New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) With a slow yet loud heartbeat of the engine, a melodious gurgle of the carburetor and a careening sway of the wheels complimenting the post-Edwardian restored body – the aged but timeless vintage beauties dazzled the onlookers and passersby on Delhi roads Sunday as part of the 43rd Statesman Vintage and Classic car rally.
Ranging from the 80 HP John Morris 1914 – the oldest in the lot of 136 entries – to improved versions since 1919 like the Citroen, Wolseley, Cadillac, and Dodge to name a few, the evergreen maidens sprinkled the mundane roads of the capital and its neighbourhood with colour, passion and history.
Flagged off by Navy chief Admiral Sureesh Mehta on the chilly but sunlit morning, the 98 cars that managed to hit the roads traversed a route mapped anew since the rally’s inception in 1964 before rolling out to their land of mystery at the sunset… More infoÂ
As vintage and classic cars rolled out on city roads on Sunday, it made a spectacular statement on the rich cultural legacy.
The event wore a celebratory look and was sheer fun for the participants. Each time a machine of the past passed by, it generated awe and admiration from curious on-lookers. The forever rushing traffic slowed down to get a closer look and children lined waving and cheering with a glint in their eyes.
Bina Kak, minister, tourism, after going around the display with keen interest and before flagging off the rally said, “It’s an amazing heritage that the state possesses and this needs to be documented for tourism promotion along with the owner details and a history of the car,†… More info
Scott Speed knows he’s going to have to put up with a lot of abuse and criticism in his rookie season this year – from fans, from other drivers. And the former Formula One driver is prepared to take it.
“It’s my spot to,” Speed said. “I’m a rookie by huge standards. I’m learning a lot. These guys all have a lot more experience. They’re a lot better than me. It would be stupid to go in there and not take some stuff because some guy cut me off or put me up high. It is my time. I need to learn. When I get good and I’m fighting for championships it’s going to be a different story.”
Fighting for a title was what Speed was doing in October in the final ARCA Series race of the year at Toledo when he was taken out by the driver trailing Speed in the points, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. …Â More info
POMONA — When you only have one shot to get into a race you better make that shot count and the quartet of John Force Racing Ford Mustangs all hit the mark during a rain delayed 49th annual Kragen O’Reilly NHRA Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway in Pomona.
For two days the John Force Racing funny car contingent was on the sidelines while mother nature soaked the track at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona.
On Saturday led by championship contender Robert Hight who grabbed his first No. 1 qualifying spot at a track he has dominated the past three season openers John Force Racing also landed in the No. 3 (Ashley Force Hood), No. 4 (John Force) and No. 12 (Mike Neff) positions…Â More info