New Changes and Improvements For the 2010 Indianapolis 500

CHASSIS COMPETITION FOR 2012: The Indianapolis 500 Mile Race was the proving ground for early automobile manufacturers and its history of innovation has as much to do with its iconic status as its size, distance, and age. The invitation to brilliant automobile engineers to bring their best ideas to Indy has been kept in the box for years, as the historic venue has evolved into a spec race. The teams competing at Indy are currently all driving the same chassis and the same engine. The chassis are supplied by the Italian automobile company Dallara and the engines are leased to the teams by Honda.

The Indy Racing League, in an effort to boost competitive design options, has solicited entries from other chassis manufacturers for 2012, including Lola, Swift, Delta Wing. The IndyCar racing series set forth the specs and the manufacturers are looking for ways to develop a compliant product. Among the specs the manufacturers are expected to comply with is a requirement that the cars be manufactured within the united states and preferably in Indiana. Safety and cost specs are also specified.

CHANGE OF LEADERSHIP AT IMS: Announced in June of 2009, Tony George resigned his position as President of the Indy Racing League and resigned from the board of directors for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well. Revered as a hero to some and assailed as a villain to others, Tony George, will forever be remembered as the man who brought NASCAR and Formula 1 to Indy. He will also forever be remembered as the man who dismantled the Indy car series by giving CART teams an unceremonious boot on the rear end, which led to a fifteen year rivalry that threatened the future of both factions.

Shortly before his double resignation was announced, rumors circulated that other Hulman family members serving on the IMS board were in a state of revolt after years of what they considered imprudent spending by Tony George. Enormous sums of capital were invested into the speedway to accommodate Formula 1, including the construction of completely new high tech garages, the construction of an infield road coarse, and resurfacing of the oval segments of the track to accommodate the Formula 1 series. The total price tag for these accommodations is said to be in excess of sixty million dollars. After negotiations between IMS and Formula 1 failed to produce an ongoing working agreement, IMS abandoned its desire to host the F1 event in the future. The short 8 year run of Formula 1 at Indy is generally regarded as a failed experiment, having cost millions more to run than it generated.. This, coupled with the staggering expense of operating the Indy Racing League, brought pressure for a dramatic change of course in the operational map of the two racing organizations. Tony George, who was apparently not willing to compromise, elected to resign his post at both organizations.

In January 2010, Tony George also announced he would be closing the doors on his own personal racing team, Vision Racing. This move appears to signal the complete and total abdication of all things Indy for Tony George. His mother, Mari Hulman George, remains the Chairman of the Board, where she is joined by other George family members including daughters Nancy George, Josie George, and Kathi George-Conforti.

Top 8 Golf Drivers For 2010

In 2009, the USGA implemented a new rule allowing for “adjustable” clubs to be used on the tour. This allowance has led to a flood of new tour drivers that can be adjusted during play. Most other sports had already allowed for in-game adjustments: NASCAR drivers make in-race adjustments, NFL teams make half-time adjustments and now golfers can make in-game adjustments. Many of the top golf drivers for 2010 share the added ability to adjust, individualize and customize clubs in order to improve performance.

The three primary targets for driver performance include accuracy, distance and overall game improvement. The top 8 golf drivers for 2010 include the following options: Adams Speedline, Callaway Diablo Edge, Callaway FT-IZ, Cleveland Launcher DST, Cobra ZL, Mizuno MP 630, TaylorMade R9 and Titleist 909.

The Adams Speedline Fast 10 driver has improved airflow and a deep, low center of gravity (CG) for higher lift and a straighter flight due to the reduction of side spin. This club delivers a great ball speed and drive distance. There is 10% less drag due to the increased head curvature and a larger clubface leading to a larger sweet spot.

Loft degree angle of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 12.5
Lie degree angle of 58
Head volume of 460 cc
Length of 46.125 inches

The Callaway Big Bertha Diablo Edge driver has a standard and tour version with different head face shapes available. This driver has the highest moment of inertia (MOI) and deepest CG in the Callaway family providing great shot forgiveness.

Loft degree angle for standard version of 9, 10, 11 and 13 with tour version of 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5
Lie degree angle of 57
Head volume of 460 cc
Length of 45.5 and 45 inches

The Callaway FT-IZ driver has both standard and tour drivers with increased stability, consistency and power due to the localized weight of four times as much of the mass on the clubface as opposed to the rear. This provides better ball control with a higher MOI and low CG.

Loft degree angle for standard version of 9, 10, 11 and 13 with tour version of 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5
Lie degree angle of 60
Head volume of 460 cc
Length of 45 inches

The Cleveland Launcher DST has three versions – the standard, draw and tour – these well-balanced clubs have a higher coefficient of restitution (COR) for a more lively shot.

Loft degree angle for standard and draw versions of 9, 10.5 and 12 with tour version of 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5
Lie degree angle is basic
Head volume of 460 for standard and draw versions with 430 cc for the tour version
Length of 45.75 inches for standard and draw versions and 45.125 inches for the tour version

The Cobra ZL – ZL stands for Zero Limits – has an adjustable hosel for changing face angle. The rhombus face insert gives the clubface a powerful striking edge with a traditional rounded head for shaping shots. The Cobra driver has a quietier sound on impact and a higher ball flight trajectory.

Loft degree angle of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5
Lie degree angle is standard –
Head volume of 460 cc
Length of 46 inches

The Mizuno MP 630 Fast Track has special weight adjustments that permit 45 different settings for more precise control of your stroke. It has an open clubface delivering a low CG, low spin and low flight.

Loft degree angle of 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5
Lie degree angle is standard
Head volume of 460 cc
Length of 46 inches

The TaylorMade R9 driver is full of the latest golf technology aimed at improving ball flight: a “Flight Control Technology” sleeve for an adjustable head-and-shaft system, “Movable Weight Technology” and “Inverted Cone Technology”. The smaller, compact clubhead is ideal for shaping shops.

Loft degree angle of 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5
Lie degree angle of 59
Head volume of 418, 420 and 422 cc
Length of 45.25 inches

The Titleist 909 driver has three models – D Comp, D2 and D3 – all made of titanium offering an improved sound, solid feel and superior distance. When you know your ball striking tendencies, you can adjust the club settings for optimized ball speed, launch angle and spin.

Loft degree angles of 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5
Lie degree angles of 59, 58.5 and 58.5
Head volume of 460 cc
Length of 45 inches

There are many new golf drivers on the market this year but the above are the cream of the crop. If you can’t find a new stick to launch the ball a mile from these than you may as well pick another sport.

New Formula One Scoring System For 2010 Season

The 2010 Formula One season is just around the corner. Major changes have been made again as the sport continues trying to work out a way to be more exciting. For the first time in a very long time, the championship has a new scoring system that tries to emphasize winning.

10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 – this has been the scoring system for Formula One throughout this decade. It has also resulted in a lot of criticism. Much like the NASCAR system, many drivers, teams and commentators feel the winner of the race should get more of a bump than just a few points over the second place finisher. By expanding the points difference, there is a common belief that drivers will be more motivated to move forward and try to pass at the end of races instead of settling for a lower position.

Formula One decided to change its system fairly early on in 2009. The only issue was what the change would be. With civil war occurring in the sport, the issue was actually tabled to this year. Regardless, the first offered idea was to ditch the point systems entirely and award a gold medal to the winner with a silver and bronze to the second and third place finishers. This approach made aggressive driving the end all to getting results. Alas, the teams would not agree to it since back marker teams would no longer be able to be excited about gaining some points by finishing fifth for instance.

After much gnashing of teeth, it appears as though the FIA and teams are about to agree to a final scoring system that is dramatically different than what we’ve had, but will meet everyone’s needs. The system will expand to give points to the top 10 finishers instead of the top eight. However, the difference between the points earned for a win, second and third place will be dramatic. The proposed scoring system from winner on down to tenth is 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1. The seven point difference between first and second certainly creates motivation to move forward at the end of the race.

There is one aspect of this scoring system that many are not discussing. It heavily rewards reliability. If you did not finish a race during the 2009 season, the most points you could lose would be 10. Now, the 25 point loss is substantial and particularly so when a team gets off to a very slow start like Ferrari and McLaren did in 2009. If this scoring system had been in place in 2009, Jenson Button would have had something like 150 points by the end of the fifth race with nobody really within 100 points!

Assuming this point system is finalized, and all indications are it will, it will be interesting to see if it makes a big difference in the championship. Even if it doesn’t, F1 should be congratulated for trying different things.

Moving to Charlotte in 2010

There has been an increasing trend of people moving to Charlotte over the past 4 years. Charlotte, North Carolina has grown to over 857,000 and it’s quickly climbing the charts to become the 19th largest city in the U.S. This city is centrally located near the mountains and the coast provides enormous recreational possibilities. Charlotte leads the nation in finance, distribution and transportation as well as quality of life, so that makes the Queen City a great place to live!

Everybody I know has a reason for why they love Charlotte so much. It could be for the four seasons since we are usually able to experience every season which for some provides a good reason for change or to improve. Another reason could be the beautiful tree lined landscape neighborhoods that promote a sense of community. Or could it be the cities rich history the Queen City offers or its pet friendliness. I also heard that most people hate the traffic but they love how easy it is to travel around the city from North to South now with the new stretch of highway 485.

I do know one thing for sure that “Everybody Loves Charlotte” for its variety of family friendly fun things to do around town…

Charlotte’s “Most Popular Attractions”:

White water rafting – should I say more get set to get wet on a variety of trail levels. You can also picnic or hike, bike or do rock climbing.
Great Wolf Lodge located in Concord, NC which is close or next door to Charlotte. It has the indoor waterpark that families love.
Carowinds – amusement park, water park and Music theme park
Boating at Lake Wylie or Lake Norman take your pick
Knight Theater – this beautiful Glass modern looking building outside with rich wood accents inside..this theater offers a variety of performances from dance, comedy to martial arts and more! And there’s not a ad seat inside anywhere the design is great for viewing!
Freedom Park – host Festival in the Park..where artist show off their work, enjoy music, fun and food all are a perfect combination for wholesome outdoor family fun. Coming up in Sept 26, 2010
SteepleChase – horse racing at its best in Mineral Springs, NC. Date: Last Saturday in April (April 24, 2010)
Harvey B. Gantt Center – African cultural Art center named after Charlotte’s former mayor, Harvey B. Gantt.
Epicentre – where shopping, dining, entertaining (theater) and living
Outdoor Skating on Ice – Downtown Charlotte located between E.1st St. and College St. (704) 374-3778. Admission is $ 7.00, and skate rentals are $ 3.00. Just $ 10.00 for an entire day of ice skating in uptown Charlotte.

11. Nascar Racing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway

12. Imaginon – our first library and theater just for youth of all ages… even Teens can hang out here and produce a performance or learn about drama, technology and more!

13. Discovery Place/Imax Theater – where science is made fun

14. Ovens Auditorium – attend the latest play in town

15. Bluementhall Theater downtown

16. Bojangles Coliseum – downtown Charlotte which host famous plays by Tyler Perry, concerts, HS graduations and MORE!

17. Shopping Malls – Southpark, North Lake Mall, Carolina Place Mall….

18. Shopping Plazas – Ayrsley shopping and River Gate shopping Plaza in southwest Charlotte, Blakeney shopping and Piper Glen shopping plaza in South Charlotte and University Place in North section (N. Tryon Street) of Charlotte.

If you’re moving to Charlotte you might find the following local information useful:

Schools:

The Charlotte area offers a large variety of school choices from private schools to charter schools to home schools to boarding schools to public schools. Charlotte public schools are located in the Mecklenburg county school district. The school directory is located here… http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/cmsschools/Pages/default.aspx

Pet Friendly hotels:

If your coming to Charlotte for a visit and you have pets you’ll be glad to know that Charlotte offers a wide variety of Pet Friendly Hotels and pet friendly public parks. You can find a list of Pet friendly Hotels here http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/pet-friendly-hotels-charlotte.html

Moving Tip:

You can stop by any local post office location to fill out an address change form to have your mail forwarded properly and to obtain your Charlotte area discounts from local stores to help you save on your move. The main post office is located in center city downtown Charlotte at 201 N Mcdowell St, Charlotte, NC 28204

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Valentine’s Gifts Baskets For Men – 2010

Valentines gift baskets for men make great Valentine’s Day gifts. It is pretty typical to overlook these baskets in your search for the perfect romantic gift. What many people don’t realize is that these gifts are generally individualized toward a specific topic whether it be a favorite sport, food, or hobby. You can almost always find a gift basket that is suited for something that your loved one enjoys. These are just a few of the more popular choices.

Golf Gift Baskets

Sports themed baskets are very popular and I’ve just chosen the golf basket as an example. With this basket you’ll give your golfer a variety of great gifts. He’ll get to enjoy golfer fortune cookies, golf ball magnets, a cooler cup, and funny ball markers. Also included is a note pad, summer sausage, crackers and cheese, and popcorn to boot. What is nice and unique about this basket is that the items can most certainly be packed for snacks for the next golf outing. Any items that are not food are done in a golf theme. This basket is great for golfing brothers, dads, or granddads. Baskets are also available in football, baseball, and NASCAR themes.

Grillin’ Gift Basket

We all know that the best way to a mans heart is through his stomach. The best way to accomplish that is to give him a basket with a food theme. You can get wine and cheese baskets, snack food baskets, or baked goods baskets. One of my favorites is the Grillin’ Gift Basket. This basket is jam packed full of Jim Beam and Jack Daniels grillin’ goodies. Included are an assortment of sauces and marinades, gourmet coffees, beef jerky, pretezel rods, and salsas. What a great variety to have on hand for summer grilling, especially if your guy is in charge of the grill! What a great way to try some new things at the summer barbecue. Who knows, you may be pleasantly surprised with a new sauce or marinade.

Coffee Connoisseur Gift Basket

Another favorite is the coffee basket. If your guy is a coffee lover then this may be for him. With this basket he’ll enjoy a variety of assorted gourmet coffees, along with samples of cookies, honey, creamers, and even chocolates. What a great way to try some different gourmet coffees every morning along with a neat mixture of goodies to go along. The cinnamon stirs and the honey straws angelinas give variety to the taste.