On safety
Tom Richards on the subject of safety in motor sport, which is all too topical following this weekend’s traffic events.
I’m currently reading a book called ‘The Limit’ by Michael Cannell and, given Dan Wheldon’s tragic death during the Las Vegas Indy 300, it seems particularly relevant right now. Read more 
An ill-informed history of…the Tripoli Grand Prix
Tom Richards is back on PetrolBlog with one of his ‘ill-informed histories’. The subject matter is a rather fascinating look back at the Tripoli Grand Prix, an event that had its fair share of drama during its all too brief period of fame. Tom ends his piece with a heartfelt plea to a certain Mr Ecclestone to remove the Singapore Grand Prix from the F1 calendar and start talking to the Libyans. Bernie, if you’re listening, listen to the man. Without further ado, I’ll let Tom take over…
As I write this, I am settling down to watch the Singapore Grand Prix, and I’m not entirely sure why. Aside from one particular crash – a well-documented affair involving Nelson Piquet Jr. and a tubby, orange, open-shirted man from Italy – Singapore ends up being little more than a procession, the only overtaking invariably revolving around leapfrog manoeuvres in the pit-lane. Read more
An ill-informed history of…Group B
Tom Richards is back with the first in a new series of ‘ill informed histories’. First up, the brilliant Group B rallying. Don’t forget to follow Tom on twitter at @teorichards.
A distant hum, the sound of an angry swarm of bees fast approaching. The crowds lining the road turn their heads at first, then push forward as they realise what’s coming. The crackle of an exhaust on overrun, followed immediately by a pumped-up, testosterone-fuelled metal leviathan screaming around the corner, spitting flames, stone chips and violent, loud waves of sound into the baying audience.
Yes, it could only be rallying, and never was it more exciting than during the 1982-86 Group B era, a period in the World Rally Championship’s history which was marked by excessive speeds, ever more exotic silhouettes, and, crucially, four-wheel drive. Read more
Real World Reviews: Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic AirCon
PetrolBlog is delighted to welcome a new guest blogger to our dusty little corner of the interweb. Tom Richards is a PR exec in the automotive industry and, like the rest of us, is a keen petrolhead. For his first blog he has penned a Real World Review of his Fiat Panda 1.2. You can expect more from Tom in the future, but in the meantime check out his twitter feed @teorichards. Read more
