So its been since IndyCar's Mid-Ohio race last year since I posted anything on this blog....for this I am ashamed but must admit life gets in the way...
While I have time this morning enjoying the beautiful sunshine on this the 10th day of June 2014, I've decided to resurrect this blog after spending the past weekend at the Canadian Grand Prix. the 2014 edition was my 6th time attending the wonderful event. It is my vacation; my Disney Land, my Spring Break , my whatever it is people do to escape the realities of everyday life. Since 2008 (bar 2009...ugh) I have looked forward to this weekend from begining of May. But this year was different. Although I was excited just to go the wonderful Ile Notre-Dame, this year I was uber excited because we have new technology in Formula 1 and a new engine/Power Unit! For the first time since 2006, the engine formula has changed. Gone were the screaming 2.4L V8 natrualy aspirated engines, hello 1.6L V6 Turbo Hybrid! Now, you may say "why are you excited for these new um, sorry little excuses of engines? Havent you heard the sound on TV they sound like Dyson's! My mini van has a bigger engine?" You want to know why? First off, its relevant to the 21st century, second of all it leaves a lot of room for innovation that could lead to better road car motors. third , have you seen the race in Bahrain? And finally, because numbers don't lie: 560HP from the combustion engine and 160+ HP from the electric hybrid system. Some claim the Mercedes Power Unit has 900HP potential. are you kidding me?! 900HP from a little 1.6L V6? But I digress...
Now, my intetion for this post is to just sum up my experience at the GP, I wont talk about the race its self. for this I refer you to my podcast webpage at
www.formulathoughts.com and click on the audio files where you will find my reaction to a few of the things I witnessed and experienced whilst there. I also have a really kick ass interview with a bunch of Hamilton fans.
 |
| I guess in the end I had the last laugh...haha |
Also keep an eye open in the next week or so for the proper Formula Thoughts Podcast where Aaron, Joe and myself will dissect the GP and review the action. In the mean time check out
www.pitstopradio.com and listen to the wonderful Sarah host a complete debrief of the action along with Sam, Jack and myself.
This post is going to be about the importance of the GP to Montreal, Quebec , Canada and the entire Formula 1 organisation.
The Canadian GP has been signed for 10 more years a nearly 200 million dollar deal which will see the Canadian Grand Prix remain a classic and favorite on the F1 Calendar.
 |
| Beautiful shot of the circuit I took during the Formula 1600 practice |
From a economic point of view, the GP brings in so much revenue to small businesses in Montreal like bars, shops motels corner stores etc. This expands to a wider area once people start travelling to and from Montreal. Living in Kingston, I need to travel the 401 highway east to Montreal, along the way you find many On Route rest stops. I guarantee you they see an influx of business without even realizing why. I'm sure they figure out once they see many people dressed up in F1 fan apparel and either sun burned dirty and with a large smile on their face. But the the point I'm making is the GP affects the entire country not only financially but culturally. The GP brings the world Canada for 3 days where Canada is the talk of the town. The race itself is always one of the most entertaining on the calendar with this year being no different (WATCH IT) The drivers themselves love to come here not only because of the nature of the circuit but because we embrace the sport, the fans are knowledgeable we give a damn about them. You can talk to just about anyone there about the sport in general and you will get smart informed answers - its embedded in the city! To echo Mayor
Denis Coderre in the Montreal Gazette "the Canadian Grand Prix is part of Montreal's DNA". And I will go farther and say it is part of Canada's DNA. The fact that three tiers of the government has invested millions for this 10 year deal just shows the value of this event. Picture the Olympics coming to Canada every year, this is what the GP does. In 2009 when the we lost the GP was devestating to the city, thats 75 million dollars not entering the country. That's a lot of cash. This new deal will not let that happen again for the next decade.
 |
| Love this photo: the Montreal downtown in the background |
However, there is work to be done to the facilities; a new medical center must be built, a new race control tower needs to be built, the paddock must be renovated. Most of this by 2017. It is fair to ask for this because with new venues such as Abu Dahbi setting the standard in Formula 1 for facilites, the Canadian circuit must do something as well. But the good thing is, it will not lose its heritage, its personality. it will just do what is necessary to keep up to standards but still be the best circuit , the warmest and most welcoming facility on the calendar. , the Canadian circuit must do something as well. But the good thing is, it will not lose its heritage, its personality. it will just do what is necessary to keep up to standards but still be the best circuit , the warmest and most welcoming facility on the calendar.
Well, I believe I have said all i can say about this great news. I once again welcome you all to www.formulathoughts.com for a recap of the weekend live on location and do keep an eye out for the next episode of Formula Thoughts Podcast ; Canada. Have a great week everyone!
