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Massa's Ferrari Wins Inaugural F1 Race in Valencia, Spain

August 25, 2008

Sunday Drivers: Edwards Edges Past Busch At Bristol

By David Mirsky

HOLLYWOOD, CA (RUSHPRNEWS) 8/25/08 - Valencia, Spain was the site of Formula 1's latest addition to their yearly racing schedule where a fan packed crowd watched Ferrari's Felipe Massa win the inaugural race from pole position.

The brand new street track was fast and smooth with 25 high speed turns, and nothing short of demanding because of the summer heat and quick pace. Although the track was green and new, every driver seemed to like this new venue even though nearly ever turn was a blind turn with speeds of just under 200 mph.

Valencia, situated on Spain's Mediterranean coast, had been given a make over in the past couple of years, turning this port - resort city into a world class destination for the European Grand Prix. A clean race start saw Massa beat point's leader, Lewis Hamilton to the first corner, who started to pull away immediately by nearly a ½ second per lap. The first lap saw Spain's two time World Champion, Fernando Alonso get re-ended by William's driver, Kazuki Nakajima, tearing the rear wing from the car, ending Alonso's day. Needless to say, the local Spaniards were disappointed. It was a great race to watch, not because there was all sorts of passing, but because even though there were 25 turns on this street circuit, the pace was incredible. Watching the race was like a 2 hour roller coaster ride...turn, speed, turn, speed...what an adrenalin rush for the fans.

As much as he tried, Lewis Hamilton's McLaren Mercedes was no match for Massa's Ferrari this day even though both teams chose similar tire compounds, and fuel strategies. Ferrari's other car, driven by current World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, had been running in the top 5 for most of the race until mechanical problems forced him to retire early on lap 45. Poland's Robert Kubica brought his BMW in 3rd place. The driver's who qualified 1, 2 and 3 finished 1,2 and 3.

The next Formula 1 race will be on September 7th, from Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

Imagine over 165,000 people packed into an outdoor arena, with a ½ mile paved race track in the middle, with 43, 800 horse power cars driving in a circle 250 times, at night. Welcome to Bristol, Tennessee, one of NASCAR'S premiere venues, and the home for the Sharpie 500. For the second week in a row, Carl Edward's Ford took the checkered flag ahead of point's leader, Kyle Busch. This was the 6th win of the year for Edwards, just behind Busch's 8 wins.
As usual, there were plenty of spin outs and crashes on this tight, little track. Michael Waltrip, among others went home with battered cars from the fastest bumper car race in the country. Dale Jr. was penalized for passing cars on the start of the race, as if starting in 40th position wasn't bad enough. On lap 470, Edwards made his move on race leader Kyle Busch, with an aggressive move. For the next 30 laps, Busch tried everything to catch Edwards, but fell short, and captured 2nd place. Denny Hamlin's Toyota finished a hard fought 3rd place. After Edwards took the checkered flag, Busch purposely ran into Edwards' car, as payback for his passing move back on lap 470 in turn 1. Edwards, not to take this lying down, ran into Busch's car, sending him spinning around the track. After the race, NASCAR officials called Busch into their office, where a fine or sanction of some sort will be given to him for his un-sportsman like actions. Personally, that's what NASCAR is...and there's always next week, which happens to be out in California on August 31st, for the Pepsi 500 at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

NEWS SOURCE: HOLLYWOOD TODAY.NET

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