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Kimi Raikkonen’s Kawasaki MXGP Factory Team Is Having A Strong 2023 Season
Kimi Raikkonen’s Kawasaki MXGP Factory Team Is Having A Strong 2023 Season
Back in January 2022, Formula One legend Kimi Raikkonen decided to try his hand at both a new form of racing, and a new role. That’s when he officially became Team Principal of the Kawasaki Racing Team’s MXGP squad, a role that’s apparently only become more successful as the team races through the 2023 season.
As a general rule, Formula One racers are extremely fit individuals. Those who follow the sport are likely accustomed to seeing video footage and social media posts with their favorite drivers doing various sports, including cycling and karting. What you don’t see very often, however, is F1 drivers doing motocross. (You see MotoGP riders doing motocross, but that’s a different story.)
There could be a number of reasons for this, of course. While F1 drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, and Daniel Ricciardo have all shown off and/or talked about their love of street motorcycles in the past, those seem to most commonly be fun personal pursuits, not used for training or competition. While some athletes are prohibited from pursuing activities that could sideline them from their professional sporting career (something Reggie Jackson mentioned when discussing his motorcycling life), it’s not at all clear whether this is the case for F1 drivers.
That said, one quote from a recent interview with Kimi Raikkonen during the 2023 MXGP season stood out. Various histories of Raikkonen’s life mention his and his brothers’ early interest in motocross bikes when they were kids. That includes the official Formula One Hall of Fame Driver writeup, but it’s written in such a way as to make it seem like Raikkonen’s MX interest is something firmly in the past. A relic of childhood, if you will.
Now that Raikkonen’s in his second year as team boss over at the KRT MXGP team, though, we’re learning more about what’s apparently a lifelong love affair. Not just with motorcycles—with motocross, in particular.
READ MORE : “Michael Schumacher Receives Game-Changing Racing Advice from Mika Häkkinen Ahead of Epic Comeback”
Although he’s never been much for serious competition as an MX rider, he said that he did do some club races at one time on a Kawasaki KX250. He’s been riding regularly since he was a child, though—both for fun, and as part of his physical training routine. That’s what he says he loves about it—the physicality that’s unique to this style of riding.
Anyway, that’s part of why this quote is so interesting. When asked the question, “were you allowed to race motocross as a Formula One driver,” he responded,
“Sometimes I went riding in small club races, but it was just for fun, and I have a small track at home here with the kids. I did not race at a high level, and I felt it was part of my fitness program. I don’t know what any of my teams thought about it as I never mentioned it to them.” [Emphasis mine.]
Throughout his racing career, Raikkonen’s famously tight-lipped personality has been a respected and unique quality, so that kind of makes this statement feel like the icing on the cake. We have no way of knowing what was going through his mind, but you can’t get in trouble with someone if you just don’t tell them what you’re doing, right? Right. If you want to read the complete interview with Raikkonen, we’ll include a link to it in our Sources.
How is the KRT MXGP team faring in 2023? As of August 18, 2023, there are only four events remaining on the 2023 season calendar. After 15 rounds, Kawasaki Racing Team MXGP rider Romain Febvre is sitting in second place in the championship standings with 672 points. The championship leader is GasGas rider Jorge Prado with 770 points.
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Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate: Elon Musk voiced out on Assassination Attempts on Donald Trump, 50cent Rant
Donald Trump was attacked at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024. A barrage of gunfire set off panic, and a bloodied Trump, who said he was shot in the ear, was surrounded by Secret Service and hurried to his SUV as he pumped his fist in a show of defiance
Trump’s campaign said the presumptive GOP nominee was doing “fine” after the shooting. The shooter was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
Secret Service agents fatally shot Crooks, One attendee was killed and two spectators were critically injured. All were identified as men. The attack was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981
The attack drew new attention to concerns about political violence in a deeply polarized U.S. less than four months before the presidential election
President Joe Biden, who is running against Trump, was briefed on the incident and spoke to Trump several hours after the shooting. Many Republicans quickly blamed the violence on Biden and his allies, arguing that sustained attacks on Trump as a threat to democracy have created a toxic environment.
Elon Musk twitted to condemn the action
Extreme incompetence or it was deliberate. Either way, the SS leadership must resign. https://t.co/0vYGrj6yuH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 14, 2024
It’s crazy they didn’t see him in advance from this vantage point?!? https://t.co/4XyuOMYfVT
— Craig Chamberlin (@CraigChamberlin) July 14, 2024
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1812257391150502372?t=oGfLntavblJs2fBO4V5JXQ&s=19
https://twitter.com/50cent/status/1812281668759109860?t=9znqS3__kyEUWhXiYGjrFw&s=19
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Zeekr 001 Electrifies with a Power Boost: Zhou Guanyu and Kimi Räikkönen Lead the Charge
Experience the silent power of the Zeekr 001 electric vehicle, with upgraded performance, visual enhancements, and support from racing icons. Embrace the future of sustainable driving.
Imagine a world where the roar of an engine is replaced by the silent surge of electricity, propelling vehicles forward with the press of a pedal. This vision is becoming a reality with the introduction of the updated Zeekr 001 electric vehicle (EV), which has recently been certified for sale in China. With its blend of power, innovation, and the endorsement of racing legends, the Zeekr 001 is setting a new benchmark in the EV market.
The Power Within: A Leap in Performance
The latest iteration of the Zeekr 001 brings to the table a new 95 kWh LFP battery pack and an enhanced entry-level powertrain that boasts 415 hp, a significant leap from the previous 272 hp. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant now commands an impressive 778 hp, marking a 234 hp increase. This power upgrade is not just about numbers; it represents a leap towards efficiency, sustainability, and the sheer joy of driving an electric powerhouse. The Zeekr 001’s ability to balance performance with environmental responsibility highlights the evolving landscape of the automotive industry
While the performance upgrades are substantial, the Zeekr 001 also sports minor visual enhancements that signify its evolution. New front and rear bumpers and fresh color options give the vehicle a contemporary edge, appealing to a broader audience. Yet, it’s the optional LiDAR that points to the future, hinting at advanced driving assistance systems and a commitment to safety. These updates, coupled with the anticipated improvements in charging capabilities and multimedia systems, underscore Zeekr’s dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.
Champions Behind the Wheel
The announcement of Zhou Guanyu as the ambassador and Chief Driving Officer, alongside Kimi Räikkönen’s continued role as Chief Performance Advisor, adds a layer of credibility and excitement to the Zeekr 001. Guanyu, celebrated as the first Chinese Formula 1 driver, brings a unique perspective and expertise to the brand, bridging the gap between racing technology and everyday driving. Räikkönen, with his storied career and championship pedigree, ensures that performance remains at the heart of Zeekr’s philosophy. Their involvement speaks volumes about the brand’s aspirations and commitment to excellence.
Since its launch in October 2021, the Zeekr 001 has found its way into the driveways of 152,064 customers, a testament to its appeal and the growing appetite for electric vehicles. With the refreshed model set to introduce on February 27, anticipation is building for what could be a pivotal moment in Zeekr’s journey and the broader EV landscape. The Zeekr 001, with its blend of power, innovation, and star power, is not just a vehicle; it’s a harbinger of an electrified future, promising a driving experience that’s as exhilarating as it is sustainable.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ended Up on the Wrong Side of the Law, charged with making trouble with two policemen
NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. and 2023 Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney were recently on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and talked about the Netflix special NASCAR: Full Speed among other things. During their conversation, Dale Jr. opened up about his traffic violations and revealed the interesting encounters that he had with 4 different police officers.
He took a trip down memory lane to remember how he got his first speeding ticket and quipped that he had received not one, but four tickets between the ages of 16 and 18. He told Clarkson, “I had a few issues in the first two years of having my license, from 16 to 18. I got four tickets, and the funny thing about it is, is that it was four different officers who told me they all gave my dad his first ticket, so I don’t know how that is possible.”
Dale Jr.’s father Dale Earnhardt was one of the biggest names in stock car racing since its advent in the 20th century. While it is natural for anyone to be known as having interacted with the legend, Dale Jr. can’t quite put a finger on how four different officers could have given him his first ticket. However, he did have a more important lesson to take away from the tickets he got
“I learned my lesson,” he affirmed. “I haven’t had any problems since then.” Dale Jr. is one of the executive producers of Full Speed. The docuseries has been very well received by drivers and fans since its premiere last month.
READ: “He Actually Hated Me” – Dale Jr Defends His Late Father’s Legacy as He Publicly Trashes Geoff Bodine’s Shocking Accusation
The instantaneous impact that Full Speed has been having on NASCAR
During the last race weekend, several drivers voiced their support for the Netflix docuseries and said that it was helping the sport generate new fans. One of the series main characters, Denny Hamlin said, “I thought it was a very good introduction for new fans. Because they also were kind of teaching you some 101 stuff, like, here’s how this works.”
Xfinity Series racer and Live Fast Motorsports co-owner B.J. McLeod compared it to the Hollywood hit Days of Thunder and mentioned that it had the best potential since the movie to attract new fans. He said, “It’s something that people should see, and I think that it was an unbelievable opportunity for NASCAR to have that on Netflix.”
The docuseries chronicled the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoff run and featured others including Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Ross Chastain, and Dale Jr., himself.
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