthusiasts of all ages and genders from around the world. However, many people do not realize that there is a difference between IndyCar and Formula One. The cars both used in Formula One and IndyCar look very similar because they constructed using an open-wheel and open cockpit design. While both Indy and F1 cars use similar technologies, the cars share many differences from one another.

  Performance

The cars used in IndyCar and Formula One perform differently from one another due to a few reasons. Indy cars are required to use a 2.2-liter V6 engine, while F1 requires that their teams utilize a smaller 1.6-liter V6 engine platform. While the individual systems may vary, both series allow their drivers to use push-to-pass systems in their cars. The systems allow drivers to pass other drivers or prevent overtaking by providing additional power to the vehicles at the press of a button. As a result of larger engine layouts in addition to a few other factors, Indy cars are capable of reaching up to 235 miles per hour on average while their F1 counterparts reach an average figure of around 200 miles per hour.

  Regulations

IndyCar and Formula One are both guided by several regulations. One of the most significant regulation differences lies in the fuel that the cars use and the refueling guidelines of the cars. Indy cars use methanol fuel while Formula One cars use gasoline. While IndyCar teams are allowed to refuel their cars in the pit lanes, teams in F1 are not allowed to refuel during the races. Additionally, IndyCar allows its drivers to complete warm-up laps before the start of the race. However, racing begins immediately after the cars have lined up in Formula One.

  Popularity

Formula One is immensely popular around the world. While IndyCar is popular as well, it is mostly known in the United States because it is an American racing series. Formula One races are held throughout Europe and North America, while IndyCar races are solely in the United States.

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How To Plan a Community Service Project

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If you have been tasked with organizing a community service project within your workplace or organization, you probably need some basic advice to get things moving. Today’s article is just that: a rough outline of the things you’ll need to do to help ensure a successful project.

  Gauge Interest in the Project

Excitement and enthusiasm are vital elements of any service or outreach initiative. If you can’t find enough people who want to work on your project, don’t try to force things forward. Step back and come up with another plan.

  Offer A Few Options

Once you have a clear gauge of the type of project that appeals to the majority, offer a few options, and let your volunteers decide which one(s) most of them prefer. Make the decision based on overall interest and the most immediate need.

If, for example, your goal is urban renewal, what sort of project do you want to pursue? Will you spend a week cleaning up graffiti from public buildings? Will you adopt space in your local park to maintain? Will you organize a block party to facilitate tighter community bonds? Go with majority rule and start planning immediately.

  Organize Your Team

Determine which of your team members will best fill the various roles in the planning and execution processes. If necessary, interview your volunteers to determine where they will fit in best. Keep it informal, but don’t be afraid to ask important questions.

  Secure All Necessary Permits and Permissions

If there is any chance that your project will interfere with local businesses, it is necessary to reach out to those businesses and communicate what will be happening. Take any strong protests seriously and try to work out reasonable solutions. The response is bound to be very positive, and you might even get a few sponsors along the way.

Also, be sure that your activities won’t require special city permits. If it turns out, they will secure them. Above all, do your prep at this stage well ahead. Three months out is a good median, but shorter notice can also be worked out with a bit of finesse.

  Follow the above advice at the planning stages, and your event will be set up well for success. When the day (or first day) of your event arrives, the confidence in your own good planning will be a huge motivator to the rest of your team.

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Top F1 Race Cars of All Time

Formula One (F1) has changed a lot since its inception. Many innovative designs and models have hit the tarmac in hopes of winning the number one spot. While many designs and cars have been banned from the sport for various reasons, many legendary cars will always be a part of F1 history. These are a few of those legendary cars. In one way or another, all of the vehicles on this list have proven themselves and earned their spots.

  1984-1986 McLaren MP4/2

The McLaren MP4/2 is one of the most recognizable F1 cars ever, with its white and red Marlboro livery. The MP4/2 won consecutive Drivers’ Championships from 1984 to 1986. Both Niki Lauda and Alain Prost raced the chassis. The most significant advantage the MP4/2 had in its races was that it was one of the only F1 cars using carbon-ceramic brakes.

  1988 McLaren MP4/4

The 1988 McLaren MP4/4 was driven by one of the greatest F1 champions in history, Ayrton Senna. Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won 15 of their 16 races using the MP4/4 chassis. The record set by the two champions with this chassis still hasn’t been beaten by another F1 team.

  1991 McLaren MP4/6

The McLaren MP4/6 was the last model in F1 history ever to have won a championship using a manual transmission and a V12 engine. Ayrton Senna drove this model through two consecutive World Championship wins.

  2011 Red Bull RB7

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber drove the 2011 Red Bull RB7. Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years old at the time, made F1 history as the youngest driver to win two consecutive Drivers’ Championships. The 2011 Red Bull RB7 finished 19 of its 27 races in a pole position.

  2016 Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid

The 2016 Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid is the only F1 car that comes close to the dominance that the 1988 McLaren MP4/4 had during its run. To meet new F1 regulations, the F1 W07 Hybrid was equipped with a hybrid power unit that utilized the heat energy produced under braking conditions to generate electrical energy for the engine.

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Top F1 Race Cars of All Time

Check out Carl Turnley’s latest blog post!

Formula One (F1) has changed a lot since its inception. Many innovative designs and models have hit the tarmac in hopes of winning the number one spot. While many designs and cars have been banned from the sport for various reasons, many legendary cars will always be a part of F1 history. These are a few of those legendary cars. In one way or another, all of the vehicles on this list have proven themselves and earned their spots.

  1984-1986 McLaren MP4/2

The McLaren MP4/2 is one of the most recognizable F1 cars ever, with its white and red Marlboro livery. The MP4/2 won consecutive Drivers’ Championships from 1984 to 1986. Both Niki Lauda and Alain Prost raced the chassis. The most significant advantage the MP4/2 had in its races was that it was one of the only F1 cars using carbon-ceramic brakes.

  1988 McLaren MP4/4

The 1988 McLaren MP4/4 was driven by one of the greatest F1 champions in history, Ayrton Senna. Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost won 15 of their 16 races using the MP4/4 chassis. The record set by the two champions with this chassis still hasn’t been beaten by another F1 team.

  1991 McLaren MP4/6

The McLaren MP4/6 was the last model in F1 history ever to have won a championship using a manual transmission and a V12 engine. Ayrton Senna drove this model through two consecutive World Championship wins.

  2011 Red Bull RB7

Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber drove the 2011 Red Bull RB7. Sebastian Vettel, who was 23 years old at the time, made F1 history as the youngest driver to win two consecutive Drivers’ Championships. The 2011 Red Bull RB7 finished 19 of its 27 races in a pole position.

  2016 Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid

The 2016 Mercedes F1 W07 Hybrid is the only F1 car that comes close to the dominance that the 1988 McLaren MP4/4 had during its run. To meet new F1 regulations, the F1 W07 Hybrid was equipped with a hybrid power unit that utilized the heat energy produced under braking conditions to generate electrical energy for the engine.

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Community Service Ideas For College-Bound Students

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For some college students, community service will be a prerequisite for graduation. Others might enjoy volunteering. Regardless of the reason for their participation, community service opportunities for college students might include:

  Campus Initiatives

Typically, numerous campus-based volunteer opportunities will be available. Common in-house activities can include anti-bullying campaigns and mental health counseling for students dealing with emotional, personal, or academic struggles.

  Helping The Homeless Or Poor

Unfortunately, regardless of where a student attends college, there is a good chance that the city or town has homeless or impoverished people in need of assistance. Community organizations charged with helping struggling populations can typically benefit from eager and enthusiastic young people seeking to help their fellow man.

  Working With The Elderly

Facilities housing persons of advanced age can usually be found in most communities. Working with elderly people can be quite rewarding for young people. Older individuals appreciate the time youthful persons take to spend with them. In turn, sage subjects can impart a great deal of wisdom that can benefit college students as they progress in their lives and careers.

  Becoming Involved With Various Houses Of Worship

Houses of worship encompassing many religious denominations will often be found in a college student’s new community. Churches, synagogues, and mosques often oversee or sponsor a plethora of charitable endeavors and are always looking for eager volunteers to help perform various essential tasks.

  Organizing Environmental Improvement Projects

Regardless of where people relocate, the environment always plays a vital part in their life. Dirty, damaged or tainted lands not only renders impacted locations aesthetically unpleasing but could ultimately threaten the health and safety of those who reside there. Therefore, many college students choose to participate in environmental improvement projects. One such simple effort is to gather a group of people to clean a public area such as a park.

  Helping Young People

Many communities have a certain percentage of at-risk youths who could benefit from a college student’s influence. Some university students opt to join mentoring programs in which they spend a bit of time each week (or whenever the schedules of mentor and mentee permits) with youth in need. They provide advice, answer any questions they may have, and serve as their advocate.

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Alternative Fuel Options for Cars 

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A growing demand exists for alternative fuel vehicles due to government regulations and environmental concerns. Substitutes for conventional engines that are gasoline-powered and contain internal combustions are important for both consumers and the manufacturers who will provide them. Which direction should be taken is a tricky dilemma for both. There are several options.

  Gas-Electric Hybrids

The original hybrid models, the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight, each reached the U.S. in the year 1999. Today there are roughly 40 gas-electric models available for sale. Using electricity to power vehicles to some extent has significant benefits, both for emissions and fuel economy. A battery power at low speeds and handles stopping and starting. Regenerative braking and the gas engine charge the battery so it does not need to be plugged in.

  Plug-In Hybrids

PHEVS, or plug-in hybrids, have larger batteries that can get the car moving with the use of electricity alone, generating zero emissions. These batteries are charged by plugging them in to a power source. Fewer models are available in the U.S., and the larger batteries add a hefty amount to the price tag.

  Electrics

EVs, or electric vehicles, run free of gasoline entirely. They make use of a battery to store electric energy used to power the motor. Acceptance of EVs has been growing since their introduction to the market. Range anxiety is a deterrent that continues, as is the limited number of charging stations that lie outside of major cities.

  Ethanol and Flex Fuel

Corn ethanol has made its way into the fuel supply of the nation thanks to the 2007 Renewable Fuels charge of the government. Ethanol has received a backlash because it contains less energy than does gasoline, which results in a fewer number of miles per gallon. It also takes a fair bit of energy to produce, leading to increased carbon dioxide emissions.

  Biodiesel

Biodiesel, which is manufactured from animal fats, vegetable oil, or grease recycled from restaurants, raises conventional diesel fuel’s octane rating and burns in a cleaner fashion. It is also biodegradable and non-toxic. It can be used alone but is generally mixed with conventional diesel fuel. Biodiesel can be found in many vehicles that boast conventional diesel engines that lack modification.

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Tips For Planning a Community Service Project for Your Office

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Community service projects are great incentives to help make a difference in the society while also winning the hearts of the locals. As a company, it is important to consider organizing an event where the company and its employees focus on giving back to society. The success of every corporate-organized community service project is dependent on how well-planned the entire event is. Here are some tips on what to focus on when planning for such a day for your office.

  Choosing the Right Cause

As a company, you probably have existing social goals and values that you stand for. When organizing for a community service project, you should endeavor to choose a cause, that matches your internal objectives. For example, if your company appreciates and upholds the importance of environmental awareness, then you may choose a suitable project, such as cleaning the neighborhood and planting trees. Choosing the right project ensures that you fulfill what your company stands for.

  Setting the Right Date

When setting a date for your company’s community service project, you should always try to select a day that is favorable for all workers associated with your company. Setting the right date ensures that most of your employees are available to dedicate their time to work on the community service project. Certain days of the week, such as Fridays and Saturdays, can work best. 

  Gamifying the Project

Employees value community service projects because they get an opportunity to interact and work outside the office environment. To increase employees’ morale and ability to benefit from the project, you may choose to gamify the entire social event by setting different teams, which engage in small competitions.

  Setting the logistics right

The success of a community service project is highly dependent on how well-planned it is. The logistical aspect of the planning process is perhaps the most challenging. To ease your work, you may have to allocate different responsibilities to different employees. Finding workers who are passionate about community service and giving them responsibilities to organize the project increases the chances of success.

When allocating additional responsibilities to the employees, it is important to leverage their passions and skills. For instance, allowing workers from the finance department to handle the project’s financial aspects enables them to put their skills to good use.

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How Has Philanthropy Changed Over the Years?

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During the last decade we have witnessed the beginning of a financial crisis occurring around the world as well as a recession that seems to be impending. This has started to cause a major drop in resources that could be available for both grant makers and grant seekers. Within these ten years we saw the first-ever smartphone appear and changed the way we seek information, communicate, and how we would eventually use it to give to others in need.

Ever since, it seems like technology has grown past what was originally thought of it, causing many impacts on charities and their administration, as well as their ability to fundraise one day and then create grants another day. With many natural disasters occurring and not to mention the economic, political, and social turmoil, there have also been big changes in communities and the way they organize and how donors now respond to the many needs. This is giving new light on the way giving and support occurs.

An Impactful Focus

Many grant makers have turned their focus toward an approach that is more strategic for their giving causes and guided by the effect that their impact will have on the support they give. With a high desire to have grant seekers set goals to achieve and present various programs but to also dedicate any resources to have programs evaluated so that results can be justified for continual investments.

Grant seekers have now begun to grow worried because of this and have expressed that they are no longer able to report on just the amount served but also what life changes occur because of it. This requires an increase in staff, resources, time, support, and expertise.

Relationships Changing

Generally speaking, the atmosphere between grant seekers and grant makers seem collaborative. This made it seem like the relationship was more personal and less formal which the grant makers and grant seekers appreciated more. This type of communication is welcomed by grant makers and they hope that it causes other relationships to be open so that a common goal can be easily achieved.

How Technology Has Played a Role

Both information sharing and education have a high ranking among issues that grant seekers and grant makers wish that will be improved by technology. Besides these, many online applications for grants, management systems, and grant reports and forms have minimal errors, have been time-saving, made communication easier, and have ensured that relationship quality is enriched.

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Millennial Impact on Philanthropy

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Stereotypes about millennials paint an entire generation as entitled and afraid of hard work, which may cause organizations to shy away from campaigning for donations from these young adults. However, it would be a mistake for companies to ignore this untapped market.

Despite the argument that the world left to millennials by previous generations is one that is economically unfair, millennials are still a generous generation. Millennials, born from approximately 1980 to 2000, will soon make the largest part of the American workforce, which will expand their buying power, and their philanthropic efforts don’t fall far behind. One survey found that 84% of this group has donated financially while 70% of millennials had given at least an hour to a charitable cause in 2014.

Baby Boomers and Generation X still donate more money per year than millennials donate, $732 and $1,212, respectively, compared to $481; however, the younger generation still manages to donate an impressive amount of money compared to their college debt and when considering the fact that fewer members of this group have achieved enough financial security to own a home and car. This fact stands in opposition to the idea that millennials are an entitled lot. Organizations that rely on donations, whether monetary or voluntary, would be remiss to overlook the time and money that millennials are so willing to offer despite the obstacles in their way.

However, companies must understand what motivates millennials to be generous. For starters, they prefer to hear a story rather than just the facts. Where millennials may not be able to donate money, they can offer their time, and organizations can take advantage of this by pressing the urgency of moving now. Finally, it’s important that messaging is simple. Millennials receive thousands of messages every day, and overcomplicating things will cause information to become lost in the fray.

As mobile banking and technology has changed the face of philanthropy, millennials have increased their donations. And as Baby Boomers leave the workforce and millennials find more stability and increased wages, their ability to continue to donate their time and money will only increase. Organizations that understand this potential can take advantage of it now and continue to build loyalty with philanthropists in the future.

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Charity Trends: 2019

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Charity is one of the transformative movements in our society today that helps make a huge impact people who are less advantaged. Philanthropists contribute heavily to facilitating the success of charity organizations and projects in general. Over the years, there has been a significant transformation in the manner in which charity organizations operate. This transformation is highly likely to shape the future of the entire charity industry in various ways henceforth. Here are certain trends that are highly expected to dominate the charity industry this year.

Increased giving

As the number of social causes for charity increase, so are the numbers of people willing to freely give to charity. The increased advocacy and appeal for help to eradicate social-economic challenges in the society are highly likely going to cause a major boost in the flow of funds towards charity. Statistics indicate, for instance, that there has been a 56% increase in charity donations between the year 2014 and 2017. In 2019, the increase is expected to be exponential.

Digitization of charity operations

With the digital age taking over most processes to facilitate efficiency in organizational processes in many workplaces, the charity institution at large is expected to be no exception. To say the least, operations in charity organizations are going to be digitized by the introduction of computers and the internet of things to enable the sharing of information.

The digitization of charity will enable virtually all charity operations to be conducted in a digital platform to enhance data sharing between the organizations and the well-wishers. The digital impact is also highly likely to impact the way people give. The introduction of fintech through mobile wallets is expected to cause more people to give more towards charity.

Boosted transparency

Charity organizations are anticipated to become more transparent, especially when it comes to investment and utilization. The transparency will become a key determinant in helping attract more philanthropists to channel their contributions to the organizations. In addition, donors will also increase their voice towards calling for transparency and accountability, especially when it comes to visualizing how their funds are being utilized. In that regard, a major trend is arising where charity organizations establish networks with their donors where any project undertaken gains support from donors.

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Debunking Common Philanthropy Myths

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Giving back to the community and donating to charities is great for the soul and even better for mankind. Many people make it a priority to be more philanthropic, however, others can be a little put off on the idea. They aren’t put off by helping a cause or making a difference, but mostly due to common myths or misconceptions. These are the common philanthropy myths that must be debunked:

Myth #1: Men Are More Philanthropic Than Women

One of the most common myths in philanthropy is that women are far less philanthropic than men. On the contrary, research has shown that women play a very powerful role in philanthropy. Nowadays, there are more and more women finding themselves in higher-paid positions and higher-level positions. Studies show more women are using their funds and earnings to become more philanthropic, completely debunking the myth that women are less philanthropic than men. 

Myth #2: Charities Are Only to Feed the Poor

While there are many nonprofits and charitable organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry, there are also far more organizations making a difference elsewhere. Charities can range from rescuing endangered animals, disaster relief, aiding abused and battered women, raising awareness of drunk driving dangers, and so much more. There are so many nonprofits changing the world and making a difference. 

Myth #3: Finding an Honest Charity is Easy

With so many charities out there to donate to, it’s a common belief that finding a good and honest charity is easy. In fact, finding the right charity can be quite difficult. It takes a lot of time and research to determine if a charity is not only utilizing the funds they receive from donors, but they’re also making the difference they said they would. Before forking over money, it’s important to take the time to properly research an organization and get an in-depth look at how the use their funds and what their track record from over the past few years looks like. 

Myth #4: Small Donations Don’t Make a Difference

Many people tend to believe that when they aren’t able to give a large amount, then they shouldn’t be giving at all. This is the most important myth to bust. In fact, it’s better to give a small donation than to not give at all. This is especially true in cases of urgent humanitarian aid and disaster relief, a flow of small gifts will surely save lives, stem catastrophe, and repair communities. Smaller donations also help build stronger and longer relationships between donors and organizations. Small donations lead to more overtime and eventually larger donations when a donor can afford to give more. 

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The Biggest F1 Races Taking Place in 2019

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2019 brings another exciting year for Formula 1 racing! Even though we are past the halfway mark for the year, we still have a number of races to look forward to. Here are some of the biggest F1 races taking place in 2019.

  Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2019 – 20-22 September

Singapore’s Marina Bay Circuit is known for its nighttime races, having hosted the first one in F1 history back in 2008. The physically demanding 5.063km course provides no shortage of challenges for the driver, from bumpy surfaces to high humidity. What’s more, the circuit features 23 corners during the high-speed lap. This race gives visitors a chance to experience Singapore at its best.

  Formula 1 VTB Russian Grand Prix 2019 27-29 September

The Sochi Autodrom was the site of the Formula 1’s first-ever Russian Grand Prix in 2014. The circuit itself grew from the internal roads of the park built for the Winter Olympics that same year. One of the unique features of the track is right at Turn 3, a 750m constant-radius left turn that takes drivers around the outside of the Poyushchiye fountain. This early autumn race means that it’s still warm enough for visitors to take advantage of some of Russia’s best beach resorts in Sochi. Unfortunately, ski season doesn’t start until at least December. 

  Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix 2019 11-13 October

While the Suzuka International Racing Course (better known as just “Suzuka”) was built in 1962, it didn’t see its first Grand Prix until 1987. The track is one of the seminal courses in Formula 1, with driving challenges like snaking S curves and a crossover and remains a favorite among drivers. Kimi Räikkönen holds the current lap record of 1:31.540 from 2005, but we’ll see if anyone can beat that this year. 

  Formula 1 United States Grand Prix 01-03 November

The Circuit of the Americas’ first Grand Prix was in 2012, which drew a crowd of over 100,000 spectators. The crowd witnessed Lewis Hamilton’s last win in a McLaren before he made the switch to Mercedes the following year. The circuit draws inspiration from a few of the other famous tracks in F1 history, like Suzuka and Hockenheim. The uphill run into Turn 1 provides the opportunity for some overtaking action.

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Debunking Car Transmission Myths

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There is a lot of mystery and misinformation surrounding automatic transmissions, even within the automotive industry.  While some of these myths might have been true decades ago, modern technology has helped to level out the performance disparity between automatic and manual transmissions. Today’s blog is going to take a closer look at common transmission myths and the facts that will debunk them. 

  Automatic transmissions are sealed units that are neither serviceable nor repairable.

It all depends on finding the right technician. Even though it seems like the only fix for a problem with an automatic transmission is a complete replacement of the unit, they are repairable and can benefit from being serviced. Those who don’t work with automatics can find the task daunting and nigh impossible, but for those who do, the task is still difficult because it’s easy for things to go wrong. The reason for this is that automatic transmissions contain a lot of small parts that are easily forgotten, so many mechanics don’t like to work on them. 

  Cars with manual transmissions always cost less than their automatic counterparts.

While cars with manual transmissions tend to cost less, this isn’t always true. Consumer Reports notes that buying a car with a manual transmission can help consumers save between $8,000 and $12,000, but a number of cars on the market today, such as BMWs and GM models, cost the same regardless of their transmission. The maintenance cost of automatic transmissions may be higher, but better design has helped them to last the life of the vehicle, so long as the driver is taking care of it. Manual transmissions tend to not last as long and may need a few replacements during the car’s lifetime. Of course, this depends on the driver’s behavior and other variables as well. 

  Automatic transmissions are less fuel-efficient than manual transmissions.

This claim is unfortunately true, however, manufacturers are closing the gap in fuel efficiency between manual and automatic transmissions. That being said, manual transmissions tend to beat automatics in fuel efficiency by a small margin in most cases. At its simplest, the problem boils down to weight and friction. Automatics are heavier than manual transmissions, which require more work and thus require more fuel. Depending on the abilities of the driver, though, automatics can be more efficient at times by switching gears at the most efficient time as opposed to manual if the driver isn’t good at hitting the optimal shift time. 

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A Brief History of the Hunt/Lauda F1 Rivalry

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Few sports are as dangerous and misunderstood as Formula 1 racing. The fast-paced race-track based automotive contest is both exhilarating to watch and potentially deadly to partake in. So naturally, a little bit of rivalry between racers helps to dial the intensity up to eleven.

In the 1970s, when F1 racing was still in a somewhat formative stage, two men developed a unique relationship on and eventually off the race track. The British racer James Hunt and the Austrian racer Niki Lauda would spend the better part of the decade racing against each other in a fierce personal competition.

It all started in 1970 on the Crystal Palace circuit in London, England. Both drivers experienced some technical difficulties, but Hunt would ultimately go on to win the race. This was enough to kindle Lauda’s fighting spirit, and the two men would clash at nearly every high profile event for the next few years.

Things came to a tragic head in the 1976 racing season when Niki Lauda was involved in a crash on the Nürburgring circuit. Lauda suffered third-degree burns and was permanently disfigured as a result of the accident. Both men would go on to compete in the rest of the season, however, with James Hunt becoming the 1976 Formula 1 racing champion.

The Hunt/Lauda rivalry has since become a legend within the arena of automotive sports. Much has been made of the relationship between these two men, who in many ways were very different, especially in the wake of James hunt’s untimely death in 1993. There has even been a film made about the subject titled Rush and directed by Ron Howard; although it was apparently not very accurate to history.

One of the more dramatized aspects of the story is the animosity between Hunt and Lauda. While it is true that there was some heated competition between the two, they became friends relatively quickly. So while the races were intense and very much winner takes all, the spirit was friendly. Hunt was particularly disturbed after his friend was injured in 1976.

Despite their friendship, James Hunt and Niki Lauda were two very different people. It was a fast and reckless lifestyle of drugs and sex that helped contribute to Hunt’s early death. Indeed, after his victory in 1976, James Hunt had a diminished interest in competing as his status of champion allowed him all the luxuries he could want.

Lauda was a more reserved character and would go on to live to the age of 70 despite his terrible accident many decades ago. Niki Lauda died in May of this year. While both men are now gone, their heroic struggles on the race track will live on in the hearts of race fans from around the world.

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[carlturnley]

F1 Safety: a Brief History of Innovation

Check out Carl Turnley’s latest blog post!

Today’s F1 races are the product of a long and layered history — especially in terms of safety. From mechanical designs to racing regulations, the sport has greatly evolved since its inception in the early 1950s, and this has generally made it better for drivers, officials, and fans alike.

Here is a brief look at F1 safety’s rich past.

Early designs and ideas

F1, as a competitive sport, can be traced to 1950, the year of its inaugural season. Early F1 cars had features designed purely for speed in lieu of handling components or, disturbingly, necessary safety mechanics; they featured front engines and drum brakes and were first put on display at the 1950 Formula One World Championship, held at Silverstone in England.

Proper safety measures, such as roll bars, were not formally introduced until the early 1960s. Other emerging concepts included flag signals, fire prevention components, and interrupters for electronic systems.

The 90s and early 2000s

Flash forward to the 1990s, when many of the aforementioned safety measures continued to be tested, supplemented, and innovated as the need for such measures endured. The early 90s saw the introduction of larger rearview mirrors, mandatory detachable steering wheels, and new regulations pertaining to car width and cockpit size.

In the early 2000s, these changes were complemented with numerous shifts — some drastic — in racing rules and protocol. For instance, new time penalties were implemented to drivers triggering a false start, causing an accident or collision, or forcing another driver off the course — a move generally intended to cast a deeper negative connotation over such potentially dangerous activity.

Today

While today’s F1 cars are arguably more uncomfortable than their primitive predecessors, they are much safer — and typically not at the expense of speed or efficiency. Crashes remain a regular part of the sport, some of them overwhelming and spectacular from a viewer standpoint, but, fortunately, many of the worst crashes have not been as severe as they look. Consider a 2014 crash from driver Kimi Raikkonen, which looked potentially fatal on screen, but resulted in nothing more than a sore ankle. 

This phenomenon is a direct product of modern racing safety, which itself is a product of continuous, relentless campaigning to keep the sport as safe and stable as possible. Now, cars undergo a series of dynamic, static, and load tests — all while maintaining the best aspects of the past, such as advanced fire suppression systems.

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