Formula One Next Door -Simply Fabulous!
I live in a small pueblo in Valencia named Pedralba. We are way out of town in the mountains where nothing much happens and life is a leisurely stroll. I’m not complaining because I happen to think it is as close to Heaven as one can get on earth. However, our next-door neighbour is a pueblo named Cheste which is home to racing fans from all over the world. A lot of things take place there from time to time, most of which I ignore, but on February 1, 2nd, and 3rd, there will be Formula One racing practices ahead of the new season.
If I were to ignore that and I failed to attend even one day, what would be your verdict about my sanity? I have been a critic of such an expensive form of sport during these very difficult times. I’m not even a great fan of the sport, but organisers can’t be more helpful to me to be able to watch really fine driving. They have brought it right to my front door. I’m sure a lot of you will be saying “No way, Jose!” But it is true, so I will go along, prepared to be secretly thrilled.
The venue is the Ricardo Tormo Racing Circuit. It is a 4-kilometre course that hosts many and varied events, including primarily motorcycle racing, 50 c.c, 125 c.c and 250 c.c. Also touring car racing and of course, Grand prix racing. Formula One racing in Valencia is done in the streets of the City, but the track is heavily used for practice.
The normal direction of racing is contrary to Formula One that goes the reverse order, and this places an extra strain on drivers from the G-forces that pull and push neck muscles, but somehow they do manage. It is a very challenging course that does allow speeds to 300 kph.
The Circuit was inaugurated in 1999, and it takes its name from a giant in motorcycling racing, Ricardo Tormo. He was one of Valencia’s favourite sons who died in 1998 after having lost his battle with leukaemia.
The Ricardo Tormo Racing Circuit is a special favourite of speed fans. When they are in town the population of Cheste goes from about 3,000 to about 50,000. It is really something to behold.
Copyright © 2011 Eugene Carmichael
I live in a small pueblo in Valencia named Pedralba. We are way out of town in the mountains where nothing much happens and life is a leisurely stroll. I’m not complaining because I happen to think it is as close to Heaven as one can get on earth. However, our next-door neighbour is a pueblo named Cheste which is home to racing fans from all over the world. A lot of things take place there from time to time, most of which I ignore, but on February 1, 2nd, and 3rd, there will be Formula One racing practices ahead of the new season.
If I were to ignore that and I failed to attend even one day, what would be your verdict about my sanity? I have been a critic of such an expensive form of sport during these very difficult times. I’m not even a great fan of the sport, but organisers can’t be more helpful to me to be able to watch really fine driving. They have brought it right to my front door. I’m sure a lot of you will be saying “No way, Jose!” But it is true, so I will go along, prepared to be secretly thrilled.
The venue is the Ricardo Tormo Racing Circuit. It is a 4-kilometre course that hosts many and varied events, including primarily motorcycle racing, 50 c.c, 125 c.c and 250 c.c. Also touring car racing and of course, Grand prix racing. Formula One racing in Valencia is done in the streets of the City, but the track is heavily used for practice.
The normal direction of racing is contrary to Formula One that goes the reverse order, and this places an extra strain on drivers from the G-forces that pull and push neck muscles, but somehow they do manage. It is a very challenging course that does allow speeds to 300 kph.
The Circuit was inaugurated in 1999, and it takes its name from a giant in motorcycling racing, Ricardo Tormo. He was one of Valencia’s favourite sons who died in 1998 after having lost his battle with leukaemia.
The Ricardo Tormo Racing Circuit is a special favourite of speed fans. When they are in town the population of Cheste goes from about 3,000 to about 50,000. It is really something to behold.
Copyright © 2011 Eugene Carmichael
