A Proper World Championship

Five races.   Three continents.   Five winners, four nationalities.    Five constructors . . . three engine manufacturers of three separate countries . . . a virtually elusive grid featuring drivers of three other nationalities and teams from another two who almost certain will also taste victory . . . and we are only one quarter of the way into the season.

This is F1 circa 2012 and it's one helluva show.    We may be witnessing the most chimerical example of the world championship F1 has offered yet.     I also doubt very seriously that either title will be decided by the time the teams reach Austin in November, which bodes well for the USGP.  

This sport which I so obviously adore only seems to get better and better.    Each era in the sport's history has provided unique memories for the ages, but despite the ever shifting technological front, heavier rule books, and over populated steward's quarters in economically challenging times, 2012 may prove that at the heart of the matter that spirit has not been lost.

No driver or team has established anything close to resembling dominance.    Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel currently reside at the top of the points table despite the fact that both men are struggling with lessor machinery, a testament to their skill and race craft.    Kimi Räikkönen has impressed and arguably returned to the form he initially brought to Ferrari.     We have two very deserved first time winners, Rosberg and Maldonado, and my feeling is that Monaco will deliver the season's sixth different victor.

Although evident from the outset in Melbourne, Spain clearly reinforced Pirelli's ante in determining who can go not only quickest but smoothest.      I find it fascinating that Maldonado, Alonso, and Raikkonen, each at different stages of the Grand Prix, set the Catalunya pace.  

It's going to be a very tough road forward to predict.

Dog Star

It's hard to imagine that I'll ever tire of the atmosphere at Laguna Seca on the Monterey Peninsula.    I've been fortunate to take in over a half dozen race weekends since seeing the circuit for the first time just a few years ago.  

Between the micro climates that roll across the peninsula, the sunshine combines with pleasant, cool marine air to create an energy that I'm certain I'm not alone in drawing upon.  

On one of my first visits, I left Monterey with an indelible memento of that energy which I carry with me to every race circuit I've been since.    During one lull between sessions, I could not help but notice the circuit piping Perry Farrell's "Wish Upon a Dog Star" over the tinny sound system.

There is an energy in that piece of pop music (love the bass line LOL) that is in my mind synonymous with throwing a car into a corner on full opposite lock!    Whether I'm at Laguna Seca, Road Atlanta, or Monza, I'll listen to that track in the morning on my way to the circuit . . . perhaps to further stimulate my focus on capturing something unique on camera.    

Anyway, I'm still learning . . . and with news that I've acquired media credentials for this weekend's "Ferrari Racing Days" Challenge event, I'm hoping to channel Laguna Seca's energy beyond merely wishing to creating work that celebrates everything that is amazing about motor sport.

The laughable thing, however, is that I don't know whether I'm better at air guitar thumpin' that bass, or air double de-clutch downshifting . . .  

CLICK HERE for American Le Mans/Monterey Slide Show

Cheers