The Suzuka circuit is unique on the Formula 1 season calendar. Its “figure-8″ track configuration, I think, is the “most fair” for a race car’s set up. You have a mostly equal amount of left & right turns. Many say this track is very demanding of both car & driver, having been designed originally as a test track facility by Honda in 1962. It has hosted the Japanese GP since 1987. This Formula 1 race is round 15 in the 2012 series.
Do We Save SAF1C?
The San Antonio F1 Club (SAF1C) had attempted to facilitate another Race Watch Party at the Lion & Rose Pub. Unfortunately, there will be NO F1 race viewing this coming Sunday at the L+R. Pub. We have been pre-empted by a larger than life soccer match viewing that will take over most of the Pub. This is the match between Real Madrid & Barcelona at 1:00pm. Please schedule & program your DVRs for the Japanese GP at the Suzuka circuit on SPEED, for your own F1 GP race viewing pleasure.
I must mention… the number of F1 fans who have actually shown up recently has been pitifully small. I’m sure those of us who do participate enjoy the experience. I know I do. But it takes a lot of effort on my part to coordinate these parties at the Lion & Rose Pub, obtain nice give-away swag prizes, research trivia questions, & prepare, set up & publicize all of this. Bottom line, the return on investment is nil or less – my time is worth more than that! Continuing as we are, I do not want to do!!!
After Sunday’s Japan GP, there are only 5 Formula 1 races left this 2012 season:
- The Korea GP – October 7th
- The India GP – October 14th
- The Abu Dhabi GP – November 4th
- The Austin USGP – November 18th !!! (Of course I will be there, at the GP, not in San Antonio!)
- & The Brazil GP – November 25th
So… do we as a group want to continue our Race Watch Parties through the end of this season? Do we want to look for another venue that is willing to work with us? I will visit once again with The Lion & Rose Pub management to see if we can get back on their Sunday schedule for the Korea GP on Sunday, October 7th. Frankly, if I don’t hear any enthusiastic response for continuing this SAF1C Race Watch Party series, then I’m sorry – that will be it!
If you want to improve the probability of the return of the SAF1C Race Watch Parties, PLEASE get with your fellow race enthusiast friends & acquaintances. Also, follow up with me via e-mail. We need to show the Pub that our numbers count as a worthwhile event to host. This is NOT the way I wanted to get involved in the Formula 1 “silly season”!
So, we won’t see you Sunday, but look forward to your enthusiastic feedback from you…
RACE ON !
Dan
