Jenson Buttons Wins His First Grand Prix

May 27th, 2008

Well for over 100 races now (113 to be exact), we have been anticipating the day that Jenson Button would win his first grand prix. Right through his career with Williams, then BAR and now Honda all the UK have labelled Jenson as the new Nigel Mansell or Damon Hill, but race after race something would go wrong with reliability issues of just a lack of pace would put Jensen on the podium at best but not on first place. But on a rainy day in Hungary in August 2006 his fortunes would change. Who would have guessed that after a 10-place penalty for changing an engine he would start from 14th place on the grid to storming win?

It was a historic race all round with Alonso suffering a 2 second penalty for each of the first 2 rounds on qualifying to put him 15th on the grid, after he waved his fists at another test driver on the Friday free practice. Then Michael Schumacher on the very next day overtook Alonso with red flags flying and he also received a 2 second per qualifying session penalty so he finished up 11th on the grid. Villeneuve had pulled out of the race complaining of headaches from a shunt the week before, so in comes the first Polish driver ever, BMW’s test driver Kubica and delivers a 9th grid slot, quite amazing. We now had one new driver and 3 top placed drivers in the second half of the grid, the stage was set for at least an interesting Sunday’s race, as Raikkonen took pole.
These pre-race events had already set the heart rate of the GP race fan soaring, but what we did not expect was for the racing to be just if not more compelling. This was the first ever GP race in Hungary with rain and it created much indecision at the beginning of the race, no-one really knew what tyres to use, it was slippery even catching De La Rosa out on the warm up lap, with a spin.

The race then started and from the first corner there was wheel-to-wheel action resulting in one of the best Grand Prixs ever in recent years. Michael Shcumacher had to suffer the embarrassment of Alonso lapping him, only to come back to 3rd before a driver error took him off. Alonso suffered a broken drive shaft after a pit stop that took him out of the race whilst winning. Raikkonen misjudged a back marker and was catapulted over the back markers car to another retirement. Whilst all the events were unfolding Jenson got faster and faster, not reacting to tyre changes too early until they were certain they were going to work, choosing to stay out on intermediates until it was right for slicks. As he crossed the fishing line over 30 seconds ahead of De La Rosa it was a moment to cherish for the British motor racing fan, not only had he done it, but done it such difficult circumstances and style. What was interesting that directly after the race, not all the interviews were shown on TV as grown men were crying with emotion in the Honda pit lane, so much work and effort had gone into this historic win. It was on day where no one including Jenson himself thought it would be coming; in contrast to the races where they thought they had a chance only to put in a poor performance. Long may it continue!

Mark is webmaster for Elephant Insurance and Home Contents
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A Look At Lacrosse

May 20th, 2008

Everyone has watched it, been amazed by it and thought it looked like fun. Lacrosse is a team sport that requires a fast pace and quick judgment. Each team consists of 10-12 players (10 men or 12 women) whom use netted sticks in order to control a rubber ball. The object of Lacrosse is to score by guiding the rubber ball into the opposing team’s goal.

Lacrosse is extremely popular in North America where it is the oldest known sport and still remains one of the fastest growing. Everyone from children to high school, college and professional Lacrosse athletes are at continuous play. Lacrosse is widely adored throughout the United States and it’s Northeastern region, but is perhaps most highly honored as Canada’s national summer sport. Fans in the Western United States need not worry, however, as the sport is steadily moving toward increased popularity in Colorado, California and Oregon. Even the sunshine state in the Southeastern United States is catching on, along with other southern states such as Tennessee and Texas.

Lacrosse is played on a competition field made of grass or artificial turf. Both men’s and women’s Lacrosse competitions are much the same with the main difference being the required protective gear. Women competitors are only required to wear protective eye gear whereas gentlemen athletes are required to wear protective headgear, shoulder equipment and protective hand wear.

The sport of Lacrosse was originally invented by North Americans. Originally designed as a very intense, physical sport, players used their netted sticks to make contact with their opponents and then clearing the way for them to score a goal. In their earliest days, Lacrosse games often lasted for several days. Because the sport was so physical and encouraged contact between players, some competitors were seriously injured during the early years. However, contact is no longer permitted in Lacrosse as we know it today. The object of the game is to direct and guide the rubber ball to victory without harming, or inflicting pain upon, any players on the opposing team.

Individuals who would like to learn more about Lacrosse, are interested in participating or simply wants to stay abreast of the latest news, happenings and live events may visit lacrosse.org. In addition, website visitors may be able to read additional historic facts, player profiles and information on contacting the organization. Color photos, news releases and other related stories are posted regularly.

Find more lacrosse news, curling news and many other sports news on http://www.sportsnews24h.com.

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Curling - An Ice Sport With A Cool Curve

April 18th, 2008

Curling, even though being recognized as an Olympic medal sport, is still unfamiliar to many. Just what is this sport and how is played? Simply put, curling is a sport that is played on ice where players slide granite rocks down the playing field. As the rocks travel, they have will often curve, or ‘curl,’ during play. This is why the sport is known as Curling.

This unique sport first came into existence on the frozen ponds and lakes of Northern Europe. During a Curling competition, two teams of four players will slide hefty granite rocks across a 130′ x 15′ sheet of ice. The rocks travel down the ice toward the center, which is similar to an archery format. The designated areas are painted just below the surface of the ice at both ends, which allows the rocks to be played back and forth during a series of competitions.

Each Curling game will consist of sixteen rocks being thrown and, following the conclusion, a score is tallied. Each team will score one point for each rock that is determined to be closest to the center. Very similar to the strategy of baseball, only one team can score during any given play. One of the most unique features of curling is the incorporation of sweeping. When a player sweeps the ice, they are essentially brushing it at a rapid pace in order to keep the rock moving. The process of sweeping helps to polish the ice and helps to promote a more distant, straight moving rock.

Curling is a popular sport that is actively played in over 20 countries, including North America, Asia, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. A large majority of curling players reside in the United States, Scotland and Canada. Mostly played indoors, curling is a popular sport for fans who prefer to be protected from mother nature while enjoying a sports event.

Even though many are still unfamiliar with curling as a sport, it’s awareness has increased since the 2002 Olympic games, which were held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Cable television covered the events worldwide and many sports enthusiasts were drawn to the unique aspect of curling. In fact, curling was also a popular sport in the recent 2006 Olympic Winter Games, which were held in Turin, Italy. For more information on curling as a sport, player biographies and how to get involved, athletes and fans may visit usacurling.org.

Find more information on curling and curling news, skating news and many other sports news on http://www.sportsnews24h.com/

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