Let Cars Be Your Escape
The motorsports world is struggling and online is a hellscape, but rediscovering the joy of reading and learning about cars can be a salve through this all.
A weekly newsletter by Ryan K. ZumMallen | @zoomy575m. If you enjoy Race Day, consider picking up a copy of my book ‘Slow Car Fast’ available now.
Happy Race Day, especially to Ferrari F1 driver Charles LeClerc, who sent the motorsports world into a frenzy when he dressed up as the banana from Fortnite. Seriously.
Short issue this week. I’m working and teaching a first-grader during the day, so in the after hours I’m spending less time chasing sources and more time clearing my head.
For me that means more building obstacle courses with my daughter, more game nights and sushi takeout with my wife. I hope that you’re able to continue whatever small pleasures help make this time more enjoyable.
Reading is another big part. I’m loving ‘Faster,’ as detailed below, and a history book on the Ferrari 550 racecars — an all-time fave of mine.
It’s reminded me how it felt to be a kid discovering the world of cars and racing. Every new page I read was an opportunity to get lost in the history, the engineering, the glamour and prestige. I didn’t do it because I was getting paid to be an expert. I didn’t have to study or remember every little thing. It was just fun.
Online and social media car culture offers the same escape, but it can be so fast and fleeting. Sometimes you need to slow down and get lost on a page.
If reading helps you as much as it does me, paperback copies of ‘Slow Car Fast’ are in stock. Every book is signed, packed and shipped with gloves on in case you have any concerns.
We’re down to less than ten left, after our friends at Autobooks-Aerobooks stocked up, so get your orders in here. Once these are gone I will wait to build back orders before printing more.
Thank you as always for the support, especially now. I am truly sorry we all had to miss out on the some of the awesome events I had planned for 2020. Hopefully we will see each other again soon. Now, on to Race Day.
Book Club
Quick reminder that the Race Day Book Club is currently reading ‘Faster,’ the incredible tale of two unlikely heroes battling the Third Reich on the racetrack in the run-up to World War II, by Neal Bascomb.
This week we’ve finished chapters 11-12, which detail the duel between Delahaye and other French race teams with 1 million francs on the line. Bascomb’s rich reporting and thrilling race scenes shine on track, and his historical perspective provides an eerie backdrop to the jubilation of victory.
One of my favorite parts has been discovering the rich stories behind these legendary cars. I admit I have often lumped these early Grand Prix cars into the “Pre-War” camp and promptly moved on. But taking the time to understand what went into racecar design and competition at that time has deepened my appreciation. I am thankful for the research and thoughtfulness in ‘Faster’ that made that possible.
It’s not too late to start reading along! Check out our book club Google doc, and mark your calendars for an exclusive Q&A session with Bascomb set for Saturday, May 9. One last reminder will go out next week, followed by an email blast containing the discussion thread on the 9th. Hope to see you there!
Culture
Are you a small automotive business? The collector’s insurance company Hagerty has launched $5,000 and $10,000 grants for struggling companies. Apply by May 4.
There’s a lot of chatter about younger enthusiasts who don’t actually “like cars.” I would counter by saying we just understand the danger of over-reliance. Anyway it turns out even people who hate cars don’t like the coronavirus outbreak:
One of the funniest things ever is that it took the Safari 911 trend for Porsche people to realize the Cayenne is an SUV. Still, a nice article on off-road Cayennes.
Enjoyed this piece by journalist Chris Pollitt. Its argument was also the crux of an important part of my book, summed up nicely here: “Cars are becoming an endangered species. So why be a dick about liking them?”
Autoweek has the correct take on a certain automotive journalism trope:
Remember the movie Driven? No one else does either. Except the journalist Marshall Pruett, who held a virtual 19th anniversary party for the terrible racing movie (because it didn’t deserve a 20th).
This is simply a stunning collection by the motorsports photographer Lou Johnson, who missed racing so much she recreated a weekend at the track using Legos.
Just look at this panning shot! Look at it!
Video Reel
First off, I made my debut on the Edmunds’ YouTube channel with this video comparing three luxury SUVs to the new Tesla Model Y we just bought. I was assigned the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe. Tough job, I know:
I don’t have anything intelligent to say about this street racing video but it’s objectively fun to watch.
Happy to post Regular Car Reviews two weeks in a row here. This time it’s on Cash For Clunkers, whether we may see a rebirth of the controversial program and why we should be wary.
Here are two really fun builds that I’m enjoying as they come together:
Influencer Emelia Hartford and the twin-turbo kit for her C8 Corvette
Racer Jackie Ding leading an A90 Supra build
Does anybody actually race those wide body RWB Porsches that have gotten so popular? You may be surprised the answer is yes! You will not be surprised it’s in Australia.
Race Results
The moratorium on motorsports seems to have officially moved past the cute phase and into the grave danger phase. The magazine Autosport was put on indefinite hiatus and several racing series are are in dire straights.
Audi pulled out of DTM, a favorite series of ours, and now it may not survive at all.
In more Sign of the Times news, an entire race series went out of business and you can bid on any one of the cars. Or… you can buy the whole damn caboodle.
Meanwhile, NASCAR is working to return in May.
Many series are still trying to make things work virtually. The excitement has died down a bit, but Formula E and others are still going strong into sim racing. Here are highlights from last weekend:
IndyCar held its sim racing event at COTA, this time including F1 darling Lando Norris who, frankly, dominated. Really enjoyed the race, but can we get some highlights instead of these hour-long videos?
Some great moves in this Top 5 Overtakes of the Week video:
I never tire of watching fans race virtually against real F1 drivers. Must be such a thrill. Here the pair of Williams drivers face off against a talented field in a downpour at Spa:
Auction Block
Barrett-Jackson is embracing the online world with a new May 8 auction that will include the Dodge Viper that John Elway bought new. Lots of interesting American muscle on the docket.
And Finally…
I admit I did not see this coming.
Drive hard and be safe.
Want your event included? Shoot me a note with subject line “Race Day” at ryan@carrarabooks.com.
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