Kamikawa Back to Ferrari in 2014

Ferrari ISF announced Ferrari super star Everet Kamikawa will once again pilot one of their Italian marquee's ISF F1 racers in 2014. The deal is believed to be a two year deal.

After swearing that he wouldn't return to the red cars after the prancing horse hired Fernando Alonso the champion was asked why he returned.

"They brought back Kimi in F1 and he is a champion so they did the same with me in the ISF," Kamikawa started explaining. "I hate Alonso because he only won his two F1 titles because in 2005 the FIA changed the tire and pit stop rules to stop Ferrari. Then he won in 2006 because his team cheated for half the season and he had his teammate cut Schumi's tire for good measure at the last race just so Schumi wouldn't be able to end his career with a win. Then the Mclaren design scandal which he was the star turncoat for the FIA. Then Crash gate at Renault where he once again provided the evidence to sell out his team. Now he can't haul Ferrari F1 up the grid. Remember how he couldn't pass Petrov in Abu Dhabi? Now that Kimi is back I feel the team will improve. I don't think it will be pretty. Kimi's calm demeanor will drive the fiery temper of Alonso nuts. Kimi won't give way to Alonso. Alonso will get mad and leave or Kimi will just say screw it and leave. Either way I want a front row seat for this show. Oh yeah, the new car should be pretty good too.

Steve the wrench Ratchett

Fitzlaff Doubles Wins in 2014 Opener

Mike Fitzlaff continued where he left off the 2013 ISF season, as the dominant force in the races with wins in the F1 and LMP divisions in the 2014 ISF season opener at the It's Nacho Cheese, It's My Cheese West Bend Grand Prix presented by RacingWisconsin.com.

Fitzlaff took pole positions for both events on a night that featured four rookies, three of which made their ISF debut.
Fitzlaff used the pole positions to put the veterans and rookies to shame as he ran away with the the win in the F1 event over John Wiedemann, Everet Kamikawa, and Mike Lack.

Fitzlaff then converted his pole position to win the LMP season opener by another big margin over Wiedemann, Lack, and third place finisher Mike Dibb making his second ISF start.
"I like these LMP cars more than the F1 cars," Dibb said.

 

Mike Dibb made his ISF debut several seasons ago and returned to the series this year. Dibb has raced in other series and showed confidence in this ISF show when he constantly stared at Mike Lack during their heat race. Dibb said the trick worked before as it did un-nerve the veteran driver Lack. Joining him were fellow rookies Todd Wolf, Kenny Dibb, and Keith Lindbeck.

 

Wolf was nervous before his debut, but steadily gained confidence and finished both the heat race and the semi final in each division. He didn't say much on the night but Wiedemann summed up the driver's debut by telling one reporter that "Todd did a good job and was steady all race and improved."





 
 "This isn't my first rodeo," was Kenny Dibb's comment after qualifying. The rookie driver had a better than average ISF debut by running strong during several stints in the heat races of both classes, while also having bouts of rookie mistakes. 

Lindbeck had a more typical rookie debut with more mistakes than glory, but the new driver making his debut in racing cars did show flashes of speed and a tendency for keeping the paddock loose. Whit his inaugural race "in the can," look for better outings from this driver.

The next race is the Maxim St. Francis Grand Prix at the Inside Edge on October 30th.

Until next time...It's not bad being in the pits!
Steve The Wrench Ratchett

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSCAR FEDERATION
Official Finish, Event # 2014-01
It's Nacho Cheese It's My Cheese West Bend Grand Prix presented by RacingWisconsin.com
September 26, 2013
Lack Track

F1 Grand Prix Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Fitzlaff-Jordan Peugot
2.  John Wiedemann-Jaguar 
3.  Everet Kamikawa-Ferrari
4. Mike Lack-Jaguar
5. Todd Wolf-Caterham
6. Kenny Dibb-Force India
7. Keith Lindbeck-MaRUssia
8. Mike Dibb-Force India

Fastest Qualifier -- Fitzlaff
B Main Winner --Wiedemann

Heat Winners -- Kamikawa, Fitzlaff

LMP Category -- 12 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car

1. Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan Peugeot
2.  John Wiedemann-KIA Peugeot
3.  Mike Dibb-Audi
4. Mike Lack-Toyota Peugeot
5. Todd Wolf-Design Engine Peugeot
6. Keith Lindbeck-MaRUssia
7.  Kenny Dibb-Audi R15
8. Everet Kamikawa-Audi R15 Black 

Fastest Qualifier -- Fitzlaff
B Main Winner --Wiedemann

Heat Winners -- Lack, Fitzlaff

John Wiedemann 2013 Double Champion

JOHN WIEDEMANN DOUBLES UP
Wins Second Consecutive F1 Championship

Beats Field in Close LMP Race

John Wiedemann took his second career F1 title in a nail bitter of a final in the Rapids Grand Prix.
Wiedemann also took the LMP title when the LMP finale was shortened due to an injury suffered by rookie driver Hiroshi Kamikawa.
This story may not due justice to Wiedemann's fantastic season, but it was a dominant one, however the first of the new era
of Mega G race cars in the ISF.
Congratulations John!

Steve The Wrench Ratchett

2014 ISF Schedule

Here is the 2014 ISF Schedule!
Long Live the ISF!


September 26 Nacho Cheese RacingNation.com GP at LACK TRACK

October 30 Maxim GP at Inside Edge

 November 14th Rapids Grand Prix at Rapids International Raceway

 

November 21 Muskego GP at The Road Course at Badger Raceway

January 9 Brookfield GP at Raven Raceway

January 23 Deckertring GP
March 20 Turtle Trot - Turtle Creek Raceway

 
April 17th Rapids Invitational and season finale ISF 200th race with broadcast, cake, the works

Potential 2013 ISF Movie Titles

The 2013 ISF Season Review movie is being produced by Ev's Vivid Imagination Pictures again this year.
As a fun bit of publicity the studio is asking for submissions from ISF fans on Facebook what the title of the movie should be.
Past titles have been
ISF Season Review: "We ain't adding X's here"
ISF Seasn Review: "Ev Don't go"
and
ISF Season Review: "Mike Blows Seals"

So far nominees for the 2013 movie are:
"I have nothing against Mark in this series"
"Did we race this year"
"Jota Doublay Showcase"
"He did what in his cup?"
"Douchebago"

The ISF title is always a bit quirky but fun.
Also to be decided is the soundtrack.
I understand Slim Whittman and Enya are being considered, however what is leaked by the studio is NEVER what actually becomes the soundtrack.

It's not bad being in the pits!
Steve

2014 ISF Changes

As a journalist it is always critical to have sources you can trust.
This is a letter sent to ISF participants by the commissioner.
It is reprinted here.
Once again it is good to be...
In the Pits!
Steve "The Wrench" Ratchett 

Hi friends, racers, track owners,

When John and I had the idea to start the ISF in 2000 it was because we wanted to hang out with friends and have fun with a hobby we all enjoy while talking racing.
Thanks to you that mission has been accomplished over the years.
Now the ISF is facing a situation that makes continuing this tradition tough.
 
That situation is life. Stuff happens. People get families, kids, new jobs, move away, develop other interests, and just have things get in the way of what has been a Thursday night tradition for the last 13 years (or more for many of us).
As you recall just a few years ago the ISF had 8-9 full time drivers and 4-6 part time drivers.
This pool of friends resulted in fields of 10-12 on race night.
Life happens.
 
We lost several icons of the league in a short period of time, plus several of us have moved to part-time status.
Those who have joined us over the years either stopped coming after their first race (usually I heard from them that they didn't think they could ever compete with us since we've been doing this for years),
or just disappeared after several races without a trace.
This has knocked fields down to four at most races and six on a good night.
This has frustrated all of us, and some of us to the point where they didn't see the point of holding races anymore or caring if postponed races were rescheduled or not.
I can understand that feeling.

For me getting together and racing with you is something I really look forward to these days.
As life has gotten complicated with family, work, laundries, Thursday nights racing with my friends and talking racing has been sacred to me
because I'm not a business owner, sales guy, or any of the other roles I play in life. I'm just me and for a few hours I can escape into a land of play.
As Spock said in the "Shore Leave" episode of Star Trek, "the more complicated the mind, the more the simple need for play."
 
Yes, I understand these are plastic toy cars.
Hanging out with you guys and enjoying this hobby is something that my family always encouraged me to continue and they enjoy the benefits of the ISF as well.

While the league has hit a rough patch and it might be easy to just fold it into memory lane, I'm  not ready to give it and Thursday nights up yet.

What I'm proposing are some simple changes and after I explain them I'm going to ask you to answer three questions for me.

First the changes to the series:
1. season cut down from 18 races to 6-9 events with each track getting one race
(If someone wants to hold a second date that is an option depending on how many want to host)
2. races will be run the week before Indyslotcar races. This means no one has to prepare basements/tracks for several races at different times of the year.
Tracks will also have been tested for the following weeks ISC event (Thanks Fitz for this idea)
3. Clarification that no one has to provide meal. Drinks would still be great.
IF you want to provide a meal that is up to you but please make drivers aware of that before time.

All the rules the same  for racing except the following:
1. Any rookie driver gets unlimited de-slots in heat races, and B-main
(after every fourth de-slot they will serve a time penalty just like veteran drivers)
2. Floor rule stays in effect for rookies in B-main and final.
3. Rookie Drivers get 16 de-slots in final
4. At the end of their rookie season, or eighth race whichever comes later, the veteran drivers vote on if they are no longer a rookie (thanks JW for this idea)
5. Drivers that have rookie status revoked by veteran drivers receive four extra -per heat and finals for second season only
(no matter if they run once or the whole season)
6. Once a driver completes 16 races or their second season, whichever comes first, they receive the same amount of de-slots as veteran drivers
7. Drivers that return to the league but have more than 16 previous starts (i.e. Cory or Nic)
get an extra four de-slots in the heats and finals for the first eight races in the season in which they return or
total of eight races over two seasons if they are part-time racers
8. Drivers who have been away from the series for three years or more and have more than 40 starts (i.e. Chad Sorce or Jim Iverson),
receive an extra four de-slots in all heat races and finals for one-off races or for a total of five races in their first season if they are returning as full or part-time drivers

The above changes should make it easier for rookies to compete and get seat time and allow someone like Iverson to be competitive in a one off race or someone like Sorce who could decide to race a full season to make up for lost time.

We're getting to the end of this long message.

Ultimately I'd like to get back to 4-6 full time drivers and 4-6 part-time drivers so that any given race we have 6-8 drivers for this upcoming season.
If we hit those numbers and have a fun season then we can worry about the following year.
Here are the questions that I would like you to please answer for me:
1. If you are a track owner please look at the schedule and tell me if you still want to host a race and if that date works for you
2. Please tell me what your commitment is in terms of races you'll attend in the IDEAL world for this coming year only
    a. full time 6-9 races
    b. part-time 4-6 races
    c. just for fun 2-4 races
3. Is there anyone you can think of, either a rookie or former driver, that you will invite to race with the ISF this season? (thanks Mike Lack for this idea)

Please get back to me with changes, questions on the new rules, or comments on anything I've said.
You are the ones that made and make this series fun.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Option Tire to Stay in 2014 for F1

F1 Option Tire To Stay in 2014 for F1
by Steve Ratchett


The ISF Technical Working Group voted on Thursday to keep the option tire rule in the F1 division for 2014.

Drivers will again need to change tires within one minute of the halfway point of all heat races and the final.

"There were passionate people for and against the issue and it turns out that drivers were no longer split 50-50 on the issue like they were several years ago," explained ISF Commissioner Everet Kamikawa. "The one thing everyone seems to agree on is that it made a huge talking point during the season and it did factor in the outcome of several races. When we got rid of it a few years ago people actually missed it. We decided to keep it for 2014 because the F1 division is based on Formula One and since they have an option tire rule, we thought we would try it for another year."

 The top shows the height of the tires, stock Mega G, PVT-01 and PVT-02. The bottom shows the height of the sidewalls. Since all three tires provide different amounts of grip, the handling of the cars will be different for all of the drivers.

Ev Back to Penske Indycar in 2014

Penske Racing announced that the former Penske Driver has returned and will once again drive the #12 Verizon Indycar in the 2014 Indyslotcar championship.

"Having Everet back in the fold is like finding our favorite old t-shirt at the bottom of the drawer," said Timmy Cindric team manager of Penske H.O. "You forgot about it and haven't worn it for some time, but when you try it on it still fits and still makes you look cool. Everet hasn't won a championship in almost 15 years and hasn't won a race in Penske colors for 18 months, but he's still a name and someone the fans love. I'm sure he'll represent Penske well once again."


Kamikawa most recently drove for Penske for a few races during the 2011-2012 season where he took a win while splitting time with Team Spehert (where he won on the debut with at Lack Track) and his own team of Super Kamikawa, with whom he won the 2012 Indy 500.


In 2013 Kamikawa drove for Panther racing where he had best place finishes of second twice (he argues he really won the 2012 Turkey Trot in a close finish with Dan Margetta).
Kamikawa has 34 career wins and 31 pole positions and is a two time champion. He has driven for several teams in his 20 year career, most famously teamed with John Shea at Ferrari.

Kamikawa has driven for:
Mobil One Racing (two starts), Benetton (two starts), Ferrari, Miller Lite Racing (one start), Target Chip Ganassi, Wallshot/RuSport, Team Australia, Team Penske, Team Spehert, Super Kamikawa, Panther Racing

Ev Leaves Ferrari!

I saw the following interview and thought Hell had frozen over.
I couldn't believe my ears.
Everet Kamikawa not racing for Ferrari in F1 or Sportscars.
That is like Laverine without Shirley.
The Facts of Life without Mrs. Garrett and
"AfterMASH."
None of them as good as the original.
Apparently Kamikawa's disgust with Ferrari's decision to hire Fernando Alonso has led him to follow his long time teammate John Shea's lead and leave the Prancing Horse.
What is next?
Abbott leaving Costello?
Batman telling Robin to bugger off?
All I know that Ferrari losing the driver with the second most wins in team history, behind Michael Schumacher, must be a sign of trouble for Ferrari. No ISF replacement has been named. Can you blame them? What driver would want to follow Kamikawa's legacy at the team?

Until the next time...it's not bad being in the pits!
Steve "The Wrench" Ratchett

Kamikawa Turtle Trot Triumph 2013

Kamikawa Turtle Trot Triumph 2013
Fitzlaff Wins LMP
Points Race Tightens

Everet Kamikawa, driving for his own Super Kamikawa team, added his name to the winners list in the Mega G ISF era at the 2013 Turtle Trot.Kamikawa only qualified fifth on the night, however dominant wins in the heat race and B Main that some accused him of sandbagging.

"Everyone knows my cars are set up for race trim rather than qualifying. I've never been a good qualifier in this league so I have to work harder in my races. Tonight it all came together," said the charismatic driver.
 

 Kamikawa was able to turn faster laps in race trim than he did in his qualifying for long segments of the race and at one point built up a huge lead. Midway through the final segment handling disappeared and Kamikawea's lead was cut down by the fast pace and hard charging John Wiedemann, Mike Fitzlaff, and Mark Walczak.

Fitzlaff paced Kamikawa for the opening segment of the race. Some quick offs reduced his pace and allowed John Wiedemann to close the gap with Walczak off the pace. After pit stops Widemann continued his hard charge and took over second and was rapidly closing the now slowing Kamikawa. Walczak's car came to life and he charged to put pressure on Fitzlaff for third. Fitzlaff woluld turn up the wick and keep his podium spot. Widemann turned up the wick too catch Kamikawa. With nothing to lose he tried to catch the leader. Meanwhile Kamikawa took what he could from his car, which later was found to have a broken front wing, and controlled the pace to take the win.

 

 
The LMP points battle tightened and flip flopped as Mike Fitzlaff took a close win after a race long fight with Widemann, Larry Rotter, and Mark Walczak.
The heat races and final featured a lot of rough driving, which at one point lead to Dan Margetta calling the field a "bunch of hacks!" After a first half full of carnage the second half featured clean driving and Fitzlaff's speed pulled him in front to stay. Fitzlaff's win made a tight points race tighter as he, Wiedemann and Kamikawa are all knotted at the top within a few points.
The next ISF event is the Rapids Grand Prix. 

 

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSCAR FEDERATION
Official Finish, Event # 2013-05
Turtle Creek Turtle Trot
June 20, 2013
Turtle Creek RacewayPark

F1 Grand Prix Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car
1. Everet Kamikawa-Super Kamikawa  F1
2. John Wiedemann-Jaguar
3. Mike Fitzlaff-Jordan Peugot
4. Mark Walczak-Red Bull Renult

5. Larry Rotter-McLaren Merceedes
6. Mike Lack-Jaguar
7. Dan Margetta-Red Bull Renult

Fastest Qualifier -- John Wiedemann
B Main --Everet Kamikawa

Heat Winners -- Everet Kamikawa

LMP Category -- 12 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car
1. Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan LMP
2. John Wiedemann-Jaguar LMP
3. Larry Rotter-Audi R15
4. Mark Walczak-Peugot 5. Mike Lack-Jaguar LMP
6. Dan Margetta-Peugot
7. Everet Kamikawa Audi R15

Fastest Qualifier --Mike Fitzlaff
B Main --John Wiedemann

Heat Winners -- Mike Fitzlaff, Larry Rotter

Fitzlaff Sweeps 2013 Muskego GP Events

Fitzlaff Sweeps 2013 Muskego GP Events
Win in F1 first for 2013

Badgerland Raceway to be repaved

Mike Fitzlaff got a rocky 2013 season back on track with double wins at the Muskego Grand Prix.
Taking advantage of the long straights, one of the fastest drivers in ISF History snapped John Wiedemann's F1 winning streak at four, then added a win in the LMP division which has been his personal playground the last several seasons.

Badgerland Raceway has long been a favorite stop on the tour. This event was no different. 
At first it looked as if it would be John Wiedemann's night again as the runaway points leader swept to the F1 pole position and a win in the first heat. The long wait between the end of the first heat and the final race turned out to be too much as the weather came in and cooled down the track. JW's car no longer hugged the track quite as well and he would go on to finish third on the night.

Fitzlaff took advantage of the track conditions and steely nerves to avoid all trouble and take the win over the returning Red Bull of Mark Walczak. Everet Kamikawa took fourth with Dan Margaretta and Dean Strom completing the top six. John Wiedeann's points lead "shrunk" to 25 over Fitzlaff.

The LMP main event took a twist when for the second time in ISF history a driver had to withdraw from the event after making it to the final race. Ironically in both cases it was Mark Walczak. He took wins in the heat race and B-Main only to be forced to withdraw after the discovery of a broken header when the car got back to the pits and the crew didn't have enough time to fix it. 
Eliminating a tough competitor made the race interesting as first Kamikawa, then Wiedemann, and finally Fitzlaff traded turns at the top with Fitzlaff able to seal the deal in a close finish.
Kamikawa's third place finish pushed him into the points lead over Wiedemann.

A big announcement was that Badgerland would be repaved during the off season. The former swamp the track was built on has been wearing unstable causing large gaps and seems in the pavement on the straights.

This track damage was responsible for damage to the LMP cars of Dan Margetta and Dean Strom. On two separate occasions had to pit their Peugots in order to fix damage and removing each from contention for the win.

The next stop for the ISF is the popular Turtle Trot at Raven Raceway.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTSCAR FEDERATION
Official Finish, Event # 2013-04
Muskego GP
May 18, 2013
Badgerland Raceway

F1 Grand Prix Category -- 16 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car
1. Mike Fitzlaff-Jordan Peugot
2. Mark Walczak-Red Bull Renult
3. John Wiedemann-Jaguar
4. Everet Kamikawa-Super Kamikawa  F1

5. Dan Margetta-Red Bull Renult
6. Dean Strom-Williams Renault 

Fastest Qualifier -- John Wiedemann
B Main --Everet Kamikawa

Heat Winners -- Mark Walczak

LMP Category -- 12 Minute Final
Pos. Driver Car
1. Mike Fitzlaff-Nissan LMP
2. John Wiedemann Peugot
3. Everet Kamikawa Audi R15
4. Dan Margetta-Peugot
5. Dean Strom-Audi R15
6. Mark Walczak-Peugot

Fastest Qualifier --Mike Fitzlaff
B Main --Mark Walczak

Heat Winners -- Mike Fitzlaff, Mark Walczak