"RWS Motorsport" (rwsmotorsport)
11/23/2014 at 11:30 Filed to: Happenings Motorsport
16
51|
"RWS Motorsport" (rwsmotorsport)
11/23/2014 at 11:30 Filed to: Happenings Motorsport | 16
| 51 |
With 2014 drawing to a close (well, motorsport wise anyway) I thought I would do a write up of my year of standing on the banking of a whole range of series. I've been pretty lucky this year in that I've managed to get to a whole range of different races, including my first overseas events. My only regret is that I couldn't make Le Mans owing to a university commitment, but hey, theres always 2015 :D.
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BTCC - Brands Hatch
BTCC at Brands Hatch for the season opener has become a bit of a tradition for me, and I haven't missed this round since 2009. This years BTCC Grid was exceptional, with 32 cars, and around a dozen different models on the track, variety really is what its all about. Having seen the lows of the BTCC a few years ago with grids down into the teens, this year really validated the change to NGTC regs, and the crowds at Brands really showed the series name as the premier motorsport series in the UK is correct.
WEC & ELMS Silverstone
At the other end of the scale to the crash and bash nature of the BTCC is the WEC and ELMS. The ELMS had a 4 hour race on the Saturday which was slightly spoiled by Simon Dolan crashing out of the lead with about 50 minutes left. That did set up an amazing 3 way LMP2 battle for the win, but as I'm a Jota fan, I would be lieing if I said I wasn't disappointed.
The headline event on Sunday of the WEC was Porsches first race with their 919, and Mark Webber's first race in his post-F1 career. I can say without doubt that the gate numbers were up this year over last, purely because of Webber. The free pitwalk/driver autograph session (take note F1) was heaving, and all of that was focused around the Porsche Garage. Don't get me wrong, Audi and Toyota were not quiet, but Webber was clearly a big draw for people.
The race itself was cut short by what can only be described as a monsoon. For once I agreed with a race being red flagged for rain, as it was pretty dicey driving out in the car at 20mph, let alone down the hanger straight at 150mph+.
May:
HSCC Brands Hatch
With an interesting mix of stuff on at Brands Hatch, I decided to head over. I also discovered as his Mustang appeared around Sheene corner slightly crossed up, that the CEO of where I work was out and racing.
The old F1 cars were the headline race, and all I can say is F1 has gone backwards from the 80s from an audio point of view. These things sound glorious, and the Brabhams in Martini livery aren't bad on the eyes. There was a lovely tribute to Sir Jack Brabham (this was the weekend after he passed away) which David and Matthew lead.
Also on the timetable was a selection of historic GTs, and touring cars. E-Types in the sunshine. 'nuff said.
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HSCC - Snetterton
Considering Snetterton is the nearest track to my family home, I only went once this year. The Autosport 3 Hours was the main event, and included a certain Al Buncombe (as in Nissan GT academy) who seemed to spend all his time sideways in another glorious E-Type. A light shower towards the end of the race really showed the different between a good gentleman and a professional driver. Al was running rings around everyone else in the field.
ADAC 24hrs - Nurburgring
This was my first 24hour race, and wow, what an event. The Nordschliefe is an incredible place, and getting your head around the concept of 165 cars on track, and seeing them only once every 12 or 13 minutes is very bizarre. The campsite was an interesting experience, and I definitely got the feeling that at least 50% of the audience were there for drinking, rather than for racing. But still, waking up to engine noise = perfection. I have to say, without Radio Le Mans, this race would have been way less fun, and their commentary was invaluable throughout the race.
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Formula E Testing - Donnington Park
Whilst this wasn't technically a race, I popped up to Donington Park to see what all the buzz was about (hur hur hur). I wont talk too much about it, as I did write a big ole piece about it at the time, all I will say is, I am looking forward to seeing them in London in 2015.
Blancpain Endurance Series - 24hrs Spa Francorchamps
GT racing really is in a golden age at the minute. Like it or hate it, Balance of Performance for GT3s creates grids of 50+ GT3s, only separated by driver skill. Really different feel to the N24, much quieter, and to be honest, felt like an event for the drivers, and if some people happened to watch then great. After a pretty appalling start with lots of safety cars, finally culminating in a red flag for a nasty crash between 2 Ferraris. After around a 50 minute stop for a medevac, the race did resume, and the drivers calmed down. From then to the chequered flag, there was only 1 more very quick safety car, giving us almost 18 hours of clean, green racing. The fight came down to the Marc VDS BMW, and the WRT Audi, with the lead changing in WRTs favor with less than 20 minutes to go. Awesome event, and for a quieter and more friendly feeling 24hr race, you'd be hard pressed to find something better.
August:
British GT - Brands Hatch
GT3 racing, but this time for a 2hour sprint race on the full GP loop at Brands Hatch. The GP loop at Brands only gets used for the bigger events, so its nice to wander out there. It's a bit of a special place, with no commentary so the only noise you get is the engines of the cars as they make their way round. The race itself was pretty good, although the Trackspeed Porsche could rightfully feel a little robbed, after a late puncture took them out of the lead they had held for the whole race. You can see the championship growing in popularity, with more and more people at the races. Here's hoping for an even stronger 2015.
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Brighton Speed Trials
After a year Hiatus, the Speed Trials were back on Marina Drive at Brighton this year. I watched most of the runs from up on the main road, which is completely free for spectators (side note: this was absolutely heaving with people, which gives me hope for Formula E. Give people free motorsport and they will watch it). Its hard to actually keep track of the event with lots of handicaps and stuff, but its basically just a selection of cool cars and bikes being ragged to within an inch of their life. Oh, and there was an F40 there :D.
Shere Hill Climb
The day after Brighton there was a small event near to my new house. The Shere Hill Climb is technically not motorsport, as they don't allow timing (as you cant run closed road motorsport on British roads), but I believe it is essentially run on the premise that no police are present, and the road is to all intents and purposes closed; so go for it. Biggest thing for me for the LF-A that was present, which as it transpires was the only one on the roads in the UK. DAT NOISE
Ferrari Racing Days - Silverstone
Ferrari classic F1 cars, XX program, and some Ferrari races too. This was definitely more about the event than the racing, but the FXX program is very cool, and the Corsa Clienti guys in their F1 cars put on a great show. Plus, many many F40s, and a LaFerrari. Not too shabby.
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BTCC Brands Hatch
The season closer for the BTCC is always a good event, with a real end of term feel to it. Drivers are a lot less careful with their cars when they have 3 or 4 months to fix them. Turks wrapped the title up in race 1, which was good because Plato punted him off in race 2. Race 3 became a complete monsoon, but a fantastic drive from Sheddon saw him take the win. The series does need to do something about driving standards, because it sets a bad example when Plato can drive like that without any meaningful penalties. That being said, the series is clearly massively popular, and by the sounds of it, the support series will be more full next year too, so only going to get better in 2015.
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Tempest Rally Farnborough
A proper club event for rallying which a local friend introduced me too last year. I somewhat mistakenly spent the day following the smaller 4 wheel drive field around, rather than the more diverse and interesting 2wds. It's a nice mix of stages from more open stuff like Ash, to the proper forest stage of Warren. As a side note, it was also my first time shooting the event as accredited media which was rather cool, and my first time with my new camera (7d Mark ii, upgraded from my 60d). A really fun event, and well worth a look if your local.
FIA Wales Rally GB Wales
I thought as a nice way to round off my season of watching racing, I'd do one more big event. I've never been to a WRC event before, so was really excited to see this. Whilst its clear this series isn't in the best of health, there are plenty of fans who were willing to spend the whole day cold, wet and miserable in the forests watching a smaller field of full house WRCs coming past.
I can't really describe the speed of that handful of top drivers, I've never seen anything like it. Mind-blowingly fast just about sums it up.
I was a wuss this year and stayed in a hotel but I think if I go back ill put my big boy trousers on and just sleep in the car like the more hardcore fans.
I have to say, this year has been a fantastic year for me, and I've been grateful to experience this wide range of stuff. My plan is to make sure I'm at Le Mans in 2015, but beyond that I have nothing really committed. Hopefully back to the N24, and the WEC at Silverstone.
Roll on 2015 is all I can say
dataPOG
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 12:22 |
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Here we see the intended nose design of the 2014 F1 cars attached to a beautiful red machine from a small village in Italy (I have no idea the size)...See that FIA? You should take some notes, especially on the engine.
TheStigsGermanCousin
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 12:42 |
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This is my wallpaper now.
Maxxuman
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 12:42 |
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Awesome shot!
Dave Smith
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 12:42 |
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For your 2015 plans, I would suggest the Britcar 24 at Silverstone. It's two weeks after the WEC meeting in April.
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TheStigsGermanCousin
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 12:43 |
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You take epic photos.
All Motor Is Best Motor
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 12:44 |
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I really miss these wide-ass rear wings. The current ones look downright pathetic.
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TheStigsGermanCousin
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 12:46 |
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This should have been called "Your amazing 2014 Motorsport wallpapers are here"
Seriously well done.
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RWS Motorsport
> Dave Smith
11/23/2014 at 12:50 |
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Ah yes I did see that was back on. Ill await the entry list, but if its got GT3s on the entry list, i'll very likely head up that way.
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RWS Motorsport
> TheStigsGermanCousin
11/23/2014 at 12:50 |
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Thanks very much :) plenty more where those came from:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1267349
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RWS Motorsport
> Maxxuman
11/23/2014 at 12:51 |
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Awesome noise from that beast, could hear it from miles away.
That_silver_sti_22
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 13:05 |
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For the first time in my life i think I'm living in the wrong country... He's a list of races I've been to this year...
1. None
Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 13:13 |
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Hey guys, look what I can do...
PerspexAvenger
> Maxxuman
11/23/2014 at 13:15 |
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*dirty noises*
So many levels of Want.
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RWS Motorsport
> That_silver_sti_22
11/23/2014 at 13:20 |
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Ha yeah, the UK and western europe have an amazing racing scene. Very handy for petrol heads
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RWS Motorsport
> Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double
11/23/2014 at 13:21 |
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Can I Play?
CALUSA
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 13:28 |
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Yes, finally some focus on the BTCC haha! Must have been a great year. Next year V8 Supercars?
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georgiahomeboy
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 13:40 |
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As an American, I'm unfamiliar with Brand's Hatch (mostly because it's not on Forza) so I looked it up. There's a full Google street view for it! Pretty cool.
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Murray Scullion
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 13:42 |
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Great story. I'd recommend the Silverstone Classic for next year, looks like the sort of thing you could be into
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RWS Motorsport
> CALUSA
11/23/2014 at 13:44 |
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Oh how I wish i could make it to the Bathurst 1000. Especially as its the final Ford vs Holden year. I just dont think i'm gonna be able to afford it :( would love to do an aussie V8s round.
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RWS Motorsport
> Murray Scullion
11/23/2014 at 13:45 |
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Yeah thats certainly on the list. I have a real hankering to see some Group C cars running in anger, and I think Silverstone Classic is the only place they are running in 2015 in the UK.
Stef Schrader
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 13:49 |
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<3 <3 <3!!!
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CALUSA
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 13:50 |
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Samen story for me here! It's because Holden quits right? Did not follow that one.
Loving the Volvos btw, hopefully more manufacturers will come.
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RWS Motorsport
> CALUSA
11/23/2014 at 13:51 |
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I think both are leaving. Holden are no longer making cars in Oz as of 2015 or 2016. Ford have pulled factory support from the championship in 15, and pulling out all together in 16. The Volvos though, yes please :D
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CALUSA
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 14:43 |
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Ford as well hmmm, strange because they have made a new version of the Falcon. I hope Nissan en Mercedes will continue to grow. Would be great if Toyota or BMW will challenge them, at least a big company.
Chaparral2F
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 14:53 |
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I envy you...
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RWS Motorsport
> CALUSA
11/23/2014 at 14:56 |
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Yeah its a shame Ford are on their way out. See the story here: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-10-1
Nissan seem to be going from strength to strength, be nice if Mercedes would give more support to the Erebus guys. Yeah a couple more manufacturers in there would be excellent :D
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Shepsport
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 15:32 |
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I know this Mustang. Is this the guy you work for?
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RWS Motorsport
> Shepsport
11/23/2014 at 15:35 |
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Bill Shepherd owns the company I work for yes indeedy. He also owns Bill Shepherd Mustang (no idea where he got that name from)
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Shepsport
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 15:39 |
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Do you work for CAP!?
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RWS Motorsport
> Shepsport
11/23/2014 at 15:41 |
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Ha I do indeedy. Up in R&D. Im one of the Robs. Wow, small world right here.
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CALUSA
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 15:53 |
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Thanks! Strange thing is, Ford is racing with Focus V8s right now, would be great to see these in V8 Supercars.
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Shepsport
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 15:53 |
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Ha! Very small world.
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RWS Motorsport
> CALUSA
11/23/2014 at 15:56 |
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Are those the things that race in the Bathurst 12hrs? do they actually have any factory support, or are they just privateer entries?
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RWS Motorsport
> Shepsport
11/23/2014 at 16:06 |
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Are you a fellow CAP employee? or do you work for one of Bills other ventures?
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CALUSA
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 16:15 |
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Yes Bathurst indeed, it is going to race in The Global Touring Cars. Features V8 cars with 500 bhp (sounds familiar ain't it?). Don't think it has factory support.
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CALUSA
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 16:17 |
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"The GTC is designed and built in Australia through our partner company Pace Innovations, considered one of the world's leading touring car design and production companies, having designed the 2013 cars for the Australian V8 Supercar series amongst others. The design makes the car compatible with both sprint races and endurance racing."
http://www.gtcv8.com/index.html
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Shepsport
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 16:29 |
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Not exactly - my username might give away my involvement. I normally drop in for the x-mas lunch so maybe see you there!
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RWS Motorsport
> Shepsport
11/23/2014 at 16:32 |
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Ha that would make sense, I was wondering that. Awesome, yes might well see you there.
kyldare
> RWS Motorsport
11/23/2014 at 20:48 |
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Do you have any more pics of that light blue 911 at the hill climb event? That thing is beautiful!
matthewtyzack
> RWS Motorsport
11/24/2014 at 04:25 |
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Nice shots. I was at Paddock Hill Bend for the Brands Hatch monsoon too, would love to see some more photos in the dark if you have any?
Leon711
> RWS Motorsport
11/24/2014 at 07:06 |
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I was at BTCC opener, was a good weekend, first sunburn of the year!
as a Brighton native I must correct Marina drive to Madeira Drive.
like this
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RWS Motorsport
> matthewtyzack
11/24/2014 at 08:03 |
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I have a few more. My biggest mistake was I had a darkening filter on the camera, so it was really struggling by the end of the day... whoops ha. wont be doing that again.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1267349
Ntovorni
> RWS Motorsport
11/24/2014 at 09:42 |
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Is this Chris Hoy's car? I'm not sure if he drove in any races outside of the UK.
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RWS Motorsport
> Ntovorni
11/24/2014 at 10:23 |
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He drives for RJN in the British gt championship which did go to spa. But no he didn't drive in the spa 24hr
DaMata
> RWS Motorsport
11/24/2014 at 10:44 |
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Great post, great pics, great times you had :)
Btw, why no love for motorcycle racing?
Donington Park has had awesome weekends when World SBK comes to town. You should check that out, next year ;)
Ninja-GUY
> RWS Motorsport
11/24/2014 at 11:47 |
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This just makes me want to move to the UK.
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RWS Motorsport
> DaMata
11/24/2014 at 12:08 |
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I did look at Moto GP at silverstone this year, as I very much want to see Rossi race before he retires. But as he confirmed he is racing in 2015, I intend to head up to Donny for the Moto Gp
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matthewtyzack
> RWS Motorsport
11/25/2014 at 05:53 |
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Cheers! Thanks for sharing.
Kid Cars
> RWS Motorsport
11/30/2014 at 15:27 |
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I'm not sure if it's more impressive that this looks straight out of Forza, or that Forza looks so realistic. Either way, great pictures.
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Kid Cars
> RWS Motorsport
11/30/2014 at 15:29 |
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Super fuckin' classy
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Kid Cars
> RWS Motorsport
11/30/2014 at 15:30 |
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I LOVE shots where you can see the heat of the brakes. So awesome.