Some people like yoga, some people like meditation... but me? I like the kind of zen you get from watching 40 cars go 200 miles per hour, inches apart. It's a beautiful, terrifying, and utterly mesmerizing experience.

NEWS FLASH

The Aston Martin Valkyrie is trading its "inside voice" for a V12 roar that'll rattle your teeth and wake the neighbors. It's like someone swapped the car's silencer for a loudspeaker, and we're not complaining. Driver Roman De Angelis says the sound takes him back to his childhood, which we can only assume was a glorious symphony of engine noise and cheering crowds. Either way, we're here for the eargasmic soundtrack and the inevitable noise complaints from Sebring's grounds crew.

NASCAR is facing backlash over a new rule that could allow "world-class drivers" to automatically qualify for the Daytona 500. The rule, which was written into the charter agreement last September, has been criticized for being a "gimmick" to attract big stars. Some drivers have also expressed concern that the rule could undermine the integrity of the sport. Is this a necessary change to keep NASCAR exciting, or a desperate move that could backfire?

Hold onto your helmets F1 fans, because 2025 is bringing some serious shake-ups to the track! The fastest lap point is getting the boot, drivers will be chilling with new cooling systems, and rookies are getting more time to shine with increased FP1 sessions. Plus, the FIA is cracking down on DRS trickery and tweaking qualifying rules for those unpredictable weather days. And don't forget the mule car tire test in Abu Dhabi, giving us a sneak peek at what's to come in 2026. It's going to be a wild ride, so stay tuned!

SIM RACING SNIPPETS

• Vroom Vroom! 🏎️💨 Assetto Corsa EVO's new update drops February 19th with the Lancia Delta HF Integrale "Evoluzione 2", Lamborghini Huracán STO, and the iconic Fuji Speedway. Check out the video and get ready to race!

• FREE GAME ALERT: Get it while it’s…free! F1 Manager 2024 is free for a limited time, claim it before February 20th here at the Epic Games store before you miss out! It's like playing real-life F1, but you're the boss, making all the calls, and trying not to get fired.

• Price leak… Multiple sources suggest that the Moza mBooster Active Pedal will retail for around $460USD. However with the new tariff’s in place and a release date of March 2025, this final cost may be subject to change depending where you purchase it.

• Turtle Beach, known for their kiddie looking direct drive wheel must have taken feedback from a few people. The reviews on their new VelocityOne Multi-Shift, gear shifter are out and it actually looks and performs great.

MOTORSPORTS REPORT

• IndyCar fans, get ready to level up your race-day experience! Penske Entertainment has partnered with GridRival to launch a new fantasy gaming app for the IndyCar Series. With both season-long and daily fantasy contests, you can put your racing knowledge to the test and win real money.

• NASCAR kicked off its season with the Daytona 500: a race at Daytona International Speedway, commonly referred to as "NASCAR's Super Bowl" for its popularity and prestige. The Daytona 500 is the crown jewel of the NASCAR Cup Series, joining it amongst crown Jewels are the Coca-Cola 600, Southern 500, and Brickyard 400, each with its own unique history and significance in the sport.

• The first new F1 car of 2025 has been revealed, and it's a surprise launch from McLaren. The new MCL39 is influenced by a former Red Bull technical leader, and the experts break down its design and potential in the a recent episode of The Race F1 Podcast.

• Followed by the second reveal from Williams defying the expected limitations with this ambitious reveal discussed again at length by The Race F1 Podcast.

Speaking of fantasy leagues... Our community over at Sim Racing Nation is running the F1 Fantasy league through GridRival this year. It starts in a few weeks, so go ahead and join the fun now! https://gridrival.app.link/cyMh5cBRXQb

THE SPOTLIGHT

The Great NASCAR Debate "Win and You're In" or "Consistency is King"?

NASCAR's playoff format has been a hot topic lately, with its "win and you're in" format causing a stir among fans and drivers alike. Sure, it's made for some edge-of-your-seat moments, but some argue it's not the best way to crown a champion.

Here's the lowdown:

• Regular Season: 26 races where winners automatically qualify for the 16-driver playoffs. If there aren't enough winners, the remaining spots go to the highest-ranked drivers in the points standings.

• Playoffs: 10 races divided into four rounds: Round of 16, Round of 12, Round of 8, and Championship 4. The lowest-ranked drivers get the boot in each round until the final four battle it out for the championship.

• Win and You're In: A win in any playoff race means you're automatically in the next round.

But here's the catch…

• Undervaluing Consistency: A driver could have a stellar regular season but get knocked out early in the playoffs due to a few bad races.

• Championship Race at Same Track: The championship race is always at Phoenix Raceway, which some say makes it less exciting.

• Lack of Fairness: A driver with fewer overall points could win the championship over a more consistent driver.

So, what's next? NASCAR is listening to the feedback and is considering changes for the 2026 season. These could include expanding the Championship 4, changing the elimination rounds, rotating the championship race, and even rethinking the "win and you're in" rule.

It's a debate between tradition and innovation, with some fans loving the excitement of the playoffs and others missing the old season-long points system. Only time will tell what the future holds for NASCAR's playoff format.

INTERESTING STATISTIC

Dale Earnhardt Sr. was a Daytona dominator! He won a mind-blowing 34 races across all NASCAR events at the track. Even if you only count Cup Series races, he still racked up 10 wins, including that epic 1998 Daytona 500. Talk about a comeback story! That victory was so iconic because it was the only Daytona 500 win of his career. Some people call it luck, but I call it skill. The Intimidator knew how to navigate those high banks and draft like no other, proving time and time again why he's one of NASCAR's all-time greats.

Did you know Dale Earnhardt Sr. earned the nickname "The Intimidator" for his aggressive driving style?

AROUND THE WEB

During this week: February 18, 2001 - Dale Earnhardt Sr. tragically dies in a crash on the final lap of the Daytona 500

That’s neat: Finally, another teaser or the upcoming F1 movie starring Brad Pitt scheduled for release June 25, 2025. Whether you’re going to see Brad, or watch the movie, it looks like it’s set to be a thriller.

Wow: Why Rwanda is not a great idea to host an F1 Grand Prix right now. Count me out for a trip during a current ‘bloody conflict’.

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