Michael Schumacher: The Greatest Of His Generation

Just like another Michael in basketball, Michael Schumacher is not only considered by many to be the greatest of his sport in his generation but to be the greatest and most dominant Formula One driver in history. His record is undeniable, and his feats, legendary.

 Image source: ibtimes.co.uk

He started in karting, winning German championships before moving on to Formula Three. After which, he joined Mercedes in the World Sportscar Championship. He made his debut in Formula One in 1991, joining the Benetton racing team. He quickly rose up the ranks and won his first Drivers’ Championship in 1994, over Damon Hill. He repeated that feat the following year. In 1996, he was acquired by Ferrari, wherein he won another five consecutive championships, from 2000 to 20004.

 Image source: masterherald.com

His driver records include most number of championships, race victories, fastest laps, pole positions, and won races in a season. The last is a record he shares with his countryman, Sebastian Vettel, who equaled Schumacher’s feat nearly a decade later. In Formula One history, no other driver has been able to finish in the top three in every race of the season. He also has the most podium finishes. In fact, based on his stats, Schumacher is the greatest Formula One driver in history.

He is also a two-time recipient of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.

Alexander Potoczak is a huge Formula One fan. For more on Formula One, follow this Facebook page.

Explaining the Addiction to Fast Cars

Addiction to something can easily be explained by the object’s ability to draw out some of the most interesting chemicals in the brain. That’s all there is to it most of the time. However, when it’s addiction to fast cars we’re talking about, there’s no denying that we’re facing an altogether different thing.

Science itself would attest that the dynamics of car addiction is no different from the dynamics observed in the use of illegal drugs. There are also chemicals at work in this. Let’s take a look at what really gets us hooked on fast cars.

Image source: popularycar.blogspot.com

Concentration: A high state of concentration cannot easily be shaken off once it gets you going. This is especially true when driving a fast car. The dangers on the road are so real that focus is pushed by the instinct to survive and the thrill of overcoming unexpected obstacles on the road.

Competition: The road not being exclusive for solo exhibition makes it an open playing field for other motorists. This is crucial to the road environment’s competitive vibe. Just anyone out there can rev on with his engine’s spiteful grumble at the stop light and signal a challenge without having to say a word.

Adrenaline: One of the most addictive substances on earth can be found in no less than the human brain. Driving fast cars initiates a fight or flight response. This is the ultimate natural high that most of us seem never to get enough of.

Image source: johnlesanche.com

When the racer fuses with the car and the craft of driving, time slows down as the world takes the form of a tunneling haze. If you’re hooked on that, it’s because you’re human, the kind who simply drives fast cars with a passion.

Alexander Potoczak here, and I am huge fan of fast cars. For more information on my fields of interest, please visit my page on Google+.

Eye-Opening Facts About The Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 is a Honda-manufactured roadster that was unveiled in 1995 as a concept car.  In 1999, it was first sold commercially during the 50th anniversary of Honda.  Here are a few fun facts people may not know about this fun little roadster.

 Image source: auto-database.com

• As the S2000 got older, more and more of its parts became softer.  In 2004, springs and anti-roll bars became softer.  Traction control became optional two years later.
• S2000s can be an oil guzzler.  There are reports that for every thousand miles, an S2000 can go through a liter of oil.  If owners neglect this long enough, they’ll probably hear the knocking sound of damaged bearing shells.  Oil should be changed every half-a-year, or after every 6000 miles.
• Driving experts claim that the gear changes of the S2000 compensates for its lack of torque. 
• The S2000 is susceptible to rusting.
• Critics’ consensus was that the Club Racer, or CR, is the greatest of all the S2000 models.  It was only released in North America, and less than 700 units were manufactured.  The Club Racer was Shigeru Uehara’s idea.  For the uninitiated, Uehara is the genius behind the first S2000, as well as the NSX and Integra Type-R.  

 Image source: rnrautoblog.com

Alexander Potoczak is modern motorist whose car of choice is, you guessed it, Honda.  He owns a Honda S2000, and he’s mighty darn proud of it. Potoczak is also a giant fan of Formula One.  For more on automobiles (particularly Honda automobiles), motor racing, and Formula One, visit this blog.

Picking a Project Car: A Guide for Beginners

Picking the perfect project car is the most exciting part of a restoration project.  It is also an important decision that must be given much thought and consideration.  Here a few tips for picking your first project car:

Do your research.

Choosing a car may be overwhelming given the several different types to choose from. Doing your research will greatly help in narrowing down your choices and will definitely make the selection process easier and less stressful. When choosing a car, consider if the replacement parts are readily available. Take note of the car's year and model as well.

Image source: gawlercarclub.com

  
Know where to look and what to look for.
If you are lost on where to look for a project car, searching online is a good place to start. Websites such as Craigslist and EBay are some good online sources for project cars. Attending car shows and automotive swap meets is also another way to find great project car prospects.

Aside from knowing where to look, it is also important to know what to look for. A project car, while mostly old and dilapidated, should at least be solid and useful. When choosing a car, make sure its frame is compact and not rusted. Check the trunk floor, carpets, and seats keeping in mind that repairing automotive bodywork can be costly and laborious.

Image source: philip.greenspun.com

Bring a friend.
Bringing a trusted friend or a fellow car enthusiast will help keep you from being distracted or overwhelmed when picking a project car. A friend can give you sound advice when needed and can make sure that you did not miss anything when selecting a car or dealing with the seller. Plus, it’s just more fun to be with a friend!

Hello, I’m Alexander Potoczak! Subscribe to my blog for more on cars and restoration projects.